https://wikiexplora.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Jandudeck 2026-10-14T16:30:37Z Contribuciones del usuario MediaWiki 1.26.1 https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT02_(Mina_El_Teniente)&diff=124569 2025-11-22T18:29:21Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Comments to GPT Track File Updates and Options=<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-26: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Variant B: A clear visible trail a bit higher up avoids some bush bashing on the regular route and should offer good better view from higher up. This higher trail should not add a additional ascent (SOBO) or descent (NOBO). Once verified and recorded I might change the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Option 1 (Filo Cerro Horizonte): This new route is well visible on satellite image and offers more kilometers high up on the ridge. It looks more demanding and exposed compared to the regular but might be interesting for experienced hikers with appetite to verify new routes.<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ''' GPT02 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-20/SOBO/variant A/RR/Denis Rosa/ Robert Hanulík '''<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to hike second section, we combined it with GPT01. <br /> <br /> There is water until bridge almost every hour from snow. After bridge one refill spot on -34.06783, -70.49324. <br /> <br /> Snow conditions are pretty good we didn’t use microspikes at all. Biggest snow fields are after highest point on the trail (foto). <br /> <br /> Difficulty 3/5<br /> <br /> Attractiveness 3,5/5<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Nov-10 to 16 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO (Northbound) / RR and Variant B and new exit from Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra to Codegua / Greg Carter, Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck '''<br /> <br /> Access from Santiago to northern trail head of GPT02 very uncomplicated. Metro Linea 4 to Las Mercedes and then taxi collectivo (Cajon de Maipu) for only 2500 CLP per person to Bridge Camino Toyo.<br /> <br /> Entrance fee was 6000 CLP per person. We negotiated the entrance fee down from 12000 CLP to 6000 CLP with the argument that we will not camp at the established camp site.<br /> <br /> Water, Bridge {01} [36.2+0.2/1044] is destroyed. Fording was easy.<br /> <br /> Water ? {02} [8.7/1298] without water. But a spring about 50 m downstream hidden under vegetation provided clear cold water. A vague trail after crossing the dry river bed leads down to the hidden spring. Location: -33.721410, -70.345563 <br /> <br /> Variant B is slightly longer but scenic and recommended. Will become Regular Route.<br /> <br /> Snow started from around 2700 m elevation especially on south facing slopes. We deviated from the regular route in numerous locations to avoid steeper snow fields.<br /> <br /> Last reliable water is at Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra. There a permanent spring is located outside of the buildings. Hikers are welcome to refill and camp.<br /> <br /> Shortly after Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we left the regular route and descended towards Codegua on a new route since we did not plan to continue with GPT03. This new route is the standard route on which arrieros bring up animals. The regular route on the ridge in 1500 m to 2000 m elevation is generally hot and dry so the descent to Codegua is the more convenient alternative to exit GPT02 when reaching Coya is irrelevant. This exit route will be added to the GPT track files starting from 2026.<br /> <br /> When reaching the large parking lot at hotel Leonora we hitchhiked out.<br /> <br /> There are numerous camp spots along most of the route. Water was not an issue in November but in January or February some smaller streams may fall dry. In November carrying micro spikes is strongly recommended.<br /> <br /> It was an attractive but demanding hike. <br /> <br /> Between the start and Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we met only two arrieros. At Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra normally arrieros are present.<br /> <br /> New Routes are available in DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/emsjcb3ddd1r9pk2nopg3/ACEXH1HBs5ojBSQlXcPHpO8?rlkey=soufuizo473odklpq756v0b94&amp;st=1sssczkz&amp;dl=0<br /> <br /> (New recommended Regular Route similar to Variant B and new Exit Route to Codegua to avoid walking into the mine when only hiking GPT02 and not connecting via Coya to GPT03)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT02 / 06–11–2025 to 12–11–2025 / 6 hiking days / Hiking SOBO / Combined with GPT02 / Route: Variant A – RR – Variant E – Variant H – Variant I – RR / Athena Jones<br /> '''<br /> <br /> The first 2.5 days were smooth sailing, though with some long ascents. The trail was mostly easy to navigate, with only a very minor section of bush bashing. River crossings were just above my knee (I’m 178 cm).<br /> <br /> Snow became unavoidable roughly from the Trail V for GPT01 Option 1 (NOBO route) and GPT02 Variant D. At this point, the trail became much more challenging, with many steep ascents and descents in and out of valleys. Often, the south-facing side of the valley would be completely snow-covered, and the other side a bit more bare. I took Variants E and H (road). Since everything—including the roads—was snow-covered, the roads were a little easier to follow. From Trail V to Variant H took me a day and a half, and I would highly recommend having a good weather window for this part, since the elevation sits between 2,500–3,100 m.<br /> <br /> I didn’t need to use my microspikes since the snow was soft enough, but I was glad to have them because I would have needed them if the snow conditions were different.<br /> <br /> From the bridge labelled “Last reliable water source SOBO,” I took 6 liters with me and found two small streams that I could top up from—one about 8 km from the bridge and the other about 12 km before the first emergency exit. (Wouldn’t skimp on the water filtering!) I camped 27 km from the bridge on a ridge before the first cell tower, and the following day I hiked to the road and hitchhiked to Coya. I had to walk for a bit to find a hitchhiking spot.<br /> <br /> Attraction: 4/5<br /> Difficulty: 4/5<br /> <br /> Accommodation: I had to ask around since there’s nothing on Google Maps. Google Maps linkhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVyqMAVV8dFcLcJb8 This is where I am staying—I’ll put a photo on FB. It was 20 pesos per night; she did my laundry for me with no extra charge. There is a kitchen you can ask to use.<br /> <br /> Resupply: Good supermarket with options for dietary needs, including soya TVP and vegan protein bars.<br /> <br /> Extra: Almost stood on a snake.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias ''' *<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 &gt; 15 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : no issues but refill when you can<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 4/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> I was asked 10,000CLP to enter the park at the beginning.<br /> I camped at km 9 on a sort of camping spot made by puestos.<br /> Then the path ascending was not always obvious. I may have missed it but found myself searching for the path a couple times.<br /> I camped at km 24 by the river, really nice spot.<br /> Then I continued ascending up to km 43. It was pretty hard with the hot weather. <br /> I met 3 puestos on their horses, they asked if I was ok.<br /> The last day with final push to the top and then the descent was too long.<br /> I didn’t have enough food so wanted to finish it but would not recommend doing this much.<br /> I ended in the mina el teniente via the main road to coya without following the GPT’s track that was going through a gate (closed but could be opened).<br /> A friendly security worker drove me to the mine entrance and I was able to hitchhike from there to Coya to end this really long day.<br /> Stayed at the red house hotel in the main road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-04 to 2024-01-07 / 4 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants D, G, H &amp; K / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. <br /> <br /> Flow at Water ? {2} (11.8/1648), Water ? {2}(20.7/2064). Water available in all high elevation basins.<br /> <br /> Good campsite at {2} (15.6/1616). <br /> <br /> With the exception of the first 10km, there was more water than expected or waypointed. However many were small, possibly seasonal flows.<br /> <br /> Existing snowfield and difficult to descend RR at -33.92000, -70.38191, took variant D instead.<br /> <br /> Road on variant G at -33.96773, -70.42224 covered by small snowfield, easy to reconnect with road via marked trail.<br /> <br /> Existing campsite just south of bridge {2} (64.3/1733) at -34.01617, -70.42623.<br /> <br /> Walked by puesto {02} (73.2/1857) early morning, no one awake.<br /> <br /> No water at {02} (78.2/1736).<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-20 / 7 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - A, D, K, S / Karin '''<br /> <br /> Camp: km2 (var A), km22.9, km39.3, km49.2 (about 100m downstream on the other side), km72.2 (a bit into the hills). I stayed 2 nights at km22.9 and km49.2 to enjoy the mountains on my last section this season.<br /> <br /> I went into the Reserva Coyanco on the 13th evening. The entrance fee is 6000pesos per person. <br /> <br /> The bridge at the beginning of the reserva is still not there, but fording is not a problem. <br /> <br /> Water: nothing to add, except that I did not see water at km67.8 (puesto).<br /> <br /> The fords from km 21.6 to km27.5 were not deeper than knees. <br /> <br /> I took var D in order to go to the viewpoint. Right after it, the road is under a few meters of snow (south facing side of ridge) and very steep. So I stayed on the ridge of Cerros de Peuco for about 200m to detour the snow field. All other snow fields (not many) are easy to detour. Nothing to worry about. <br /> <br /> The path of the last 25km until the antenna km86.4 is sometime challenging, but from the antenna to the end the path is very nice, well maintained. <br /> <br /> I stayed at the Hospedaje (S 34°12.3424' W 070°31.8386'). There are some small shops with basic food. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; OH var. D,K,N / Tamar &amp; Nimrod '''<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> 1: (33.417580, -70.207266) nice spot without water.<br /> 2. Near ford 02 [21.6/2033] there was a small strait patch of sand on the river bank.<br /> 3. (-33.524196,-7024.5732) Water from a lot of snow melting around. <br /> 4. Camp 02 [49.2/2800]<br /> 5. SOBO last water 25 km? - a few meters before the water point there is a nice spot above the road.<br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Water? {02} [8.7/1298]- no water.<br /> Water? {02} [11.8/1648] - weak flow on 06.12.24.<br /> Last water for the last 25 km SOBO - weak flow, a lot of algae. Had some taste after filtering (09.12.24).<br /> Besides all water points were OK.<br /> <br /> While climbing to pass 02 we saw a very big grey bird, which we think was an andes condor. It came very close to us, flew very low, and looked at us. We understood it wanted to attack us. We got close together and tried to look big with our hands and poles stretched to the sides. The bird made a few circles above us and finally decided to leave. We don't know if it could have tried to attack us, but it was pretty scary.<br /> <br /> At the end of the section we took the last escape route (N variant) and took a ride with workers from the mine, who were very friendly but did not seem to understand why we were in a restricted place. No problem getting out though. <br /> <br /> Great section! We lost a green phone near the pass- if anyone ever finds it we would love to know 😉<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-28 &gt; 30 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile puis impossible<br /> | Neige : oui mais piste degagée<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5 puis 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage, pas d'eau, serpents<br /> <br /> Des le debut un homme m'interdit de passer la riviere (le pont est cassé) j'ai remonté le torrent via la piste puis 2km plus haut j'ai pris une piste sableuse qui montait sur la crete pour retrouver le chemin.<br /> Il y a des serpents proche des points d'eau.<br /> Tres surpris de ne pas avoir plus de neige. Le sentier etait tout a fait pratiquable meme si j'ai contourné quelques névées au plus haut.<br /> Apres le pont du estero codegua, l'eau est plus rare, sur la crete avant Coya, il n'y en a pas du tout. La derniere descente est tres abîmée car utilisée par des motocross. Je suis sorti un peu plus tot pour trouver de l'eau dans le canal plus bas, mais c'est un canal qui transporte du ciment liquide. Je suis arrivé tres tard a Coya et ai dormi sur la plage le long du fleuve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-21 to 2024-NOV-25 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. D, H, K) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We set off from El Melocotón in the evening with headlamps along the road. The first gate [3.3/1049] was open, but after a while, a man in a car stopped us. He asked if we had registration. We did not, so he noted down our IDs and took a phone contact. The bridge [3.7/1045] no longer exists, so we had to ford the river. A good camping spot is just past the ford here [-33.68791, -70.34507]. We ascended gradually through the Estero Coyanco valley, following the RR. All the water sources in the map files indeed had water, except for one [8.7/1298], where the water was down about 50 meters and very hard to access. We took the bush bashing [16.0+0.8] more like a CC, going straight uphill. After traversing back to the Estero Coyanco river, we went upstream and forded the river a total of 6 times. The last ford [around 27.4/2200], branching into a side valley [27.5/2209], we crossed at night with headlamps. The water was above our knees; I am 178 cm tall. The entire subsequent ridge walk, which goes up to 3200 m, was a great experience. There was plenty of snow, and we really appreciated our spikes on two very steep sections. There was an abundance of water everywhere. We turned towards the pass [42.1/3256] earlier via var. D. The gravel road leading around the transmitter was completely covered with snow in several places. A good bivouac spot is at -33.9620215, -70.4274260. We descended to the concrete bridge [64.3/1733] via switchbacks following var. H. From the bridge, we walked along a gravel road down to the Barahona reservoirs, utilizing var. K. Just before the reservoirs [78.2/1736], we collected our last water for the end of the stage (about 4.6 liters each). We then proceeded CC towards the ridge with the summit of Alto los Lunes (2049 m above sea level). The entire ridge walk had no water, but there are comfortable bivouac spots in the passes between the peaks with views of the surroundings. For the final part of the stage from the connection to Carretera del Cibre, we walked at a good pace. We arrived in the town of Coya after 4 days with a small amount of water left and entered the Catalan bar, enjoying good food and a friendly owner.<br /> <br /> * '''24-11-20 - 24-11-24/ 4,5,days / RR and variants/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> An amazing hike in these spring conditions!<br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 open at 9 a.m., nobody there<br /> Water: all indicated spots reliable and many more in the upper parts. At the puesto at 67,8 it runs from a pipe behind the buildings (nobody there).<br /> Fords: mostly easy, but 5 and 8 difficult (5: slippery rock on the ground at the ‚official’ crossing, I camped there, but it wasn‘t better in the morning, 20m downstream a rock in the middle of he river allows for a safer crossing; at ford 8 less strong but up to my thighs (1,97m). <br /> A lot of snow, impossible to bypass, mostly easy, some short steep passages (mini-spikes; use the side-edges of your boots to make steps, dangerous in the early morning, chose your way carefully). However, conditions are changing now rapidly. <br /> Camps: 1: On the ridge after the BB; 2: 30m left of the 5th ford; 3: on the pass after the cirque (windy, but very nice at 3200m); 4: 200m before the puesto at 67,8 on the valley-side, very nice, probably the spot Lilian found; 5: Gate and fence with barbed wire for the RR at the upper entry of the mine, very difficult to climb, impossible to bypass, it is a new plantation area. I continued on the MR through the mine to the PR. There an officer of the mine police picked me up (very friendly!) and drove me to the Check point. From there 5km to Coya, first on PR, so I hitchhiked - a local (very, very friendly) drove me directly to the supermarket (big, everything you need) and then further to the entrance of the Reserva Los Cipreses. As Alexey said: they don’t let you pass, only day visit. I wanted to stay in Coya anyway. The girl from the Conaf (very friendly) organised a cabana for me. <br /> <br /> I saw a snake on the trail and met a puma, hiding in a bush 2m left of me, growling angrily. A group of arrierros (only people I met on these 5 days) had already warned me and asked, why I am walking without a dog. I barked loudly, imitating the missing dog, which helped me to keep cool; also helpful that I knew, humans are not their prey, it‘s cattle and so they are close to puestos.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-11-15 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil'''<br /> <br /> We paid 6000 pesos to entry the Nationalpark. The first brige was washed away but the rivercrossing was easy. Above 2700m were a lot of snow fields therefor we had to adabt the route. Its defently possible but takes more time and some snowfields need to be crossed in the afternoon.<br /> Because of the extratime needed we ran out of food and took the emergency exit which worked just finde (described in the manual). <br /> In Coya we recommend to stay in the red painted hostel in the main street.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Nov 3 - Nov 7 / 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR - A / Karin'''<br /> <br /> At the entrance of the natural reserve, the guard charged me 6000 pesos for entrance. There were barking but friendly dogs.<br /> <br /> There is pleanty of water in the rivers. The Estero de Coyanco can be crossed in the mornings easily, in the afternoon after a hot day the current becomes stronger and higher, but still possible. <br /> <br /> Snow patches start from about 2600m of altitude. In the afternoon, they are quite soft and easily traversable. But in the morning, they are frozen and very slippery, so that they become, without the right equipment, impossible to cross safely. In conclusion, the trail is not yet to be done. I think in 3-4 weeks it might be good to do so. <br /> <br /> The ascent is still worth and nice until the snow. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-03 to 2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO /Variant A - RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT01 &amp; GPT02 with a new route. (written in section alerts GPT01)<br /> Crossed the river where Vatiant A crosses. River crossing was ok.<br /> Camped at -33.72787, -70.35214 no water present here. Not the best option. One more spot if you hike around 1km further. <br /> Water at 11.8. <br /> At -33.74717, -70.36159 we followed a false horsepath. The path we followed was in very good condition as well and is well used. After some km we realized the mistake and we had to CC to water 15.6, to go back on track.<br /> Now with good satellite pictures we checked where the path we followed ends and it joins the RR again at -33.77836, -70.37408. This path might be worth checking out to skip the Bush Bashing. It seems like this path is used quite frequently. <br /> River crossings in the evening are possible but would wait for the morning. Water was up to to 1m/1.2m with strong current.<br /> Camped at -33.81604, -70.39475.<br /> We turned around due to Karin and Neele &amp; Seans alert of snow at approx. km 33.<br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were again high after 4pm. Camped at -33.82688, -70.39684<br /> Took variation A on the way out. Gate at 3.3km was open. Small Shop at el Melocoton.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-06 / 4.5 days / Hiking / RR (turned around at 35.6km) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Warning: We turned around due to snow. Snow present from 30km onwards at 35.6km we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3km was open at around 3pm at no point approached regarding a fee<br /> <br /> Crossed the river where the bridge used to be was about knee deep at 4pm (1.76m tall)<br /> <br /> Water flowing at all Water waypoints but “water ?” at 8.7km was pretty low and not easy to reach, sounded like it was flowing well downstream.<br /> <br /> River crossings between 21.6km and 27.5km all fine. No more than thigh deep for me (1.76m).<br /> <br /> Snow present from 30km onwards all manageable until 35.6km at which point we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were much higher after 4pm but manageable until we got to 22.9km so we camped there and crossed the fords in the morning.<br /> <br /> Took variation A on the way out seems the camping area is closed during the week so no one there at all. Gate at 3.3km was still open though.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 5,5 days / SOBO / RR and variants A D E M N/ Matthias de Austria '''<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 locked at 8am, only a few barking dogs running towards me, but rather curious, not aggressive. It is relatively easy to climb round the gate directly to the left on the slope via a barbed wire. There's nobody at the reserve and kiosk either, so I save myself the entrance fee. <br /> <br /> River crossings: no problems, nowhere more than 30-40cm water level and weak current. <br /> <br /> Lots of water sources with the exception of the last stage at the mine. There I took 9 litres at Puesto 73.2/1857 and would have liked to have had more. 78.2/1736 had water at 6am. Water 64.3/1733 very sandy, but ok place to bath about 100-200m upstream on a side arm, a few trees for shade. <br /> <br /> Camps: <br /> 1: close to ford at 21.6/2033 (without tent on the rock formations just upstream at the river crossing, the only campsite is right by the ford, but I didn't want to interfere with the arrieros - in fact a group crossed there at about 7:30am) <br /> 2: -33.8451,-70.4188 at the little arriero shelter, has water from pipe <br /> 3: Slightly north of Camp 02-D 1.3/2800 right at a bolder, water but small stream and lots of cow shit <br /> 4: Puesto 73.2/1857 (I arrived in the evening and just wanted to get water and then find somewhere to sleep, but they said it was dangerous because of the pumas and invited me to spend the night at the Puesto. They were very nice. They gave me lemonade, tea with whiskey, some bread and a sweet. They also offered me meat straight from the grill, but I kindly declined (vegetarian). We chatted a bit, as much as was possible with my very poor Spanish. I was allowed to use the simple shower and the toilet (it looked like it had never been cleaned, ever). I was offered a mattress, but it was so dirty that I preferred to put up my tent, which wasn't easy because of the dog shit lying around everywhere. At 10 o'clock in the evening, when I was already in my sleeping bag, they turned on a loud generator and music and it was extremely loud until 5 o'clock in the morning, music, 10 men talking loudly and at least as many dogs barking constantly. I didn't sleep a minute and left at around 5.30am when they went to bed. Horrible night! <br /> 5: Near 92.9/1734, no water <br /> <br /> Two snowfields at the pass at about 3000m, which can be bypassed very easily and quickly. <br /> <br /> The march over the ridge at the mine was brutal, no sleep at all, very heavy rucksack because of 9 litres of water, enormous heat without shade, but the worst were the Tabaneros, continuous mass attacks for hours while exposed on the ridge. I must have had 30+ bites and killed hundreds. I found the sections in the high mountains the most beautiful, very quiet, cooler, lots of water, beautiful views, no tabaneros. Saw three condors and arrieros lassoing cows. <br /> <br /> Variant E has only partial tracks. I couldn't find a continuous path. I mostly hiked along the dried-up stream bed (the open land is covered in thorny plants), which gets a bit steep towards the end with some easy climbing.<br /> The N variant is partly completely overgrown with quite some bushbashing, partly easy to walk on. Sometimes difficult to find the way, always check the GPS, otherwise you take a supposedly easier path, which then turns out to be a dead end.<br /> <br /> To avoid possible right of way conflicts, you can simply bypass the car park at the mine entrance. There is an access to the car park directly from the H-263 road a little to the east. Directly at the entrance to the car park there is a clearly visible trail that climbs steeply a few meters up to the trees. Simply follow this path, it leads parallel to the car park directly to the RR. I recommend managing the RR in this way in future. It would also be a small improvement to avoid the bend in the road just before the 105.8/799 bridge. A staircase leads directly to the bridge as a shortcut. <br /> <br /> There is no more accommodation in Coya. A friendly young local helped me, he called numerous numbers and asked people on the street/shops, but there was nothing, everything was closed or takes only larger groups, even the hotel in Termas de Cauquenes was shut down. I then took the bus to Rancagua. Bus stop near the supermarket, towards the bridge. From Monday to Saturday every hour from 7am to 10pm.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and variants A D F J / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Really nice hike, from river to high mountain to the long ridge. No big problems with river crossings, snow or slopes (see below). Lack of water will surely be the main issue in the next months.<br /> Some annoying but short cross country/bush bashing part in the spiky herbs after km 15.6, but good visibility. <br /> <br /> Variants<br /> - A to try to go to the calabozo del diablo (day 0 that i didn't count on hike). It was a fail at 100m of arrival, i didn't feel the final river crossing. Later in the season will be good enough. Seems an amazing place. <br /> - D for west exposition (see below) and attracticity <br /> - F and J on the ridge because it looked really safer than the RR below. I didn't feel endangered on these parts of the ridge, it's flat and large, even with windy conditions. RR seemed steepy from above. <br /> - I hitchhiked from the end of the ridge to Coya <br /> <br /> Camp :<br /> - Coyanco river on variant A after my calabozo fail, official place for camping with toilets ; <br /> - 22.9 (arrieros camp after river crossing) ; <br /> - 39.3 in the cirque before the pass, very nice but windy ; <br /> - 67, where lilian found the good spot. Actually you have to get all the rocks and cow shit away, and there are a lot of spiky herbs. I found only one good place for a tent after exploring a bit but it was perfect and well protected. Another spot is 1.5km after, plenty of space but less trees for protection ! ; <br /> - 90.4 on variant J on the ridge just below the summit. Nice but unprotected ! You have some more places around the cerro los canelos (with the antenn). <br /> <br /> Water : all the markers were still flowing. Bring filter with you as there are cows everywhere in the mountain <br /> -Waypoint 8.7 : you can hear it downstream, not on the RR, but seems hard to reach <br /> -11.8 : minor stream, i dont know if it will still be there in a month <br /> -Between 15.6 and 20.7 : 2 other streams <br /> -Between 20.7 and 27.5 : multiples river crosses, no problem with water <br /> -Less water after the bridge at 64.3.<br /> - Good stream with tiny cascada at 66.7 just before the nice camp spot at 67 km.<br /> -Surely water at puesto 73.2 as you can see a river below, but not on the RR (underground pipe ?)<br /> -78.8 : Important water spot as Lilian said, last until the road on all the ridge. This is NOT a big stream now, I don't know if it will still flow in a month. Note that there is an emergency exit at this moment if you have water problems. Some workers were here, working in fields. <br /> -Sunny and hot conditions on the ridge. I took 5.2 L (I cooked with a few while camping) and got 200 mL at the end.<br /> <br /> Snow patches : now only on east and south exposed slopes. No problems with snow at this moment, i didnt have to cross any :<br /> - km 34 where Matthias took the uphill solution, now you have a little hole in the snow juste below the RR. <br /> - after the pass : snow patches block the passage to the minor road RR. Just follow the ridge for a few dozens meter and safe way to join the minor road, without snow.<br /> - variant D : fully exposed west so no patches if you begin it on the RR after crossing the river (directly on the west-exposed slope). I don't know if there are patches on the RR before the variant D end. <br /> <br /> - No patches blocking the RR after variant D end<br /> <br /> River Crossings : <br /> - first on variant A, at 8 am. The flow is strong, choose wisely the place. A few meters below the usual local crossing (that you can see with a cairn) I found a big rock in the middle of the river. The first part until this rock is easy, the second stronger flow, up to the beginning of thighs but only for two paces. (178 cm 80 kgs). <br /> - No other concerns about river crossings along the way.<br /> <br /> Right of way : No problems with gates or private properties on the way. I had to pay 6000 pesos to enter the Coyanco reserve at 11 am. <br /> <br /> Other: I saw one snake (the second, another one on GPT01) in the middle of the trail, taking the sun, he moved slowly but I had to make noise for it. Be careful at any time not to walk on it. I think it was a chilean long tailed snake, venom painful but not deadly as wikipedia says. Internet says that it's rarely seen... but seems not on the crazy GPT ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-6 to 2023-Dec-11/ 5 days / SOBO / RR, variants A+D+E+G+J+M / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> GPT02 was a great hike in these spring conditions. <br /> With the snow on the upper part and the variants + shortcuts I could avoid most of the more boring walking on MR until bridge at km 64.3!<br /> <br /> Forded Coyanco river on variant A on 6th of December late afternoon ca. 150m upstream of location on track. Water up to thighs for me (188cm).<br /> <br /> Steep snowpatches on GPT02 are a serious danger as snow is compacting daily now. But you can go around all of them, particularly around km34, I went 100m uphill to avoid the remains of the cornice.<br /> <br /> I could not find a path for RR where variant J stays easy on the ridge. Seems like a fence is being build at the end east of RR, perhaps blocking access to variant M (and other variants?) in future.<br /> <br /> Hitch-hiked to Rancagua from road at end of variant M. <br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> - on river bank of Coyanco river after fording ca. 33°42'30&quot;S 70°20'45&quot;W<br /> - at track waypoint at km 22.9 (beside stone-walled rock)<br /> - very beautiful at 33°54'15&quot;S 70°23'33&quot;W (in cirque one platform below RR)<br /> - 1.5km after bridge at km 64.3 besides the path (no great spot)<br /> - on the ridge south of Cerro Alto El Paico (km 90.4) - no water<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-07 to 2023-Dec-10 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Gate[3.3/1049] : gate is opened, nobody there on 7am.<br /> <br /> Water,bridge{01} : look like is broken, wet feet crossing. Strong flow and up to knee at early morning.<br /> <br /> Water?{8.7/1298} : dry at river crossing, but is still flowing at downstream, after you cross the stream, dont climb up immediately, there is a side trail on your right side to downstream, follow it about 1 min, you'll hear water flowing, water spot is on your right side, but is overgrown and muddy, not easy to get close. It has a small pool and like a spigot (2min/L).<br /> <br /> Water?{11.8/1648} : excellent spot, water flowing good with clear and coldwater, has a huge shade for lunch or a break, also a sandy spot for 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Water{15.6/1616} : good flowing with a small waterfall at RR crossing, great to take a cold shower in hot mid-day.<br /> <br /> Water{20.7/2064} : flowing good.<br /> <br /> Ford{21.6/2033} : easier spot at 30m upstream of RR crossing, flowing fast and up to knee at early morning, much easier than the broken bridge one. A small sandy spot for a small single person tent.<br /> <br /> Ford, camp?{22.9/2067} : RR crossing look like up to knee. Downstream 30m is a better crossing spot, rock bar under water, just up to half of calf, easy. After crossing there is a large flat area, have stone wall for 1-2 tents.<br /> <br /> From here to &quot;Ford,camp?{27.5/2209}&quot;, some more river crossing, mostly just up to knee.<br /> <br /> Ford,camp?{27.5/2209} : look like no camping spot here?<br /> <br /> Climb up steep but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Snow conditions just like Yannick &amp; Nolwenn said, if not comfortable with snow, wait 1-2 weeks for melting.<br /> <br /> Still lot of snow after the pass. The last snow slope you need to cross is at km54.1<br /> <br /> Camp{57.0+0.3/2286} : when you first see the meadows from high, keep walking a little and look at the mountain side, a stream with a red and white pipe is there, flowing with crystal clear and cold water.<br /> <br /> Water, bridge{64.3/1733} : tons of brown sandy water.<br /> <br /> Km64.7 : camping spot, but dead cows here.<br /> Km67 : camping spot on valley side, some tree covers and great view, some side trail leads you to there.<br /> Km68.6 : camping spot beside the road.<br /> <br /> Bridge, water?camp?{78.2/1736} : flowing good with clear and cool water. Can fit some tents at road shoulder. It is the LAST WATER before the ridge.<br /> <br /> Mostly have flat spots for camping at each pass before km85, but windy.<br /> <br /> Km85.5 : excellent camping spot, can fit 1 tent, with a blouder for wind protection from south, great views, BBQ grill and cell service.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i took 4.5L water go over the ridge, and water all gone, better bring more in January and February.<br /> <br /> Coya have a small shop for resupply, not the best but enough, also friendly!<br /> Beside the store is Bar Catalán Coya, they make nice sandwiches!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-04 to 2023-Dec-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> Half the bridge gone at the beginning.<br /> 1st water was flowing but not where the trail crosses the stream but lower down - there is a dirt path to the water.<br /> <br /> River crossings are fine until the one at km26.5 was very rapid and strong; we crossed below the regular crossing point. Probably not a good idea atm to do the crossings in late afternoon. We then took the alternate trail that stays on the left of the river in order to skip two crossings. Good campsite when back down by the river, aimed to do the last crossing in the early morning, which was much better.<br /> <br /> The way up had good trail and more water than marked, due to the snowmelt. Snowpatches started once we reached the ridge, mostly very easy to cross except the patches on south-facing slopes; we used microspikes here.<br /> <br /> Careful: an unexploded explosive on the ridge at -33.94081, -70.41171.<br /> <br /> The road on the way down has lots of rockfall, many places with minor landslides. Some extra streams are flowing between Estero Codegua and the mine.<br /> <br /> You can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-12 to 2023-Nov-16 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT02 variant A + improvised trail due to a lot of snow between km30 and km52 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Gates : <br /> (1) gate at km3 for the Reserva, nobody there, the gate was open so we just went through.<br /> (2) Gate at km80,3 was closed, we just went around on the right side of the fence and followed it to reach the track again.<br /> <br /> - Water : water markers correct and more water due to snow melt<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 17,7 | km 36,5 | km 55 | km 82,6 <br /> <br /> - River crossing : <br /> (1) bridge (km3,6) was inaccessible for us, stream too strong - so we took the variant A and crossed the river further on. The current was really strong and up until the hips, we took our time and had previous experiences of river crossings before.<br /> (2)Between km21,6 and km27,5 we had to cross the river 9 times, it was usually up until our thighs.<br /> <br /> - Weather : 3 days of sun and 1 cloudy day. <br /> <br /> WARNING : Update on snow conditions.From km 30,5 the snow is present until km 52. Be really careful between km 34.6 and km 41, because it is icy and a fall could be fatal. We diverted from the gpt trail because following was impossible due to the snow. Sometimes there was 1 meter of snow. Follow the ridgline from km 42 to km 47, and not the gpt trail because at the moment it is completely covered in icy snow. For those who are planning to do this section in the next few days, defenetly check the weather and be aware of the impact of the sun on the snow ( melting, icy...)<br /> <br /> - Resupply : Coya, a small shop has everything you need for the next section <br /> <br /> - Accomodation : ' Hostal &amp; Residencial' for 20 000 pesos a night <br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant A ( easy to follow ) / variant M + N ( trail overgrown at some stages ) / at the control Maintenes, a friendly worker didn't let us take the gravel road at km 101,3 so we walked along the ruta H203 and reach the trail again at km102,4<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section but the snow made it really challenging for us. We met some wild cows and bulls and they were afraid of us and ran away, same for wild horses.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes '''<br /> <br /> Very hot below 2000m. For river crossing not even wet feet. Passed a kind of informal puesto little below junction to Clarillo, nobody there, just a crazy dog. No territorial cows/bulls around as stated somewhere else. Just give them time they need to check the situation and they will trot away...We where lucky to have met very nice people in the puesto before the mine. Got off at emergency1...took us ttl 6 days for this trip with one day almost off...<br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-05 4 days RR SOBO Frank<br /> <br /> I arrived at the private nature reserve entrance @ 5PM &amp; admitted I would overnight in the park so they charged me 12,000 pesos. The entry is 6000 pesos per day. They are not aware of the RR beyond the first few KM &amp; it seems best not to discuss it. As there is no water for about 7KM on RR after you cross the first bridge it seems best to stay on the small road which is quicker &amp; easier than RR. There is an official campsite at the end of the road. Fill up when you cross the river after campsite, the first camp &amp; water source on RR is normally dry. I came in on RR &amp; night hiked about 10KM as I didn't have enough water to camp. There is more water as you go further in. On 2nd night approaching the pass where a waterfall comes down a cliff I went downstream &amp; camped by a big boulder. Room for 1 small tent here. You could also camp in the last valley before the pass. After the pass you are on a dirt road all the way to the mine.<br /> <br /> Once over the pass the landscape changes &amp; it's semi desert with a long way between water sources. As you approach a green hut there is a spring coming from the rock by the road. Go into the puesto, if there is no one there you can get water from a spring at the back. The puesto owners are friendly &amp; will have no problem giving you water if they are there. Best to camp at or near the puesto, fill up &amp; start very early next day. Walk the first few KM on the road before dawn if you can. Last water 25KM? was as dry as dirt in January. When you get to the mine stay outside it, go to the right of the boundary fence &amp; handrail it, then you will have no problems. Midsummer i.e. January is not the best time to do the last section, there is hardly any shade &amp; it becomes a desert survival test. The water I had in my pack side pocket was hot enough to make tea. Got to the road OK but felt a bit faint. Heat exhaustion is a real possibility on the last section, go earlier in the season if you can. November once the snow has cleared is ideal. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-06 to 2022–Dec-08 / Hiking / SOBO / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I continued from the Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I went up to Cerro Los Cristales, there was Entel 4G for fifteen minutes on the ridge and then it stopped completely, but I managed to have a audio call over internet. Nice view on lakes from the top but a detour. Have not met anybody all three days it took me to walk this. The cows were all afraid of me (somebody commented they are territorial).<br /> <br /> The MR till the waypoint last water 50 km (it is not 50 km from there!!!) is actually impassable for cars due to debris. There was plenty of water everywhere until then.<br /> <br /> About 10 km further on, there is a puesto - it has water, you need to go in the puesto. There was nobody there so I slept there in the yard. From here on, there was 4G Entel coverage pretty much everywhere.<br /> <br /> About 1 km from the puesto, there is a horse trail going to the left (not mapped), I took it. It goes up and then it is easy CC downhill. I took a detour to south-east due to misunderstanding what the mine looks like (it is that large flat white-yellow valley - probably debris from the mine). Thanks to that I have not met any gates. There was a trickle of water in the last water point (I crossed it somewhat upstream from RR). Walked under the dam and along the fence of the mine. Kept up from the RR, its suggested track loses some altitude for no reason.<br /> <br /> The part on the ridge is quite beautiful, I would recommend not taking the emergency exits if you can (I also walked it between 4 PM and 9 PM, so it was not hot,but a very nice sunset). Very clear path pretty much everywhere. But it is far, took me five hours of fast walking to get to the road to Coya from mine. Once I got to the PR, I immediately hitched a car to Coya and stayed at a hostel for 15000 at 34.2057545S, 70.5306223W. Now I will try to get some food.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-26 to 2022-Dec-01 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> After a few hundred meters into the section we reached the entrance to the nature reservation and were asked for 6000$ per person + our ID numbers. We enjoyed some time by the river that is close to the entrance. Good to carry enough water from the beginning of this section. The alternative way / climb from the valley with water 37.2 gets pretty steep. Snowfields after Cerros de Pueco were still there but it wasn’t difficult to find a way below them. We met a few bulls close to the minor road trail that didnt look very friendly, rather turn around and find a different way. We took some alternative and more attractive trails from the long minor road part (GPT02 D+E). Tiny stream of water available at Sobo: Last Water 25km. We met some workers at the mine who were nice and reminded us that its a private property, no other problem. As suggested in one of the previous comments we didnt go over the gate at the mine but followed a path close to the fence that connects to the CC part. The whole ridge walk at the end is really nice. Quite a lot of traffic on the road to Coya. Overall really hot weather that requires enough water to carry, but nice section. We took a bus to Rancagua before 5PM - ask locals about the schedule.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-28 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR / tom&amp;miky '''<br /> <br /> We left on the 24 of November north to south, hard sun, no water on the second spot marked (water?) Around +/- 5 km<br /> The sobo last water was brown, we find clear water few km away maybe due to snow melt?<br /> We also found water at Sobo 25 km to finish this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But the other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> Be careful with the wild herd of bulls and cows before getting to Cerros de Peuco. Very territorial ! Better turning around ! <br /> <br /> The camp (02-D)(1,3/2800) at S33°57.791', W070°25.710' were full of snow at this time of year.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-20 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Locked gate (-33.682407, -70.346283) on the route in the beginning of secotion is for the entrance of Reserva Coyanco. There was a lady that opened the gate and said that one day pass through the reserve costs 5000 pesos, but that we can pay it somewhere later. But as the RR doesn’t continue up the valley but across the bridge and up the ridge from the other side then we didn’t meet anyone who would collect the fees. It could be that it’s a weekend thing as there were quite a few people in the area mostly going to see the Calabozo del Diablo. <br /> <br /> No water at the first marked location with question mark (-33.72155, -70.345093), but as Marc Anthony already mentioned there is a small stream of water about 3km further (-33.741233, -70.3534). <br /> <br /> From there we night-hiked until the second ford where we camped. It was such a relief to hike in bearable temperatures and all the critters were out. We saw a snake, a tarantula, a scorpion, some giant bug, bunch of toads, bunnies and a culpeo fox. <br /> <br /> Once we reached the first ford from there onwards until the last water before the mine there was a lot of water in almost every gully, especially as you reach higher elevations. Snow patches are still melting and providing water. The last water is where it’s marked. <br /> <br /> Once we got to the mine/plantation we didn’t jump the gate to walk in the fenced-off plantation, but walked around the fence, handrailed it. There is a faint path for first few hundred meters and then it’s and easy cross country, just aim for the shoulder on the mountain. <br /> <br /> The last part was actually really beautiful and I wouldn’t want to skip it, we had a cloud inversion in the morning and about 8 condors circling us as we descended the ridge, it was spectacular. <br /> <br /> On average we carried 1,7L of water each and besides the first part until the first water and the last part from the last water there really was plenty of water on trail and we could have easily carried only a litre each. For the last part we carried 10L for both of us and it was enough for dry-camping on the ridge and washing dishes and we ended up pouring out about a litre in the morning because we didn’t need that much water. <br /> <br /> Once we descended to the road we had an easy hitch to Machali where we resupplied and hitched back to Coya, again an easy hitch. But unfortunately we could not find a camping gas (with thread) which fitted out stove. We checked every ferreteria and supermercado in Machali, even took the bus to Lider Express on the edge of the town, no luck. They only had the gas canisters where you punch the hole. <br /> However we found a gas with thread in a shop in Coya. Anyways, lesson is - bring the adapter.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 and a half days to hike this section, our last camp was about 9,5km from the road.<br /> <br /> We ate some great food and recharged all of our batteries in a Peruvian restaurant “Sumaq Ñusta” in Coya before heading back out on trail.<br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-12 to 2021-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hiking / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Big locked gate at -33 40.961’ -070 20.773’ after leaving el melocotón heading south. Didn’t find anyone around to ask, but luckily it can easily be jumped if you walk around on the left side. Carry a lot of water! Quite a few kilometers between the water sources. There is a waypoint in the track files at -33 43.298’ -070 20.705’ that is marked “Water ? 02”, there is no water here! But I found an unmarked water source a few kilometers further at -33 44.474’ -070 21.204’<br /> <br /> When walking down from mountain pass towards the mine, the last water source I found was at -34 04.070’ -070 29.602’ marked in track files with “Sobo: Last water 25 km ???”. In was only running a little bit, might dry out soon?<br /> <br /> At the walking into the plantation area close to the mine on the regular route you will encounter a tall locked gate at -34 04.123’ -070 30.702’. I was able to jump over, but keep in mind that there are a lot of the workers at the plantation driving on the road next to it during the day. If you when you continue through the plantation you will encounter a barbed wire fence that runs all the way across the area blocking the path up onto the mountains. Very difficult to jump over! I noticed another gate when walking straight ahead after jumping the first gate. Would advice that you jump over this gate to exit the plantation, instead of following the track files. This way you avoid the barbed wire.<br /> <br /> Took me 4 days to hike this section, but I took the emergency exit number 2 because I ran out of water, so didn’t do the last few kilometers.<br /> <br /> All the river fords were easy. Quite a long distance between water sources in the beginning. Like in GPT 1 i found the beginning of this section to be quite difficult because of the heat even though it is still springtime. But I only have experience hiking in Scandinavia, so I probably don’t have the best heat tolerance :) As soon as I climbed up to the cooler temperature of the higher altitudes it was a wonderful hike.<br /> <br /> Had a lot some trouble with locked gates and barbed wire fence when entering the mine/plantation area. And unfortunately ripped open my plastic water bottle when throwing my backpack over the barbed wire, so lost some precious water.<br /> <br /> After a several hours of hiking in the mountains next to the mine I ended up taking emergency exit number 2 because I was running low on water. Must admit that hiking in this exposed terrain during the afternoon heat was also quite exhausting.<br /> The guards that picked me up after a while when waiting by the road where extremely jolly and nice. We had a good talk and some good laughs about the whole situation. They gave me water and put me on a bus to Coya by mine entrance. Bus driver even drove me around town so that I could find a open hostel. Certainly didn’t expect all this kindness when trespassing private property! <br /> <br /> Ended up in a place called Hostel Vista al Cerro in Coya.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-02 / Hiking / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> First gate from El Melocoton was closed, but you can just go around to the left and jump the fence. As mentioned by Anthony, there is no water at the marked water point -33 43.298' -070 20.705', but there is water at -33 44.474' -070 21.204'. Nice camp spot a few 100m ahead [S33.73625 W070.35510]. Sufficient water available up to pass (water from melting snowfields). <br /> Way from about 2800 a.s.l. was partly covered by snowfields which could be crossed without problem. After pass sufficient water until &quot;Important Sobo: last water 50km&quot; available. After that only a small trickle at: &quot;Important Sobo: last water 25km???&quot;. (Should be filtered). We used Emergency Exit 1 because our water filter and tent was broken. The worker at the gate was surprised but very friendly. The internal Securitas checked our passports and then drove us to Rancagua. All employees were very friendly and helpful.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-07 / Hiking / SOBO / Fran &amp; Rodri'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 in five days, at first, we wanted to start from Reserva Río Clarillo but it was impossible. The guards of Conaf didn't even try to listen to us, they just said &quot;you can't pass&quot;, so we try the alternative across the river and after 5km, they caught us, it's a natural private reserve and closed for public ( more strict than conaf) so they kick us out. Finally we start in the regular route in &quot;El Melocotón&quot;.<br /> <br /> The entrances it's a private tourism property, once inside, you have 2 alternatives, we took the regular because of the water but we had to pay 5.000 pesos each.<br /> <br /> Then we walk in and the problems disappear. in the beginning the water spots are between 7km aprox so be careful with that.<br /> <br /> In the second day we have a lot of river crossing but it was easy. A lot of sun.<br /> <br /> At the end of the route we took the emergency exit 1 in the &quot;Mina Teniente&quot; of course its a super private zone, but they were very friendly, make us a lot of questions, our personal details and they took us to the end of the private zone. Then we walk 5km and arrive to Coya.<br /> <br /> In town there is a very good place to eat called &quot;bar catan&quot; (delicious and cheap), and pass the night in &quot;Hostal el ensueño&quot; (15.000 each).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''019-Nov-28 / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> The campground Estero Coyanco (S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779') seams to be only open on weekends? One can walk around the closed gate and a person in the campground allowed me to sleep there on a weekday. There would be a small shop, food places and toilets. I stayed up the valley close to S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779'.<br /> <br /> There was a dead goat further up in the water.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-24 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 five days. Including 2 nero days. Again a really hot section, but there is enough water till Estero Codegua. Marked source before mine (water last 25km) is still flowing. Not much, but flowing. After that you won't find any. Trail is in good condition, in few undefines spots just follow gps. We took last optional trail to the left to meet road to Coya, trail was bit overgrown but doable, then we took a regular trail to Coya which is gravel. Shortly after first emergency exit in mine, where is trail cutting a mine property, they are building a high fence that won't be easy to jump.<br /> <br /> In Coya we are staying in Tu Casita for 20k including dinner. So far it's nice. Ressuplying is good here, we found everything that we needed. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to walk this section. Trails are in good condition. There is practically no snow left and water levels are low. We took the third Emergency Exit in the mine, so we don't know about the last 10 km. The mine's Security Officer wasn't very pleased to drive us out of the mine. In Coya we found accommodation and resupply tiendas. You can also take the bus to Rancagua which runs every full hour.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-14 / Hiking / Ty &amp; America / SOBO'''<br /> <br /> We camped on Reserva Coyanco for 5000 pesos and sweet spots right next to the river. We took a taxi straight there from the city center of Santiago for 25,000. I just saw on the television that the metro is back up to Puente Alto as well.....so that’s cool.<br /> <br /> We also took the first emergency exit when arriving at Mina Teniente. Everybody was SUPER friendly. They even gave us a free ride to Machali for Resupply (Isabel supermarket).<br /> <br /> After water at the bridge over Estero Codegua, water is pretty much non existent. Nobody was at the puesto, and the next water source was still and dense with tad poles (definitely not ideal)....and probably won’t last for much longer.<br /> <br /> There was some just recently passable areas near the top of the pass, but pretty easy to get by! Prefect timing 👌<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-20 / Hiking / Martin Lizondo / Regular Route Southbound'''<br /> <br /> A lot of water capacity is required. Last water source at Estero Bodegua (S34° 00.894' W70° 25.507'). Avoid the route near puesto at S34° 04.633' W70° 30.757' because the pass is forbidden. Instead, keep following the track high off trail.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Get the metro to Plaza De Puente Alto then Bus MB-72B to El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT02 - Mina El Teniente]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (18).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (13).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT02_(Mina_El_Teniente)&diff=124568 2025-11-22T18:28:42Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Comments to GPT Track File Updates and Options=<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-26: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Variant B: A clear visible trail a bit higher up avoids some bush bashing on the regular route and should offer good better view from higher up. This higher trail should not add a additional ascent (SOBO) or descent (NOBO). Once verified and recorded I might change the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Option 1 (Filo Cerro Horizonte): This new route is well visible on satellite image and offers more kilometers high up on the ridge. It looks more demanding and exposed compared to the regular but might be interesting for experienced hikers with appetite to verify new routes.<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ''' GPT02 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-20/SOBO/variant A/RR/Denis Rosa/ Robert Hanulík '''<br /> It took us 4 days to hike second section, we combined it with GPT01. <br /> There is water until bridge almost every hour from snow. After bridge one refill spot on -34.06783, -70.49324. <br /> Snow conditions are pretty good we didn’t use microspikes at all. Biggest snow fields are after highest point on the trail (foto). <br /> Difficulty 3/5<br /> Attractiveness 3,5/5<br /> <br /> * '''2025-Nov-10 to 16 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO (Northbound) / RR and Variant B and new exit from Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra to Codegua / Greg Carter, Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck '''<br /> <br /> Access from Santiago to northern trail head of GPT02 very uncomplicated. Metro Linea 4 to Las Mercedes and then taxi collectivo (Cajon de Maipu) for only 2500 CLP per person to Bridge Camino Toyo.<br /> <br /> Entrance fee was 6000 CLP per person. We negotiated the entrance fee down from 12000 CLP to 6000 CLP with the argument that we will not camp at the established camp site.<br /> <br /> Water, Bridge {01} [36.2+0.2/1044] is destroyed. Fording was easy.<br /> <br /> Water ? {02} [8.7/1298] without water. But a spring about 50 m downstream hidden under vegetation provided clear cold water. A vague trail after crossing the dry river bed leads down to the hidden spring. Location: -33.721410, -70.345563 <br /> <br /> Variant B is slightly longer but scenic and recommended. Will become Regular Route.<br /> <br /> Snow started from around 2700 m elevation especially on south facing slopes. We deviated from the regular route in numerous locations to avoid steeper snow fields.<br /> <br /> Last reliable water is at Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra. There a permanent spring is located outside of the buildings. Hikers are welcome to refill and camp.<br /> <br /> Shortly after Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we left the regular route and descended towards Codegua on a new route since we did not plan to continue with GPT03. This new route is the standard route on which arrieros bring up animals. The regular route on the ridge in 1500 m to 2000 m elevation is generally hot and dry so the descent to Codegua is the more convenient alternative to exit GPT02 when reaching Coya is irrelevant. This exit route will be added to the GPT track files starting from 2026.<br /> <br /> When reaching the large parking lot at hotel Leonora we hitchhiked out.<br /> <br /> There are numerous camp spots along most of the route. Water was not an issue in November but in January or February some smaller streams may fall dry. In November carrying micro spikes is strongly recommended.<br /> <br /> It was an attractive but demanding hike. <br /> <br /> Between the start and Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we met only two arrieros. At Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra normally arrieros are present.<br /> <br /> New Routes are available in DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/emsjcb3ddd1r9pk2nopg3/ACEXH1HBs5ojBSQlXcPHpO8?rlkey=soufuizo473odklpq756v0b94&amp;st=1sssczkz&amp;dl=0<br /> <br /> (New recommended Regular Route similar to Variant B and new Exit Route to Codegua to avoid walking into the mine when only hiking GPT02 and not connecting via Coya to GPT03)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT02 / 06–11–2025 to 12–11–2025 / 6 hiking days / Hiking SOBO / Combined with GPT02 / Route: Variant A – RR – Variant E – Variant H – Variant I – RR / Athena Jones<br /> '''<br /> <br /> The first 2.5 days were smooth sailing, though with some long ascents. The trail was mostly easy to navigate, with only a very minor section of bush bashing. River crossings were just above my knee (I’m 178 cm).<br /> <br /> Snow became unavoidable roughly from the Trail V for GPT01 Option 1 (NOBO route) and GPT02 Variant D. At this point, the trail became much more challenging, with many steep ascents and descents in and out of valleys. Often, the south-facing side of the valley would be completely snow-covered, and the other side a bit more bare. I took Variants E and H (road). Since everything—including the roads—was snow-covered, the roads were a little easier to follow. From Trail V to Variant H took me a day and a half, and I would highly recommend having a good weather window for this part, since the elevation sits between 2,500–3,100 m.<br /> <br /> I didn’t need to use my microspikes since the snow was soft enough, but I was glad to have them because I would have needed them if the snow conditions were different.<br /> <br /> From the bridge labelled “Last reliable water source SOBO,” I took 6 liters with me and found two small streams that I could top up from—one about 8 km from the bridge and the other about 12 km before the first emergency exit. (Wouldn’t skimp on the water filtering!) I camped 27 km from the bridge on a ridge before the first cell tower, and the following day I hiked to the road and hitchhiked to Coya. I had to walk for a bit to find a hitchhiking spot.<br /> <br /> Attraction: 4/5<br /> Difficulty: 4/5<br /> <br /> Accommodation: I had to ask around since there’s nothing on Google Maps. Google Maps linkhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVyqMAVV8dFcLcJb8 This is where I am staying—I’ll put a photo on FB. It was 20 pesos per night; she did my laundry for me with no extra charge. There is a kitchen you can ask to use.<br /> <br /> Resupply: Good supermarket with options for dietary needs, including soya TVP and vegan protein bars.<br /> <br /> Extra: Almost stood on a snake.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias ''' *<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 &gt; 15 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : no issues but refill when you can<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 4/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> I was asked 10,000CLP to enter the park at the beginning.<br /> I camped at km 9 on a sort of camping spot made by puestos.<br /> Then the path ascending was not always obvious. I may have missed it but found myself searching for the path a couple times.<br /> I camped at km 24 by the river, really nice spot.<br /> Then I continued ascending up to km 43. It was pretty hard with the hot weather. <br /> I met 3 puestos on their horses, they asked if I was ok.<br /> The last day with final push to the top and then the descent was too long.<br /> I didn’t have enough food so wanted to finish it but would not recommend doing this much.<br /> I ended in the mina el teniente via the main road to coya without following the GPT’s track that was going through a gate (closed but could be opened).<br /> A friendly security worker drove me to the mine entrance and I was able to hitchhike from there to Coya to end this really long day.<br /> Stayed at the red house hotel in the main road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-04 to 2024-01-07 / 4 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants D, G, H &amp; K / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. <br /> <br /> Flow at Water ? {2} (11.8/1648), Water ? {2}(20.7/2064). Water available in all high elevation basins.<br /> <br /> Good campsite at {2} (15.6/1616). <br /> <br /> With the exception of the first 10km, there was more water than expected or waypointed. However many were small, possibly seasonal flows.<br /> <br /> Existing snowfield and difficult to descend RR at -33.92000, -70.38191, took variant D instead.<br /> <br /> Road on variant G at -33.96773, -70.42224 covered by small snowfield, easy to reconnect with road via marked trail.<br /> <br /> Existing campsite just south of bridge {2} (64.3/1733) at -34.01617, -70.42623.<br /> <br /> Walked by puesto {02} (73.2/1857) early morning, no one awake.<br /> <br /> No water at {02} (78.2/1736).<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-20 / 7 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - A, D, K, S / Karin '''<br /> <br /> Camp: km2 (var A), km22.9, km39.3, km49.2 (about 100m downstream on the other side), km72.2 (a bit into the hills). I stayed 2 nights at km22.9 and km49.2 to enjoy the mountains on my last section this season.<br /> <br /> I went into the Reserva Coyanco on the 13th evening. The entrance fee is 6000pesos per person. <br /> <br /> The bridge at the beginning of the reserva is still not there, but fording is not a problem. <br /> <br /> Water: nothing to add, except that I did not see water at km67.8 (puesto).<br /> <br /> The fords from km 21.6 to km27.5 were not deeper than knees. <br /> <br /> I took var D in order to go to the viewpoint. Right after it, the road is under a few meters of snow (south facing side of ridge) and very steep. So I stayed on the ridge of Cerros de Peuco for about 200m to detour the snow field. All other snow fields (not many) are easy to detour. Nothing to worry about. <br /> <br /> The path of the last 25km until the antenna km86.4 is sometime challenging, but from the antenna to the end the path is very nice, well maintained. <br /> <br /> I stayed at the Hospedaje (S 34°12.3424' W 070°31.8386'). There are some small shops with basic food. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; OH var. D,K,N / Tamar &amp; Nimrod '''<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> 1: (33.417580, -70.207266) nice spot without water.<br /> 2. Near ford 02 [21.6/2033] there was a small strait patch of sand on the river bank.<br /> 3. (-33.524196,-7024.5732) Water from a lot of snow melting around. <br /> 4. Camp 02 [49.2/2800]<br /> 5. SOBO last water 25 km? - a few meters before the water point there is a nice spot above the road.<br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Water? {02} [8.7/1298]- no water.<br /> Water? {02} [11.8/1648] - weak flow on 06.12.24.<br /> Last water for the last 25 km SOBO - weak flow, a lot of algae. Had some taste after filtering (09.12.24).<br /> Besides all water points were OK.<br /> <br /> While climbing to pass 02 we saw a very big grey bird, which we think was an andes condor. It came very close to us, flew very low, and looked at us. We understood it wanted to attack us. We got close together and tried to look big with our hands and poles stretched to the sides. The bird made a few circles above us and finally decided to leave. We don't know if it could have tried to attack us, but it was pretty scary.<br /> <br /> At the end of the section we took the last escape route (N variant) and took a ride with workers from the mine, who were very friendly but did not seem to understand why we were in a restricted place. No problem getting out though. <br /> <br /> Great section! We lost a green phone near the pass- if anyone ever finds it we would love to know 😉<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-28 &gt; 30 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile puis impossible<br /> | Neige : oui mais piste degagée<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5 puis 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage, pas d'eau, serpents<br /> <br /> Des le debut un homme m'interdit de passer la riviere (le pont est cassé) j'ai remonté le torrent via la piste puis 2km plus haut j'ai pris une piste sableuse qui montait sur la crete pour retrouver le chemin.<br /> Il y a des serpents proche des points d'eau.<br /> Tres surpris de ne pas avoir plus de neige. Le sentier etait tout a fait pratiquable meme si j'ai contourné quelques névées au plus haut.<br /> Apres le pont du estero codegua, l'eau est plus rare, sur la crete avant Coya, il n'y en a pas du tout. La derniere descente est tres abîmée car utilisée par des motocross. Je suis sorti un peu plus tot pour trouver de l'eau dans le canal plus bas, mais c'est un canal qui transporte du ciment liquide. Je suis arrivé tres tard a Coya et ai dormi sur la plage le long du fleuve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-21 to 2024-NOV-25 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. D, H, K) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We set off from El Melocotón in the evening with headlamps along the road. The first gate [3.3/1049] was open, but after a while, a man in a car stopped us. He asked if we had registration. We did not, so he noted down our IDs and took a phone contact. The bridge [3.7/1045] no longer exists, so we had to ford the river. A good camping spot is just past the ford here [-33.68791, -70.34507]. We ascended gradually through the Estero Coyanco valley, following the RR. All the water sources in the map files indeed had water, except for one [8.7/1298], where the water was down about 50 meters and very hard to access. We took the bush bashing [16.0+0.8] more like a CC, going straight uphill. After traversing back to the Estero Coyanco river, we went upstream and forded the river a total of 6 times. The last ford [around 27.4/2200], branching into a side valley [27.5/2209], we crossed at night with headlamps. The water was above our knees; I am 178 cm tall. The entire subsequent ridge walk, which goes up to 3200 m, was a great experience. There was plenty of snow, and we really appreciated our spikes on two very steep sections. There was an abundance of water everywhere. We turned towards the pass [42.1/3256] earlier via var. D. The gravel road leading around the transmitter was completely covered with snow in several places. A good bivouac spot is at -33.9620215, -70.4274260. We descended to the concrete bridge [64.3/1733] via switchbacks following var. H. From the bridge, we walked along a gravel road down to the Barahona reservoirs, utilizing var. K. Just before the reservoirs [78.2/1736], we collected our last water for the end of the stage (about 4.6 liters each). We then proceeded CC towards the ridge with the summit of Alto los Lunes (2049 m above sea level). The entire ridge walk had no water, but there are comfortable bivouac spots in the passes between the peaks with views of the surroundings. For the final part of the stage from the connection to Carretera del Cibre, we walked at a good pace. We arrived in the town of Coya after 4 days with a small amount of water left and entered the Catalan bar, enjoying good food and a friendly owner.<br /> <br /> * '''24-11-20 - 24-11-24/ 4,5,days / RR and variants/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> An amazing hike in these spring conditions!<br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 open at 9 a.m., nobody there<br /> Water: all indicated spots reliable and many more in the upper parts. At the puesto at 67,8 it runs from a pipe behind the buildings (nobody there).<br /> Fords: mostly easy, but 5 and 8 difficult (5: slippery rock on the ground at the ‚official’ crossing, I camped there, but it wasn‘t better in the morning, 20m downstream a rock in the middle of he river allows for a safer crossing; at ford 8 less strong but up to my thighs (1,97m). <br /> A lot of snow, impossible to bypass, mostly easy, some short steep passages (mini-spikes; use the side-edges of your boots to make steps, dangerous in the early morning, chose your way carefully). However, conditions are changing now rapidly. <br /> Camps: 1: On the ridge after the BB; 2: 30m left of the 5th ford; 3: on the pass after the cirque (windy, but very nice at 3200m); 4: 200m before the puesto at 67,8 on the valley-side, very nice, probably the spot Lilian found; 5: Gate and fence with barbed wire for the RR at the upper entry of the mine, very difficult to climb, impossible to bypass, it is a new plantation area. I continued on the MR through the mine to the PR. There an officer of the mine police picked me up (very friendly!) and drove me to the Check point. From there 5km to Coya, first on PR, so I hitchhiked - a local (very, very friendly) drove me directly to the supermarket (big, everything you need) and then further to the entrance of the Reserva Los Cipreses. As Alexey said: they don’t let you pass, only day visit. I wanted to stay in Coya anyway. The girl from the Conaf (very friendly) organised a cabana for me. <br /> <br /> I saw a snake on the trail and met a puma, hiding in a bush 2m left of me, growling angrily. A group of arrierros (only people I met on these 5 days) had already warned me and asked, why I am walking without a dog. I barked loudly, imitating the missing dog, which helped me to keep cool; also helpful that I knew, humans are not their prey, it‘s cattle and so they are close to puestos.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-11-15 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil'''<br /> <br /> We paid 6000 pesos to entry the Nationalpark. The first brige was washed away but the rivercrossing was easy. Above 2700m were a lot of snow fields therefor we had to adabt the route. Its defently possible but takes more time and some snowfields need to be crossed in the afternoon.<br /> Because of the extratime needed we ran out of food and took the emergency exit which worked just finde (described in the manual). <br /> In Coya we recommend to stay in the red painted hostel in the main street.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Nov 3 - Nov 7 / 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR - A / Karin'''<br /> <br /> At the entrance of the natural reserve, the guard charged me 6000 pesos for entrance. There were barking but friendly dogs.<br /> <br /> There is pleanty of water in the rivers. The Estero de Coyanco can be crossed in the mornings easily, in the afternoon after a hot day the current becomes stronger and higher, but still possible. <br /> <br /> Snow patches start from about 2600m of altitude. In the afternoon, they are quite soft and easily traversable. But in the morning, they are frozen and very slippery, so that they become, without the right equipment, impossible to cross safely. In conclusion, the trail is not yet to be done. I think in 3-4 weeks it might be good to do so. <br /> <br /> The ascent is still worth and nice until the snow. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-03 to 2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO /Variant A - RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT01 &amp; GPT02 with a new route. (written in section alerts GPT01)<br /> Crossed the river where Vatiant A crosses. River crossing was ok.<br /> Camped at -33.72787, -70.35214 no water present here. Not the best option. One more spot if you hike around 1km further. <br /> Water at 11.8. <br /> At -33.74717, -70.36159 we followed a false horsepath. The path we followed was in very good condition as well and is well used. After some km we realized the mistake and we had to CC to water 15.6, to go back on track.<br /> Now with good satellite pictures we checked where the path we followed ends and it joins the RR again at -33.77836, -70.37408. This path might be worth checking out to skip the Bush Bashing. It seems like this path is used quite frequently. <br /> River crossings in the evening are possible but would wait for the morning. Water was up to to 1m/1.2m with strong current.<br /> Camped at -33.81604, -70.39475.<br /> We turned around due to Karin and Neele &amp; Seans alert of snow at approx. km 33.<br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were again high after 4pm. Camped at -33.82688, -70.39684<br /> Took variation A on the way out. Gate at 3.3km was open. Small Shop at el Melocoton.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-06 / 4.5 days / Hiking / RR (turned around at 35.6km) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Warning: We turned around due to snow. Snow present from 30km onwards at 35.6km we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3km was open at around 3pm at no point approached regarding a fee<br /> <br /> Crossed the river where the bridge used to be was about knee deep at 4pm (1.76m tall)<br /> <br /> Water flowing at all Water waypoints but “water ?” at 8.7km was pretty low and not easy to reach, sounded like it was flowing well downstream.<br /> <br /> River crossings between 21.6km and 27.5km all fine. No more than thigh deep for me (1.76m).<br /> <br /> Snow present from 30km onwards all manageable until 35.6km at which point we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were much higher after 4pm but manageable until we got to 22.9km so we camped there and crossed the fords in the morning.<br /> <br /> Took variation A on the way out seems the camping area is closed during the week so no one there at all. Gate at 3.3km was still open though.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 5,5 days / SOBO / RR and variants A D E M N/ Matthias de Austria '''<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 locked at 8am, only a few barking dogs running towards me, but rather curious, not aggressive. It is relatively easy to climb round the gate directly to the left on the slope via a barbed wire. There's nobody at the reserve and kiosk either, so I save myself the entrance fee. <br /> <br /> River crossings: no problems, nowhere more than 30-40cm water level and weak current. <br /> <br /> Lots of water sources with the exception of the last stage at the mine. There I took 9 litres at Puesto 73.2/1857 and would have liked to have had more. 78.2/1736 had water at 6am. Water 64.3/1733 very sandy, but ok place to bath about 100-200m upstream on a side arm, a few trees for shade. <br /> <br /> Camps: <br /> 1: close to ford at 21.6/2033 (without tent on the rock formations just upstream at the river crossing, the only campsite is right by the ford, but I didn't want to interfere with the arrieros - in fact a group crossed there at about 7:30am) <br /> 2: -33.8451,-70.4188 at the little arriero shelter, has water from pipe <br /> 3: Slightly north of Camp 02-D 1.3/2800 right at a bolder, water but small stream and lots of cow shit <br /> 4: Puesto 73.2/1857 (I arrived in the evening and just wanted to get water and then find somewhere to sleep, but they said it was dangerous because of the pumas and invited me to spend the night at the Puesto. They were very nice. They gave me lemonade, tea with whiskey, some bread and a sweet. They also offered me meat straight from the grill, but I kindly declined (vegetarian). We chatted a bit, as much as was possible with my very poor Spanish. I was allowed to use the simple shower and the toilet (it looked like it had never been cleaned, ever). I was offered a mattress, but it was so dirty that I preferred to put up my tent, which wasn't easy because of the dog shit lying around everywhere. At 10 o'clock in the evening, when I was already in my sleeping bag, they turned on a loud generator and music and it was extremely loud until 5 o'clock in the morning, music, 10 men talking loudly and at least as many dogs barking constantly. I didn't sleep a minute and left at around 5.30am when they went to bed. Horrible night! <br /> 5: Near 92.9/1734, no water <br /> <br /> Two snowfields at the pass at about 3000m, which can be bypassed very easily and quickly. <br /> <br /> The march over the ridge at the mine was brutal, no sleep at all, very heavy rucksack because of 9 litres of water, enormous heat without shade, but the worst were the Tabaneros, continuous mass attacks for hours while exposed on the ridge. I must have had 30+ bites and killed hundreds. I found the sections in the high mountains the most beautiful, very quiet, cooler, lots of water, beautiful views, no tabaneros. Saw three condors and arrieros lassoing cows. <br /> <br /> Variant E has only partial tracks. I couldn't find a continuous path. I mostly hiked along the dried-up stream bed (the open land is covered in thorny plants), which gets a bit steep towards the end with some easy climbing.<br /> The N variant is partly completely overgrown with quite some bushbashing, partly easy to walk on. Sometimes difficult to find the way, always check the GPS, otherwise you take a supposedly easier path, which then turns out to be a dead end.<br /> <br /> To avoid possible right of way conflicts, you can simply bypass the car park at the mine entrance. There is an access to the car park directly from the H-263 road a little to the east. Directly at the entrance to the car park there is a clearly visible trail that climbs steeply a few meters up to the trees. Simply follow this path, it leads parallel to the car park directly to the RR. I recommend managing the RR in this way in future. It would also be a small improvement to avoid the bend in the road just before the 105.8/799 bridge. A staircase leads directly to the bridge as a shortcut. <br /> <br /> There is no more accommodation in Coya. A friendly young local helped me, he called numerous numbers and asked people on the street/shops, but there was nothing, everything was closed or takes only larger groups, even the hotel in Termas de Cauquenes was shut down. I then took the bus to Rancagua. Bus stop near the supermarket, towards the bridge. From Monday to Saturday every hour from 7am to 10pm.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and variants A D F J / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Really nice hike, from river to high mountain to the long ridge. No big problems with river crossings, snow or slopes (see below). Lack of water will surely be the main issue in the next months.<br /> Some annoying but short cross country/bush bashing part in the spiky herbs after km 15.6, but good visibility. <br /> <br /> Variants<br /> - A to try to go to the calabozo del diablo (day 0 that i didn't count on hike). It was a fail at 100m of arrival, i didn't feel the final river crossing. Later in the season will be good enough. Seems an amazing place. <br /> - D for west exposition (see below) and attracticity <br /> - F and J on the ridge because it looked really safer than the RR below. I didn't feel endangered on these parts of the ridge, it's flat and large, even with windy conditions. RR seemed steepy from above. <br /> - I hitchhiked from the end of the ridge to Coya <br /> <br /> Camp :<br /> - Coyanco river on variant A after my calabozo fail, official place for camping with toilets ; <br /> - 22.9 (arrieros camp after river crossing) ; <br /> - 39.3 in the cirque before the pass, very nice but windy ; <br /> - 67, where lilian found the good spot. Actually you have to get all the rocks and cow shit away, and there are a lot of spiky herbs. I found only one good place for a tent after exploring a bit but it was perfect and well protected. Another spot is 1.5km after, plenty of space but less trees for protection ! ; <br /> - 90.4 on variant J on the ridge just below the summit. Nice but unprotected ! You have some more places around the cerro los canelos (with the antenn). <br /> <br /> Water : all the markers were still flowing. Bring filter with you as there are cows everywhere in the mountain <br /> -Waypoint 8.7 : you can hear it downstream, not on the RR, but seems hard to reach <br /> -11.8 : minor stream, i dont know if it will still be there in a month <br /> -Between 15.6 and 20.7 : 2 other streams <br /> -Between 20.7 and 27.5 : multiples river crosses, no problem with water <br /> -Less water after the bridge at 64.3.<br /> - Good stream with tiny cascada at 66.7 just before the nice camp spot at 67 km.<br /> -Surely water at puesto 73.2 as you can see a river below, but not on the RR (underground pipe ?)<br /> -78.8 : Important water spot as Lilian said, last until the road on all the ridge. This is NOT a big stream now, I don't know if it will still flow in a month. Note that there is an emergency exit at this moment if you have water problems. Some workers were here, working in fields. <br /> -Sunny and hot conditions on the ridge. I took 5.2 L (I cooked with a few while camping) and got 200 mL at the end.<br /> <br /> Snow patches : now only on east and south exposed slopes. No problems with snow at this moment, i didnt have to cross any :<br /> - km 34 where Matthias took the uphill solution, now you have a little hole in the snow juste below the RR. <br /> - after the pass : snow patches block the passage to the minor road RR. Just follow the ridge for a few dozens meter and safe way to join the minor road, without snow.<br /> - variant D : fully exposed west so no patches if you begin it on the RR after crossing the river (directly on the west-exposed slope). I don't know if there are patches on the RR before the variant D end. <br /> <br /> - No patches blocking the RR after variant D end<br /> <br /> River Crossings : <br /> - first on variant A, at 8 am. The flow is strong, choose wisely the place. A few meters below the usual local crossing (that you can see with a cairn) I found a big rock in the middle of the river. The first part until this rock is easy, the second stronger flow, up to the beginning of thighs but only for two paces. (178 cm 80 kgs). <br /> - No other concerns about river crossings along the way.<br /> <br /> Right of way : No problems with gates or private properties on the way. I had to pay 6000 pesos to enter the Coyanco reserve at 11 am. <br /> <br /> Other: I saw one snake (the second, another one on GPT01) in the middle of the trail, taking the sun, he moved slowly but I had to make noise for it. Be careful at any time not to walk on it. I think it was a chilean long tailed snake, venom painful but not deadly as wikipedia says. Internet says that it's rarely seen... but seems not on the crazy GPT ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-6 to 2023-Dec-11/ 5 days / SOBO / RR, variants A+D+E+G+J+M / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> GPT02 was a great hike in these spring conditions. <br /> With the snow on the upper part and the variants + shortcuts I could avoid most of the more boring walking on MR until bridge at km 64.3!<br /> <br /> Forded Coyanco river on variant A on 6th of December late afternoon ca. 150m upstream of location on track. Water up to thighs for me (188cm).<br /> <br /> Steep snowpatches on GPT02 are a serious danger as snow is compacting daily now. But you can go around all of them, particularly around km34, I went 100m uphill to avoid the remains of the cornice.<br /> <br /> I could not find a path for RR where variant J stays easy on the ridge. Seems like a fence is being build at the end east of RR, perhaps blocking access to variant M (and other variants?) in future.<br /> <br /> Hitch-hiked to Rancagua from road at end of variant M. <br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> - on river bank of Coyanco river after fording ca. 33°42'30&quot;S 70°20'45&quot;W<br /> - at track waypoint at km 22.9 (beside stone-walled rock)<br /> - very beautiful at 33°54'15&quot;S 70°23'33&quot;W (in cirque one platform below RR)<br /> - 1.5km after bridge at km 64.3 besides the path (no great spot)<br /> - on the ridge south of Cerro Alto El Paico (km 90.4) - no water<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-07 to 2023-Dec-10 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Gate[3.3/1049] : gate is opened, nobody there on 7am.<br /> <br /> Water,bridge{01} : look like is broken, wet feet crossing. Strong flow and up to knee at early morning.<br /> <br /> Water?{8.7/1298} : dry at river crossing, but is still flowing at downstream, after you cross the stream, dont climb up immediately, there is a side trail on your right side to downstream, follow it about 1 min, you'll hear water flowing, water spot is on your right side, but is overgrown and muddy, not easy to get close. It has a small pool and like a spigot (2min/L).<br /> <br /> Water?{11.8/1648} : excellent spot, water flowing good with clear and coldwater, has a huge shade for lunch or a break, also a sandy spot for 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Water{15.6/1616} : good flowing with a small waterfall at RR crossing, great to take a cold shower in hot mid-day.<br /> <br /> Water{20.7/2064} : flowing good.<br /> <br /> Ford{21.6/2033} : easier spot at 30m upstream of RR crossing, flowing fast and up to knee at early morning, much easier than the broken bridge one. A small sandy spot for a small single person tent.<br /> <br /> Ford, camp?{22.9/2067} : RR crossing look like up to knee. Downstream 30m is a better crossing spot, rock bar under water, just up to half of calf, easy. After crossing there is a large flat area, have stone wall for 1-2 tents.<br /> <br /> From here to &quot;Ford,camp?{27.5/2209}&quot;, some more river crossing, mostly just up to knee.<br /> <br /> Ford,camp?{27.5/2209} : look like no camping spot here?<br /> <br /> Climb up steep but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Snow conditions just like Yannick &amp; Nolwenn said, if not comfortable with snow, wait 1-2 weeks for melting.<br /> <br /> Still lot of snow after the pass. The last snow slope you need to cross is at km54.1<br /> <br /> Camp{57.0+0.3/2286} : when you first see the meadows from high, keep walking a little and look at the mountain side, a stream with a red and white pipe is there, flowing with crystal clear and cold water.<br /> <br /> Water, bridge{64.3/1733} : tons of brown sandy water.<br /> <br /> Km64.7 : camping spot, but dead cows here.<br /> Km67 : camping spot on valley side, some tree covers and great view, some side trail leads you to there.<br /> Km68.6 : camping spot beside the road.<br /> <br /> Bridge, water?camp?{78.2/1736} : flowing good with clear and cool water. Can fit some tents at road shoulder. It is the LAST WATER before the ridge.<br /> <br /> Mostly have flat spots for camping at each pass before km85, but windy.<br /> <br /> Km85.5 : excellent camping spot, can fit 1 tent, with a blouder for wind protection from south, great views, BBQ grill and cell service.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i took 4.5L water go over the ridge, and water all gone, better bring more in January and February.<br /> <br /> Coya have a small shop for resupply, not the best but enough, also friendly!<br /> Beside the store is Bar Catalán Coya, they make nice sandwiches!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-04 to 2023-Dec-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> Half the bridge gone at the beginning.<br /> 1st water was flowing but not where the trail crosses the stream but lower down - there is a dirt path to the water.<br /> <br /> River crossings are fine until the one at km26.5 was very rapid and strong; we crossed below the regular crossing point. Probably not a good idea atm to do the crossings in late afternoon. We then took the alternate trail that stays on the left of the river in order to skip two crossings. Good campsite when back down by the river, aimed to do the last crossing in the early morning, which was much better.<br /> <br /> The way up had good trail and more water than marked, due to the snowmelt. Snowpatches started once we reached the ridge, mostly very easy to cross except the patches on south-facing slopes; we used microspikes here.<br /> <br /> Careful: an unexploded explosive on the ridge at -33.94081, -70.41171.<br /> <br /> The road on the way down has lots of rockfall, many places with minor landslides. Some extra streams are flowing between Estero Codegua and the mine.<br /> <br /> You can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-12 to 2023-Nov-16 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT02 variant A + improvised trail due to a lot of snow between km30 and km52 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Gates : <br /> (1) gate at km3 for the Reserva, nobody there, the gate was open so we just went through.<br /> (2) Gate at km80,3 was closed, we just went around on the right side of the fence and followed it to reach the track again.<br /> <br /> - Water : water markers correct and more water due to snow melt<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 17,7 | km 36,5 | km 55 | km 82,6 <br /> <br /> - River crossing : <br /> (1) bridge (km3,6) was inaccessible for us, stream too strong - so we took the variant A and crossed the river further on. The current was really strong and up until the hips, we took our time and had previous experiences of river crossings before.<br /> (2)Between km21,6 and km27,5 we had to cross the river 9 times, it was usually up until our thighs.<br /> <br /> - Weather : 3 days of sun and 1 cloudy day. <br /> <br /> WARNING : Update on snow conditions.From km 30,5 the snow is present until km 52. Be really careful between km 34.6 and km 41, because it is icy and a fall could be fatal. We diverted from the gpt trail because following was impossible due to the snow. Sometimes there was 1 meter of snow. Follow the ridgline from km 42 to km 47, and not the gpt trail because at the moment it is completely covered in icy snow. For those who are planning to do this section in the next few days, defenetly check the weather and be aware of the impact of the sun on the snow ( melting, icy...)<br /> <br /> - Resupply : Coya, a small shop has everything you need for the next section <br /> <br /> - Accomodation : ' Hostal &amp; Residencial' for 20 000 pesos a night <br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant A ( easy to follow ) / variant M + N ( trail overgrown at some stages ) / at the control Maintenes, a friendly worker didn't let us take the gravel road at km 101,3 so we walked along the ruta H203 and reach the trail again at km102,4<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section but the snow made it really challenging for us. We met some wild cows and bulls and they were afraid of us and ran away, same for wild horses.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes '''<br /> <br /> Very hot below 2000m. For river crossing not even wet feet. Passed a kind of informal puesto little below junction to Clarillo, nobody there, just a crazy dog. No territorial cows/bulls around as stated somewhere else. Just give them time they need to check the situation and they will trot away...We where lucky to have met very nice people in the puesto before the mine. Got off at emergency1...took us ttl 6 days for this trip with one day almost off...<br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-05 4 days RR SOBO Frank<br /> <br /> I arrived at the private nature reserve entrance @ 5PM &amp; admitted I would overnight in the park so they charged me 12,000 pesos. The entry is 6000 pesos per day. They are not aware of the RR beyond the first few KM &amp; it seems best not to discuss it. As there is no water for about 7KM on RR after you cross the first bridge it seems best to stay on the small road which is quicker &amp; easier than RR. There is an official campsite at the end of the road. Fill up when you cross the river after campsite, the first camp &amp; water source on RR is normally dry. I came in on RR &amp; night hiked about 10KM as I didn't have enough water to camp. There is more water as you go further in. On 2nd night approaching the pass where a waterfall comes down a cliff I went downstream &amp; camped by a big boulder. Room for 1 small tent here. You could also camp in the last valley before the pass. After the pass you are on a dirt road all the way to the mine.<br /> <br /> Once over the pass the landscape changes &amp; it's semi desert with a long way between water sources. As you approach a green hut there is a spring coming from the rock by the road. Go into the puesto, if there is no one there you can get water from a spring at the back. The puesto owners are friendly &amp; will have no problem giving you water if they are there. Best to camp at or near the puesto, fill up &amp; start very early next day. Walk the first few KM on the road before dawn if you can. Last water 25KM? was as dry as dirt in January. When you get to the mine stay outside it, go to the right of the boundary fence &amp; handrail it, then you will have no problems. Midsummer i.e. January is not the best time to do the last section, there is hardly any shade &amp; it becomes a desert survival test. The water I had in my pack side pocket was hot enough to make tea. Got to the road OK but felt a bit faint. Heat exhaustion is a real possibility on the last section, go earlier in the season if you can. November once the snow has cleared is ideal. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-06 to 2022–Dec-08 / Hiking / SOBO / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I continued from the Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I went up to Cerro Los Cristales, there was Entel 4G for fifteen minutes on the ridge and then it stopped completely, but I managed to have a audio call over internet. Nice view on lakes from the top but a detour. Have not met anybody all three days it took me to walk this. The cows were all afraid of me (somebody commented they are territorial).<br /> <br /> The MR till the waypoint last water 50 km (it is not 50 km from there!!!) is actually impassable for cars due to debris. There was plenty of water everywhere until then.<br /> <br /> About 10 km further on, there is a puesto - it has water, you need to go in the puesto. There was nobody there so I slept there in the yard. From here on, there was 4G Entel coverage pretty much everywhere.<br /> <br /> About 1 km from the puesto, there is a horse trail going to the left (not mapped), I took it. It goes up and then it is easy CC downhill. I took a detour to south-east due to misunderstanding what the mine looks like (it is that large flat white-yellow valley - probably debris from the mine). Thanks to that I have not met any gates. There was a trickle of water in the last water point (I crossed it somewhat upstream from RR). Walked under the dam and along the fence of the mine. Kept up from the RR, its suggested track loses some altitude for no reason.<br /> <br /> The part on the ridge is quite beautiful, I would recommend not taking the emergency exits if you can (I also walked it between 4 PM and 9 PM, so it was not hot,but a very nice sunset). Very clear path pretty much everywhere. But it is far, took me five hours of fast walking to get to the road to Coya from mine. Once I got to the PR, I immediately hitched a car to Coya and stayed at a hostel for 15000 at 34.2057545S, 70.5306223W. Now I will try to get some food.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-26 to 2022-Dec-01 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> After a few hundred meters into the section we reached the entrance to the nature reservation and were asked for 6000$ per person + our ID numbers. We enjoyed some time by the river that is close to the entrance. Good to carry enough water from the beginning of this section. The alternative way / climb from the valley with water 37.2 gets pretty steep. Snowfields after Cerros de Pueco were still there but it wasn’t difficult to find a way below them. We met a few bulls close to the minor road trail that didnt look very friendly, rather turn around and find a different way. We took some alternative and more attractive trails from the long minor road part (GPT02 D+E). Tiny stream of water available at Sobo: Last Water 25km. We met some workers at the mine who were nice and reminded us that its a private property, no other problem. As suggested in one of the previous comments we didnt go over the gate at the mine but followed a path close to the fence that connects to the CC part. The whole ridge walk at the end is really nice. Quite a lot of traffic on the road to Coya. Overall really hot weather that requires enough water to carry, but nice section. We took a bus to Rancagua before 5PM - ask locals about the schedule.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-28 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR / tom&amp;miky '''<br /> <br /> We left on the 24 of November north to south, hard sun, no water on the second spot marked (water?) Around +/- 5 km<br /> The sobo last water was brown, we find clear water few km away maybe due to snow melt?<br /> We also found water at Sobo 25 km to finish this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But the other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> Be careful with the wild herd of bulls and cows before getting to Cerros de Peuco. Very territorial ! Better turning around ! <br /> <br /> The camp (02-D)(1,3/2800) at S33°57.791', W070°25.710' were full of snow at this time of year.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-20 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Locked gate (-33.682407, -70.346283) on the route in the beginning of secotion is for the entrance of Reserva Coyanco. There was a lady that opened the gate and said that one day pass through the reserve costs 5000 pesos, but that we can pay it somewhere later. But as the RR doesn’t continue up the valley but across the bridge and up the ridge from the other side then we didn’t meet anyone who would collect the fees. It could be that it’s a weekend thing as there were quite a few people in the area mostly going to see the Calabozo del Diablo. <br /> <br /> No water at the first marked location with question mark (-33.72155, -70.345093), but as Marc Anthony already mentioned there is a small stream of water about 3km further (-33.741233, -70.3534). <br /> <br /> From there we night-hiked until the second ford where we camped. It was such a relief to hike in bearable temperatures and all the critters were out. We saw a snake, a tarantula, a scorpion, some giant bug, bunch of toads, bunnies and a culpeo fox. <br /> <br /> Once we reached the first ford from there onwards until the last water before the mine there was a lot of water in almost every gully, especially as you reach higher elevations. Snow patches are still melting and providing water. The last water is where it’s marked. <br /> <br /> Once we got to the mine/plantation we didn’t jump the gate to walk in the fenced-off plantation, but walked around the fence, handrailed it. There is a faint path for first few hundred meters and then it’s and easy cross country, just aim for the shoulder on the mountain. <br /> <br /> The last part was actually really beautiful and I wouldn’t want to skip it, we had a cloud inversion in the morning and about 8 condors circling us as we descended the ridge, it was spectacular. <br /> <br /> On average we carried 1,7L of water each and besides the first part until the first water and the last part from the last water there really was plenty of water on trail and we could have easily carried only a litre each. For the last part we carried 10L for both of us and it was enough for dry-camping on the ridge and washing dishes and we ended up pouring out about a litre in the morning because we didn’t need that much water. <br /> <br /> Once we descended to the road we had an easy hitch to Machali where we resupplied and hitched back to Coya, again an easy hitch. But unfortunately we could not find a camping gas (with thread) which fitted out stove. We checked every ferreteria and supermercado in Machali, even took the bus to Lider Express on the edge of the town, no luck. They only had the gas canisters where you punch the hole. <br /> However we found a gas with thread in a shop in Coya. Anyways, lesson is - bring the adapter.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 and a half days to hike this section, our last camp was about 9,5km from the road.<br /> <br /> We ate some great food and recharged all of our batteries in a Peruvian restaurant “Sumaq Ñusta” in Coya before heading back out on trail.<br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-12 to 2021-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hiking / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Big locked gate at -33 40.961’ -070 20.773’ after leaving el melocotón heading south. Didn’t find anyone around to ask, but luckily it can easily be jumped if you walk around on the left side. Carry a lot of water! Quite a few kilometers between the water sources. There is a waypoint in the track files at -33 43.298’ -070 20.705’ that is marked “Water ? 02”, there is no water here! But I found an unmarked water source a few kilometers further at -33 44.474’ -070 21.204’<br /> <br /> When walking down from mountain pass towards the mine, the last water source I found was at -34 04.070’ -070 29.602’ marked in track files with “Sobo: Last water 25 km ???”. In was only running a little bit, might dry out soon?<br /> <br /> At the walking into the plantation area close to the mine on the regular route you will encounter a tall locked gate at -34 04.123’ -070 30.702’. I was able to jump over, but keep in mind that there are a lot of the workers at the plantation driving on the road next to it during the day. If you when you continue through the plantation you will encounter a barbed wire fence that runs all the way across the area blocking the path up onto the mountains. Very difficult to jump over! I noticed another gate when walking straight ahead after jumping the first gate. Would advice that you jump over this gate to exit the plantation, instead of following the track files. This way you avoid the barbed wire.<br /> <br /> Took me 4 days to hike this section, but I took the emergency exit number 2 because I ran out of water, so didn’t do the last few kilometers.<br /> <br /> All the river fords were easy. Quite a long distance between water sources in the beginning. Like in GPT 1 i found the beginning of this section to be quite difficult because of the heat even though it is still springtime. But I only have experience hiking in Scandinavia, so I probably don’t have the best heat tolerance :) As soon as I climbed up to the cooler temperature of the higher altitudes it was a wonderful hike.<br /> <br /> Had a lot some trouble with locked gates and barbed wire fence when entering the mine/plantation area. And unfortunately ripped open my plastic water bottle when throwing my backpack over the barbed wire, so lost some precious water.<br /> <br /> After a several hours of hiking in the mountains next to the mine I ended up taking emergency exit number 2 because I was running low on water. Must admit that hiking in this exposed terrain during the afternoon heat was also quite exhausting.<br /> The guards that picked me up after a while when waiting by the road where extremely jolly and nice. We had a good talk and some good laughs about the whole situation. They gave me water and put me on a bus to Coya by mine entrance. Bus driver even drove me around town so that I could find a open hostel. Certainly didn’t expect all this kindness when trespassing private property! <br /> <br /> Ended up in a place called Hostel Vista al Cerro in Coya.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-02 / Hiking / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> First gate from El Melocoton was closed, but you can just go around to the left and jump the fence. As mentioned by Anthony, there is no water at the marked water point -33 43.298' -070 20.705', but there is water at -33 44.474' -070 21.204'. Nice camp spot a few 100m ahead [S33.73625 W070.35510]. Sufficient water available up to pass (water from melting snowfields). <br /> Way from about 2800 a.s.l. was partly covered by snowfields which could be crossed without problem. After pass sufficient water until &quot;Important Sobo: last water 50km&quot; available. After that only a small trickle at: &quot;Important Sobo: last water 25km???&quot;. (Should be filtered). We used Emergency Exit 1 because our water filter and tent was broken. The worker at the gate was surprised but very friendly. The internal Securitas checked our passports and then drove us to Rancagua. All employees were very friendly and helpful.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-07 / Hiking / SOBO / Fran &amp; Rodri'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 in five days, at first, we wanted to start from Reserva Río Clarillo but it was impossible. The guards of Conaf didn't even try to listen to us, they just said &quot;you can't pass&quot;, so we try the alternative across the river and after 5km, they caught us, it's a natural private reserve and closed for public ( more strict than conaf) so they kick us out. Finally we start in the regular route in &quot;El Melocotón&quot;.<br /> <br /> The entrances it's a private tourism property, once inside, you have 2 alternatives, we took the regular because of the water but we had to pay 5.000 pesos each.<br /> <br /> Then we walk in and the problems disappear. in the beginning the water spots are between 7km aprox so be careful with that.<br /> <br /> In the second day we have a lot of river crossing but it was easy. A lot of sun.<br /> <br /> At the end of the route we took the emergency exit 1 in the &quot;Mina Teniente&quot; of course its a super private zone, but they were very friendly, make us a lot of questions, our personal details and they took us to the end of the private zone. Then we walk 5km and arrive to Coya.<br /> <br /> In town there is a very good place to eat called &quot;bar catan&quot; (delicious and cheap), and pass the night in &quot;Hostal el ensueño&quot; (15.000 each).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''019-Nov-28 / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> The campground Estero Coyanco (S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779') seams to be only open on weekends? One can walk around the closed gate and a person in the campground allowed me to sleep there on a weekday. There would be a small shop, food places and toilets. I stayed up the valley close to S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779'.<br /> <br /> There was a dead goat further up in the water.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-24 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 five days. Including 2 nero days. Again a really hot section, but there is enough water till Estero Codegua. Marked source before mine (water last 25km) is still flowing. Not much, but flowing. After that you won't find any. Trail is in good condition, in few undefines spots just follow gps. We took last optional trail to the left to meet road to Coya, trail was bit overgrown but doable, then we took a regular trail to Coya which is gravel. Shortly after first emergency exit in mine, where is trail cutting a mine property, they are building a high fence that won't be easy to jump.<br /> <br /> In Coya we are staying in Tu Casita for 20k including dinner. So far it's nice. Ressuplying is good here, we found everything that we needed. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to walk this section. Trails are in good condition. There is practically no snow left and water levels are low. We took the third Emergency Exit in the mine, so we don't know about the last 10 km. The mine's Security Officer wasn't very pleased to drive us out of the mine. In Coya we found accommodation and resupply tiendas. You can also take the bus to Rancagua which runs every full hour.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-14 / Hiking / Ty &amp; America / SOBO'''<br /> <br /> We camped on Reserva Coyanco for 5000 pesos and sweet spots right next to the river. We took a taxi straight there from the city center of Santiago for 25,000. I just saw on the television that the metro is back up to Puente Alto as well.....so that’s cool.<br /> <br /> We also took the first emergency exit when arriving at Mina Teniente. Everybody was SUPER friendly. They even gave us a free ride to Machali for Resupply (Isabel supermarket).<br /> <br /> After water at the bridge over Estero Codegua, water is pretty much non existent. Nobody was at the puesto, and the next water source was still and dense with tad poles (definitely not ideal)....and probably won’t last for much longer.<br /> <br /> There was some just recently passable areas near the top of the pass, but pretty easy to get by! Prefect timing 👌<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-20 / Hiking / Martin Lizondo / Regular Route Southbound'''<br /> <br /> A lot of water capacity is required. Last water source at Estero Bodegua (S34° 00.894' W70° 25.507'). Avoid the route near puesto at S34° 04.633' W70° 30.757' because the pass is forbidden. Instead, keep following the track high off trail.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Get the metro to Plaza De Puente Alto then Bus MB-72B to El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT02 - Mina El Teniente]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (18).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (13).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=Greater_Patagonian_Trail_track_files&diff=124303 2025-10-17T15:23:45Z

<p>Jandudeck: </p> <hr /> <div>[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]<br /> The track files of the [[Greater Patagonian Trail]] are provided on personal request by [[user:Jandudeck|the author]] free of charge but not unconditionally. Read in the Hiker's Manual chapter '''1.15 Terms and Conditions for Using the Hiker’s Manual and the Trail Files''' to review these conditions and to understand why these conditions were put in place.<br /> <br /> GPT Hikers's Manual: http://bit.ly/GPTmanual<br /> <br /> ==Create an account in Wikiexplora (compulsory)==<br /> [[File:create account wikiexplora.png|frame|Six (very standard) steps to create an account in Wikiexplora]]<br /> To request the files you must first [http://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=Especial:Entrar&amp;type=signup create a Wikiexplora account]. It really takes less than a minute. The form is in spanish, but it's very standard and simple:<br /> #User name<br /> #Password<br /> #Confirm password<br /> #Email. Not compulsory but highly recommended to give us the chance to reach you. Wikiexplora has sent only '''one''' non personal email in 13 years.<br /> #Real name (optional)<br /> #On the final line type '''wikiexplora''', all in lower case<br /> <br /> ==List of requests==<br /> &lt;!-- To unlock the GPT Track Files 2025 you will need the following two Unlock Codes: Track File Unlock Code 8: 367661 and the Track File Unlock Code 9: 201644 --&gt;<br /> <br /> *'''Elisa B''' Hello everyone, my name is Elisa and I'm from Switzerland. I'm planning to hike the GPT between December and January. Why the GPT? I discovered this trail through a book by a French explorer. As I read through the pages, it became clear that Patagonia would be my next destination and I'll be tackling part of the GPT, as I've always wanted to walk long distances. I enjoy wild and authentic landscapes, contact with the local population, and having to fend for myself. Since I have little time to explore the region, I'm planning to spend about 2 months hiking the section between GPT20 and GPT40. Heading north. I'd be very grateful to receive the GPS files. Thanks a lot for your job on the GPT! <br /> <br /> *'''Pierrick G''' Hi Juan. 10/2025. I am currently exploring the South American continent with no fixed return date and a strong wish to immerse myself in the local culture. My motivation for hiking the Greater Patagonian Trail is to step off the beaten track and lose myself in nature, seeking an authentic, humble, and challenging way of life. I hope to leave no trace along my journey, connecting deeply with the environment where I am only a simple guest and a temporary visitor. For me, the trail is not only about adventure but also about respect, discovery, and becoming part of a wild and beautiful land, even if only for a while.<br /> <br /> *Edwin. Hi Jan. I hope to be flying to Punta Arenas the 10th of november and intend to cherry pick some gpt sections. Hope to get a bit more done than just gpt12 and half a gpt33h two years ago! Of course I would be very happy to receive the latest gpt files.<br /> <br /> *'''Alma''' Hi Jan. I hiked three months on the GPT in 2017/18. An amazing experience! Since that time I am longing to explore other regions of Chile whilst on the GPT. I would really appreciate receiving the new track files in preparation for another three months on the GPT starting this mid-November. Thanks for all your research and for sharing your knowledge on thru-hiking (and packrafting) in Chile! <br /> <br /> *'''Sandro''' Hi Jan. I am a pretty experienced bikepacker, and I usually create my own routes, but since I don't have that much experience doing this for thru-hiking, and there is already such an exhaustive and well-researched amount of information available, it would be silly not to acquire your files and start from there.<br /> <br /> *'''Nicolas''' Hello everyone, my name is Nicolas, I’m a young engineer from France. Between January and March I plan to travel on the GPT, most likely combining hiking and packrafting along parts of the GPT. To better prepare my trip, I would like to request access to the track files. Thank you very much to Jan and all contributors for the amazing work on this project, it’s really inspiring to see such a resource shared with the community!<br /> <br /> *'''mts1010''' Hello. I´m planning to do a part of the GPT from January to April. Is it possible to get the track files? That would be helpful. Thank you for your continued work on this project. <br /> <br /> *'''Michaela''' Hi everyone, my name is Michaela and I am from Austria. At the end of November 2025, I will start the GPT from Santiago and hike southbound. I will see how far I can get, as I have time until mid-March 2026. I am really looking forward to it!<br /> <br /> *I'''guai''' Hello Jan, contributors, and all. Looking to be back in Chile for my first time in almost 20 years starting in January 2026. Excited to hike perhaps 500 km of the GPT over the course of a couple months. Thanks! <br /> <br /> *'''LauraAndaGPT''' Hola Jan, I am currently figuring out which parts of the GPT I would like to hike (2025/26). It would be great to have acess to the track files for planning. Such great recourses to explore the Region, thank you very much in advance for all the considerations you made while publishing these informations! <br /> <br /> *'''Massa''' Hi Jan, thanks to you and anyone contributing for maintaining and sharing the information (not only the track files). Me and my wife are going to be in Chile two months starting in early in december and returning late in the january 26. We are looking forward to hike some of the sections of the GPT. Thank you, Jan, also for the help with setting up the wiki account. <br /> <br /> *'''djunksss''' Hola Jan! This is Julia from Brazil! Last December I went to Cochamo to hike in the region and loved it very much! Now I'm planning on going back to Patagonia, this time to Torres del Avellanos region to again do some hiking and exploring, but this time with plans to do some wild camping. A good friend of mine told me of the wiki and the GPT track files, and I'm sure they would be of the greatest help moving around! Thanks in advance for all the trouble in keeping this awesome site in the air.<br /> *'''Álvaro''' Hi Jan! I´m planning to do a part of the GPT with my son the next summer, probably a couple of weeks in January. Is it possible to get the track files? It would be a great help to have them. Thanks in advance.<br /> *'''Mochi''' Hi Jan! First of all, thanks to you and everybody else who's put so much work into the Greater Patagonian Trail - I'm amazed by your generosity! I would like to hike/packraft parts of the GPT this upcoming season, together with my partner. For more in-depth planning it'd be great to have the track files.<br /> <br /> *'''Quentin.FR''' Hello, I plan to travel across Patagonia from january to april 2026, and I would love to take part of some GPT track in order to hike as much as possible. Therefore, I would like to request a GPS track to plan it. I will be alone during my trip. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Pierrick M.''' Hello to the GPT community, thank you for the work done on this project. I would like to hike part of the GPT starting from Santiago in November 2025. Therefore, I would like to request a GPS track to plan my route according to the recommendations in the guidebook. Hope to see you soon on the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''Castade''' Hi Jan, I’m planning to start hiking the GPT from Santiago (GPT01) without a fixed end point, just seeing how far I will go as the journey unfolds. I would really appreciate access to the GPS files so that I will be able to look further into the routes and have them for when I start the the trail. Thanks so much for all the work you've done—it’s truly an incredible resource!<br /> <br /> *'''Daniel S.''' Hello everyone! Thank you Jan,, for continuing the project! After completing some of the packrafting sections in the 23/24 season, I will be returning to the GPT in November '25 to repeat some sections and probably try a few different ones as well. See you out there! <br /> <br /> *'''Roy Kisluk''' Hi Jan, I plan on hiking the GPT starting with GPT69 in October and heading North. I will be hiking solo. I appreciate all that you put into this project. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Nimrod Ashkenazy''' Hi, I'm planing to mostly solo hike (I have friends who will join for some sections) in November 25. I first heard about this trail while thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand. Thanks for the great work!!!<br /> <br /> *'''Denis Rosa''' Hello everybody, I heard about GPT from Slovakian couple which hiked almost 3000km, after gathering more information and as I have been going through hikers manual this is something we would like to be part of at least a bit. Possible attempt would be with my best friend most likely in the season 2026 November until 2027 March. Only hiking. Not sure yet which parts exactly but we would have few months for that we would like to plan more from track file. And I have to add that really appreciate all the work which Jan did, thank you. <br /> <br /> *'''Glacier Kane''' Hi Jan, first of all can't help but smile when I read your document, the hidden codes, the obligatory communal contributions, as a fellow Engineer I appreciate your creativity and effort here :] anyways I'm planning a 3-4 month hike through the GPT in the next 6-12 months and would love the track files! Not 100% sure what section I'll do yet but the files sure would help me plan it, thank you sir.<br /> <br /> *'''El Perezoso 91 (Sebastian)''' Hi together, my girlfriend and I hiked part 36H last year, and we would like to to the complete section 32 to 40 from September to January 2026/27. Many thanks @Jan for the GPT compilation, it's an incredible work you've done!<br /> <br /> *'''Trix&amp;Tinu''' Hello everyone, we already hiked GPT 21 to GPT 1 in 2018/2019. Now we want to hike further stages in the south (without a packraft). We'll be in Chile from December to February. @Jan: Thanks for your work!<br /> <br /> *'''JesseCaro''' Hi Jan, ever since our last visit in Patagonia in 2016 we’ve been dreaming of coming back. In previous years we’ve been hiking trails in Europe and the US. Searching for new experiences we came across your project. We would very much like to hike the GPT next summer (from December 2025) and use your Track files. Thank you very much!<br /> <br /> *'''Oelk'''* Hi Jan, A few months ago while planning an open-ended ticket trip to the Americas came across the GPT Hikers' Manual and fell in love, I depart in a month to NA and I plan to arrive at Santiago early October and to hike the Northern Bulk (and continue south if budget and weather allows). Already practicing my Spanish and preparing for the journey physically and logistically. Your passion for this region and this route is contagious! Would love to get access to the Track files, thank you and hope to hear from you soon.<br /> <br /> *'''Anso'''* Hi Jan, I am reading about the GPT since years waiting for the right timing for me to come. It finally cames. I took 4 months off between December 2025 and March 2026 to go solo-hiking between Coyhaique and Ushuaia. My goal is not necessarily to connect footsteps between those two locations but rather to take the time to explore the area and enjoy the suprises on the way. Thank you very much <br /> <br /> *'''Teebi'''* Hi Jan, I've been traveling the last 9 weeks through south of Chile/Argentina and did a lot of the well known trails. While preparing for Villarica Traverse I found Wikiexplora and the GPT. Now I also really want to do the GPT06 and I think it will be one of my highlights just before time in Chile ends. Many thanks.<br /> <br /> *'''Minutetravel'''* hello Jan, my name is jacques this year I discovered northern Chile and fell in love with this country. I would now like to explore Chilean Patagonia. I thank you for the incredible work you have done in mapping all the trails in this region. Thank you for accepting me on this list so I can access the files.<br /> <br /> *'''Greg''' Hi Jan, I'm very keen to explore parts of Greater Patagonia, particularly GPT 6-12 from January 2026. I would be very grateful for the track files to be able to achieve this. Many thanks for creating this amazing trail network.<br /> <br /> *”Joppe” Hi Jan. I’ve been interested in the GPT since years and have finally got a chance to go to Chile for a month or maybe more. Would love to contribute to this project. I’d love to be granted access to the files. Thank you for your amazing work on this.<br /> <br /> *&quot;AthenaJones&quot; Hi Jan. Hoping to solo hike the trail from the beginning of october to the end of january. My goal is not to complete the trail but to explore it until the time runs out. I will need the track files to achieve this. Thankyou for all the information you have provided, its inspiring.<br /> <br /> *&quot;Asimo&quot; Hi Jan. I'm currently solo traveling in Patagonia by bike with a packraft for 2 months and for the next 2 months. I learned about the GPT on the way and I'm interresting on several sections. Particularly for packrafting a portion of Río Baker, hiking around Torre de Avallano y glaciar O'Higgins, but also comparing options for hiking and discover more deeply Patagonia between Coyhaique and Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Schmittenk''' Hi Jan. I'm living in southern Chile and have walked short sections that overlap with the route network. I'd like to look into hiking longer sections within the next couple of years. I'd appreciate being able to access the track files. <br /> <br /> *'''UnChamoisEgaré'''* Hi Jan. I already had the chance to walk a part of the GPT 3 years ago alone (Adrien Kunzli) and this time I would like to do it with my 2 brothers for two months. We are preparing a little late but we have all the equipment and are in Valparaiso and we would like to start as soon as possible. I hope this is possible, thank you very much! Let me know :)<br /> <br /> *'''Diego Raffaeli'''* Hi Jan. I've been reviewing the GPT Hikers manual in order to planning a trail from Lago Puelo (Arg) to Cochamó (Chi). I would really appreciate if you can share the tracking files with me. Thanks in advance.<br /> <br /> *'''Sprocky.''' Hi Jan. I've been studying the GPT hikers manual for some years now with an eye on exploring as much of the route as possible over the next two summer seasons. Keen to be a part of the GPT community and give feedback. I would really appreciate the track files to help me continue with route planning this year. Many thanks for compiling such a detailed resource. Cheers<br /> <br /> *'''SteveBehaeghel.''' Hi Jan en Meylin, thx for the recent update on the GPT files. We are currently in Pucon with our 3 kids (3ys, 6ys and 9ys). The upcoming 3 months we will continue to revisit or explore certain GPT sections on small adventures of maximum 5 days. We will trek parts of, and including optional routes, from GPT14-GPT16-GPT19-GPT21-GPT22-GPT30-GPT33-GPT35-GPT37. I will probably do some small uptdates on the FB group, but the wikiexplora pages I will update after our longer trip in the second half of 2025. Thx for all helpfull information.<br /> <br /> *'''Martin M.''' Hi Jan, I would like to explore some part of the GPT on foot, starting from GPT32. I only have a few weeks, so it will be just a small taste of what GPT is. Therefore having access to the track files would greatly help. Thanks a lot for all the effort you put into it.<br /> <br /> *'''7yson''' Hello, Jan. Thanks for this incredible resource. What an amazing effort that you and your community here have made. Happy to be a part of it. I'll be in the Esquel area in late Feb and am studying the main route for sections to hike in March, northbound likely. Thanks for considering me for access to the track files.<br /> <br /> *'''Daniela Montecinos''' Hi Jan! I found GPT while searching for information on packraft routes in Patagonia. Your work is wonderful! I am interested in doing some of GPT's packraft routes and being able to contribute updated information on them. Thank you so much for your work and for sharing it!<br /> <br /> *'''Mochilaosabatico''' Hi Jan. Tks for all information about GPT. My husband and I have just finished GPT 6 (Descabezado Grande) and we want to hike sectors 7 and 8. I would appreciate receiving the tracklogs for GPTs 7 and 8. Tks a lot!<br /> <br /> *'''Moonshine''' Hi Jan. I have been loving the in depth guide for the GPT. It has been an incredible resource for this upcoming trip. Thank you so much for all you have done. My friend and I are planning on spending a month in March hiking along this trail. We have yet to decide exactly where along GPT06-GPT22. We are hoping we love it so much that next year we will come back with some packrafting knowledge and do more for a longer period of time. We love being in the backcountry, and connecting with local communities. This truly appeals to us in every regard. Excited for this adventure!<br /> <br /> *'''Tom Venegas''' Thank you all for the fantastic work in gathering information and building this community! I’ve hiked in the Radal, Lircay, Antuco, Cochamó, and recently I’ve been exploring more of Aysén—specifically Cerro Castillo and Patagonia National Park. I’m really excited to check out Torres del Avellano and the Pioneros Road in Aysén next. Looking forward to connecting with other hikers and sharing experiences to be part of this project!<br /> <br /> *'''Benoît''' Hi Jan, thank you for the incredible work you've done with the hiker's manual, it's an invaluable resource ! I started the GPT from Santiago in 2018 (sections 01 to 08), and I would like to continue from the Antuco Volcano and go south. Thanks again for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''einat shvartz''' Hello. I'm einat, i'm 26, i'm arriving solo to patagonia this January (2025), for about 2-3 months. I wish to hike the GPT, or maybe just some sections of it. I am absolutly love being in untouched nature and also meeting authentic people from all around the world. Hiking some of the GPT sounds incredible. I'm experienced with medium-long hikes (several days to 1-2 weeks top), but 0 experience with packrafting. There for I wish, at this point, to do only sections that are duable by foot (probably the more northen parts of GPT). And probably not a lot of difficult parts, at least in the begining, to see how i adapt to this new land, and to the whole thru-hiking experience. I hope that the track files will help me build and plan my own customize trail, and that i will be blessed to expirience some of it. <br /> <br /> *'''jhfelner''' Hello. I plan on hiking and maybe packrafting numerous sections of the GPT over the next few years starting with parts of GPT around Section 6 this year. Experienced with remote mountain terrain. Would appreciate the track files for further planning. <br /> <br /> *'''Tomek Z''' Hi, I´m from Poland. Right now on the one-year hitchhiking trip through South America. But part of my plan was always hiking some part of Andes. This idea of GPT really looks nice. I am a student mountain guide in Poland,and so far my bigest hike was from Zakopane to Budapest aprox. 350km, 16 days. Now I would love to try someting more challenging. I want to do a part from Trapa Trapa to Santaiago. I speak spanish quite well and curently I am working in a hostel in El Chalten. :) I plan to start a hike in the middle of February. <br /> <br /> *'''Matthias Keil''' Hi Jan, we are Kathrin and Matthias from Germany (40yrs/42yrs) and we are both passionate hikers and have already visited lots of countries and its mountains. Since we have a kind of sabbatical in 2025/2026 we are planning to spend around 4 to 5 months on the GPT. My wife is fluent in Spanish and we are both fascinated of exploring remote areas and getting in touch with the locals combined with challenging navigation in barely untouched regions.<br /> <br /> *'''Jordan Porter''' Hello. I plan to solo hike and packraft the Gpt starting December 2025 and hiking until April 2026. I spent three months backpacking and exploring Chile and Argentina last Jan-March so I have a decent idea of what to expect weather/transportation/etc. Your hikers guide has been a great resource so far! Looking forward to being in touch. <br /> <br /> *'''Ben McLuckie''' Hi Jan, along with my spouse, we want to spend 3 months hiking from PN Hornopirén north to Santiago starting in March. I am currently reading your 2024 Hikers Manual. For 3 months in 2019 we traveled from Dientes de Navarino to El Chaltén and for another 3 months in 2024 traveled from El Chaltén to Valdivia by mountain biking, trekking and connecting ferries. We are most definately &quot;immersion hikers&quot; and not mileage-focused thru-hikers (no judging here).<br /> <br /> *'''Fernanda Rodriguez''' Hi Jan, I am visiting Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia for one month. I am interested in doing the GPT 37 to GPT 40. I've been all of 2024 reading your Hikers Manual. I feel so grateful for such a beautiful contribution you have made to this, my country :)<br /> <br /> *'''Chloe Derrien''' Hi Jan, with my partner, we would like to go from Ushuaïa up to Peru using some GPT sections. We would like to start end of february. Thank you for the GPT hiking manual, it is a huge help and source of informations. <br /> <br /> *'''DavidVidal&quot;&quot; Hola, de a poco he ido haciendo trayectos de varios días por la cordillera, algunos de estos se unen también a ciertas secciones del GPT. Me interesa tener estos tracks para planificar mejor mis salidas. Agradecido de tu trabajo y prolijidad en esta ruta. Leí hace un tiempo el manual, acepto las condiciones claramente.<br /> <br /> *'''Jason''' Hi Jan. I'm currently looking into hiking some sections of the GPT in 2025/2026 and would greatly appreciate the track files to aid in planning. I've read the introduction and agree to the terms and conditions. Thank you for all that you do.<br /> <br /> *'''Ben Ram''' Hi Jan, I am researching hiking sections of the GPT in the Chilean Lake District with my partner in late 2025 to early 2026. It would be really great to have access to your GPS Files for this. I have read the Terms and Conditions and agree to them. Cheers. <br /> <br /> *'''Ana''' Hi Jan, I’m looking into hiking sections of the GPT in late 2025 to early 2026. As part of my planning, I’d love to have a look at the GPS files to decide on sections. Thanks so much for all of the work you’ve put into this, the hikers manual is particularly useful. <br /> <br /> *'''EmilieV''' Hi Jan, I am planning to cross Chile from Antofagasta to Ushuaia by foot and bus and I would like to incorporate some of the GPT sections in my adventure. The sections in question are 6 to 12 SOBO and then skipping over some of the middle sections to hop back on it probably after section 32 to finish at 40. I am still figuring out if I want to add a section or two from the southern part of the GPT and would like to access to GPS files to finish my preparation. The hikers manuel and the unbounded documentary were so helpful not only regarding the &quot;trail&quot; but also understanding the different dynamics of the local population, so interesting!<br /> <br /> *'''pointatadventure''' Hi Jan, a huge thank you to this wonderful community! I came across GPT after an extensive internet search. As an avid adventurer, I am planning a trip to Patagonia next year to hike and packraft. I have read and of course accepted the terms and conditions. It would be fantastic if you could provide the GPS files for my project.<br /> <br /> *'''Steve Hawkins''' Hello Jan and thank you for considering me for the GPT track files. I have read all terms and conditions, and I agree to comply. I also agree to contribute to the community. I am a &quot;soon-to-be&quot; retiree and have backpacked extensively in the United States. I would like to hike sections of the GPT over several years in 60–90-day increments beginning in Winter 2025-2026. I am beginning the research process for the first section hike in Patagonia and would love the assistance of the track files. Thank you for your consideration.<br /> <br /> *'''Matias Federici.'''Hi Jan, I am going to do S14-15-16-17 next week, dont have much time for preparations because I was just noticed in my work that i have the vacations abiable, Been years reading About de GPT, this is the first time I have the money and time to try to do some, Im realy looking foward to this, thank you for the incredible job you started, best regards from argentina! <br /> <br /> Use the format:<br /> *'''Michael G.''' Hi Jan, I am planning on hiking sections 1 to 22 NoBo of the GPT from early March 2025, beginning in El Chaltén. I would like to thank you for the selfless work you did on making the GPT what it is. I'd be grateful if you could provide the GPS files for my project.<br /> <br /> *'''Al and Bee''' Hi Jan, we are planning on hiking parts of the GPT starting in early January 2025, probably beginning in El Chaltén and hiking north. Thank you for the incredible Hikers Manual on the GPT. The GPS files would be extremely helpful for our endeavor. <br /> <br /> *'''Juergen''' Hi Jan, My name is Jürgen Wolf. First of all, I want to thank you for the Greater Patagonia Trail project. I'm planning to some chapters in February, probably from stage 21 in northern direction. I'm currently in the process of studying the manual and creating a plan for myself, for which the GPS files would be helpful<br /> <br /> *'''Pierre-Marie''' Hi Jan, I have been hiking since 27/11 from Santiago to El Chalten. Thank you for your work and efforts to keep this trail alive.<br /> <br /> *'''Dustin''' Hi Jan, I am heading down to Patagonia this summer and planning to explore some of the packrafting sections. I'm planning to start exploring out of Coyhaique in early January. It is really wonderful that you are putting together a resource like this for an area you love. Your passion really comes through in the guide. Thank you so much for all that you do.<br /> <br /> *'''Miguel''' Hi Jan, my name is Miguel Rodríguez Letelier, i live in Chile, love hiking and the mountains. I am planning to hike the GPT in the summer. Thank you for all the work and passion you put in this.<br /> <br /> *'''Henri''' Hi Jan, let me first say how thrilled I am that the GPT guide exists and that there are all these incredible resources available for free all in the name of hiking! I am looking at the possibility of hiking a section of the GPT this coming February. I have my selection narrowed down to a few different sections but I am still a little indecisive. I will only have about a month to hike the sections of the GPT until I need to go home. I am hoping to get ahold of the Track Files so that I could better understand the scope of what I might be embarking. I've made myself a spread sheet showing every section of the trail from GPT 001 through GPT 040 where I include data and details to more easily narrow down my decision, and with this I feel that I am ready to get into the fine details of planning a relatively short hike on the GPT (3 weeks or a month). <br /> <br /> *'''Graham''' Hello Jan, My name is Graham Hall. I am very interested in hiking the GPT between December and February of 2025. I am beginning my planning process, and I would love your insight. I will say, this is somewhat new to me, not in the outdoor sense, but in perspective. I have worked as a backcountry guide leading canoe trips for several years, but thru-hiking is newer for me at least in the packing sense -although I have been doing some smaller trips. I am fluent in spanish and confident in my abilities in the backcountry, specifically in outfitting and planning so I am excited about getting my hands on the most up to date maps and trip notes to plan my route. I also am looking to plan some pit stops to try and attract my other guide friends to join me for sections, but I just need to get to planning. I also would just love to get some more advice. I will say, pack rafting sounds insanely cool (from my canoe experience) but I also know the dangers that come with solo water travel, especially in such windy conditions. I would love to discuss this further, if you have the time. Either way, I hope this gets to you, wikiexplora do me right! <br /> I hope we speak soon,<br /> Graham<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Nono''' Hi Jan! I am planning to hike the GPT from Puerto Montt to Santiago. I'll be starting in February. I'm currently planning the hike and the guide is really fantastic. Congrats and thank you for putting together such useful information. I hope I can help contribute too. Best, Arno.<br /> <br /> *'''Timotheed''' Hi Jan, I am planning to hike on the GPT from El Chalten to Santiago with a friend. We'll start in February, and we ll make it to Santiago with some junctions by bus. I am currently trying to plan our trip and therefore I would like to use the GPT track files. Thank you so much for the amazing informations you provided.<br /> <br /> *'''dmateria''' Hi Jan, I am planning to packraft the packraftable (GPT16+) out of the GPT from end of December onwards, thus I'd gladly make use of the existing tracks. Thanks for the amazing community you have helped building.<br /> <br /> *'''Mishun''' Hi Jan, me and my wife Anna plan to hike on GPT as a part our trip to Chile in December. We aim to hike sections GPT 06 and GPT 07 but we keep our plans open to change depending on the current conditions. Thank you for all your effort.<br /> <br /> *&quot;'MiaimZelt&quot;' Hi Jan, thank you a lot for sharing so much informations in the GPT Manual. My husband and i are currently in Chile and will be until April. We planned to do a lot of multi-day hikes off the beaten path, which are part of the GPT, without knowing about the GPT. Less than 2 weeks ago an other hiker advised me about the GPT. This way i found out we'll be section hikers on the GPT. Now i'm reading every day in the Manual and try to improve my planning as best as i can without the files. Since then i considered if i should add myself to the list, although i'm definately late. Decided to give it a try. The gpx-files would be a great help to find out about alternative routes of our planned treks and to understand all the log-entrys, which are related to the files.<br /> <br /> *'''Elijah Fuller''' My friend Michael and I are experienced thruhikers who are looking to do something very different from our previous experiences; the GPT. We'll have approximately 2 months to complete the GPT in January and February 2025. We're currently route planning, with sections GPT05-22 or GPT32-47 being the two sections we're considering. It's time to jump on Google Earth! <br /> <br /> *“Raphael Chevalier” Greetings and thank you for all the research and detailed information found in the Guide Manual. I have read chapter 1 and am further into getting info on that very intriguing trail. I have a GSP and would like to use the GPT gps coordinate to further research the sections I am planning to do starting January 2025. Once again thank you for the community and available information.<br /> <br /> * '''Roman''' I already did parts of the GPT in the 23/24 Season and fell in love with it!:) So I want to continue where it stopped GPT82P / GPT 33. Looking forward fore some new explorations and the new stories to tell of the people I meet! :)<br /> <br /> * '''gornik''' Me and my grilfriend Gabi would like to hike once again on GPT. Last time we were here in 2023 and now we are planning to come back ready to experience GPT with all its beauty and challanges. <br /> <br /> *'''Peggy''' Hi Jan, a lot of gratitude for you work and for charing it. It's a wonderful gift! I plan to start the gpt late december 2024 and walk until march or april wherever I get. Then I probably do the south part next year. For the momeent, I study the manual, analyse the route and my gear so I would be happy to have the gps files to go further in this preparation. Talk with you soon I hope and I am happy too to be a part of this community.<br /> <br /> *'''Mttmllr''' Hi Jan, I live in Biobio region Chile, and in the past few years have done some hikes in the Andes that have been on GPT routes. I'm interested in the track files to enable me to continue exploring (slowly, year by year, I don't plan on leaving Chile any time soon) the different segments of the GPT. Many thanks for all your work and dedication to this project.<br /> <br /> *'''BeingGarrett''' Jan ... I am looking to start the GPT this year (2024) in Santiago, I have an unlimited timeline and acknowledge that the GPT can not be done in a single season, therefore I would like to directly view the GPS files to map a roughly 1000 mile section. Go far, not fast. Thank you.<br /> <br /> *'''Kare-Bare Blvd''' Hi Jan, my GF and I are super stoked to have found such a wealth of knowledge available for our planned adventure to Patagonia. We have 2 months and are very much interested in the Packrafting portions between 17-39, plus all the side quests and hikes along the way. We don't plan to complete all these sections in 2 months but we really think that the track files will help in our planning and prioritizing of sections so that we can get the most out of our adventure and to do it safely. GPT 2026! B-K<br /> <br /> *'''ClickClack''' Hi Jan, myself and a friend are planning on doing sections 1 through 40 from mid-November 2024 to March 2025. We hope to complete the whole thing and the track files would really help! Thank you for the incredible amount of effort you have put into this!<br /> <br /> *'''Simonlusignan''' Hi Jan, I am planning my 1500km hike through some GPT sections. I am starting from El Chalten in January 2025 and will be doing sections 32 to 40 and 6 to 12. I would love access to the files to help me navigate through river crossings and certain tougher sections. Thank you very much for the incredible ressource!<br /> <br /> *'''Tamar''''' hi! we were very excited to hear about this trail! and it's uniqueness!! we hope to hike through some sections along the trail starting from the north in December 2024 until the weather becomes cold. Would love to share photos taken along the way. thank you!!<br /> <br /> *''''Thijmen''''' Hola Jan, I'm planning to Packraft part of the GPT for three months in January till March 2025. I would like to receive the track files in order to prepare. Thank you for all the effort in making this adventure possible. <br /> <br /> *'''''borruu''''' Hello Jan, thank you for sharing all the information about GPT. I am planning to hike a southern part of the GPT in February 2025, an access to the track files will be greatly appreciated.<br /> <br /> *'''''wiiiim''''' Hola Juan, I'm very interested in exploring Patagonia further by hiking &amp; packrafting sections of the GPT from December 2024. I'm still going through a lot of the information, but would love to get request access to the track files to plan more accurately. All the best, Wim<br /> <br /> *'''''Kevin4''''' Hello Juan, I am considering the GPT between Section 6 and 20 starting in December 2024. Thank you for your work and manual on the GPT. I would like to have access to the trace file to plan my route. I thank you, Kevin.<br /> <br /> *'''''Clara''''' Hey Jan ! I'm planning to hike some sections of the GPT between Decembre 2024 to March 2025. After reeding the amazing GPT hiker's manual, I would like to get access to the track files to continue planning the hike. Thank's for sharing all your work. <br /> <br /> *'''''Amazering''''' Hi Jan, first of all thanks for putting together all this info and documentation about the GPT, the pdf in particular has been an amazing read so far! We as a couple have been hiking for a few years and we identify ourselves very much in the slow pace, sharing centered and collaborative philosophy of the GPT, and plan on hiking on parts of the trail from end October 2024 through February 2025. Excited to be able to contribute back too!<br /> <br /> *'''''GLOBTUINA''''' Hey Jan, i'm planning to hike parts of the GPT into october 2024 and January 2025, i would like to get access to the track files to properly plan my trip before taking on such a great adventure. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''''Volker''''' Hey Jan, I am planning to hike parts of the GPT starting in December 2024 and would like to get access to the track files you created. You completed a tremendous work to write the excellent manual and create the track files. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT - and for sharing all your knowledge and experience!<br /> <br /> *'''''Farah &amp; Jan''''' Hey Jan, we're planning to hike parts of the GPT in January and February 2025 and would love to get access to the track files to properly plan our trip before taking on such a great adventure. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''''leo_micklem''''' Hello, I'm Leo. I'm planning to Packraft some sections of the GPT with my brother as part of a wider South America trip. The Packraft portion of the trip will likely take place December 2024 into January 2025. We feel strongly that it is important to be properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable adventure. <br /> <br /> *'''''Allie''''' Hello, I'm Allie (or Aliénor). I'm planning to visit Patagonia from november 2024 to march 2025, and i would like to discover the region mostly on foot. Thank you for your extensive research and comprehensive guide. <br /> <br /> *'''''sigg''''' Hi Jan, I'm Chris and I was thinking about spending some time on the GPT as a solo traveller beginning mid January to beginning of March 25. Yet, as I want to plan thoroughly, I'd love to take a look into the gpx files in order to better understand the terrain to choose to legs I feel confident in mastering. <br /> <br /> *'''''HugoT''''' Hi Jan, I'm Hugo and I'm planning to spend 3 weeks on the GPT. Reading the manual was great, a real change on how I normally prepare for more well-known trails in Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland or Nepal. In my search for true nature, I would like to start on section GTP06 and go south until 1) the trail beats me or 2) go as far as my feet will take me in the time that I have.<br /> <br /> *'''''veleslavia''''' Hello, I'm Olga and I'm planning to hike and packraft some sections of the Trail in late December 2024 with my partner. Thank you so much for creating the manual and the community around it!<br /> <br /> *'''''Ayrton.debeauffort''''' Hello, first of all thank you so much for all the hard work to put all these incredible resources together. I am looking to travel solo this spring to Patagonia and want to do first 20-30 section of the GPT over 2 months (with flexibility on the number of sections and timing). I have done multi day hikes in the W trek, and Norway and the Dolomites in the past and am looking to do a longer distance trek given I will be taking some time away from work. I look forward to contributing to your amazing research and thank you again!<br /> <br /> *'''''Celio''''' Hola, first thing, thank you very much for the passionate job you made in creating this Hiker's manual, it's a gold mine of infos! We are a french couple living in the alps and planning to do the GPT, starting november and going up north. Having worked 4 years in Tierra del fuego in guiding i'll be very happy to help in contribute and support the job you made ! Thank a lot.<br /> <br /> *'''''TiMa''''' Hi, we are a german couple planning to hike various treks in Patagonia roughly during Jan+Feb 2025. We didn't decide yet on specific sections of the GPT. Thank you and the contributors for all the work!<br /> *&quot;&quot;Morliz&quot;&quot; Hi Jan, I am planning on hiking sections of the GPT from 11/24-5/25, am experienced in long distance (US), alpine (alps, andes, pamir) and would be happy to support the wiki explorer homepage for the GPT during and after the hike. Thank you for the support.<br /> *'''''LukSara''''' Hello Jan, we are Lukas and Sarah, two hikers from the Alps and woud like to hike the first part of the GPT. We are planning to travel to Chile in November 2024. It would be great to hike with your GPS Track Files and of course we would be happy to contribute to your work with your experience. Thank you and everybody who made this possible.<br /> <br /> *'''''ErJo''''' Hello Jan, we are passionate hikers that would like to hike parts of the Greater Patagonian Trail in January and February of 2025. We don`t plan on doing packrafting. We are very grateful for your absolutely awesome work and thank you for making such a trip possible! :)<br /> <br /> *'''''Mathilde and Jordan''''' Hello Jan, first of all thank you very much for your huge and impressive work. We are two frenchies who would like to participate to this adventure and start in november. We'll be happy to share our experience, help with the tracks and give some updates. Passionate about nature, hike and new culture, The GPT is an adventure that we have in mind for a long time. Thank you very much :)<br /> <br /> *'''''Elio''''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for the work you're doing mapping out the most remote parts of Patagonia. I'm a seasoned hiker from France and I'm starting planning my next project (hopefully for December 2024, depending on finance and wife approval :). I would be very interested in the data you've collected over the years to help me come up with a route. I would gladly contribute to this wiki as soon as I find relevant data to provide. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''''Stefan''''' Hi Jan, we, my wife and I, are experienced hikers from Germany and are looking for a new long-distance hiking trail that is scenically impressive, remote and not overcrowded. We don't have a concrete schedule yet (probably in a few years, for a few months). In our search we finally came up with GPT and your manual. Both are really impressive! Thank you for your work so far! We would be happy to help supplement the manual and keep it up to date. However, we are still at the very beginning of the planning and would therefore like to use the tracks for further information and preparation.<br /> <br /> *'''''Keili100''''' Hi Jan, we are Kathrin and Matthias from Germany (40yrs/42yrs) and we are both passionate hikers and have already visited lots of countries and its mountains. Since we have a kind of sabbatical in 2025/2026 we are planning to spend around 4 to 5 months on the GPT. My wife is fluent in Spanish and we are both fascinated of exploring remote areas and getting in touch with the locals combined with challenging navigation in barely untouched regions. <br /> Thanks for your unbelievable huge amount of work you are putting on the GPT<br /> <br /> *'''''Karin'''''Hi Jan, I am Karin. I have had the dream of visiting and hiking Patagonia since many years. I am in Latin America for roughly a year for work and I would like to take advantage of being in Latin America to hike in November - December 2024 parts of the GPT. Thank you vera much for your incredible work!<br /> <br /> *'''''Charlie''''' Hi Jan! I'm Charlie. I'm planning to hike either two (7-8) of the northern sections or 32 and 33h in the first two weeks of april. I'm an experienced hiker, have led trips and organized my own in the us and recently completed a 3 week thruhike of sicily. beyond excited to get to patagonia - has been a dream for years.<br /> <br /> *'''''Marion y Augustin''''' Hello Jan, we are a french couple wich aim to try to hike some sections of the GPT beteen April 2024 and July 2024, mixed with bus travel to join Perù. We are reading the Hikers'Manual, thanks a lot for that huge job !<br /> *'''''Sophie y Gaspar (Dr Jabali)''''' Hello Jan, we are a franco-spanish couple wich aim to try to complete the GPT beteen November 2024 and May 2025 and discover these beautiful landscapes and cultures. Thanks<br /> *'''''Paulus''''' Hey Jan, im very impressed by your detailed planning and knowledge of the patagonian mountains. I really enjoyed reading your short manual for the trail even though I should have actually studied for my exams. In Autumn I will finish university and now have finally the time to do a longer hiking trip again. Since im a biology student, the GPT is extremely interesting, since it would serve me as a transect to observe to Vegetation change from the north to the south. Ive always dreamed of seeing Araucarias!<br /> *'''''gitano''''' Hi Jan I enjoy hiking and I have a lot of expirience hiking patagonia for the last 6 years. I grow up in Osorno and i would like to hike my own land. I will love to cooperate and keep up this exelent job!<br /> *'''''Maxfelis''''' Hi Jan, I'm a hiking enthusiast living in Santiago. I recently did &quot;Sendero del Condor&quot;, and I met someone that was doing the GPT06. I would love to collaborate with the GPT project, and explore other sections. Thank you so much for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''''txrx''''' Hello Jan, I'm a hiking enthusiast living in Bariloche. I am always researching new routes and many times I end up scanning the GPT Hikers Manual. I can't believe how much work and love has been put by all the contributors to build this, thank you very much! I would love to help to keep the GPT growing responsibly.<br /> <br /> *'''''Bebo'''' Hello Jan, I First heard of GPT while traveling through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina by bike. Rightnow I meet with my Brother in Buenos Aires and we want to hike remote trails for the coming 2 months. The GPT sounds just perfect, so we really would love to get the GPX files. We are aware of the fact that the trails lead through privat Land and nature. We treat both with hugh respect! Thanks for your work! Greetings from germany!<br /> <br /> *'''''Marilynemg''''' Hi Jan! I have been discussing the GPT with hiker friends for the last ten years and I finally will be able to visit Chile in March and April. I want to start with sections 1-8 and I have a couple more on the radar, time and weather dependent. Thank you so much for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''''Retezepe''''' Hey Jan, we are very grateful for the invaluable resources you have compiled for the GPT. We're looking forward to being a part of this project! My partner and I are currently in Chile and interested in hiking a couple of sections of the GPT. The sections that currently interest us the most are sections 19 and 37H. We will be in Greater Patagonia from February to March.<br /> <br /> *'''''TrailsOfWander''''' Hi Jan. Thank you very much for your envaluable work for the GPT and for your guidance. I am traveling to Chile on Feb 11 to hike GPT06 and partial GPT08 and 09. Unfortunately I don’t have much time for this trip but I will plan future trips for other sections so the Track Files of GPT will be very valuable as the Manual is. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> *'''''AlexNecky''''' Hello Jan, thank you for all the work you've done putting this trail together!! My friend and I have been eyeing the GPT for a while. After much researching using your information and additional sources, we have tickets to Santiago for the beginning of March. Our plan is to start with GPT06 and going SOBO thru GPT10 or as far as we can for the month that we have. We're both super excited about this adventure and look forward to contributing back to the community with our experience!! Thanks again! <br /> <br /> *'''''Dueser''''' Hi Jan. I am deeply impressed by your work. Not only the time you spent on the GPT, but also all the documentation and the manual. During reading the manual I realized that 10 years ago I explored a few GPT stages in the north without knowing about the GPT. This time I'm deliberately heading south. I'll certainly put my experience to good use for the project.<br /> <br /> *'''''CharlieGardner101''''' Hey there Jan! Charlie here! Wow, what an incredible community you've created here. I couldn't be more excited to explore this wonderful and wild part of the world and to become a contributing member of this initiative you've begun! I will be flying into El Chalten in the first week of February and, along with a few friends, hope to hike a variation of GPT sections 38-40. Later on (mid-late march), we hope to move further North to try our hands at a section somewhere between GPT 6 and 12. Thanks for everything you do! Cheers!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''''Zsu''''' Hi Jan! I would like to hike parts of GPT32-40 in the upcoming weeks. More details in the email. Thank you very much!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''''Fernanda''''' Hi Jan! First and foremost, a sincere thank you for your impressive work. It is so valuable to have this type of initiatives in Patagonia. I am Chilean and mountains have been my backyard since I was a kid. I am planning to do GPT35 and GPT 36H with my brother Francisco. He is also close to nature and a entrepreneur based partially on Puerto Bertand since 2020. I've shared the hikers manual with him and he was very thankful and impressed with this initiative. I would also be interested in contributing with adding highlights and changes to the track. Global warming is slowly but steadily modifying nature.<br /> <br /> *'''''Daemos''''' Hi Jan! My name is Andrew, and I am a Canadian travelling in Patagonia for the next two months. I was planning to hike the Condor Circuit, but I've read online of some difficulties lately and am interested in investigating one of the variations of GPT6 as an alternative. I would also be interested in adding some highlights of the GPT to my plans as well.<br /> <br /> *'''''PauMau2024''''' Hello Jan! My name is Paulina and I thank you so much for your work. It´s an impressive work that you have done! From february on my partner Flo and I want to explore and hike from Futaleufu to O'Higgins, GPT 71 and GPT35-39. Beginning in Futaleufu we will take around 5 days to get to Chaiten where we will have a resupply and then continue hiking down until the end of the carretera Austral. We are happy to share our GPS log and further information&amp;experience, hopefully support future travelers.<br /> <br /> *'''''madnomad''''' Hi! My name is Elias. We are a couple from Greece travelling around the American continent on a campervan, motorcycle, packraft and hiking equipment! We are already on the road for 5 months and we are currently in the Argentinian part of Patagonia. We love it here and it would be great to try a few sections of the GPT. We are not planning to do anything extreme, just enjoy a few highlights of the GPT at first!<br /> <br /> *'''''acivs''''' Hi! My name is Agnes. I'm from Switzerland and love trekking. I did several hikes in the Alps, the Andes and in Patagonia. In August 2022 I started backpacking through South America and got trapped in Tortel about a year ago. Last March I read for the first time about the GPT and was fascinated by it. For the moment I am planning on doing my first to sections, GPT36H and GPT35.<br /> <br /> *'''''wandering_guanaco''''' Hey all! My name is Jack and I am an American outdoors-person interested in hiking sections 16-23 this austral summer, and hope to continue to complete sections of the GPT as I continue to work in Chile for a few months of the year every year. This project is amazing and I am stunned by the thoroughness of the documents I have read so far. From the intentions of the project as a hike undertaken only by those who are prepared, to the particular comments on the links between fundraising and the inevitable outcome of the trip itself, I really appreciate the time and thought that has been put in to not just the adventure portion, but also the preparation, reputation, and impact of the hike. I feel lucky to have explored chunks of Patagonia in my past and cannot wait to broaden my experiences through these sections and information in the future. <br /> <br /> *'''''bistarai.bistarai''''' Hello! My name is Susie, I’m French-Canadian and planning on hiking sections 6 to 18 (although very flexible) as a first attempt on the GPT which I have been eyeing for a while now. Eventually I’d love to try packrafting in more southern sections in a couple of years!<br /> <br /> *'''''mollycargill''''' Hello, my name is Molly and I am a medical doctor from Australia with a lifelong love of the outdoors and an interest in wilderness medicine. As a part of an Expedition Medicine course I am currently undertaking I need to create an in depth logistics plan for a trip which I want to go on, which I have chosen as packrafting sections 16-25 of the GPT. I have had my eye on the GPT for a while, and hopefully can use the finished product of this assignment to help me finally attempt some of the GPT in the 2024/25 season. <br /> <br /> *'''''HHGTPE''''' (Hitchhikers guide to planet earth) Hey, I am Felix. I hitchhiked around the globe for three years some time ago and now I am doing a semester abroad in Buenos Aires for my uni. While looking for long distance tracks in Patagonia, I came across the GPT and very much fell in love with the whole concept. This year I would like to do some of the shorter and easiest hiking parts of the GPT but hopefully come back in the future to do some longer and connected parts.<br /> <br /> *'''''fabianundcecile''''' Hola de San Rafael, Argentina. We are travelling to southern Patagonia and thought we could hike some sections of the PGT along the way. Maybe starting with GPT 7 southbound. Saludos Cécile y Fabian<br /> <br /> *'''''czimahi'''''Hola Jan, por favor me podrías enviar el file para ir alguna parte entre GPT18 a GPT5? Muchas gracias <br /> <br /> *'''''nico142857''''' Hola desde Chile!. Escribo en español por razones políticas más que practicas. Primero que todo, gracias por recolectar, sintetizar y compartir la información. Me interesa recorrer la parte norte de los 'senderos' y me interesan tener los .kmz para 1) tener una ayuda, 2) no abrir mas senderos y respetar la naturaleza y 3) dar feedback a la comunidad. Saludos<br /> <br /> *'''''Ggeoff88''''' Hello everybody ! My name is Guillaume from France and I'm actually in Bariloche preparing my adventure to go to El Chalten by foot. You guys did an incredible Job of research, documentation and exploration... Today I'd like to inspire of your work in order to prepare my road. It's normal for me and will be a pleasure to share my experience after it.<br /> <br /> *'''''MysticalMarauder''''' Hi my name is Misha and I'm in Chile with an old friend about to the depart on a greand adventure December 2023 onwards. Heading south in the coming days with the zenith of our travels the Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales area. Then turning around and heading back north after a month or 2. Eager to get on the GPT in either direction in the coming months/years? Not sure how long this adventure will last but hopeful to hike many kilometers on this network. Thank yiou to Jan and this commmunity for establishing this route and creating this excellent resource for those excited to get off the well-traveled roads and disappear into the wild for a bit. <br /> <br /> *'''''Lazy_Lemon''''' Kia ora! Looking to get amongst the Patagonia trails so thanks so much for putting all this information together!<br /> <br /> *'''''Sam Odin'''''' Hello! Thank you so much for this impressive work. The detail and love put into the GPT manual is truly a gift to us all. Between January 15 and February 5, my partner Sara and I are planning to explore as much of GPT33 as possible. Beginning in Villa Cerro Castillo we will take 8 to 10 days to get to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez (where we will have a resupply) and then take about the same time to get back to Villa Cerro Castillo. We would love to share our log and GPS information, hopefully further illuminating future travelers to the less frequented routes and parts of this section<br /> <br /> *'''''Jonathan Mudde'''''' Hi Jan, I'm planning to walk a few sections of the GPT in the very south and in the north. I'll start on the first of January around Ushuaia. And after that I like to use the border close to O'Higgins and hike some parts around Laguna de la laja I'm looking forward to use the gpx files. Thanks in advance! I have read many parts with great respect for your work and honering the lokal people. Regards Jonathan Mudde/Abishaloom<br /> <br /> *'''Matthias''' Küme naqün antü! I've been following this fascinating idea for years, and now I can hopefully explore a small part of it myself and contribute to its long-term existence. I will arrive in Santiago in January, then I would like to follo'''w the GPT southwards, walking until about GPT20. But I am flexible in my plans on the ground, I am open to spontaneity and ever-changing challenges. Alles Leben ist Problemlösen.<br /> <br /> *'''Carina''' Hi! Thank you so much for the detailed GPT resource you have created. It's been a dream of mine to hike/trail run through parts of Patagonia, and it would be really helpful to see the GPT track files to help with my route planning. I'm planning to go in 1-2 years from now, so plenty of time to plan still. Very happy to contribute / provide feedback on route sections once I'm there myself. Thank you :)<br /> <br /> *'''Paulina''' Hello everybody. First of all, I would like to thank you for all the huge job you put into this projekt. I'm really amased. I will start a part of GPT in January, I'm especially interested in GPT because it seems wild, unspoilt and very interesting from cultural point of view. I also love the idea that everyone can create its own trail and that three is no one and the best option. Living in Europe where in some parts of the mountain we focus maybe too much on kilometers and speed, it seems that GPT offers something much more important. I will be more than happy to contibute to this beautiful projekt. <br /> <br /> *'''Mitschu''' Hello, after spending 9 weeks in Patagonia (pre pandemic) I am back with the aim to explore even more :) I thought about starting in Bariloche, explore the lake area going north (following part of Huella Andina) and finally cross over to chile and start at section 16 southbound mid/end of december. I used the pandemic for some long distance hikes in europe (GR5, half of GR10/11 and TMB) and cant wait to enjoy the beauty of patagonia. I will hike solo but open to meet up with fellow hikers if someone happen to be in the area :) I am following the project since 2 years... impressive work. Happy to contribute as well! Looking forward hearing from you! Thanks<br /> <br /> *'''Rainbow16''' Hi Jan &amp; fellow hikers! My name is Tanja and I am currently planning to walk Sections 6-22 starting end of December 2023. Still a bit dizzy from reading the hikers manual (what a great documentation!), I am excited to further explore this Patagonian trail network via the track files. A huge thanks to Jan and Meylin for their adventurous spirit and dedication as well as all other collaborators (what a cool community!). Looking forward to contributing myself once I put my feet on GPT grounds. <br /> <br /> *'''Frans van Driel''' Hi Jan, first and foremost I would like to thank you for all the work you put into the GPT. Truly impressive to read the manual! I'm planning to walk a few sections of the GPT. I'll explain more in detail in the upcoming email. My timeframe will be half December 2023 till half January 2024. I'm looking forward to this amazing experience and would like to start some more detailed planning using the gpx files. Thanks in advance! Sincerely, Frans van Driel<br /> <br /> *'''Owen Hutchison (elhutcho)''' Hey Jan! Am incredibly impressed with what you have been able to put together with the GPT - it’s an amazing achievement for which I’m sure many are thankful. I have been reading through the manual in preparation for a trip in February and March 2024. My partner and I will make our way down from Lago Puelo (GPT 22/23) to El Chalten via a mix of different segments and pack rafting. To assist in planning and preparation, I’d be really grateful to receive the the KMZ/GPX Files. I am very happy to contribute back to the project in anyway I can. Thanks again! Owen<br /> <br /> *'''Piotr Szatkowski''' Hello Jan, primarily I would like to say thank you for the massive amount of dedication you put into creating the whole guide. The quality of it, the precision everything is described with is very impressive.I would like to kindly ask you if you could share with me the KMZ/GPX Files. I am incredibly humbled to be able to discover the beauty of the regions of Patagonia. Can't wait into immerse in to this journey of solitude. I will be starting in end of December for section and or 2 heading south. Will probably hike for 2 months. I am not sure how long exactly.<br /> <br /> *'''Ella Meyer''' Hi Jan, I am planning to walk parts of the GPT as part of a project studying and documenting people's relationships to water along long-distance trails. As per your suggestion when we talked on the phone one year ago, I would like to hike Sections 1-12. I may also skip to Sections 21, 22, 63 and 69. I am hoping to depart Southbound around late December (2023). I am very excited to embark on this journey, and welcome anyone else planning on hiking these sections to connect with me (contact info can be found on my website https://ellameyer.com/)<br /> <br /> *'''Vlad Ivanchuk (vladdi)''' I'm planning to walk some southern sections of GPT northbound from Ushuaia starting in December 2023 for just over a month. I look forward to immersing myself in the landscapes and culture of Patagonia, and I'd appreciate access to GPS files to enable this adventure. <br /> <br /> *'''Robin Marcille''' Hi Jan, hi all, thank you for this immense amount of work. After sailing from France to Ushuaïa, we are planning to walk parts of the GPT norhbound from Puerto Williams on November 2024 for approx. 3 months. We would be very grateful to access the GPS files to prepare our trip ! We are especially interested in the various options between Puerto Williams and Cochrane. We're super excited to participate to this project and would like to propose some mountaineering options !<br /> <br /> *'''Cyril AC'H (Cy)''' Hi, can't wait more to get back with GG on the GPT after 2 years break, from El Bolson southbound toward Cochrane and El Chalten in a packrafting mode for those sections. No rush, side trips to fjords, we will see how far we get ! Thx for the KMZ/GPX Files ! <br /> <br /> *'''Martin_crgt''' Hi all, thanks for your work Jan, and for everyone's contributions to this adventure, My sister and I are planning to do the GPT in February 2024 from section 6 down south. Having the GPS data would be a great help to help us plan. <br /> <br /> *'''maddidunster''' Hi Jan, Tom and I are two Australians planning to hike northbound from El Chalten to wherever we make it with the time we have from February to April 2024. Super excited, can't wait!<br /> <br /> *'''guswimbo''' Hello Jan, thank you for all of your and others' work on putting together this incredible wealth of information! I'm planning on backpacking/packrafting from Cochamo to El Chalten in January/February 2023.<br /> <br /> * '''Oscar Crassous''' Hello Jan, I'm a french men who will travel northbound during 9 months in South America, between november and august. I have planned to walk most of the time and I am very excited to hike some parts of the GPT during my trip. Thanks for your work.<br /> <br /> * '''Matthieu''' Hello Meylin and Jan, former hiker on the GPT (season 2019-2020, northbound), would gladly go back on trail this year to hike some other parts southbound (Santiago-Antuco, Puyehue - Coyhaique)! <br /> <br /> * '''GriffinWagner13''' Hello Jan, planning to travel to Chile/Argentinia in 2025. I'll be doing some of the sections between GPT01 and GPT40, bussing between routes as possible. I definitely want to hit some of the northern volcanoes as well as the southern routes! Super excited to hike it. <br /> <br /> * '''edwinb''' Hello Jan, planning to fly to Santiago in 2 weeks. Thinking about gpt2/3 to do something close to Santiago and especially want to do the tracks in the araucania this time. gpt33h and gpt37h look very attractive to. Thanks again for all the work! Edwin<br /> <br /> * '''lilian''' Hello Jan, i'm planning to have a 3-4 months hike through Greater Patagonia, I will travel to Santiago in mid-November 2023 and maybe end my hike about March to April at somewhere south. I would be interested in the trackfiles from 1 to 69, would be incredibly grateful to have the files for further research and planning. Thank you in advance!<br /> <br /> * '''zipgerm''' Hey Jan, Thank you for your work and contributing the route information to the world! I'll be in Chile/Argentina from beginning of December until April. If my feet are willing, I want to walk parts of the GPT starting with section 05 or 06 southwards. I read a great part of your guide and already bought a GPS with satellite pager - alhough I never used neither of them on my off-track hiking tours before. Looking forward to Chile and the Andes. Matthias<br /> <br /> * '''JordanJennings''' Hi Jan, my plan is to packraft soundbound sections 17-30 over the season, but will likely begin with a few (conditions appropriate) sections between 30-40 from November after completing some packrafting training around Puerto Río Tranquilo. I would like to also thank you for dedication so much time and energy into making this possible for all of us<br /> <br /> *'''LottiRummel''' Hi Jan, thank you for all your fantastic work! We are planning to spend January 2024 in Chile and want to hike starting from around GPT 06 southwards. I hope the gpx tracks will help us decide which sections to plan. Thanks! Alex and Lotti<br /> <br /> *'''Rowe99''' Hi Jan, first of all, many thanks to you and everyone else who contributed to the manual. I have never seen so much information about such a large network for any other region in an open-source manner. I am planning to hike this year (2023) from December to mid-February starting from El Chaltén northwards with a pakraft. Thanks for all the information so far! Cheers Roman!<br /> <br /> *'''Jonas._____''' Hi Jan, I'm planning to hike through Patagonia from December to February/March. I will start in Puerto Montt and then go south from there as far as time and terrain permits. The great GPT Hikers' Manual did already give me a really good insight in what to expect and I would really appreciate having the GPT Track Files as well to prepare for my trip as much as possible! Thanks for your help!<br /> <br /> *'''ColineW''' Hi Jan ! Thank you a lot for the amazing work you did with the &quot;Great Patagonian Trail, Hikers Manual&quot; ! It's full of wize advices and ideas I maybe would havenot find myself. I will go in Chili from mid-december to mid-march, meet up with my father who is currently wandering in the south. We'd like the hike northbound from GPT20 to GPT01. The GPS files would be a great help for you, since I tried my plan an itinerary on Google Earth and, as you know, I lost sight of some roads in the forest. My father has a Garmin66i, so we'll be able to send the datas of our trail to you. Have a nice day !<br /> <br /> *'''Roi Keler''' Hello Jan, First of all, thank you for the amazing work you did and still do, it's a great inspiration for me. I plan to spend 3-4 months in Patagonia and I want to combine several walking sections of the GPT between section GPT01 - GPT16 &amp; GPT32 - GPT46. After reading the hikers' manual and completing the preparations, I decided not to focus on a meticulous plan because it is important for me to be spontaneous and keep the options open. The GPS files in combination with the hikers' manual will allow me to choose the hiking sactions that suit me and then send the information to you and share with the community. Thanks for everything!<br /> <br /> *'''Marmur''' Hi Jan! We are a couple and are planning to hike the GPT from start to end, in 2 seasons (hopefully) starting next season. We have visited Patagonia in the past and can't wait to get to know it more intimately, as we loved it so much. hiking in remote locations with unmarked trails is not new to us, but we are exited about the challenges that are waiting for us at this epic terrain. this is a great chance to thank you for all this impressive work that you've been doing, and you can count on us that after all this ends for us, we will share all inputs and updates with you and the community.<br /> <br /> *'''Lukas Deleu''' Hi Jan, my girlfriend and I are planning to do 3-4 months of hiking through Greater Patagonia starting this december. We chose some of the sections that most appealed to us and hope to connect them by public transport. Gpt 6-12, 16-19, 32-40 is what we have in mind for the moment. Having the trackfiles would be a great help offcourse. Cheers.<br /> <br /> *'''Huemul''' Hello Jan, I'm Frank from Irlanda. I hope to continue southbound in November from El Chalten to Isla Navarino. Thanks for all your help &amp; advice so far. <br /> <br /> *'''RoshiJ''' Hi Jan, what an amazing piece of work you've established in the GPT hiker's manual, and its amazing to see how many people are inspired by it. I am planning on exploring Patagonia starting in November, with no end date as of yet. My only goal is to wander and wonder but I'd like to do so well-informed and as prepared as possible. I already feel so after reading the manual but it would be even better to set out armed with your GPS files. I also love the idea of using wikiexplora as a platform to communicate within a like-minded community with similar goals so am enthusiastic to share my own experiences and read those of others. <br /> <br /> *'''Pieper92''' Holá Jan, Thank you for providing this comprehensive manual. I will travel to Patagonia in November 2023 and want to make my way from santiago to tierra del fuego by feet, on my beloved packraft but also longer sections by bus transport. Have not picked all sections but Lagos Chilenos/argentinos, parts of fjord area and tierra del fuego are in focus. Especially I want to circumvent the spoiled national parks in the south. Your guide has already been a great help up to know but the GPT track files would be extraordinary helpfull. I will especially try to provide novel exploration data by packraft.<br /> <br /> *'''nickcarter884''' Dear Jan, Thank you so much for all the work you have done on this manual and the route, it's fantastic! Some friends and I are planning to do the section around El Chalten in February 2024 and would really like to follow your routes rather than the roads. Please could I have access to the GPS files so we can be in the real nature, not just the road? :-)<br /> <br /> *'''delabien''' Dear Jan, I am very inspired by your manual. My partner and I plan to travel for 4 months starting from the capital Santiago going slowly to the south (starting in November 2023). Thus we would like to hike some of the sections you and the other collaborators assembled. In order to make the expedition more feasible for us we intent to use the local public transportation for some parts. Really looking forward to experience the changing landscapes during the route. Thank you<br /> <br /> *'''wbarab''' Hi Jan, thank you for all the extensive and detailed work put into this manual. My partner and I (American &amp; Spanish)plan to hike the GPT from mid November 2023 until late February or March 2024. So far GPT 6-12, 14-16, 19, and 32-40 have stood out to us as a start, but our investigations continue and we plan to add at least another half dozen sections (plus some &quot;maybes&quot; if time permits)! To continue we would really appreciate access to the trackfiles.<br /> <br /> *'''ranulph24''' Hi Jan, great manual! Thank you for putting so much passion in this project. I consider hiking on the GPT in November 2024 - April 2025. I am mainly aiming for the northern part 5 - 30 and add a smaller section in the south. For refining my plans I would like to study the GPS Track Files in detail. <br /> <br /> *'''MMartinez''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for this incredible amount of work. It is really inspiring and exciting. We are a couple (American and Polish) and we are interested in hiking some of the sections of the GPT later this year. We have been reading the manual and adjusting and readjusting plans the more we learn (there's so much to learn!) We would really appreciate access to the track files to help with the planning. Thank you so much again!<br /> <br /> *'''SeanMaskill''' Hi Jan, Thanks for all of your work! I've wanted to hike sections of the GPT for a few years. I've now started the research seriously and tracks would help me decide which sections I'd like to hike. Cheers Sean.<br /> <br /> *'''MarmotAndBear''' Dear Jan, Thank you for putting in so much dedicated work, to create the Hiker’s Manual, and in doing so helping others to hike and appreciate this part of the world. We are a German-Singaporean couple and we have been following the GPT community for almost one year now. We have quit our jobs not long ago and have started visiting Central Asia, where we’ve been able to do some amazing hikes. Before setting foot on the GPT this coming (southern) summer, we are planning to improve our Spanish in other South American countries. We hope a few weeks of dedicated learning will do the trick. Once on the trail, we are planning to hike and packraft as much of the GPT as we can during the coming season. Let’s see how far our feet and boat will carry us :)<br /> <br /> *'''guaraches80''' Hello and good afternoon Jan. I have been reading and preparing for some sections of the trail you have put together. I, a Mexican American, and a Colombian friend will be backpacking through Brazil and later to Argentina in the coming months and we would love to see some of the wonderful trails you and others have experienced. Obviously, because of our backgrounds we both speak fluent Spanish and have years of backpacking, hiking and bushcrafting experience. This is something I look forward to with the uptmost energy and so will eagerly await the track files to begin further in-depth planning. Thank you for your time. Until next time!<br /> <br /> *'''blissfulmisgivings''' Hi Jan, Thank you for providing so much detailed and helpful information about the GPT! We (two Americans) are excited to try packrafting portions of the GPT beginning in November 2023. The guidance you've provided in the manual has already been invaluable to our preparations, and we look forward to reviewing and using the GPT track files in our journey. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> *'''YannickCOLL''' Hi Jan, Thank you very much for your work and your dedication to the GPT. We are immersing in the GPT universe with pleasure and a growing sense of adventure. We are a couple (French and Belgian) and we’re looking to hike some sections of the GPT between mid-November 2023 until April 2024 (Sections: 1-12 / 16 / 19 / 32-40). These are the sections that we selected so far and that we are more attracted to, knowing that of course it can change. We were wondering if you could grant us access to the GPS tracks in order for us to prepare for the GPT. We understand that this is an unofficial trail and that it is still a work in progress and we are eager to help in any way we can to continue to build this ‘trail’. Nolwenn &amp; Yannick<br /> <br /> *'''daniel.s''' Hi Jan, amazing work with the Hiker's Manual! I hope to meet some of you on the trail next season. I'm planning to do some of the packrafting sections starting at GPT 17. The track files would be very helpful to make it an unforgettable experience. Greetings from Austria, Daniel <br /> <br /> *'''hevike''' Hello fellow hiking community, I'm Jens from Germany looking into hiking sections of the GPT this November until the end of February. Thanks for the amazing work you all have put into this project and I'm looking forward to contribute myself.<br /> <br /> *'''MartinGilles''' Hola Jan, soy Martin de Belgica y estoy planeando hacer una parte del GPT al principio de noviembre hasta el 20 de diciembre. Me gustaria tener the GPS tracks para organisarme y ver lo que me conviene mas. Muchas gracias por lo que hiciste y para permitir la exploracion de esta parte del mundo. Un placer, Martin.<br /> <br /> *'''Marc Altena''' Hi Jan, thanks for all your hard work exploring the hidden trails of Patagonia. I'm hoping to do sections 6 to 10, 16 to 22 and 32 to 40 early next year. The GPS tracks would be helpful. Tanks in advance for sending them. Kind regards, Marc<br /> <br /> *'''Lorenzo''' Hi Jan, I don't have specific plans concerning the GPT yet, but that might change soon. After the reading the first 300 pages of your guidebook it seems to me like a real challenge and an unforgettable experience at the same time. I'll call it a dream to hike at least parts of it, and extensive planning is the first step to make your dreams come true.<br /> <br /> *'''Joscha97''' Hi Jan, I gonna travel to Chile in the beginning of next year and I am really fascinated by the idea of the GPT. I would love to hike some parts of it, starting in Santiago. Thanks for all the work you put into this project. Greetings<br /> <br /> *'''Larix84''' Hello Jan, he hablado contigo con whatsapp hace 2 semanas Mi proyecto de trail para el ano que viene se confirma, un saludo'''<br /> <br /> *'''Noemie''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for making us discover those incredible paths and landscapes in an ethical way. I have been hiking in Chilean Patagonia for a few months now and I wish to keep discovering the region more deeply by hiking through a few sections of the GPT, especially GPT36H (ruta de los Pioneros). Depending on how this goes, and on the weather conditions, I may try to go further north around sections 08-09. Thanks for all your work, the resources you provided have been super helpful!<br /> <br /> *'''TheRebel''' Hey Jan thanks for the big package of information you provide with tha website/pdf I'm in Argentina since 3 months and hiked many km in the official and more marked areas (bariloche, bolson, esquel, el Chaltén, El Calafate, Ushuaia and more) and now I'm on the way back north and wanna end up in Bolivia or maybe even Columbia in the next 6 months... I've heard about your site from a Canadian guy who did some sections more north and I thought it would be nice to do some more trails in a little more remote areas on my way north<br /> Greatings TheRebel<br /> <br /> *'''Jen''' Hi Jan and so, so many thanks for all the incredible work you have done here. I am currently in Peru and planning to fly south to begin the beginning of GPT01 in the next few weeks and see how long I can walk for before things become too off season. I will halt and recommence when the season comes back in. If I manage to journey to Punta Arenas in the end, whenever this might be, then I am happy! Thank you, Jen. <br /> <br /> *'''Ollie''' Hello Jan. I am from Wales and currently is<br /> Brazil after sailing here from Europe. My plan is to work my way towards southern Argentina where I will stop and work for a while. Hopefully improving my Spanish, get to know the culture more and spend my weekends in the mountains to prepare. The idea is to start from Tierra Del Fuego, head north and just take it step by step. The manual has been a great read thank you for being so thorough. Love it. Cheers.<br /> <br /> *'''Silke &amp; Hans''' Hello, We are a Belgian couple currently on a multiyear bikepacking, trekking &amp; mountaineering trip through South-America. We'd been looking forward to do some sections of the GPT for a long time. We are currently in Chile Chico, and planning to do the GPT35 section. We probably want to do some more sections further South.<br /> <br /> *'''Jakub+Veronika''' Hi Jan, we're a couple from Czechia, currently almost one month in Chile getting to know the country, it's history and it's people's culture. We'd like to hike some parts of the GPT south from Puerto Montt, where we are based right now. Thanks for this awesome work!<br /> <br /> *'''Alan''' Hola Jan! I'm Alan from California. I'm interested in doing GPT32 and GPT33H. Thanks for all the resources you have provided so far!<br /> <br /> *'''Diegoara''' Hi! My name is Diego and I am from Chile and I'm interested in the GPT to do de GPT18 &amp; GPT19, i would be a little more than a week, i think that is amazing the work that you do making this GPT in my country.Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Jess&amp;Paco''' Hey Jan ! We are from France and we would love to hike the GPT between march and april 2023. We plan to connect a few sections in the great lakes region (between section GPT45 and GPT35, south to north) for about a month. And if the weather is favorable, we would explore in april a little bit of the nothern parts of the GPT (volcanos region) but without necessarily connecting steps, while being around for a workaway. Thanks a lot for all this work !<br /> <br /> *'''blklb''' Hi Jan! I'll be leaving for Chile in a few days and would like to do bits and pieces of the sections between Curico and Conaripe, perhaps farther south. I'll be combining trekking with time spent in towns/cities. This is going to be a leisurely exploration of the GPT, with the possiblity of a longer GPT-specific trip in the future. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Joachim''' Holà Jan! I'm Joachim from France. I'm coming to Chile in a few weeks, and found your website with a lot of valuable informations on this beautiful itinerary! I don't have a fixed plan yet but my idea is to start around Santiago and go South until winter begins. I'd love to get a hand on those gpx files to help me plan properly, I'll be happy to share feedback when coming home. Many thanks for all the work you put in!<br /> <br /> *'''Johnny1968''' Hi Jan! We are a couple from Italy and want to to start mid february 2023 from Santiago for the GPT. We have 2 months of time and want to see how far we get, without hurry, soaking up nature and culture. Thanks for the manual and creating the track files, great respect for the ethics!<br /> <br /> *'''derameisenbaer''' Hi, two people from Germany. We'll be hiking part of the GPT (GPT06-GPT12) in February. If there's time left we might be able to hike part of the more southern sections as well. Really looking forward to it and really aprreciate the great work on this page and the Hikers Manual! <br /> <br /> *'''ebse''' Hello, I'm Ed from England. Would love to help contribute to this mammoth project by hopefully walking GPT01 - GPT20ish in late 2023. Looks like a remarkable experience all round; I'd be very grateful to be part of it. <br /> <br /> *'''Martio''' Saludos, soy Martial ! landing on jan. 14th for a 2 month journey into Chilean natural wonders. I plan to hike a selection of northern GPT sections between 1 and 22. Plans purposely open for this first experience and can't wait to get involved in the community. Ps: Jan, you rock !<br /> <br /> *'''Clemgbl''' I'm Clement from France. Currently hiking in Chile from month, I would like to continue my trek on the GPT next month (january and February 2023). I plan to start in Coyhaique and hike until El Chalten (GPT 31 to GPT 40).<br /> <br /> *'''Jcoxxx''' I'm Jeff from Alaska. Hopefully I'll be hiking and packrafting section 17 to 39, starting this January. I'm really excited to be a part of this project and share my trackfiles. <br /> <br /> *'''Eleebeatriz''' Hi, I'm Elena from Chile. On the 27th of this month we are going to carry out the Gpt7, we will enter through the &quot;Puente Ingles&quot; , in San Fabian de Alico, up to the Polcura mountain range, in Antuco. Greetings and I hope in January I will be editing what I have done to share it with you! <br /> <br /> *'''MarcGPT''' Hola! Last year while hiking around Cochrane, I learned about the GPT. Looking forward to return and contribute to the GPT manual.<br /> <br /> *'''Franzz''' Hi! I'm Franzz from Switzerland. I'm planning to thru-hike my own version of the GPT next year. Using your tracking files would be a great help planning the itinerary :) I would be more than happy to share back my own track files and experiences once I'm back.<br /> <br /> *'''Nicktravels_''' Hey mate, I'm Nick - i'm planning on a hike/packraft of mumtiple segments with my three amigos. Leave only footprints is a big part of our travelling philosophy and I have a lot of respect for the ethos you carry through the information provided. <br /> <br /> *'''Timo''' Hi, I'm Timothée. I'm French but also from Munich Germany! I plan on being in Chile beginning of next year and on doing someof the sections (probably 6-22, 32-40 more or less). I'm super impressed by all the gathered and explained documentations and advices form the Manual and would love to contribute ! <br /> <br /> *'''zozo''' Hi, my name is Zohar. I'm from Israel and plan on doing some trekking in Patagonia in January 2023. planning to do parts of the GPT from south to north starting at section 46. <br /> <br /> *'''florianluca''' Hi, my name is Florian. I'm from Germany and plan on doing some trekking in Chile at the Beginning of next year (2023). I appreciate the work that went into this project and would like to use some of it for planning some of our tour. <br /> <br /> *'''willcampbell444''' Hi, I'm Will from Canada. I'm interested in hiking some of the trail as I make my way south through Chile! I was thinking of starting at section 6 in mid December, depending on the weather. I really appreciate all the work done putting together the trail, and I hope to contribute with my track files and notes.<br /> <br /> *'''Dallas''' Hi, I´m Dallas, from Berkeley, California, USA. I am interested in planning a trip in early 2023 to explore the beauty of Patagonia and indulge in my passion for slow, human-powered travel. This trip is open-ended and intentionally meandering, and the GPT looks like an excellent basis of exploration. <br /> <br /> *'''Nicopo''' Hi, I´m Nicolás, from Buenos Aires. My girlfriend and I have been hiking in Patagonia for the last few years and we are planning on hiking sections of the GPT from December to February. We are already getting started with our planning and are looking forward to contributing with what we can. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Newt, Birdie, and Possum''' Hi! We are on our way back to Patagonia for the third time. The three of us have hiked in Patagonia and many other places in the world together. We will have 1 month to hike a portion of the GPT, specifically focusing on 33H -38H going northbound. We are inspired by this document and we can't wait to become contributing members of this community. Thank you! <br /> <br /> *'''pgantier''' Hi, I'm Pierre from France. I discovered Chile and South America 5 years ago during an exchange semester and look forward to going back there for a long trip (within the next 5 years for around 12 months). I would love to do some part of the Greater Patagonian trail during this future gap year and I want to prepare well it advance to continue to get experience to be ready for this gread adventure !<br /> <br /> *'''Jonny6k''' Hi, im planning on hiking some sections of the GPT from late December until March (or until i get tired!) I am planning on sections 6-22, but nothing is certain yet. I hope to add to the track files and contribute with some notes regarding the trails. i look forward to arriving in chile! Jonny<br /> <br /> *'''felagund''' Hello, I would like to hike the GPT in December-February, from Santiago till as far as I can get and as long as a I enjoy it. So I would be interested in the trackfiles from 1 till about 40, even though I probably won't reach that far. I am a contributor to OSM so I was thinking that would be my main form of contribution, though I would not want to put paths that are disputed there of course. Tomas<br /> <br /> *'''Arnaudlacoste''' Hello Jan! I have been a big fan of the GPT for some years now. I just moved back to Chile after living for the past 8 years in Europe and would love to discover a few sections of the GPT. I will be settling in Araucania region so I would love to have access to the track files and plan which sections I will immerge myself into. I hope I can also contribute to it and meet some of the community in the following months/years. Thanks you and the community for this marvelous work! Cheers, Arnaud. <br /> <br /> *&quot;ChristopherT&quot;Hello! Christopher from Austria here. My girlfriend Anna from Germany and I are planning to do the gpt. We are still trying to figure out which sections we would like to trek.We definetly want to explore and hike in Feuerland though.We would very much appreciate the track files to help us with our decision and on our journey. I hope we can contribute a bit as well. Thank you!<br /> Cheers,<br /> Christopher and Anna<br /> <br /> * '''Matous'''Hi everyone! Here Matous and Johana. Couple from Czechia. We are planning to hike some sections on GPT at the beginning of next year. We are interested in GPT06 - 22. The track files would be great help in planning. And thank you for amazing work. We´ll be happy to contribute.<br /> <br /> * '''guilhermealexs''' Hi! Guilherme Alexsander here from Brazil. Me and some friends are planning to walk some parts of the GPT. We are currently interested in the Los Quenes - Central Cipreces section. I'd like to get the track files to help us with planning. Thanks! <br /> <br /> *&quot;nmakepeace&quot; Hello everyone, Natalie here from Canada, thank you to Jan and everyone for their contributions! My plan is to hike southbound on the GPT starting at Termas del Flaco (connect@ GPT05) because I want to do some specific mountains in Central Chile first. I may also look into connecting Volcán Maipo to coya. To make this all easier and more safe I would be not only grateful for the GPS files but honored! Start: mid/late December until begining of March. Hope to hear tales from you all soon! <br /> <br /> * '''rom1dwker''' My girlfriend and I will cycle southward patagonian roads and ripio from mid december 22 to mid february 23, and we plan to maybe hike some sections of the GPT, especially the ones in Jenimeini where we have already been a few years ago, dependind on how everything goes with the cycling and and the roads we will actually take.<br /> <br /> * '''gornik''' Me and my grilfriend Gabi would like to hike on GPT from January till March 2023. We are on a gap year after our studies, and during that time we would love to enjoy the wilderness of Patagonia. We are planning to first do some singular sections and after gaining some knowledge and experience in Patatagonia hiking, we would like to do some longer distances. We are also exited to combine it with hitchhiking to minimalize environmental impact. <br /> <br /> * '''hannahp24''' My partner Eric &amp; I will hike GPT 32-36 in Dec-Jan 2022/2023. Excited to explore new places and give guidance to what we find here.<br /> <br /> * '''Jmcantin''' Hi Jan, thanks for the hard work in this awesome guide! I am planning a Southbound hike of the GPT from Santiago de Chile in January 2023 for a couple of months. I would love to have the track files to properly plan my route. Thank you for your help :)<br /> <br /> * ''' bforselv''' Hello guys, my wife and I live north of the Artic Circle in Norway and we are planing to go to Chile for hiking January and February. We want to do sections of the GPT.<br /> <br /> * ''' Ishaysachs(Ishay)''' Hello Jan! Ishay from Israel here. Just finished the PCT and looking forward to do some sections of the GPT this January-March. Would love to get access to the files in order to plan my route (: thank you for putting so much effort into this. That's an incredible project and I can't wait to start hiking and share the journey with this great community.<br /> <br /> *''' greenh3624 (Helen and Craig)''' Hello Hello Jan. Thank you so much for providing all this incredible information from the manual, we are both super grateful and are looking forward to contributing. Looking in to sections GPT 16- 05/06 for 2023 and hopefully some southern route sections from there. Just a quick comment to request track files. Your manual is incredible by the way. Mil gracias! <br /> <br /> * ''' Christophe (Alex &amp; Christophe)''' Hi Jan! Thanks a lot for all this informations and for your work. We are now travelling in south America with our van and are planning to sell it and start to hike the GPT in December 2023 for 2 or 3 month. This track files would help us a lot to plan this incredible adventure.<br /> <br /> *'''miguelvdvelden (Miguel)''' Hola Jan! I’m in awe of everything you’ve put together for the GPT. It’s so comprehensive and as a sustainability student I am grateful for the focus on both the environmental and social sustainability of the region and its communities. I am hoping to hike or packraft a part of the GPT over six weeks or so in Jan-Feb 2023. I am in full planning mode now, hence my request here. Muchas gracias por todo. Abrazo.<br /> <br /> *'''nico142857''' Hola Jan! Hace un tiempo habia leido parte del manual y veo que ahora esta actualizado. Desde ese momento que quede maravillado con la rigurosidad de tu trabajo y lo sigo haciendo ahora. Me suscribo a esta lista para poder obtener los track files, pues me interesa recorrer algunas secciones en las proximas vacaciones de verano 2022/2023. Estare muy agradecido si lo puedes mandar. Saludos desde Chile!. nicolas.<br /> <br /> *'''Lore Olivares''' Hola Jan, gracias por compartir esta valiosa información. Soy de Chile y junto a mi amigo queremos hacer la parte norte del GPT desde Santiago. Te agradeceré mucho si nos puedes compartir los datos GPX. Muchas gracias de antemano.<br /> *'''annéesympathique;) (Rémy D.)''' Hi guys, I‘m a student from Belgium and I plan to walk the GPT from december to march. That’s why having the GPX track files would help me realize this project. A big respect about all the work behind the GPT.<br /> * ''' TOBEL ''' Congratulations to the GPT Hikers Manual. I am from Germany and a bit older then the most here. This year I will hike some parts of the GPT, so I would like to get the gpx files.<br /> <br /> * ''' Michaelstabile (Mike &amp; Avery) Hi, Thanks for compiling all of this information. We are Backpacking and Pack rafting Guides in Alaska. We are planning to start in 2023 and Continue through all the way back to Alaska. Hiking, bike packing, Packrafting and sea kayaking. Having this track files would be incredible for us helping with planning for this section of our journey.<br /> <br /> * ''' Martin&amp;Helena (Martin.h)''' Hello guys! Thanks for the amazing work you’re doing with the GPT. We are a couple from Prague, Czech republic, planning to start hiking from the beginning of December, most likely until the end of March. We would use the track files for planning our hike and navigation. Thank you, Martin&amp;Helena<br /> <br /> * '''EDAWILSON (Ed)''' Hello! We are a couple from Scotland who are heading to Patagonia for a couple of months hiking this October/ November, and we are looking to incorporate some elements of the GPT into our trip. 2022 conditions permitting, we will likely explore some sections of the Fjord route; as well as Glacier Chica to El Chaltén; and fingers crossed some sections south of here. I would love to overlay the track files over GE for a better planning experience. We love the spirit of the community you are building here! Great work!<br /> <br /> * '''Ridgepathpictures (Jani)''' Hi! Myself and a couple of friends are planning a packrafting trip in Patagonia at the start of 2023. We will be dipping in and out of the regular packrafting route, so sections 17 to 39. The aid of the track files would be greatly appreciated. I'm honestly astounded by the work you have put into this trail, it's truly very inspiring.<br /> <br /> * '''Slingshot (Jeremy)''' Hi! My soon to be wife and I are planning a 3 month trek from GPT05 southbound and would greatly benefit from the GPT track files. Thank you so much for your hikers manual and for providing access to these files. It has already greatly benefited us.<br /> <br /> * '''Alexis (dm) &amp; Iris''' Hello! We are a 29/28 years old couple from France and are starting a sabbatical in South America for a year in December. We are landing in Puntas Arenas and would like to hike our way, on the GPT or not, through Chile up to the Ecuador. To better plan our trip, we would like to access the GPT track files and are obviously willing to contribute to the initiative. Many thanks. <br /> <br /> *'''Max''': Hello, I am from Germany and I really like to hike. Next year, I plan to hike from Santiago de Chile all the way down to Ushuaia with a Packraft. To do that, I would like to get the gpx files, so I can choose from the routes. Thank you for all of this.<br /> <br /> *'''Ted''': Hi guys, I'm a 33 year old austrian guy and I plan to hike a few sections of the GPT in October and November. it would be great if i could have the gpx data so i can plan the routes better. great community<br /> <br /> *'''Chris and Tara''': Hello!!! We are husband and wife, being 33 and 26 years old respectively. We plan to walk from Barilloche to Santiago incorporating large sections of the GPT. There are no fixed plans for sections and times, just to fully immerse our selves in Patagonia, it’s people and way of life. Thank you and all those who have contributes for your incredible work so far, I look forward to being able to contribute for others to enjoy! <br /> <br /> **'''Wannes''': Hello, I'm a 31 year old belgian who plans a two week trek/run in the beginning of November. I would love to do a part of the GPT. Could I receive the gpt tracks to decide which part would be ok to do? Kind regards. Wonderfull work!<br /> <br /> *'''Yannic &amp; Mirjam''': Hello together. We are Yannic and Mirjam and since one year on a world trip. We plan to spend a few months in Patagonia next and hike parts of the GPT. Which parts exactly we are currently still working out. Would it be possible to get the GPS tracks? Thank you for you incredible work !<br /> <br /> *'''AdriKunz''': Hello, first of all, a huge thank for all your amazing work. I am so grateful for this sharing which will allow me I hope to live a unique experience. I'm a actually working in French Guyana, but were looking for an immersive hick before living this continent. I finally came across this extraordinary adventure, which I think corresponds to me in every way. I plan to try the GTP from Santiago to part 14 or 15 of the GPT in a month and a week. I intend to start the hike in mid november. May i aske you the GPT track of thoses parts ?<br /> <br /> *'''Avisito''': Finally going for it - December 2022! Plan to start at GPT05 and go south for several weeks - would love to start exploring the GPS track files. Thanks!!!!!!!!!! <br /> <br /> *'''Veronica''': Hello, I am Canadian and will be spending six months in South America from October 2022 to March 2023. While I am there I would love to spend a few of these months hiking various portions of the GPT, which is why I would love to obtain the GPS track files. Thank you so much for all this work and to all those who have compiled all this information. I am very much appreciative of all of this! <br /> <br /> *'''Andes et Tentes''': Hello, we are 3 french students taking a year off to explore South America. We are planning to explore Patagonia between February and April 2023 by hiking on some specific sections of the GPT. That's why we are asking for the GPS tracks. Many thanks for the huge work achieved ! It is impressively detailed and complete !<br /> <br /> *'''ondra''': Hello! My name is Ondrej and I am from the Czech Republic. I have been reading about Jan's and others' experiences on the GPT for the past two years. I will finally have a chance to walk a part of the trail myself in January - March 2023. I am adding myself to the list to kindly request the track files. Thank you Jan for putting this together.<br /> <br /> *'''Mat''': Hi! from France. I’m planning a few months hiking trip to discover south America. I’ll most probably walk parts of the Gpt (as much as I can). I would be grateful to receive the necessary gpx files. Thank you for the this very huge and inspiring work. <br /> <br /> *'''Alice &amp; Florian''': Hola! We are Alice &amp; Florian, a french couple who love hiking. We who will travel in South America and especially in Chile in September and October this year (2022), and we read about the GPT and some blogs, which really peaked our interest. Our project is to walk going south along the GPT for about a month, somewhere between September and November. After reading the hiker's manual, we came here in order to do access the GPX files and prepare deeper our project. Muchas Gracias para todo este trabalho. <br /> <br /> *'''Thomas - Chilzin, Brah!''': Hola! I'm a thru hiker planning to do a large part of the GPT mostly continuously before heading north on a huge trip to explore South America. I really appreciate this resource and will do my best to contribute before and while I'm on trail. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Aneso''': Hola! I'm Aneso, a French woman who loves hiking. I heard about the GPT while doing research following my plan to go to South America for 1 year.<br /> My project on the GPT being to leave from the south in the direction of the north, over a period of 1 month (or even a little more) from January 2023.<br /> In my research I am missing the exact GPX files for my GPS.<br /> Thank you in advance and congratulations again for all the work provided and to which we have access.<br /> <br /> *'''Ariane''': Hola! I'm French and I will be hiking in Patagonia in April (and perhaps May); my plans are not yet well defined but I'd like to follow parts of the GPT on my way northward. Thanks for your super useful work!<br /> <br /> *'''OriolGirona''': Hola! I'm from Barcelona but living at nearby Girona. Love hiking and cycling, being my longer tours so far between 4 and 6 weeks on the trail. I hear about the GPT two years ago while looking for new ideas during covid lockdown. I already read the manual a couple of times, and I am thrilled to travel to Santiago next November / December for a couple of month, probably starting from section 1. And at this point of planning I will apreciate to have the GPX tracks to get deeper into this process. Awesome work. Thanks a lot!!!<br /> <br /> *'''JuanchoUgarte''': Hola! I'm a Chilean guy that loves hiking. I hear about the GPT a few years ago. This year while doing the Travesia Cerro Castillo realized that it was part of the GPT and decided to start planning to do it on summer 2023. During 2021 did the GR11 in Spain and want to do something in Chile this time (the GPX tracks would be very useful for all the planning) Probably will start near Parque Inglés. Thanks a lot!!!<br /> <br /> *'''LeanderDc''': Hey hey, we're a crew of 3 hiking-friends from Belgium and Chile. We're planning on walking a part of the GPT starting from around Cochamó till O'Higgins, probably taking some ferries and hitchhikes in between. We're starting to refine our exact route, by reading the manual and analyzing google earth, and would hugely benefit from the exact GPX files. Thanks in advance!<br /> <br /> *'''rowanl''': Hello, I'm an avid hiker from Canada looking to explore trails along the carretera austral especially around Cerro Castillo National Park. I hope to use the track files to help refine my plans. I appreciate all the information provided, Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''meotr''': Hi! I'm a french engineer planning to hike some parts of the main route between mid-february and mid-march during a 3-4 months period in Chile and Argentina. Thank you for you incredible work !<br /> <br /> *'''Sergio''': Hi! I live in Santiago and I'm planning on hiking some of the first GPTs on early February and hopefully some of the southern parts later on. Thank you very much for all the work you have put into this, it's an incredible thing what you have done!!<br /> <br /> *jdhanlon/Jen and Vince''': Hi! I am planning to hike and packraft a number of sections this season, from Jan - March 2022. Thank you for all your efforts and guidance in sharing information about the trail network!<br /> <br /> *'''Gianluca/Cerna_Beltz''': Salve a tutti, Hi!! I'm italian and I'm planning to hike some part of the GPT from the end of january to mars/avril. Thank you so much for all this information and for your attitude!<br /> <br /> *'''José''': Hi!!. I'm chilean and im planning to hike the GPT05 - 22 southbound. I would really apreciate to have access to the track files. Thank you so much for doing this, its awesome!<br /> <br /> *'''Carlos and Ivan''': Hellow. We'll be in Chile in january and february. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike. Thank you for your great work!<br /> <br /> *'''Mariia and Misha''': Hi! We are two Russian flying to Argentina in end of December. Fully equipped for packrafting. Planed start January 5, 2022 from Lago Puelo southbound. Sections: 1. GPT23-25P Rio Frey and Lago Amutui Quimei. 2. Then flying to Chile and resume GPT26-28P 3. GPT30P-32 4. GPT33H-35 5. GPT36P 6. 36H Northbound. End before March 25. I would be very greatful for the track files. Thank you so much for your awesome guide and work!<br /> <br /> *'''Mawel''': Hello, I'm planning to hike the GPT or at least a part of it. Idealy, I'd like to start from Ushuaïa and travelling up north along the cordilliera. Anything concrete yet but I'm sure the track files will be very helpful to prepare this journey as best as I can.<br /> <br /> *'''Alexey''': I will start my trip on 29.11.2021 from Lago Todos Los Santos to the North, until Lago Ranco.<br /> <br /> *'''Matthias&amp;Janna''': We will hike parts of the GPT in december - february. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike. Thanks for the enormous work done! <br /> <br /> *'''Franck''': I will hike parts of the GPT with a friend in december and january, we're interested in GPT05 to 12, 19 to 22 and 32 to 36. Thanks for the great work !! Can't wait to put my shoes on : D<br /> <br /> *'''Nathaniel''': I will be in Chile for a few months starting in December 2021. I am considering packrafting in the vicinity of the Western Fjord Traverse (GPT90P-GPT92P) as well as hiking/packrafting a section of the main route of the GPT in Zones H and I (possibly including GPT32-40).<br /> <br /> *'''Laurent and Maxime''': Hi there! We are two Canadians flying to Chile in January. We are fully equiped with lightweight equipment for packrafting, endure all sorts of weather and accomplish a great trip on the greater patagonian trail! We have 3 months to travel and we are very grateful of all the precious information you offer us ! Thank you very much !<br /> <br /> *'''Rebeca y Cristián''': Buenas tardes Jan! Estuvimos conociendo distintos lugares de la décima región desde inicios del 2021, &quot;aprovechando&quot; las cuarentenas. Ahora estamos planeando un viaje más largo, el cual incluye packraft. Nos encantaría acceder a los archivos para planificar mejor. Desde ya, muy agradecidos. <br /> <br /> *'''David Batguano''': Good day all. I am heading to Chile at the end of November 2021 to get some hiking in, obviously. Fist I am completing the O circuit at Torres del Paine, then will hopefully complete some of the easier sections of the GPT(I do not wish to bushwack or prove a point). I have no time constraints and will just go where I wish at a leisurely pace. I am on page 400 of the hikers manual working on routing. Though difficult, Jan's work so far is an unbelievable resource. <br /> <br /> *'''Vera &amp; James''': Hi all! We are planning to head over to Chile for 3 months Jan - Mar 2022 and plan to hike on the GPT. Planning is ongoing but current thinking is start at Puyehue and work north. The main motivation is to be in the mountains/wilderness for a period of time. The manual is an incredible resource! Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Tobias''': Hi Jan, I'm flying into Chile on the 1 of November. My plan is to hike southwards from Frutillar to El Chaltén and visit Schools along the way. I would be very greatful for the track files GPT 22-40. Thank you so much for your amazing work!<br /> <br /> *'''Kris&amp;Stiina''': Greetings, we are going to Chile in November and we plan to hike some sections of the GPT. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike and logistics. Thanks for the enormous work done! <br /> <br /> *'''Helmut and Beatrice''': Hi JAN, we are planning to spend two months in Patagonia at the beginning of next year. We want to hike around 1000 km and the tracking data would be a great help for us to choose appropriate sections and plan our hiking adventure. High praise for the great manual!<br /> <br /> *'''HolKann &amp; Peanutje''': Hey all, we're planning to visit Chile in January 2022, and hope to hike parts of the GPT for the better part of (at least) 3 months. Our most recent hiking experience was the [https://thepindosway.com Pindos way] in Greece, which consisted of finding &quot;the shadow of an old mule path&quot; to get up or down a mountain ridge, which taught us how to handle packs of angry shepherd dogs, and which forced on us a crash course in rudimentary Greek (as we would have gone hungry otherwise). We hope to get to know Patagonia and its people in the same way, except that our Spanish skills should be a bit better.<br /> <br /> *'''Stephan''': Hi folks, Hi Jan, i'm planning to do the GPT 22,Lago todos los santos, from Petrohue to Cochamo, hiking and packrafting. I have planned to go on October 2021. Thanks for the great work!<br /> *'''Stéphane''': Hi folks, Hi Jan, planing a trail trip next summer in Patagonia walking from Villa Cerro Castillo to Villa o Higgins. Could you please Jan send mi the track files beetween Villa Cerro Castillo and Pto Ibanez passing through Torres el Avellano ? GPT33H. Thx a lot and long life to yout project ! Hug<br /> <br /> *'''Martin and Kim''': Hi, we are planning to spend two oder three months next year in Patagonia. We want to hike round about 1200 km there and the track file would be very helpful to choose sections and plan our adventure. Thanks for the great manual!<br /> <br /> *'''Vicente''': Hi, I'm planning on doing the GPT this spring of 2021, I've done other long trails through Patagonia so I want to take it to the next level. I believe this trail has a great potential to become an icon for my country and its beautiful mountains. I need the track files to prepare the adventure.<br /> <br /> *'''Marc''' : We are two guys from Denmark who are hoping to spend a couple of months on the GPT, if possible we will begin this december. We are eager to get our hands on the track files to help us plan which sections to hike. We have a great amount of respect for all the work you have done to make this adventure possible!<br /> <br /> *'''Simoncashyt''' : Me and my friend are Planning to spend 2.5 months in the area this December. Hoping to get this Track file and review the trail in gis with other historic route databases to really understand the sections topography, climates and route options to explore off the track file. <br /> <br /> *'''Bastian Klein''' : I am a university student from Germany and currently only have vague plans for my hike. With the Covid situation still going on its still to be determined when I will actually get to go hiking, but I think the track files will help me a lot with planing. Greatly appreciate the work done on the GPT manual !.<br /> <br /> *'''Tim''' : We are a couple from Germany and around new year we plan to spend a few weeks in the area around GPT05 to GTP07. If possible we might return some time to see southern patagonia as well for multiple months.<br /> <br /> *'''Léo''' : I plan to travel one year in Chile from sept 2021 ; I want to start from Puertomontt to reach Santiago (in a whole year, so taking my time), and hike some sections of the GPT ! I have not chosen which exacts sections yet.<br /> <br /> *'''Nadfero''': Mi plan is to divide the route in two or three sections, and hike it in the 2021-2022-2023 summers. Obviously it all depends on the covid situation. There is no harm in planning!<br /> <br /> *'''Cristóbal''': Estoy aprovechando la cuarentena para estudiar la ruta y comenzar a hacer tramos en la medida que se levanten las restricciones sanitarias este 2021 y 2022.<br /> <br /> *'''Jo and Ty''': We are a couple planning to trekk for 3 months or so on the GPT. 2021/2022 depends on Covid 19 situation. Propably starting somewhere at GPT08. We are still in the beginning of planning. We require the track files for a lot of planning and for navigating on the trek it self. We are pretty excited!<br /> <br /> *'''Molly og Melissa''': We are two friends, from Denmark. We plan to hike most parts of group B, C and D in December 2021 - February 2022<br /> <br /> *'''Patagonico''': Years ago i did the ruta de los pioneros now i would like to complete the GPT in the next few years.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Les Amériques au fil de l'eau''': We are a french couple, planning to use the trail from Puerto Montt to Santiago in 2021-2022 and to realize two short documentary films about wetlands and about the women of America<br /> *'''O Bicho Geográfico''': Para fines de investigación científica, Abril de 2021.<br /> *'''Max Nemeth''': November to Mid-March 21/22, sections to be determined. Thank you for the amazing work on this route!<br /> *'''Memo mcrash''': GPT10 and GPT11. I plan to do it in March with some friends. We are very grateful for the work you have done. Thank you! Guillermo.<br /> *'''nico142857''': GPT01 and GPT02. Im planning to hike these 2 sections on March, and gpx's routes surely will help a lot. Thanks!<br /> *'''MauricioDM''': I am planning to hike the whole trail in parts, but I am not sure where to begin, the GPX will help . Thanks. <br /> *'''Nico busch''': GPT33H. Planning on doing the Torres del Avellano hike. Thanks. <br /> *'''Bjornsether''': GPT 01 to 40. I've been planning a long-distance hike in Chile for some time. February-April 2021 might allow me to spend time on the GPT.<br /> *'''AJForno''':, GPT 01 to 40, I live in Chile and have done some sections, and plan to keep exploring, Thank you! Andres <br /> *'''Thom&amp;Miky''': Hi, we are two friends planning to walk from febrary to april 2021 and we will try to reach from south to north the GPT 14 to GPT 01. Thank you! Thomas and Michael <br /> <br /> *'''WhatDoesMyHeartTellMe''': I am very much interested in GPT 01 to 40. I plan to trek in 2021-2022. This endeavor requires a tremendous amount of planning. I hope you can grant me the track files. Thanks very much!<br /> <br /> *'''Tom Corbett''': Januray 2021, hiking and packrafting sections of GPT 26 to GPT 33.<br /> <br /> *'''Rperezdearce ''': Hi, With my girlfriend we will leave the first days of Nov 2020 from Santiago with the intention of reaching GPT12, then we will try to continue further south.<br /> <br /> *'''Tobi &amp; Fang''': Hiking and potentially packrafting in the &lt;s&gt;2021/2022, 2022/2023&lt;/s&gt; 2023/2024 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Freek van Keulen (Freek)''': Plan to hike 2021-2022 season, starting preparations and research now<br /> <br /> *'''Joaquin Munoz (jqnmunozdiaz)''': Plan to hike sections GPT32-40 southbound on summer 2020-2021 if covid allows. I will likely hike some northern sections as well.<br /> <br /> *'''Quamen''': I am dreaming to hike the GPT01-16 and to hiking/packrafting GPT17-40 southbound this austral summer 2020-2021 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Frambues''': Starting at the end of 2020 if Covid lets. Not sure yet which part to do in one season, but probably start in Santiago.<br /> <br /> *'''Ferdinand''': Hi, Ferdinand from germany, I'd like to hike southbound starting from GPT 05 from Dec 2020 - Apr 2021 and see how far I can get. The GPS files would help a lot planning everything more in detail, thanks!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Víctor Valenzuela''': GTP 05-19: Planning on starting end of 2021 with GPT 05-19 and further on. Got one season to explore the GPT.<br /> <br /> *'''Isaac Garza (Try431)''': Planning to hike southbound GPT season from ~December 2020 through ~March/April 2021 (weather/COVID permitting). At the moment, planning to do GPT17P - GPT39, and track files will be very helpful in planning out in more detail :)<br /> <br /> *'''Pipers''': Hi, I'm from Valdivia, chile, and I am planning to hike or ride in my bike the closest parts of the route, as soon as coronavirus lockdown finishes<br /> <br /> *'''Patagoniandreams''': Planning to hike the standard route soundbound, starting at GPT10 until GPT23 and looping back nordbound via the Huella Andina. Due to the Corona crisis we postpone this endeavour to the 2021-2022 season. The hike will be done in family. We will have a 6 year old girl and a 3 year old boy with us. We have 4 months. We have been doing GPT sections back in 2008 - 2010 - 2013.<br /> <br /> *'''Olivier1''': Planning to hike the standard route northbound, starting at GPT 40 for the 2021-2022 season.<br /> <br /> *'''David Brophy (d.brophy)''': Planning to hike the standard route GPT01-GPT40 over two seasons starting as soon as COVID permits. Will use a pack-raft for the second season.<br /> <br /> *'''Peter Mican (ElCondor)''': Planning to hike the GPT in 2020/2021, starting at section 01 and hike as far south as I can, depending on the weather and situations on the track. I am planning to go solo but would be happy to join with a fellow hiker(s) ;-)<br /> <br /> *'''jojohoughton''': Planning on hiking/packrafting southbound to section 40, starting either from section 1 or section 13 depending on the conditions. Will be exploring the GPT for the summer 2020-2021 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Leonhard''': GTP 1-16: Planning on starting end of 2021 with GPT 1-16 and further on. Got one season to explore the GPT.<br /> <br /> *'''Aligator''': GTP 40 to GPT32: Plannning to explore that part of the GPT in February (from 03/02) and March (flexible) with my girlfriend (we both live in Santiago). Thank you for the incredible work you've achieved gathering and updating all those information!<br /> <br /> *'''ConnyPflaume''': GTP 14 &amp; 15 or the area between lago Conguillo and Lago Tinquilco. We will start this weekend, 11.1.20 - would be nice we could be supplied with the map so shorthanded.<br /> <br /> *'''felixrulz''': Will be in the Andes for around 4 months. Have already completed 3 sections, but looking to do more. Joined specifically for the Puyehue section (GPT 19)<br /> <br /> *'''Kelly Swanson''': I plan to solo trek starting at GPT06 in January 2020, continuing till mid March.<br /> <br /> *'''phil ro''': i will start in coihayque in mid-january and will head south for more than 4 weeks with a packraft.<br /> <br /> *'''johannsteffen''': Going to make a backpack trip starting in February on Ushuaya and going to Bariloche in June.<br /> <br /> *'''Claudio Miranda''': Starting from Santiago in January 2020 until April, planing to arrive at least to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> *'''Trinity''': Travelling to SA for 2 years and plan exploring Patagonia.<br /> <br /> *'''pirre''': Starting in January 2020 on GPT32 and planning to hike south for 6-8 weeks. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Shn0rhelez''': Hi,I am Anton from Sofia,Bulgaria...me and my girlfriend are starting from sec6 in the middle of January...we have around four months...thank you for your remarkable work!!!<br /> <br /> *'''Gatodelmonte''': Starting on 2 January from Santiago, planning to hike South for about 45 days &amp; exit near Pucon (sections 1 to 15)<br /> <br /> *'''Fedepatagon''': Like to pack raft on the area between Bariloche-Osorno and P.N Los Alerces<br /> <br /> *'''Vincent Paquet''': My girlfriend and I are planning to spend 3 weeks walking from december 18 2019 to Jan 10 2020. We're still selecting the exact sections. Cheers!!<br /> <br /> *'''Tmattson425''': Plan for this year is to solo trek sections 1 through 19 (southbound) starting in mid-January 2020. I'm an American expat living in Buenos Aires and plan on returning in following seasons to complete the GPT, try packrafting, and explore alternate routes. Extremely excited an grateful that this trek is possible. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''SalomeS''': Planning for a 6 month trip with my husband starting in Nov/Dec 2020. Planning to hike the sections 40 to 16. We would be incredibly grateful to receive the gps track files. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Ianhikes'''* Leaving for Chile in 1 week and looking to spend a month on GPT hiking southbound.<br /> <br /> *'''zc0rp10''': Hi! Planning and preparing for an extended hike together with two friends from November 2020 - Feb 2021.<br /> <br /> *'''ELLI''': together with a friend we plan to hike the sections of the main route but in opposite direction starting in the area around Lago viedma in first days of January 2020, we have approx. 4 month time<br /> <br /> *'''gorskial''': plan to bike/packraft along the carretera austral from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins with hiking side trips. Jan/feb 2020<br /> <br /> *'''pitney''': Solo hiking GPT sections 6-22 Southbound beginning early January, 2020.<br /> <br /> *'''dirtmonger''': GPT sections 1-24; planning underway for an immersion solo hike ‘20 November to ‘21 February. <br /> <br /> *'''bob451''': Planning on solo hiking 2 or 3 sections of the GPT northbound March/April 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''Mgabenesch''' : Planning on hiking most parts of the GPT, starting in Ushuaïa then going North. I have on year off. Starting Dec 2019<br /> <br /> *'''Family Size''': Planning on hiking parts of the GPT southbound. Starting end of November 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''shaunchurch''': Hope to solo hike/packraft a few sections southbound. Section 15 or 17 in Dec 2019. Then maybe a couple more from among sections 21-31 in Jan and Feb 2020. <br /> <br /> *'''iank''':2 months jan and feb 2020. Hope to hike isla navarino, cirque of huemuls and then cochrane to chile chico. More northerly secions maybe 2021.<br /> <br /> *'''dsmit3000''': Solo hiker planning on hiking GPT40-31 northbound November-January 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''2As''': We plan to walk in Chile and Argentina from mid October 2019 to mid march 2020. We don't have precisely planned our trip but the root of our trip is to go by foot through Patagonia and also discover Chile and his people and culture.<br /> *'''A pat''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT (Need to confirm but we are interesting in sections 08-22 and 35- 40) from January to early March 2020.<br /> *'''Aceestrin''': We'll be exploring for 4 weeks in Los Lagos region December-January. <br /> *'''Andrealopezb''': I plan on doing individual sections for the time being, mostly between Santiago-El Maule <br /> *'''annbrnn''': Heya, a friend and I are planning on hiking several sections of the GPT beginning end of December 2019 and are currently in the process of determining our route.<br /> *'''AlexEdge''': Hi, i am planning to hike the lower sections of this route with a couple friends, possibly febuary 2020. thank you!<br /> *'''Arno507''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT starting fom November/December 2019 till early April 2020.<br /> *'''Birdy ''': I plan to mostly walk from Lake Titicaca to Ushuaia starting November 2019.<br /> *'''David''': Hello!! This is David from Barcelona and I'm planning to walk through the Patagonia for 4 month from January 2020. I would love to do all de GPT, but I'm not sure if it's too ambitious... For sure, I'll try it!! :-) I would really appreciate if you can provide me the gps track files. Many thanks!!<br /> *'''Dubrovskiy''': 2 people, January 2020, Foot hiking southern parts, likely around GPT40-33.<br /> *'''Edwinb''': I will be arriving in Chile in Nov and plan to cherry pick parts of the GPT and mix it with other trekking, basically like I did last year. Always interested in a bit of exploring, providing it doesn't get to extreme!<br /> *'''Hendrik Niehaus''': We arrive in Chile early Oktober 2019. From November until January we plan to be on the GPT. Due to the recommendations of the hikers manual we are mainly interested in section 5-16. However, plans might still change and are not too fixed yet. Thank you in advance!<br /> *'''Herman van Horssen''': We plan to do section 47 to 69 of the GPT in 2020.<br /> *'''johansonst333''': Hi! I am planning the sections 30 - 40 during this hiking season, would be incredibly grateful to have the GPS files for further research and planning. Thank you in advance!<br /> *'''Jose Barros''' Hello !Im jose from Santiago de Chile, i will do the sections from Conquillio national park to Puyehue national park, its aprox. 15 days in January, i think it will be great ! If you can provide the track files i will be very thankfull. <br /> *'''Jose Roman''': Hi, my plan is to several sections by bike or hiking staring September 2019 until Abril 2020.<br /> *'''JUNHUI SON''': Hi, I'm from South Korea, I plan to do section 1 to 40 of the GPT in September 2019 till November.<br /> *'''Kendon''': I cycled Patagonia many year ago and have always wanted to return for an extended walk through this wonderful area. I am in preliminary stages of my planning and thank you for your efforts in providing such a great resource. I am looking at the 2020 summer.<br /> *'''Martín H.I.''': Hello, I´m planning to make an attempt to hike from sections GPT01 to GPT22 this summer from December 2019 to February 2020, still deciding on the exact sections, but southbound is my direction. I´m a chilean 25 year old architect who will humbly try to hike this unique trail. Thank you Jan for the amazing creation.<br /> *'''Martin Lizondo''': I will be hiking southbound from Anticura (GPT20) to El Chaltén (GPT39), between December 2019 and February 2020. It's my second season in the GPT, after hiking from Santiago (GPT01) to Anticura (GPT19) in 2018-2019.<br /> *'''martinahaller''': We will be arriving in Chile in Nov and plan to hike parts of the GPT during the next 6 Month, starting in Santiago.<br /> *'''Maturin''': Hi, I am currently figuring out the details to hike GPT06 to GPT08 from the 27th of December 2019 until mid January. I will be doing the Horseriding tour before. I speak fluent spanish and the idea is to go southbound. Thank you!<br /> *'''Matúš Lašan''': We plan to do as much as possible from December 2019 till March 2020.<br /> *'''msantelli''': Hi, Melissa, plan to trek sections 05-22 taking a chance to start mid-late Nov. of ‘19 may need to backtrack and cut a few sections out, if rivers can’t be ford/crossed-flexible schedule<br /> *'''Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck''': We plan to investigate new packrafting and hiking routes in more remote areas between Puerto Montt and El Chalten without making a single long traverse (GPT21 to GPT40, GPT90P to GPT 92P). We will depart in November 2019 and plan to finish in February 2020. Experienced packrafts may join us for these investigations.<br /> *'''Lauric Olrik''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT starting from November 2019, we have a whole year off.<br /> *'''Lea Geibel''': Hi, my plan is to do several sections of the GPT starting fom October/November 2019 until beginning of January 2020 and need to figure out which ones are suitable for such an early start.<br /> *'''Linda''': Hi, I am planning to hike alone southbound the GPT from beginning of December 2019 to mid-February 2020, probably from GPT06 to GPT22, but I am still studying the routes and the sections. I spoke quite good spanish, at least, it will come back there, practicing ! Thank you !<br /> *'''Oreste Marquis''': Hello, i'm planning to hike sections 06-22 and 32-40 if time allows it. My trip will be from January to Abril 2020.<br /> *'''Sanita Heinz''': We plan to do section 1 to 40 of the GPT in December 2019 till March 2020.<br /> *'''Selma''': We are planning to packraft some sections of the GPT during our stay in Nov/Dez '19<br /> *'''Staci Garcia''': Hello, I am planning on doing several sections of the GPT in 2020. I am still in research on what sections.<br /> *'''TrashPanda''': Hi, we plan to do several sections from the end of November 2019 till February 2020.<br /> *'''tom347''': Hola, I plan to do part of parts 1 to 40 with a friend, starting mid october. We will be hitchhiking the parts that are not recomended in particular months. We will be travelling for aproximately 2 months. Gracias.<br /> *'''Tombartlett''': Hello I am planning on hiking many sections over a three month period from November 2019 to February 2020.<br /> *'''Wanderwood18 ''': We plan to make it to El Chalten/Fitz Roy in one season from Santiago. This means I’ll probably skip recommended sections to skip/do what I need to do to make it. I’m flexible, we will see how it goes. My girlfriend, America, and I are planning on starting around Nov. 10th….<br /> *'''LieberWeiter''' Hi, I do not know yet if I ever dare to walk the GPT but meanwhile I would like to plan therefore!<br /> *'''Jarek Wątroba''' Hey, I will spend several months in Patagonia starting in Jan 2024. The information you provided in the Hiker's Guide is already immensely helpful, but the track files would make planning our route so much easier. Thanks.<br /> *'''Wolke7net''' Hi, could you please send me the track without packrafting. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''''DoloresMonika''''' Hi,my name is Dorota and I am from Poland. I ahve a plan to start from Santiago de Chile at 1 of December 2024. I can pass 4.5 months on the trail . Thanks for preparing this manual and description of trail.<br /> *'''''Randomuser''''' Hi, my name is Victor and my wife and I are planning on spending 3 months in Patagonia starting Jan 25. We are planning on picking some sections to explore and will focus on the land portions, thanks!<br /> <br /> '''wikiexplora'''</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=Greater_Patagonian_Trail_track_files&diff=124302 2025-10-17T10:53:48Z

<p>Jandudeck: </p> <hr /> <div>[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]<br /> The track files of the [[Greater Patagonian Trail]] are provided on personal request by [[user:Jandudeck|the author]] free of charge but not unconditionally. Read in the Hiker's Manual chapter '''1.15 Terms and Conditions for Using the Hiker’s Manual and the Trail Files''' to review these conditions and to understand why these conditions were put in place.<br /> <br /> GPT Hikers's Manual: http://bit.ly/GPTmanual<br /> <br /> ==Create an account in Wikiexplora (compulsory)==<br /> [[File:create account wikiexplora.png|frame|Six (very standard) steps to create an account in Wikiexplora]]<br /> To request the files you must first [http://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=Especial:Entrar&amp;type=signup create a Wikiexplora account]. It really takes less than a minute. The form is in spanish, but it's very standard and simple:<br /> #User name<br /> #Password<br /> #Confirm password<br /> #Email. Not compulsory but highly recommended to give us the chance to reach you. Wikiexplora has sent only '''one''' non personal email in 13 years.<br /> #Real name (optional)<br /> #On the final line type '''wikiexplora''', all in lower case<br /> <br /> ==List of requests==<br /> &lt;!-- To unlock the GPT Track Files 2025 you will need in addition the Track File Unlock Code 8: 367661 and the Track File Unlock Code 9: 201644 --&gt;<br /> <br /> *'''Elisa B''' Hello everyone, my name is Elisa and I'm from Switzerland. I'm planning to hike the GPT between December and January. Why the GPT? I discovered this trail through a book by a French explorer. As I read through the pages, it became clear that Patagonia would be my next destination and I'll be tackling part of the GPT, as I've always wanted to walk long distances. I enjoy wild and authentic landscapes, contact with the local population, and having to fend for myself. Since I have little time to explore the region, I'm planning to spend about 2 months hiking the section between GPT20 and GPT40. Heading north. I'd be very grateful to receive the GPS files. Thanks a lot for your job on the GPT! <br /> <br /> *'''Pierrick G''' Hi Juan. 10/2025. I am currently exploring the South American continent with no fixed return date and a strong wish to immerse myself in the local culture. My motivation for hiking the Greater Patagonian Trail is to step off the beaten track and lose myself in nature, seeking an authentic, humble, and challenging way of life. I hope to leave no trace along my journey, connecting deeply with the environment where I am only a simple guest and a temporary visitor. For me, the trail is not only about adventure but also about respect, discovery, and becoming part of a wild and beautiful land, even if only for a while.<br /> <br /> *Edwin. Hi Jan. I hope to be flying to Punta Arenas the 10th of november and intend to cherry pick some gpt sections. Hope to get a bit more done than just gpt12 and half a gpt33h two years ago! Of course I would be very happy to receive the latest gpt files.<br /> <br /> *'''Alma''' Hi Jan. I hiked three months on the GPT in 2017/18. An amazing experience! Since that time I am longing to explore other regions of Chile whilst on the GPT. I would really appreciate receiving the new track files in preparation for another three months on the GPT starting this mid-November. Thanks for all your research and for sharing your knowledge on thru-hiking (and packrafting) in Chile! <br /> <br /> *'''Sandro''' Hi Jan. I am a pretty experienced bikepacker, and I usually create my own routes, but since I don't have that much experience doing this for thru-hiking, and there is already such an exhaustive and well-researched amount of information available, it would be silly not to acquire your files and start from there.<br /> <br /> *'''Nicolas''' Hello everyone, my name is Nicolas, I’m a young engineer from France. Between January and March I plan to travel on the GPT, most likely combining hiking and packrafting along parts of the GPT. To better prepare my trip, I would like to request access to the track files. Thank you very much to Jan and all contributors for the amazing work on this project, it’s really inspiring to see such a resource shared with the community!<br /> <br /> *'''mts1010''' Hello. I´m planning to do a part of the GPT from January to April. Is it possible to get the track files? That would be helpful. Thank you for your continued work on this project. <br /> <br /> *'''Michaela''' Hi everyone, my name is Michaela and I am from Austria. At the end of November 2025, I will start the GPT from Santiago and hike southbound. I will see how far I can get, as I have time until mid-March 2026. I am really looking forward to it!<br /> <br /> *I'''guai''' Hello Jan, contributors, and all. Looking to be back in Chile for my first time in almost 20 years starting in January 2026. Excited to hike perhaps 500 km of the GPT over the course of a couple months. Thanks! <br /> <br /> *'''LauraAndaGPT''' Hola Jan, I am currently figuring out which parts of the GPT I would like to hike (2025/26). It would be great to have acess to the track files for planning. Such great recourses to explore the Region, thank you very much in advance for all the considerations you made while publishing these informations! <br /> <br /> *'''Massa''' Hi Jan, thanks to you and anyone contributing for maintaining and sharing the information (not only the track files). Me and my wife are going to be in Chile two months starting in early in december and returning late in the january 26. We are looking forward to hike some of the sections of the GPT. Thank you, Jan, also for the help with setting up the wiki account. <br /> <br /> *'''djunksss''' Hola Jan! This is Julia from Brazil! Last December I went to Cochamo to hike in the region and loved it very much! Now I'm planning on going back to Patagonia, this time to Torres del Avellanos region to again do some hiking and exploring, but this time with plans to do some wild camping. A good friend of mine told me of the wiki and the GPT track files, and I'm sure they would be of the greatest help moving around! Thanks in advance for all the trouble in keeping this awesome site in the air.<br /> *'''Álvaro''' Hi Jan! I´m planning to do a part of the GPT with my son the next summer, probably a couple of weeks in January. Is it possible to get the track files? It would be a great help to have them. Thanks in advance.<br /> *'''Mochi''' Hi Jan! First of all, thanks to you and everybody else who's put so much work into the Greater Patagonian Trail - I'm amazed by your generosity! I would like to hike/packraft parts of the GPT this upcoming season, together with my partner. For more in-depth planning it'd be great to have the track files.<br /> <br /> *'''Quentin.FR''' Hello, I plan to travel across Patagonia from january to april 2026, and I would love to take part of some GPT track in order to hike as much as possible. Therefore, I would like to request a GPS track to plan it. I will be alone during my trip. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Pierrick M.''' Hello to the GPT community, thank you for the work done on this project. I would like to hike part of the GPT starting from Santiago in November 2025. Therefore, I would like to request a GPS track to plan my route according to the recommendations in the guidebook. Hope to see you soon on the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''Castade''' Hi Jan, I’m planning to start hiking the GPT from Santiago (GPT01) without a fixed end point, just seeing how far I will go as the journey unfolds. I would really appreciate access to the GPS files so that I will be able to look further into the routes and have them for when I start the the trail. Thanks so much for all the work you've done—it’s truly an incredible resource!<br /> <br /> *'''Daniel S.''' Hello everyone! Thank you Jan,, for continuing the project! After completing some of the packrafting sections in the 23/24 season, I will be returning to the GPT in November '25 to repeat some sections and probably try a few different ones as well. See you out there! <br /> <br /> *'''Roy Kisluk''' Hi Jan, I plan on hiking the GPT starting with GPT69 in October and heading North. I will be hiking solo. I appreciate all that you put into this project. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Nimrod Ashkenazy''' Hi, I'm planing to mostly solo hike (I have friends who will join for some sections) in November 25. I first heard about this trail while thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand. Thanks for the great work!!!<br /> <br /> *'''Denis Rosa''' Hello everybody, I heard about GPT from Slovakian couple which hiked almost 3000km, after gathering more information and as I have been going through hikers manual this is something we would like to be part of at least a bit. Possible attempt would be with my best friend most likely in the season 2026 November until 2027 March. Only hiking. Not sure yet which parts exactly but we would have few months for that we would like to plan more from track file. And I have to add that really appreciate all the work which Jan did, thank you. <br /> <br /> *'''Glacier Kane''' Hi Jan, first of all can't help but smile when I read your document, the hidden codes, the obligatory communal contributions, as a fellow Engineer I appreciate your creativity and effort here :] anyways I'm planning a 3-4 month hike through the GPT in the next 6-12 months and would love the track files! Not 100% sure what section I'll do yet but the files sure would help me plan it, thank you sir.<br /> <br /> *'''El Perezoso 91 (Sebastian)''' Hi together, my girlfriend and I hiked part 36H last year, and we would like to to the complete section 32 to 40 from September to January 2026/27. Many thanks @Jan for the GPT compilation, it's an incredible work you've done!<br /> <br /> *'''Trix&amp;Tinu''' Hello everyone, we already hiked GPT 21 to GPT 1 in 2018/2019. Now we want to hike further stages in the south (without a packraft). We'll be in Chile from December to February. @Jan: Thanks for your work!<br /> <br /> *'''JesseCaro''' Hi Jan, ever since our last visit in Patagonia in 2016 we’ve been dreaming of coming back. In previous years we’ve been hiking trails in Europe and the US. Searching for new experiences we came across your project. We would very much like to hike the GPT next summer (from December 2025) and use your Track files. Thank you very much!<br /> <br /> *'''Oelk'''* Hi Jan, A few months ago while planning an open-ended ticket trip to the Americas came across the GPT Hikers' Manual and fell in love, I depart in a month to NA and I plan to arrive at Santiago early October and to hike the Northern Bulk (and continue south if budget and weather allows). Already practicing my Spanish and preparing for the journey physically and logistically. Your passion for this region and this route is contagious! Would love to get access to the Track files, thank you and hope to hear from you soon.<br /> <br /> *'''Anso'''* Hi Jan, I am reading about the GPT since years waiting for the right timing for me to come. It finally cames. I took 4 months off between December 2025 and March 2026 to go solo-hiking between Coyhaique and Ushuaia. My goal is not necessarily to connect footsteps between those two locations but rather to take the time to explore the area and enjoy the suprises on the way. Thank you very much <br /> <br /> *'''Teebi'''* Hi Jan, I've been traveling the last 9 weeks through south of Chile/Argentina and did a lot of the well known trails. While preparing for Villarica Traverse I found Wikiexplora and the GPT. Now I also really want to do the GPT06 and I think it will be one of my highlights just before time in Chile ends. Many thanks.<br /> <br /> *'''Minutetravel'''* hello Jan, my name is jacques this year I discovered northern Chile and fell in love with this country. I would now like to explore Chilean Patagonia. I thank you for the incredible work you have done in mapping all the trails in this region. Thank you for accepting me on this list so I can access the files.<br /> <br /> *'''Greg''' Hi Jan, I'm very keen to explore parts of Greater Patagonia, particularly GPT 6-12 from January 2026. I would be very grateful for the track files to be able to achieve this. Many thanks for creating this amazing trail network.<br /> <br /> *”Joppe” Hi Jan. I’ve been interested in the GPT since years and have finally got a chance to go to Chile for a month or maybe more. Would love to contribute to this project. I’d love to be granted access to the files. Thank you for your amazing work on this.<br /> <br /> *&quot;AthenaJones&quot; Hi Jan. Hoping to solo hike the trail from the beginning of october to the end of january. My goal is not to complete the trail but to explore it until the time runs out. I will need the track files to achieve this. Thankyou for all the information you have provided, its inspiring.<br /> <br /> *&quot;Asimo&quot; Hi Jan. I'm currently solo traveling in Patagonia by bike with a packraft for 2 months and for the next 2 months. I learned about the GPT on the way and I'm interresting on several sections. Particularly for packrafting a portion of Río Baker, hiking around Torre de Avallano y glaciar O'Higgins, but also comparing options for hiking and discover more deeply Patagonia between Coyhaique and Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Schmittenk''' Hi Jan. I'm living in southern Chile and have walked short sections that overlap with the route network. I'd like to look into hiking longer sections within the next couple of years. I'd appreciate being able to access the track files. <br /> <br /> *'''UnChamoisEgaré'''* Hi Jan. I already had the chance to walk a part of the GPT 3 years ago alone (Adrien Kunzli) and this time I would like to do it with my 2 brothers for two months. We are preparing a little late but we have all the equipment and are in Valparaiso and we would like to start as soon as possible. I hope this is possible, thank you very much! Let me know :)<br /> <br /> *'''Diego Raffaeli'''* Hi Jan. I've been reviewing the GPT Hikers manual in order to planning a trail from Lago Puelo (Arg) to Cochamó (Chi). I would really appreciate if you can share the tracking files with me. Thanks in advance.<br /> <br /> *'''Sprocky.''' Hi Jan. I've been studying the GPT hikers manual for some years now with an eye on exploring as much of the route as possible over the next two summer seasons. Keen to be a part of the GPT community and give feedback. I would really appreciate the track files to help me continue with route planning this year. Many thanks for compiling such a detailed resource. Cheers<br /> <br /> *'''SteveBehaeghel.''' Hi Jan en Meylin, thx for the recent update on the GPT files. We are currently in Pucon with our 3 kids (3ys, 6ys and 9ys). The upcoming 3 months we will continue to revisit or explore certain GPT sections on small adventures of maximum 5 days. We will trek parts of, and including optional routes, from GPT14-GPT16-GPT19-GPT21-GPT22-GPT30-GPT33-GPT35-GPT37. I will probably do some small uptdates on the FB group, but the wikiexplora pages I will update after our longer trip in the second half of 2025. Thx for all helpfull information.<br /> <br /> *'''Martin M.''' Hi Jan, I would like to explore some part of the GPT on foot, starting from GPT32. I only have a few weeks, so it will be just a small taste of what GPT is. Therefore having access to the track files would greatly help. Thanks a lot for all the effort you put into it.<br /> <br /> *'''7yson''' Hello, Jan. Thanks for this incredible resource. What an amazing effort that you and your community here have made. Happy to be a part of it. I'll be in the Esquel area in late Feb and am studying the main route for sections to hike in March, northbound likely. Thanks for considering me for access to the track files.<br /> <br /> *'''Daniela Montecinos''' Hi Jan! I found GPT while searching for information on packraft routes in Patagonia. Your work is wonderful! I am interested in doing some of GPT's packraft routes and being able to contribute updated information on them. Thank you so much for your work and for sharing it!<br /> <br /> *'''Mochilaosabatico''' Hi Jan. Tks for all information about GPT. My husband and I have just finished GPT 6 (Descabezado Grande) and we want to hike sectors 7 and 8. I would appreciate receiving the tracklogs for GPTs 7 and 8. Tks a lot!<br /> <br /> *'''Moonshine''' Hi Jan. I have been loving the in depth guide for the GPT. It has been an incredible resource for this upcoming trip. Thank you so much for all you have done. My friend and I are planning on spending a month in March hiking along this trail. We have yet to decide exactly where along GPT06-GPT22. We are hoping we love it so much that next year we will come back with some packrafting knowledge and do more for a longer period of time. We love being in the backcountry, and connecting with local communities. This truly appeals to us in every regard. Excited for this adventure!<br /> <br /> *'''Tom Venegas''' Thank you all for the fantastic work in gathering information and building this community! I’ve hiked in the Radal, Lircay, Antuco, Cochamó, and recently I’ve been exploring more of Aysén—specifically Cerro Castillo and Patagonia National Park. I’m really excited to check out Torres del Avellano and the Pioneros Road in Aysén next. Looking forward to connecting with other hikers and sharing experiences to be part of this project!<br /> <br /> *'''Benoît''' Hi Jan, thank you for the incredible work you've done with the hiker's manual, it's an invaluable resource ! I started the GPT from Santiago in 2018 (sections 01 to 08), and I would like to continue from the Antuco Volcano and go south. Thanks again for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''einat shvartz''' Hello. I'm einat, i'm 26, i'm arriving solo to patagonia this January (2025), for about 2-3 months. I wish to hike the GPT, or maybe just some sections of it. I am absolutly love being in untouched nature and also meeting authentic people from all around the world. Hiking some of the GPT sounds incredible. I'm experienced with medium-long hikes (several days to 1-2 weeks top), but 0 experience with packrafting. There for I wish, at this point, to do only sections that are duable by foot (probably the more northen parts of GPT). And probably not a lot of difficult parts, at least in the begining, to see how i adapt to this new land, and to the whole thru-hiking experience. I hope that the track files will help me build and plan my own customize trail, and that i will be blessed to expirience some of it. <br /> <br /> *'''jhfelner''' Hello. I plan on hiking and maybe packrafting numerous sections of the GPT over the next few years starting with parts of GPT around Section 6 this year. Experienced with remote mountain terrain. Would appreciate the track files for further planning. <br /> <br /> *'''Tomek Z''' Hi, I´m from Poland. Right now on the one-year hitchhiking trip through South America. But part of my plan was always hiking some part of Andes. This idea of GPT really looks nice. I am a student mountain guide in Poland,and so far my bigest hike was from Zakopane to Budapest aprox. 350km, 16 days. Now I would love to try someting more challenging. I want to do a part from Trapa Trapa to Santaiago. I speak spanish quite well and curently I am working in a hostel in El Chalten. :) I plan to start a hike in the middle of February. <br /> <br /> *'''Matthias Keil''' Hi Jan, we are Kathrin and Matthias from Germany (40yrs/42yrs) and we are both passionate hikers and have already visited lots of countries and its mountains. Since we have a kind of sabbatical in 2025/2026 we are planning to spend around 4 to 5 months on the GPT. My wife is fluent in Spanish and we are both fascinated of exploring remote areas and getting in touch with the locals combined with challenging navigation in barely untouched regions.<br /> <br /> *'''Jordan Porter''' Hello. I plan to solo hike and packraft the Gpt starting December 2025 and hiking until April 2026. I spent three months backpacking and exploring Chile and Argentina last Jan-March so I have a decent idea of what to expect weather/transportation/etc. Your hikers guide has been a great resource so far! Looking forward to being in touch. <br /> <br /> *'''Ben McLuckie''' Hi Jan, along with my spouse, we want to spend 3 months hiking from PN Hornopirén north to Santiago starting in March. I am currently reading your 2024 Hikers Manual. For 3 months in 2019 we traveled from Dientes de Navarino to El Chaltén and for another 3 months in 2024 traveled from El Chaltén to Valdivia by mountain biking, trekking and connecting ferries. We are most definately &quot;immersion hikers&quot; and not mileage-focused thru-hikers (no judging here).<br /> <br /> *'''Fernanda Rodriguez''' Hi Jan, I am visiting Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia for one month. I am interested in doing the GPT 37 to GPT 40. I've been all of 2024 reading your Hikers Manual. I feel so grateful for such a beautiful contribution you have made to this, my country :)<br /> <br /> *'''Chloe Derrien''' Hi Jan, with my partner, we would like to go from Ushuaïa up to Peru using some GPT sections. We would like to start end of february. Thank you for the GPT hiking manual, it is a huge help and source of informations. <br /> <br /> *'''DavidVidal&quot;&quot; Hola, de a poco he ido haciendo trayectos de varios días por la cordillera, algunos de estos se unen también a ciertas secciones del GPT. Me interesa tener estos tracks para planificar mejor mis salidas. Agradecido de tu trabajo y prolijidad en esta ruta. Leí hace un tiempo el manual, acepto las condiciones claramente.<br /> <br /> *'''Jason''' Hi Jan. I'm currently looking into hiking some sections of the GPT in 2025/2026 and would greatly appreciate the track files to aid in planning. I've read the introduction and agree to the terms and conditions. Thank you for all that you do.<br /> <br /> *'''Ben Ram''' Hi Jan, I am researching hiking sections of the GPT in the Chilean Lake District with my partner in late 2025 to early 2026. It would be really great to have access to your GPS Files for this. I have read the Terms and Conditions and agree to them. Cheers. <br /> <br /> *'''Ana''' Hi Jan, I’m looking into hiking sections of the GPT in late 2025 to early 2026. As part of my planning, I’d love to have a look at the GPS files to decide on sections. Thanks so much for all of the work you’ve put into this, the hikers manual is particularly useful. <br /> <br /> *'''EmilieV''' Hi Jan, I am planning to cross Chile from Antofagasta to Ushuaia by foot and bus and I would like to incorporate some of the GPT sections in my adventure. The sections in question are 6 to 12 SOBO and then skipping over some of the middle sections to hop back on it probably after section 32 to finish at 40. I am still figuring out if I want to add a section or two from the southern part of the GPT and would like to access to GPS files to finish my preparation. The hikers manuel and the unbounded documentary were so helpful not only regarding the &quot;trail&quot; but also understanding the different dynamics of the local population, so interesting!<br /> <br /> *'''pointatadventure''' Hi Jan, a huge thank you to this wonderful community! I came across GPT after an extensive internet search. As an avid adventurer, I am planning a trip to Patagonia next year to hike and packraft. I have read and of course accepted the terms and conditions. It would be fantastic if you could provide the GPS files for my project.<br /> <br /> *'''Steve Hawkins''' Hello Jan and thank you for considering me for the GPT track files. I have read all terms and conditions, and I agree to comply. I also agree to contribute to the community. I am a &quot;soon-to-be&quot; retiree and have backpacked extensively in the United States. I would like to hike sections of the GPT over several years in 60–90-day increments beginning in Winter 2025-2026. I am beginning the research process for the first section hike in Patagonia and would love the assistance of the track files. Thank you for your consideration.<br /> <br /> *'''Matias Federici.'''Hi Jan, I am going to do S14-15-16-17 next week, dont have much time for preparations because I was just noticed in my work that i have the vacations abiable, Been years reading About de GPT, this is the first time I have the money and time to try to do some, Im realy looking foward to this, thank you for the incredible job you started, best regards from argentina! <br /> <br /> Use the format:<br /> *'''Michael G.''' Hi Jan, I am planning on hiking sections 1 to 22 NoBo of the GPT from early March 2025, beginning in El Chaltén. I would like to thank you for the selfless work you did on making the GPT what it is. I'd be grateful if you could provide the GPS files for my project.<br /> <br /> *'''Al and Bee''' Hi Jan, we are planning on hiking parts of the GPT starting in early January 2025, probably beginning in El Chaltén and hiking north. Thank you for the incredible Hikers Manual on the GPT. The GPS files would be extremely helpful for our endeavor. <br /> <br /> *'''Juergen''' Hi Jan, My name is Jürgen Wolf. First of all, I want to thank you for the Greater Patagonia Trail project. I'm planning to some chapters in February, probably from stage 21 in northern direction. I'm currently in the process of studying the manual and creating a plan for myself, for which the GPS files would be helpful<br /> <br /> *'''Pierre-Marie''' Hi Jan, I have been hiking since 27/11 from Santiago to El Chalten. Thank you for your work and efforts to keep this trail alive.<br /> <br /> *'''Dustin''' Hi Jan, I am heading down to Patagonia this summer and planning to explore some of the packrafting sections. I'm planning to start exploring out of Coyhaique in early January. It is really wonderful that you are putting together a resource like this for an area you love. Your passion really comes through in the guide. Thank you so much for all that you do.<br /> <br /> *'''Miguel''' Hi Jan, my name is Miguel Rodríguez Letelier, i live in Chile, love hiking and the mountains. I am planning to hike the GPT in the summer. Thank you for all the work and passion you put in this.<br /> <br /> *'''Henri''' Hi Jan, let me first say how thrilled I am that the GPT guide exists and that there are all these incredible resources available for free all in the name of hiking! I am looking at the possibility of hiking a section of the GPT this coming February. I have my selection narrowed down to a few different sections but I am still a little indecisive. I will only have about a month to hike the sections of the GPT until I need to go home. I am hoping to get ahold of the Track Files so that I could better understand the scope of what I might be embarking. I've made myself a spread sheet showing every section of the trail from GPT 001 through GPT 040 where I include data and details to more easily narrow down my decision, and with this I feel that I am ready to get into the fine details of planning a relatively short hike on the GPT (3 weeks or a month). <br /> <br /> *'''Graham''' Hello Jan, My name is Graham Hall. I am very interested in hiking the GPT between December and February of 2025. I am beginning my planning process, and I would love your insight. I will say, this is somewhat new to me, not in the outdoor sense, but in perspective. I have worked as a backcountry guide leading canoe trips for several years, but thru-hiking is newer for me at least in the packing sense -although I have been doing some smaller trips. I am fluent in spanish and confident in my abilities in the backcountry, specifically in outfitting and planning so I am excited about getting my hands on the most up to date maps and trip notes to plan my route. I also am looking to plan some pit stops to try and attract my other guide friends to join me for sections, but I just need to get to planning. I also would just love to get some more advice. I will say, pack rafting sounds insanely cool (from my canoe experience) but I also know the dangers that come with solo water travel, especially in such windy conditions. I would love to discuss this further, if you have the time. Either way, I hope this gets to you, wikiexplora do me right! <br /> I hope we speak soon,<br /> Graham<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Nono''' Hi Jan! I am planning to hike the GPT from Puerto Montt to Santiago. I'll be starting in February. I'm currently planning the hike and the guide is really fantastic. Congrats and thank you for putting together such useful information. I hope I can help contribute too. Best, Arno.<br /> <br /> *'''Timotheed''' Hi Jan, I am planning to hike on the GPT from El Chalten to Santiago with a friend. We'll start in February, and we ll make it to Santiago with some junctions by bus. I am currently trying to plan our trip and therefore I would like to use the GPT track files. Thank you so much for the amazing informations you provided.<br /> <br /> *'''dmateria''' Hi Jan, I am planning to packraft the packraftable (GPT16+) out of the GPT from end of December onwards, thus I'd gladly make use of the existing tracks. Thanks for the amazing community you have helped building.<br /> <br /> *'''Mishun''' Hi Jan, me and my wife Anna plan to hike on GPT as a part our trip to Chile in December. We aim to hike sections GPT 06 and GPT 07 but we keep our plans open to change depending on the current conditions. Thank you for all your effort.<br /> <br /> *&quot;'MiaimZelt&quot;' Hi Jan, thank you a lot for sharing so much informations in the GPT Manual. My husband and i are currently in Chile and will be until April. We planned to do a lot of multi-day hikes off the beaten path, which are part of the GPT, without knowing about the GPT. Less than 2 weeks ago an other hiker advised me about the GPT. This way i found out we'll be section hikers on the GPT. Now i'm reading every day in the Manual and try to improve my planning as best as i can without the files. Since then i considered if i should add myself to the list, although i'm definately late. Decided to give it a try. The gpx-files would be a great help to find out about alternative routes of our planned treks and to understand all the log-entrys, which are related to the files.<br /> <br /> *'''Elijah Fuller''' My friend Michael and I are experienced thruhikers who are looking to do something very different from our previous experiences; the GPT. We'll have approximately 2 months to complete the GPT in January and February 2025. We're currently route planning, with sections GPT05-22 or GPT32-47 being the two sections we're considering. It's time to jump on Google Earth! <br /> <br /> *“Raphael Chevalier” Greetings and thank you for all the research and detailed information found in the Guide Manual. I have read chapter 1 and am further into getting info on that very intriguing trail. I have a GSP and would like to use the GPT gps coordinate to further research the sections I am planning to do starting January 2025. Once again thank you for the community and available information.<br /> <br /> * '''Roman''' I already did parts of the GPT in the 23/24 Season and fell in love with it!:) So I want to continue where it stopped GPT82P / GPT 33. Looking forward fore some new explorations and the new stories to tell of the people I meet! :)<br /> <br /> * '''gornik''' Me and my grilfriend Gabi would like to hike once again on GPT. Last time we were here in 2023 and now we are planning to come back ready to experience GPT with all its beauty and challanges. <br /> <br /> *'''Peggy''' Hi Jan, a lot of gratitude for you work and for charing it. It's a wonderful gift! I plan to start the gpt late december 2024 and walk until march or april wherever I get. Then I probably do the south part next year. For the momeent, I study the manual, analyse the route and my gear so I would be happy to have the gps files to go further in this preparation. Talk with you soon I hope and I am happy too to be a part of this community.<br /> <br /> *'''Mttmllr''' Hi Jan, I live in Biobio region Chile, and in the past few years have done some hikes in the Andes that have been on GPT routes. I'm interested in the track files to enable me to continue exploring (slowly, year by year, I don't plan on leaving Chile any time soon) the different segments of the GPT. Many thanks for all your work and dedication to this project.<br /> <br /> *'''BeingGarrett''' Jan ... I am looking to start the GPT this year (2024) in Santiago, I have an unlimited timeline and acknowledge that the GPT can not be done in a single season, therefore I would like to directly view the GPS files to map a roughly 1000 mile section. Go far, not fast. Thank you.<br /> <br /> *'''Kare-Bare Blvd''' Hi Jan, my GF and I are super stoked to have found such a wealth of knowledge available for our planned adventure to Patagonia. We have 2 months and are very much interested in the Packrafting portions between 17-39, plus all the side quests and hikes along the way. We don't plan to complete all these sections in 2 months but we really think that the track files will help in our planning and prioritizing of sections so that we can get the most out of our adventure and to do it safely. GPT 2026! B-K<br /> <br /> *'''ClickClack''' Hi Jan, myself and a friend are planning on doing sections 1 through 40 from mid-November 2024 to March 2025. We hope to complete the whole thing and the track files would really help! Thank you for the incredible amount of effort you have put into this!<br /> <br /> *'''Simonlusignan''' Hi Jan, I am planning my 1500km hike through some GPT sections. I am starting from El Chalten in January 2025 and will be doing sections 32 to 40 and 6 to 12. I would love access to the files to help me navigate through river crossings and certain tougher sections. Thank you very much for the incredible ressource!<br /> <br /> *'''Tamar''''' hi! we were very excited to hear about this trail! and it's uniqueness!! we hope to hike through some sections along the trail starting from the north in December 2024 until the weather becomes cold. Would love to share photos taken along the way. thank you!!<br /> <br /> *''''Thijmen''''' Hola Jan, I'm planning to Packraft part of the GPT for three months in January till March 2025. I would like to receive the track files in order to prepare. Thank you for all the effort in making this adventure possible. <br /> <br /> *'''''borruu''''' Hello Jan, thank you for sharing all the information about GPT. I am planning to hike a southern part of the GPT in February 2025, an access to the track files will be greatly appreciated.<br /> <br /> *'''''wiiiim''''' Hola Juan, I'm very interested in exploring Patagonia further by hiking &amp; packrafting sections of the GPT from December 2024. I'm still going through a lot of the information, but would love to get request access to the track files to plan more accurately. All the best, Wim<br /> <br /> *'''''Kevin4''''' Hello Juan, I am considering the GPT between Section 6 and 20 starting in December 2024. Thank you for your work and manual on the GPT. I would like to have access to the trace file to plan my route. I thank you, Kevin.<br /> <br /> *'''''Clara''''' Hey Jan ! I'm planning to hike some sections of the GPT between Decembre 2024 to March 2025. After reeding the amazing GPT hiker's manual, I would like to get access to the track files to continue planning the hike. Thank's for sharing all your work. <br /> <br /> *'''''Amazering''''' Hi Jan, first of all thanks for putting together all this info and documentation about the GPT, the pdf in particular has been an amazing read so far! We as a couple have been hiking for a few years and we identify ourselves very much in the slow pace, sharing centered and collaborative philosophy of the GPT, and plan on hiking on parts of the trail from end October 2024 through February 2025. Excited to be able to contribute back too!<br /> <br /> *'''''GLOBTUINA''''' Hey Jan, i'm planning to hike parts of the GPT into october 2024 and January 2025, i would like to get access to the track files to properly plan my trip before taking on such a great adventure. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''''Volker''''' Hey Jan, I am planning to hike parts of the GPT starting in December 2024 and would like to get access to the track files you created. You completed a tremendous work to write the excellent manual and create the track files. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT - and for sharing all your knowledge and experience!<br /> <br /> *'''''Farah &amp; Jan''''' Hey Jan, we're planning to hike parts of the GPT in January and February 2025 and would love to get access to the track files to properly plan our trip before taking on such a great adventure. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''''leo_micklem''''' Hello, I'm Leo. I'm planning to Packraft some sections of the GPT with my brother as part of a wider South America trip. The Packraft portion of the trip will likely take place December 2024 into January 2025. We feel strongly that it is important to be properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable adventure. <br /> <br /> *'''''Allie''''' Hello, I'm Allie (or Aliénor). I'm planning to visit Patagonia from november 2024 to march 2025, and i would like to discover the region mostly on foot. Thank you for your extensive research and comprehensive guide. <br /> <br /> *'''''sigg''''' Hi Jan, I'm Chris and I was thinking about spending some time on the GPT as a solo traveller beginning mid January to beginning of March 25. Yet, as I want to plan thoroughly, I'd love to take a look into the gpx files in order to better understand the terrain to choose to legs I feel confident in mastering. <br /> <br /> *'''''HugoT''''' Hi Jan, I'm Hugo and I'm planning to spend 3 weeks on the GPT. Reading the manual was great, a real change on how I normally prepare for more well-known trails in Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland or Nepal. In my search for true nature, I would like to start on section GTP06 and go south until 1) the trail beats me or 2) go as far as my feet will take me in the time that I have.<br /> <br /> *'''''veleslavia''''' Hello, I'm Olga and I'm planning to hike and packraft some sections of the Trail in late December 2024 with my partner. Thank you so much for creating the manual and the community around it!<br /> <br /> *'''''Ayrton.debeauffort''''' Hello, first of all thank you so much for all the hard work to put all these incredible resources together. I am looking to travel solo this spring to Patagonia and want to do first 20-30 section of the GPT over 2 months (with flexibility on the number of sections and timing). I have done multi day hikes in the W trek, and Norway and the Dolomites in the past and am looking to do a longer distance trek given I will be taking some time away from work. I look forward to contributing to your amazing research and thank you again!<br /> <br /> *'''''Celio''''' Hola, first thing, thank you very much for the passionate job you made in creating this Hiker's manual, it's a gold mine of infos! We are a french couple living in the alps and planning to do the GPT, starting november and going up north. Having worked 4 years in Tierra del fuego in guiding i'll be very happy to help in contribute and support the job you made ! Thank a lot.<br /> <br /> *'''''TiMa''''' Hi, we are a german couple planning to hike various treks in Patagonia roughly during Jan+Feb 2025. We didn't decide yet on specific sections of the GPT. Thank you and the contributors for all the work!<br /> *&quot;&quot;Morliz&quot;&quot; Hi Jan, I am planning on hiking sections of the GPT from 11/24-5/25, am experienced in long distance (US), alpine (alps, andes, pamir) and would be happy to support the wiki explorer homepage for the GPT during and after the hike. Thank you for the support.<br /> *'''''LukSara''''' Hello Jan, we are Lukas and Sarah, two hikers from the Alps and woud like to hike the first part of the GPT. We are planning to travel to Chile in November 2024. It would be great to hike with your GPS Track Files and of course we would be happy to contribute to your work with your experience. Thank you and everybody who made this possible.<br /> <br /> *'''''ErJo''''' Hello Jan, we are passionate hikers that would like to hike parts of the Greater Patagonian Trail in January and February of 2025. We don`t plan on doing packrafting. We are very grateful for your absolutely awesome work and thank you for making such a trip possible! :)<br /> <br /> *'''''Mathilde and Jordan''''' Hello Jan, first of all thank you very much for your huge and impressive work. We are two frenchies who would like to participate to this adventure and start in november. We'll be happy to share our experience, help with the tracks and give some updates. Passionate about nature, hike and new culture, The GPT is an adventure that we have in mind for a long time. Thank you very much :)<br /> <br /> *'''''Elio''''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for the work you're doing mapping out the most remote parts of Patagonia. I'm a seasoned hiker from France and I'm starting planning my next project (hopefully for December 2024, depending on finance and wife approval :). I would be very interested in the data you've collected over the years to help me come up with a route. I would gladly contribute to this wiki as soon as I find relevant data to provide. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''''Stefan''''' Hi Jan, we, my wife and I, are experienced hikers from Germany and are looking for a new long-distance hiking trail that is scenically impressive, remote and not overcrowded. We don't have a concrete schedule yet (probably in a few years, for a few months). In our search we finally came up with GPT and your manual. Both are really impressive! Thank you for your work so far! We would be happy to help supplement the manual and keep it up to date. However, we are still at the very beginning of the planning and would therefore like to use the tracks for further information and preparation.<br /> <br /> *'''''Keili100''''' Hi Jan, we are Kathrin and Matthias from Germany (40yrs/42yrs) and we are both passionate hikers and have already visited lots of countries and its mountains. Since we have a kind of sabbatical in 2025/2026 we are planning to spend around 4 to 5 months on the GPT. My wife is fluent in Spanish and we are both fascinated of exploring remote areas and getting in touch with the locals combined with challenging navigation in barely untouched regions. <br /> Thanks for your unbelievable huge amount of work you are putting on the GPT<br /> <br /> *'''''Karin'''''Hi Jan, I am Karin. I have had the dream of visiting and hiking Patagonia since many years. I am in Latin America for roughly a year for work and I would like to take advantage of being in Latin America to hike in November - December 2024 parts of the GPT. Thank you vera much for your incredible work!<br /> <br /> *'''''Charlie''''' Hi Jan! I'm Charlie. I'm planning to hike either two (7-8) of the northern sections or 32 and 33h in the first two weeks of april. I'm an experienced hiker, have led trips and organized my own in the us and recently completed a 3 week thruhike of sicily. beyond excited to get to patagonia - has been a dream for years.<br /> <br /> *'''''Marion y Augustin''''' Hello Jan, we are a french couple wich aim to try to hike some sections of the GPT beteen April 2024 and July 2024, mixed with bus travel to join Perù. We are reading the Hikers'Manual, thanks a lot for that huge job !<br /> *'''''Sophie y Gaspar (Dr Jabali)''''' Hello Jan, we are a franco-spanish couple wich aim to try to complete the GPT beteen November 2024 and May 2025 and discover these beautiful landscapes and cultures. Thanks<br /> *'''''Paulus''''' Hey Jan, im very impressed by your detailed planning and knowledge of the patagonian mountains. I really enjoyed reading your short manual for the trail even though I should have actually studied for my exams. In Autumn I will finish university and now have finally the time to do a longer hiking trip again. Since im a biology student, the GPT is extremely interesting, since it would serve me as a transect to observe to Vegetation change from the north to the south. Ive always dreamed of seeing Araucarias!<br /> *'''''gitano''''' Hi Jan I enjoy hiking and I have a lot of expirience hiking patagonia for the last 6 years. I grow up in Osorno and i would like to hike my own land. I will love to cooperate and keep up this exelent job!<br /> *'''''Maxfelis''''' Hi Jan, I'm a hiking enthusiast living in Santiago. I recently did &quot;Sendero del Condor&quot;, and I met someone that was doing the GPT06. I would love to collaborate with the GPT project, and explore other sections. Thank you so much for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''''txrx''''' Hello Jan, I'm a hiking enthusiast living in Bariloche. I am always researching new routes and many times I end up scanning the GPT Hikers Manual. I can't believe how much work and love has been put by all the contributors to build this, thank you very much! I would love to help to keep the GPT growing responsibly.<br /> <br /> *'''''Bebo'''' Hello Jan, I First heard of GPT while traveling through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina by bike. Rightnow I meet with my Brother in Buenos Aires and we want to hike remote trails for the coming 2 months. The GPT sounds just perfect, so we really would love to get the GPX files. We are aware of the fact that the trails lead through privat Land and nature. We treat both with hugh respect! Thanks for your work! Greetings from germany!<br /> <br /> *'''''Marilynemg''''' Hi Jan! I have been discussing the GPT with hiker friends for the last ten years and I finally will be able to visit Chile in March and April. I want to start with sections 1-8 and I have a couple more on the radar, time and weather dependent. Thank you so much for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''''Retezepe''''' Hey Jan, we are very grateful for the invaluable resources you have compiled for the GPT. We're looking forward to being a part of this project! My partner and I are currently in Chile and interested in hiking a couple of sections of the GPT. The sections that currently interest us the most are sections 19 and 37H. We will be in Greater Patagonia from February to March.<br /> <br /> *'''''TrailsOfWander''''' Hi Jan. Thank you very much for your envaluable work for the GPT and for your guidance. I am traveling to Chile on Feb 11 to hike GPT06 and partial GPT08 and 09. Unfortunately I don’t have much time for this trip but I will plan future trips for other sections so the Track Files of GPT will be very valuable as the Manual is. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> *'''''AlexNecky''''' Hello Jan, thank you for all the work you've done putting this trail together!! My friend and I have been eyeing the GPT for a while. After much researching using your information and additional sources, we have tickets to Santiago for the beginning of March. Our plan is to start with GPT06 and going SOBO thru GPT10 or as far as we can for the month that we have. We're both super excited about this adventure and look forward to contributing back to the community with our experience!! Thanks again! <br /> <br /> *'''''Dueser''''' Hi Jan. I am deeply impressed by your work. Not only the time you spent on the GPT, but also all the documentation and the manual. During reading the manual I realized that 10 years ago I explored a few GPT stages in the north without knowing about the GPT. This time I'm deliberately heading south. I'll certainly put my experience to good use for the project.<br /> <br /> *'''''CharlieGardner101''''' Hey there Jan! Charlie here! Wow, what an incredible community you've created here. I couldn't be more excited to explore this wonderful and wild part of the world and to become a contributing member of this initiative you've begun! I will be flying into El Chalten in the first week of February and, along with a few friends, hope to hike a variation of GPT sections 38-40. Later on (mid-late march), we hope to move further North to try our hands at a section somewhere between GPT 6 and 12. Thanks for everything you do! Cheers!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''''Zsu''''' Hi Jan! I would like to hike parts of GPT32-40 in the upcoming weeks. More details in the email. Thank you very much!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''''Fernanda''''' Hi Jan! First and foremost, a sincere thank you for your impressive work. It is so valuable to have this type of initiatives in Patagonia. I am Chilean and mountains have been my backyard since I was a kid. I am planning to do GPT35 and GPT 36H with my brother Francisco. He is also close to nature and a entrepreneur based partially on Puerto Bertand since 2020. I've shared the hikers manual with him and he was very thankful and impressed with this initiative. I would also be interested in contributing with adding highlights and changes to the track. Global warming is slowly but steadily modifying nature.<br /> <br /> *'''''Daemos''''' Hi Jan! My name is Andrew, and I am a Canadian travelling in Patagonia for the next two months. I was planning to hike the Condor Circuit, but I've read online of some difficulties lately and am interested in investigating one of the variations of GPT6 as an alternative. I would also be interested in adding some highlights of the GPT to my plans as well.<br /> <br /> *'''''PauMau2024''''' Hello Jan! My name is Paulina and I thank you so much for your work. It´s an impressive work that you have done! From february on my partner Flo and I want to explore and hike from Futaleufu to O'Higgins, GPT 71 and GPT35-39. Beginning in Futaleufu we will take around 5 days to get to Chaiten where we will have a resupply and then continue hiking down until the end of the carretera Austral. We are happy to share our GPS log and further information&amp;experience, hopefully support future travelers.<br /> <br /> *'''''madnomad''''' Hi! My name is Elias. We are a couple from Greece travelling around the American continent on a campervan, motorcycle, packraft and hiking equipment! We are already on the road for 5 months and we are currently in the Argentinian part of Patagonia. We love it here and it would be great to try a few sections of the GPT. We are not planning to do anything extreme, just enjoy a few highlights of the GPT at first!<br /> <br /> *'''''acivs''''' Hi! My name is Agnes. I'm from Switzerland and love trekking. I did several hikes in the Alps, the Andes and in Patagonia. In August 2022 I started backpacking through South America and got trapped in Tortel about a year ago. Last March I read for the first time about the GPT and was fascinated by it. For the moment I am planning on doing my first to sections, GPT36H and GPT35.<br /> <br /> *'''''wandering_guanaco''''' Hey all! My name is Jack and I am an American outdoors-person interested in hiking sections 16-23 this austral summer, and hope to continue to complete sections of the GPT as I continue to work in Chile for a few months of the year every year. This project is amazing and I am stunned by the thoroughness of the documents I have read so far. From the intentions of the project as a hike undertaken only by those who are prepared, to the particular comments on the links between fundraising and the inevitable outcome of the trip itself, I really appreciate the time and thought that has been put in to not just the adventure portion, but also the preparation, reputation, and impact of the hike. I feel lucky to have explored chunks of Patagonia in my past and cannot wait to broaden my experiences through these sections and information in the future. <br /> <br /> *'''''bistarai.bistarai''''' Hello! My name is Susie, I’m French-Canadian and planning on hiking sections 6 to 18 (although very flexible) as a first attempt on the GPT which I have been eyeing for a while now. Eventually I’d love to try packrafting in more southern sections in a couple of years!<br /> <br /> *'''''mollycargill''''' Hello, my name is Molly and I am a medical doctor from Australia with a lifelong love of the outdoors and an interest in wilderness medicine. As a part of an Expedition Medicine course I am currently undertaking I need to create an in depth logistics plan for a trip which I want to go on, which I have chosen as packrafting sections 16-25 of the GPT. I have had my eye on the GPT for a while, and hopefully can use the finished product of this assignment to help me finally attempt some of the GPT in the 2024/25 season. <br /> <br /> *'''''HHGTPE''''' (Hitchhikers guide to planet earth) Hey, I am Felix. I hitchhiked around the globe for three years some time ago and now I am doing a semester abroad in Buenos Aires for my uni. While looking for long distance tracks in Patagonia, I came across the GPT and very much fell in love with the whole concept. This year I would like to do some of the shorter and easiest hiking parts of the GPT but hopefully come back in the future to do some longer and connected parts.<br /> <br /> *'''''fabianundcecile''''' Hola de San Rafael, Argentina. We are travelling to southern Patagonia and thought we could hike some sections of the PGT along the way. Maybe starting with GPT 7 southbound. Saludos Cécile y Fabian<br /> <br /> *'''''czimahi'''''Hola Jan, por favor me podrías enviar el file para ir alguna parte entre GPT18 a GPT5? Muchas gracias <br /> <br /> *'''''nico142857''''' Hola desde Chile!. Escribo en español por razones políticas más que practicas. Primero que todo, gracias por recolectar, sintetizar y compartir la información. Me interesa recorrer la parte norte de los 'senderos' y me interesan tener los .kmz para 1) tener una ayuda, 2) no abrir mas senderos y respetar la naturaleza y 3) dar feedback a la comunidad. Saludos<br /> <br /> *'''''Ggeoff88''''' Hello everybody ! My name is Guillaume from France and I'm actually in Bariloche preparing my adventure to go to El Chalten by foot. You guys did an incredible Job of research, documentation and exploration... Today I'd like to inspire of your work in order to prepare my road. It's normal for me and will be a pleasure to share my experience after it.<br /> <br /> *'''''MysticalMarauder''''' Hi my name is Misha and I'm in Chile with an old friend about to the depart on a greand adventure December 2023 onwards. Heading south in the coming days with the zenith of our travels the Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales area. Then turning around and heading back north after a month or 2. Eager to get on the GPT in either direction in the coming months/years? Not sure how long this adventure will last but hopeful to hike many kilometers on this network. Thank yiou to Jan and this commmunity for establishing this route and creating this excellent resource for those excited to get off the well-traveled roads and disappear into the wild for a bit. <br /> <br /> *'''''Lazy_Lemon''''' Kia ora! Looking to get amongst the Patagonia trails so thanks so much for putting all this information together!<br /> <br /> *'''''Sam Odin'''''' Hello! Thank you so much for this impressive work. The detail and love put into the GPT manual is truly a gift to us all. Between January 15 and February 5, my partner Sara and I are planning to explore as much of GPT33 as possible. Beginning in Villa Cerro Castillo we will take 8 to 10 days to get to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez (where we will have a resupply) and then take about the same time to get back to Villa Cerro Castillo. We would love to share our log and GPS information, hopefully further illuminating future travelers to the less frequented routes and parts of this section<br /> <br /> *'''''Jonathan Mudde'''''' Hi Jan, I'm planning to walk a few sections of the GPT in the very south and in the north. I'll start on the first of January around Ushuaia. And after that I like to use the border close to O'Higgins and hike some parts around Laguna de la laja I'm looking forward to use the gpx files. Thanks in advance! I have read many parts with great respect for your work and honering the lokal people. Regards Jonathan Mudde/Abishaloom<br /> <br /> *'''Matthias''' Küme naqün antü! I've been following this fascinating idea for years, and now I can hopefully explore a small part of it myself and contribute to its long-term existence. I will arrive in Santiago in January, then I would like to follo'''w the GPT southwards, walking until about GPT20. But I am flexible in my plans on the ground, I am open to spontaneity and ever-changing challenges. Alles Leben ist Problemlösen.<br /> <br /> *'''Carina''' Hi! Thank you so much for the detailed GPT resource you have created. It's been a dream of mine to hike/trail run through parts of Patagonia, and it would be really helpful to see the GPT track files to help with my route planning. I'm planning to go in 1-2 years from now, so plenty of time to plan still. Very happy to contribute / provide feedback on route sections once I'm there myself. Thank you :)<br /> <br /> *'''Paulina''' Hello everybody. First of all, I would like to thank you for all the huge job you put into this projekt. I'm really amased. I will start a part of GPT in January, I'm especially interested in GPT because it seems wild, unspoilt and very interesting from cultural point of view. I also love the idea that everyone can create its own trail and that three is no one and the best option. Living in Europe where in some parts of the mountain we focus maybe too much on kilometers and speed, it seems that GPT offers something much more important. I will be more than happy to contibute to this beautiful projekt. <br /> <br /> *'''Mitschu''' Hello, after spending 9 weeks in Patagonia (pre pandemic) I am back with the aim to explore even more :) I thought about starting in Bariloche, explore the lake area going north (following part of Huella Andina) and finally cross over to chile and start at section 16 southbound mid/end of december. I used the pandemic for some long distance hikes in europe (GR5, half of GR10/11 and TMB) and cant wait to enjoy the beauty of patagonia. I will hike solo but open to meet up with fellow hikers if someone happen to be in the area :) I am following the project since 2 years... impressive work. Happy to contribute as well! Looking forward hearing from you! Thanks<br /> <br /> *'''Rainbow16''' Hi Jan &amp; fellow hikers! My name is Tanja and I am currently planning to walk Sections 6-22 starting end of December 2023. Still a bit dizzy from reading the hikers manual (what a great documentation!), I am excited to further explore this Patagonian trail network via the track files. A huge thanks to Jan and Meylin for their adventurous spirit and dedication as well as all other collaborators (what a cool community!). Looking forward to contributing myself once I put my feet on GPT grounds. <br /> <br /> *'''Frans van Driel''' Hi Jan, first and foremost I would like to thank you for all the work you put into the GPT. Truly impressive to read the manual! I'm planning to walk a few sections of the GPT. I'll explain more in detail in the upcoming email. My timeframe will be half December 2023 till half January 2024. I'm looking forward to this amazing experience and would like to start some more detailed planning using the gpx files. Thanks in advance! Sincerely, Frans van Driel<br /> <br /> *'''Owen Hutchison (elhutcho)''' Hey Jan! Am incredibly impressed with what you have been able to put together with the GPT - it’s an amazing achievement for which I’m sure many are thankful. I have been reading through the manual in preparation for a trip in February and March 2024. My partner and I will make our way down from Lago Puelo (GPT 22/23) to El Chalten via a mix of different segments and pack rafting. To assist in planning and preparation, I’d be really grateful to receive the the KMZ/GPX Files. I am very happy to contribute back to the project in anyway I can. Thanks again! Owen<br /> <br /> *'''Piotr Szatkowski''' Hello Jan, primarily I would like to say thank you for the massive amount of dedication you put into creating the whole guide. The quality of it, the precision everything is described with is very impressive.I would like to kindly ask you if you could share with me the KMZ/GPX Files. I am incredibly humbled to be able to discover the beauty of the regions of Patagonia. Can't wait into immerse in to this journey of solitude. I will be starting in end of December for section and or 2 heading south. Will probably hike for 2 months. I am not sure how long exactly.<br /> <br /> *'''Ella Meyer''' Hi Jan, I am planning to walk parts of the GPT as part of a project studying and documenting people's relationships to water along long-distance trails. As per your suggestion when we talked on the phone one year ago, I would like to hike Sections 1-12. I may also skip to Sections 21, 22, 63 and 69. I am hoping to depart Southbound around late December (2023). I am very excited to embark on this journey, and welcome anyone else planning on hiking these sections to connect with me (contact info can be found on my website https://ellameyer.com/)<br /> <br /> *'''Vlad Ivanchuk (vladdi)''' I'm planning to walk some southern sections of GPT northbound from Ushuaia starting in December 2023 for just over a month. I look forward to immersing myself in the landscapes and culture of Patagonia, and I'd appreciate access to GPS files to enable this adventure. <br /> <br /> *'''Robin Marcille''' Hi Jan, hi all, thank you for this immense amount of work. After sailing from France to Ushuaïa, we are planning to walk parts of the GPT norhbound from Puerto Williams on November 2024 for approx. 3 months. We would be very grateful to access the GPS files to prepare our trip ! We are especially interested in the various options between Puerto Williams and Cochrane. We're super excited to participate to this project and would like to propose some mountaineering options !<br /> <br /> *'''Cyril AC'H (Cy)''' Hi, can't wait more to get back with GG on the GPT after 2 years break, from El Bolson southbound toward Cochrane and El Chalten in a packrafting mode for those sections. No rush, side trips to fjords, we will see how far we get ! Thx for the KMZ/GPX Files ! <br /> <br /> *'''Martin_crgt''' Hi all, thanks for your work Jan, and for everyone's contributions to this adventure, My sister and I are planning to do the GPT in February 2024 from section 6 down south. Having the GPS data would be a great help to help us plan. <br /> <br /> *'''maddidunster''' Hi Jan, Tom and I are two Australians planning to hike northbound from El Chalten to wherever we make it with the time we have from February to April 2024. Super excited, can't wait!<br /> <br /> *'''guswimbo''' Hello Jan, thank you for all of your and others' work on putting together this incredible wealth of information! I'm planning on backpacking/packrafting from Cochamo to El Chalten in January/February 2023.<br /> <br /> * '''Oscar Crassous''' Hello Jan, I'm a french men who will travel northbound during 9 months in South America, between november and august. I have planned to walk most of the time and I am very excited to hike some parts of the GPT during my trip. Thanks for your work.<br /> <br /> * '''Matthieu''' Hello Meylin and Jan, former hiker on the GPT (season 2019-2020, northbound), would gladly go back on trail this year to hike some other parts southbound (Santiago-Antuco, Puyehue - Coyhaique)! <br /> <br /> * '''GriffinWagner13''' Hello Jan, planning to travel to Chile/Argentinia in 2025. I'll be doing some of the sections between GPT01 and GPT40, bussing between routes as possible. I definitely want to hit some of the northern volcanoes as well as the southern routes! Super excited to hike it. <br /> <br /> * '''edwinb''' Hello Jan, planning to fly to Santiago in 2 weeks. Thinking about gpt2/3 to do something close to Santiago and especially want to do the tracks in the araucania this time. gpt33h and gpt37h look very attractive to. Thanks again for all the work! Edwin<br /> <br /> * '''lilian''' Hello Jan, i'm planning to have a 3-4 months hike through Greater Patagonia, I will travel to Santiago in mid-November 2023 and maybe end my hike about March to April at somewhere south. I would be interested in the trackfiles from 1 to 69, would be incredibly grateful to have the files for further research and planning. Thank you in advance!<br /> <br /> * '''zipgerm''' Hey Jan, Thank you for your work and contributing the route information to the world! I'll be in Chile/Argentina from beginning of December until April. If my feet are willing, I want to walk parts of the GPT starting with section 05 or 06 southwards. I read a great part of your guide and already bought a GPS with satellite pager - alhough I never used neither of them on my off-track hiking tours before. Looking forward to Chile and the Andes. Matthias<br /> <br /> * '''JordanJennings''' Hi Jan, my plan is to packraft soundbound sections 17-30 over the season, but will likely begin with a few (conditions appropriate) sections between 30-40 from November after completing some packrafting training around Puerto Río Tranquilo. I would like to also thank you for dedication so much time and energy into making this possible for all of us<br /> <br /> *'''LottiRummel''' Hi Jan, thank you for all your fantastic work! We are planning to spend January 2024 in Chile and want to hike starting from around GPT 06 southwards. I hope the gpx tracks will help us decide which sections to plan. Thanks! Alex and Lotti<br /> <br /> *'''Rowe99''' Hi Jan, first of all, many thanks to you and everyone else who contributed to the manual. I have never seen so much information about such a large network for any other region in an open-source manner. I am planning to hike this year (2023) from December to mid-February starting from El Chaltén northwards with a pakraft. Thanks for all the information so far! Cheers Roman!<br /> <br /> *'''Jonas._____''' Hi Jan, I'm planning to hike through Patagonia from December to February/March. I will start in Puerto Montt and then go south from there as far as time and terrain permits. The great GPT Hikers' Manual did already give me a really good insight in what to expect and I would really appreciate having the GPT Track Files as well to prepare for my trip as much as possible! Thanks for your help!<br /> <br /> *'''ColineW''' Hi Jan ! Thank you a lot for the amazing work you did with the &quot;Great Patagonian Trail, Hikers Manual&quot; ! It's full of wize advices and ideas I maybe would havenot find myself. I will go in Chili from mid-december to mid-march, meet up with my father who is currently wandering in the south. We'd like the hike northbound from GPT20 to GPT01. The GPS files would be a great help for you, since I tried my plan an itinerary on Google Earth and, as you know, I lost sight of some roads in the forest. My father has a Garmin66i, so we'll be able to send the datas of our trail to you. Have a nice day !<br /> <br /> *'''Roi Keler''' Hello Jan, First of all, thank you for the amazing work you did and still do, it's a great inspiration for me. I plan to spend 3-4 months in Patagonia and I want to combine several walking sections of the GPT between section GPT01 - GPT16 &amp; GPT32 - GPT46. After reading the hikers' manual and completing the preparations, I decided not to focus on a meticulous plan because it is important for me to be spontaneous and keep the options open. The GPS files in combination with the hikers' manual will allow me to choose the hiking sactions that suit me and then send the information to you and share with the community. Thanks for everything!<br /> <br /> *'''Marmur''' Hi Jan! We are a couple and are planning to hike the GPT from start to end, in 2 seasons (hopefully) starting next season. We have visited Patagonia in the past and can't wait to get to know it more intimately, as we loved it so much. hiking in remote locations with unmarked trails is not new to us, but we are exited about the challenges that are waiting for us at this epic terrain. this is a great chance to thank you for all this impressive work that you've been doing, and you can count on us that after all this ends for us, we will share all inputs and updates with you and the community.<br /> <br /> *'''Lukas Deleu''' Hi Jan, my girlfriend and I are planning to do 3-4 months of hiking through Greater Patagonia starting this december. We chose some of the sections that most appealed to us and hope to connect them by public transport. Gpt 6-12, 16-19, 32-40 is what we have in mind for the moment. Having the trackfiles would be a great help offcourse. Cheers.<br /> <br /> *'''Huemul''' Hello Jan, I'm Frank from Irlanda. I hope to continue southbound in November from El Chalten to Isla Navarino. Thanks for all your help &amp; advice so far. <br /> <br /> *'''RoshiJ''' Hi Jan, what an amazing piece of work you've established in the GPT hiker's manual, and its amazing to see how many people are inspired by it. I am planning on exploring Patagonia starting in November, with no end date as of yet. My only goal is to wander and wonder but I'd like to do so well-informed and as prepared as possible. I already feel so after reading the manual but it would be even better to set out armed with your GPS files. I also love the idea of using wikiexplora as a platform to communicate within a like-minded community with similar goals so am enthusiastic to share my own experiences and read those of others. <br /> <br /> *'''Pieper92''' Holá Jan, Thank you for providing this comprehensive manual. I will travel to Patagonia in November 2023 and want to make my way from santiago to tierra del fuego by feet, on my beloved packraft but also longer sections by bus transport. Have not picked all sections but Lagos Chilenos/argentinos, parts of fjord area and tierra del fuego are in focus. Especially I want to circumvent the spoiled national parks in the south. Your guide has already been a great help up to know but the GPT track files would be extraordinary helpfull. I will especially try to provide novel exploration data by packraft.<br /> <br /> *'''nickcarter884''' Dear Jan, Thank you so much for all the work you have done on this manual and the route, it's fantastic! Some friends and I are planning to do the section around El Chalten in February 2024 and would really like to follow your routes rather than the roads. Please could I have access to the GPS files so we can be in the real nature, not just the road? :-)<br /> <br /> *'''delabien''' Dear Jan, I am very inspired by your manual. My partner and I plan to travel for 4 months starting from the capital Santiago going slowly to the south (starting in November 2023). Thus we would like to hike some of the sections you and the other collaborators assembled. In order to make the expedition more feasible for us we intent to use the local public transportation for some parts. Really looking forward to experience the changing landscapes during the route. Thank you<br /> <br /> *'''wbarab''' Hi Jan, thank you for all the extensive and detailed work put into this manual. My partner and I (American &amp; Spanish)plan to hike the GPT from mid November 2023 until late February or March 2024. So far GPT 6-12, 14-16, 19, and 32-40 have stood out to us as a start, but our investigations continue and we plan to add at least another half dozen sections (plus some &quot;maybes&quot; if time permits)! To continue we would really appreciate access to the trackfiles.<br /> <br /> *'''ranulph24''' Hi Jan, great manual! Thank you for putting so much passion in this project. I consider hiking on the GPT in November 2024 - April 2025. I am mainly aiming for the northern part 5 - 30 and add a smaller section in the south. For refining my plans I would like to study the GPS Track Files in detail. <br /> <br /> *'''MMartinez''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for this incredible amount of work. It is really inspiring and exciting. We are a couple (American and Polish) and we are interested in hiking some of the sections of the GPT later this year. We have been reading the manual and adjusting and readjusting plans the more we learn (there's so much to learn!) We would really appreciate access to the track files to help with the planning. Thank you so much again!<br /> <br /> *'''SeanMaskill''' Hi Jan, Thanks for all of your work! I've wanted to hike sections of the GPT for a few years. I've now started the research seriously and tracks would help me decide which sections I'd like to hike. Cheers Sean.<br /> <br /> *'''MarmotAndBear''' Dear Jan, Thank you for putting in so much dedicated work, to create the Hiker’s Manual, and in doing so helping others to hike and appreciate this part of the world. We are a German-Singaporean couple and we have been following the GPT community for almost one year now. We have quit our jobs not long ago and have started visiting Central Asia, where we’ve been able to do some amazing hikes. Before setting foot on the GPT this coming (southern) summer, we are planning to improve our Spanish in other South American countries. We hope a few weeks of dedicated learning will do the trick. Once on the trail, we are planning to hike and packraft as much of the GPT as we can during the coming season. Let’s see how far our feet and boat will carry us :)<br /> <br /> *'''guaraches80''' Hello and good afternoon Jan. I have been reading and preparing for some sections of the trail you have put together. I, a Mexican American, and a Colombian friend will be backpacking through Brazil and later to Argentina in the coming months and we would love to see some of the wonderful trails you and others have experienced. Obviously, because of our backgrounds we both speak fluent Spanish and have years of backpacking, hiking and bushcrafting experience. This is something I look forward to with the uptmost energy and so will eagerly await the track files to begin further in-depth planning. Thank you for your time. Until next time!<br /> <br /> *'''blissfulmisgivings''' Hi Jan, Thank you for providing so much detailed and helpful information about the GPT! We (two Americans) are excited to try packrafting portions of the GPT beginning in November 2023. The guidance you've provided in the manual has already been invaluable to our preparations, and we look forward to reviewing and using the GPT track files in our journey. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> *'''YannickCOLL''' Hi Jan, Thank you very much for your work and your dedication to the GPT. We are immersing in the GPT universe with pleasure and a growing sense of adventure. We are a couple (French and Belgian) and we’re looking to hike some sections of the GPT between mid-November 2023 until April 2024 (Sections: 1-12 / 16 / 19 / 32-40). These are the sections that we selected so far and that we are more attracted to, knowing that of course it can change. We were wondering if you could grant us access to the GPS tracks in order for us to prepare for the GPT. We understand that this is an unofficial trail and that it is still a work in progress and we are eager to help in any way we can to continue to build this ‘trail’. Nolwenn &amp; Yannick<br /> <br /> *'''daniel.s''' Hi Jan, amazing work with the Hiker's Manual! I hope to meet some of you on the trail next season. I'm planning to do some of the packrafting sections starting at GPT 17. The track files would be very helpful to make it an unforgettable experience. Greetings from Austria, Daniel <br /> <br /> *'''hevike''' Hello fellow hiking community, I'm Jens from Germany looking into hiking sections of the GPT this November until the end of February. Thanks for the amazing work you all have put into this project and I'm looking forward to contribute myself.<br /> <br /> *'''MartinGilles''' Hola Jan, soy Martin de Belgica y estoy planeando hacer una parte del GPT al principio de noviembre hasta el 20 de diciembre. Me gustaria tener the GPS tracks para organisarme y ver lo que me conviene mas. Muchas gracias por lo que hiciste y para permitir la exploracion de esta parte del mundo. Un placer, Martin.<br /> <br /> *'''Marc Altena''' Hi Jan, thanks for all your hard work exploring the hidden trails of Patagonia. I'm hoping to do sections 6 to 10, 16 to 22 and 32 to 40 early next year. The GPS tracks would be helpful. Tanks in advance for sending them. Kind regards, Marc<br /> <br /> *'''Lorenzo''' Hi Jan, I don't have specific plans concerning the GPT yet, but that might change soon. After the reading the first 300 pages of your guidebook it seems to me like a real challenge and an unforgettable experience at the same time. I'll call it a dream to hike at least parts of it, and extensive planning is the first step to make your dreams come true.<br /> <br /> *'''Joscha97''' Hi Jan, I gonna travel to Chile in the beginning of next year and I am really fascinated by the idea of the GPT. I would love to hike some parts of it, starting in Santiago. Thanks for all the work you put into this project. Greetings<br /> <br /> *'''Larix84''' Hello Jan, he hablado contigo con whatsapp hace 2 semanas Mi proyecto de trail para el ano que viene se confirma, un saludo'''<br /> <br /> *'''Noemie''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for making us discover those incredible paths and landscapes in an ethical way. I have been hiking in Chilean Patagonia for a few months now and I wish to keep discovering the region more deeply by hiking through a few sections of the GPT, especially GPT36H (ruta de los Pioneros). Depending on how this goes, and on the weather conditions, I may try to go further north around sections 08-09. Thanks for all your work, the resources you provided have been super helpful!<br /> <br /> *'''TheRebel''' Hey Jan thanks for the big package of information you provide with tha website/pdf I'm in Argentina since 3 months and hiked many km in the official and more marked areas (bariloche, bolson, esquel, el Chaltén, El Calafate, Ushuaia and more) and now I'm on the way back north and wanna end up in Bolivia or maybe even Columbia in the next 6 months... I've heard about your site from a Canadian guy who did some sections more north and I thought it would be nice to do some more trails in a little more remote areas on my way north<br /> Greatings TheRebel<br /> <br /> *'''Jen''' Hi Jan and so, so many thanks for all the incredible work you have done here. I am currently in Peru and planning to fly south to begin the beginning of GPT01 in the next few weeks and see how long I can walk for before things become too off season. I will halt and recommence when the season comes back in. If I manage to journey to Punta Arenas in the end, whenever this might be, then I am happy! Thank you, Jen. <br /> <br /> *'''Ollie''' Hello Jan. I am from Wales and currently is<br /> Brazil after sailing here from Europe. My plan is to work my way towards southern Argentina where I will stop and work for a while. Hopefully improving my Spanish, get to know the culture more and spend my weekends in the mountains to prepare. The idea is to start from Tierra Del Fuego, head north and just take it step by step. The manual has been a great read thank you for being so thorough. Love it. Cheers.<br /> <br /> *'''Silke &amp; Hans''' Hello, We are a Belgian couple currently on a multiyear bikepacking, trekking &amp; mountaineering trip through South-America. We'd been looking forward to do some sections of the GPT for a long time. We are currently in Chile Chico, and planning to do the GPT35 section. We probably want to do some more sections further South.<br /> <br /> *'''Jakub+Veronika''' Hi Jan, we're a couple from Czechia, currently almost one month in Chile getting to know the country, it's history and it's people's culture. We'd like to hike some parts of the GPT south from Puerto Montt, where we are based right now. Thanks for this awesome work!<br /> <br /> *'''Alan''' Hola Jan! I'm Alan from California. I'm interested in doing GPT32 and GPT33H. Thanks for all the resources you have provided so far!<br /> <br /> *'''Diegoara''' Hi! My name is Diego and I am from Chile and I'm interested in the GPT to do de GPT18 &amp; GPT19, i would be a little more than a week, i think that is amazing the work that you do making this GPT in my country.Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Jess&amp;Paco''' Hey Jan ! We are from France and we would love to hike the GPT between march and april 2023. We plan to connect a few sections in the great lakes region (between section GPT45 and GPT35, south to north) for about a month. And if the weather is favorable, we would explore in april a little bit of the nothern parts of the GPT (volcanos region) but without necessarily connecting steps, while being around for a workaway. Thanks a lot for all this work !<br /> <br /> *'''blklb''' Hi Jan! I'll be leaving for Chile in a few days and would like to do bits and pieces of the sections between Curico and Conaripe, perhaps farther south. I'll be combining trekking with time spent in towns/cities. This is going to be a leisurely exploration of the GPT, with the possiblity of a longer GPT-specific trip in the future. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Joachim''' Holà Jan! I'm Joachim from France. I'm coming to Chile in a few weeks, and found your website with a lot of valuable informations on this beautiful itinerary! I don't have a fixed plan yet but my idea is to start around Santiago and go South until winter begins. I'd love to get a hand on those gpx files to help me plan properly, I'll be happy to share feedback when coming home. Many thanks for all the work you put in!<br /> <br /> *'''Johnny1968''' Hi Jan! We are a couple from Italy and want to to start mid february 2023 from Santiago for the GPT. We have 2 months of time and want to see how far we get, without hurry, soaking up nature and culture. Thanks for the manual and creating the track files, great respect for the ethics!<br /> <br /> *'''derameisenbaer''' Hi, two people from Germany. We'll be hiking part of the GPT (GPT06-GPT12) in February. If there's time left we might be able to hike part of the more southern sections as well. Really looking forward to it and really aprreciate the great work on this page and the Hikers Manual! <br /> <br /> *'''ebse''' Hello, I'm Ed from England. Would love to help contribute to this mammoth project by hopefully walking GPT01 - GPT20ish in late 2023. Looks like a remarkable experience all round; I'd be very grateful to be part of it. <br /> <br /> *'''Martio''' Saludos, soy Martial ! landing on jan. 14th for a 2 month journey into Chilean natural wonders. I plan to hike a selection of northern GPT sections between 1 and 22. Plans purposely open for this first experience and can't wait to get involved in the community. Ps: Jan, you rock !<br /> <br /> *'''Clemgbl''' I'm Clement from France. Currently hiking in Chile from month, I would like to continue my trek on the GPT next month (january and February 2023). I plan to start in Coyhaique and hike until El Chalten (GPT 31 to GPT 40).<br /> <br /> *'''Jcoxxx''' I'm Jeff from Alaska. Hopefully I'll be hiking and packrafting section 17 to 39, starting this January. I'm really excited to be a part of this project and share my trackfiles. <br /> <br /> *'''Eleebeatriz''' Hi, I'm Elena from Chile. On the 27th of this month we are going to carry out the Gpt7, we will enter through the &quot;Puente Ingles&quot; , in San Fabian de Alico, up to the Polcura mountain range, in Antuco. Greetings and I hope in January I will be editing what I have done to share it with you! <br /> <br /> *'''MarcGPT''' Hola! Last year while hiking around Cochrane, I learned about the GPT. Looking forward to return and contribute to the GPT manual.<br /> <br /> *'''Franzz''' Hi! I'm Franzz from Switzerland. I'm planning to thru-hike my own version of the GPT next year. Using your tracking files would be a great help planning the itinerary :) I would be more than happy to share back my own track files and experiences once I'm back.<br /> <br /> *'''Nicktravels_''' Hey mate, I'm Nick - i'm planning on a hike/packraft of mumtiple segments with my three amigos. Leave only footprints is a big part of our travelling philosophy and I have a lot of respect for the ethos you carry through the information provided. <br /> <br /> *'''Timo''' Hi, I'm Timothée. I'm French but also from Munich Germany! I plan on being in Chile beginning of next year and on doing someof the sections (probably 6-22, 32-40 more or less). I'm super impressed by all the gathered and explained documentations and advices form the Manual and would love to contribute ! <br /> <br /> *'''zozo''' Hi, my name is Zohar. I'm from Israel and plan on doing some trekking in Patagonia in January 2023. planning to do parts of the GPT from south to north starting at section 46. <br /> <br /> *'''florianluca''' Hi, my name is Florian. I'm from Germany and plan on doing some trekking in Chile at the Beginning of next year (2023). I appreciate the work that went into this project and would like to use some of it for planning some of our tour. <br /> <br /> *'''willcampbell444''' Hi, I'm Will from Canada. I'm interested in hiking some of the trail as I make my way south through Chile! I was thinking of starting at section 6 in mid December, depending on the weather. I really appreciate all the work done putting together the trail, and I hope to contribute with my track files and notes.<br /> <br /> *'''Dallas''' Hi, I´m Dallas, from Berkeley, California, USA. I am interested in planning a trip in early 2023 to explore the beauty of Patagonia and indulge in my passion for slow, human-powered travel. This trip is open-ended and intentionally meandering, and the GPT looks like an excellent basis of exploration. <br /> <br /> *'''Nicopo''' Hi, I´m Nicolás, from Buenos Aires. My girlfriend and I have been hiking in Patagonia for the last few years and we are planning on hiking sections of the GPT from December to February. We are already getting started with our planning and are looking forward to contributing with what we can. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Newt, Birdie, and Possum''' Hi! We are on our way back to Patagonia for the third time. The three of us have hiked in Patagonia and many other places in the world together. We will have 1 month to hike a portion of the GPT, specifically focusing on 33H -38H going northbound. We are inspired by this document and we can't wait to become contributing members of this community. Thank you! <br /> <br /> *'''pgantier''' Hi, I'm Pierre from France. I discovered Chile and South America 5 years ago during an exchange semester and look forward to going back there for a long trip (within the next 5 years for around 12 months). I would love to do some part of the Greater Patagonian trail during this future gap year and I want to prepare well it advance to continue to get experience to be ready for this gread adventure !<br /> <br /> *'''Jonny6k''' Hi, im planning on hiking some sections of the GPT from late December until March (or until i get tired!) I am planning on sections 6-22, but nothing is certain yet. I hope to add to the track files and contribute with some notes regarding the trails. i look forward to arriving in chile! Jonny<br /> <br /> *'''felagund''' Hello, I would like to hike the GPT in December-February, from Santiago till as far as I can get and as long as a I enjoy it. So I would be interested in the trackfiles from 1 till about 40, even though I probably won't reach that far. I am a contributor to OSM so I was thinking that would be my main form of contribution, though I would not want to put paths that are disputed there of course. Tomas<br /> <br /> *'''Arnaudlacoste''' Hello Jan! I have been a big fan of the GPT for some years now. I just moved back to Chile after living for the past 8 years in Europe and would love to discover a few sections of the GPT. I will be settling in Araucania region so I would love to have access to the track files and plan which sections I will immerge myself into. I hope I can also contribute to it and meet some of the community in the following months/years. Thanks you and the community for this marvelous work! Cheers, Arnaud. <br /> <br /> *&quot;ChristopherT&quot;Hello! Christopher from Austria here. My girlfriend Anna from Germany and I are planning to do the gpt. We are still trying to figure out which sections we would like to trek.We definetly want to explore and hike in Feuerland though.We would very much appreciate the track files to help us with our decision and on our journey. I hope we can contribute a bit as well. Thank you!<br /> Cheers,<br /> Christopher and Anna<br /> <br /> * '''Matous'''Hi everyone! Here Matous and Johana. Couple from Czechia. We are planning to hike some sections on GPT at the beginning of next year. We are interested in GPT06 - 22. The track files would be great help in planning. And thank you for amazing work. We´ll be happy to contribute.<br /> <br /> * '''guilhermealexs''' Hi! Guilherme Alexsander here from Brazil. Me and some friends are planning to walk some parts of the GPT. We are currently interested in the Los Quenes - Central Cipreces section. I'd like to get the track files to help us with planning. Thanks! <br /> <br /> *&quot;nmakepeace&quot; Hello everyone, Natalie here from Canada, thank you to Jan and everyone for their contributions! My plan is to hike southbound on the GPT starting at Termas del Flaco (connect@ GPT05) because I want to do some specific mountains in Central Chile first. I may also look into connecting Volcán Maipo to coya. To make this all easier and more safe I would be not only grateful for the GPS files but honored! Start: mid/late December until begining of March. Hope to hear tales from you all soon! <br /> <br /> * '''rom1dwker''' My girlfriend and I will cycle southward patagonian roads and ripio from mid december 22 to mid february 23, and we plan to maybe hike some sections of the GPT, especially the ones in Jenimeini where we have already been a few years ago, dependind on how everything goes with the cycling and and the roads we will actually take.<br /> <br /> * '''gornik''' Me and my grilfriend Gabi would like to hike on GPT from January till March 2023. We are on a gap year after our studies, and during that time we would love to enjoy the wilderness of Patagonia. We are planning to first do some singular sections and after gaining some knowledge and experience in Patatagonia hiking, we would like to do some longer distances. We are also exited to combine it with hitchhiking to minimalize environmental impact. <br /> <br /> * '''hannahp24''' My partner Eric &amp; I will hike GPT 32-36 in Dec-Jan 2022/2023. Excited to explore new places and give guidance to what we find here.<br /> <br /> * '''Jmcantin''' Hi Jan, thanks for the hard work in this awesome guide! I am planning a Southbound hike of the GPT from Santiago de Chile in January 2023 for a couple of months. I would love to have the track files to properly plan my route. Thank you for your help :)<br /> <br /> * ''' bforselv''' Hello guys, my wife and I live north of the Artic Circle in Norway and we are planing to go to Chile for hiking January and February. We want to do sections of the GPT.<br /> <br /> * ''' Ishaysachs(Ishay)''' Hello Jan! Ishay from Israel here. Just finished the PCT and looking forward to do some sections of the GPT this January-March. Would love to get access to the files in order to plan my route (: thank you for putting so much effort into this. That's an incredible project and I can't wait to start hiking and share the journey with this great community.<br /> <br /> *''' greenh3624 (Helen and Craig)''' Hello Hello Jan. Thank you so much for providing all this incredible information from the manual, we are both super grateful and are looking forward to contributing. Looking in to sections GPT 16- 05/06 for 2023 and hopefully some southern route sections from there. Just a quick comment to request track files. Your manual is incredible by the way. Mil gracias! <br /> <br /> * ''' Christophe (Alex &amp; Christophe)''' Hi Jan! Thanks a lot for all this informations and for your work. We are now travelling in south America with our van and are planning to sell it and start to hike the GPT in December 2023 for 2 or 3 month. This track files would help us a lot to plan this incredible adventure.<br /> <br /> *'''miguelvdvelden (Miguel)''' Hola Jan! I’m in awe of everything you’ve put together for the GPT. It’s so comprehensive and as a sustainability student I am grateful for the focus on both the environmental and social sustainability of the region and its communities. I am hoping to hike or packraft a part of the GPT over six weeks or so in Jan-Feb 2023. I am in full planning mode now, hence my request here. Muchas gracias por todo. Abrazo.<br /> <br /> *'''nico142857''' Hola Jan! Hace un tiempo habia leido parte del manual y veo que ahora esta actualizado. Desde ese momento que quede maravillado con la rigurosidad de tu trabajo y lo sigo haciendo ahora. Me suscribo a esta lista para poder obtener los track files, pues me interesa recorrer algunas secciones en las proximas vacaciones de verano 2022/2023. Estare muy agradecido si lo puedes mandar. Saludos desde Chile!. nicolas.<br /> <br /> *'''Lore Olivares''' Hola Jan, gracias por compartir esta valiosa información. Soy de Chile y junto a mi amigo queremos hacer la parte norte del GPT desde Santiago. Te agradeceré mucho si nos puedes compartir los datos GPX. Muchas gracias de antemano.<br /> *'''annéesympathique;) (Rémy D.)''' Hi guys, I‘m a student from Belgium and I plan to walk the GPT from december to march. That’s why having the GPX track files would help me realize this project. A big respect about all the work behind the GPT.<br /> * ''' TOBEL ''' Congratulations to the GPT Hikers Manual. I am from Germany and a bit older then the most here. This year I will hike some parts of the GPT, so I would like to get the gpx files.<br /> <br /> * ''' Michaelstabile (Mike &amp; Avery) Hi, Thanks for compiling all of this information. We are Backpacking and Pack rafting Guides in Alaska. We are planning to start in 2023 and Continue through all the way back to Alaska. Hiking, bike packing, Packrafting and sea kayaking. Having this track files would be incredible for us helping with planning for this section of our journey.<br /> <br /> * ''' Martin&amp;Helena (Martin.h)''' Hello guys! Thanks for the amazing work you’re doing with the GPT. We are a couple from Prague, Czech republic, planning to start hiking from the beginning of December, most likely until the end of March. We would use the track files for planning our hike and navigation. Thank you, Martin&amp;Helena<br /> <br /> * '''EDAWILSON (Ed)''' Hello! We are a couple from Scotland who are heading to Patagonia for a couple of months hiking this October/ November, and we are looking to incorporate some elements of the GPT into our trip. 2022 conditions permitting, we will likely explore some sections of the Fjord route; as well as Glacier Chica to El Chaltén; and fingers crossed some sections south of here. I would love to overlay the track files over GE for a better planning experience. We love the spirit of the community you are building here! Great work!<br /> <br /> * '''Ridgepathpictures (Jani)''' Hi! Myself and a couple of friends are planning a packrafting trip in Patagonia at the start of 2023. We will be dipping in and out of the regular packrafting route, so sections 17 to 39. The aid of the track files would be greatly appreciated. I'm honestly astounded by the work you have put into this trail, it's truly very inspiring.<br /> <br /> * '''Slingshot (Jeremy)''' Hi! My soon to be wife and I are planning a 3 month trek from GPT05 southbound and would greatly benefit from the GPT track files. Thank you so much for your hikers manual and for providing access to these files. It has already greatly benefited us.<br /> <br /> * '''Alexis (dm) &amp; Iris''' Hello! We are a 29/28 years old couple from France and are starting a sabbatical in South America for a year in December. We are landing in Puntas Arenas and would like to hike our way, on the GPT or not, through Chile up to the Ecuador. To better plan our trip, we would like to access the GPT track files and are obviously willing to contribute to the initiative. Many thanks. <br /> <br /> *'''Max''': Hello, I am from Germany and I really like to hike. Next year, I plan to hike from Santiago de Chile all the way down to Ushuaia with a Packraft. To do that, I would like to get the gpx files, so I can choose from the routes. Thank you for all of this.<br /> <br /> *'''Ted''': Hi guys, I'm a 33 year old austrian guy and I plan to hike a few sections of the GPT in October and November. it would be great if i could have the gpx data so i can plan the routes better. great community<br /> <br /> *'''Chris and Tara''': Hello!!! We are husband and wife, being 33 and 26 years old respectively. We plan to walk from Barilloche to Santiago incorporating large sections of the GPT. There are no fixed plans for sections and times, just to fully immerse our selves in Patagonia, it’s people and way of life. Thank you and all those who have contributes for your incredible work so far, I look forward to being able to contribute for others to enjoy! <br /> <br /> **'''Wannes''': Hello, I'm a 31 year old belgian who plans a two week trek/run in the beginning of November. I would love to do a part of the GPT. Could I receive the gpt tracks to decide which part would be ok to do? Kind regards. Wonderfull work!<br /> <br /> *'''Yannic &amp; Mirjam''': Hello together. We are Yannic and Mirjam and since one year on a world trip. We plan to spend a few months in Patagonia next and hike parts of the GPT. Which parts exactly we are currently still working out. Would it be possible to get the GPS tracks? Thank you for you incredible work !<br /> <br /> *'''AdriKunz''': Hello, first of all, a huge thank for all your amazing work. I am so grateful for this sharing which will allow me I hope to live a unique experience. I'm a actually working in French Guyana, but were looking for an immersive hick before living this continent. I finally came across this extraordinary adventure, which I think corresponds to me in every way. I plan to try the GTP from Santiago to part 14 or 15 of the GPT in a month and a week. I intend to start the hike in mid november. May i aske you the GPT track of thoses parts ?<br /> <br /> *'''Avisito''': Finally going for it - December 2022! Plan to start at GPT05 and go south for several weeks - would love to start exploring the GPS track files. Thanks!!!!!!!!!! <br /> <br /> *'''Veronica''': Hello, I am Canadian and will be spending six months in South America from October 2022 to March 2023. While I am there I would love to spend a few of these months hiking various portions of the GPT, which is why I would love to obtain the GPS track files. Thank you so much for all this work and to all those who have compiled all this information. I am very much appreciative of all of this! <br /> <br /> *'''Andes et Tentes''': Hello, we are 3 french students taking a year off to explore South America. We are planning to explore Patagonia between February and April 2023 by hiking on some specific sections of the GPT. That's why we are asking for the GPS tracks. Many thanks for the huge work achieved ! It is impressively detailed and complete !<br /> <br /> *'''ondra''': Hello! My name is Ondrej and I am from the Czech Republic. I have been reading about Jan's and others' experiences on the GPT for the past two years. I will finally have a chance to walk a part of the trail myself in January - March 2023. I am adding myself to the list to kindly request the track files. Thank you Jan for putting this together.<br /> <br /> *'''Mat''': Hi! from France. I’m planning a few months hiking trip to discover south America. I’ll most probably walk parts of the Gpt (as much as I can). I would be grateful to receive the necessary gpx files. Thank you for the this very huge and inspiring work. <br /> <br /> *'''Alice &amp; Florian''': Hola! We are Alice &amp; Florian, a french couple who love hiking. We who will travel in South America and especially in Chile in September and October this year (2022), and we read about the GPT and some blogs, which really peaked our interest. Our project is to walk going south along the GPT for about a month, somewhere between September and November. After reading the hiker's manual, we came here in order to do access the GPX files and prepare deeper our project. Muchas Gracias para todo este trabalho. <br /> <br /> *'''Thomas - Chilzin, Brah!''': Hola! I'm a thru hiker planning to do a large part of the GPT mostly continuously before heading north on a huge trip to explore South America. I really appreciate this resource and will do my best to contribute before and while I'm on trail. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Aneso''': Hola! I'm Aneso, a French woman who loves hiking. I heard about the GPT while doing research following my plan to go to South America for 1 year.<br /> My project on the GPT being to leave from the south in the direction of the north, over a period of 1 month (or even a little more) from January 2023.<br /> In my research I am missing the exact GPX files for my GPS.<br /> Thank you in advance and congratulations again for all the work provided and to which we have access.<br /> <br /> *'''Ariane''': Hola! I'm French and I will be hiking in Patagonia in April (and perhaps May); my plans are not yet well defined but I'd like to follow parts of the GPT on my way northward. Thanks for your super useful work!<br /> <br /> *'''OriolGirona''': Hola! I'm from Barcelona but living at nearby Girona. Love hiking and cycling, being my longer tours so far between 4 and 6 weeks on the trail. I hear about the GPT two years ago while looking for new ideas during covid lockdown. I already read the manual a couple of times, and I am thrilled to travel to Santiago next November / December for a couple of month, probably starting from section 1. And at this point of planning I will apreciate to have the GPX tracks to get deeper into this process. Awesome work. Thanks a lot!!!<br /> <br /> *'''JuanchoUgarte''': Hola! I'm a Chilean guy that loves hiking. I hear about the GPT a few years ago. This year while doing the Travesia Cerro Castillo realized that it was part of the GPT and decided to start planning to do it on summer 2023. During 2021 did the GR11 in Spain and want to do something in Chile this time (the GPX tracks would be very useful for all the planning) Probably will start near Parque Inglés. Thanks a lot!!!<br /> <br /> *'''LeanderDc''': Hey hey, we're a crew of 3 hiking-friends from Belgium and Chile. We're planning on walking a part of the GPT starting from around Cochamó till O'Higgins, probably taking some ferries and hitchhikes in between. We're starting to refine our exact route, by reading the manual and analyzing google earth, and would hugely benefit from the exact GPX files. Thanks in advance!<br /> <br /> *'''rowanl''': Hello, I'm an avid hiker from Canada looking to explore trails along the carretera austral especially around Cerro Castillo National Park. I hope to use the track files to help refine my plans. I appreciate all the information provided, Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''meotr''': Hi! I'm a french engineer planning to hike some parts of the main route between mid-february and mid-march during a 3-4 months period in Chile and Argentina. Thank you for you incredible work !<br /> <br /> *'''Sergio''': Hi! I live in Santiago and I'm planning on hiking some of the first GPTs on early February and hopefully some of the southern parts later on. Thank you very much for all the work you have put into this, it's an incredible thing what you have done!!<br /> <br /> *jdhanlon/Jen and Vince''': Hi! I am planning to hike and packraft a number of sections this season, from Jan - March 2022. Thank you for all your efforts and guidance in sharing information about the trail network!<br /> <br /> *'''Gianluca/Cerna_Beltz''': Salve a tutti, Hi!! I'm italian and I'm planning to hike some part of the GPT from the end of january to mars/avril. Thank you so much for all this information and for your attitude!<br /> <br /> *'''José''': Hi!!. I'm chilean and im planning to hike the GPT05 - 22 southbound. I would really apreciate to have access to the track files. Thank you so much for doing this, its awesome!<br /> <br /> *'''Carlos and Ivan''': Hellow. We'll be in Chile in january and february. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike. Thank you for your great work!<br /> <br /> *'''Mariia and Misha''': Hi! We are two Russian flying to Argentina in end of December. Fully equipped for packrafting. Planed start January 5, 2022 from Lago Puelo southbound. Sections: 1. GPT23-25P Rio Frey and Lago Amutui Quimei. 2. Then flying to Chile and resume GPT26-28P 3. GPT30P-32 4. GPT33H-35 5. GPT36P 6. 36H Northbound. End before March 25. I would be very greatful for the track files. Thank you so much for your awesome guide and work!<br /> <br /> *'''Mawel''': Hello, I'm planning to hike the GPT or at least a part of it. Idealy, I'd like to start from Ushuaïa and travelling up north along the cordilliera. Anything concrete yet but I'm sure the track files will be very helpful to prepare this journey as best as I can.<br /> <br /> *'''Alexey''': I will start my trip on 29.11.2021 from Lago Todos Los Santos to the North, until Lago Ranco.<br /> <br /> *'''Matthias&amp;Janna''': We will hike parts of the GPT in december - february. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike. Thanks for the enormous work done! <br /> <br /> *'''Franck''': I will hike parts of the GPT with a friend in december and january, we're interested in GPT05 to 12, 19 to 22 and 32 to 36. Thanks for the great work !! Can't wait to put my shoes on : D<br /> <br /> *'''Nathaniel''': I will be in Chile for a few months starting in December 2021. I am considering packrafting in the vicinity of the Western Fjord Traverse (GPT90P-GPT92P) as well as hiking/packrafting a section of the main route of the GPT in Zones H and I (possibly including GPT32-40).<br /> <br /> *'''Laurent and Maxime''': Hi there! We are two Canadians flying to Chile in January. We are fully equiped with lightweight equipment for packrafting, endure all sorts of weather and accomplish a great trip on the greater patagonian trail! We have 3 months to travel and we are very grateful of all the precious information you offer us ! Thank you very much !<br /> <br /> *'''Rebeca y Cristián''': Buenas tardes Jan! Estuvimos conociendo distintos lugares de la décima región desde inicios del 2021, &quot;aprovechando&quot; las cuarentenas. Ahora estamos planeando un viaje más largo, el cual incluye packraft. Nos encantaría acceder a los archivos para planificar mejor. Desde ya, muy agradecidos. <br /> <br /> *'''David Batguano''': Good day all. I am heading to Chile at the end of November 2021 to get some hiking in, obviously. Fist I am completing the O circuit at Torres del Paine, then will hopefully complete some of the easier sections of the GPT(I do not wish to bushwack or prove a point). I have no time constraints and will just go where I wish at a leisurely pace. I am on page 400 of the hikers manual working on routing. Though difficult, Jan's work so far is an unbelievable resource. <br /> <br /> *'''Vera &amp; James''': Hi all! We are planning to head over to Chile for 3 months Jan - Mar 2022 and plan to hike on the GPT. Planning is ongoing but current thinking is start at Puyehue and work north. The main motivation is to be in the mountains/wilderness for a period of time. The manual is an incredible resource! Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Tobias''': Hi Jan, I'm flying into Chile on the 1 of November. My plan is to hike southwards from Frutillar to El Chaltén and visit Schools along the way. I would be very greatful for the track files GPT 22-40. Thank you so much for your amazing work!<br /> <br /> *'''Kris&amp;Stiina''': Greetings, we are going to Chile in November and we plan to hike some sections of the GPT. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike and logistics. Thanks for the enormous work done! <br /> <br /> *'''Helmut and Beatrice''': Hi JAN, we are planning to spend two months in Patagonia at the beginning of next year. We want to hike around 1000 km and the tracking data would be a great help for us to choose appropriate sections and plan our hiking adventure. High praise for the great manual!<br /> <br /> *'''HolKann &amp; Peanutje''': Hey all, we're planning to visit Chile in January 2022, and hope to hike parts of the GPT for the better part of (at least) 3 months. Our most recent hiking experience was the [https://thepindosway.com Pindos way] in Greece, which consisted of finding &quot;the shadow of an old mule path&quot; to get up or down a mountain ridge, which taught us how to handle packs of angry shepherd dogs, and which forced on us a crash course in rudimentary Greek (as we would have gone hungry otherwise). We hope to get to know Patagonia and its people in the same way, except that our Spanish skills should be a bit better.<br /> <br /> *'''Stephan''': Hi folks, Hi Jan, i'm planning to do the GPT 22,Lago todos los santos, from Petrohue to Cochamo, hiking and packrafting. I have planned to go on October 2021. Thanks for the great work!<br /> *'''Stéphane''': Hi folks, Hi Jan, planing a trail trip next summer in Patagonia walking from Villa Cerro Castillo to Villa o Higgins. Could you please Jan send mi the track files beetween Villa Cerro Castillo and Pto Ibanez passing through Torres el Avellano ? GPT33H. Thx a lot and long life to yout project ! Hug<br /> <br /> *'''Martin and Kim''': Hi, we are planning to spend two oder three months next year in Patagonia. We want to hike round about 1200 km there and the track file would be very helpful to choose sections and plan our adventure. Thanks for the great manual!<br /> <br /> *'''Vicente''': Hi, I'm planning on doing the GPT this spring of 2021, I've done other long trails through Patagonia so I want to take it to the next level. I believe this trail has a great potential to become an icon for my country and its beautiful mountains. I need the track files to prepare the adventure.<br /> <br /> *'''Marc''' : We are two guys from Denmark who are hoping to spend a couple of months on the GPT, if possible we will begin this december. We are eager to get our hands on the track files to help us plan which sections to hike. We have a great amount of respect for all the work you have done to make this adventure possible!<br /> <br /> *'''Simoncashyt''' : Me and my friend are Planning to spend 2.5 months in the area this December. Hoping to get this Track file and review the trail in gis with other historic route databases to really understand the sections topography, climates and route options to explore off the track file. <br /> <br /> *'''Bastian Klein''' : I am a university student from Germany and currently only have vague plans for my hike. With the Covid situation still going on its still to be determined when I will actually get to go hiking, but I think the track files will help me a lot with planing. Greatly appreciate the work done on the GPT manual !.<br /> <br /> *'''Tim''' : We are a couple from Germany and around new year we plan to spend a few weeks in the area around GPT05 to GTP07. If possible we might return some time to see southern patagonia as well for multiple months.<br /> <br /> *'''Léo''' : I plan to travel one year in Chile from sept 2021 ; I want to start from Puertomontt to reach Santiago (in a whole year, so taking my time), and hike some sections of the GPT ! I have not chosen which exacts sections yet.<br /> <br /> *'''Nadfero''': Mi plan is to divide the route in two or three sections, and hike it in the 2021-2022-2023 summers. Obviously it all depends on the covid situation. There is no harm in planning!<br /> <br /> *'''Cristóbal''': Estoy aprovechando la cuarentena para estudiar la ruta y comenzar a hacer tramos en la medida que se levanten las restricciones sanitarias este 2021 y 2022.<br /> <br /> *'''Jo and Ty''': We are a couple planning to trekk for 3 months or so on the GPT. 2021/2022 depends on Covid 19 situation. Propably starting somewhere at GPT08. We are still in the beginning of planning. We require the track files for a lot of planning and for navigating on the trek it self. We are pretty excited!<br /> <br /> *'''Molly og Melissa''': We are two friends, from Denmark. We plan to hike most parts of group B, C and D in December 2021 - February 2022<br /> <br /> *'''Patagonico''': Years ago i did the ruta de los pioneros now i would like to complete the GPT in the next few years.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Les Amériques au fil de l'eau''': We are a french couple, planning to use the trail from Puerto Montt to Santiago in 2021-2022 and to realize two short documentary films about wetlands and about the women of America<br /> *'''O Bicho Geográfico''': Para fines de investigación científica, Abril de 2021.<br /> *'''Max Nemeth''': November to Mid-March 21/22, sections to be determined. Thank you for the amazing work on this route!<br /> *'''Memo mcrash''': GPT10 and GPT11. I plan to do it in March with some friends. We are very grateful for the work you have done. Thank you! Guillermo.<br /> *'''nico142857''': GPT01 and GPT02. Im planning to hike these 2 sections on March, and gpx's routes surely will help a lot. Thanks!<br /> *'''MauricioDM''': I am planning to hike the whole trail in parts, but I am not sure where to begin, the GPX will help . Thanks. <br /> *'''Nico busch''': GPT33H. Planning on doing the Torres del Avellano hike. Thanks. <br /> *'''Bjornsether''': GPT 01 to 40. I've been planning a long-distance hike in Chile for some time. February-April 2021 might allow me to spend time on the GPT.<br /> *'''AJForno''':, GPT 01 to 40, I live in Chile and have done some sections, and plan to keep exploring, Thank you! Andres <br /> *'''Thom&amp;Miky''': Hi, we are two friends planning to walk from febrary to april 2021 and we will try to reach from south to north the GPT 14 to GPT 01. Thank you! Thomas and Michael <br /> <br /> *'''WhatDoesMyHeartTellMe''': I am very much interested in GPT 01 to 40. I plan to trek in 2021-2022. This endeavor requires a tremendous amount of planning. I hope you can grant me the track files. Thanks very much!<br /> <br /> *'''Tom Corbett''': Januray 2021, hiking and packrafting sections of GPT 26 to GPT 33.<br /> <br /> *'''Rperezdearce ''': Hi, With my girlfriend we will leave the first days of Nov 2020 from Santiago with the intention of reaching GPT12, then we will try to continue further south.<br /> <br /> *'''Tobi &amp; Fang''': Hiking and potentially packrafting in the &lt;s&gt;2021/2022, 2022/2023&lt;/s&gt; 2023/2024 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Freek van Keulen (Freek)''': Plan to hike 2021-2022 season, starting preparations and research now<br /> <br /> *'''Joaquin Munoz (jqnmunozdiaz)''': Plan to hike sections GPT32-40 southbound on summer 2020-2021 if covid allows. I will likely hike some northern sections as well.<br /> <br /> *'''Quamen''': I am dreaming to hike the GPT01-16 and to hiking/packrafting GPT17-40 southbound this austral summer 2020-2021 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Frambues''': Starting at the end of 2020 if Covid lets. Not sure yet which part to do in one season, but probably start in Santiago.<br /> <br /> *'''Ferdinand''': Hi, Ferdinand from germany, I'd like to hike southbound starting from GPT 05 from Dec 2020 - Apr 2021 and see how far I can get. The GPS files would help a lot planning everything more in detail, thanks!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Víctor Valenzuela''': GTP 05-19: Planning on starting end of 2021 with GPT 05-19 and further on. Got one season to explore the GPT.<br /> <br /> *'''Isaac Garza (Try431)''': Planning to hike southbound GPT season from ~December 2020 through ~March/April 2021 (weather/COVID permitting). At the moment, planning to do GPT17P - GPT39, and track files will be very helpful in planning out in more detail :)<br /> <br /> *'''Pipers''': Hi, I'm from Valdivia, chile, and I am planning to hike or ride in my bike the closest parts of the route, as soon as coronavirus lockdown finishes<br /> <br /> *'''Patagoniandreams''': Planning to hike the standard route soundbound, starting at GPT10 until GPT23 and looping back nordbound via the Huella Andina. Due to the Corona crisis we postpone this endeavour to the 2021-2022 season. The hike will be done in family. We will have a 6 year old girl and a 3 year old boy with us. We have 4 months. We have been doing GPT sections back in 2008 - 2010 - 2013.<br /> <br /> *'''Olivier1''': Planning to hike the standard route northbound, starting at GPT 40 for the 2021-2022 season.<br /> <br /> *'''David Brophy (d.brophy)''': Planning to hike the standard route GPT01-GPT40 over two seasons starting as soon as COVID permits. Will use a pack-raft for the second season.<br /> <br /> *'''Peter Mican (ElCondor)''': Planning to hike the GPT in 2020/2021, starting at section 01 and hike as far south as I can, depending on the weather and situations on the track. I am planning to go solo but would be happy to join with a fellow hiker(s) ;-)<br /> <br /> *'''jojohoughton''': Planning on hiking/packrafting southbound to section 40, starting either from section 1 or section 13 depending on the conditions. Will be exploring the GPT for the summer 2020-2021 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Leonhard''': GTP 1-16: Planning on starting end of 2021 with GPT 1-16 and further on. Got one season to explore the GPT.<br /> <br /> *'''Aligator''': GTP 40 to GPT32: Plannning to explore that part of the GPT in February (from 03/02) and March (flexible) with my girlfriend (we both live in Santiago). Thank you for the incredible work you've achieved gathering and updating all those information!<br /> <br /> *'''ConnyPflaume''': GTP 14 &amp; 15 or the area between lago Conguillo and Lago Tinquilco. We will start this weekend, 11.1.20 - would be nice we could be supplied with the map so shorthanded.<br /> <br /> *'''felixrulz''': Will be in the Andes for around 4 months. Have already completed 3 sections, but looking to do more. Joined specifically for the Puyehue section (GPT 19)<br /> <br /> *'''Kelly Swanson''': I plan to solo trek starting at GPT06 in January 2020, continuing till mid March.<br /> <br /> *'''phil ro''': i will start in coihayque in mid-january and will head south for more than 4 weeks with a packraft.<br /> <br /> *'''johannsteffen''': Going to make a backpack trip starting in February on Ushuaya and going to Bariloche in June.<br /> <br /> *'''Claudio Miranda''': Starting from Santiago in January 2020 until April, planing to arrive at least to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> *'''Trinity''': Travelling to SA for 2 years and plan exploring Patagonia.<br /> <br /> *'''pirre''': Starting in January 2020 on GPT32 and planning to hike south for 6-8 weeks. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Shn0rhelez''': Hi,I am Anton from Sofia,Bulgaria...me and my girlfriend are starting from sec6 in the middle of January...we have around four months...thank you for your remarkable work!!!<br /> <br /> *'''Gatodelmonte''': Starting on 2 January from Santiago, planning to hike South for about 45 days &amp; exit near Pucon (sections 1 to 15)<br /> <br /> *'''Fedepatagon''': Like to pack raft on the area between Bariloche-Osorno and P.N Los Alerces<br /> <br /> *'''Vincent Paquet''': My girlfriend and I are planning to spend 3 weeks walking from december 18 2019 to Jan 10 2020. We're still selecting the exact sections. Cheers!!<br /> <br /> *'''Tmattson425''': Plan for this year is to solo trek sections 1 through 19 (southbound) starting in mid-January 2020. I'm an American expat living in Buenos Aires and plan on returning in following seasons to complete the GPT, try packrafting, and explore alternate routes. Extremely excited an grateful that this trek is possible. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''SalomeS''': Planning for a 6 month trip with my husband starting in Nov/Dec 2020. Planning to hike the sections 40 to 16. We would be incredibly grateful to receive the gps track files. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Ianhikes'''* Leaving for Chile in 1 week and looking to spend a month on GPT hiking southbound.<br /> <br /> *'''zc0rp10''': Hi! Planning and preparing for an extended hike together with two friends from November 2020 - Feb 2021.<br /> <br /> *'''ELLI''': together with a friend we plan to hike the sections of the main route but in opposite direction starting in the area around Lago viedma in first days of January 2020, we have approx. 4 month time<br /> <br /> *'''gorskial''': plan to bike/packraft along the carretera austral from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins with hiking side trips. Jan/feb 2020<br /> <br /> *'''pitney''': Solo hiking GPT sections 6-22 Southbound beginning early January, 2020.<br /> <br /> *'''dirtmonger''': GPT sections 1-24; planning underway for an immersion solo hike ‘20 November to ‘21 February. <br /> <br /> *'''bob451''': Planning on solo hiking 2 or 3 sections of the GPT northbound March/April 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''Mgabenesch''' : Planning on hiking most parts of the GPT, starting in Ushuaïa then going North. I have on year off. Starting Dec 2019<br /> <br /> *'''Family Size''': Planning on hiking parts of the GPT southbound. Starting end of November 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''shaunchurch''': Hope to solo hike/packraft a few sections southbound. Section 15 or 17 in Dec 2019. Then maybe a couple more from among sections 21-31 in Jan and Feb 2020. <br /> <br /> *'''iank''':2 months jan and feb 2020. Hope to hike isla navarino, cirque of huemuls and then cochrane to chile chico. More northerly secions maybe 2021.<br /> <br /> *'''dsmit3000''': Solo hiker planning on hiking GPT40-31 northbound November-January 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''2As''': We plan to walk in Chile and Argentina from mid October 2019 to mid march 2020. We don't have precisely planned our trip but the root of our trip is to go by foot through Patagonia and also discover Chile and his people and culture.<br /> *'''A pat''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT (Need to confirm but we are interesting in sections 08-22 and 35- 40) from January to early March 2020.<br /> *'''Aceestrin''': We'll be exploring for 4 weeks in Los Lagos region December-January. <br /> *'''Andrealopezb''': I plan on doing individual sections for the time being, mostly between Santiago-El Maule <br /> *'''annbrnn''': Heya, a friend and I are planning on hiking several sections of the GPT beginning end of December 2019 and are currently in the process of determining our route.<br /> *'''AlexEdge''': Hi, i am planning to hike the lower sections of this route with a couple friends, possibly febuary 2020. thank you!<br /> *'''Arno507''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT starting fom November/December 2019 till early April 2020.<br /> *'''Birdy ''': I plan to mostly walk from Lake Titicaca to Ushuaia starting November 2019.<br /> *'''David''': Hello!! This is David from Barcelona and I'm planning to walk through the Patagonia for 4 month from January 2020. I would love to do all de GPT, but I'm not sure if it's too ambitious... For sure, I'll try it!! :-) I would really appreciate if you can provide me the gps track files. Many thanks!!<br /> *'''Dubrovskiy''': 2 people, January 2020, Foot hiking southern parts, likely around GPT40-33.<br /> *'''Edwinb''': I will be arriving in Chile in Nov and plan to cherry pick parts of the GPT and mix it with other trekking, basically like I did last year. Always interested in a bit of exploring, providing it doesn't get to extreme!<br /> *'''Hendrik Niehaus''': We arrive in Chile early Oktober 2019. From November until January we plan to be on the GPT. Due to the recommendations of the hikers manual we are mainly interested in section 5-16. However, plans might still change and are not too fixed yet. Thank you in advance!<br /> *'''Herman van Horssen''': We plan to do section 47 to 69 of the GPT in 2020.<br /> *'''johansonst333''': Hi! I am planning the sections 30 - 40 during this hiking season, would be incredibly grateful to have the GPS files for further research and planning. Thank you in advance!<br /> *'''Jose Barros''' Hello !Im jose from Santiago de Chile, i will do the sections from Conquillio national park to Puyehue national park, its aprox. 15 days in January, i think it will be great ! If you can provide the track files i will be very thankfull. <br /> *'''Jose Roman''': Hi, my plan is to several sections by bike or hiking staring September 2019 until Abril 2020.<br /> *'''JUNHUI SON''': Hi, I'm from South Korea, I plan to do section 1 to 40 of the GPT in September 2019 till November.<br /> *'''Kendon''': I cycled Patagonia many year ago and have always wanted to return for an extended walk through this wonderful area. I am in preliminary stages of my planning and thank you for your efforts in providing such a great resource. I am looking at the 2020 summer.<br /> *'''Martín H.I.''': Hello, I´m planning to make an attempt to hike from sections GPT01 to GPT22 this summer from December 2019 to February 2020, still deciding on the exact sections, but southbound is my direction. I´m a chilean 25 year old architect who will humbly try to hike this unique trail. Thank you Jan for the amazing creation.<br /> *'''Martin Lizondo''': I will be hiking southbound from Anticura (GPT20) to El Chaltén (GPT39), between December 2019 and February 2020. It's my second season in the GPT, after hiking from Santiago (GPT01) to Anticura (GPT19) in 2018-2019.<br /> *'''martinahaller''': We will be arriving in Chile in Nov and plan to hike parts of the GPT during the next 6 Month, starting in Santiago.<br /> *'''Maturin''': Hi, I am currently figuring out the details to hike GPT06 to GPT08 from the 27th of December 2019 until mid January. I will be doing the Horseriding tour before. I speak fluent spanish and the idea is to go southbound. Thank you!<br /> *'''Matúš Lašan''': We plan to do as much as possible from December 2019 till March 2020.<br /> *'''msantelli''': Hi, Melissa, plan to trek sections 05-22 taking a chance to start mid-late Nov. of ‘19 may need to backtrack and cut a few sections out, if rivers can’t be ford/crossed-flexible schedule<br /> *'''Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck''': We plan to investigate new packrafting and hiking routes in more remote areas between Puerto Montt and El Chalten without making a single long traverse (GPT21 to GPT40, GPT90P to GPT 92P). We will depart in November 2019 and plan to finish in February 2020. Experienced packrafts may join us for these investigations.<br /> *'''Lauric Olrik''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT starting from November 2019, we have a whole year off.<br /> *'''Lea Geibel''': Hi, my plan is to do several sections of the GPT starting fom October/November 2019 until beginning of January 2020 and need to figure out which ones are suitable for such an early start.<br /> *'''Linda''': Hi, I am planning to hike alone southbound the GPT from beginning of December 2019 to mid-February 2020, probably from GPT06 to GPT22, but I am still studying the routes and the sections. I spoke quite good spanish, at least, it will come back there, practicing ! Thank you !<br /> *'''Oreste Marquis''': Hello, i'm planning to hike sections 06-22 and 32-40 if time allows it. My trip will be from January to Abril 2020.<br /> *'''Sanita Heinz''': We plan to do section 1 to 40 of the GPT in December 2019 till March 2020.<br /> *'''Selma''': We are planning to packraft some sections of the GPT during our stay in Nov/Dez '19<br /> *'''Staci Garcia''': Hello, I am planning on doing several sections of the GPT in 2020. I am still in research on what sections.<br /> *'''TrashPanda''': Hi, we plan to do several sections from the end of November 2019 till February 2020.<br /> *'''tom347''': Hola, I plan to do part of parts 1 to 40 with a friend, starting mid october. We will be hitchhiking the parts that are not recomended in particular months. We will be travelling for aproximately 2 months. Gracias.<br /> *'''Tombartlett''': Hello I am planning on hiking many sections over a three month period from November 2019 to February 2020.<br /> *'''Wanderwood18 ''': We plan to make it to El Chalten/Fitz Roy in one season from Santiago. This means I’ll probably skip recommended sections to skip/do what I need to do to make it. I’m flexible, we will see how it goes. My girlfriend, America, and I are planning on starting around Nov. 10th….<br /> *'''LieberWeiter''' Hi, I do not know yet if I ever dare to walk the GPT but meanwhile I would like to plan therefore!<br /> *'''Jarek Wątroba''' Hey, I will spend several months in Patagonia starting in Jan 2024. The information you provided in the Hiker's Guide is already immensely helpful, but the track files would make planning our route so much easier. Thanks.<br /> *'''Wolke7net''' Hi, could you please send me the track without packrafting. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''''DoloresMonika''''' Hi,my name is Dorota and I am from Poland. I ahve a plan to start from Santiago de Chile at 1 of December 2024. I can pass 4.5 months on the trail . Thanks for preparing this manual and description of trail.<br /> *'''''Randomuser''''' Hi, my name is Victor and my wife and I are planning on spending 3 months in Patagonia starting Jan 25. We are planning on picking some sections to explore and will focus on the land portions, thanks!<br /> <br /> '''wikiexplora'''</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=Greater_Patagonian_Trail_track_files&diff=124301 2025-10-17T10:08:27Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* List of requests */</p> <hr /> <div>[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]<br /> The track files of the [[Greater Patagonian Trail]] are provided on personal request by [[user:Jandudeck|the author]] free of charge but not unconditionally. Read in the Hiker's Manual chapter '''1.15 Terms and Conditions for Using the Hiker’s Manual and the Trail Files''' to review these conditions and to understand why these conditions were put in place.<br /> <br /> GPT Hikers's Manual: http://bit.ly/GPTmanual<br /> <br /> ==Create an account in Wikiexplora (compulsory)==<br /> [[File:create account wikiexplora.png|frame|Six (very standard) steps to create an account in Wikiexplora]]<br /> To request the files you must first [http://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=Especial:Entrar&amp;type=signup create a Wikiexplora account]. It really takes less than a minute. The form is in spanish, but it's very standard and simple:<br /> #User name<br /> #Password<br /> #Confirm password<br /> #Email. Not compulsory but highly recommended to give us the chance to reach you. Wikiexplora has sent only '''one''' non personal email in 13 years.<br /> #Real name (optional)<br /> #On the final line type '''wikiexplora''', all in lower case<br /> <br /> ==List of requests==<br /> &lt;!-- To unlock the GPT Track Files 2019 you will need in addition the Track File Unlock Code 8: 367661 --&gt;<br /> <br /> *'''Elisa B''' Hello everyone, my name is Elisa and I'm from Switzerland. I'm planning to hike the GPT between December and January. Why the GPT? I discovered this trail through a book by a French explorer. As I read through the pages, it became clear that Patagonia would be my next destination and I'll be tackling part of the GPT, as I've always wanted to walk long distances. I enjoy wild and authentic landscapes, contact with the local population, and having to fend for myself. Since I have little time to explore the region, I'm planning to spend about 2 months hiking the section between GPT20 and GPT40. Heading north. I'd be very grateful to receive the GPS files. Thanks a lot for your job on the GPT! <br /> <br /> *'''Pierrick G''' Hi Juan. 10/2025. I am currently exploring the South American continent with no fixed return date and a strong wish to immerse myself in the local culture. My motivation for hiking the Greater Patagonian Trail is to step off the beaten track and lose myself in nature, seeking an authentic, humble, and challenging way of life. I hope to leave no trace along my journey, connecting deeply with the environment where I am only a simple guest and a temporary visitor. For me, the trail is not only about adventure but also about respect, discovery, and becoming part of a wild and beautiful land, even if only for a while.<br /> <br /> *Edwin. Hi Jan. I hope to be flying to Punta Arenas the 10th of november and intend to cherry pick some gpt sections. Hope to get a bit more done than just gpt12 and half a gpt33h two years ago! Of course I would be very happy to receive the latest gpt files.<br /> <br /> *'''Alma''' Hi Jan. I hiked three months on the GPT in 2017/18. An amazing experience! Since that time I am longing to explore other regions of Chile whilst on the GPT. I would really appreciate receiving the new track files in preparation for another three months on the GPT starting this mid-November. Thanks for all your research and for sharing your knowledge on thru-hiking (and packrafting) in Chile! <br /> <br /> *'''Sandro''' Hi Jan. I am a pretty experienced bikepacker, and I usually create my own routes, but since I don't have that much experience doing this for thru-hiking, and there is already such an exhaustive and well-researched amount of information available, it would be silly not to acquire your files and start from there.<br /> <br /> *'''Nicolas''' Hello everyone, my name is Nicolas, I’m a young engineer from France. Between January and March I plan to travel on the GPT, most likely combining hiking and packrafting along parts of the GPT. To better prepare my trip, I would like to request access to the track files. Thank you very much to Jan and all contributors for the amazing work on this project, it’s really inspiring to see such a resource shared with the community!<br /> <br /> *'''mts1010''' Hello. I´m planning to do a part of the GPT from January to April. Is it possible to get the track files? That would be helpful. Thank you for your continued work on this project. <br /> <br /> *'''Michaela''' Hi everyone, my name is Michaela and I am from Austria. At the end of November 2025, I will start the GPT from Santiago and hike southbound. I will see how far I can get, as I have time until mid-March 2026. I am really looking forward to it!<br /> <br /> *I'''guai''' Hello Jan, contributors, and all. Looking to be back in Chile for my first time in almost 20 years starting in January 2026. Excited to hike perhaps 500 km of the GPT over the course of a couple months. Thanks! <br /> <br /> *'''LauraAndaGPT''' Hola Jan, I am currently figuring out which parts of the GPT I would like to hike (2025/26). It would be great to have acess to the track files for planning. Such great recourses to explore the Region, thank you very much in advance for all the considerations you made while publishing these informations! <br /> <br /> *'''Massa''' Hi Jan, thanks to you and anyone contributing for maintaining and sharing the information (not only the track files). Me and my wife are going to be in Chile two months starting in early in december and returning late in the january 26. We are looking forward to hike some of the sections of the GPT. Thank you, Jan, also for the help with setting up the wiki account. <br /> <br /> *'''djunksss''' Hola Jan! This is Julia from Brazil! Last December I went to Cochamo to hike in the region and loved it very much! Now I'm planning on going back to Patagonia, this time to Torres del Avellanos region to again do some hiking and exploring, but this time with plans to do some wild camping. A good friend of mine told me of the wiki and the GPT track files, and I'm sure they would be of the greatest help moving around! Thanks in advance for all the trouble in keeping this awesome site in the air.<br /> *'''Álvaro''' Hi Jan! I´m planning to do a part of the GPT with my son the next summer, probably a couple of weeks in January. Is it possible to get the track files? It would be a great help to have them. Thanks in advance.<br /> *'''Mochi''' Hi Jan! First of all, thanks to you and everybody else who's put so much work into the Greater Patagonian Trail - I'm amazed by your generosity! I would like to hike/packraft parts of the GPT this upcoming season, together with my partner. For more in-depth planning it'd be great to have the track files.<br /> <br /> *'''Quentin.FR''' Hello, I plan to travel across Patagonia from january to april 2026, and I would love to take part of some GPT track in order to hike as much as possible. Therefore, I would like to request a GPS track to plan it. I will be alone during my trip. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Pierrick M.''' Hello to the GPT community, thank you for the work done on this project. I would like to hike part of the GPT starting from Santiago in November 2025. Therefore, I would like to request a GPS track to plan my route according to the recommendations in the guidebook. Hope to see you soon on the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''Castade''' Hi Jan, I’m planning to start hiking the GPT from Santiago (GPT01) without a fixed end point, just seeing how far I will go as the journey unfolds. I would really appreciate access to the GPS files so that I will be able to look further into the routes and have them for when I start the the trail. Thanks so much for all the work you've done—it’s truly an incredible resource!<br /> <br /> *'''Daniel S.''' Hello everyone! Thank you Jan,, for continuing the project! After completing some of the packrafting sections in the 23/24 season, I will be returning to the GPT in November '25 to repeat some sections and probably try a few different ones as well. See you out there! <br /> <br /> *'''Roy Kisluk''' Hi Jan, I plan on hiking the GPT starting with GPT69 in October and heading North. I will be hiking solo. I appreciate all that you put into this project. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Nimrod Ashkenazy''' Hi, I'm planing to mostly solo hike (I have friends who will join for some sections) in November 25. I first heard about this trail while thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand. Thanks for the great work!!!<br /> <br /> *'''Denis Rosa''' Hello everybody, I heard about GPT from Slovakian couple which hiked almost 3000km, after gathering more information and as I have been going through hikers manual this is something we would like to be part of at least a bit. Possible attempt would be with my best friend most likely in the season 2026 November until 2027 March. Only hiking. Not sure yet which parts exactly but we would have few months for that we would like to plan more from track file. And I have to add that really appreciate all the work which Jan did, thank you. <br /> <br /> *'''Glacier Kane''' Hi Jan, first of all can't help but smile when I read your document, the hidden codes, the obligatory communal contributions, as a fellow Engineer I appreciate your creativity and effort here :] anyways I'm planning a 3-4 month hike through the GPT in the next 6-12 months and would love the track files! Not 100% sure what section I'll do yet but the files sure would help me plan it, thank you sir.<br /> <br /> *'''El Perezoso 91 (Sebastian)''' Hi together, my girlfriend and I hiked part 36H last year, and we would like to to the complete section 32 to 40 from September to January 2026/27. Many thanks @Jan for the GPT compilation, it's an incredible work you've done!<br /> <br /> *'''Trix&amp;Tinu''' Hello everyone, we already hiked GPT 21 to GPT 1 in 2018/2019. Now we want to hike further stages in the south (without a packraft). We'll be in Chile from December to February. @Jan: Thanks for your work!<br /> <br /> *'''JesseCaro''' Hi Jan, ever since our last visit in Patagonia in 2016 we’ve been dreaming of coming back. In previous years we’ve been hiking trails in Europe and the US. Searching for new experiences we came across your project. We would very much like to hike the GPT next summer (from December 2025) and use your Track files. Thank you very much!<br /> <br /> *'''Oelk'''* Hi Jan, A few months ago while planning an open-ended ticket trip to the Americas came across the GPT Hikers' Manual and fell in love, I depart in a month to NA and I plan to arrive at Santiago early October and to hike the Northern Bulk (and continue south if budget and weather allows). Already practicing my Spanish and preparing for the journey physically and logistically. Your passion for this region and this route is contagious! Would love to get access to the Track files, thank you and hope to hear from you soon.<br /> <br /> *'''Anso'''* Hi Jan, I am reading about the GPT since years waiting for the right timing for me to come. It finally cames. I took 4 months off between December 2025 and March 2026 to go solo-hiking between Coyhaique and Ushuaia. My goal is not necessarily to connect footsteps between those two locations but rather to take the time to explore the area and enjoy the suprises on the way. Thank you very much <br /> <br /> *'''Teebi'''* Hi Jan, I've been traveling the last 9 weeks through south of Chile/Argentina and did a lot of the well known trails. While preparing for Villarica Traverse I found Wikiexplora and the GPT. Now I also really want to do the GPT06 and I think it will be one of my highlights just before time in Chile ends. Many thanks.<br /> <br /> *'''Minutetravel'''* hello Jan, my name is jacques this year I discovered northern Chile and fell in love with this country. I would now like to explore Chilean Patagonia. I thank you for the incredible work you have done in mapping all the trails in this region. Thank you for accepting me on this list so I can access the files.<br /> <br /> *'''Greg''' Hi Jan, I'm very keen to explore parts of Greater Patagonia, particularly GPT 6-12 from January 2026. I would be very grateful for the track files to be able to achieve this. Many thanks for creating this amazing trail network.<br /> <br /> *”Joppe” Hi Jan. I’ve been interested in the GPT since years and have finally got a chance to go to Chile for a month or maybe more. Would love to contribute to this project. I’d love to be granted access to the files. Thank you for your amazing work on this.<br /> <br /> *&quot;AthenaJones&quot; Hi Jan. Hoping to solo hike the trail from the beginning of october to the end of january. My goal is not to complete the trail but to explore it until the time runs out. I will need the track files to achieve this. Thankyou for all the information you have provided, its inspiring.<br /> <br /> *&quot;Asimo&quot; Hi Jan. I'm currently solo traveling in Patagonia by bike with a packraft for 2 months and for the next 2 months. I learned about the GPT on the way and I'm interresting on several sections. Particularly for packrafting a portion of Río Baker, hiking around Torre de Avallano y glaciar O'Higgins, but also comparing options for hiking and discover more deeply Patagonia between Coyhaique and Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Schmittenk''' Hi Jan. I'm living in southern Chile and have walked short sections that overlap with the route network. I'd like to look into hiking longer sections within the next couple of years. I'd appreciate being able to access the track files. <br /> <br /> *'''UnChamoisEgaré'''* Hi Jan. I already had the chance to walk a part of the GPT 3 years ago alone (Adrien Kunzli) and this time I would like to do it with my 2 brothers for two months. We are preparing a little late but we have all the equipment and are in Valparaiso and we would like to start as soon as possible. I hope this is possible, thank you very much! Let me know :)<br /> <br /> *'''Diego Raffaeli'''* Hi Jan. I've been reviewing the GPT Hikers manual in order to planning a trail from Lago Puelo (Arg) to Cochamó (Chi). I would really appreciate if you can share the tracking files with me. Thanks in advance.<br /> <br /> *'''Sprocky.''' Hi Jan. I've been studying the GPT hikers manual for some years now with an eye on exploring as much of the route as possible over the next two summer seasons. Keen to be a part of the GPT community and give feedback. I would really appreciate the track files to help me continue with route planning this year. Many thanks for compiling such a detailed resource. Cheers<br /> <br /> *'''SteveBehaeghel.''' Hi Jan en Meylin, thx for the recent update on the GPT files. We are currently in Pucon with our 3 kids (3ys, 6ys and 9ys). The upcoming 3 months we will continue to revisit or explore certain GPT sections on small adventures of maximum 5 days. We will trek parts of, and including optional routes, from GPT14-GPT16-GPT19-GPT21-GPT22-GPT30-GPT33-GPT35-GPT37. I will probably do some small uptdates on the FB group, but the wikiexplora pages I will update after our longer trip in the second half of 2025. Thx for all helpfull information.<br /> <br /> *'''Martin M.''' Hi Jan, I would like to explore some part of the GPT on foot, starting from GPT32. I only have a few weeks, so it will be just a small taste of what GPT is. Therefore having access to the track files would greatly help. Thanks a lot for all the effort you put into it.<br /> <br /> *'''7yson''' Hello, Jan. Thanks for this incredible resource. What an amazing effort that you and your community here have made. Happy to be a part of it. I'll be in the Esquel area in late Feb and am studying the main route for sections to hike in March, northbound likely. Thanks for considering me for access to the track files.<br /> <br /> *'''Daniela Montecinos''' Hi Jan! I found GPT while searching for information on packraft routes in Patagonia. Your work is wonderful! I am interested in doing some of GPT's packraft routes and being able to contribute updated information on them. Thank you so much for your work and for sharing it!<br /> <br /> *'''Mochilaosabatico''' Hi Jan. Tks for all information about GPT. My husband and I have just finished GPT 6 (Descabezado Grande) and we want to hike sectors 7 and 8. I would appreciate receiving the tracklogs for GPTs 7 and 8. Tks a lot!<br /> <br /> *'''Moonshine''' Hi Jan. I have been loving the in depth guide for the GPT. It has been an incredible resource for this upcoming trip. Thank you so much for all you have done. My friend and I are planning on spending a month in March hiking along this trail. We have yet to decide exactly where along GPT06-GPT22. We are hoping we love it so much that next year we will come back with some packrafting knowledge and do more for a longer period of time. We love being in the backcountry, and connecting with local communities. This truly appeals to us in every regard. Excited for this adventure!<br /> <br /> *'''Tom Venegas''' Thank you all for the fantastic work in gathering information and building this community! I’ve hiked in the Radal, Lircay, Antuco, Cochamó, and recently I’ve been exploring more of Aysén—specifically Cerro Castillo and Patagonia National Park. I’m really excited to check out Torres del Avellano and the Pioneros Road in Aysén next. Looking forward to connecting with other hikers and sharing experiences to be part of this project!<br /> <br /> *'''Benoît''' Hi Jan, thank you for the incredible work you've done with the hiker's manual, it's an invaluable resource ! I started the GPT from Santiago in 2018 (sections 01 to 08), and I would like to continue from the Antuco Volcano and go south. Thanks again for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''einat shvartz''' Hello. I'm einat, i'm 26, i'm arriving solo to patagonia this January (2025), for about 2-3 months. I wish to hike the GPT, or maybe just some sections of it. I am absolutly love being in untouched nature and also meeting authentic people from all around the world. Hiking some of the GPT sounds incredible. I'm experienced with medium-long hikes (several days to 1-2 weeks top), but 0 experience with packrafting. There for I wish, at this point, to do only sections that are duable by foot (probably the more northen parts of GPT). And probably not a lot of difficult parts, at least in the begining, to see how i adapt to this new land, and to the whole thru-hiking experience. I hope that the track files will help me build and plan my own customize trail, and that i will be blessed to expirience some of it. <br /> <br /> *'''jhfelner''' Hello. I plan on hiking and maybe packrafting numerous sections of the GPT over the next few years starting with parts of GPT around Section 6 this year. Experienced with remote mountain terrain. Would appreciate the track files for further planning. <br /> <br /> *'''Tomek Z''' Hi, I´m from Poland. Right now on the one-year hitchhiking trip through South America. But part of my plan was always hiking some part of Andes. This idea of GPT really looks nice. I am a student mountain guide in Poland,and so far my bigest hike was from Zakopane to Budapest aprox. 350km, 16 days. Now I would love to try someting more challenging. I want to do a part from Trapa Trapa to Santaiago. I speak spanish quite well and curently I am working in a hostel in El Chalten. :) I plan to start a hike in the middle of February. <br /> <br /> *'''Matthias Keil''' Hi Jan, we are Kathrin and Matthias from Germany (40yrs/42yrs) and we are both passionate hikers and have already visited lots of countries and its mountains. Since we have a kind of sabbatical in 2025/2026 we are planning to spend around 4 to 5 months on the GPT. My wife is fluent in Spanish and we are both fascinated of exploring remote areas and getting in touch with the locals combined with challenging navigation in barely untouched regions.<br /> <br /> *'''Jordan Porter''' Hello. I plan to solo hike and packraft the Gpt starting December 2025 and hiking until April 2026. I spent three months backpacking and exploring Chile and Argentina last Jan-March so I have a decent idea of what to expect weather/transportation/etc. Your hikers guide has been a great resource so far! Looking forward to being in touch. <br /> <br /> *'''Ben McLuckie''' Hi Jan, along with my spouse, we want to spend 3 months hiking from PN Hornopirén north to Santiago starting in March. I am currently reading your 2024 Hikers Manual. For 3 months in 2019 we traveled from Dientes de Navarino to El Chaltén and for another 3 months in 2024 traveled from El Chaltén to Valdivia by mountain biking, trekking and connecting ferries. We are most definately &quot;immersion hikers&quot; and not mileage-focused thru-hikers (no judging here).<br /> <br /> *'''Fernanda Rodriguez''' Hi Jan, I am visiting Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia for one month. I am interested in doing the GPT 37 to GPT 40. I've been all of 2024 reading your Hikers Manual. I feel so grateful for such a beautiful contribution you have made to this, my country :)<br /> <br /> *'''Chloe Derrien''' Hi Jan, with my partner, we would like to go from Ushuaïa up to Peru using some GPT sections. We would like to start end of february. Thank you for the GPT hiking manual, it is a huge help and source of informations. <br /> <br /> *'''DavidVidal&quot;&quot; Hola, de a poco he ido haciendo trayectos de varios días por la cordillera, algunos de estos se unen también a ciertas secciones del GPT. Me interesa tener estos tracks para planificar mejor mis salidas. Agradecido de tu trabajo y prolijidad en esta ruta. Leí hace un tiempo el manual, acepto las condiciones claramente.<br /> <br /> *'''Jason''' Hi Jan. I'm currently looking into hiking some sections of the GPT in 2025/2026 and would greatly appreciate the track files to aid in planning. I've read the introduction and agree to the terms and conditions. Thank you for all that you do.<br /> <br /> *'''Ben Ram''' Hi Jan, I am researching hiking sections of the GPT in the Chilean Lake District with my partner in late 2025 to early 2026. It would be really great to have access to your GPS Files for this. I have read the Terms and Conditions and agree to them. Cheers. <br /> <br /> *'''Ana''' Hi Jan, I’m looking into hiking sections of the GPT in late 2025 to early 2026. As part of my planning, I’d love to have a look at the GPS files to decide on sections. Thanks so much for all of the work you’ve put into this, the hikers manual is particularly useful. <br /> <br /> *'''EmilieV''' Hi Jan, I am planning to cross Chile from Antofagasta to Ushuaia by foot and bus and I would like to incorporate some of the GPT sections in my adventure. The sections in question are 6 to 12 SOBO and then skipping over some of the middle sections to hop back on it probably after section 32 to finish at 40. I am still figuring out if I want to add a section or two from the southern part of the GPT and would like to access to GPS files to finish my preparation. The hikers manuel and the unbounded documentary were so helpful not only regarding the &quot;trail&quot; but also understanding the different dynamics of the local population, so interesting!<br /> <br /> *'''pointatadventure''' Hi Jan, a huge thank you to this wonderful community! I came across GPT after an extensive internet search. As an avid adventurer, I am planning a trip to Patagonia next year to hike and packraft. I have read and of course accepted the terms and conditions. It would be fantastic if you could provide the GPS files for my project.<br /> <br /> *'''Steve Hawkins''' Hello Jan and thank you for considering me for the GPT track files. I have read all terms and conditions, and I agree to comply. I also agree to contribute to the community. I am a &quot;soon-to-be&quot; retiree and have backpacked extensively in the United States. I would like to hike sections of the GPT over several years in 60–90-day increments beginning in Winter 2025-2026. I am beginning the research process for the first section hike in Patagonia and would love the assistance of the track files. Thank you for your consideration.<br /> <br /> *'''Matias Federici.'''Hi Jan, I am going to do S14-15-16-17 next week, dont have much time for preparations because I was just noticed in my work that i have the vacations abiable, Been years reading About de GPT, this is the first time I have the money and time to try to do some, Im realy looking foward to this, thank you for the incredible job you started, best regards from argentina! <br /> <br /> Use the format:<br /> *'''Michael G.''' Hi Jan, I am planning on hiking sections 1 to 22 NoBo of the GPT from early March 2025, beginning in El Chaltén. I would like to thank you for the selfless work you did on making the GPT what it is. I'd be grateful if you could provide the GPS files for my project.<br /> <br /> *'''Al and Bee''' Hi Jan, we are planning on hiking parts of the GPT starting in early January 2025, probably beginning in El Chaltén and hiking north. Thank you for the incredible Hikers Manual on the GPT. The GPS files would be extremely helpful for our endeavor. <br /> <br /> *'''Juergen''' Hi Jan, My name is Jürgen Wolf. First of all, I want to thank you for the Greater Patagonia Trail project. I'm planning to some chapters in February, probably from stage 21 in northern direction. I'm currently in the process of studying the manual and creating a plan for myself, for which the GPS files would be helpful<br /> <br /> *'''Pierre-Marie''' Hi Jan, I have been hiking since 27/11 from Santiago to El Chalten. Thank you for your work and efforts to keep this trail alive.<br /> <br /> *'''Dustin''' Hi Jan, I am heading down to Patagonia this summer and planning to explore some of the packrafting sections. I'm planning to start exploring out of Coyhaique in early January. It is really wonderful that you are putting together a resource like this for an area you love. Your passion really comes through in the guide. Thank you so much for all that you do.<br /> <br /> *'''Miguel''' Hi Jan, my name is Miguel Rodríguez Letelier, i live in Chile, love hiking and the mountains. I am planning to hike the GPT in the summer. Thank you for all the work and passion you put in this.<br /> <br /> *'''Henri''' Hi Jan, let me first say how thrilled I am that the GPT guide exists and that there are all these incredible resources available for free all in the name of hiking! I am looking at the possibility of hiking a section of the GPT this coming February. I have my selection narrowed down to a few different sections but I am still a little indecisive. I will only have about a month to hike the sections of the GPT until I need to go home. I am hoping to get ahold of the Track Files so that I could better understand the scope of what I might be embarking. I've made myself a spread sheet showing every section of the trail from GPT 001 through GPT 040 where I include data and details to more easily narrow down my decision, and with this I feel that I am ready to get into the fine details of planning a relatively short hike on the GPT (3 weeks or a month). <br /> <br /> *'''Graham''' Hello Jan, My name is Graham Hall. I am very interested in hiking the GPT between December and February of 2025. I am beginning my planning process, and I would love your insight. I will say, this is somewhat new to me, not in the outdoor sense, but in perspective. I have worked as a backcountry guide leading canoe trips for several years, but thru-hiking is newer for me at least in the packing sense -although I have been doing some smaller trips. I am fluent in spanish and confident in my abilities in the backcountry, specifically in outfitting and planning so I am excited about getting my hands on the most up to date maps and trip notes to plan my route. I also am looking to plan some pit stops to try and attract my other guide friends to join me for sections, but I just need to get to planning. I also would just love to get some more advice. I will say, pack rafting sounds insanely cool (from my canoe experience) but I also know the dangers that come with solo water travel, especially in such windy conditions. I would love to discuss this further, if you have the time. Either way, I hope this gets to you, wikiexplora do me right! <br /> I hope we speak soon,<br /> Graham<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Nono''' Hi Jan! I am planning to hike the GPT from Puerto Montt to Santiago. I'll be starting in February. I'm currently planning the hike and the guide is really fantastic. Congrats and thank you for putting together such useful information. I hope I can help contribute too. Best, Arno.<br /> <br /> *'''Timotheed''' Hi Jan, I am planning to hike on the GPT from El Chalten to Santiago with a friend. We'll start in February, and we ll make it to Santiago with some junctions by bus. I am currently trying to plan our trip and therefore I would like to use the GPT track files. Thank you so much for the amazing informations you provided.<br /> <br /> *'''dmateria''' Hi Jan, I am planning to packraft the packraftable (GPT16+) out of the GPT from end of December onwards, thus I'd gladly make use of the existing tracks. Thanks for the amazing community you have helped building.<br /> <br /> *'''Mishun''' Hi Jan, me and my wife Anna plan to hike on GPT as a part our trip to Chile in December. We aim to hike sections GPT 06 and GPT 07 but we keep our plans open to change depending on the current conditions. Thank you for all your effort.<br /> <br /> *&quot;'MiaimZelt&quot;' Hi Jan, thank you a lot for sharing so much informations in the GPT Manual. My husband and i are currently in Chile and will be until April. We planned to do a lot of multi-day hikes off the beaten path, which are part of the GPT, without knowing about the GPT. Less than 2 weeks ago an other hiker advised me about the GPT. This way i found out we'll be section hikers on the GPT. Now i'm reading every day in the Manual and try to improve my planning as best as i can without the files. Since then i considered if i should add myself to the list, although i'm definately late. Decided to give it a try. The gpx-files would be a great help to find out about alternative routes of our planned treks and to understand all the log-entrys, which are related to the files.<br /> <br /> *'''Elijah Fuller''' My friend Michael and I are experienced thruhikers who are looking to do something very different from our previous experiences; the GPT. We'll have approximately 2 months to complete the GPT in January and February 2025. We're currently route planning, with sections GPT05-22 or GPT32-47 being the two sections we're considering. It's time to jump on Google Earth! <br /> <br /> *“Raphael Chevalier” Greetings and thank you for all the research and detailed information found in the Guide Manual. I have read chapter 1 and am further into getting info on that very intriguing trail. I have a GSP and would like to use the GPT gps coordinate to further research the sections I am planning to do starting January 2025. Once again thank you for the community and available information.<br /> <br /> * '''Roman''' I already did parts of the GPT in the 23/24 Season and fell in love with it!:) So I want to continue where it stopped GPT82P / GPT 33. Looking forward fore some new explorations and the new stories to tell of the people I meet! :)<br /> <br /> * '''gornik''' Me and my grilfriend Gabi would like to hike once again on GPT. Last time we were here in 2023 and now we are planning to come back ready to experience GPT with all its beauty and challanges. <br /> <br /> *'''Peggy''' Hi Jan, a lot of gratitude for you work and for charing it. It's a wonderful gift! I plan to start the gpt late december 2024 and walk until march or april wherever I get. Then I probably do the south part next year. For the momeent, I study the manual, analyse the route and my gear so I would be happy to have the gps files to go further in this preparation. Talk with you soon I hope and I am happy too to be a part of this community.<br /> <br /> *'''Mttmllr''' Hi Jan, I live in Biobio region Chile, and in the past few years have done some hikes in the Andes that have been on GPT routes. I'm interested in the track files to enable me to continue exploring (slowly, year by year, I don't plan on leaving Chile any time soon) the different segments of the GPT. Many thanks for all your work and dedication to this project.<br /> <br /> *'''BeingGarrett''' Jan ... I am looking to start the GPT this year (2024) in Santiago, I have an unlimited timeline and acknowledge that the GPT can not be done in a single season, therefore I would like to directly view the GPS files to map a roughly 1000 mile section. Go far, not fast. Thank you.<br /> <br /> *'''Kare-Bare Blvd''' Hi Jan, my GF and I are super stoked to have found such a wealth of knowledge available for our planned adventure to Patagonia. We have 2 months and are very much interested in the Packrafting portions between 17-39, plus all the side quests and hikes along the way. We don't plan to complete all these sections in 2 months but we really think that the track files will help in our planning and prioritizing of sections so that we can get the most out of our adventure and to do it safely. GPT 2026! B-K<br /> <br /> *'''ClickClack''' Hi Jan, myself and a friend are planning on doing sections 1 through 40 from mid-November 2024 to March 2025. We hope to complete the whole thing and the track files would really help! Thank you for the incredible amount of effort you have put into this!<br /> <br /> *'''Simonlusignan''' Hi Jan, I am planning my 1500km hike through some GPT sections. I am starting from El Chalten in January 2025 and will be doing sections 32 to 40 and 6 to 12. I would love access to the files to help me navigate through river crossings and certain tougher sections. Thank you very much for the incredible ressource!<br /> <br /> *'''Tamar''''' hi! we were very excited to hear about this trail! and it's uniqueness!! we hope to hike through some sections along the trail starting from the north in December 2024 until the weather becomes cold. Would love to share photos taken along the way. thank you!!<br /> <br /> *''''Thijmen''''' Hola Jan, I'm planning to Packraft part of the GPT for three months in January till March 2025. I would like to receive the track files in order to prepare. Thank you for all the effort in making this adventure possible. <br /> <br /> *'''''borruu''''' Hello Jan, thank you for sharing all the information about GPT. I am planning to hike a southern part of the GPT in February 2025, an access to the track files will be greatly appreciated.<br /> <br /> *'''''wiiiim''''' Hola Juan, I'm very interested in exploring Patagonia further by hiking &amp; packrafting sections of the GPT from December 2024. I'm still going through a lot of the information, but would love to get request access to the track files to plan more accurately. All the best, Wim<br /> <br /> *'''''Kevin4''''' Hello Juan, I am considering the GPT between Section 6 and 20 starting in December 2024. Thank you for your work and manual on the GPT. I would like to have access to the trace file to plan my route. I thank you, Kevin.<br /> <br /> *'''''Clara''''' Hey Jan ! I'm planning to hike some sections of the GPT between Decembre 2024 to March 2025. After reeding the amazing GPT hiker's manual, I would like to get access to the track files to continue planning the hike. Thank's for sharing all your work. <br /> <br /> *'''''Amazering''''' Hi Jan, first of all thanks for putting together all this info and documentation about the GPT, the pdf in particular has been an amazing read so far! We as a couple have been hiking for a few years and we identify ourselves very much in the slow pace, sharing centered and collaborative philosophy of the GPT, and plan on hiking on parts of the trail from end October 2024 through February 2025. Excited to be able to contribute back too!<br /> <br /> *'''''GLOBTUINA''''' Hey Jan, i'm planning to hike parts of the GPT into october 2024 and January 2025, i would like to get access to the track files to properly plan my trip before taking on such a great adventure. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''''Volker''''' Hey Jan, I am planning to hike parts of the GPT starting in December 2024 and would like to get access to the track files you created. You completed a tremendous work to write the excellent manual and create the track files. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT - and for sharing all your knowledge and experience!<br /> <br /> *'''''Farah &amp; Jan''''' Hey Jan, we're planning to hike parts of the GPT in January and February 2025 and would love to get access to the track files to properly plan our trip before taking on such a great adventure. Thank you very much for creating and maintaining the GPT!<br /> <br /> *'''''leo_micklem''''' Hello, I'm Leo. I'm planning to Packraft some sections of the GPT with my brother as part of a wider South America trip. The Packraft portion of the trip will likely take place December 2024 into January 2025. We feel strongly that it is important to be properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable adventure. <br /> <br /> *'''''Allie''''' Hello, I'm Allie (or Aliénor). I'm planning to visit Patagonia from november 2024 to march 2025, and i would like to discover the region mostly on foot. Thank you for your extensive research and comprehensive guide. <br /> <br /> *'''''sigg''''' Hi Jan, I'm Chris and I was thinking about spending some time on the GPT as a solo traveller beginning mid January to beginning of March 25. Yet, as I want to plan thoroughly, I'd love to take a look into the gpx files in order to better understand the terrain to choose to legs I feel confident in mastering. <br /> <br /> *'''''HugoT''''' Hi Jan, I'm Hugo and I'm planning to spend 3 weeks on the GPT. Reading the manual was great, a real change on how I normally prepare for more well-known trails in Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland or Nepal. In my search for true nature, I would like to start on section GTP06 and go south until 1) the trail beats me or 2) go as far as my feet will take me in the time that I have.<br /> <br /> *'''''veleslavia''''' Hello, I'm Olga and I'm planning to hike and packraft some sections of the Trail in late December 2024 with my partner. Thank you so much for creating the manual and the community around it!<br /> <br /> *'''''Ayrton.debeauffort''''' Hello, first of all thank you so much for all the hard work to put all these incredible resources together. I am looking to travel solo this spring to Patagonia and want to do first 20-30 section of the GPT over 2 months (with flexibility on the number of sections and timing). I have done multi day hikes in the W trek, and Norway and the Dolomites in the past and am looking to do a longer distance trek given I will be taking some time away from work. I look forward to contributing to your amazing research and thank you again!<br /> <br /> *'''''Celio''''' Hola, first thing, thank you very much for the passionate job you made in creating this Hiker's manual, it's a gold mine of infos! We are a french couple living in the alps and planning to do the GPT, starting november and going up north. Having worked 4 years in Tierra del fuego in guiding i'll be very happy to help in contribute and support the job you made ! Thank a lot.<br /> <br /> *'''''TiMa''''' Hi, we are a german couple planning to hike various treks in Patagonia roughly during Jan+Feb 2025. We didn't decide yet on specific sections of the GPT. Thank you and the contributors for all the work!<br /> *&quot;&quot;Morliz&quot;&quot; Hi Jan, I am planning on hiking sections of the GPT from 11/24-5/25, am experienced in long distance (US), alpine (alps, andes, pamir) and would be happy to support the wiki explorer homepage for the GPT during and after the hike. Thank you for the support.<br /> *'''''LukSara''''' Hello Jan, we are Lukas and Sarah, two hikers from the Alps and woud like to hike the first part of the GPT. We are planning to travel to Chile in November 2024. It would be great to hike with your GPS Track Files and of course we would be happy to contribute to your work with your experience. Thank you and everybody who made this possible.<br /> <br /> *'''''ErJo''''' Hello Jan, we are passionate hikers that would like to hike parts of the Greater Patagonian Trail in January and February of 2025. We don`t plan on doing packrafting. We are very grateful for your absolutely awesome work and thank you for making such a trip possible! :)<br /> <br /> *'''''Mathilde and Jordan''''' Hello Jan, first of all thank you very much for your huge and impressive work. We are two frenchies who would like to participate to this adventure and start in november. We'll be happy to share our experience, help with the tracks and give some updates. Passionate about nature, hike and new culture, The GPT is an adventure that we have in mind for a long time. Thank you very much :)<br /> <br /> *'''''Elio''''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for the work you're doing mapping out the most remote parts of Patagonia. I'm a seasoned hiker from France and I'm starting planning my next project (hopefully for December 2024, depending on finance and wife approval :). I would be very interested in the data you've collected over the years to help me come up with a route. I would gladly contribute to this wiki as soon as I find relevant data to provide. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''''Stefan''''' Hi Jan, we, my wife and I, are experienced hikers from Germany and are looking for a new long-distance hiking trail that is scenically impressive, remote and not overcrowded. We don't have a concrete schedule yet (probably in a few years, for a few months). In our search we finally came up with GPT and your manual. Both are really impressive! Thank you for your work so far! We would be happy to help supplement the manual and keep it up to date. However, we are still at the very beginning of the planning and would therefore like to use the tracks for further information and preparation.<br /> <br /> *'''''Keili100''''' Hi Jan, we are Kathrin and Matthias from Germany (40yrs/42yrs) and we are both passionate hikers and have already visited lots of countries and its mountains. Since we have a kind of sabbatical in 2025/2026 we are planning to spend around 4 to 5 months on the GPT. My wife is fluent in Spanish and we are both fascinated of exploring remote areas and getting in touch with the locals combined with challenging navigation in barely untouched regions. <br /> Thanks for your unbelievable huge amount of work you are putting on the GPT<br /> <br /> *'''''Karin'''''Hi Jan, I am Karin. I have had the dream of visiting and hiking Patagonia since many years. I am in Latin America for roughly a year for work and I would like to take advantage of being in Latin America to hike in November - December 2024 parts of the GPT. Thank you vera much for your incredible work!<br /> <br /> *'''''Charlie''''' Hi Jan! I'm Charlie. I'm planning to hike either two (7-8) of the northern sections or 32 and 33h in the first two weeks of april. I'm an experienced hiker, have led trips and organized my own in the us and recently completed a 3 week thruhike of sicily. beyond excited to get to patagonia - has been a dream for years.<br /> <br /> *'''''Marion y Augustin''''' Hello Jan, we are a french couple wich aim to try to hike some sections of the GPT beteen April 2024 and July 2024, mixed with bus travel to join Perù. We are reading the Hikers'Manual, thanks a lot for that huge job !<br /> *'''''Sophie y Gaspar (Dr Jabali)''''' Hello Jan, we are a franco-spanish couple wich aim to try to complete the GPT beteen November 2024 and May 2025 and discover these beautiful landscapes and cultures. Thanks<br /> *'''''Paulus''''' Hey Jan, im very impressed by your detailed planning and knowledge of the patagonian mountains. I really enjoyed reading your short manual for the trail even though I should have actually studied for my exams. In Autumn I will finish university and now have finally the time to do a longer hiking trip again. Since im a biology student, the GPT is extremely interesting, since it would serve me as a transect to observe to Vegetation change from the north to the south. Ive always dreamed of seeing Araucarias!<br /> *'''''gitano''''' Hi Jan I enjoy hiking and I have a lot of expirience hiking patagonia for the last 6 years. I grow up in Osorno and i would like to hike my own land. I will love to cooperate and keep up this exelent job!<br /> *'''''Maxfelis''''' Hi Jan, I'm a hiking enthusiast living in Santiago. I recently did &quot;Sendero del Condor&quot;, and I met someone that was doing the GPT06. I would love to collaborate with the GPT project, and explore other sections. Thank you so much for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''''txrx''''' Hello Jan, I'm a hiking enthusiast living in Bariloche. I am always researching new routes and many times I end up scanning the GPT Hikers Manual. I can't believe how much work and love has been put by all the contributors to build this, thank you very much! I would love to help to keep the GPT growing responsibly.<br /> <br /> *'''''Bebo'''' Hello Jan, I First heard of GPT while traveling through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina by bike. Rightnow I meet with my Brother in Buenos Aires and we want to hike remote trails for the coming 2 months. The GPT sounds just perfect, so we really would love to get the GPX files. We are aware of the fact that the trails lead through privat Land and nature. We treat both with hugh respect! Thanks for your work! Greetings from germany!<br /> <br /> *'''''Marilynemg''''' Hi Jan! I have been discussing the GPT with hiker friends for the last ten years and I finally will be able to visit Chile in March and April. I want to start with sections 1-8 and I have a couple more on the radar, time and weather dependent. Thank you so much for all your work!<br /> <br /> *'''''Retezepe''''' Hey Jan, we are very grateful for the invaluable resources you have compiled for the GPT. We're looking forward to being a part of this project! My partner and I are currently in Chile and interested in hiking a couple of sections of the GPT. The sections that currently interest us the most are sections 19 and 37H. We will be in Greater Patagonia from February to March.<br /> <br /> *'''''TrailsOfWander''''' Hi Jan. Thank you very much for your envaluable work for the GPT and for your guidance. I am traveling to Chile on Feb 11 to hike GPT06 and partial GPT08 and 09. Unfortunately I don’t have much time for this trip but I will plan future trips for other sections so the Track Files of GPT will be very valuable as the Manual is. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> *'''''AlexNecky''''' Hello Jan, thank you for all the work you've done putting this trail together!! My friend and I have been eyeing the GPT for a while. After much researching using your information and additional sources, we have tickets to Santiago for the beginning of March. Our plan is to start with GPT06 and going SOBO thru GPT10 or as far as we can for the month that we have. We're both super excited about this adventure and look forward to contributing back to the community with our experience!! Thanks again! <br /> <br /> *'''''Dueser''''' Hi Jan. I am deeply impressed by your work. Not only the time you spent on the GPT, but also all the documentation and the manual. During reading the manual I realized that 10 years ago I explored a few GPT stages in the north without knowing about the GPT. This time I'm deliberately heading south. I'll certainly put my experience to good use for the project.<br /> <br /> *'''''CharlieGardner101''''' Hey there Jan! Charlie here! Wow, what an incredible community you've created here. I couldn't be more excited to explore this wonderful and wild part of the world and to become a contributing member of this initiative you've begun! I will be flying into El Chalten in the first week of February and, along with a few friends, hope to hike a variation of GPT sections 38-40. Later on (mid-late march), we hope to move further North to try our hands at a section somewhere between GPT 6 and 12. Thanks for everything you do! Cheers!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''''Zsu''''' Hi Jan! I would like to hike parts of GPT32-40 in the upcoming weeks. More details in the email. Thank you very much!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''''Fernanda''''' Hi Jan! First and foremost, a sincere thank you for your impressive work. It is so valuable to have this type of initiatives in Patagonia. I am Chilean and mountains have been my backyard since I was a kid. I am planning to do GPT35 and GPT 36H with my brother Francisco. He is also close to nature and a entrepreneur based partially on Puerto Bertand since 2020. I've shared the hikers manual with him and he was very thankful and impressed with this initiative. I would also be interested in contributing with adding highlights and changes to the track. Global warming is slowly but steadily modifying nature.<br /> <br /> *'''''Daemos''''' Hi Jan! My name is Andrew, and I am a Canadian travelling in Patagonia for the next two months. I was planning to hike the Condor Circuit, but I've read online of some difficulties lately and am interested in investigating one of the variations of GPT6 as an alternative. I would also be interested in adding some highlights of the GPT to my plans as well.<br /> <br /> *'''''PauMau2024''''' Hello Jan! My name is Paulina and I thank you so much for your work. It´s an impressive work that you have done! From february on my partner Flo and I want to explore and hike from Futaleufu to O'Higgins, GPT 71 and GPT35-39. Beginning in Futaleufu we will take around 5 days to get to Chaiten where we will have a resupply and then continue hiking down until the end of the carretera Austral. We are happy to share our GPS log and further information&amp;experience, hopefully support future travelers.<br /> <br /> *'''''madnomad''''' Hi! My name is Elias. We are a couple from Greece travelling around the American continent on a campervan, motorcycle, packraft and hiking equipment! We are already on the road for 5 months and we are currently in the Argentinian part of Patagonia. We love it here and it would be great to try a few sections of the GPT. We are not planning to do anything extreme, just enjoy a few highlights of the GPT at first!<br /> <br /> *'''''acivs''''' Hi! My name is Agnes. I'm from Switzerland and love trekking. I did several hikes in the Alps, the Andes and in Patagonia. In August 2022 I started backpacking through South America and got trapped in Tortel about a year ago. Last March I read for the first time about the GPT and was fascinated by it. For the moment I am planning on doing my first to sections, GPT36H and GPT35.<br /> <br /> *'''''wandering_guanaco''''' Hey all! My name is Jack and I am an American outdoors-person interested in hiking sections 16-23 this austral summer, and hope to continue to complete sections of the GPT as I continue to work in Chile for a few months of the year every year. This project is amazing and I am stunned by the thoroughness of the documents I have read so far. From the intentions of the project as a hike undertaken only by those who are prepared, to the particular comments on the links between fundraising and the inevitable outcome of the trip itself, I really appreciate the time and thought that has been put in to not just the adventure portion, but also the preparation, reputation, and impact of the hike. I feel lucky to have explored chunks of Patagonia in my past and cannot wait to broaden my experiences through these sections and information in the future. <br /> <br /> *'''''bistarai.bistarai''''' Hello! My name is Susie, I’m French-Canadian and planning on hiking sections 6 to 18 (although very flexible) as a first attempt on the GPT which I have been eyeing for a while now. Eventually I’d love to try packrafting in more southern sections in a couple of years!<br /> <br /> *'''''mollycargill''''' Hello, my name is Molly and I am a medical doctor from Australia with a lifelong love of the outdoors and an interest in wilderness medicine. As a part of an Expedition Medicine course I am currently undertaking I need to create an in depth logistics plan for a trip which I want to go on, which I have chosen as packrafting sections 16-25 of the GPT. I have had my eye on the GPT for a while, and hopefully can use the finished product of this assignment to help me finally attempt some of the GPT in the 2024/25 season. <br /> <br /> *'''''HHGTPE''''' (Hitchhikers guide to planet earth) Hey, I am Felix. I hitchhiked around the globe for three years some time ago and now I am doing a semester abroad in Buenos Aires for my uni. While looking for long distance tracks in Patagonia, I came across the GPT and very much fell in love with the whole concept. This year I would like to do some of the shorter and easiest hiking parts of the GPT but hopefully come back in the future to do some longer and connected parts.<br /> <br /> *'''''fabianundcecile''''' Hola de San Rafael, Argentina. We are travelling to southern Patagonia and thought we could hike some sections of the PGT along the way. Maybe starting with GPT 7 southbound. Saludos Cécile y Fabian<br /> <br /> *'''''czimahi'''''Hola Jan, por favor me podrías enviar el file para ir alguna parte entre GPT18 a GPT5? Muchas gracias <br /> <br /> *'''''nico142857''''' Hola desde Chile!. Escribo en español por razones políticas más que practicas. Primero que todo, gracias por recolectar, sintetizar y compartir la información. Me interesa recorrer la parte norte de los 'senderos' y me interesan tener los .kmz para 1) tener una ayuda, 2) no abrir mas senderos y respetar la naturaleza y 3) dar feedback a la comunidad. Saludos<br /> <br /> *'''''Ggeoff88''''' Hello everybody ! My name is Guillaume from France and I'm actually in Bariloche preparing my adventure to go to El Chalten by foot. You guys did an incredible Job of research, documentation and exploration... Today I'd like to inspire of your work in order to prepare my road. It's normal for me and will be a pleasure to share my experience after it.<br /> <br /> *'''''MysticalMarauder''''' Hi my name is Misha and I'm in Chile with an old friend about to the depart on a greand adventure December 2023 onwards. Heading south in the coming days with the zenith of our travels the Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales area. Then turning around and heading back north after a month or 2. Eager to get on the GPT in either direction in the coming months/years? Not sure how long this adventure will last but hopeful to hike many kilometers on this network. Thank yiou to Jan and this commmunity for establishing this route and creating this excellent resource for those excited to get off the well-traveled roads and disappear into the wild for a bit. <br /> <br /> *'''''Lazy_Lemon''''' Kia ora! Looking to get amongst the Patagonia trails so thanks so much for putting all this information together!<br /> <br /> *'''''Sam Odin'''''' Hello! Thank you so much for this impressive work. The detail and love put into the GPT manual is truly a gift to us all. Between January 15 and February 5, my partner Sara and I are planning to explore as much of GPT33 as possible. Beginning in Villa Cerro Castillo we will take 8 to 10 days to get to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez (where we will have a resupply) and then take about the same time to get back to Villa Cerro Castillo. We would love to share our log and GPS information, hopefully further illuminating future travelers to the less frequented routes and parts of this section<br /> <br /> *'''''Jonathan Mudde'''''' Hi Jan, I'm planning to walk a few sections of the GPT in the very south and in the north. I'll start on the first of January around Ushuaia. And after that I like to use the border close to O'Higgins and hike some parts around Laguna de la laja I'm looking forward to use the gpx files. Thanks in advance! I have read many parts with great respect for your work and honering the lokal people. Regards Jonathan Mudde/Abishaloom<br /> <br /> *'''Matthias''' Küme naqün antü! I've been following this fascinating idea for years, and now I can hopefully explore a small part of it myself and contribute to its long-term existence. I will arrive in Santiago in January, then I would like to follo'''w the GPT southwards, walking until about GPT20. But I am flexible in my plans on the ground, I am open to spontaneity and ever-changing challenges. Alles Leben ist Problemlösen.<br /> <br /> *'''Carina''' Hi! Thank you so much for the detailed GPT resource you have created. It's been a dream of mine to hike/trail run through parts of Patagonia, and it would be really helpful to see the GPT track files to help with my route planning. I'm planning to go in 1-2 years from now, so plenty of time to plan still. Very happy to contribute / provide feedback on route sections once I'm there myself. Thank you :)<br /> <br /> *'''Paulina''' Hello everybody. First of all, I would like to thank you for all the huge job you put into this projekt. I'm really amased. I will start a part of GPT in January, I'm especially interested in GPT because it seems wild, unspoilt and very interesting from cultural point of view. I also love the idea that everyone can create its own trail and that three is no one and the best option. Living in Europe where in some parts of the mountain we focus maybe too much on kilometers and speed, it seems that GPT offers something much more important. I will be more than happy to contibute to this beautiful projekt. <br /> <br /> *'''Mitschu''' Hello, after spending 9 weeks in Patagonia (pre pandemic) I am back with the aim to explore even more :) I thought about starting in Bariloche, explore the lake area going north (following part of Huella Andina) and finally cross over to chile and start at section 16 southbound mid/end of december. I used the pandemic for some long distance hikes in europe (GR5, half of GR10/11 and TMB) and cant wait to enjoy the beauty of patagonia. I will hike solo but open to meet up with fellow hikers if someone happen to be in the area :) I am following the project since 2 years... impressive work. Happy to contribute as well! Looking forward hearing from you! Thanks<br /> <br /> *'''Rainbow16''' Hi Jan &amp; fellow hikers! My name is Tanja and I am currently planning to walk Sections 6-22 starting end of December 2023. Still a bit dizzy from reading the hikers manual (what a great documentation!), I am excited to further explore this Patagonian trail network via the track files. A huge thanks to Jan and Meylin for their adventurous spirit and dedication as well as all other collaborators (what a cool community!). Looking forward to contributing myself once I put my feet on GPT grounds. <br /> <br /> *'''Frans van Driel''' Hi Jan, first and foremost I would like to thank you for all the work you put into the GPT. Truly impressive to read the manual! I'm planning to walk a few sections of the GPT. I'll explain more in detail in the upcoming email. My timeframe will be half December 2023 till half January 2024. I'm looking forward to this amazing experience and would like to start some more detailed planning using the gpx files. Thanks in advance! Sincerely, Frans van Driel<br /> <br /> *'''Owen Hutchison (elhutcho)''' Hey Jan! Am incredibly impressed with what you have been able to put together with the GPT - it’s an amazing achievement for which I’m sure many are thankful. I have been reading through the manual in preparation for a trip in February and March 2024. My partner and I will make our way down from Lago Puelo (GPT 22/23) to El Chalten via a mix of different segments and pack rafting. To assist in planning and preparation, I’d be really grateful to receive the the KMZ/GPX Files. I am very happy to contribute back to the project in anyway I can. Thanks again! Owen<br /> <br /> *'''Piotr Szatkowski''' Hello Jan, primarily I would like to say thank you for the massive amount of dedication you put into creating the whole guide. The quality of it, the precision everything is described with is very impressive.I would like to kindly ask you if you could share with me the KMZ/GPX Files. I am incredibly humbled to be able to discover the beauty of the regions of Patagonia. Can't wait into immerse in to this journey of solitude. I will be starting in end of December for section and or 2 heading south. Will probably hike for 2 months. I am not sure how long exactly.<br /> <br /> *'''Ella Meyer''' Hi Jan, I am planning to walk parts of the GPT as part of a project studying and documenting people's relationships to water along long-distance trails. As per your suggestion when we talked on the phone one year ago, I would like to hike Sections 1-12. I may also skip to Sections 21, 22, 63 and 69. I am hoping to depart Southbound around late December (2023). I am very excited to embark on this journey, and welcome anyone else planning on hiking these sections to connect with me (contact info can be found on my website https://ellameyer.com/)<br /> <br /> *'''Vlad Ivanchuk (vladdi)''' I'm planning to walk some southern sections of GPT northbound from Ushuaia starting in December 2023 for just over a month. I look forward to immersing myself in the landscapes and culture of Patagonia, and I'd appreciate access to GPS files to enable this adventure. <br /> <br /> *'''Robin Marcille''' Hi Jan, hi all, thank you for this immense amount of work. After sailing from France to Ushuaïa, we are planning to walk parts of the GPT norhbound from Puerto Williams on November 2024 for approx. 3 months. We would be very grateful to access the GPS files to prepare our trip ! We are especially interested in the various options between Puerto Williams and Cochrane. We're super excited to participate to this project and would like to propose some mountaineering options !<br /> <br /> *'''Cyril AC'H (Cy)''' Hi, can't wait more to get back with GG on the GPT after 2 years break, from El Bolson southbound toward Cochrane and El Chalten in a packrafting mode for those sections. No rush, side trips to fjords, we will see how far we get ! Thx for the KMZ/GPX Files ! <br /> <br /> *'''Martin_crgt''' Hi all, thanks for your work Jan, and for everyone's contributions to this adventure, My sister and I are planning to do the GPT in February 2024 from section 6 down south. Having the GPS data would be a great help to help us plan. <br /> <br /> *'''maddidunster''' Hi Jan, Tom and I are two Australians planning to hike northbound from El Chalten to wherever we make it with the time we have from February to April 2024. Super excited, can't wait!<br /> <br /> *'''guswimbo''' Hello Jan, thank you for all of your and others' work on putting together this incredible wealth of information! I'm planning on backpacking/packrafting from Cochamo to El Chalten in January/February 2023.<br /> <br /> * '''Oscar Crassous''' Hello Jan, I'm a french men who will travel northbound during 9 months in South America, between november and august. I have planned to walk most of the time and I am very excited to hike some parts of the GPT during my trip. Thanks for your work.<br /> <br /> * '''Matthieu''' Hello Meylin and Jan, former hiker on the GPT (season 2019-2020, northbound), would gladly go back on trail this year to hike some other parts southbound (Santiago-Antuco, Puyehue - Coyhaique)! <br /> <br /> * '''GriffinWagner13''' Hello Jan, planning to travel to Chile/Argentinia in 2025. I'll be doing some of the sections between GPT01 and GPT40, bussing between routes as possible. I definitely want to hit some of the northern volcanoes as well as the southern routes! Super excited to hike it. <br /> <br /> * '''edwinb''' Hello Jan, planning to fly to Santiago in 2 weeks. Thinking about gpt2/3 to do something close to Santiago and especially want to do the tracks in the araucania this time. gpt33h and gpt37h look very attractive to. Thanks again for all the work! Edwin<br /> <br /> * '''lilian''' Hello Jan, i'm planning to have a 3-4 months hike through Greater Patagonia, I will travel to Santiago in mid-November 2023 and maybe end my hike about March to April at somewhere south. I would be interested in the trackfiles from 1 to 69, would be incredibly grateful to have the files for further research and planning. Thank you in advance!<br /> <br /> * '''zipgerm''' Hey Jan, Thank you for your work and contributing the route information to the world! I'll be in Chile/Argentina from beginning of December until April. If my feet are willing, I want to walk parts of the GPT starting with section 05 or 06 southwards. I read a great part of your guide and already bought a GPS with satellite pager - alhough I never used neither of them on my off-track hiking tours before. Looking forward to Chile and the Andes. Matthias<br /> <br /> * '''JordanJennings''' Hi Jan, my plan is to packraft soundbound sections 17-30 over the season, but will likely begin with a few (conditions appropriate) sections between 30-40 from November after completing some packrafting training around Puerto Río Tranquilo. I would like to also thank you for dedication so much time and energy into making this possible for all of us<br /> <br /> *'''LottiRummel''' Hi Jan, thank you for all your fantastic work! We are planning to spend January 2024 in Chile and want to hike starting from around GPT 06 southwards. I hope the gpx tracks will help us decide which sections to plan. Thanks! Alex and Lotti<br /> <br /> *'''Rowe99''' Hi Jan, first of all, many thanks to you and everyone else who contributed to the manual. I have never seen so much information about such a large network for any other region in an open-source manner. I am planning to hike this year (2023) from December to mid-February starting from El Chaltén northwards with a pakraft. Thanks for all the information so far! Cheers Roman!<br /> <br /> *'''Jonas._____''' Hi Jan, I'm planning to hike through Patagonia from December to February/March. I will start in Puerto Montt and then go south from there as far as time and terrain permits. The great GPT Hikers' Manual did already give me a really good insight in what to expect and I would really appreciate having the GPT Track Files as well to prepare for my trip as much as possible! Thanks for your help!<br /> <br /> *'''ColineW''' Hi Jan ! Thank you a lot for the amazing work you did with the &quot;Great Patagonian Trail, Hikers Manual&quot; ! It's full of wize advices and ideas I maybe would havenot find myself. I will go in Chili from mid-december to mid-march, meet up with my father who is currently wandering in the south. We'd like the hike northbound from GPT20 to GPT01. The GPS files would be a great help for you, since I tried my plan an itinerary on Google Earth and, as you know, I lost sight of some roads in the forest. My father has a Garmin66i, so we'll be able to send the datas of our trail to you. Have a nice day !<br /> <br /> *'''Roi Keler''' Hello Jan, First of all, thank you for the amazing work you did and still do, it's a great inspiration for me. I plan to spend 3-4 months in Patagonia and I want to combine several walking sections of the GPT between section GPT01 - GPT16 &amp; GPT32 - GPT46. After reading the hikers' manual and completing the preparations, I decided not to focus on a meticulous plan because it is important for me to be spontaneous and keep the options open. The GPS files in combination with the hikers' manual will allow me to choose the hiking sactions that suit me and then send the information to you and share with the community. Thanks for everything!<br /> <br /> *'''Marmur''' Hi Jan! We are a couple and are planning to hike the GPT from start to end, in 2 seasons (hopefully) starting next season. We have visited Patagonia in the past and can't wait to get to know it more intimately, as we loved it so much. hiking in remote locations with unmarked trails is not new to us, but we are exited about the challenges that are waiting for us at this epic terrain. this is a great chance to thank you for all this impressive work that you've been doing, and you can count on us that after all this ends for us, we will share all inputs and updates with you and the community.<br /> <br /> *'''Lukas Deleu''' Hi Jan, my girlfriend and I are planning to do 3-4 months of hiking through Greater Patagonia starting this december. We chose some of the sections that most appealed to us and hope to connect them by public transport. Gpt 6-12, 16-19, 32-40 is what we have in mind for the moment. Having the trackfiles would be a great help offcourse. Cheers.<br /> <br /> *'''Huemul''' Hello Jan, I'm Frank from Irlanda. I hope to continue southbound in November from El Chalten to Isla Navarino. Thanks for all your help &amp; advice so far. <br /> <br /> *'''RoshiJ''' Hi Jan, what an amazing piece of work you've established in the GPT hiker's manual, and its amazing to see how many people are inspired by it. I am planning on exploring Patagonia starting in November, with no end date as of yet. My only goal is to wander and wonder but I'd like to do so well-informed and as prepared as possible. I already feel so after reading the manual but it would be even better to set out armed with your GPS files. I also love the idea of using wikiexplora as a platform to communicate within a like-minded community with similar goals so am enthusiastic to share my own experiences and read those of others. <br /> <br /> *'''Pieper92''' Holá Jan, Thank you for providing this comprehensive manual. I will travel to Patagonia in November 2023 and want to make my way from santiago to tierra del fuego by feet, on my beloved packraft but also longer sections by bus transport. Have not picked all sections but Lagos Chilenos/argentinos, parts of fjord area and tierra del fuego are in focus. Especially I want to circumvent the spoiled national parks in the south. Your guide has already been a great help up to know but the GPT track files would be extraordinary helpfull. I will especially try to provide novel exploration data by packraft.<br /> <br /> *'''nickcarter884''' Dear Jan, Thank you so much for all the work you have done on this manual and the route, it's fantastic! Some friends and I are planning to do the section around El Chalten in February 2024 and would really like to follow your routes rather than the roads. Please could I have access to the GPS files so we can be in the real nature, not just the road? :-)<br /> <br /> *'''delabien''' Dear Jan, I am very inspired by your manual. My partner and I plan to travel for 4 months starting from the capital Santiago going slowly to the south (starting in November 2023). Thus we would like to hike some of the sections you and the other collaborators assembled. In order to make the expedition more feasible for us we intent to use the local public transportation for some parts. Really looking forward to experience the changing landscapes during the route. Thank you<br /> <br /> *'''wbarab''' Hi Jan, thank you for all the extensive and detailed work put into this manual. My partner and I (American &amp; Spanish)plan to hike the GPT from mid November 2023 until late February or March 2024. So far GPT 6-12, 14-16, 19, and 32-40 have stood out to us as a start, but our investigations continue and we plan to add at least another half dozen sections (plus some &quot;maybes&quot; if time permits)! To continue we would really appreciate access to the trackfiles.<br /> <br /> *'''ranulph24''' Hi Jan, great manual! Thank you for putting so much passion in this project. I consider hiking on the GPT in November 2024 - April 2025. I am mainly aiming for the northern part 5 - 30 and add a smaller section in the south. For refining my plans I would like to study the GPS Track Files in detail. <br /> <br /> *'''MMartinez''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for this incredible amount of work. It is really inspiring and exciting. We are a couple (American and Polish) and we are interested in hiking some of the sections of the GPT later this year. We have been reading the manual and adjusting and readjusting plans the more we learn (there's so much to learn!) We would really appreciate access to the track files to help with the planning. Thank you so much again!<br /> <br /> *'''SeanMaskill''' Hi Jan, Thanks for all of your work! I've wanted to hike sections of the GPT for a few years. I've now started the research seriously and tracks would help me decide which sections I'd like to hike. Cheers Sean.<br /> <br /> *'''MarmotAndBear''' Dear Jan, Thank you for putting in so much dedicated work, to create the Hiker’s Manual, and in doing so helping others to hike and appreciate this part of the world. We are a German-Singaporean couple and we have been following the GPT community for almost one year now. We have quit our jobs not long ago and have started visiting Central Asia, where we’ve been able to do some amazing hikes. Before setting foot on the GPT this coming (southern) summer, we are planning to improve our Spanish in other South American countries. We hope a few weeks of dedicated learning will do the trick. Once on the trail, we are planning to hike and packraft as much of the GPT as we can during the coming season. Let’s see how far our feet and boat will carry us :)<br /> <br /> *'''guaraches80''' Hello and good afternoon Jan. I have been reading and preparing for some sections of the trail you have put together. I, a Mexican American, and a Colombian friend will be backpacking through Brazil and later to Argentina in the coming months and we would love to see some of the wonderful trails you and others have experienced. Obviously, because of our backgrounds we both speak fluent Spanish and have years of backpacking, hiking and bushcrafting experience. This is something I look forward to with the uptmost energy and so will eagerly await the track files to begin further in-depth planning. Thank you for your time. Until next time!<br /> <br /> *'''blissfulmisgivings''' Hi Jan, Thank you for providing so much detailed and helpful information about the GPT! We (two Americans) are excited to try packrafting portions of the GPT beginning in November 2023. The guidance you've provided in the manual has already been invaluable to our preparations, and we look forward to reviewing and using the GPT track files in our journey. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> *'''YannickCOLL''' Hi Jan, Thank you very much for your work and your dedication to the GPT. We are immersing in the GPT universe with pleasure and a growing sense of adventure. We are a couple (French and Belgian) and we’re looking to hike some sections of the GPT between mid-November 2023 until April 2024 (Sections: 1-12 / 16 / 19 / 32-40). These are the sections that we selected so far and that we are more attracted to, knowing that of course it can change. We were wondering if you could grant us access to the GPS tracks in order for us to prepare for the GPT. We understand that this is an unofficial trail and that it is still a work in progress and we are eager to help in any way we can to continue to build this ‘trail’. Nolwenn &amp; Yannick<br /> <br /> *'''daniel.s''' Hi Jan, amazing work with the Hiker's Manual! I hope to meet some of you on the trail next season. I'm planning to do some of the packrafting sections starting at GPT 17. The track files would be very helpful to make it an unforgettable experience. Greetings from Austria, Daniel <br /> <br /> *'''hevike''' Hello fellow hiking community, I'm Jens from Germany looking into hiking sections of the GPT this November until the end of February. Thanks for the amazing work you all have put into this project and I'm looking forward to contribute myself.<br /> <br /> *'''MartinGilles''' Hola Jan, soy Martin de Belgica y estoy planeando hacer una parte del GPT al principio de noviembre hasta el 20 de diciembre. Me gustaria tener the GPS tracks para organisarme y ver lo que me conviene mas. Muchas gracias por lo que hiciste y para permitir la exploracion de esta parte del mundo. Un placer, Martin.<br /> <br /> *'''Marc Altena''' Hi Jan, thanks for all your hard work exploring the hidden trails of Patagonia. I'm hoping to do sections 6 to 10, 16 to 22 and 32 to 40 early next year. The GPS tracks would be helpful. Tanks in advance for sending them. Kind regards, Marc<br /> <br /> *'''Lorenzo''' Hi Jan, I don't have specific plans concerning the GPT yet, but that might change soon. After the reading the first 300 pages of your guidebook it seems to me like a real challenge and an unforgettable experience at the same time. I'll call it a dream to hike at least parts of it, and extensive planning is the first step to make your dreams come true.<br /> <br /> *'''Joscha97''' Hi Jan, I gonna travel to Chile in the beginning of next year and I am really fascinated by the idea of the GPT. I would love to hike some parts of it, starting in Santiago. Thanks for all the work you put into this project. Greetings<br /> <br /> *'''Larix84''' Hello Jan, he hablado contigo con whatsapp hace 2 semanas Mi proyecto de trail para el ano que viene se confirma, un saludo'''<br /> <br /> *'''Noemie''' Hi Jan, thank you so much for making us discover those incredible paths and landscapes in an ethical way. I have been hiking in Chilean Patagonia for a few months now and I wish to keep discovering the region more deeply by hiking through a few sections of the GPT, especially GPT36H (ruta de los Pioneros). Depending on how this goes, and on the weather conditions, I may try to go further north around sections 08-09. Thanks for all your work, the resources you provided have been super helpful!<br /> <br /> *'''TheRebel''' Hey Jan thanks for the big package of information you provide with tha website/pdf I'm in Argentina since 3 months and hiked many km in the official and more marked areas (bariloche, bolson, esquel, el Chaltén, El Calafate, Ushuaia and more) and now I'm on the way back north and wanna end up in Bolivia or maybe even Columbia in the next 6 months... I've heard about your site from a Canadian guy who did some sections more north and I thought it would be nice to do some more trails in a little more remote areas on my way north<br /> Greatings TheRebel<br /> <br /> *'''Jen''' Hi Jan and so, so many thanks for all the incredible work you have done here. I am currently in Peru and planning to fly south to begin the beginning of GPT01 in the next few weeks and see how long I can walk for before things become too off season. I will halt and recommence when the season comes back in. If I manage to journey to Punta Arenas in the end, whenever this might be, then I am happy! Thank you, Jen. <br /> <br /> *'''Ollie''' Hello Jan. I am from Wales and currently is<br /> Brazil after sailing here from Europe. My plan is to work my way towards southern Argentina where I will stop and work for a while. Hopefully improving my Spanish, get to know the culture more and spend my weekends in the mountains to prepare. The idea is to start from Tierra Del Fuego, head north and just take it step by step. The manual has been a great read thank you for being so thorough. Love it. Cheers.<br /> <br /> *'''Silke &amp; Hans''' Hello, We are a Belgian couple currently on a multiyear bikepacking, trekking &amp; mountaineering trip through South-America. We'd been looking forward to do some sections of the GPT for a long time. We are currently in Chile Chico, and planning to do the GPT35 section. We probably want to do some more sections further South.<br /> <br /> *'''Jakub+Veronika''' Hi Jan, we're a couple from Czechia, currently almost one month in Chile getting to know the country, it's history and it's people's culture. We'd like to hike some parts of the GPT south from Puerto Montt, where we are based right now. Thanks for this awesome work!<br /> <br /> *'''Alan''' Hola Jan! I'm Alan from California. I'm interested in doing GPT32 and GPT33H. Thanks for all the resources you have provided so far!<br /> <br /> *'''Diegoara''' Hi! My name is Diego and I am from Chile and I'm interested in the GPT to do de GPT18 &amp; GPT19, i would be a little more than a week, i think that is amazing the work that you do making this GPT in my country.Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Jess&amp;Paco''' Hey Jan ! We are from France and we would love to hike the GPT between march and april 2023. We plan to connect a few sections in the great lakes region (between section GPT45 and GPT35, south to north) for about a month. And if the weather is favorable, we would explore in april a little bit of the nothern parts of the GPT (volcanos region) but without necessarily connecting steps, while being around for a workaway. Thanks a lot for all this work !<br /> <br /> *'''blklb''' Hi Jan! I'll be leaving for Chile in a few days and would like to do bits and pieces of the sections between Curico and Conaripe, perhaps farther south. I'll be combining trekking with time spent in towns/cities. This is going to be a leisurely exploration of the GPT, with the possiblity of a longer GPT-specific trip in the future. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Joachim''' Holà Jan! I'm Joachim from France. I'm coming to Chile in a few weeks, and found your website with a lot of valuable informations on this beautiful itinerary! I don't have a fixed plan yet but my idea is to start around Santiago and go South until winter begins. I'd love to get a hand on those gpx files to help me plan properly, I'll be happy to share feedback when coming home. Many thanks for all the work you put in!<br /> <br /> *'''Johnny1968''' Hi Jan! We are a couple from Italy and want to to start mid february 2023 from Santiago for the GPT. We have 2 months of time and want to see how far we get, without hurry, soaking up nature and culture. Thanks for the manual and creating the track files, great respect for the ethics!<br /> <br /> *'''derameisenbaer''' Hi, two people from Germany. We'll be hiking part of the GPT (GPT06-GPT12) in February. If there's time left we might be able to hike part of the more southern sections as well. Really looking forward to it and really aprreciate the great work on this page and the Hikers Manual! <br /> <br /> *'''ebse''' Hello, I'm Ed from England. Would love to help contribute to this mammoth project by hopefully walking GPT01 - GPT20ish in late 2023. Looks like a remarkable experience all round; I'd be very grateful to be part of it. <br /> <br /> *'''Martio''' Saludos, soy Martial ! landing on jan. 14th for a 2 month journey into Chilean natural wonders. I plan to hike a selection of northern GPT sections between 1 and 22. Plans purposely open for this first experience and can't wait to get involved in the community. Ps: Jan, you rock !<br /> <br /> *'''Clemgbl''' I'm Clement from France. Currently hiking in Chile from month, I would like to continue my trek on the GPT next month (january and February 2023). I plan to start in Coyhaique and hike until El Chalten (GPT 31 to GPT 40).<br /> <br /> *'''Jcoxxx''' I'm Jeff from Alaska. Hopefully I'll be hiking and packrafting section 17 to 39, starting this January. I'm really excited to be a part of this project and share my trackfiles. <br /> <br /> *'''Eleebeatriz''' Hi, I'm Elena from Chile. On the 27th of this month we are going to carry out the Gpt7, we will enter through the &quot;Puente Ingles&quot; , in San Fabian de Alico, up to the Polcura mountain range, in Antuco. Greetings and I hope in January I will be editing what I have done to share it with you! <br /> <br /> *'''MarcGPT''' Hola! Last year while hiking around Cochrane, I learned about the GPT. Looking forward to return and contribute to the GPT manual.<br /> <br /> *'''Franzz''' Hi! I'm Franzz from Switzerland. I'm planning to thru-hike my own version of the GPT next year. Using your tracking files would be a great help planning the itinerary :) I would be more than happy to share back my own track files and experiences once I'm back.<br /> <br /> *'''Nicktravels_''' Hey mate, I'm Nick - i'm planning on a hike/packraft of mumtiple segments with my three amigos. Leave only footprints is a big part of our travelling philosophy and I have a lot of respect for the ethos you carry through the information provided. <br /> <br /> *'''Timo''' Hi, I'm Timothée. I'm French but also from Munich Germany! I plan on being in Chile beginning of next year and on doing someof the sections (probably 6-22, 32-40 more or less). I'm super impressed by all the gathered and explained documentations and advices form the Manual and would love to contribute ! <br /> <br /> *'''zozo''' Hi, my name is Zohar. I'm from Israel and plan on doing some trekking in Patagonia in January 2023. planning to do parts of the GPT from south to north starting at section 46. <br /> <br /> *'''florianluca''' Hi, my name is Florian. I'm from Germany and plan on doing some trekking in Chile at the Beginning of next year (2023). I appreciate the work that went into this project and would like to use some of it for planning some of our tour. <br /> <br /> *'''willcampbell444''' Hi, I'm Will from Canada. I'm interested in hiking some of the trail as I make my way south through Chile! I was thinking of starting at section 6 in mid December, depending on the weather. I really appreciate all the work done putting together the trail, and I hope to contribute with my track files and notes.<br /> <br /> *'''Dallas''' Hi, I´m Dallas, from Berkeley, California, USA. I am interested in planning a trip in early 2023 to explore the beauty of Patagonia and indulge in my passion for slow, human-powered travel. This trip is open-ended and intentionally meandering, and the GPT looks like an excellent basis of exploration. <br /> <br /> *'''Nicopo''' Hi, I´m Nicolás, from Buenos Aires. My girlfriend and I have been hiking in Patagonia for the last few years and we are planning on hiking sections of the GPT from December to February. We are already getting started with our planning and are looking forward to contributing with what we can. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Newt, Birdie, and Possum''' Hi! We are on our way back to Patagonia for the third time. The three of us have hiked in Patagonia and many other places in the world together. We will have 1 month to hike a portion of the GPT, specifically focusing on 33H -38H going northbound. We are inspired by this document and we can't wait to become contributing members of this community. Thank you! <br /> <br /> *'''pgantier''' Hi, I'm Pierre from France. I discovered Chile and South America 5 years ago during an exchange semester and look forward to going back there for a long trip (within the next 5 years for around 12 months). I would love to do some part of the Greater Patagonian trail during this future gap year and I want to prepare well it advance to continue to get experience to be ready for this gread adventure !<br /> <br /> *'''Jonny6k''' Hi, im planning on hiking some sections of the GPT from late December until March (or until i get tired!) I am planning on sections 6-22, but nothing is certain yet. I hope to add to the track files and contribute with some notes regarding the trails. i look forward to arriving in chile! Jonny<br /> <br /> *'''felagund''' Hello, I would like to hike the GPT in December-February, from Santiago till as far as I can get and as long as a I enjoy it. So I would be interested in the trackfiles from 1 till about 40, even though I probably won't reach that far. I am a contributor to OSM so I was thinking that would be my main form of contribution, though I would not want to put paths that are disputed there of course. Tomas<br /> <br /> *'''Arnaudlacoste''' Hello Jan! I have been a big fan of the GPT for some years now. I just moved back to Chile after living for the past 8 years in Europe and would love to discover a few sections of the GPT. I will be settling in Araucania region so I would love to have access to the track files and plan which sections I will immerge myself into. I hope I can also contribute to it and meet some of the community in the following months/years. Thanks you and the community for this marvelous work! Cheers, Arnaud. <br /> <br /> *&quot;ChristopherT&quot;Hello! Christopher from Austria here. My girlfriend Anna from Germany and I are planning to do the gpt. We are still trying to figure out which sections we would like to trek.We definetly want to explore and hike in Feuerland though.We would very much appreciate the track files to help us with our decision and on our journey. I hope we can contribute a bit as well. Thank you!<br /> Cheers,<br /> Christopher and Anna<br /> <br /> * '''Matous'''Hi everyone! Here Matous and Johana. Couple from Czechia. We are planning to hike some sections on GPT at the beginning of next year. We are interested in GPT06 - 22. The track files would be great help in planning. And thank you for amazing work. We´ll be happy to contribute.<br /> <br /> * '''guilhermealexs''' Hi! Guilherme Alexsander here from Brazil. Me and some friends are planning to walk some parts of the GPT. We are currently interested in the Los Quenes - Central Cipreces section. I'd like to get the track files to help us with planning. Thanks! <br /> <br /> *&quot;nmakepeace&quot; Hello everyone, Natalie here from Canada, thank you to Jan and everyone for their contributions! My plan is to hike southbound on the GPT starting at Termas del Flaco (connect@ GPT05) because I want to do some specific mountains in Central Chile first. I may also look into connecting Volcán Maipo to coya. To make this all easier and more safe I would be not only grateful for the GPS files but honored! Start: mid/late December until begining of March. Hope to hear tales from you all soon! <br /> <br /> * '''rom1dwker''' My girlfriend and I will cycle southward patagonian roads and ripio from mid december 22 to mid february 23, and we plan to maybe hike some sections of the GPT, especially the ones in Jenimeini where we have already been a few years ago, dependind on how everything goes with the cycling and and the roads we will actually take.<br /> <br /> * '''gornik''' Me and my grilfriend Gabi would like to hike on GPT from January till March 2023. We are on a gap year after our studies, and during that time we would love to enjoy the wilderness of Patagonia. We are planning to first do some singular sections and after gaining some knowledge and experience in Patatagonia hiking, we would like to do some longer distances. We are also exited to combine it with hitchhiking to minimalize environmental impact. <br /> <br /> * '''hannahp24''' My partner Eric &amp; I will hike GPT 32-36 in Dec-Jan 2022/2023. Excited to explore new places and give guidance to what we find here.<br /> <br /> * '''Jmcantin''' Hi Jan, thanks for the hard work in this awesome guide! I am planning a Southbound hike of the GPT from Santiago de Chile in January 2023 for a couple of months. I would love to have the track files to properly plan my route. Thank you for your help :)<br /> <br /> * ''' bforselv''' Hello guys, my wife and I live north of the Artic Circle in Norway and we are planing to go to Chile for hiking January and February. We want to do sections of the GPT.<br /> <br /> * ''' Ishaysachs(Ishay)''' Hello Jan! Ishay from Israel here. Just finished the PCT and looking forward to do some sections of the GPT this January-March. Would love to get access to the files in order to plan my route (: thank you for putting so much effort into this. That's an incredible project and I can't wait to start hiking and share the journey with this great community.<br /> <br /> *''' greenh3624 (Helen and Craig)''' Hello Hello Jan. Thank you so much for providing all this incredible information from the manual, we are both super grateful and are looking forward to contributing. Looking in to sections GPT 16- 05/06 for 2023 and hopefully some southern route sections from there. Just a quick comment to request track files. Your manual is incredible by the way. Mil gracias! <br /> <br /> * ''' Christophe (Alex &amp; Christophe)''' Hi Jan! Thanks a lot for all this informations and for your work. We are now travelling in south America with our van and are planning to sell it and start to hike the GPT in December 2023 for 2 or 3 month. This track files would help us a lot to plan this incredible adventure.<br /> <br /> *'''miguelvdvelden (Miguel)''' Hola Jan! I’m in awe of everything you’ve put together for the GPT. It’s so comprehensive and as a sustainability student I am grateful for the focus on both the environmental and social sustainability of the region and its communities. I am hoping to hike or packraft a part of the GPT over six weeks or so in Jan-Feb 2023. I am in full planning mode now, hence my request here. Muchas gracias por todo. Abrazo.<br /> <br /> *'''nico142857''' Hola Jan! Hace un tiempo habia leido parte del manual y veo que ahora esta actualizado. Desde ese momento que quede maravillado con la rigurosidad de tu trabajo y lo sigo haciendo ahora. Me suscribo a esta lista para poder obtener los track files, pues me interesa recorrer algunas secciones en las proximas vacaciones de verano 2022/2023. Estare muy agradecido si lo puedes mandar. Saludos desde Chile!. nicolas.<br /> <br /> *'''Lore Olivares''' Hola Jan, gracias por compartir esta valiosa información. Soy de Chile y junto a mi amigo queremos hacer la parte norte del GPT desde Santiago. Te agradeceré mucho si nos puedes compartir los datos GPX. Muchas gracias de antemano.<br /> *'''annéesympathique;) (Rémy D.)''' Hi guys, I‘m a student from Belgium and I plan to walk the GPT from december to march. That’s why having the GPX track files would help me realize this project. A big respect about all the work behind the GPT.<br /> * ''' TOBEL ''' Congratulations to the GPT Hikers Manual. I am from Germany and a bit older then the most here. This year I will hike some parts of the GPT, so I would like to get the gpx files.<br /> <br /> * ''' Michaelstabile (Mike &amp; Avery) Hi, Thanks for compiling all of this information. We are Backpacking and Pack rafting Guides in Alaska. We are planning to start in 2023 and Continue through all the way back to Alaska. Hiking, bike packing, Packrafting and sea kayaking. Having this track files would be incredible for us helping with planning for this section of our journey.<br /> <br /> * ''' Martin&amp;Helena (Martin.h)''' Hello guys! Thanks for the amazing work you’re doing with the GPT. We are a couple from Prague, Czech republic, planning to start hiking from the beginning of December, most likely until the end of March. We would use the track files for planning our hike and navigation. Thank you, Martin&amp;Helena<br /> <br /> * '''EDAWILSON (Ed)''' Hello! We are a couple from Scotland who are heading to Patagonia for a couple of months hiking this October/ November, and we are looking to incorporate some elements of the GPT into our trip. 2022 conditions permitting, we will likely explore some sections of the Fjord route; as well as Glacier Chica to El Chaltén; and fingers crossed some sections south of here. I would love to overlay the track files over GE for a better planning experience. We love the spirit of the community you are building here! Great work!<br /> <br /> * '''Ridgepathpictures (Jani)''' Hi! Myself and a couple of friends are planning a packrafting trip in Patagonia at the start of 2023. We will be dipping in and out of the regular packrafting route, so sections 17 to 39. The aid of the track files would be greatly appreciated. I'm honestly astounded by the work you have put into this trail, it's truly very inspiring.<br /> <br /> * '''Slingshot (Jeremy)''' Hi! My soon to be wife and I are planning a 3 month trek from GPT05 southbound and would greatly benefit from the GPT track files. Thank you so much for your hikers manual and for providing access to these files. It has already greatly benefited us.<br /> <br /> * '''Alexis (dm) &amp; Iris''' Hello! We are a 29/28 years old couple from France and are starting a sabbatical in South America for a year in December. We are landing in Puntas Arenas and would like to hike our way, on the GPT or not, through Chile up to the Ecuador. To better plan our trip, we would like to access the GPT track files and are obviously willing to contribute to the initiative. Many thanks. <br /> <br /> *'''Max''': Hello, I am from Germany and I really like to hike. Next year, I plan to hike from Santiago de Chile all the way down to Ushuaia with a Packraft. To do that, I would like to get the gpx files, so I can choose from the routes. Thank you for all of this.<br /> <br /> *'''Ted''': Hi guys, I'm a 33 year old austrian guy and I plan to hike a few sections of the GPT in October and November. it would be great if i could have the gpx data so i can plan the routes better. great community<br /> <br /> *'''Chris and Tara''': Hello!!! We are husband and wife, being 33 and 26 years old respectively. We plan to walk from Barilloche to Santiago incorporating large sections of the GPT. There are no fixed plans for sections and times, just to fully immerse our selves in Patagonia, it’s people and way of life. Thank you and all those who have contributes for your incredible work so far, I look forward to being able to contribute for others to enjoy! <br /> <br /> **'''Wannes''': Hello, I'm a 31 year old belgian who plans a two week trek/run in the beginning of November. I would love to do a part of the GPT. Could I receive the gpt tracks to decide which part would be ok to do? Kind regards. Wonderfull work!<br /> <br /> *'''Yannic &amp; Mirjam''': Hello together. We are Yannic and Mirjam and since one year on a world trip. We plan to spend a few months in Patagonia next and hike parts of the GPT. Which parts exactly we are currently still working out. Would it be possible to get the GPS tracks? Thank you for you incredible work !<br /> <br /> *'''AdriKunz''': Hello, first of all, a huge thank for all your amazing work. I am so grateful for this sharing which will allow me I hope to live a unique experience. I'm a actually working in French Guyana, but were looking for an immersive hick before living this continent. I finally came across this extraordinary adventure, which I think corresponds to me in every way. I plan to try the GTP from Santiago to part 14 or 15 of the GPT in a month and a week. I intend to start the hike in mid november. May i aske you the GPT track of thoses parts ?<br /> <br /> *'''Avisito''': Finally going for it - December 2022! Plan to start at GPT05 and go south for several weeks - would love to start exploring the GPS track files. Thanks!!!!!!!!!! <br /> <br /> *'''Veronica''': Hello, I am Canadian and will be spending six months in South America from October 2022 to March 2023. While I am there I would love to spend a few of these months hiking various portions of the GPT, which is why I would love to obtain the GPS track files. Thank you so much for all this work and to all those who have compiled all this information. I am very much appreciative of all of this! <br /> <br /> *'''Andes et Tentes''': Hello, we are 3 french students taking a year off to explore South America. We are planning to explore Patagonia between February and April 2023 by hiking on some specific sections of the GPT. That's why we are asking for the GPS tracks. Many thanks for the huge work achieved ! It is impressively detailed and complete !<br /> <br /> *'''ondra''': Hello! My name is Ondrej and I am from the Czech Republic. I have been reading about Jan's and others' experiences on the GPT for the past two years. I will finally have a chance to walk a part of the trail myself in January - March 2023. I am adding myself to the list to kindly request the track files. Thank you Jan for putting this together.<br /> <br /> *'''Mat''': Hi! from France. I’m planning a few months hiking trip to discover south America. I’ll most probably walk parts of the Gpt (as much as I can). I would be grateful to receive the necessary gpx files. Thank you for the this very huge and inspiring work. <br /> <br /> *'''Alice &amp; Florian''': Hola! We are Alice &amp; Florian, a french couple who love hiking. We who will travel in South America and especially in Chile in September and October this year (2022), and we read about the GPT and some blogs, which really peaked our interest. Our project is to walk going south along the GPT for about a month, somewhere between September and November. After reading the hiker's manual, we came here in order to do access the GPX files and prepare deeper our project. Muchas Gracias para todo este trabalho. <br /> <br /> *'''Thomas - Chilzin, Brah!''': Hola! I'm a thru hiker planning to do a large part of the GPT mostly continuously before heading north on a huge trip to explore South America. I really appreciate this resource and will do my best to contribute before and while I'm on trail. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Aneso''': Hola! I'm Aneso, a French woman who loves hiking. I heard about the GPT while doing research following my plan to go to South America for 1 year.<br /> My project on the GPT being to leave from the south in the direction of the north, over a period of 1 month (or even a little more) from January 2023.<br /> In my research I am missing the exact GPX files for my GPS.<br /> Thank you in advance and congratulations again for all the work provided and to which we have access.<br /> <br /> *'''Ariane''': Hola! I'm French and I will be hiking in Patagonia in April (and perhaps May); my plans are not yet well defined but I'd like to follow parts of the GPT on my way northward. Thanks for your super useful work!<br /> <br /> *'''OriolGirona''': Hola! I'm from Barcelona but living at nearby Girona. Love hiking and cycling, being my longer tours so far between 4 and 6 weeks on the trail. I hear about the GPT two years ago while looking for new ideas during covid lockdown. I already read the manual a couple of times, and I am thrilled to travel to Santiago next November / December for a couple of month, probably starting from section 1. And at this point of planning I will apreciate to have the GPX tracks to get deeper into this process. Awesome work. Thanks a lot!!!<br /> <br /> *'''JuanchoUgarte''': Hola! I'm a Chilean guy that loves hiking. I hear about the GPT a few years ago. This year while doing the Travesia Cerro Castillo realized that it was part of the GPT and decided to start planning to do it on summer 2023. During 2021 did the GR11 in Spain and want to do something in Chile this time (the GPX tracks would be very useful for all the planning) Probably will start near Parque Inglés. Thanks a lot!!!<br /> <br /> *'''LeanderDc''': Hey hey, we're a crew of 3 hiking-friends from Belgium and Chile. We're planning on walking a part of the GPT starting from around Cochamó till O'Higgins, probably taking some ferries and hitchhikes in between. We're starting to refine our exact route, by reading the manual and analyzing google earth, and would hugely benefit from the exact GPX files. Thanks in advance!<br /> <br /> *'''rowanl''': Hello, I'm an avid hiker from Canada looking to explore trails along the carretera austral especially around Cerro Castillo National Park. I hope to use the track files to help refine my plans. I appreciate all the information provided, Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''meotr''': Hi! I'm a french engineer planning to hike some parts of the main route between mid-february and mid-march during a 3-4 months period in Chile and Argentina. Thank you for you incredible work !<br /> <br /> *'''Sergio''': Hi! I live in Santiago and I'm planning on hiking some of the first GPTs on early February and hopefully some of the southern parts later on. Thank you very much for all the work you have put into this, it's an incredible thing what you have done!!<br /> <br /> *jdhanlon/Jen and Vince''': Hi! I am planning to hike and packraft a number of sections this season, from Jan - March 2022. Thank you for all your efforts and guidance in sharing information about the trail network!<br /> <br /> *'''Gianluca/Cerna_Beltz''': Salve a tutti, Hi!! I'm italian and I'm planning to hike some part of the GPT from the end of january to mars/avril. Thank you so much for all this information and for your attitude!<br /> <br /> *'''José''': Hi!!. I'm chilean and im planning to hike the GPT05 - 22 southbound. I would really apreciate to have access to the track files. Thank you so much for doing this, its awesome!<br /> <br /> *'''Carlos and Ivan''': Hellow. We'll be in Chile in january and february. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike. Thank you for your great work!<br /> <br /> *'''Mariia and Misha''': Hi! We are two Russian flying to Argentina in end of December. Fully equipped for packrafting. Planed start January 5, 2022 from Lago Puelo southbound. Sections: 1. GPT23-25P Rio Frey and Lago Amutui Quimei. 2. Then flying to Chile and resume GPT26-28P 3. GPT30P-32 4. GPT33H-35 5. GPT36P 6. 36H Northbound. End before March 25. I would be very greatful for the track files. Thank you so much for your awesome guide and work!<br /> <br /> *'''Mawel''': Hello, I'm planning to hike the GPT or at least a part of it. Idealy, I'd like to start from Ushuaïa and travelling up north along the cordilliera. Anything concrete yet but I'm sure the track files will be very helpful to prepare this journey as best as I can.<br /> <br /> *'''Alexey''': I will start my trip on 29.11.2021 from Lago Todos Los Santos to the North, until Lago Ranco.<br /> <br /> *'''Matthias&amp;Janna''': We will hike parts of the GPT in december - february. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike. Thanks for the enormous work done! <br /> <br /> *'''Franck''': I will hike parts of the GPT with a friend in december and january, we're interested in GPT05 to 12, 19 to 22 and 32 to 36. Thanks for the great work !! Can't wait to put my shoes on : D<br /> <br /> *'''Nathaniel''': I will be in Chile for a few months starting in December 2021. I am considering packrafting in the vicinity of the Western Fjord Traverse (GPT90P-GPT92P) as well as hiking/packrafting a section of the main route of the GPT in Zones H and I (possibly including GPT32-40).<br /> <br /> *'''Laurent and Maxime''': Hi there! We are two Canadians flying to Chile in January. We are fully equiped with lightweight equipment for packrafting, endure all sorts of weather and accomplish a great trip on the greater patagonian trail! We have 3 months to travel and we are very grateful of all the precious information you offer us ! Thank you very much !<br /> <br /> *'''Rebeca y Cristián''': Buenas tardes Jan! Estuvimos conociendo distintos lugares de la décima región desde inicios del 2021, &quot;aprovechando&quot; las cuarentenas. Ahora estamos planeando un viaje más largo, el cual incluye packraft. Nos encantaría acceder a los archivos para planificar mejor. Desde ya, muy agradecidos. <br /> <br /> *'''David Batguano''': Good day all. I am heading to Chile at the end of November 2021 to get some hiking in, obviously. Fist I am completing the O circuit at Torres del Paine, then will hopefully complete some of the easier sections of the GPT(I do not wish to bushwack or prove a point). I have no time constraints and will just go where I wish at a leisurely pace. I am on page 400 of the hikers manual working on routing. Though difficult, Jan's work so far is an unbelievable resource. <br /> <br /> *'''Vera &amp; James''': Hi all! We are planning to head over to Chile for 3 months Jan - Mar 2022 and plan to hike on the GPT. Planning is ongoing but current thinking is start at Puyehue and work north. The main motivation is to be in the mountains/wilderness for a period of time. The manual is an incredible resource! Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Tobias''': Hi Jan, I'm flying into Chile on the 1 of November. My plan is to hike southwards from Frutillar to El Chaltén and visit Schools along the way. I would be very greatful for the track files GPT 22-40. Thank you so much for your amazing work!<br /> <br /> *'''Kris&amp;Stiina''': Greetings, we are going to Chile in November and we plan to hike some sections of the GPT. Track files would be a great help for planning our hike and logistics. Thanks for the enormous work done! <br /> <br /> *'''Helmut and Beatrice''': Hi JAN, we are planning to spend two months in Patagonia at the beginning of next year. We want to hike around 1000 km and the tracking data would be a great help for us to choose appropriate sections and plan our hiking adventure. High praise for the great manual!<br /> <br /> *'''HolKann &amp; Peanutje''': Hey all, we're planning to visit Chile in January 2022, and hope to hike parts of the GPT for the better part of (at least) 3 months. Our most recent hiking experience was the [https://thepindosway.com Pindos way] in Greece, which consisted of finding &quot;the shadow of an old mule path&quot; to get up or down a mountain ridge, which taught us how to handle packs of angry shepherd dogs, and which forced on us a crash course in rudimentary Greek (as we would have gone hungry otherwise). We hope to get to know Patagonia and its people in the same way, except that our Spanish skills should be a bit better.<br /> <br /> *'''Stephan''': Hi folks, Hi Jan, i'm planning to do the GPT 22,Lago todos los santos, from Petrohue to Cochamo, hiking and packrafting. I have planned to go on October 2021. Thanks for the great work!<br /> *'''Stéphane''': Hi folks, Hi Jan, planing a trail trip next summer in Patagonia walking from Villa Cerro Castillo to Villa o Higgins. Could you please Jan send mi the track files beetween Villa Cerro Castillo and Pto Ibanez passing through Torres el Avellano ? GPT33H. Thx a lot and long life to yout project ! Hug<br /> <br /> *'''Martin and Kim''': Hi, we are planning to spend two oder three months next year in Patagonia. We want to hike round about 1200 km there and the track file would be very helpful to choose sections and plan our adventure. Thanks for the great manual!<br /> <br /> *'''Vicente''': Hi, I'm planning on doing the GPT this spring of 2021, I've done other long trails through Patagonia so I want to take it to the next level. I believe this trail has a great potential to become an icon for my country and its beautiful mountains. I need the track files to prepare the adventure.<br /> <br /> *'''Marc''' : We are two guys from Denmark who are hoping to spend a couple of months on the GPT, if possible we will begin this december. We are eager to get our hands on the track files to help us plan which sections to hike. We have a great amount of respect for all the work you have done to make this adventure possible!<br /> <br /> *'''Simoncashyt''' : Me and my friend are Planning to spend 2.5 months in the area this December. Hoping to get this Track file and review the trail in gis with other historic route databases to really understand the sections topography, climates and route options to explore off the track file. <br /> <br /> *'''Bastian Klein''' : I am a university student from Germany and currently only have vague plans for my hike. With the Covid situation still going on its still to be determined when I will actually get to go hiking, but I think the track files will help me a lot with planing. Greatly appreciate the work done on the GPT manual !.<br /> <br /> *'''Tim''' : We are a couple from Germany and around new year we plan to spend a few weeks in the area around GPT05 to GTP07. If possible we might return some time to see southern patagonia as well for multiple months.<br /> <br /> *'''Léo''' : I plan to travel one year in Chile from sept 2021 ; I want to start from Puertomontt to reach Santiago (in a whole year, so taking my time), and hike some sections of the GPT ! I have not chosen which exacts sections yet.<br /> <br /> *'''Nadfero''': Mi plan is to divide the route in two or three sections, and hike it in the 2021-2022-2023 summers. Obviously it all depends on the covid situation. There is no harm in planning!<br /> <br /> *'''Cristóbal''': Estoy aprovechando la cuarentena para estudiar la ruta y comenzar a hacer tramos en la medida que se levanten las restricciones sanitarias este 2021 y 2022.<br /> <br /> *'''Jo and Ty''': We are a couple planning to trekk for 3 months or so on the GPT. 2021/2022 depends on Covid 19 situation. Propably starting somewhere at GPT08. We are still in the beginning of planning. We require the track files for a lot of planning and for navigating on the trek it self. We are pretty excited!<br /> <br /> *'''Molly og Melissa''': We are two friends, from Denmark. We plan to hike most parts of group B, C and D in December 2021 - February 2022<br /> <br /> *'''Patagonico''': Years ago i did the ruta de los pioneros now i would like to complete the GPT in the next few years.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Les Amériques au fil de l'eau''': We are a french couple, planning to use the trail from Puerto Montt to Santiago in 2021-2022 and to realize two short documentary films about wetlands and about the women of America<br /> *'''O Bicho Geográfico''': Para fines de investigación científica, Abril de 2021.<br /> *'''Max Nemeth''': November to Mid-March 21/22, sections to be determined. Thank you for the amazing work on this route!<br /> *'''Memo mcrash''': GPT10 and GPT11. I plan to do it in March with some friends. We are very grateful for the work you have done. Thank you! Guillermo.<br /> *'''nico142857''': GPT01 and GPT02. Im planning to hike these 2 sections on March, and gpx's routes surely will help a lot. Thanks!<br /> *'''MauricioDM''': I am planning to hike the whole trail in parts, but I am not sure where to begin, the GPX will help . Thanks. <br /> *'''Nico busch''': GPT33H. Planning on doing the Torres del Avellano hike. Thanks. <br /> *'''Bjornsether''': GPT 01 to 40. I've been planning a long-distance hike in Chile for some time. February-April 2021 might allow me to spend time on the GPT.<br /> *'''AJForno''':, GPT 01 to 40, I live in Chile and have done some sections, and plan to keep exploring, Thank you! Andres <br /> *'''Thom&amp;Miky''': Hi, we are two friends planning to walk from febrary to april 2021 and we will try to reach from south to north the GPT 14 to GPT 01. Thank you! Thomas and Michael <br /> <br /> *'''WhatDoesMyHeartTellMe''': I am very much interested in GPT 01 to 40. I plan to trek in 2021-2022. This endeavor requires a tremendous amount of planning. I hope you can grant me the track files. Thanks very much!<br /> <br /> *'''Tom Corbett''': Januray 2021, hiking and packrafting sections of GPT 26 to GPT 33.<br /> <br /> *'''Rperezdearce ''': Hi, With my girlfriend we will leave the first days of Nov 2020 from Santiago with the intention of reaching GPT12, then we will try to continue further south.<br /> <br /> *'''Tobi &amp; Fang''': Hiking and potentially packrafting in the &lt;s&gt;2021/2022, 2022/2023&lt;/s&gt; 2023/2024 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Freek van Keulen (Freek)''': Plan to hike 2021-2022 season, starting preparations and research now<br /> <br /> *'''Joaquin Munoz (jqnmunozdiaz)''': Plan to hike sections GPT32-40 southbound on summer 2020-2021 if covid allows. I will likely hike some northern sections as well.<br /> <br /> *'''Quamen''': I am dreaming to hike the GPT01-16 and to hiking/packrafting GPT17-40 southbound this austral summer 2020-2021 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Frambues''': Starting at the end of 2020 if Covid lets. Not sure yet which part to do in one season, but probably start in Santiago.<br /> <br /> *'''Ferdinand''': Hi, Ferdinand from germany, I'd like to hike southbound starting from GPT 05 from Dec 2020 - Apr 2021 and see how far I can get. The GPS files would help a lot planning everything more in detail, thanks!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Víctor Valenzuela''': GTP 05-19: Planning on starting end of 2021 with GPT 05-19 and further on. Got one season to explore the GPT.<br /> <br /> *'''Isaac Garza (Try431)''': Planning to hike southbound GPT season from ~December 2020 through ~March/April 2021 (weather/COVID permitting). At the moment, planning to do GPT17P - GPT39, and track files will be very helpful in planning out in more detail :)<br /> <br /> *'''Pipers''': Hi, I'm from Valdivia, chile, and I am planning to hike or ride in my bike the closest parts of the route, as soon as coronavirus lockdown finishes<br /> <br /> *'''Patagoniandreams''': Planning to hike the standard route soundbound, starting at GPT10 until GPT23 and looping back nordbound via the Huella Andina. Due to the Corona crisis we postpone this endeavour to the 2021-2022 season. The hike will be done in family. We will have a 6 year old girl and a 3 year old boy with us. We have 4 months. We have been doing GPT sections back in 2008 - 2010 - 2013.<br /> <br /> *'''Olivier1''': Planning to hike the standard route northbound, starting at GPT 40 for the 2021-2022 season.<br /> <br /> *'''David Brophy (d.brophy)''': Planning to hike the standard route GPT01-GPT40 over two seasons starting as soon as COVID permits. Will use a pack-raft for the second season.<br /> <br /> *'''Peter Mican (ElCondor)''': Planning to hike the GPT in 2020/2021, starting at section 01 and hike as far south as I can, depending on the weather and situations on the track. I am planning to go solo but would be happy to join with a fellow hiker(s) ;-)<br /> <br /> *'''jojohoughton''': Planning on hiking/packrafting southbound to section 40, starting either from section 1 or section 13 depending on the conditions. Will be exploring the GPT for the summer 2020-2021 season.<br /> <br /> *'''Leonhard''': GTP 1-16: Planning on starting end of 2021 with GPT 1-16 and further on. Got one season to explore the GPT.<br /> <br /> *'''Aligator''': GTP 40 to GPT32: Plannning to explore that part of the GPT in February (from 03/02) and March (flexible) with my girlfriend (we both live in Santiago). Thank you for the incredible work you've achieved gathering and updating all those information!<br /> <br /> *'''ConnyPflaume''': GTP 14 &amp; 15 or the area between lago Conguillo and Lago Tinquilco. We will start this weekend, 11.1.20 - would be nice we could be supplied with the map so shorthanded.<br /> <br /> *'''felixrulz''': Will be in the Andes for around 4 months. Have already completed 3 sections, but looking to do more. Joined specifically for the Puyehue section (GPT 19)<br /> <br /> *'''Kelly Swanson''': I plan to solo trek starting at GPT06 in January 2020, continuing till mid March.<br /> <br /> *'''phil ro''': i will start in coihayque in mid-january and will head south for more than 4 weeks with a packraft.<br /> <br /> *'''johannsteffen''': Going to make a backpack trip starting in February on Ushuaya and going to Bariloche in June.<br /> <br /> *'''Claudio Miranda''': Starting from Santiago in January 2020 until April, planing to arrive at least to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> *'''Trinity''': Travelling to SA for 2 years and plan exploring Patagonia.<br /> <br /> *'''pirre''': Starting in January 2020 on GPT32 and planning to hike south for 6-8 weeks. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''Shn0rhelez''': Hi,I am Anton from Sofia,Bulgaria...me and my girlfriend are starting from sec6 in the middle of January...we have around four months...thank you for your remarkable work!!!<br /> <br /> *'''Gatodelmonte''': Starting on 2 January from Santiago, planning to hike South for about 45 days &amp; exit near Pucon (sections 1 to 15)<br /> <br /> *'''Fedepatagon''': Like to pack raft on the area between Bariloche-Osorno and P.N Los Alerces<br /> <br /> *'''Vincent Paquet''': My girlfriend and I are planning to spend 3 weeks walking from december 18 2019 to Jan 10 2020. We're still selecting the exact sections. Cheers!!<br /> <br /> *'''Tmattson425''': Plan for this year is to solo trek sections 1 through 19 (southbound) starting in mid-January 2020. I'm an American expat living in Buenos Aires and plan on returning in following seasons to complete the GPT, try packrafting, and explore alternate routes. Extremely excited an grateful that this trek is possible. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''SalomeS''': Planning for a 6 month trip with my husband starting in Nov/Dec 2020. Planning to hike the sections 40 to 16. We would be incredibly grateful to receive the gps track files. Thank you!<br /> <br /> *'''Ianhikes'''* Leaving for Chile in 1 week and looking to spend a month on GPT hiking southbound.<br /> <br /> *'''zc0rp10''': Hi! Planning and preparing for an extended hike together with two friends from November 2020 - Feb 2021.<br /> <br /> *'''ELLI''': together with a friend we plan to hike the sections of the main route but in opposite direction starting in the area around Lago viedma in first days of January 2020, we have approx. 4 month time<br /> <br /> *'''gorskial''': plan to bike/packraft along the carretera austral from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins with hiking side trips. Jan/feb 2020<br /> <br /> *'''pitney''': Solo hiking GPT sections 6-22 Southbound beginning early January, 2020.<br /> <br /> *'''dirtmonger''': GPT sections 1-24; planning underway for an immersion solo hike ‘20 November to ‘21 February. <br /> <br /> *'''bob451''': Planning on solo hiking 2 or 3 sections of the GPT northbound March/April 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''Mgabenesch''' : Planning on hiking most parts of the GPT, starting in Ushuaïa then going North. I have on year off. Starting Dec 2019<br /> <br /> *'''Family Size''': Planning on hiking parts of the GPT southbound. Starting end of November 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''shaunchurch''': Hope to solo hike/packraft a few sections southbound. Section 15 or 17 in Dec 2019. Then maybe a couple more from among sections 21-31 in Jan and Feb 2020. <br /> <br /> *'''iank''':2 months jan and feb 2020. Hope to hike isla navarino, cirque of huemuls and then cochrane to chile chico. More northerly secions maybe 2021.<br /> <br /> *'''dsmit3000''': Solo hiker planning on hiking GPT40-31 northbound November-January 2019.<br /> <br /> *'''2As''': We plan to walk in Chile and Argentina from mid October 2019 to mid march 2020. We don't have precisely planned our trip but the root of our trip is to go by foot through Patagonia and also discover Chile and his people and culture.<br /> *'''A pat''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT (Need to confirm but we are interesting in sections 08-22 and 35- 40) from January to early March 2020.<br /> *'''Aceestrin''': We'll be exploring for 4 weeks in Los Lagos region December-January. <br /> *'''Andrealopezb''': I plan on doing individual sections for the time being, mostly between Santiago-El Maule <br /> *'''annbrnn''': Heya, a friend and I are planning on hiking several sections of the GPT beginning end of December 2019 and are currently in the process of determining our route.<br /> *'''AlexEdge''': Hi, i am planning to hike the lower sections of this route with a couple friends, possibly febuary 2020. thank you!<br /> *'''Arno507''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT starting fom November/December 2019 till early April 2020.<br /> *'''Birdy ''': I plan to mostly walk from Lake Titicaca to Ushuaia starting November 2019.<br /> *'''David''': Hello!! This is David from Barcelona and I'm planning to walk through the Patagonia for 4 month from January 2020. I would love to do all de GPT, but I'm not sure if it's too ambitious... For sure, I'll try it!! :-) I would really appreciate if you can provide me the gps track files. Many thanks!!<br /> *'''Dubrovskiy''': 2 people, January 2020, Foot hiking southern parts, likely around GPT40-33.<br /> *'''Edwinb''': I will be arriving in Chile in Nov and plan to cherry pick parts of the GPT and mix it with other trekking, basically like I did last year. Always interested in a bit of exploring, providing it doesn't get to extreme!<br /> *'''Hendrik Niehaus''': We arrive in Chile early Oktober 2019. From November until January we plan to be on the GPT. Due to the recommendations of the hikers manual we are mainly interested in section 5-16. However, plans might still change and are not too fixed yet. Thank you in advance!<br /> *'''Herman van Horssen''': We plan to do section 47 to 69 of the GPT in 2020.<br /> *'''johansonst333''': Hi! I am planning the sections 30 - 40 during this hiking season, would be incredibly grateful to have the GPS files for further research and planning. Thank you in advance!<br /> *'''Jose Barros''' Hello !Im jose from Santiago de Chile, i will do the sections from Conquillio national park to Puyehue national park, its aprox. 15 days in January, i think it will be great ! If you can provide the track files i will be very thankfull. <br /> *'''Jose Roman''': Hi, my plan is to several sections by bike or hiking staring September 2019 until Abril 2020.<br /> *'''JUNHUI SON''': Hi, I'm from South Korea, I plan to do section 1 to 40 of the GPT in September 2019 till November.<br /> *'''Kendon''': I cycled Patagonia many year ago and have always wanted to return for an extended walk through this wonderful area. I am in preliminary stages of my planning and thank you for your efforts in providing such a great resource. I am looking at the 2020 summer.<br /> *'''Martín H.I.''': Hello, I´m planning to make an attempt to hike from sections GPT01 to GPT22 this summer from December 2019 to February 2020, still deciding on the exact sections, but southbound is my direction. I´m a chilean 25 year old architect who will humbly try to hike this unique trail. Thank you Jan for the amazing creation.<br /> *'''Martin Lizondo''': I will be hiking southbound from Anticura (GPT20) to El Chaltén (GPT39), between December 2019 and February 2020. It's my second season in the GPT, after hiking from Santiago (GPT01) to Anticura (GPT19) in 2018-2019.<br /> *'''martinahaller''': We will be arriving in Chile in Nov and plan to hike parts of the GPT during the next 6 Month, starting in Santiago.<br /> *'''Maturin''': Hi, I am currently figuring out the details to hike GPT06 to GPT08 from the 27th of December 2019 until mid January. I will be doing the Horseriding tour before. I speak fluent spanish and the idea is to go southbound. Thank you!<br /> *'''Matúš Lašan''': We plan to do as much as possible from December 2019 till March 2020.<br /> *'''msantelli''': Hi, Melissa, plan to trek sections 05-22 taking a chance to start mid-late Nov. of ‘19 may need to backtrack and cut a few sections out, if rivers can’t be ford/crossed-flexible schedule<br /> *'''Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck''': We plan to investigate new packrafting and hiking routes in more remote areas between Puerto Montt and El Chalten without making a single long traverse (GPT21 to GPT40, GPT90P to GPT 92P). We will depart in November 2019 and plan to finish in February 2020. Experienced packrafts may join us for these investigations.<br /> *'''Lauric Olrik''': We plan to do several sections of the GPT starting from November 2019, we have a whole year off.<br /> *'''Lea Geibel''': Hi, my plan is to do several sections of the GPT starting fom October/November 2019 until beginning of January 2020 and need to figure out which ones are suitable for such an early start.<br /> *'''Linda''': Hi, I am planning to hike alone southbound the GPT from beginning of December 2019 to mid-February 2020, probably from GPT06 to GPT22, but I am still studying the routes and the sections. I spoke quite good spanish, at least, it will come back there, practicing ! Thank you !<br /> *'''Oreste Marquis''': Hello, i'm planning to hike sections 06-22 and 32-40 if time allows it. My trip will be from January to Abril 2020.<br /> *'''Sanita Heinz''': We plan to do section 1 to 40 of the GPT in December 2019 till March 2020.<br /> *'''Selma''': We are planning to packraft some sections of the GPT during our stay in Nov/Dez '19<br /> *'''Staci Garcia''': Hello, I am planning on doing several sections of the GPT in 2020. I am still in research on what sections.<br /> *'''TrashPanda''': Hi, we plan to do several sections from the end of November 2019 till February 2020.<br /> *'''tom347''': Hola, I plan to do part of parts 1 to 40 with a friend, starting mid october. We will be hitchhiking the parts that are not recomended in particular months. We will be travelling for aproximately 2 months. Gracias.<br /> *'''Tombartlett''': Hello I am planning on hiking many sections over a three month period from November 2019 to February 2020.<br /> *'''Wanderwood18 ''': We plan to make it to El Chalten/Fitz Roy in one season from Santiago. This means I’ll probably skip recommended sections to skip/do what I need to do to make it. I’m flexible, we will see how it goes. My girlfriend, America, and I are planning on starting around Nov. 10th….<br /> *'''LieberWeiter''' Hi, I do not know yet if I ever dare to walk the GPT but meanwhile I would like to plan therefore!<br /> *'''Jarek Wątroba''' Hey, I will spend several months in Patagonia starting in Jan 2024. The information you provided in the Hiker's Guide is already immensely helpful, but the track files would make planning our route so much easier. Thanks.<br /> *'''Wolke7net''' Hi, could you please send me the track without packrafting. Thanks!<br /> <br /> *'''''DoloresMonika''''' Hi,my name is Dorota and I am from Poland. I ahve a plan to start from Santiago de Chile at 1 of December 2024. I can pass 4.5 months on the trail . Thanks for preparing this manual and description of trail.<br /> *'''''Randomuser''''' Hi, my name is Victor and my wife and I are planning on spending 3 months in Patagonia starting Jan 25. We are planning on picking some sections to explore and will focus on the land portions, thanks!<br /> <br /> '''wikiexplora'''</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT02_(Mina_El_Teniente)&diff=124007 2025-08-25T22:38:18Z

<p>Jandudeck: </p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Comments to GPT Track File Updates and Options=<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-26: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Variant B: A clear visible trail a bit higher up avoids some bush bashing on the regular route and should offer good better view from higher up. This higher trail should not add a additional ascent (SOBO) or descent (NOBO). Once verified and recorded I might change the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Option 1 (Filo Cerro Horizonte): This new route is well visible on satellite image and offers more kilometers high up on the ridge. It looks more demanding and exposed compared to the regular but might be interesting for experienced hikers with appetite to verify new routes.<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias ''' *<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 &gt; 15 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : no issues but refill when you can<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 4/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> I was asked 10,000CLP to enter the park at the beginning.<br /> I camped at km 9 on a sort of camping spot made by puestos.<br /> Then the path ascending was not always obvious. I may have missed it but found myself searching for the path a couple times.<br /> I camped at km 24 by the river, really nice spot.<br /> Then I continued ascending up to km 43. It was pretty hard with the hot weather. <br /> I met 3 puestos on their horses, they asked if I was ok.<br /> The last day with final push to the top and then the descent was too long.<br /> I didn’t have enough food so wanted to finish it but would not recommend doing this much.<br /> I ended in the mina el teniente via the main road to coya without following the GPT’s track that was going through a gate (closed but could be opened).<br /> A friendly security worker drove me to the mine entrance and I was able to hitchhike from there to Coya to end this really long day.<br /> Stayed at the red house hotel in the main road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-04 to 2024-01-07 / 4 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants D, G, H &amp; K / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. <br /> <br /> Flow at Water ? {2} (11.8/1648), Water ? {2}(20.7/2064). Water available in all high elevation basins.<br /> <br /> Good campsite at {2} (15.6/1616). <br /> <br /> With the exception of the first 10km, there was more water than expected or waypointed. However many were small, possibly seasonal flows.<br /> <br /> Existing snowfield and difficult to descend RR at -33.92000, -70.38191, took variant D instead.<br /> <br /> Road on variant G at -33.96773, -70.42224 covered by small snowfield, easy to reconnect with road via marked trail.<br /> <br /> Existing campsite just south of bridge {2} (64.3/1733) at -34.01617, -70.42623.<br /> <br /> Walked by puesto {02} (73.2/1857) early morning, no one awake.<br /> <br /> No water at {02} (78.2/1736).<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-20 / 7 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - A, D, K, S / Karin '''<br /> <br /> Camp: km2 (var A), km22.9, km39.3, km49.2 (about 100m downstream on the other side), km72.2 (a bit into the hills). I stayed 2 nights at km22.9 and km49.2 to enjoy the mountains on my last section this season.<br /> <br /> I went into the Reserva Coyanco on the 13th evening. The entrance fee is 6000pesos per person. <br /> <br /> The bridge at the beginning of the reserva is still not there, but fording is not a problem. <br /> <br /> Water: nothing to add, except that I did not see water at km67.8 (puesto).<br /> <br /> The fords from km 21.6 to km27.5 were not deeper than knees. <br /> <br /> I took var D in order to go to the viewpoint. Right after it, the road is under a few meters of snow (south facing side of ridge) and very steep. So I stayed on the ridge of Cerros de Peuco for about 200m to detour the snow field. All other snow fields (not many) are easy to detour. Nothing to worry about. <br /> <br /> The path of the last 25km until the antenna km86.4 is sometime challenging, but from the antenna to the end the path is very nice, well maintained. <br /> <br /> I stayed at the Hospedaje (S 34°12.3424' W 070°31.8386'). There are some small shops with basic food. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; OH var. D,K,N / Tamar &amp; Nimrod '''<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> 1: (33.417580, -70.207266) nice spot without water.<br /> 2. Near ford 02 [21.6/2033] there was a small strait patch of sand on the river bank.<br /> 3. (-33.524196,-7024.5732) Water from a lot of snow melting around. <br /> 4. Camp 02 [49.2/2800]<br /> 5. SOBO last water 25 km? - a few meters before the water point there is a nice spot above the road.<br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Water? {02} [8.7/1298]- no water.<br /> Water? {02} [11.8/1648] - weak flow on 06.12.24.<br /> Last water for the last 25 km SOBO - weak flow, a lot of algae. Had some taste after filtering (09.12.24).<br /> Besides all water points were OK.<br /> <br /> While climbing to pass 02 we saw a very big grey bird, which we think was an andes condor. It came very close to us, flew very low, and looked at us. We understood it wanted to attack us. We got close together and tried to look big with our hands and poles stretched to the sides. The bird made a few circles above us and finally decided to leave. We don't know if it could have tried to attack us, but it was pretty scary.<br /> <br /> At the end of the section we took the last escape route (N variant) and took a ride with workers from the mine, who were very friendly but did not seem to understand why we were in a restricted place. No problem getting out though. <br /> <br /> Great section! We lost a green phone near the pass- if anyone ever finds it we would love to know 😉<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-28 &gt; 30 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile puis impossible<br /> | Neige : oui mais piste degagée<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5 puis 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage, pas d'eau, serpents<br /> <br /> Des le debut un homme m'interdit de passer la riviere (le pont est cassé) j'ai remonté le torrent via la piste puis 2km plus haut j'ai pris une piste sableuse qui montait sur la crete pour retrouver le chemin.<br /> Il y a des serpents proche des points d'eau.<br /> Tres surpris de ne pas avoir plus de neige. Le sentier etait tout a fait pratiquable meme si j'ai contourné quelques névées au plus haut.<br /> Apres le pont du estero codegua, l'eau est plus rare, sur la crete avant Coya, il n'y en a pas du tout. La derniere descente est tres abîmée car utilisée par des motocross. Je suis sorti un peu plus tot pour trouver de l'eau dans le canal plus bas, mais c'est un canal qui transporte du ciment liquide. Je suis arrivé tres tard a Coya et ai dormi sur la plage le long du fleuve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-21 to 2024-NOV-25 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. D, H, K) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We set off from El Melocotón in the evening with headlamps along the road. The first gate [3.3/1049] was open, but after a while, a man in a car stopped us. He asked if we had registration. We did not, so he noted down our IDs and took a phone contact. The bridge [3.7/1045] no longer exists, so we had to ford the river. A good camping spot is just past the ford here [-33.68791, -70.34507]. We ascended gradually through the Estero Coyanco valley, following the RR. All the water sources in the map files indeed had water, except for one [8.7/1298], where the water was down about 50 meters and very hard to access. We took the bush bashing [16.0+0.8] more like a CC, going straight uphill. After traversing back to the Estero Coyanco river, we went upstream and forded the river a total of 6 times. The last ford [around 27.4/2200], branching into a side valley [27.5/2209], we crossed at night with headlamps. The water was above our knees; I am 178 cm tall. The entire subsequent ridge walk, which goes up to 3200 m, was a great experience. There was plenty of snow, and we really appreciated our spikes on two very steep sections. There was an abundance of water everywhere. We turned towards the pass [42.1/3256] earlier via var. D. The gravel road leading around the transmitter was completely covered with snow in several places. A good bivouac spot is at -33.9620215, -70.4274260. We descended to the concrete bridge [64.3/1733] via switchbacks following var. H. From the bridge, we walked along a gravel road down to the Barahona reservoirs, utilizing var. K. Just before the reservoirs [78.2/1736], we collected our last water for the end of the stage (about 4.6 liters each). We then proceeded CC towards the ridge with the summit of Alto los Lunes (2049 m above sea level). The entire ridge walk had no water, but there are comfortable bivouac spots in the passes between the peaks with views of the surroundings. For the final part of the stage from the connection to Carretera del Cibre, we walked at a good pace. We arrived in the town of Coya after 4 days with a small amount of water left and entered the Catalan bar, enjoying good food and a friendly owner.<br /> <br /> * '''24-11-20 - 24-11-24/ 4,5,days / RR and variants/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> An amazing hike in these spring conditions!<br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 open at 9 a.m., nobody there<br /> Water: all indicated spots reliable and many more in the upper parts. At the puesto at 67,8 it runs from a pipe behind the buildings (nobody there).<br /> Fords: mostly easy, but 5 and 8 difficult (5: slippery rock on the ground at the ‚official’ crossing, I camped there, but it wasn‘t better in the morning, 20m downstream a rock in the middle of he river allows for a safer crossing; at ford 8 less strong but up to my thighs (1,97m). <br /> A lot of snow, impossible to bypass, mostly easy, some short steep passages (mini-spikes; use the side-edges of your boots to make steps, dangerous in the early morning, chose your way carefully). However, conditions are changing now rapidly. <br /> Camps: 1: On the ridge after the BB; 2: 30m left of the 5th ford; 3: on the pass after the cirque (windy, but very nice at 3200m); 4: 200m before the puesto at 67,8 on the valley-side, very nice, probably the spot Lilian found; 5: Gate and fence with barbed wire for the RR at the upper entry of the mine, very difficult to climb, impossible to bypass, it is a new plantation area. I continued on the MR through the mine to the PR. There an officer of the mine police picked me up (very friendly!) and drove me to the Check point. From there 5km to Coya, first on PR, so I hitchhiked - a local (very, very friendly) drove me directly to the supermarket (big, everything you need) and then further to the entrance of the Reserva Los Cipreses. As Alexey said: they don’t let you pass, only day visit. I wanted to stay in Coya anyway. The girl from the Conaf (very friendly) organised a cabana for me. <br /> <br /> I saw a snake on the trail and met a puma, hiding in a bush 2m left of me, growling angrily. A group of arrierros (only people I met on these 5 days) had already warned me and asked, why I am walking without a dog. I barked loudly, imitating the missing dog, which helped me to keep cool; also helpful that I knew, humans are not their prey, it‘s cattle and so they are close to puestos.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-11-15 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil'''<br /> <br /> We paid 6000 pesos to entry the Nationalpark. The first brige was washed away but the rivercrossing was easy. Above 2700m were a lot of snow fields therefor we had to adabt the route. Its defently possible but takes more time and some snowfields need to be crossed in the afternoon.<br /> Because of the extratime needed we ran out of food and took the emergency exit which worked just finde (described in the manual). <br /> In Coya we recommend to stay in the red painted hostel in the main street.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Nov 3 - Nov 7 / 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR - A / Karin'''<br /> <br /> At the entrance of the natural reserve, the guard charged me 6000 pesos for entrance. There were barking but friendly dogs.<br /> <br /> There is pleanty of water in the rivers. The Estero de Coyanco can be crossed in the mornings easily, in the afternoon after a hot day the current becomes stronger and higher, but still possible. <br /> <br /> Snow patches start from about 2600m of altitude. In the afternoon, they are quite soft and easily traversable. But in the morning, they are frozen and very slippery, so that they become, without the right equipment, impossible to cross safely. In conclusion, the trail is not yet to be done. I think in 3-4 weeks it might be good to do so. <br /> <br /> The ascent is still worth and nice until the snow. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-03 to 2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO /Variant A - RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT01 &amp; GPT02 with a new route. (written in section alerts GPT01)<br /> Crossed the river where Vatiant A crosses. River crossing was ok.<br /> Camped at -33.72787, -70.35214 no water present here. Not the best option. One more spot if you hike around 1km further. <br /> Water at 11.8. <br /> At -33.74717, -70.36159 we followed a false horsepath. The path we followed was in very good condition as well and is well used. After some km we realized the mistake and we had to CC to water 15.6, to go back on track.<br /> Now with good satellite pictures we checked where the path we followed ends and it joins the RR again at -33.77836, -70.37408. This path might be worth checking out to skip the Bush Bashing. It seems like this path is used quite frequently. <br /> River crossings in the evening are possible but would wait for the morning. Water was up to to 1m/1.2m with strong current.<br /> Camped at -33.81604, -70.39475.<br /> We turned around due to Karin and Neele &amp; Seans alert of snow at approx. km 33.<br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were again high after 4pm. Camped at -33.82688, -70.39684<br /> Took variation A on the way out. Gate at 3.3km was open. Small Shop at el Melocoton.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-06 / 4.5 days / Hiking / RR (turned around at 35.6km) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Warning: We turned around due to snow. Snow present from 30km onwards at 35.6km we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3km was open at around 3pm at no point approached regarding a fee<br /> <br /> Crossed the river where the bridge used to be was about knee deep at 4pm (1.76m tall)<br /> <br /> Water flowing at all Water waypoints but “water ?” at 8.7km was pretty low and not easy to reach, sounded like it was flowing well downstream.<br /> <br /> River crossings between 21.6km and 27.5km all fine. No more than thigh deep for me (1.76m).<br /> <br /> Snow present from 30km onwards all manageable until 35.6km at which point we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were much higher after 4pm but manageable until we got to 22.9km so we camped there and crossed the fords in the morning.<br /> <br /> Took variation A on the way out seems the camping area is closed during the week so no one there at all. Gate at 3.3km was still open though.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 5,5 days / SOBO / RR and variants A D E M N/ Matthias de Austria '''<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 locked at 8am, only a few barking dogs running towards me, but rather curious, not aggressive. It is relatively easy to climb round the gate directly to the left on the slope via a barbed wire. There's nobody at the reserve and kiosk either, so I save myself the entrance fee. <br /> <br /> River crossings: no problems, nowhere more than 30-40cm water level and weak current. <br /> <br /> Lots of water sources with the exception of the last stage at the mine. There I took 9 litres at Puesto 73.2/1857 and would have liked to have had more. 78.2/1736 had water at 6am. Water 64.3/1733 very sandy, but ok place to bath about 100-200m upstream on a side arm, a few trees for shade. <br /> <br /> Camps: <br /> 1: close to ford at 21.6/2033 (without tent on the rock formations just upstream at the river crossing, the only campsite is right by the ford, but I didn't want to interfere with the arrieros - in fact a group crossed there at about 7:30am) <br /> 2: -33.8451,-70.4188 at the little arriero shelter, has water from pipe <br /> 3: Slightly north of Camp 02-D 1.3/2800 right at a bolder, water but small stream and lots of cow shit <br /> 4: Puesto 73.2/1857 (I arrived in the evening and just wanted to get water and then find somewhere to sleep, but they said it was dangerous because of the pumas and invited me to spend the night at the Puesto. They were very nice. They gave me lemonade, tea with whiskey, some bread and a sweet. They also offered me meat straight from the grill, but I kindly declined (vegetarian). We chatted a bit, as much as was possible with my very poor Spanish. I was allowed to use the simple shower and the toilet (it looked like it had never been cleaned, ever). I was offered a mattress, but it was so dirty that I preferred to put up my tent, which wasn't easy because of the dog shit lying around everywhere. At 10 o'clock in the evening, when I was already in my sleeping bag, they turned on a loud generator and music and it was extremely loud until 5 o'clock in the morning, music, 10 men talking loudly and at least as many dogs barking constantly. I didn't sleep a minute and left at around 5.30am when they went to bed. Horrible night! <br /> 5: Near 92.9/1734, no water <br /> <br /> Two snowfields at the pass at about 3000m, which can be bypassed very easily and quickly. <br /> <br /> The march over the ridge at the mine was brutal, no sleep at all, very heavy rucksack because of 9 litres of water, enormous heat without shade, but the worst were the Tabaneros, continuous mass attacks for hours while exposed on the ridge. I must have had 30+ bites and killed hundreds. I found the sections in the high mountains the most beautiful, very quiet, cooler, lots of water, beautiful views, no tabaneros. Saw three condors and arrieros lassoing cows. <br /> <br /> Variant E has only partial tracks. I couldn't find a continuous path. I mostly hiked along the dried-up stream bed (the open land is covered in thorny plants), which gets a bit steep towards the end with some easy climbing.<br /> The N variant is partly completely overgrown with quite some bushbashing, partly easy to walk on. Sometimes difficult to find the way, always check the GPS, otherwise you take a supposedly easier path, which then turns out to be a dead end.<br /> <br /> To avoid possible right of way conflicts, you can simply bypass the car park at the mine entrance. There is an access to the car park directly from the H-263 road a little to the east. Directly at the entrance to the car park there is a clearly visible trail that climbs steeply a few meters up to the trees. Simply follow this path, it leads parallel to the car park directly to the RR. I recommend managing the RR in this way in future. It would also be a small improvement to avoid the bend in the road just before the 105.8/799 bridge. A staircase leads directly to the bridge as a shortcut. <br /> <br /> There is no more accommodation in Coya. A friendly young local helped me, he called numerous numbers and asked people on the street/shops, but there was nothing, everything was closed or takes only larger groups, even the hotel in Termas de Cauquenes was shut down. I then took the bus to Rancagua. Bus stop near the supermarket, towards the bridge. From Monday to Saturday every hour from 7am to 10pm.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and variants A D F J / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Really nice hike, from river to high mountain to the long ridge. No big problems with river crossings, snow or slopes (see below). Lack of water will surely be the main issue in the next months.<br /> Some annoying but short cross country/bush bashing part in the spiky herbs after km 15.6, but good visibility. <br /> <br /> Variants<br /> - A to try to go to the calabozo del diablo (day 0 that i didn't count on hike). It was a fail at 100m of arrival, i didn't feel the final river crossing. Later in the season will be good enough. Seems an amazing place. <br /> - D for west exposition (see below) and attracticity <br /> - F and J on the ridge because it looked really safer than the RR below. I didn't feel endangered on these parts of the ridge, it's flat and large, even with windy conditions. RR seemed steepy from above. <br /> - I hitchhiked from the end of the ridge to Coya <br /> <br /> Camp :<br /> - Coyanco river on variant A after my calabozo fail, official place for camping with toilets ; <br /> - 22.9 (arrieros camp after river crossing) ; <br /> - 39.3 in the cirque before the pass, very nice but windy ; <br /> - 67, where lilian found the good spot. Actually you have to get all the rocks and cow shit away, and there are a lot of spiky herbs. I found only one good place for a tent after exploring a bit but it was perfect and well protected. Another spot is 1.5km after, plenty of space but less trees for protection ! ; <br /> - 90.4 on variant J on the ridge just below the summit. Nice but unprotected ! You have some more places around the cerro los canelos (with the antenn). <br /> <br /> Water : all the markers were still flowing. Bring filter with you as there are cows everywhere in the mountain <br /> -Waypoint 8.7 : you can hear it downstream, not on the RR, but seems hard to reach <br /> -11.8 : minor stream, i dont know if it will still be there in a month <br /> -Between 15.6 and 20.7 : 2 other streams <br /> -Between 20.7 and 27.5 : multiples river crosses, no problem with water <br /> -Less water after the bridge at 64.3.<br /> - Good stream with tiny cascada at 66.7 just before the nice camp spot at 67 km.<br /> -Surely water at puesto 73.2 as you can see a river below, but not on the RR (underground pipe ?)<br /> -78.8 : Important water spot as Lilian said, last until the road on all the ridge. This is NOT a big stream now, I don't know if it will still flow in a month. Note that there is an emergency exit at this moment if you have water problems. Some workers were here, working in fields. <br /> -Sunny and hot conditions on the ridge. I took 5.2 L (I cooked with a few while camping) and got 200 mL at the end.<br /> <br /> Snow patches : now only on east and south exposed slopes. No problems with snow at this moment, i didnt have to cross any :<br /> - km 34 where Matthias took the uphill solution, now you have a little hole in the snow juste below the RR. <br /> - after the pass : snow patches block the passage to the minor road RR. Just follow the ridge for a few dozens meter and safe way to join the minor road, without snow.<br /> - variant D : fully exposed west so no patches if you begin it on the RR after crossing the river (directly on the west-exposed slope). I don't know if there are patches on the RR before the variant D end. <br /> <br /> - No patches blocking the RR after variant D end<br /> <br /> River Crossings : <br /> - first on variant A, at 8 am. The flow is strong, choose wisely the place. A few meters below the usual local crossing (that you can see with a cairn) I found a big rock in the middle of the river. The first part until this rock is easy, the second stronger flow, up to the beginning of thighs but only for two paces. (178 cm 80 kgs). <br /> - No other concerns about river crossings along the way.<br /> <br /> Right of way : No problems with gates or private properties on the way. I had to pay 6000 pesos to enter the Coyanco reserve at 11 am. <br /> <br /> Other: I saw one snake (the second, another one on GPT01) in the middle of the trail, taking the sun, he moved slowly but I had to make noise for it. Be careful at any time not to walk on it. I think it was a chilean long tailed snake, venom painful but not deadly as wikipedia says. Internet says that it's rarely seen... but seems not on the crazy GPT ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-6 to 2023-Dec-11/ 5 days / SOBO / RR, variants A+D+E+G+J+M / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> GPT02 was a great hike in these spring conditions. <br /> With the snow on the upper part and the variants + shortcuts I could avoid most of the more boring walking on MR until bridge at km 64.3!<br /> <br /> Forded Coyanco river on variant A on 6th of December late afternoon ca. 150m upstream of location on track. Water up to thighs for me (188cm).<br /> <br /> Steep snowpatches on GPT02 are a serious danger as snow is compacting daily now. But you can go around all of them, particularly around km34, I went 100m uphill to avoid the remains of the cornice.<br /> <br /> I could not find a path for RR where variant J stays easy on the ridge. Seems like a fence is being build at the end east of RR, perhaps blocking access to variant M (and other variants?) in future.<br /> <br /> Hitch-hiked to Rancagua from road at end of variant M. <br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> - on river bank of Coyanco river after fording ca. 33°42'30&quot;S 70°20'45&quot;W<br /> - at track waypoint at km 22.9 (beside stone-walled rock)<br /> - very beautiful at 33°54'15&quot;S 70°23'33&quot;W (in cirque one platform below RR)<br /> - 1.5km after bridge at km 64.3 besides the path (no great spot)<br /> - on the ridge south of Cerro Alto El Paico (km 90.4) - no water<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-07 to 2023-Dec-10 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Gate[3.3/1049] : gate is opened, nobody there on 7am.<br /> <br /> Water,bridge{01} : look like is broken, wet feet crossing. Strong flow and up to knee at early morning.<br /> <br /> Water?{8.7/1298} : dry at river crossing, but is still flowing at downstream, after you cross the stream, dont climb up immediately, there is a side trail on your right side to downstream, follow it about 1 min, you'll hear water flowing, water spot is on your right side, but is overgrown and muddy, not easy to get close. It has a small pool and like a spigot (2min/L).<br /> <br /> Water?{11.8/1648} : excellent spot, water flowing good with clear and coldwater, has a huge shade for lunch or a break, also a sandy spot for 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Water{15.6/1616} : good flowing with a small waterfall at RR crossing, great to take a cold shower in hot mid-day.<br /> <br /> Water{20.7/2064} : flowing good.<br /> <br /> Ford{21.6/2033} : easier spot at 30m upstream of RR crossing, flowing fast and up to knee at early morning, much easier than the broken bridge one. A small sandy spot for a small single person tent.<br /> <br /> Ford, camp?{22.9/2067} : RR crossing look like up to knee. Downstream 30m is a better crossing spot, rock bar under water, just up to half of calf, easy. After crossing there is a large flat area, have stone wall for 1-2 tents.<br /> <br /> From here to &quot;Ford,camp?{27.5/2209}&quot;, some more river crossing, mostly just up to knee.<br /> <br /> Ford,camp?{27.5/2209} : look like no camping spot here?<br /> <br /> Climb up steep but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Snow conditions just like Yannick &amp; Nolwenn said, if not comfortable with snow, wait 1-2 weeks for melting.<br /> <br /> Still lot of snow after the pass. The last snow slope you need to cross is at km54.1<br /> <br /> Camp{57.0+0.3/2286} : when you first see the meadows from high, keep walking a little and look at the mountain side, a stream with a red and white pipe is there, flowing with crystal clear and cold water.<br /> <br /> Water, bridge{64.3/1733} : tons of brown sandy water.<br /> <br /> Km64.7 : camping spot, but dead cows here.<br /> Km67 : camping spot on valley side, some tree covers and great view, some side trail leads you to there.<br /> Km68.6 : camping spot beside the road.<br /> <br /> Bridge, water?camp?{78.2/1736} : flowing good with clear and cool water. Can fit some tents at road shoulder. It is the LAST WATER before the ridge.<br /> <br /> Mostly have flat spots for camping at each pass before km85, but windy.<br /> <br /> Km85.5 : excellent camping spot, can fit 1 tent, with a blouder for wind protection from south, great views, BBQ grill and cell service.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i took 4.5L water go over the ridge, and water all gone, better bring more in January and February.<br /> <br /> Coya have a small shop for resupply, not the best but enough, also friendly!<br /> Beside the store is Bar Catalán Coya, they make nice sandwiches!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-04 to 2023-Dec-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> Half the bridge gone at the beginning.<br /> 1st water was flowing but not where the trail crosses the stream but lower down - there is a dirt path to the water.<br /> <br /> River crossings are fine until the one at km26.5 was very rapid and strong; we crossed below the regular crossing point. Probably not a good idea atm to do the crossings in late afternoon. We then took the alternate trail that stays on the left of the river in order to skip two crossings. Good campsite when back down by the river, aimed to do the last crossing in the early morning, which was much better.<br /> <br /> The way up had good trail and more water than marked, due to the snowmelt. Snowpatches started once we reached the ridge, mostly very easy to cross except the patches on south-facing slopes; we used microspikes here.<br /> <br /> Careful: an unexploded explosive on the ridge at -33.94081, -70.41171.<br /> <br /> The road on the way down has lots of rockfall, many places with minor landslides. Some extra streams are flowing between Estero Codegua and the mine.<br /> <br /> You can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-12 to 2023-Nov-16 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT02 variant A + improvised trail due to a lot of snow between km30 and km52 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Gates : <br /> (1) gate at km3 for the Reserva, nobody there, the gate was open so we just went through.<br /> (2) Gate at km80,3 was closed, we just went around on the right side of the fence and followed it to reach the track again.<br /> <br /> - Water : water markers correct and more water due to snow melt<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 17,7 | km 36,5 | km 55 | km 82,6 <br /> <br /> - River crossing : <br /> (1) bridge (km3,6) was inaccessible for us, stream too strong - so we took the variant A and crossed the river further on. The current was really strong and up until the hips, we took our time and had previous experiences of river crossings before.<br /> (2)Between km21,6 and km27,5 we had to cross the river 9 times, it was usually up until our thighs.<br /> <br /> - Weather : 3 days of sun and 1 cloudy day. <br /> <br /> WARNING : Update on snow conditions.From km 30,5 the snow is present until km 52. Be really careful between km 34.6 and km 41, because it is icy and a fall could be fatal. We diverted from the gpt trail because following was impossible due to the snow. Sometimes there was 1 meter of snow. Follow the ridgline from km 42 to km 47, and not the gpt trail because at the moment it is completely covered in icy snow. For those who are planning to do this section in the next few days, defenetly check the weather and be aware of the impact of the sun on the snow ( melting, icy...)<br /> <br /> - Resupply : Coya, a small shop has everything you need for the next section <br /> <br /> - Accomodation : ' Hostal &amp; Residencial' for 20 000 pesos a night <br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant A ( easy to follow ) / variant M + N ( trail overgrown at some stages ) / at the control Maintenes, a friendly worker didn't let us take the gravel road at km 101,3 so we walked along the ruta H203 and reach the trail again at km102,4<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section but the snow made it really challenging for us. We met some wild cows and bulls and they were afraid of us and ran away, same for wild horses.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes '''<br /> <br /> Very hot below 2000m. For river crossing not even wet feet. Passed a kind of informal puesto little below junction to Clarillo, nobody there, just a crazy dog. No territorial cows/bulls around as stated somewhere else. Just give them time they need to check the situation and they will trot away...We where lucky to have met very nice people in the puesto before the mine. Got off at emergency1...took us ttl 6 days for this trip with one day almost off...<br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-05 4 days RR SOBO Frank<br /> <br /> I arrived at the private nature reserve entrance @ 5PM &amp; admitted I would overnight in the park so they charged me 12,000 pesos. The entry is 6000 pesos per day. They are not aware of the RR beyond the first few KM &amp; it seems best not to discuss it. As there is no water for about 7KM on RR after you cross the first bridge it seems best to stay on the small road which is quicker &amp; easier than RR. There is an official campsite at the end of the road. Fill up when you cross the river after campsite, the first camp &amp; water source on RR is normally dry. I came in on RR &amp; night hiked about 10KM as I didn't have enough water to camp. There is more water as you go further in. On 2nd night approaching the pass where a waterfall comes down a cliff I went downstream &amp; camped by a big boulder. Room for 1 small tent here. You could also camp in the last valley before the pass. After the pass you are on a dirt road all the way to the mine.<br /> <br /> Once over the pass the landscape changes &amp; it's semi desert with a long way between water sources. As you approach a green hut there is a spring coming from the rock by the road. Go into the puesto, if there is no one there you can get water from a spring at the back. The puesto owners are friendly &amp; will have no problem giving you water if they are there. Best to camp at or near the puesto, fill up &amp; start very early next day. Walk the first few KM on the road before dawn if you can. Last water 25KM? was as dry as dirt in January. When you get to the mine stay outside it, go to the right of the boundary fence &amp; handrail it, then you will have no problems. Midsummer i.e. January is not the best time to do the last section, there is hardly any shade &amp; it becomes a desert survival test. The water I had in my pack side pocket was hot enough to make tea. Got to the road OK but felt a bit faint. Heat exhaustion is a real possibility on the last section, go earlier in the season if you can. November once the snow has cleared is ideal. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-06 to 2022–Dec-08 / Hiking / SOBO / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I continued from the Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I went up to Cerro Los Cristales, there was Entel 4G for fifteen minutes on the ridge and then it stopped completely, but I managed to have a audio call over internet. Nice view on lakes from the top but a detour. Have not met anybody all three days it took me to walk this. The cows were all afraid of me (somebody commented they are territorial).<br /> <br /> The MR till the waypoint last water 50 km (it is not 50 km from there!!!) is actually impassable for cars due to debris. There was plenty of water everywhere until then.<br /> <br /> About 10 km further on, there is a puesto - it has water, you need to go in the puesto. There was nobody there so I slept there in the yard. From here on, there was 4G Entel coverage pretty much everywhere.<br /> <br /> About 1 km from the puesto, there is a horse trail going to the left (not mapped), I took it. It goes up and then it is easy CC downhill. I took a detour to south-east due to misunderstanding what the mine looks like (it is that large flat white-yellow valley - probably debris from the mine). Thanks to that I have not met any gates. There was a trickle of water in the last water point (I crossed it somewhat upstream from RR). Walked under the dam and along the fence of the mine. Kept up from the RR, its suggested track loses some altitude for no reason.<br /> <br /> The part on the ridge is quite beautiful, I would recommend not taking the emergency exits if you can (I also walked it between 4 PM and 9 PM, so it was not hot,but a very nice sunset). Very clear path pretty much everywhere. But it is far, took me five hours of fast walking to get to the road to Coya from mine. Once I got to the PR, I immediately hitched a car to Coya and stayed at a hostel for 15000 at 34.2057545S, 70.5306223W. Now I will try to get some food.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-26 to 2022-Dec-01 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> After a few hundred meters into the section we reached the entrance to the nature reservation and were asked for 6000$ per person + our ID numbers. We enjoyed some time by the river that is close to the entrance. Good to carry enough water from the beginning of this section. The alternative way / climb from the valley with water 37.2 gets pretty steep. Snowfields after Cerros de Pueco were still there but it wasn’t difficult to find a way below them. We met a few bulls close to the minor road trail that didnt look very friendly, rather turn around and find a different way. We took some alternative and more attractive trails from the long minor road part (GPT02 D+E). Tiny stream of water available at Sobo: Last Water 25km. We met some workers at the mine who were nice and reminded us that its a private property, no other problem. As suggested in one of the previous comments we didnt go over the gate at the mine but followed a path close to the fence that connects to the CC part. The whole ridge walk at the end is really nice. Quite a lot of traffic on the road to Coya. Overall really hot weather that requires enough water to carry, but nice section. We took a bus to Rancagua before 5PM - ask locals about the schedule.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-28 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR / tom&amp;miky '''<br /> <br /> We left on the 24 of November north to south, hard sun, no water on the second spot marked (water?) Around +/- 5 km<br /> The sobo last water was brown, we find clear water few km away maybe due to snow melt?<br /> We also found water at Sobo 25 km to finish this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But the other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> Be careful with the wild herd of bulls and cows before getting to Cerros de Peuco. Very territorial ! Better turning around ! <br /> <br /> The camp (02-D)(1,3/2800) at S33°57.791', W070°25.710' were full of snow at this time of year.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-20 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Locked gate (-33.682407, -70.346283) on the route in the beginning of secotion is for the entrance of Reserva Coyanco. There was a lady that opened the gate and said that one day pass through the reserve costs 5000 pesos, but that we can pay it somewhere later. But as the RR doesn’t continue up the valley but across the bridge and up the ridge from the other side then we didn’t meet anyone who would collect the fees. It could be that it’s a weekend thing as there were quite a few people in the area mostly going to see the Calabozo del Diablo. <br /> <br /> No water at the first marked location with question mark (-33.72155, -70.345093), but as Marc Anthony already mentioned there is a small stream of water about 3km further (-33.741233, -70.3534). <br /> <br /> From there we night-hiked until the second ford where we camped. It was such a relief to hike in bearable temperatures and all the critters were out. We saw a snake, a tarantula, a scorpion, some giant bug, bunch of toads, bunnies and a culpeo fox. <br /> <br /> Once we reached the first ford from there onwards until the last water before the mine there was a lot of water in almost every gully, especially as you reach higher elevations. Snow patches are still melting and providing water. The last water is where it’s marked. <br /> <br /> Once we got to the mine/plantation we didn’t jump the gate to walk in the fenced-off plantation, but walked around the fence, handrailed it. There is a faint path for first few hundred meters and then it’s and easy cross country, just aim for the shoulder on the mountain. <br /> <br /> The last part was actually really beautiful and I wouldn’t want to skip it, we had a cloud inversion in the morning and about 8 condors circling us as we descended the ridge, it was spectacular. <br /> <br /> On average we carried 1,7L of water each and besides the first part until the first water and the last part from the last water there really was plenty of water on trail and we could have easily carried only a litre each. For the last part we carried 10L for both of us and it was enough for dry-camping on the ridge and washing dishes and we ended up pouring out about a litre in the morning because we didn’t need that much water. <br /> <br /> Once we descended to the road we had an easy hitch to Machali where we resupplied and hitched back to Coya, again an easy hitch. But unfortunately we could not find a camping gas (with thread) which fitted out stove. We checked every ferreteria and supermercado in Machali, even took the bus to Lider Express on the edge of the town, no luck. They only had the gas canisters where you punch the hole. <br /> However we found a gas with thread in a shop in Coya. Anyways, lesson is - bring the adapter.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 and a half days to hike this section, our last camp was about 9,5km from the road.<br /> <br /> We ate some great food and recharged all of our batteries in a Peruvian restaurant “Sumaq Ñusta” in Coya before heading back out on trail.<br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-12 to 2021-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hiking / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Big locked gate at -33 40.961’ -070 20.773’ after leaving el melocotón heading south. Didn’t find anyone around to ask, but luckily it can easily be jumped if you walk around on the left side. Carry a lot of water! Quite a few kilometers between the water sources. There is a waypoint in the track files at -33 43.298’ -070 20.705’ that is marked “Water ? 02”, there is no water here! But I found an unmarked water source a few kilometers further at -33 44.474’ -070 21.204’<br /> <br /> When walking down from mountain pass towards the mine, the last water source I found was at -34 04.070’ -070 29.602’ marked in track files with “Sobo: Last water 25 km ???”. In was only running a little bit, might dry out soon?<br /> <br /> At the walking into the plantation area close to the mine on the regular route you will encounter a tall locked gate at -34 04.123’ -070 30.702’. I was able to jump over, but keep in mind that there are a lot of the workers at the plantation driving on the road next to it during the day. If you when you continue through the plantation you will encounter a barbed wire fence that runs all the way across the area blocking the path up onto the mountains. Very difficult to jump over! I noticed another gate when walking straight ahead after jumping the first gate. Would advice that you jump over this gate to exit the plantation, instead of following the track files. This way you avoid the barbed wire.<br /> <br /> Took me 4 days to hike this section, but I took the emergency exit number 2 because I ran out of water, so didn’t do the last few kilometers.<br /> <br /> All the river fords were easy. Quite a long distance between water sources in the beginning. Like in GPT 1 i found the beginning of this section to be quite difficult because of the heat even though it is still springtime. But I only have experience hiking in Scandinavia, so I probably don’t have the best heat tolerance :) As soon as I climbed up to the cooler temperature of the higher altitudes it was a wonderful hike.<br /> <br /> Had a lot some trouble with locked gates and barbed wire fence when entering the mine/plantation area. And unfortunately ripped open my plastic water bottle when throwing my backpack over the barbed wire, so lost some precious water.<br /> <br /> After a several hours of hiking in the mountains next to the mine I ended up taking emergency exit number 2 because I was running low on water. Must admit that hiking in this exposed terrain during the afternoon heat was also quite exhausting.<br /> The guards that picked me up after a while when waiting by the road where extremely jolly and nice. We had a good talk and some good laughs about the whole situation. They gave me water and put me on a bus to Coya by mine entrance. Bus driver even drove me around town so that I could find a open hostel. Certainly didn’t expect all this kindness when trespassing private property! <br /> <br /> Ended up in a place called Hostel Vista al Cerro in Coya.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-02 / Hiking / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> First gate from El Melocoton was closed, but you can just go around to the left and jump the fence. As mentioned by Anthony, there is no water at the marked water point -33 43.298' -070 20.705', but there is water at -33 44.474' -070 21.204'. Nice camp spot a few 100m ahead [S33.73625 W070.35510]. Sufficient water available up to pass (water from melting snowfields). <br /> Way from about 2800 a.s.l. was partly covered by snowfields which could be crossed without problem. After pass sufficient water until &quot;Important Sobo: last water 50km&quot; available. After that only a small trickle at: &quot;Important Sobo: last water 25km???&quot;. (Should be filtered). We used Emergency Exit 1 because our water filter and tent was broken. The worker at the gate was surprised but very friendly. The internal Securitas checked our passports and then drove us to Rancagua. All employees were very friendly and helpful.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-07 / Hiking / SOBO / Fran &amp; Rodri'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 in five days, at first, we wanted to start from Reserva Río Clarillo but it was impossible. The guards of Conaf didn't even try to listen to us, they just said &quot;you can't pass&quot;, so we try the alternative across the river and after 5km, they caught us, it's a natural private reserve and closed for public ( more strict than conaf) so they kick us out. Finally we start in the regular route in &quot;El Melocotón&quot;.<br /> <br /> The entrances it's a private tourism property, once inside, you have 2 alternatives, we took the regular because of the water but we had to pay 5.000 pesos each.<br /> <br /> Then we walk in and the problems disappear. in the beginning the water spots are between 7km aprox so be careful with that.<br /> <br /> In the second day we have a lot of river crossing but it was easy. A lot of sun.<br /> <br /> At the end of the route we took the emergency exit 1 in the &quot;Mina Teniente&quot; of course its a super private zone, but they were very friendly, make us a lot of questions, our personal details and they took us to the end of the private zone. Then we walk 5km and arrive to Coya.<br /> <br /> In town there is a very good place to eat called &quot;bar catan&quot; (delicious and cheap), and pass the night in &quot;Hostal el ensueño&quot; (15.000 each).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''019-Nov-28 / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> The campground Estero Coyanco (S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779') seams to be only open on weekends? One can walk around the closed gate and a person in the campground allowed me to sleep there on a weekday. There would be a small shop, food places and toilets. I stayed up the valley close to S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779'.<br /> <br /> There was a dead goat further up in the water.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-24 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 five days. Including 2 nero days. Again a really hot section, but there is enough water till Estero Codegua. Marked source before mine (water last 25km) is still flowing. Not much, but flowing. After that you won't find any. Trail is in good condition, in few undefines spots just follow gps. We took last optional trail to the left to meet road to Coya, trail was bit overgrown but doable, then we took a regular trail to Coya which is gravel. Shortly after first emergency exit in mine, where is trail cutting a mine property, they are building a high fence that won't be easy to jump.<br /> <br /> In Coya we are staying in Tu Casita for 20k including dinner. So far it's nice. Ressuplying is good here, we found everything that we needed. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to walk this section. Trails are in good condition. There is practically no snow left and water levels are low. We took the third Emergency Exit in the mine, so we don't know about the last 10 km. The mine's Security Officer wasn't very pleased to drive us out of the mine. In Coya we found accommodation and resupply tiendas. You can also take the bus to Rancagua which runs every full hour.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-14 / Hiking / Ty &amp; America / SOBO'''<br /> <br /> We camped on Reserva Coyanco for 5000 pesos and sweet spots right next to the river. We took a taxi straight there from the city center of Santiago for 25,000. I just saw on the television that the metro is back up to Puente Alto as well.....so that’s cool.<br /> <br /> We also took the first emergency exit when arriving at Mina Teniente. Everybody was SUPER friendly. They even gave us a free ride to Machali for Resupply (Isabel supermarket).<br /> <br /> After water at the bridge over Estero Codegua, water is pretty much non existent. Nobody was at the puesto, and the next water source was still and dense with tad poles (definitely not ideal)....and probably won’t last for much longer.<br /> <br /> There was some just recently passable areas near the top of the pass, but pretty easy to get by! Prefect timing 👌<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-20 / Hiking / Martin Lizondo / Regular Route Southbound'''<br /> <br /> A lot of water capacity is required. Last water source at Estero Bodegua (S34° 00.894' W70° 25.507'). Avoid the route near puesto at S34° 04.633' W70° 30.757' because the pass is forbidden. Instead, keep following the track high off trail.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Get the metro to Plaza De Puente Alto then Bus MB-72B to El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT02 - Mina El Teniente]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (18).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (13).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT01_(Cerro_Purgatorio)&diff=124006 2025-08-25T22:36:50Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Comments to GPT Track File */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Comments to GPT Track File Updates and Options=<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-26: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Option 1 (Rio Clarillo): Only recommended in northbound direction since Reserva Rio Clarillo does not permit a southbound traverse.<br /> <br /> - New GPT01 Option 2 (Cerro Los Cristales): Natalie and Tomas suggested this route that connects GPT01 and GPT02 into one long hike. This route starts outside of national parks and reserves (Unlike GPT01 Option 1) therefore GPT01 Option 2 is feasible in southbound and northbound direction (Unlike GPT01 Option 1 that can only be hiked in northbound direction). This route is only recommended for experienced hikers that have vast experience in navigating in complex terrain. This option is not a suitable start for hikers that are not yet familiar with the GPT.<br /> <br /> - Option 3 (Filo Purgatorio): Hikers that enjoy scrambling may opt for this very demanding route that ascents to the summit and descents in rocky terrain to the Regular Route.<br /> <br /> - Option 4 (Rio Maipo): Bad weather option for diehard connecting footstep hikers.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * '''GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias '''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-03-23 to 2025-03-24 / 20 hours/ Hiking / SOBO / New option from El Principal via Cerro Papagayo and Cruzada Las Hormigas to RR/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> There can be no GPT season without going to GPT01, it seems, though this was my last idea for now. This option provides a TL and CC alternative to running paralel to the road-based RR, especially if you do not insist on connecting footsteps and take the bus from Puente Alto. However of all the options I did on GPT01, I liked this one the least. Bear in mind I never walked the RR, as I do not like roads, and assume this is still far superior to RR. However, I quite liked the last 7 km or so. It is partially in our suggestion in the November update but hopefully will be part of GPT25/26.<br /> <br /> I took the MB-74 from Puente Alto at 20:20 after waiting for it for 50 minutes, almost giving up. It was the last bus that Sunday. It took me to end of 01A here: -33.71013, -70.53235. At the end of the road, I met a slightly drunk local resident, who was surprised by me. I explained I was going to the mountains. He warned me that if I meet anybody, they might think I am a ghost (&quot;&quot;fantasma&quot;) and shoot me. I did not point out ghosts cannot be shot. It was night - he said that during the day it would be ok, the riverbed is public. I was a bit spooked and walked afterwards without a headlamp to evade attention, but I did not meet anybody anyway. Judging from Strava, it would have been better to get out a few hundred metres earlier at -33.70930, -70.53656. I crossed the river bed and cut across to here: -33.70045, -70.5316, climbing over an easy fence. Both Strava and OSM show a lot of traffic and trails. Not sure what the right of access is, but I assume it is permissive. One walks through a tree plantation (or vinyard?) that diverts a lot of water from Rio Clarrillo (which was itself dry) for its use through a system of mighty ditches. I walked for almost 2 km through here -33.69468, -70.52804, going through and around two gates here: -33.69258, -70.52659 and finally fording here -33.68755, -70.52263. By now it was around ten, I started to go up on a steep trail that was mostly quite clear even with a headlamp until about 1400m of altitude, where I camped after midnight. I started late because of arriving late to Santiago and having a flight home booked in less than two days, but a late start might be advisable anyway to escape the heat.<br /> <br /> The next day I started early continuing up on a maintained trail. Around 1900 m at -33.66986, -70.48218, there is a cave with a spring. In late march it wasjust a puddle that would need to be filtered, but maybe there is running water earlier in the season. Once up the ridge, the visible trail continues traversing and going up slightly to -33.66459, -70.46427. From there, a faint somewhat steep but not exposed trail with a cairn here and there leads you to the top of Cerro Papagayo. From there, a few hundred metres are a bit rocky and almost exposed, but I just used my poles for balance, I have never needed to use my hands. Traverse under Cruzada Las Hormigas and climbing it is very easy, mostly trailess. From there I started going down, here and there finding a trail. Around 2100 m at -33.67901, -70.41957, I traversed to a ridge on the other side of the trail. Some care was needed, but it was not exposed. This ridge can be followed all the way to RR. I left the ridge twice, seeking greener pastures/better trails, but that is pointless, from -33.67573, -70.41742, it is best to go down the ridge to -33.68415, -70.38865, where Strava marks begin. The MR on RR is actually more like TL&amp;MR. It used to be a road thay served to build a gas pipe unser it. It is not used by cars and it is heavily eroded. Met water -33.68331, -70.38512. 20 uproad from the water, I joined Strava marks to find a CC&amp;TL way to the other side of the creek, reaching variant E at -33.68189, -70.38373. I think upper part of variant E does not really exist, I could not find where it is supposed to join the RR from above and saw nothing from below. From here, I followed Strava and OSM down, RR does not seem to be picked very sensibly. I had a bath, the only time where there were many wasps. I saw a tent here and there and some rubbish. mamy trails. I reached the busy (5 cars a minute?) road around five, quickly hitching to San Jose de Maipo, from where a bus is said to go to Puente Alto every 20-30 minutes. It was a cold day. I took 4 litres with me and fruits and vegetables and drank 3 litres - might be much harder in high summer. Some plants were still blossoming.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-27 to 2025-MAR-01 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan​'''<br /> <br /> This was our last section of the GPT. For now…<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;We did it in one full day and two relaxed half hiking days. Camped at S 33°38.4840’ W 70°26.9562’ and S 33°40.3236’ W 70°23.5408’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;The last 5 kilometers of the ascent are pretty steep, as is the first part of the descent. Ways are in good condition and easy to follow. There’s not much vegetation.<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Found more water sources than expected. Note that last winter had a lot of snow, so you can’t rely on these water sources in low or average snow years. Here are a few of them:<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.3970’ W 70°30.2264’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.8949’ W 70°29.4920’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.9963’ W 70°23.1090’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.3226’ W 70°23.5491’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Like Arno we saw an incredible amount of wasps along the way, especially close to water sources. Unlike him we can’t confirm they do no harm. Farah got stung in her buttock, Jan in his penis. Be careful when peeing! Apart from that no incidents.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-11 &gt; 12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : easy<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 2/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> The first part on the road is easy and with no interest.<br /> Then the ascent was pretty steep and hard with the hot weather.<br /> I camped at km 22 and finished the section the next day in the morning.<br /> Note that there were a lot of wasps everywhere I paused. They’re not offensive but can be annoying.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-03 to 2024-01-04 / 1.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants F / Elijah &amp; Michael ​​'''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. Water is available along the river from -33.62292, -70.50342 to bridge 18.7/1302. Thereafter only at waypoints.<br /> <br /> Water not directly accessible from campsite 29.4/1415, had to walk to following bridge (29.7/1389). Bridge had possible room to camp.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-27 &gt; 28 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage<br /> <br /> La premier partie est routière et ne presente aucun interet. J'ai essayé de sortir de la route mais me suis retrouvé face a des portails fermés aux points (-33,6223657, -70,5335623) puis (-33,6129744, -70,5007311) pour enfin trouver un portail ouvert (-33,6110383, -70,4943554) car il y avait des travaux en amont. J'ai monté une pente tres raide en suivant une canalisation, puis j'ai suivi un bisse pour retrouver le sentier. La montée etait tres dure car le soleil tapait fort que je n'avais pas encore mes jambes pour cette premiere etape. J'ai campé juste avant le point haut de l'etape, pret d'un petit ruisseau. Le lendemain la descente etait facile.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-20 to 2024-NOV-21 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A,C,D) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We started our hike in the afternoon from the final metro station at Puente Alto. At the high gate with cameras at the beginning of Variant A, there was a car. After waiting a few minutes, the car drove through, and a kind man allowed us to pass as well. We spent the first night at the camp at km 16.2 . On the second day, it was very hot, which we especially felt during the climb to the pass [24.7 km]. The water marked in the files was indeed available there. In the evening, we reached El Melocotón. The store was officially open until 8:00 PM, but the owner was kind enough to keep it open longer for the people arriving late.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-11-17 to 2024-11-19, 2,5 days, SOBO, gpt00?/01opt5? - Volker'''<br /> <br /> I took the route Tomas suggested and highly recommend it to everyone new on the gpt and early in the season (check your gear, device/s, body on a very scenic route (95% TR, 3%CC, 2%MR); in summer probably very hot, in mid-november it was already quite warm in the lower parts).<br /> The bus C02 does not bring you to the parque San Ramon (1km walk approx. in upper middle-class area), but C37 does. The gate was open, nobody there at 14 p.m. on a sunday. Last person I met was 30 min. before the waterfall. All descriptions of Tomas correct. <br /> If you start late 2 p.m,) as I did, either camp at the waterfall or make sure to take enough water to camp 15min before you reach the 2nd river. The way down is steep and slippery. If you start early you will reach water at 2200 m and camp sites before or at the pass. <br /> Up there very windy, but not too cold, protected camp site 10 min after you reach the pass. Part of the path covered by snow, you can bypass it on the eastern side. Ridge to Cerro San Ramon under snow, probably not to difficult (if you have crampons). 1 steep snowfield on the way down (I used it to try my mini spikes, which was not necessary in the early afternoon, but in the morning you will be very glad to have them). Camped not far from the puesto, didn‘t see anyone, just horses and barking dogs. The path to Rio Maipo valley crosses the river 8 times, fords mostly easy (though 2 far over my knees (1,97m), but one quite hard (I did. 15 min of CC and BB to find a place upwards)). Last 30 min MR. The road ends at a high gate (3m), no way around, the man in the container told me to take another way. I asked a local not far from there, he promised to help, told me to wait at the gate, in 3 min he arrived with his car and drove me down to El Manzano. I just got out of the car, when on the other side of the road a bus driving EABO stopped, I jumped in and got out at El Melocoton to continue with gpt 02 .<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-10/Lukas &amp; Tabea &amp; Basil'''<br /> Gate was open<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> Started from Puente Alto.<br /> Gate Variant A closed.<br /> Gate at 11.3km was open.<br /> Water present at all waypoints.<br /> Camped at Camp 16.09.<br /> You can find a horsepath down to te river with a nice pool for swimming whenwalking a bit backwards.<br /> Next Camp at Bridge Water 29.7. Also really nice for swimming. <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 via new Route:<br /> In the corner at -33.68293, -70.34715, turn on the horsepath. We therefore skipped Gate at 02 and walked out at -33.69654, -70.35062 and walked directly to the river crossing of Variant A. <br /> The horsepath around the hill is in good condition but difficult to find.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-02 / 2 days / Hiking / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Gate at 11.3km was open, presumably because it was a public holiday.<br /> <br /> Water present at all waypoints<br /> <br /> Water at 23.9km just before the pass<br /> <br /> Camped just before pass at 22.7km<br /> <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 so can't comment resupply options<br /> <br /> * '''2024-10-30 to 2024-11-01 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR -a- RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> The gate at the start of option a was closed when I arrived and did not look easily climbable. After a few minutes a car came and opened the gate. The driver didn't say anything to me so I went through the gate after him. <br /> <br /> The pass was without snow, the water point indicated had all water.<br /> <br /> The bridge [29.7/1389] is non existend (due to the winter?), but the rivers are easy to be crossed. <br /> <br /> There were a lot of small and really annoying flies (I don't think they are tabanos, mainly because they are small, it is a dry area...). They were flying into the face and biting specially near the eyes. Putting a branch on the backpack did not help. I ended up covering my face to have some peace.<br /> <br /> '''Note that in summer 2024, a new option 02 was inserted and the original options 2 and 3 increased their numbering.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-Mar-09 to 2024-Mar-11 / 42 hours / Hiking / SOBO / GPT00?, GPT01, option 5? / Tomáš'''<br /> Not sure if on topic as it is technically east of Santiago and not south (but also not north!), but I thought I would share anyway. A nice trail that can be done around Santiago while waiting around. In my opinion, it also better fullfils &quot;starting from Santiago on foot&quot;, as the current start involves quite a long stretch from Puente Alto on road. Here you start walking 100 m from bus stop (C-02, every ten minutes or so from Los Dominicos) integrated into Santiago's public transport system, or 5 km from Los Domincos terminus of the red metro line (but really, why would you not take the bus?). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1765972160575329/ Pictures].<br /> <br /> The entrance is 3500 CLP, in office hours. No problems having a backapack entering at 1300 when explaining the route (San Ramon to El Manzano). Early in the morning or late in the evening, there is an always-open door next to the gate. Going up to the ridge, there are several variants; I went to the pass just south of Morro las Papas and traversed more or less horizontaly to Salto de Apoquindo. After Patagonia proper, it is funny that such a small waterfall even honours a name. There is a (compostable?) toilet at the waterfall and one could camp there, but it is probably illegal and when I was there, a helicopter kept humming around - maybe it was looking for fires? Late camp and early rise would probably work though. Past this point, you are unlikely to meet anyone (up to there I only met ten people even though it was Saturday). The trail from there to the ridge is more or less clear for GPT standards. Last probably reliable water is around 2230 m of altitude.<br /> <br /> Camped at about 2800 in the pass south of Morro Tamber, the night was windless and warm. Starting late - at noon -, I then went to Cerro San Ramon (up to here everything is on OSM). Took me 2 leisurely hours. The ridge walk is easy and the path is clear. To my surprise, I was there alone on a Sunday afternoon, just with one quite cheeky bird. I went to Punta de Damas and back and then down to Las Manzanas. The path down from the Refuge San Ramones is marked in blue and mostly visible, just a section near the puesto at 2200 m is cross-country. I reached the stream in the valley when darkness fell, walked two hours almost to the end of it to catch my flight, saw some people camping/having a fire. In the morning I got up at six and had to climb over two fences to get out. It has opening times (no longer remember which, but fairly long) and the price was about 8000 for entry, not sure if they would demand something in case of SOBO travers. There seem to be some walk-arounds in OSM (added afterwards by yours truly basde on strava heatmap). The whole trail is in OSM now and also as of 2024 is part of &quot;Not yet incorporated change proposals&quot; of the GPT files, for viewing in Google Earth.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-17/ 2.5 days / SOBO / RR / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> I took the metro to the last stop, Puente Alto, and started walking from there. The days were extremely hot and there were a lot of tabanero attacks. I waited a few minutes at the closed gate at 11,2 until a car came out. I asked the driver if I could go through, but he said that it was a private area and I wasn't allowed through. When he was gone, I saw that the gate was not completely closed. I was able to reach inside with my arm and open a door in the gate from the inside. There was regular traffic on the road behind it, but everyone just greeted me back in a friendly manner. Might be best just to wait until it opens and then walk through confidentially without asking. The water indicators were correct. Camps: 19.5/1433 (no water), 29.7/1389 (water and small pools, quite nice). Take enough water for the pass at 18.7/1302! No shadow and very hot. After 29.7/1389 there is water a few times and an increasing number of day trippers. Overnight stay in San José de Maipo in the Hostal Maipo for 20k, otherwise no guests, bathroom and fridge dirty and room stuffy, but large kitchen, nice host, lounge and central location with supermarket and bus stop next door. For GPT2 bus to El Melocotón at 7.30am, but get off at the crossroads by the bridge over the Rio Maipo before town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-8 to 2024-Jan-9/ 1.5 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Tanja'''<br /> <br /> Took same route as Matthias (Filo Purgatorio via the ridge). Not much to add apart from: it’s very hot and there’s no water up there anymore. First stream coming down was at 33.67175, 70.39274<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-24 to 2023-Dec-25 / 2 days / SOBO / RR and variant E / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Nice hike to begin with GPT, no particular mountain difficulties. I began in Pirque after taking the buq MB74 at bellavista de la florida. <br /> <br /> Variant : I followed chileans hikers on variant E to the nothern bank of the river el sauce (sendero estero el sauce on OSM, easily followed with the GPS). Seems funnier than the RR, you cross a nice pool. You have other trails to go down at the river and enjoy on the way.<br /> <br /> All water markers are correct. Remember to bring enough water for the pass at water 18,7, it's really hot up there. Water 29,7 very good stream.<br /> <br /> The end of the trail after is a big web of trail along the el sauce river, with places to bath and camp. So the water is not rare. Lots of hikers when I was there (25 december). <br /> <br /> Camp : at bridge water 18.7.<br /> Seems like lots of nice places after water 29,7 when you explore along the river. <br /> <br /> Gate 11,2 : Not possible to go around, electrical and fence. It was opened by a person in a car after 5 minutes waiting. No question about my passage. I then crossed roads with an arriero with horses and another car, on 24th december. Seems like this trail is crowded, so the gate seems not to be a problem with patience. <br /> <br /> The other gate is only for cars, way to go around as a hiker. <br /> <br /> Other : crossed a snake in the middle of the trail. See my section 2 post for more infos.<br /> A very tiny scorpion near my tent in the morning... put some shoes when you go for a pee at night ! <br /> <br /> No river crossings issues<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-5 to 2023-Dec-6/ 2 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> I started option 2 right from the school (San Juan Oriente). Camp spots on the way to the ridge if you start late in Santiago. Took the route to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio (option 2 - variant B). <br /> <br /> From the summit I continued the ridge southwards (OH-CC-A {01-02B}). That’s a wonderful alpine (I mean andine 😅) cross-country hiking route mostly on steep scree or rock ledge (Schrofen in German), difficulty according to SAC hiking scale T4, I’d guess. No real clambering necessary, hands only occasionally needed for support. The descent from the summit gives you a good impression of the difficulty, it will not become more difficult. Mostly I did not walk directly on the rocky ridge but on the western slope.<br /> <br /> Camped right on the ridge at ca. 33°38'30'' 70°24'47''. Beautiful sunset and sunrise.<br /> <br /> On the descent to GPT02 there is a marked trail (white markers) on the last kms. One can follow that path instead of RR where variant F comes in and avoid the walk on MR. When the path comes to a fence turn right and you’ll hit the RR again.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-15-18 / 72 hours / Hiking / nobo / Option 02, ridge, option 02 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Apart from Option 02, I did not actually follow any existing GPT track but the approach has since been added as option 2. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1715267058979173/ Pictures] I started at the southmost stop of bus MB-74. The bus actually detours to some sidestreets and then comes back the same way again, so do not get off too early. You should be able to start from here: 33.7277389S, 70.5544877W. Just before the bridge, there is a locked gate. Some cars were passing though and let me through, just told me not to make fire. If the gate is locked, use the bridge 200 m downstream and go in the riverbank for 200 northwards - it is dry. There is another gate where the sideroad splits from the road that is still on OSM, roughly here: 33.7412080S, 70.5586867W. Again somobody opened it for me but this one could have been climbed easily.<br /> <br /> The trail is both easily visible on satelite and Strava heatmap. First 2 km it is a road, then a worse road that transforms to path branches to the left to rejoin the road where another gate is - this cca 5 km part is flat. One then follows the fence on a steep slope until 100 m higher one rejoins very clear path. I am sure there is a better way than I took but it was still easy enough. From there a very clear trail goes all the way up to cca Cerro los Crystalles. Met a group of seven people on motorbikes who went up and down in a day. No water until about 2500 m. On Facebook group.<br /> <br /> From the ridge, one could easily follow on GPT02 but I was interested in the ridge between RR and Option 3 roughly from here: 33.8464060S, 70.4211017W to Cerro los Purgatorio through Cerros Loma del Diablo, San Roque and Cruzada Las Hormigas. From the coordinates above, there is a trail that follows the ridge for a few km. Once it starts going down, I traversed back to the ridge. Better would have been to go over the hill than traversing. The ridge can be followed, there is a path that comes and goes so it is a mix of TR and CC. Going down from San Roque is a bit tricky, one needs to sidetrack from the ridge at one point and maybe use a hand here and there. Another a bit challenging part is just before the final ascent to Cruzada Las Hormingas. It is abit exposed in those parts but not too much. In SAC scale, somewhere around 4 or five, but out of 20 km of the ridge, this is only about 1 km at most. And I do not claim to have found the best route, I think some of the clambering parts that were never vertical could probably have been sidetracked.<br /> <br /> This time of the year, even on the ridge I crossed a stream with water three times (I added the streams to OSM), very roughly at km 11, 17 and 20 (this one being on the RR). Only saw cows and condors.<br /> <br /> I then crossed the RR and went on option 02, the ridge walk to Cerro Purgatorio. I would say it is SAC 4 (somewhat easier than the ridge), I used hands but it was very easy and not exposed at all. Descent from Cerro Purgatorio was surprisingly beautiful with all the flowers (which were there all over the ridge too). Even going down, from about 1500, the heat was really strong. Would not recommend any of this from early January till end of february given there might be very little water. Perfect for December and earlier. I hope the ridgewalk is added to GPT. Every day, I would be able to get enough cell phone coverage to receive e-mails and chats but not much more.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-06 / 1 day / Hiking / sobo / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I took uber from Providencia to the gate, about 20000CLP and 1hour.<br /> <br /> The gate is locked at 10am on Wednesday. Luckily after 5min a young man drive out and open the gate, he didn't said anything and let me go inside.<br /> Hot but more water resources that i think before, a small grassy stream is still flowing just before the pass 800m, lot of tadpoles swimming inside too.<br /> <br /> Long way going down with rocky dirt road, didn't see any people all the way to the end.<br /> After you join the trail in valley, lot of camping spots you can find.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-17 to 2023-Nov-19 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR &amp; OH / Jens'''<br /> <br /> In Melocoton I had to cross private property. The guy charged me 2000 pesos. Lots of water and camping south of Cerro Purgatorio.<br /> There is an alternative route that's marked with white paint that is also marked in the OSM data. <br /> <br /> I started NOBO from El Melocoton. I took the exploratory route to Cerro Purgatorio. I have to report that there is no path to the summit from the south. The data and the OSM suggest that there is a path, but I only found rocks that I had to climb over and steep drops. I had to slide down to join the other trail as it was too dangerous to continue.<br /> <br /> The northern route to the summit is fine. But you'd have to go back the same way to rejoin the main PGT route.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: I removed the southern ascent to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio. Now only the the ascent from the west remains in the track files.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-11 to 2023-Nov-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Gates : all were open, it was a Saturday<br /> <br /> - Water : all the water markers were correct, even more water present<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 29,4<br /> <br /> - Weather : cold and cloudy so not a problem for the first big ascent - there is an exceptional cold weather on the Santiago area this year<br /> <br /> - River crossing : 31,65 km (easy)<br /> <br /> - Overall : trail in good condition.Lots of stray dogs on the trail but really friendly.We combined section 1 &amp; 2.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-19 to 2023-Feb-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Started in Ramon Supercaseaux 8200 directly at the gate. Pretty hot below 2000m, siesta highly recommended. A lot of bees around everywhere except pass-area. No water in the first spot after the pass, you'll find it about 1-2 kms ahead. A local said that water was cut up there. Weekend with many tourists in Estero El Sauce Valley. Good Kiosk at the valley entrance. Took us 2 days.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-04 / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1: Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I really wanted to try the option through Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I took the bus MB-74 to Pirque. The last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W. There was a sign saying it is prohibited to enter, but some people told me I can pass. From there one can walk along the airport. Once you get to the main road, there is a locked gate, but the fence can be crawled under. I would recommend to take the standard route for cars, the walk was schorching. It was Sunday, I am not sure the other bus lines were in service. I have not seen them, MB74 seemed to be going once every twenty minutes or so for 900 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once on the standard route, I hitched a car going to the reserve, we put my backpack into the trunk, so the CONAF guards did not notice me at all and did not tell me anything. I had a reservation made online, there is a day limit of visitors. It cost 11500 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once in the reserve, I took the trail going west of the stream (so the stream was on my left hand going uphill). Nobody noticed me and then I have not met anybody for 4 days. The trail is fairly clear, one goes up along a stream up until around 1900 metres (up to the last recommended camp). From then on until the next other side of the mountain, there is no reliable water (I slept near a marsh around 2650m, but the water would not have been great).<br /> <br /> The route is quite attractive. Walking in the lower valley in the heat is really sweat inducing. It took me 1,5 days to go up to the border of the reserve, I was weak from not much sleep before and the heat. But also it is quite far and I have not started walking until six or so on the first day as I rested quite a few hours waiting for the heat to pass.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-24 to 2022-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT01-F / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started the first section from the metro station at Puento Alto, which is also a good place to buy some missing supplies and water - mall with Lider shop is right next to the main square. The gate 1 at approx. km 12 opened after less than 15mins and some guy in a car let us in after explaining that we just want to pass and showing the map. The other gate not so far away from the entrance was opened. Following the main route, we spent the night in a nice camp place at km 19.5 with water available just few hundred meters before that (bridge, water 18.7). Keep in mind to carry enough water on the way to the pass! We met the next day 2 families at the bridge, water 29.7 that went there for camping. We decided to finish the section the next day, which was Staturday, and therefore as we were coming closer to the village we met a lot of day hikers at the GPT01-F. Before continuing to the section 2, we stopped to refresh ourselves at Kiosko Los Acacios, on the left side after the bridge on the main road (the other kiosk before the river was closed at the time). They have fried empanadas, amazing natural strawberry juice (jugo frutilla), yogurt with granola and some other small things, everything with reasonable prices.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-09 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Start at the reserva natural de clarillo impossible even if i arrived at 8h30 am. No arrangement possible with the guard.<br /> I went by waking through the wasteland (many dogs be carefull but a good stone in the hand frightens them without worries) but Start at GPT01-B impossible : Big Electronic portal and no luck with cars.<br /> Start at GPT 01-03 by the optional tracks ok. After the school you take the left road and almost immediately you have to pass under a fence on the left with a little hole. <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But te other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Okt-31 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We traveled by metro to Puento Alto. Because the bus MB73 did not come (probably because of holiday) we took an Uber to Posta la Puntilla (much cheaper than to Puntilla Rural).<br /> Gate 1 closed, after waiting 2 minutes a car came.<br /> Gate 2 open on the right side.<br /> Water available at all marked spots. <br /> Nice campground with small swimming pool at the back of the small river at Camp 01 [4/29/1415].<br /> Several campsites on the river around El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-19 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We wanted to avoid the boring through-town and road walking so we took the micro-bus from Puente Alto to Puntilla Rural which only left us 2km of road walking. It’s a micro-bus MB73 and it goes right on the same street when you come out of the subway. It doesn’t have a stop so you just have to wave it down when you see it coming, ticket costs 750 pesos. After those 2km on the asphalt road we turned off to a minor road with an impassable gate which is normally closed, but luckily we only waited less than 10 min. and a car came and we just walked in, they didn’t ask us anything so it seemed alright. 2nd gate was open. Water sources were flowing well. Climb was brutal, super steep and very, very hot. We imagine this section could easily be walked a month earlier to avoid the baking in the furnace. Great views from the “Pass”. We camped at the “Bridge, Water” waypoint after the pass, nice place, but unfortunately we had lots of tiny, very hungry biting flies there. We saw a lot of campers in the valley before El Melocotón, which was a bit of a surprise, more than 20 tents, perhaps people enjoying nature on the weekend? We didn’t go in to El Melocotón but continued straight to GPT02. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-09 to 2021-Nov-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Started afternoon on first day and arrived in melocotón same time next day. Took a taxi from Puento Alto metro station to the Plaza in Pirque, because I was advised against walking alone through Puente Alto by the locals. Quite a lot of mini shops with empenadas and other food when following the paved road from Pirque. When turning from the paved road onto the first minor road I encountered a big locked gate, which luckily opened because cars were driving through from the other side. After a couple of kilometers another locked gate appears but i walked around the right side and found a smaller open gate that I passed through. When the terrain starts getting steeper, I found it very hot to walk here during the afternoon. Definitely wouldn’t want to walk there in the middle of the day during summer. Also the section right before the mountain pass is very steep. Best to walk here during the morning when you’ll have the shadow of the mountain. Rest of the way was generally easy enough, carried plenty of water with me.<br /> <br /> Found a place called Posada Del Jinete in southern part of El Melocotón with Cabañas for 80.000 and hostal room with to beds for 40.000. Not the cheapest but didn’t find a lot of options nearby. The father and son who are running the place are nice people who can tell a lot about the area. Small tienda/café down the road from hostal with only basic supplies<br /> <br /> Started this section on November 9th. The gate at -33 36.774’ -070 30.027’ is locked. Didn’t find anybody around to ask, but it magically opened up behind me just as I was about to leave, because cars were coming through from the other side. Did see a couple more cars going the same direction as I walked on the minor road. Might be worth waiting around for some time to see if anyone will drive through?<br /> <br /> Found water in all expected places. Would recommend carrying a good amount with you on your way up onto the mountain pass, since this a very hot and steep section especially in the afternoon and it will be awhile before the next water source.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-14 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ricardo Gold'''<br /> <br /> We tried both entrances to the gravel road. Both closed with big gates (RR @KM13). We did an alternative start from Pirque that it did work, but is a significant longer (but nice). I would suggest to review this segment as the two main entrances seems closed for good.<br /> <br /> After you get into the road is very straight forward, very easy to navigate. There is water in all expected points and I think they will last long into the summer. <br /> Indeed, it is very exposed, it will be hard to do in a sunny day, as it will be hot. Alternatively you can start really early or even do it partially at night as it is easy to navigate and not dangerous at all. <br /> <br /> The climb is pretty steep for a maintenance road. it is +20% for ~4km, so I suggest to tackle this section really early in the morning. There is a good water source just before starting and probably also a good camping ground.<br /> <br /> Next water source is ~14km after, but with also ~1000m of uphill, so be mindful of the time to get into there. Btw, this water source has a small cascate and pond that is great to jump in and refresh. Just walk ~10m into the upstream.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 to 2020-Jan-04 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> See transport section if you want to skip the first 13KM roadwalk. Midsummer is not the ideal time for GPT01 as it is very hot, there is little shade &amp; not much water. If you do walk there are several small shops on the road up to KM13.<br /> <br /> It was difficult to access the start. At KM 16.5 on the road, RR-PR-V@01-6.9+4.3 &amp; 700 metres further after the bridge, route sealed by two 15 foot high gates with spikes on top. No one there to ask to open them. Back on RR @ KM13, 2 locked gates. At OH-MR-V@01-A-#002 a resident let me through the locked gate. There is a new fence a little up the road that will probably close off this variant (I got in through a small unfinished section). It is very dry now so RR gates may be closed due to lack of water &amp; fire risk. The only water on RR until 14KM after the pass is on section RR-MR-V@01-16.3+7.8 marked Bridge, Water on GPX, making a camp @ the site 15 mins. walk above (marked Camp No Water) highly advisable. Look for the gas pipeline, route follows it most of the way. Kiosk with drinks &amp; snacks &amp; campsite on the route 3KM before Melocoton are open all week in midsummer, weekends only in low season. No need to go to Melocoton. Get bus to Santiago @ road junction 500 metres down the road after bridge over Rio Maipo<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-13 to 2019-Dec-17 / 5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 and GPT02 / Ian Hikes '''<br /> <br /> Overview: I decided to combine GPT 01 and 02 using the alternative route through Rio Clarillo National Reserve which is something I do recommend. You do have to pay $5.000 to enter the park. You then follow the river up to the pass where it joins the official route. The two sections are very open and exposed with wide open views across the mountains and high mountain passes. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: My biggest difficult in this section was the lack of water. There were many sections that were dry and, on many occasions, found me going 15-20km with water. I would suggest taking extra care planning out water resupply along the route. I usually took 2-4L of water at any given time in these two sections. Also this section is very remote and did not see anyone for 3 days.<br /> <br /> Highlights: High mountain passes and great open views (especially for sunrise and sunset)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-27 / Hiking / SOBO / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> Locked gate with barbed wire (S 33° 36.795', W 070° 30.049') on the official route. Found someone at the gate up the road (S 33° 36.702', W 070° 29.640') who unlocked that one for me. He said the road behind is no private property, but it's always locked. After another gate (S 33° 37.141', W 070° 29.927'), with a hole on the right to climb climb through, this road connects back to the official route.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water on the B alternet uphill. Almost at the top it tastes a bit like cow shit after filtering. There is a lot of OK water at the bottom of the downhill and quite a few tourists especially on weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-17 to 2019-Nov-18 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT01 in 2 days, including one nero day. We used uber to get to the trail, hope your driver won't be stupid enough to take shortcuts through slums :). There is a gate on the beginning of trail, after a &quot;discussion&quot; (we don't speak spanish) they let us go through. Climb was really hot, make sure you take enough water from the last source on the way up. There is water on the other side, but first marked water source didn't look the best. There is a river cutting a trail a bit down from that point. We stayed in a campsite on the begining of next section which was nice. They have really sticky ferral dogs there which we had a real problem to chase to not hike with us.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 to 2019-Nov-13 / 3 days / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 3 days as we started late in Santiago and arrived early in Melocoton. As it's still low season everything is shut down in Melocoton so we took the bus (which runs every 30 minutes) to San Alfonso, where we found nice cabañas and three small resupply tiendas.<br /> <br /> We went to Puente Alto and then Pirque by Uber. The drivers know where the protests take place and avoid those areas or areas which got recently destroyed.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Oct-27 / Alert / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Metro line 4 to Puente Alto is currently out of operation due to vandalism during the current protests. Check online for current the status and delete this alert once metro operation to Puente Alto resumes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> Carry plenty of water on this section as water sources might dry out in early summer after all snow has molten.<br /> <br /> Puente Alto is not particular safe area of Santiago, so residents recommend not walking very early in the morning or at night through this outskirt of Santiago.<br /> Old entrance of regular route is closed by gate (S33° 37.320' W70° 32.182'). Better start from the public minor road and you won't have any problem (S33° 36.768' W70° 30.033'). The GPT Track File 2019 incorporates this change so follow the Regular Route if you use the current update.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> Carry as much water as possible just before ascending to the pass (S33° 38.394' W70° 27.191'). There won't be water until 14 km further, and it's not of good quality (S33° 41.000' W70° 23.100').<br /> <br /> Instead of deviating to El Melocotón, you can spend the night in Reserva Coyanco (camping, food, services), from where GPT02 starts. Just turn right at S33° 40.813' W70° 20.812'.<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-15 to 1018-Dec-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Austin Davis'''<br /> <br /> http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / GPT02 &amp; GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo / Bethany Hughes, Lauren Reed'''<br /> <br /> https://her-odyssey.org/<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Jan / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo &amp; GPT02 / Gerald Klamer'''<br /> <br /> * '''http://geraldtrekkt.blogspot.com/2017/04/greater-patagonian-trail-1-santiago-coya.html'''<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> ==Start Regular Route: Santiago, Metro Station Puente Alto==<br /> <br /> Plaza De Puente Alto is an underground metro station and the southern terminal station of Line 4 of the Santiago Metro network. Underground trains run frequently between 6 am in the morning and 11 pm in the evening. <br /> <br /> Calculate 1 hour from the city centre to the terminal station Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto buses leave to most towns and villages in the Maipo valley and the surrounding area. (2019)<br /> <br /> If you don't want to walk the first 13KM of the regular route on the road then get bus MB73 from Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: El Melocoton==<br /> <br /> See also [[GPT02]]<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following bus gets you to El Melocoton in the Maipo valley: Bus MB-72B<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate a bit over 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Start or Finish Option 1 (Rio Clarillo): Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo==<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following buses get you close to Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo: <br /> <br /> - Bus 978 towards Rio Clarillo (this is the best option, gets you the closest to the entrance to the reserve)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-74 towards El Principal De Pirque (last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-80 towards El Principal De Pirque<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to the regular route but a high gate was build in 2021. If the the gate at waypoint &quot;X, Gate {01} [11.2/787]&quot; is locked, continue 2.1 km on the main road and take Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio).<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Access into Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo is controlled by CONAF at the main entrance near Pirque. The park is intended for daytime visits only and does not provide camp grounds. Cooking inside the park is strictly banned including with camping stoves. A maximum of 800 persons are permitted entry on one day. CONAF park rangers might not permit a southbound traverse and all visitors are probably required to leave the park in the evening at the main gate. The entrance fee is 11,500 CLP (2022) for foreign nationals and 2000 to 4000 CLP for Chileans. The tickets needs to be bought online in advance and there is not cell coverage at the entrance to the reserve.<br /> <br /> A northbound traverse is probably free of charge. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio)==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio). No right-of-way conflicts reported yet. If the gate issue on the RR persists to cause problems and Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio) is recommended by more hikers then Option 2 may become the new Regular Route.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT01 - Cerro Purgatorio]]<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[San Juan de Pirque - El Toyo]]<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[Río Clarillo]]<br /> <br /> National Park: http://www.conaf.cl/parques/reserva-nacional-rio-clarillo/<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:gpt01 Cerro Purgatorio.jpg|View to the central Andes, by [http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/ Austin Davis]]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (6).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 1]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT01_(Cerro_Purgatorio)&diff=124005 2025-08-25T22:28:47Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Overview */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Comments to GPT Track File=<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT01 Option 2 (Cerro Los Cristales): Natalie and Tomas suggested this route that connects GPT01 and GPT02 into one long hike. This route starts outside of national parks and reserves (Unlike GPT01 Option 1) therefore GPT01 Option 2 is feasible in southbound and northbound direction (Unlike GPT01 Option 1 that can only be hiked in northbound direction since Reserva Rio Clarillo does not permit a southbound traverse). This route is only recommended for experienced hikers that have vast experience in navigating in complex terrain. This option is not a suitable start for hikers that are not yet familiar with the GPT.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * '''GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias '''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-03-23 to 2025-03-24 / 20 hours/ Hiking / SOBO / New option from El Principal via Cerro Papagayo and Cruzada Las Hormigas to RR/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> There can be no GPT season without going to GPT01, it seems, though this was my last idea for now. This option provides a TL and CC alternative to running paralel to the road-based RR, especially if you do not insist on connecting footsteps and take the bus from Puente Alto. However of all the options I did on GPT01, I liked this one the least. Bear in mind I never walked the RR, as I do not like roads, and assume this is still far superior to RR. However, I quite liked the last 7 km or so. It is partially in our suggestion in the November update but hopefully will be part of GPT25/26.<br /> <br /> I took the MB-74 from Puente Alto at 20:20 after waiting for it for 50 minutes, almost giving up. It was the last bus that Sunday. It took me to end of 01A here: -33.71013, -70.53235. At the end of the road, I met a slightly drunk local resident, who was surprised by me. I explained I was going to the mountains. He warned me that if I meet anybody, they might think I am a ghost (&quot;&quot;fantasma&quot;) and shoot me. I did not point out ghosts cannot be shot. It was night - he said that during the day it would be ok, the riverbed is public. I was a bit spooked and walked afterwards without a headlamp to evade attention, but I did not meet anybody anyway. Judging from Strava, it would have been better to get out a few hundred metres earlier at -33.70930, -70.53656. I crossed the river bed and cut across to here: -33.70045, -70.5316, climbing over an easy fence. Both Strava and OSM show a lot of traffic and trails. Not sure what the right of access is, but I assume it is permissive. One walks through a tree plantation (or vinyard?) that diverts a lot of water from Rio Clarrillo (which was itself dry) for its use through a system of mighty ditches. I walked for almost 2 km through here -33.69468, -70.52804, going through and around two gates here: -33.69258, -70.52659 and finally fording here -33.68755, -70.52263. By now it was around ten, I started to go up on a steep trail that was mostly quite clear even with a headlamp until about 1400m of altitude, where I camped after midnight. I started late because of arriving late to Santiago and having a flight home booked in less than two days, but a late start might be advisable anyway to escape the heat.<br /> <br /> The next day I started early continuing up on a maintained trail. Around 1900 m at -33.66986, -70.48218, there is a cave with a spring. In late march it wasjust a puddle that would need to be filtered, but maybe there is running water earlier in the season. Once up the ridge, the visible trail continues traversing and going up slightly to -33.66459, -70.46427. From there, a faint somewhat steep but not exposed trail with a cairn here and there leads you to the top of Cerro Papagayo. From there, a few hundred metres are a bit rocky and almost exposed, but I just used my poles for balance, I have never needed to use my hands. Traverse under Cruzada Las Hormigas and climbing it is very easy, mostly trailess. From there I started going down, here and there finding a trail. Around 2100 m at -33.67901, -70.41957, I traversed to a ridge on the other side of the trail. Some care was needed, but it was not exposed. This ridge can be followed all the way to RR. I left the ridge twice, seeking greener pastures/better trails, but that is pointless, from -33.67573, -70.41742, it is best to go down the ridge to -33.68415, -70.38865, where Strava marks begin. The MR on RR is actually more like TL&amp;MR. It used to be a road thay served to build a gas pipe unser it. It is not used by cars and it is heavily eroded. Met water -33.68331, -70.38512. 20 uproad from the water, I joined Strava marks to find a CC&amp;TL way to the other side of the creek, reaching variant E at -33.68189, -70.38373. I think upper part of variant E does not really exist, I could not find where it is supposed to join the RR from above and saw nothing from below. From here, I followed Strava and OSM down, RR does not seem to be picked very sensibly. I had a bath, the only time where there were many wasps. I saw a tent here and there and some rubbish. mamy trails. I reached the busy (5 cars a minute?) road around five, quickly hitching to San Jose de Maipo, from where a bus is said to go to Puente Alto every 20-30 minutes. It was a cold day. I took 4 litres with me and fruits and vegetables and drank 3 litres - might be much harder in high summer. Some plants were still blossoming.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-27 to 2025-MAR-01 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan​'''<br /> <br /> This was our last section of the GPT. For now…<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;We did it in one full day and two relaxed half hiking days. Camped at S 33°38.4840’ W 70°26.9562’ and S 33°40.3236’ W 70°23.5408’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;The last 5 kilometers of the ascent are pretty steep, as is the first part of the descent. Ways are in good condition and easy to follow. There’s not much vegetation.<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Found more water sources than expected. Note that last winter had a lot of snow, so you can’t rely on these water sources in low or average snow years. Here are a few of them:<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.3970’ W 70°30.2264’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.8949’ W 70°29.4920’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.9963’ W 70°23.1090’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.3226’ W 70°23.5491’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Like Arno we saw an incredible amount of wasps along the way, especially close to water sources. Unlike him we can’t confirm they do no harm. Farah got stung in her buttock, Jan in his penis. Be careful when peeing! Apart from that no incidents.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-11 &gt; 12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : easy<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 2/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> The first part on the road is easy and with no interest.<br /> Then the ascent was pretty steep and hard with the hot weather.<br /> I camped at km 22 and finished the section the next day in the morning.<br /> Note that there were a lot of wasps everywhere I paused. They’re not offensive but can be annoying.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-03 to 2024-01-04 / 1.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants F / Elijah &amp; Michael ​​'''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. Water is available along the river from -33.62292, -70.50342 to bridge 18.7/1302. Thereafter only at waypoints.<br /> <br /> Water not directly accessible from campsite 29.4/1415, had to walk to following bridge (29.7/1389). Bridge had possible room to camp.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-27 &gt; 28 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage<br /> <br /> La premier partie est routière et ne presente aucun interet. J'ai essayé de sortir de la route mais me suis retrouvé face a des portails fermés aux points (-33,6223657, -70,5335623) puis (-33,6129744, -70,5007311) pour enfin trouver un portail ouvert (-33,6110383, -70,4943554) car il y avait des travaux en amont. J'ai monté une pente tres raide en suivant une canalisation, puis j'ai suivi un bisse pour retrouver le sentier. La montée etait tres dure car le soleil tapait fort que je n'avais pas encore mes jambes pour cette premiere etape. J'ai campé juste avant le point haut de l'etape, pret d'un petit ruisseau. Le lendemain la descente etait facile.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-20 to 2024-NOV-21 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A,C,D) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We started our hike in the afternoon from the final metro station at Puente Alto. At the high gate with cameras at the beginning of Variant A, there was a car. After waiting a few minutes, the car drove through, and a kind man allowed us to pass as well. We spent the first night at the camp at km 16.2 . On the second day, it was very hot, which we especially felt during the climb to the pass [24.7 km]. The water marked in the files was indeed available there. In the evening, we reached El Melocotón. The store was officially open until 8:00 PM, but the owner was kind enough to keep it open longer for the people arriving late.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-11-17 to 2024-11-19, 2,5 days, SOBO, gpt00?/01opt5? - Volker'''<br /> <br /> I took the route Tomas suggested and highly recommend it to everyone new on the gpt and early in the season (check your gear, device/s, body on a very scenic route (95% TR, 3%CC, 2%MR); in summer probably very hot, in mid-november it was already quite warm in the lower parts).<br /> The bus C02 does not bring you to the parque San Ramon (1km walk approx. in upper middle-class area), but C37 does. The gate was open, nobody there at 14 p.m. on a sunday. Last person I met was 30 min. before the waterfall. All descriptions of Tomas correct. <br /> If you start late 2 p.m,) as I did, either camp at the waterfall or make sure to take enough water to camp 15min before you reach the 2nd river. The way down is steep and slippery. If you start early you will reach water at 2200 m and camp sites before or at the pass. <br /> Up there very windy, but not too cold, protected camp site 10 min after you reach the pass. Part of the path covered by snow, you can bypass it on the eastern side. Ridge to Cerro San Ramon under snow, probably not to difficult (if you have crampons). 1 steep snowfield on the way down (I used it to try my mini spikes, which was not necessary in the early afternoon, but in the morning you will be very glad to have them). Camped not far from the puesto, didn‘t see anyone, just horses and barking dogs. The path to Rio Maipo valley crosses the river 8 times, fords mostly easy (though 2 far over my knees (1,97m), but one quite hard (I did. 15 min of CC and BB to find a place upwards)). Last 30 min MR. The road ends at a high gate (3m), no way around, the man in the container told me to take another way. I asked a local not far from there, he promised to help, told me to wait at the gate, in 3 min he arrived with his car and drove me down to El Manzano. I just got out of the car, when on the other side of the road a bus driving EABO stopped, I jumped in and got out at El Melocoton to continue with gpt 02 .<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-10/Lukas &amp; Tabea &amp; Basil'''<br /> Gate was open<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> Started from Puente Alto.<br /> Gate Variant A closed.<br /> Gate at 11.3km was open.<br /> Water present at all waypoints.<br /> Camped at Camp 16.09.<br /> You can find a horsepath down to te river with a nice pool for swimming whenwalking a bit backwards.<br /> Next Camp at Bridge Water 29.7. Also really nice for swimming. <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 via new Route:<br /> In the corner at -33.68293, -70.34715, turn on the horsepath. We therefore skipped Gate at 02 and walked out at -33.69654, -70.35062 and walked directly to the river crossing of Variant A. <br /> The horsepath around the hill is in good condition but difficult to find.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-02 / 2 days / Hiking / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Gate at 11.3km was open, presumably because it was a public holiday.<br /> <br /> Water present at all waypoints<br /> <br /> Water at 23.9km just before the pass<br /> <br /> Camped just before pass at 22.7km<br /> <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 so can't comment resupply options<br /> <br /> * '''2024-10-30 to 2024-11-01 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR -a- RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> The gate at the start of option a was closed when I arrived and did not look easily climbable. After a few minutes a car came and opened the gate. The driver didn't say anything to me so I went through the gate after him. <br /> <br /> The pass was without snow, the water point indicated had all water.<br /> <br /> The bridge [29.7/1389] is non existend (due to the winter?), but the rivers are easy to be crossed. <br /> <br /> There were a lot of small and really annoying flies (I don't think they are tabanos, mainly because they are small, it is a dry area...). They were flying into the face and biting specially near the eyes. Putting a branch on the backpack did not help. I ended up covering my face to have some peace.<br /> <br /> '''Note that in summer 2024, a new option 02 was inserted and the original options 2 and 3 increased their numbering.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-Mar-09 to 2024-Mar-11 / 42 hours / Hiking / SOBO / GPT00?, GPT01, option 5? / Tomáš'''<br /> Not sure if on topic as it is technically east of Santiago and not south (but also not north!), but I thought I would share anyway. A nice trail that can be done around Santiago while waiting around. In my opinion, it also better fullfils &quot;starting from Santiago on foot&quot;, as the current start involves quite a long stretch from Puente Alto on road. Here you start walking 100 m from bus stop (C-02, every ten minutes or so from Los Dominicos) integrated into Santiago's public transport system, or 5 km from Los Domincos terminus of the red metro line (but really, why would you not take the bus?). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1765972160575329/ Pictures].<br /> <br /> The entrance is 3500 CLP, in office hours. No problems having a backapack entering at 1300 when explaining the route (San Ramon to El Manzano). Early in the morning or late in the evening, there is an always-open door next to the gate. Going up to the ridge, there are several variants; I went to the pass just south of Morro las Papas and traversed more or less horizontaly to Salto de Apoquindo. After Patagonia proper, it is funny that such a small waterfall even honours a name. There is a (compostable?) toilet at the waterfall and one could camp there, but it is probably illegal and when I was there, a helicopter kept humming around - maybe it was looking for fires? Late camp and early rise would probably work though. Past this point, you are unlikely to meet anyone (up to there I only met ten people even though it was Saturday). The trail from there to the ridge is more or less clear for GPT standards. Last probably reliable water is around 2230 m of altitude.<br /> <br /> Camped at about 2800 in the pass south of Morro Tamber, the night was windless and warm. Starting late - at noon -, I then went to Cerro San Ramon (up to here everything is on OSM). Took me 2 leisurely hours. The ridge walk is easy and the path is clear. To my surprise, I was there alone on a Sunday afternoon, just with one quite cheeky bird. I went to Punta de Damas and back and then down to Las Manzanas. The path down from the Refuge San Ramones is marked in blue and mostly visible, just a section near the puesto at 2200 m is cross-country. I reached the stream in the valley when darkness fell, walked two hours almost to the end of it to catch my flight, saw some people camping/having a fire. In the morning I got up at six and had to climb over two fences to get out. It has opening times (no longer remember which, but fairly long) and the price was about 8000 for entry, not sure if they would demand something in case of SOBO travers. There seem to be some walk-arounds in OSM (added afterwards by yours truly basde on strava heatmap). The whole trail is in OSM now and also as of 2024 is part of &quot;Not yet incorporated change proposals&quot; of the GPT files, for viewing in Google Earth.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-17/ 2.5 days / SOBO / RR / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> I took the metro to the last stop, Puente Alto, and started walking from there. The days were extremely hot and there were a lot of tabanero attacks. I waited a few minutes at the closed gate at 11,2 until a car came out. I asked the driver if I could go through, but he said that it was a private area and I wasn't allowed through. When he was gone, I saw that the gate was not completely closed. I was able to reach inside with my arm and open a door in the gate from the inside. There was regular traffic on the road behind it, but everyone just greeted me back in a friendly manner. Might be best just to wait until it opens and then walk through confidentially without asking. The water indicators were correct. Camps: 19.5/1433 (no water), 29.7/1389 (water and small pools, quite nice). Take enough water for the pass at 18.7/1302! No shadow and very hot. After 29.7/1389 there is water a few times and an increasing number of day trippers. Overnight stay in San José de Maipo in the Hostal Maipo for 20k, otherwise no guests, bathroom and fridge dirty and room stuffy, but large kitchen, nice host, lounge and central location with supermarket and bus stop next door. For GPT2 bus to El Melocotón at 7.30am, but get off at the crossroads by the bridge over the Rio Maipo before town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-8 to 2024-Jan-9/ 1.5 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Tanja'''<br /> <br /> Took same route as Matthias (Filo Purgatorio via the ridge). Not much to add apart from: it’s very hot and there’s no water up there anymore. First stream coming down was at 33.67175, 70.39274<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-24 to 2023-Dec-25 / 2 days / SOBO / RR and variant E / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Nice hike to begin with GPT, no particular mountain difficulties. I began in Pirque after taking the buq MB74 at bellavista de la florida. <br /> <br /> Variant : I followed chileans hikers on variant E to the nothern bank of the river el sauce (sendero estero el sauce on OSM, easily followed with the GPS). Seems funnier than the RR, you cross a nice pool. You have other trails to go down at the river and enjoy on the way.<br /> <br /> All water markers are correct. Remember to bring enough water for the pass at water 18,7, it's really hot up there. Water 29,7 very good stream.<br /> <br /> The end of the trail after is a big web of trail along the el sauce river, with places to bath and camp. So the water is not rare. Lots of hikers when I was there (25 december). <br /> <br /> Camp : at bridge water 18.7.<br /> Seems like lots of nice places after water 29,7 when you explore along the river. <br /> <br /> Gate 11,2 : Not possible to go around, electrical and fence. It was opened by a person in a car after 5 minutes waiting. No question about my passage. I then crossed roads with an arriero with horses and another car, on 24th december. Seems like this trail is crowded, so the gate seems not to be a problem with patience. <br /> <br /> The other gate is only for cars, way to go around as a hiker. <br /> <br /> Other : crossed a snake in the middle of the trail. See my section 2 post for more infos.<br /> A very tiny scorpion near my tent in the morning... put some shoes when you go for a pee at night ! <br /> <br /> No river crossings issues<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-5 to 2023-Dec-6/ 2 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> I started option 2 right from the school (San Juan Oriente). Camp spots on the way to the ridge if you start late in Santiago. Took the route to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio (option 2 - variant B). <br /> <br /> From the summit I continued the ridge southwards (OH-CC-A {01-02B}). That’s a wonderful alpine (I mean andine 😅) cross-country hiking route mostly on steep scree or rock ledge (Schrofen in German), difficulty according to SAC hiking scale T4, I’d guess. No real clambering necessary, hands only occasionally needed for support. The descent from the summit gives you a good impression of the difficulty, it will not become more difficult. Mostly I did not walk directly on the rocky ridge but on the western slope.<br /> <br /> Camped right on the ridge at ca. 33°38'30'' 70°24'47''. Beautiful sunset and sunrise.<br /> <br /> On the descent to GPT02 there is a marked trail (white markers) on the last kms. One can follow that path instead of RR where variant F comes in and avoid the walk on MR. When the path comes to a fence turn right and you’ll hit the RR again.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-15-18 / 72 hours / Hiking / nobo / Option 02, ridge, option 02 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Apart from Option 02, I did not actually follow any existing GPT track but the approach has since been added as option 2. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1715267058979173/ Pictures] I started at the southmost stop of bus MB-74. The bus actually detours to some sidestreets and then comes back the same way again, so do not get off too early. You should be able to start from here: 33.7277389S, 70.5544877W. Just before the bridge, there is a locked gate. Some cars were passing though and let me through, just told me not to make fire. If the gate is locked, use the bridge 200 m downstream and go in the riverbank for 200 northwards - it is dry. There is another gate where the sideroad splits from the road that is still on OSM, roughly here: 33.7412080S, 70.5586867W. Again somobody opened it for me but this one could have been climbed easily.<br /> <br /> The trail is both easily visible on satelite and Strava heatmap. First 2 km it is a road, then a worse road that transforms to path branches to the left to rejoin the road where another gate is - this cca 5 km part is flat. One then follows the fence on a steep slope until 100 m higher one rejoins very clear path. I am sure there is a better way than I took but it was still easy enough. From there a very clear trail goes all the way up to cca Cerro los Crystalles. Met a group of seven people on motorbikes who went up and down in a day. No water until about 2500 m. On Facebook group.<br /> <br /> From the ridge, one could easily follow on GPT02 but I was interested in the ridge between RR and Option 3 roughly from here: 33.8464060S, 70.4211017W to Cerro los Purgatorio through Cerros Loma del Diablo, San Roque and Cruzada Las Hormigas. From the coordinates above, there is a trail that follows the ridge for a few km. Once it starts going down, I traversed back to the ridge. Better would have been to go over the hill than traversing. The ridge can be followed, there is a path that comes and goes so it is a mix of TR and CC. Going down from San Roque is a bit tricky, one needs to sidetrack from the ridge at one point and maybe use a hand here and there. Another a bit challenging part is just before the final ascent to Cruzada Las Hormingas. It is abit exposed in those parts but not too much. In SAC scale, somewhere around 4 or five, but out of 20 km of the ridge, this is only about 1 km at most. And I do not claim to have found the best route, I think some of the clambering parts that were never vertical could probably have been sidetracked.<br /> <br /> This time of the year, even on the ridge I crossed a stream with water three times (I added the streams to OSM), very roughly at km 11, 17 and 20 (this one being on the RR). Only saw cows and condors.<br /> <br /> I then crossed the RR and went on option 02, the ridge walk to Cerro Purgatorio. I would say it is SAC 4 (somewhat easier than the ridge), I used hands but it was very easy and not exposed at all. Descent from Cerro Purgatorio was surprisingly beautiful with all the flowers (which were there all over the ridge too). Even going down, from about 1500, the heat was really strong. Would not recommend any of this from early January till end of february given there might be very little water. Perfect for December and earlier. I hope the ridgewalk is added to GPT. Every day, I would be able to get enough cell phone coverage to receive e-mails and chats but not much more.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-06 / 1 day / Hiking / sobo / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I took uber from Providencia to the gate, about 20000CLP and 1hour.<br /> <br /> The gate is locked at 10am on Wednesday. Luckily after 5min a young man drive out and open the gate, he didn't said anything and let me go inside.<br /> Hot but more water resources that i think before, a small grassy stream is still flowing just before the pass 800m, lot of tadpoles swimming inside too.<br /> <br /> Long way going down with rocky dirt road, didn't see any people all the way to the end.<br /> After you join the trail in valley, lot of camping spots you can find.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-17 to 2023-Nov-19 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR &amp; OH / Jens'''<br /> <br /> In Melocoton I had to cross private property. The guy charged me 2000 pesos. Lots of water and camping south of Cerro Purgatorio.<br /> There is an alternative route that's marked with white paint that is also marked in the OSM data. <br /> <br /> I started NOBO from El Melocoton. I took the exploratory route to Cerro Purgatorio. I have to report that there is no path to the summit from the south. The data and the OSM suggest that there is a path, but I only found rocks that I had to climb over and steep drops. I had to slide down to join the other trail as it was too dangerous to continue.<br /> <br /> The northern route to the summit is fine. But you'd have to go back the same way to rejoin the main PGT route.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: I removed the southern ascent to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio. Now only the the ascent from the west remains in the track files.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-11 to 2023-Nov-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Gates : all were open, it was a Saturday<br /> <br /> - Water : all the water markers were correct, even more water present<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 29,4<br /> <br /> - Weather : cold and cloudy so not a problem for the first big ascent - there is an exceptional cold weather on the Santiago area this year<br /> <br /> - River crossing : 31,65 km (easy)<br /> <br /> - Overall : trail in good condition.Lots of stray dogs on the trail but really friendly.We combined section 1 &amp; 2.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-19 to 2023-Feb-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Started in Ramon Supercaseaux 8200 directly at the gate. Pretty hot below 2000m, siesta highly recommended. A lot of bees around everywhere except pass-area. No water in the first spot after the pass, you'll find it about 1-2 kms ahead. A local said that water was cut up there. Weekend with many tourists in Estero El Sauce Valley. Good Kiosk at the valley entrance. Took us 2 days.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-04 / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1: Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I really wanted to try the option through Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I took the bus MB-74 to Pirque. The last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W. There was a sign saying it is prohibited to enter, but some people told me I can pass. From there one can walk along the airport. Once you get to the main road, there is a locked gate, but the fence can be crawled under. I would recommend to take the standard route for cars, the walk was schorching. It was Sunday, I am not sure the other bus lines were in service. I have not seen them, MB74 seemed to be going once every twenty minutes or so for 900 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once on the standard route, I hitched a car going to the reserve, we put my backpack into the trunk, so the CONAF guards did not notice me at all and did not tell me anything. I had a reservation made online, there is a day limit of visitors. It cost 11500 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once in the reserve, I took the trail going west of the stream (so the stream was on my left hand going uphill). Nobody noticed me and then I have not met anybody for 4 days. The trail is fairly clear, one goes up along a stream up until around 1900 metres (up to the last recommended camp). From then on until the next other side of the mountain, there is no reliable water (I slept near a marsh around 2650m, but the water would not have been great).<br /> <br /> The route is quite attractive. Walking in the lower valley in the heat is really sweat inducing. It took me 1,5 days to go up to the border of the reserve, I was weak from not much sleep before and the heat. But also it is quite far and I have not started walking until six or so on the first day as I rested quite a few hours waiting for the heat to pass.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-24 to 2022-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT01-F / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started the first section from the metro station at Puento Alto, which is also a good place to buy some missing supplies and water - mall with Lider shop is right next to the main square. The gate 1 at approx. km 12 opened after less than 15mins and some guy in a car let us in after explaining that we just want to pass and showing the map. The other gate not so far away from the entrance was opened. Following the main route, we spent the night in a nice camp place at km 19.5 with water available just few hundred meters before that (bridge, water 18.7). Keep in mind to carry enough water on the way to the pass! We met the next day 2 families at the bridge, water 29.7 that went there for camping. We decided to finish the section the next day, which was Staturday, and therefore as we were coming closer to the village we met a lot of day hikers at the GPT01-F. Before continuing to the section 2, we stopped to refresh ourselves at Kiosko Los Acacios, on the left side after the bridge on the main road (the other kiosk before the river was closed at the time). They have fried empanadas, amazing natural strawberry juice (jugo frutilla), yogurt with granola and some other small things, everything with reasonable prices.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-09 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Start at the reserva natural de clarillo impossible even if i arrived at 8h30 am. No arrangement possible with the guard.<br /> I went by waking through the wasteland (many dogs be carefull but a good stone in the hand frightens them without worries) but Start at GPT01-B impossible : Big Electronic portal and no luck with cars.<br /> Start at GPT 01-03 by the optional tracks ok. After the school you take the left road and almost immediately you have to pass under a fence on the left with a little hole. <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But te other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Okt-31 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We traveled by metro to Puento Alto. Because the bus MB73 did not come (probably because of holiday) we took an Uber to Posta la Puntilla (much cheaper than to Puntilla Rural).<br /> Gate 1 closed, after waiting 2 minutes a car came.<br /> Gate 2 open on the right side.<br /> Water available at all marked spots. <br /> Nice campground with small swimming pool at the back of the small river at Camp 01 [4/29/1415].<br /> Several campsites on the river around El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-19 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We wanted to avoid the boring through-town and road walking so we took the micro-bus from Puente Alto to Puntilla Rural which only left us 2km of road walking. It’s a micro-bus MB73 and it goes right on the same street when you come out of the subway. It doesn’t have a stop so you just have to wave it down when you see it coming, ticket costs 750 pesos. After those 2km on the asphalt road we turned off to a minor road with an impassable gate which is normally closed, but luckily we only waited less than 10 min. and a car came and we just walked in, they didn’t ask us anything so it seemed alright. 2nd gate was open. Water sources were flowing well. Climb was brutal, super steep and very, very hot. We imagine this section could easily be walked a month earlier to avoid the baking in the furnace. Great views from the “Pass”. We camped at the “Bridge, Water” waypoint after the pass, nice place, but unfortunately we had lots of tiny, very hungry biting flies there. We saw a lot of campers in the valley before El Melocotón, which was a bit of a surprise, more than 20 tents, perhaps people enjoying nature on the weekend? We didn’t go in to El Melocotón but continued straight to GPT02. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-09 to 2021-Nov-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Started afternoon on first day and arrived in melocotón same time next day. Took a taxi from Puento Alto metro station to the Plaza in Pirque, because I was advised against walking alone through Puente Alto by the locals. Quite a lot of mini shops with empenadas and other food when following the paved road from Pirque. When turning from the paved road onto the first minor road I encountered a big locked gate, which luckily opened because cars were driving through from the other side. After a couple of kilometers another locked gate appears but i walked around the right side and found a smaller open gate that I passed through. When the terrain starts getting steeper, I found it very hot to walk here during the afternoon. Definitely wouldn’t want to walk there in the middle of the day during summer. Also the section right before the mountain pass is very steep. Best to walk here during the morning when you’ll have the shadow of the mountain. Rest of the way was generally easy enough, carried plenty of water with me.<br /> <br /> Found a place called Posada Del Jinete in southern part of El Melocotón with Cabañas for 80.000 and hostal room with to beds for 40.000. Not the cheapest but didn’t find a lot of options nearby. The father and son who are running the place are nice people who can tell a lot about the area. Small tienda/café down the road from hostal with only basic supplies<br /> <br /> Started this section on November 9th. The gate at -33 36.774’ -070 30.027’ is locked. Didn’t find anybody around to ask, but it magically opened up behind me just as I was about to leave, because cars were coming through from the other side. Did see a couple more cars going the same direction as I walked on the minor road. Might be worth waiting around for some time to see if anyone will drive through?<br /> <br /> Found water in all expected places. Would recommend carrying a good amount with you on your way up onto the mountain pass, since this a very hot and steep section especially in the afternoon and it will be awhile before the next water source.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-14 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ricardo Gold'''<br /> <br /> We tried both entrances to the gravel road. Both closed with big gates (RR @KM13). We did an alternative start from Pirque that it did work, but is a significant longer (but nice). I would suggest to review this segment as the two main entrances seems closed for good.<br /> <br /> After you get into the road is very straight forward, very easy to navigate. There is water in all expected points and I think they will last long into the summer. <br /> Indeed, it is very exposed, it will be hard to do in a sunny day, as it will be hot. Alternatively you can start really early or even do it partially at night as it is easy to navigate and not dangerous at all. <br /> <br /> The climb is pretty steep for a maintenance road. it is +20% for ~4km, so I suggest to tackle this section really early in the morning. There is a good water source just before starting and probably also a good camping ground.<br /> <br /> Next water source is ~14km after, but with also ~1000m of uphill, so be mindful of the time to get into there. Btw, this water source has a small cascate and pond that is great to jump in and refresh. Just walk ~10m into the upstream.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 to 2020-Jan-04 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> See transport section if you want to skip the first 13KM roadwalk. Midsummer is not the ideal time for GPT01 as it is very hot, there is little shade &amp; not much water. If you do walk there are several small shops on the road up to KM13.<br /> <br /> It was difficult to access the start. At KM 16.5 on the road, RR-PR-V@01-6.9+4.3 &amp; 700 metres further after the bridge, route sealed by two 15 foot high gates with spikes on top. No one there to ask to open them. Back on RR @ KM13, 2 locked gates. At OH-MR-V@01-A-#002 a resident let me through the locked gate. There is a new fence a little up the road that will probably close off this variant (I got in through a small unfinished section). It is very dry now so RR gates may be closed due to lack of water &amp; fire risk. The only water on RR until 14KM after the pass is on section RR-MR-V@01-16.3+7.8 marked Bridge, Water on GPX, making a camp @ the site 15 mins. walk above (marked Camp No Water) highly advisable. Look for the gas pipeline, route follows it most of the way. Kiosk with drinks &amp; snacks &amp; campsite on the route 3KM before Melocoton are open all week in midsummer, weekends only in low season. No need to go to Melocoton. Get bus to Santiago @ road junction 500 metres down the road after bridge over Rio Maipo<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-13 to 2019-Dec-17 / 5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 and GPT02 / Ian Hikes '''<br /> <br /> Overview: I decided to combine GPT 01 and 02 using the alternative route through Rio Clarillo National Reserve which is something I do recommend. You do have to pay $5.000 to enter the park. You then follow the river up to the pass where it joins the official route. The two sections are very open and exposed with wide open views across the mountains and high mountain passes. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: My biggest difficult in this section was the lack of water. There were many sections that were dry and, on many occasions, found me going 15-20km with water. I would suggest taking extra care planning out water resupply along the route. I usually took 2-4L of water at any given time in these two sections. Also this section is very remote and did not see anyone for 3 days.<br /> <br /> Highlights: High mountain passes and great open views (especially for sunrise and sunset)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-27 / Hiking / SOBO / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> Locked gate with barbed wire (S 33° 36.795', W 070° 30.049') on the official route. Found someone at the gate up the road (S 33° 36.702', W 070° 29.640') who unlocked that one for me. He said the road behind is no private property, but it's always locked. After another gate (S 33° 37.141', W 070° 29.927'), with a hole on the right to climb climb through, this road connects back to the official route.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water on the B alternet uphill. Almost at the top it tastes a bit like cow shit after filtering. There is a lot of OK water at the bottom of the downhill and quite a few tourists especially on weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-17 to 2019-Nov-18 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT01 in 2 days, including one nero day. We used uber to get to the trail, hope your driver won't be stupid enough to take shortcuts through slums :). There is a gate on the beginning of trail, after a &quot;discussion&quot; (we don't speak spanish) they let us go through. Climb was really hot, make sure you take enough water from the last source on the way up. There is water on the other side, but first marked water source didn't look the best. There is a river cutting a trail a bit down from that point. We stayed in a campsite on the begining of next section which was nice. They have really sticky ferral dogs there which we had a real problem to chase to not hike with us.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 to 2019-Nov-13 / 3 days / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 3 days as we started late in Santiago and arrived early in Melocoton. As it's still low season everything is shut down in Melocoton so we took the bus (which runs every 30 minutes) to San Alfonso, where we found nice cabañas and three small resupply tiendas.<br /> <br /> We went to Puente Alto and then Pirque by Uber. The drivers know where the protests take place and avoid those areas or areas which got recently destroyed.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Oct-27 / Alert / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Metro line 4 to Puente Alto is currently out of operation due to vandalism during the current protests. Check online for current the status and delete this alert once metro operation to Puente Alto resumes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> Carry plenty of water on this section as water sources might dry out in early summer after all snow has molten.<br /> <br /> Puente Alto is not particular safe area of Santiago, so residents recommend not walking very early in the morning or at night through this outskirt of Santiago.<br /> Old entrance of regular route is closed by gate (S33° 37.320' W70° 32.182'). Better start from the public minor road and you won't have any problem (S33° 36.768' W70° 30.033'). The GPT Track File 2019 incorporates this change so follow the Regular Route if you use the current update.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> Carry as much water as possible just before ascending to the pass (S33° 38.394' W70° 27.191'). There won't be water until 14 km further, and it's not of good quality (S33° 41.000' W70° 23.100').<br /> <br /> Instead of deviating to El Melocotón, you can spend the night in Reserva Coyanco (camping, food, services), from where GPT02 starts. Just turn right at S33° 40.813' W70° 20.812'.<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-15 to 1018-Dec-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Austin Davis'''<br /> <br /> http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / GPT02 &amp; GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo / Bethany Hughes, Lauren Reed'''<br /> <br /> https://her-odyssey.org/<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Jan / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo &amp; GPT02 / Gerald Klamer'''<br /> <br /> * '''http://geraldtrekkt.blogspot.com/2017/04/greater-patagonian-trail-1-santiago-coya.html'''<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> ==Start Regular Route: Santiago, Metro Station Puente Alto==<br /> <br /> Plaza De Puente Alto is an underground metro station and the southern terminal station of Line 4 of the Santiago Metro network. Underground trains run frequently between 6 am in the morning and 11 pm in the evening. <br /> <br /> Calculate 1 hour from the city centre to the terminal station Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto buses leave to most towns and villages in the Maipo valley and the surrounding area. (2019)<br /> <br /> If you don't want to walk the first 13KM of the regular route on the road then get bus MB73 from Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: El Melocoton==<br /> <br /> See also [[GPT02]]<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following bus gets you to El Melocoton in the Maipo valley: Bus MB-72B<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate a bit over 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Start or Finish Option 1 (Rio Clarillo): Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo==<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following buses get you close to Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo: <br /> <br /> - Bus 978 towards Rio Clarillo (this is the best option, gets you the closest to the entrance to the reserve)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-74 towards El Principal De Pirque (last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-80 towards El Principal De Pirque<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to the regular route but a high gate was build in 2021. If the the gate at waypoint &quot;X, Gate {01} [11.2/787]&quot; is locked, continue 2.1 km on the main road and take Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio).<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Access into Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo is controlled by CONAF at the main entrance near Pirque. The park is intended for daytime visits only and does not provide camp grounds. Cooking inside the park is strictly banned including with camping stoves. A maximum of 800 persons are permitted entry on one day. CONAF park rangers might not permit a southbound traverse and all visitors are probably required to leave the park in the evening at the main gate. The entrance fee is 11,500 CLP (2022) for foreign nationals and 2000 to 4000 CLP for Chileans. The tickets needs to be bought online in advance and there is not cell coverage at the entrance to the reserve.<br /> <br /> A northbound traverse is probably free of charge. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio)==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio). No right-of-way conflicts reported yet. If the gate issue on the RR persists to cause problems and Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio) is recommended by more hikers then Option 2 may become the new Regular Route.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT01 - Cerro Purgatorio]]<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[San Juan de Pirque - El Toyo]]<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[Río Clarillo]]<br /> <br /> National Park: http://www.conaf.cl/parques/reserva-nacional-rio-clarillo/<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:gpt01 Cerro Purgatorio.jpg|View to the central Andes, by [http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/ Austin Davis]]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (6).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 1]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT01_(Cerro_Purgatorio)&diff=124004 2025-08-25T22:27:53Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * '''GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias '''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-03-23 to 2025-03-24 / 20 hours/ Hiking / SOBO / New option from El Principal via Cerro Papagayo and Cruzada Las Hormigas to RR/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> There can be no GPT season without going to GPT01, it seems, though this was my last idea for now. This option provides a TL and CC alternative to running paralel to the road-based RR, especially if you do not insist on connecting footsteps and take the bus from Puente Alto. However of all the options I did on GPT01, I liked this one the least. Bear in mind I never walked the RR, as I do not like roads, and assume this is still far superior to RR. However, I quite liked the last 7 km or so. It is partially in our suggestion in the November update but hopefully will be part of GPT25/26.<br /> <br /> I took the MB-74 from Puente Alto at 20:20 after waiting for it for 50 minutes, almost giving up. It was the last bus that Sunday. It took me to end of 01A here: -33.71013, -70.53235. At the end of the road, I met a slightly drunk local resident, who was surprised by me. I explained I was going to the mountains. He warned me that if I meet anybody, they might think I am a ghost (&quot;&quot;fantasma&quot;) and shoot me. I did not point out ghosts cannot be shot. It was night - he said that during the day it would be ok, the riverbed is public. I was a bit spooked and walked afterwards without a headlamp to evade attention, but I did not meet anybody anyway. Judging from Strava, it would have been better to get out a few hundred metres earlier at -33.70930, -70.53656. I crossed the river bed and cut across to here: -33.70045, -70.5316, climbing over an easy fence. Both Strava and OSM show a lot of traffic and trails. Not sure what the right of access is, but I assume it is permissive. One walks through a tree plantation (or vinyard?) that diverts a lot of water from Rio Clarrillo (which was itself dry) for its use through a system of mighty ditches. I walked for almost 2 km through here -33.69468, -70.52804, going through and around two gates here: -33.69258, -70.52659 and finally fording here -33.68755, -70.52263. By now it was around ten, I started to go up on a steep trail that was mostly quite clear even with a headlamp until about 1400m of altitude, where I camped after midnight. I started late because of arriving late to Santiago and having a flight home booked in less than two days, but a late start might be advisable anyway to escape the heat.<br /> <br /> The next day I started early continuing up on a maintained trail. Around 1900 m at -33.66986, -70.48218, there is a cave with a spring. In late march it wasjust a puddle that would need to be filtered, but maybe there is running water earlier in the season. Once up the ridge, the visible trail continues traversing and going up slightly to -33.66459, -70.46427. From there, a faint somewhat steep but not exposed trail with a cairn here and there leads you to the top of Cerro Papagayo. From there, a few hundred metres are a bit rocky and almost exposed, but I just used my poles for balance, I have never needed to use my hands. Traverse under Cruzada Las Hormigas and climbing it is very easy, mostly trailess. From there I started going down, here and there finding a trail. Around 2100 m at -33.67901, -70.41957, I traversed to a ridge on the other side of the trail. Some care was needed, but it was not exposed. This ridge can be followed all the way to RR. I left the ridge twice, seeking greener pastures/better trails, but that is pointless, from -33.67573, -70.41742, it is best to go down the ridge to -33.68415, -70.38865, where Strava marks begin. The MR on RR is actually more like TL&amp;MR. It used to be a road thay served to build a gas pipe unser it. It is not used by cars and it is heavily eroded. Met water -33.68331, -70.38512. 20 uproad from the water, I joined Strava marks to find a CC&amp;TL way to the other side of the creek, reaching variant E at -33.68189, -70.38373. I think upper part of variant E does not really exist, I could not find where it is supposed to join the RR from above and saw nothing from below. From here, I followed Strava and OSM down, RR does not seem to be picked very sensibly. I had a bath, the only time where there were many wasps. I saw a tent here and there and some rubbish. mamy trails. I reached the busy (5 cars a minute?) road around five, quickly hitching to San Jose de Maipo, from where a bus is said to go to Puente Alto every 20-30 minutes. It was a cold day. I took 4 litres with me and fruits and vegetables and drank 3 litres - might be much harder in high summer. Some plants were still blossoming.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-27 to 2025-MAR-01 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan​'''<br /> <br /> This was our last section of the GPT. For now…<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;We did it in one full day and two relaxed half hiking days. Camped at S 33°38.4840’ W 70°26.9562’ and S 33°40.3236’ W 70°23.5408’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;The last 5 kilometers of the ascent are pretty steep, as is the first part of the descent. Ways are in good condition and easy to follow. There’s not much vegetation.<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Found more water sources than expected. Note that last winter had a lot of snow, so you can’t rely on these water sources in low or average snow years. Here are a few of them:<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.3970’ W 70°30.2264’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.8949’ W 70°29.4920’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.9963’ W 70°23.1090’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.3226’ W 70°23.5491’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Like Arno we saw an incredible amount of wasps along the way, especially close to water sources. Unlike him we can’t confirm they do no harm. Farah got stung in her buttock, Jan in his penis. Be careful when peeing! Apart from that no incidents.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-11 &gt; 12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : easy<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 2/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> The first part on the road is easy and with no interest.<br /> Then the ascent was pretty steep and hard with the hot weather.<br /> I camped at km 22 and finished the section the next day in the morning.<br /> Note that there were a lot of wasps everywhere I paused. They’re not offensive but can be annoying.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-03 to 2024-01-04 / 1.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants F / Elijah &amp; Michael ​​'''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. Water is available along the river from -33.62292, -70.50342 to bridge 18.7/1302. Thereafter only at waypoints.<br /> <br /> Water not directly accessible from campsite 29.4/1415, had to walk to following bridge (29.7/1389). Bridge had possible room to camp.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-27 &gt; 28 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage<br /> <br /> La premier partie est routière et ne presente aucun interet. J'ai essayé de sortir de la route mais me suis retrouvé face a des portails fermés aux points (-33,6223657, -70,5335623) puis (-33,6129744, -70,5007311) pour enfin trouver un portail ouvert (-33,6110383, -70,4943554) car il y avait des travaux en amont. J'ai monté une pente tres raide en suivant une canalisation, puis j'ai suivi un bisse pour retrouver le sentier. La montée etait tres dure car le soleil tapait fort que je n'avais pas encore mes jambes pour cette premiere etape. J'ai campé juste avant le point haut de l'etape, pret d'un petit ruisseau. Le lendemain la descente etait facile.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-20 to 2024-NOV-21 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A,C,D) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We started our hike in the afternoon from the final metro station at Puente Alto. At the high gate with cameras at the beginning of Variant A, there was a car. After waiting a few minutes, the car drove through, and a kind man allowed us to pass as well. We spent the first night at the camp at km 16.2 . On the second day, it was very hot, which we especially felt during the climb to the pass [24.7 km]. The water marked in the files was indeed available there. In the evening, we reached El Melocotón. The store was officially open until 8:00 PM, but the owner was kind enough to keep it open longer for the people arriving late.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-11-17 to 2024-11-19, 2,5 days, SOBO, gpt00?/01opt5? - Volker'''<br /> <br /> I took the route Tomas suggested and highly recommend it to everyone new on the gpt and early in the season (check your gear, device/s, body on a very scenic route (95% TR, 3%CC, 2%MR); in summer probably very hot, in mid-november it was already quite warm in the lower parts).<br /> The bus C02 does not bring you to the parque San Ramon (1km walk approx. in upper middle-class area), but C37 does. The gate was open, nobody there at 14 p.m. on a sunday. Last person I met was 30 min. before the waterfall. All descriptions of Tomas correct. <br /> If you start late 2 p.m,) as I did, either camp at the waterfall or make sure to take enough water to camp 15min before you reach the 2nd river. The way down is steep and slippery. If you start early you will reach water at 2200 m and camp sites before or at the pass. <br /> Up there very windy, but not too cold, protected camp site 10 min after you reach the pass. Part of the path covered by snow, you can bypass it on the eastern side. Ridge to Cerro San Ramon under snow, probably not to difficult (if you have crampons). 1 steep snowfield on the way down (I used it to try my mini spikes, which was not necessary in the early afternoon, but in the morning you will be very glad to have them). Camped not far from the puesto, didn‘t see anyone, just horses and barking dogs. The path to Rio Maipo valley crosses the river 8 times, fords mostly easy (though 2 far over my knees (1,97m), but one quite hard (I did. 15 min of CC and BB to find a place upwards)). Last 30 min MR. The road ends at a high gate (3m), no way around, the man in the container told me to take another way. I asked a local not far from there, he promised to help, told me to wait at the gate, in 3 min he arrived with his car and drove me down to El Manzano. I just got out of the car, when on the other side of the road a bus driving EABO stopped, I jumped in and got out at El Melocoton to continue with gpt 02 .<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-10/Lukas &amp; Tabea &amp; Basil'''<br /> Gate was open<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> Started from Puente Alto.<br /> Gate Variant A closed.<br /> Gate at 11.3km was open.<br /> Water present at all waypoints.<br /> Camped at Camp 16.09.<br /> You can find a horsepath down to te river with a nice pool for swimming whenwalking a bit backwards.<br /> Next Camp at Bridge Water 29.7. Also really nice for swimming. <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 via new Route:<br /> In the corner at -33.68293, -70.34715, turn on the horsepath. We therefore skipped Gate at 02 and walked out at -33.69654, -70.35062 and walked directly to the river crossing of Variant A. <br /> The horsepath around the hill is in good condition but difficult to find.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-02 / 2 days / Hiking / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Gate at 11.3km was open, presumably because it was a public holiday.<br /> <br /> Water present at all waypoints<br /> <br /> Water at 23.9km just before the pass<br /> <br /> Camped just before pass at 22.7km<br /> <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 so can't comment resupply options<br /> <br /> * '''2024-10-30 to 2024-11-01 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR -a- RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> The gate at the start of option a was closed when I arrived and did not look easily climbable. After a few minutes a car came and opened the gate. The driver didn't say anything to me so I went through the gate after him. <br /> <br /> The pass was without snow, the water point indicated had all water.<br /> <br /> The bridge [29.7/1389] is non existend (due to the winter?), but the rivers are easy to be crossed. <br /> <br /> There were a lot of small and really annoying flies (I don't think they are tabanos, mainly because they are small, it is a dry area...). They were flying into the face and biting specially near the eyes. Putting a branch on the backpack did not help. I ended up covering my face to have some peace.<br /> <br /> '''Note that in summer 2024, a new option 02 was inserted and the original options 2 and 3 increased their numbering.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-Mar-09 to 2024-Mar-11 / 42 hours / Hiking / SOBO / GPT00?, GPT01, option 5? / Tomáš'''<br /> Not sure if on topic as it is technically east of Santiago and not south (but also not north!), but I thought I would share anyway. A nice trail that can be done around Santiago while waiting around. In my opinion, it also better fullfils &quot;starting from Santiago on foot&quot;, as the current start involves quite a long stretch from Puente Alto on road. Here you start walking 100 m from bus stop (C-02, every ten minutes or so from Los Dominicos) integrated into Santiago's public transport system, or 5 km from Los Domincos terminus of the red metro line (but really, why would you not take the bus?). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1765972160575329/ Pictures].<br /> <br /> The entrance is 3500 CLP, in office hours. No problems having a backapack entering at 1300 when explaining the route (San Ramon to El Manzano). Early in the morning or late in the evening, there is an always-open door next to the gate. Going up to the ridge, there are several variants; I went to the pass just south of Morro las Papas and traversed more or less horizontaly to Salto de Apoquindo. After Patagonia proper, it is funny that such a small waterfall even honours a name. There is a (compostable?) toilet at the waterfall and one could camp there, but it is probably illegal and when I was there, a helicopter kept humming around - maybe it was looking for fires? Late camp and early rise would probably work though. Past this point, you are unlikely to meet anyone (up to there I only met ten people even though it was Saturday). The trail from there to the ridge is more or less clear for GPT standards. Last probably reliable water is around 2230 m of altitude.<br /> <br /> Camped at about 2800 in the pass south of Morro Tamber, the night was windless and warm. Starting late - at noon -, I then went to Cerro San Ramon (up to here everything is on OSM). Took me 2 leisurely hours. The ridge walk is easy and the path is clear. To my surprise, I was there alone on a Sunday afternoon, just with one quite cheeky bird. I went to Punta de Damas and back and then down to Las Manzanas. The path down from the Refuge San Ramones is marked in blue and mostly visible, just a section near the puesto at 2200 m is cross-country. I reached the stream in the valley when darkness fell, walked two hours almost to the end of it to catch my flight, saw some people camping/having a fire. In the morning I got up at six and had to climb over two fences to get out. It has opening times (no longer remember which, but fairly long) and the price was about 8000 for entry, not sure if they would demand something in case of SOBO travers. There seem to be some walk-arounds in OSM (added afterwards by yours truly basde on strava heatmap). The whole trail is in OSM now and also as of 2024 is part of &quot;Not yet incorporated change proposals&quot; of the GPT files, for viewing in Google Earth.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-17/ 2.5 days / SOBO / RR / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> I took the metro to the last stop, Puente Alto, and started walking from there. The days were extremely hot and there were a lot of tabanero attacks. I waited a few minutes at the closed gate at 11,2 until a car came out. I asked the driver if I could go through, but he said that it was a private area and I wasn't allowed through. When he was gone, I saw that the gate was not completely closed. I was able to reach inside with my arm and open a door in the gate from the inside. There was regular traffic on the road behind it, but everyone just greeted me back in a friendly manner. Might be best just to wait until it opens and then walk through confidentially without asking. The water indicators were correct. Camps: 19.5/1433 (no water), 29.7/1389 (water and small pools, quite nice). Take enough water for the pass at 18.7/1302! No shadow and very hot. After 29.7/1389 there is water a few times and an increasing number of day trippers. Overnight stay in San José de Maipo in the Hostal Maipo for 20k, otherwise no guests, bathroom and fridge dirty and room stuffy, but large kitchen, nice host, lounge and central location with supermarket and bus stop next door. For GPT2 bus to El Melocotón at 7.30am, but get off at the crossroads by the bridge over the Rio Maipo before town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-8 to 2024-Jan-9/ 1.5 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Tanja'''<br /> <br /> Took same route as Matthias (Filo Purgatorio via the ridge). Not much to add apart from: it’s very hot and there’s no water up there anymore. First stream coming down was at 33.67175, 70.39274<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-24 to 2023-Dec-25 / 2 days / SOBO / RR and variant E / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Nice hike to begin with GPT, no particular mountain difficulties. I began in Pirque after taking the buq MB74 at bellavista de la florida. <br /> <br /> Variant : I followed chileans hikers on variant E to the nothern bank of the river el sauce (sendero estero el sauce on OSM, easily followed with the GPS). Seems funnier than the RR, you cross a nice pool. You have other trails to go down at the river and enjoy on the way.<br /> <br /> All water markers are correct. Remember to bring enough water for the pass at water 18,7, it's really hot up there. Water 29,7 very good stream.<br /> <br /> The end of the trail after is a big web of trail along the el sauce river, with places to bath and camp. So the water is not rare. Lots of hikers when I was there (25 december). <br /> <br /> Camp : at bridge water 18.7.<br /> Seems like lots of nice places after water 29,7 when you explore along the river. <br /> <br /> Gate 11,2 : Not possible to go around, electrical and fence. It was opened by a person in a car after 5 minutes waiting. No question about my passage. I then crossed roads with an arriero with horses and another car, on 24th december. Seems like this trail is crowded, so the gate seems not to be a problem with patience. <br /> <br /> The other gate is only for cars, way to go around as a hiker. <br /> <br /> Other : crossed a snake in the middle of the trail. See my section 2 post for more infos.<br /> A very tiny scorpion near my tent in the morning... put some shoes when you go for a pee at night ! <br /> <br /> No river crossings issues<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-5 to 2023-Dec-6/ 2 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> I started option 2 right from the school (San Juan Oriente). Camp spots on the way to the ridge if you start late in Santiago. Took the route to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio (option 2 - variant B). <br /> <br /> From the summit I continued the ridge southwards (OH-CC-A {01-02B}). That’s a wonderful alpine (I mean andine 😅) cross-country hiking route mostly on steep scree or rock ledge (Schrofen in German), difficulty according to SAC hiking scale T4, I’d guess. No real clambering necessary, hands only occasionally needed for support. The descent from the summit gives you a good impression of the difficulty, it will not become more difficult. Mostly I did not walk directly on the rocky ridge but on the western slope.<br /> <br /> Camped right on the ridge at ca. 33°38'30'' 70°24'47''. Beautiful sunset and sunrise.<br /> <br /> On the descent to GPT02 there is a marked trail (white markers) on the last kms. One can follow that path instead of RR where variant F comes in and avoid the walk on MR. When the path comes to a fence turn right and you’ll hit the RR again.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-15-18 / 72 hours / Hiking / nobo / Option 02, ridge, option 02 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Apart from Option 02, I did not actually follow any existing GPT track but the approach has since been added as option 2. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1715267058979173/ Pictures] I started at the southmost stop of bus MB-74. The bus actually detours to some sidestreets and then comes back the same way again, so do not get off too early. You should be able to start from here: 33.7277389S, 70.5544877W. Just before the bridge, there is a locked gate. Some cars were passing though and let me through, just told me not to make fire. If the gate is locked, use the bridge 200 m downstream and go in the riverbank for 200 northwards - it is dry. There is another gate where the sideroad splits from the road that is still on OSM, roughly here: 33.7412080S, 70.5586867W. Again somobody opened it for me but this one could have been climbed easily.<br /> <br /> The trail is both easily visible on satelite and Strava heatmap. First 2 km it is a road, then a worse road that transforms to path branches to the left to rejoin the road where another gate is - this cca 5 km part is flat. One then follows the fence on a steep slope until 100 m higher one rejoins very clear path. I am sure there is a better way than I took but it was still easy enough. From there a very clear trail goes all the way up to cca Cerro los Crystalles. Met a group of seven people on motorbikes who went up and down in a day. No water until about 2500 m. On Facebook group.<br /> <br /> From the ridge, one could easily follow on GPT02 but I was interested in the ridge between RR and Option 3 roughly from here: 33.8464060S, 70.4211017W to Cerro los Purgatorio through Cerros Loma del Diablo, San Roque and Cruzada Las Hormigas. From the coordinates above, there is a trail that follows the ridge for a few km. Once it starts going down, I traversed back to the ridge. Better would have been to go over the hill than traversing. The ridge can be followed, there is a path that comes and goes so it is a mix of TR and CC. Going down from San Roque is a bit tricky, one needs to sidetrack from the ridge at one point and maybe use a hand here and there. Another a bit challenging part is just before the final ascent to Cruzada Las Hormingas. It is abit exposed in those parts but not too much. In SAC scale, somewhere around 4 or five, but out of 20 km of the ridge, this is only about 1 km at most. And I do not claim to have found the best route, I think some of the clambering parts that were never vertical could probably have been sidetracked.<br /> <br /> This time of the year, even on the ridge I crossed a stream with water three times (I added the streams to OSM), very roughly at km 11, 17 and 20 (this one being on the RR). Only saw cows and condors.<br /> <br /> I then crossed the RR and went on option 02, the ridge walk to Cerro Purgatorio. I would say it is SAC 4 (somewhat easier than the ridge), I used hands but it was very easy and not exposed at all. Descent from Cerro Purgatorio was surprisingly beautiful with all the flowers (which were there all over the ridge too). Even going down, from about 1500, the heat was really strong. Would not recommend any of this from early January till end of february given there might be very little water. Perfect for December and earlier. I hope the ridgewalk is added to GPT. Every day, I would be able to get enough cell phone coverage to receive e-mails and chats but not much more.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-06 / 1 day / Hiking / sobo / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I took uber from Providencia to the gate, about 20000CLP and 1hour.<br /> <br /> The gate is locked at 10am on Wednesday. Luckily after 5min a young man drive out and open the gate, he didn't said anything and let me go inside.<br /> Hot but more water resources that i think before, a small grassy stream is still flowing just before the pass 800m, lot of tadpoles swimming inside too.<br /> <br /> Long way going down with rocky dirt road, didn't see any people all the way to the end.<br /> After you join the trail in valley, lot of camping spots you can find.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-17 to 2023-Nov-19 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR &amp; OH / Jens'''<br /> <br /> In Melocoton I had to cross private property. The guy charged me 2000 pesos. Lots of water and camping south of Cerro Purgatorio.<br /> There is an alternative route that's marked with white paint that is also marked in the OSM data. <br /> <br /> I started NOBO from El Melocoton. I took the exploratory route to Cerro Purgatorio. I have to report that there is no path to the summit from the south. The data and the OSM suggest that there is a path, but I only found rocks that I had to climb over and steep drops. I had to slide down to join the other trail as it was too dangerous to continue.<br /> <br /> The northern route to the summit is fine. But you'd have to go back the same way to rejoin the main PGT route.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: I removed the southern ascent to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio. Now only the the ascent from the west remains in the track files.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-11 to 2023-Nov-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Gates : all were open, it was a Saturday<br /> <br /> - Water : all the water markers were correct, even more water present<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 29,4<br /> <br /> - Weather : cold and cloudy so not a problem for the first big ascent - there is an exceptional cold weather on the Santiago area this year<br /> <br /> - River crossing : 31,65 km (easy)<br /> <br /> - Overall : trail in good condition.Lots of stray dogs on the trail but really friendly.We combined section 1 &amp; 2.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-19 to 2023-Feb-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Started in Ramon Supercaseaux 8200 directly at the gate. Pretty hot below 2000m, siesta highly recommended. A lot of bees around everywhere except pass-area. No water in the first spot after the pass, you'll find it about 1-2 kms ahead. A local said that water was cut up there. Weekend with many tourists in Estero El Sauce Valley. Good Kiosk at the valley entrance. Took us 2 days.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-04 / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1: Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I really wanted to try the option through Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I took the bus MB-74 to Pirque. The last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W. There was a sign saying it is prohibited to enter, but some people told me I can pass. From there one can walk along the airport. Once you get to the main road, there is a locked gate, but the fence can be crawled under. I would recommend to take the standard route for cars, the walk was schorching. It was Sunday, I am not sure the other bus lines were in service. I have not seen them, MB74 seemed to be going once every twenty minutes or so for 900 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once on the standard route, I hitched a car going to the reserve, we put my backpack into the trunk, so the CONAF guards did not notice me at all and did not tell me anything. I had a reservation made online, there is a day limit of visitors. It cost 11500 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once in the reserve, I took the trail going west of the stream (so the stream was on my left hand going uphill). Nobody noticed me and then I have not met anybody for 4 days. The trail is fairly clear, one goes up along a stream up until around 1900 metres (up to the last recommended camp). From then on until the next other side of the mountain, there is no reliable water (I slept near a marsh around 2650m, but the water would not have been great).<br /> <br /> The route is quite attractive. Walking in the lower valley in the heat is really sweat inducing. It took me 1,5 days to go up to the border of the reserve, I was weak from not much sleep before and the heat. But also it is quite far and I have not started walking until six or so on the first day as I rested quite a few hours waiting for the heat to pass.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-24 to 2022-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT01-F / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started the first section from the metro station at Puento Alto, which is also a good place to buy some missing supplies and water - mall with Lider shop is right next to the main square. The gate 1 at approx. km 12 opened after less than 15mins and some guy in a car let us in after explaining that we just want to pass and showing the map. The other gate not so far away from the entrance was opened. Following the main route, we spent the night in a nice camp place at km 19.5 with water available just few hundred meters before that (bridge, water 18.7). Keep in mind to carry enough water on the way to the pass! We met the next day 2 families at the bridge, water 29.7 that went there for camping. We decided to finish the section the next day, which was Staturday, and therefore as we were coming closer to the village we met a lot of day hikers at the GPT01-F. Before continuing to the section 2, we stopped to refresh ourselves at Kiosko Los Acacios, on the left side after the bridge on the main road (the other kiosk before the river was closed at the time). They have fried empanadas, amazing natural strawberry juice (jugo frutilla), yogurt with granola and some other small things, everything with reasonable prices.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-09 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Start at the reserva natural de clarillo impossible even if i arrived at 8h30 am. No arrangement possible with the guard.<br /> I went by waking through the wasteland (many dogs be carefull but a good stone in the hand frightens them without worries) but Start at GPT01-B impossible : Big Electronic portal and no luck with cars.<br /> Start at GPT 01-03 by the optional tracks ok. After the school you take the left road and almost immediately you have to pass under a fence on the left with a little hole. <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But te other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Okt-31 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We traveled by metro to Puento Alto. Because the bus MB73 did not come (probably because of holiday) we took an Uber to Posta la Puntilla (much cheaper than to Puntilla Rural).<br /> Gate 1 closed, after waiting 2 minutes a car came.<br /> Gate 2 open on the right side.<br /> Water available at all marked spots. <br /> Nice campground with small swimming pool at the back of the small river at Camp 01 [4/29/1415].<br /> Several campsites on the river around El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-19 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We wanted to avoid the boring through-town and road walking so we took the micro-bus from Puente Alto to Puntilla Rural which only left us 2km of road walking. It’s a micro-bus MB73 and it goes right on the same street when you come out of the subway. It doesn’t have a stop so you just have to wave it down when you see it coming, ticket costs 750 pesos. After those 2km on the asphalt road we turned off to a minor road with an impassable gate which is normally closed, but luckily we only waited less than 10 min. and a car came and we just walked in, they didn’t ask us anything so it seemed alright. 2nd gate was open. Water sources were flowing well. Climb was brutal, super steep and very, very hot. We imagine this section could easily be walked a month earlier to avoid the baking in the furnace. Great views from the “Pass”. We camped at the “Bridge, Water” waypoint after the pass, nice place, but unfortunately we had lots of tiny, very hungry biting flies there. We saw a lot of campers in the valley before El Melocotón, which was a bit of a surprise, more than 20 tents, perhaps people enjoying nature on the weekend? We didn’t go in to El Melocotón but continued straight to GPT02. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-09 to 2021-Nov-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Started afternoon on first day and arrived in melocotón same time next day. Took a taxi from Puento Alto metro station to the Plaza in Pirque, because I was advised against walking alone through Puente Alto by the locals. Quite a lot of mini shops with empenadas and other food when following the paved road from Pirque. When turning from the paved road onto the first minor road I encountered a big locked gate, which luckily opened because cars were driving through from the other side. After a couple of kilometers another locked gate appears but i walked around the right side and found a smaller open gate that I passed through. When the terrain starts getting steeper, I found it very hot to walk here during the afternoon. Definitely wouldn’t want to walk there in the middle of the day during summer. Also the section right before the mountain pass is very steep. Best to walk here during the morning when you’ll have the shadow of the mountain. Rest of the way was generally easy enough, carried plenty of water with me.<br /> <br /> Found a place called Posada Del Jinete in southern part of El Melocotón with Cabañas for 80.000 and hostal room with to beds for 40.000. Not the cheapest but didn’t find a lot of options nearby. The father and son who are running the place are nice people who can tell a lot about the area. Small tienda/café down the road from hostal with only basic supplies<br /> <br /> Started this section on November 9th. The gate at -33 36.774’ -070 30.027’ is locked. Didn’t find anybody around to ask, but it magically opened up behind me just as I was about to leave, because cars were coming through from the other side. Did see a couple more cars going the same direction as I walked on the minor road. Might be worth waiting around for some time to see if anyone will drive through?<br /> <br /> Found water in all expected places. Would recommend carrying a good amount with you on your way up onto the mountain pass, since this a very hot and steep section especially in the afternoon and it will be awhile before the next water source.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-14 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ricardo Gold'''<br /> <br /> We tried both entrances to the gravel road. Both closed with big gates (RR @KM13). We did an alternative start from Pirque that it did work, but is a significant longer (but nice). I would suggest to review this segment as the two main entrances seems closed for good.<br /> <br /> After you get into the road is very straight forward, very easy to navigate. There is water in all expected points and I think they will last long into the summer. <br /> Indeed, it is very exposed, it will be hard to do in a sunny day, as it will be hot. Alternatively you can start really early or even do it partially at night as it is easy to navigate and not dangerous at all. <br /> <br /> The climb is pretty steep for a maintenance road. it is +20% for ~4km, so I suggest to tackle this section really early in the morning. There is a good water source just before starting and probably also a good camping ground.<br /> <br /> Next water source is ~14km after, but with also ~1000m of uphill, so be mindful of the time to get into there. Btw, this water source has a small cascate and pond that is great to jump in and refresh. Just walk ~10m into the upstream.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 to 2020-Jan-04 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> See transport section if you want to skip the first 13KM roadwalk. Midsummer is not the ideal time for GPT01 as it is very hot, there is little shade &amp; not much water. If you do walk there are several small shops on the road up to KM13.<br /> <br /> It was difficult to access the start. At KM 16.5 on the road, RR-PR-V@01-6.9+4.3 &amp; 700 metres further after the bridge, route sealed by two 15 foot high gates with spikes on top. No one there to ask to open them. Back on RR @ KM13, 2 locked gates. At OH-MR-V@01-A-#002 a resident let me through the locked gate. There is a new fence a little up the road that will probably close off this variant (I got in through a small unfinished section). It is very dry now so RR gates may be closed due to lack of water &amp; fire risk. The only water on RR until 14KM after the pass is on section RR-MR-V@01-16.3+7.8 marked Bridge, Water on GPX, making a camp @ the site 15 mins. walk above (marked Camp No Water) highly advisable. Look for the gas pipeline, route follows it most of the way. Kiosk with drinks &amp; snacks &amp; campsite on the route 3KM before Melocoton are open all week in midsummer, weekends only in low season. No need to go to Melocoton. Get bus to Santiago @ road junction 500 metres down the road after bridge over Rio Maipo<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-13 to 2019-Dec-17 / 5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 and GPT02 / Ian Hikes '''<br /> <br /> Overview: I decided to combine GPT 01 and 02 using the alternative route through Rio Clarillo National Reserve which is something I do recommend. You do have to pay $5.000 to enter the park. You then follow the river up to the pass where it joins the official route. The two sections are very open and exposed with wide open views across the mountains and high mountain passes. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: My biggest difficult in this section was the lack of water. There were many sections that were dry and, on many occasions, found me going 15-20km with water. I would suggest taking extra care planning out water resupply along the route. I usually took 2-4L of water at any given time in these two sections. Also this section is very remote and did not see anyone for 3 days.<br /> <br /> Highlights: High mountain passes and great open views (especially for sunrise and sunset)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-27 / Hiking / SOBO / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> Locked gate with barbed wire (S 33° 36.795', W 070° 30.049') on the official route. Found someone at the gate up the road (S 33° 36.702', W 070° 29.640') who unlocked that one for me. He said the road behind is no private property, but it's always locked. After another gate (S 33° 37.141', W 070° 29.927'), with a hole on the right to climb climb through, this road connects back to the official route.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water on the B alternet uphill. Almost at the top it tastes a bit like cow shit after filtering. There is a lot of OK water at the bottom of the downhill and quite a few tourists especially on weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-17 to 2019-Nov-18 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT01 in 2 days, including one nero day. We used uber to get to the trail, hope your driver won't be stupid enough to take shortcuts through slums :). There is a gate on the beginning of trail, after a &quot;discussion&quot; (we don't speak spanish) they let us go through. Climb was really hot, make sure you take enough water from the last source on the way up. There is water on the other side, but first marked water source didn't look the best. There is a river cutting a trail a bit down from that point. We stayed in a campsite on the begining of next section which was nice. They have really sticky ferral dogs there which we had a real problem to chase to not hike with us.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 to 2019-Nov-13 / 3 days / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 3 days as we started late in Santiago and arrived early in Melocoton. As it's still low season everything is shut down in Melocoton so we took the bus (which runs every 30 minutes) to San Alfonso, where we found nice cabañas and three small resupply tiendas.<br /> <br /> We went to Puente Alto and then Pirque by Uber. The drivers know where the protests take place and avoid those areas or areas which got recently destroyed.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Oct-27 / Alert / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Metro line 4 to Puente Alto is currently out of operation due to vandalism during the current protests. Check online for current the status and delete this alert once metro operation to Puente Alto resumes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> Carry plenty of water on this section as water sources might dry out in early summer after all snow has molten.<br /> <br /> Puente Alto is not particular safe area of Santiago, so residents recommend not walking very early in the morning or at night through this outskirt of Santiago.<br /> Old entrance of regular route is closed by gate (S33° 37.320' W70° 32.182'). Better start from the public minor road and you won't have any problem (S33° 36.768' W70° 30.033'). The GPT Track File 2019 incorporates this change so follow the Regular Route if you use the current update.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> Carry as much water as possible just before ascending to the pass (S33° 38.394' W70° 27.191'). There won't be water until 14 km further, and it's not of good quality (S33° 41.000' W70° 23.100').<br /> <br /> Instead of deviating to El Melocotón, you can spend the night in Reserva Coyanco (camping, food, services), from where GPT02 starts. Just turn right at S33° 40.813' W70° 20.812'.<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-15 to 1018-Dec-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Austin Davis'''<br /> <br /> http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / GPT02 &amp; GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo / Bethany Hughes, Lauren Reed'''<br /> <br /> https://her-odyssey.org/<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Jan / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo &amp; GPT02 / Gerald Klamer'''<br /> <br /> * '''http://geraldtrekkt.blogspot.com/2017/04/greater-patagonian-trail-1-santiago-coya.html'''<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> ==Start Regular Route: Santiago, Metro Station Puente Alto==<br /> <br /> Plaza De Puente Alto is an underground metro station and the southern terminal station of Line 4 of the Santiago Metro network. Underground trains run frequently between 6 am in the morning and 11 pm in the evening. <br /> <br /> Calculate 1 hour from the city centre to the terminal station Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto buses leave to most towns and villages in the Maipo valley and the surrounding area. (2019)<br /> <br /> If you don't want to walk the first 13KM of the regular route on the road then get bus MB73 from Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: El Melocoton==<br /> <br /> See also [[GPT02]]<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following bus gets you to El Melocoton in the Maipo valley: Bus MB-72B<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate a bit over 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Start or Finish Option 1 (Rio Clarillo): Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo==<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following buses get you close to Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo: <br /> <br /> - Bus 978 towards Rio Clarillo (this is the best option, gets you the closest to the entrance to the reserve)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-74 towards El Principal De Pirque (last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-80 towards El Principal De Pirque<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to the regular route but a high gate was build in 2021. If the the gate at waypoint &quot;X, Gate {01} [11.2/787]&quot; is locked, continue 2.1 km on the main road and take Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio).<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Access into Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo is controlled by CONAF at the main entrance near Pirque. The park is intended for daytime visits only and does not provide camp grounds. Cooking inside the park is strictly banned including with camping stoves. A maximum of 800 persons are permitted entry on one day. CONAF park rangers might not permit a southbound traverse and all visitors are probably required to leave the park in the evening at the main gate. The entrance fee is 11,500 CLP (2022) for foreign nationals and 2000 to 4000 CLP for Chileans. The tickets needs to be bought online in advance and there is not cell coverage at the entrance to the reserve.<br /> <br /> A northbound traverse is probably free of charge. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio)==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio). No right-of-way conflicts reported yet. If the gate issue on the RR persists to cause problems and Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio) is recommended by more hikers then Option 2 may become the new Regular Route.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT01 - Cerro Purgatorio]]<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[San Juan de Pirque - El Toyo]]<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[Río Clarillo]]<br /> <br /> National Park: http://www.conaf.cl/parques/reserva-nacional-rio-clarillo/<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:gpt01 Cerro Purgatorio.jpg|View to the central Andes, by [http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/ Austin Davis]]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (6).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 1]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT15_(Curarrehue)&diff=123999 2025-08-25T07:02:10Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-25: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - The Regular Route avoids the popular but crowed National Parque Huerquehue where camping is strictly banned.<br /> <br /> - GPT15 Option 1 (PN Huerquehue): Hikers that don't care about connecting footsteps may opt against the regular route and traverse Parque Huerquehue but must camp near the Termas del Rio Blanco before entering the national parque. <br /> <br /> - GPT15 Option 2 (Cordon Peinetas): It is currently unclear if maintained trails ascent on this more eastern route to the forest roads on the other side of the mountains. If would be useful, if a hiker with good Spanish skills asks local residents and verifies this route.<br /> <br /> - GPT15 Option 3 (Valle Panqui): This short cut is faster then the Regular Route.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-Feb-10 to 2025-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan '''<br /> <br /> Combined GPT14 and 15 and took 6,5 hiking days in total including the Sollipulli Summit ascent.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Araucaria forests, Piñones, fast food, hospitable Mapuches, delicious blackberries<br /> “Challenges”: Fallen trees and spinous blackberry bushes<br /> <br /> Planned to spend our first night on GPT15 at Camp $ {15} [2.4+0.2/819]. Upon arrival we only found a deserted property with an empty house. Augusto, the neighbor at S 39°08.1453’ W 71°28.9760’ told us that the owner wasn’t at home but we could camp there anyways. Few minutes later his daughter Gloria offered us to sleep in a bed in a house on their property house for 20 luca. We happily accepted and got ice cold watermelon and some savory empanadas for second dinner - a stroke of luck after the restaurant in Reigolil was closed.<br /> <br /> In the morning Gloria made a delicious breakfast for us, consisting of huevos revueltos, pan, ají, manjar casero and mate. We gave her 20 luca for the bed and another 20 for the two meals.<br /> <br /> Augusto showed us a small cabaña he is currently building to host more hikers in the future. After using the power supply and internet for some planning and communication, we continued our hike in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> At around S 39°11.0510’ W 71°28.0804’ we met a guy called Roky who offered us accommodation. We declined but noted his phone number for hikers who pass there in the future: +56 9 7820 4656<br /> <br /> At S 39°13.0879’ W 71°26.1168’ we discovered a food truck just 200 m across the bridge from the RR. We ate one serving of delicious fried chicken, one of salchipapas and two soft drinks for a total of 11 luca. The owner told us he had opened this year.<br /> <br /> Camped at S 39°15.0309’ W 71°25.9345’. Not ideal as it’s very close to the street but at least next to the river.<br /> <br /> The next morning we ascended to Laguna Hualalafquén and spent one and a half days there, enjoying this beautiful place. Along the way we found a brand new mini shop (although closed when we passed it at round 8 in the morning) at S 39°17.8526’ W 71°26.0645’. Also picked a lot of delicious blackberries on our ascent.<br /> <br /> On our second day at the laguna, we met fellow GPT hiker Peggy who pitched her tent close to ours and we had a nice chat with her.<br /> <br /> Started early in the morning the next day to walk to Curarrehue. Filled out water bladders at the laguna which would not have been necessary as there is plenty of water on the way down.<br /> <br /> Plenty of fallen trees that had to be climbed over or crawled under slowed us down on the way down. Got caught in blackberry bushes with nasty spines. Also found another locked gate which was super easy to climb around though.<br /> <br /> From Curarrehue we originally wanted to take the next bus to Pucón (they go every 30 min), but then decided to stay a night and then even one more as this little town/village is very beautiful. Strongly recommended for hikers who want to take some time to explore a community where Mapuche culture is lived and celebrated.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-11 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / Road+OH 15A+RR / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> I followed the advice of the owner of the hostel and took the road which is parallel to the RR. Nice, comfortable road with a lot of houses. He said that here there are fewer cars. There were &quot;zona de carpas&quot; at points -39.23382, -71.43492. In the settlement Maite Aquas Blancas (15-A) [4.2+0.5/526] I crossed the bridge and joined at km 4 var A. There was water at -39.34382, -71.49513. Quiet road in the forest without views. Then I took the RR from km 40.9 of the RR. Night at Curarrehue en Cabana together with Peggy ( she went from stage 16). We paid 50.000 clp. To rooms and salón and kitchen (-39.36245, -71.58551). The village has everything. A lot of supermercados, ferreteria (gaz) -39.36469, -71.58380. Also, you can repair your clothes in two places. One -39.36170, -71.58498. Another at -39.36358, -71.58413. Also, there is a man who can repair shoes, his phone +56961763003.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-01-15 to 2025-01-16 / 1.5 days / NOBO / RR + Option 1 (PN Huerquehue) / Tobias '''<br /> <br /> Arrived at PN Hierquehue with the first Bus from Pucon in the Morning. Could not enter, because the Tickets for the Park were sold out and they didn’t let me cross the park anyway. No one with a big backpack was allowed to enter. Ranger said, that the path to the other side is closed since 9 years. Thought about finding my way around the checkpoint, but there is another checkpoint in the Park and I don’t won’t to complain, so I turned back and hitchhiked to Currarehue. There is a second unofficial entrance to cross Huerquehue down from the lake (-39.11001, -71.74589). I have done that trail 5 years ago and it worked. But to get there you need to do another 20km road walk by the lake. <br /> <br /> From Curarruehue I walked on the boring road. Good thing about walking boring section is that I always meet a lot of people. I was 3 times invited for coffee or mate, ate many cherrys and learned a lot about the Mapuche communities up there. I did not hitchhike, but 2 cars stopped beside me and took me for a while. So all in all, I liked the section.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-04 / 1 jours / Randonnée + bus / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Bus a 7h45 Reigolil &gt; Maite Centre (km 24,1). Du km 39 au km 41, le sentier n'est plus utilisé par les locaux et la végétation pousse vite. Dans la vallée tout est cloturé, j'ai ouvert le portail au km 41,5 pour prendre de l'eau. La gravel road jusqu'a Curarrehue est arborée et se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-31 to 2025-JAN-02/ 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A gravel section, mostly flat, that felt more like a connecting stretch leading to Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> In Reigolil, we resupplied in the evening and walked a few kilometers past the village, where we camped by the river. We spent a peaceful evening by the fire with bottles of wine, marking the last night of 2024. The next morning, we took our time and then started tackling relatively monotonous gravel sections.<br /> <br /> At the Maite Centro crossroads X {15} [24.1/544], we deviated from the RR route and chose variant {15-A}. Shortly after, we came across a brand-new and well-stocked shop that wasn’t listed in the track files (coordinates: -39.29747, -71.43439).<br /> <br /> At the crossroads X {15} [41.5/719], we rejoined the RR route and followed the well-trodden MR path all the way to Curarrehue. This is a great place to resupply, and we even managed to find a gas cartridge at the hardware store located at the end of town (-39.3547505, -71.5930750).<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''December 17–26 2024 / 10 days/  Packrafting / SOBO / New option combining Huella Andina and nearby lakes from Icalma/Villa Pehuenia to Paso Mamuil Mamal (road from  Pucón to Argentina) GPT14 RP?, GPT15-RP???'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> See our full report on wikiexplora page for GPT 14 for Argentinian packrafting version of GPT15.<br /> <br /> * '''19Dec2024 - 20dec2024 / hiking / OH1 (after GPT14 SOBO) / 2 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Nice way to go out of section 14. Sleep at hospedaje Verónica on OH1a<br /> <br /> Road for few km, hitchhike a part but not much cars. Then trail (to go on, need to enter a private property. There is a gate that is not close few meter after the tracks on map). Go back directly on tracks neither it's rapidly BB. Trail throught a dense forest but very well maintained. <br /> <br /> Lake isolda : impossible to camp here cause very dense vegetation and marsh around the lake. Few km further there are 2 glades where it's possible to camp with river flowing around. After lake, path is a bit less maintened and overgrown but still really easy to follow. After few km of trail, you arrive on an old road where cars can't go anymore for sure, easy walking till termas de rio blanco. Some nice views on the valley and montains around but most of time forest hiking. Multiple gates easy to go throught. 2 nice saltos (indicated) before termas de rio blanco where would bu nice to swim if hot weather. <br /> <br /> Camp eco termas (15k for night + enjoy termas really hot and nice). <br /> <br /> Day 2 is mostly trail in forest. Some nice views when up and on the other side on the lake and the villarrica volcan. 2 waterfalls. Up the trail, lago toro (west side), lago verde and lago chico have nice place where you can eat/rest. Then lake tinquilco, many campings, cabañas, restaurant. Conaf there between 8.30-18.30 and theoretically need ticket to go to the national park. Also it's written that path to rio Blanco is closed so maybe it's wouldn't be possible to go in the other way. There were no one when I passed, end of afternoon so they didn't asked me where I came from. <br /> <br /> From there, easy to hitchhike to Pucón. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dec-08 to 2024-dec-10 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Camp: km14 improvised (read text)/ km30.6<br /> <br /> From the village Reigolil to Maite, there are not real possibilities to camp. I was lucky and disovered a improvised place about 3.3km after GPT15-03 Start on the left side of the road, in a little forest, just before the paserelle, at the woodworker. A small stream is there too. It was ok for one night, but not optimal. There is space just for a one person tent between the trees. As it was Saturday nobody was there.<br /> <br /> The gravel road and the trail to the Laguna km30.6 is easy to follow. As the Laguna is quite flat at the border (high water level), the water was lukewarm and nice to take a bath. <br /> <br /> The way down to Settlement km40.9 was sometimes overgrown, or blocked by fallen trees/brunches. From the moment the path gets on the wider &quot;road&quot; (about km39), I would suggest to continue on this &quot;road&quot; (which joins var A) and not to turn left, as this path is not maintained at all and will soon be impossible to walk.<br /> <br /> Curarrehue is a bigger town in the mountain, so there is all kinds of shops for resupply and accomodation.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 14 / 1 day/ hiking/ Sobo/ RR/ Allie'''<br /> <br /> I took the bus from reigolil (at the bridge by the river) to maio centro. From there i started the ascent to lago hualalafquen. Its very straightforward. From the lake to currarehue its easier to lose the trail and lthere are some large tree trunks to climb, but no real obstacles.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 5.-8. / 4 days of hiking SOBO / Option PN Huerquehue / Daina and Arno'''<br /> <br /> We did a combination of GPT 14 &amp; 15 and took the option through the NP Huerquehue. Day 1 was GPT 14. Note: we didn't have the files.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Almost no traffic at the minor road, but still boring for a hiker.<br /> <br /> At -39.069326, -71.536092 there is a locked gate with a good trail, which leads directly to the shore of Laguna Isolda. But we couldn't find a connection to the trail to the Thermas.<br /> <br /> The log entrys says the correct trail to Laguna Isolda is in good condition, so i assumed it will be easy to find the trail to Laguna Isolda, without knowing the exact position of it. I was totally wrong! I had marked a spot on the map where it could be, but there were two gates very near, both easy to open. We tried 3 different paths, but they all disappeared quickly. After more than one hour of searching, we hiked back to a trail which leads to Laguna Cochor to spend the night. Both sides of the road are fenced with barbed wire. Very difficult to find campspots.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> At -39.069326, -71.536092 there is a locked gate with a good trail, which leads directly to the shore of Laguna Isolda. But we couldn't find a connection to the trail to the Thermas. Here the path near the shoreline was very overgrown, until we couldn't find it anymore. We backtracked to the road and lost 3 hours. Frustrated we walked 15km to the Thermas on the road. No cars in our direction, no possibility to hitch. <br /> <br /> The trail to Camping Renahue at the right side was overall in ok condition. We didn't see the left trail. The lower part was very wet due to snowmelt. The steep part was muddy, but without obstacles. May be demanding on a rainy day. Later there were a lot of huge fallen trees on the path, we followed horse tracks. They lead around the blowdowns. 7:15pm we arrived at Camping Renahue. There and at the beginning of the trail we couldn't find signs about a trail closure. <br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> We choosed the trail down to the Laguna Carburgua to avoid the Conaf. The condition was good, can't complain about it. The roadwalk until the primary road was annoying, again no car in our direction.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 31st to Apr 5th / 4 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 1 / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We did sections 14 and 15 together. <br /> <br /> TL:DR: Opt 1 is a nice route with lots of forest walking and some termales options; the Renahue sector of PN Huerquehue is still closed, but that also means no one is there.<br /> <br /> Day 1 Mar 31st<br /> <br /> Our hitch dropped us off at the beginning Opt 1. It is a road walk, but the road is not much used, so it wasn't too bad. <br /> <br /> We camped at (-39.06732, -71.51559) just before the bridge. It was a functional campsite. It was right next to the road and the ground was covered in a thin layer of pumice, so not optimal for the tent. But it was flat, and didn't require climbing any fences. Going back a small path it had good river access. It was also clearly used as a campsite by other people. There was a fire ring and a grill hanging in a tree.<br /> <br /> Day 2 Apr 1st<br /> <br /> We continued on the road. We passed the entrance to Opt 1B, though we didn't have time to take it. It is a clearly marked trailhead. We continued on the road to the private property. We tried calling the phone number on the private property sign, but no one answered so we decided to just go ahead. The entrance was through a barbed wire gate, then follow the path along the fence line to the trail. The trail was in pretty good shape except for a few areas where water has rutted it out. We did not find any real access to Laguna Isolada; there was a ring of marsh grass about 3 or 4 meters wide around the whole lake. Where the track gets closest to the lake there was a fallen tree that we sat on for coffee and lunch. At two points there were fairly elaborate wooden barricades, one that we climbed under, the other we climbed around. It was unclear whether they were for animals or people. As has been noted before, the road begins earlier than it shows on the map. We did not see anyone the entire time. We both really enjoy walking in the forest, and the forest was very pretty throughout the day, so we were happy we chose to go this way instead of just hitching all the way to the termas.<br /> <br /> We arrived at the termas area. Eco termas seemed nicer than San Sebastian. The weather forecast was predicting heavy rain and wind up to 60kmph with gusts over 100 kmph the following day, so we wanted to stay in a cabaña instead of the tent and neither of the termales places could accommodate us. We found a cabaña at Cabañas Rio Blanco (-39.10593, -71.61558). It had a well equipped kitchen, wood stove with wood included, and hot water in the shower and sinks. The woman who runs it, Angélica, was incredibly nice and made excellent pan amasado. There is no cell service in the valley and power cuts are a daily thing, though there was power for several hours a day, so plenty of time to charge things.<br /> <br /> Day 3 and 4 April 2nd and 3rd<br /> <br /> We stayed at Cabañas Rio Blanco for two days to wait over the weather. <br /> <br /> Day 5 April 4th<br /> <br /> We left Rio Blanco and started up the trail to PN Huerquehue. The trail was in decent shape, better than we had expected. Along the way we saw a lot of different mushrooms, including some very impressive groups of Amanita muscaria that were so shiny red they almost looked fake. At the Letrero mark on OSM is the welcome sign. There was a laminated piece of paper stapled to it that was so badly faded from water as to be unreadable. If it weren't for Natalie's note from last year we would have had no idea what it said. The Renahue sector is still officially closed, as is the camping. The trail up was sometimes a little hard to keep track of. It was also pretty slippery for a lot of it. I would definitely not recommend doing it in the rain. The forest is pretty though and we really enjoyed the hike. We camped at Renahue. It was fine, though nothing special.<br /> <br /> Day 6 April 5th<br /> <br /> From Renahue we followed the trail toward the entrance. Until Laguna Huerquehue there were still a lot of blow downs to climb over. In some places it looked like recent maintenance had been done, in others not. Laguna Avutardas is a short detour, as is Laguna Huerquehue which is less a laguna and more of a wetland. Laguna Toro was pretty and we stopped there for lunch. There is a campsite marked there on OSM, however the ground was saturated, not sure if from the rain or from the lake, but not a good camp spot. Lago Verde and Lago Chico were also nice. The trail after Lago Chico was in pretty rough shape. It was clear and there was no brush, but it was very wet and extremely slippery. There was no one at the ticket office when we left, however that is not really the exit. There is still more than a km of trail until a road, and then another 2 km until the actual gate. It was about 7:30 and we were about 200 m from the main entrance when a CONAF guard drove up in a truck, on his way to his house I assume. It ended up being a somewhat uncomfortable conversation, he was upset that we had gone that way and he said a number of things that didn't make sense, but the essence was that it was prohibited to cross the park from Rio Blanco. After everything he was a bit more demure and said if we wanted to camp at the CONAF camping it was 20.000 and we could register and pay in the morning, then he left. We were considering camping but a truck was leaving the entrance right as we got there and we caught a lucky hitch all the way to Pucón.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-09 // 1 day // Hiking // NOBO // OPT3 + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> As the weather was not on my side this week, and that I've got only one sunny day, I did my best to have this nice day for the ascent of the sollipulli volcano. <br /> <br /> So I decided to shortcut this GPT15, by passing threw the vallee Panqui (OPT3). It was not a very attractive section, as the RR I guess, rated 1/5 in terms of attractivity. But it was nor terrible ! <br /> <br /> After the city of Currarehue, you just follow a long and boring gravel road all along the vallee Panqui. Most surprising moment was to meet the polish priest of the city of Currarehue (yes, you read well), that really wanted to speak and know more on my adventure. After long discussions he even pried for me to have a safe end of my trip, and admit some doubt to have a track at the end of the gravel road. Another wtf moment of this GPT. <br /> <br /> The priest was wrong, of course there were a track at the end of the valley ! And I was happy about that because I was quite bored about this gravel. Track is easy to follow, again more when you pass after cross-country motorcycle that made the way again more easy to follow ! <br /> <br /> Best little moment of this section was the view on the pass, af the valley and the sollipulli volcano far away. <br /> <br /> Then you go down and continue the section until reigolil on a gravel road. People down there were very friendly and quite surprised to see me, not sure there's a lot of hikers who are passing threw the area ! <br /> <br /> Reigolil is tiny tiny, not the best choice to resupply, but there's a minimarket in case of emergency. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-14 to 2024-Feb-16 / 2,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / czimahi'''<br /> <br /> from Curarrehue by road, no prob, first drinkable water just before Puesto 15 [37.4/1101]<br /> one spiny fence on the way like on S39°22.000` W71°29.557` but you can just follow the road and then there is another road up. <br /> I slept like 0,5km before Puesto 15 [33.1/1096] with water<br /> The rest to Reigolil no prob, road ripio, I slept just after bridge Quinenahuin in some abandoned terrain<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {15-03} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Km1.07 : camping possibilities at west of the road(without fence)beside the river, some trees for privacy and cover.<br /> <br /> Km4.0 : Dirt road junction, you can follow the dirt road to river side, looks like a large flat area there.<br /> <br /> Km4.85 : large and beautiful grassland with trees and beside the river, some camping trace here. A small stream is flowing across the road 50m more.<br /> <br /> Km7.8 : I crossed to the other side of valley with a bridge at here.<br /> <br /> Settlement[59.8+6.9/767] : also a small shop here, selling some food and drinks, not much selection but good stock. I saw some locals waiting bus at here too. Super friendly.<br /> <br /> Then i continued south to join {15-03}.<br /> <br /> {15-03} km1.45 : i saw a clear trailhead going south at here.<br /> <br /> Km1.6 : junction of road and trail.<br /> <br /> From here to km4.1, {15-03} is a very old, damaged and no more cars running dirt road. Mostly you are following it, walking on it or some horse trail and cow paths to the pass at km4.35. Steep but very easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km1.68 : a trail junction here, it is a very clear trail to north, i think it is connected with the trailhead at km1.45.<br /> <br /> Km2.25 : side trail to a stream (-39.19811, -71.47021), some people use wood and bamboo made a pipe here, easy to collect water, thank you!<br /> <br /> Km2.75 : beautiful camping spot with grassland.<br /> <br /> Km3.1 : small stream(-39.20079, -71.47549) flowing good, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Km3.9 : no more trace of road, become a horse trail. Some flat spots at valley(east) side with views but windy.<br /> <br /> The trail is maintained by some people, some sticks just cut off on the ground maybe some weeks before. Trail condition is good and going smooth.<br /> <br /> Km4.35 : some flat spots and an old, small bridge here. Stream under the bridge without flowing.<br /> <br /> Km5.8 : trail condition becomes an old dirt road, also a dirt road junction here.<br /> <br /> Km5.85 : beautiful grassland(-39.21900, -71.48849), with a huge tree can fit lot of tents here. Bridge and a good flow stream nearby(-39.21831, -71.48848).<br /> <br /> Km5.9 : bridge, stream flowing good with clear water under the bridge.<br /> <br /> Km7.55 : stream flowing low beside the road, cross a log to grassland camping spot. After here, no more camping possibilities i can find.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : a friendly locked gate, easy climb at left side.<br /> <br /> Km8.2 : bridge, stream flowing good with clear water under the bridge.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : bus stop at the turning, but i don't know about the bus schedule.<br /> <br /> I walked about 4-5km more, a local driver waved hands to me, then i arrived Curarrehue, MAGIC!<br /> <br /> Good town for resupply. Lot of accommodation, some supermarkets and restaurants in Curarrehue, also bus to Pucón and Santiago. I resupply at Supermercado Katty(-39.36219, -71.58473), because locals told me it is the best in Curarrehue, and i find 230g gas canisters at GYG Supermercado (2nd floor)(-39.36043, -71.58693), it just left 2.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-28-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 1 + 1a / Jens '''<br /> <br /> I crossed the Huerquehue National Park to the north. Bus from Pucon to the entrance at 8.30am. Be there early, it fills up quickly.<br /> <br /> The warden told me that it was illegal to cross the park because of the trek closure. I assured her that I would come back and ignored her. <br /> <br /> The crossing was easy and beautiful. The trail was mostly maintained with the occasional tree trunk to climb over. <br /> <br /> Camping and water available.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-27 / 4 days / Hiking / 15-O1 NOBO + Solipulli traverse + 14 SOBO / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Very nice expedition starting opposite side from Nat &amp; Tomas cause i skipped GPT11-13 for gear resupply in Pucón (Volcanica outdoors very good btw !).<br /> Started 15-O1 in Parc Huerquehue the 23 in the morning after negociating an entrance ticket with one of the guard off voices who was very comprehensive after i got here without ticket on the 22 at 18pm and parc was fully reserved for 2 more days.. Be more prepared ! Had a lucky price 10mil for Olga’s camping 10mil for 1 person arriving late. Very good value for money ! Crystal clear lake water sunset, hot clean showers, caring owners.. Beers, galletas y pan amasado caliente in the morning ! Had to get back to the CONAF gate in the morning for ticket so wished i had left the mochila in Olga’s 😓 Easy and nice walk up to the lagunas and although i have been warned Renahue sector was shut, i decided to continue as Conaf is not checking exit route. (The sector has been closed for missbehavior of the visitors so obviously don’t make fire or leave basura !!). Starting this sector the trail is volontary left sufficiently overgrown to discourage normal visitor but no GPT hiker 😄 and the way down to the Termas is nice enough. Stayed at ecotermas for 15mil after nice chat with Richard the guardian. Loved to immerge in the termas for hours with a beer and chating with Chileans.<br /> Next morning had in mind to hitchhike but no cars so found nice cascade before turning left to laguna Isolda. The owner put a gate « recinto privado » but you can pass asking for permission.. I bumped into him and his little daughter cleaning the trail to the laguna with machete : very nice guy and thanks to him the trail in this forest till the road is beautiful !<br /> Hitchhiking the road was no better so had to camp next to it on an unmarked camp here -39.06698, -71.51530, rainy night.<br /> The day after finally had a lucky hitch all the way to the entrance of the reserva to Solipulli so could actually make it to the summit on the same day by following the south est ascent. It is CC after the treeline and found a good path climbing to the lake located before the crater for high camp (my specialty it seems 😄 !). Aqui : -38.96789, -71.49060. Weather was getting full sun so no problem and was delightly rewarded by one of the most amazing sunset of my life setting just into a depression of the crater above the glaciar. Mesmerizing and got me smiling for hours despite the crazy windy cold !<br /> After an icy night i used the same path to the ridge scouted before and could join the RR and true summit for midtime before going down on the easy north route heading to CONAF. There was surprisingly no-one there on a sunday early afternoon. Got small supplies from the lodge owner (28mil one p. in the refugio so passed and camped near a lake before last ford : recommended). Met also Franklin family for a few welcome asada meat sandwich treat 🍖 So generous !!<br /> Next day was big MR hiking back 14 sobo so putted earpods and went fullgas to a camp after Reigolil marked on gaia gps (but actually shut so got it free after asking for permision to the abuelo : -39.13615, -71.48404). Very hot and boring no cars after the reserve exit. Happy to reach Curarrehue’s cafeteria for sweet delights after 07:10 bus !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-20 to 2023-Feb-21 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 PN Huerquehue / Natalie &amp; Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> Hitched from the end of GPT14 to the start of the trail to Laguna Isolda (option 01). The start is gated (easily passable) and says private property but we continued. Sign said to call bosquesnalcahue (45) 91 06 59. We anticipated a bushwack but the trail was in surprisingly good conditions and we managed to meet the women responsible for the upkeep later in the park, she guides horse tours through those trails and clears as much as she can.<br /> The trail however is &quot;so so&quot; and you cannot access the lake easily, if you need water there is running water here;-39.10352, -71.54720. The trail turns into a road sooner than it is shown on the map, it turns into a road here;-39.10477, -71.54474 (about 5 km in). The road to the hotsprings has lots of water sources but it is not very interesting and I personally wished I just hitched all the way to the hotsprings to spend more time there. However, there was an interesting deserted logging operation along the way (-39.12617, -71.55411), we learned from the horse guide that the company went bankrupt and just left everything there.<br /> <br /> Camping at the hotsprings; Eco Thermas Rio Blanco and San Sebastian, are 15mil/person. We chose to stay at Rio Blanco because of the pools and a better variety of camping spots. We camped above the booth where you pay and the man who we payed showed us a hidden super hot (adjustable with cold water hose) bath not too far from our camp spot. Tomáš was surprised there by a family at 10 PM so keep some makeshift swimsuits ready. Both campings sell some basic food items but not much. <br /> <br /> There is a sign saying the trail to Huerquehue is closed &quot;Indefinitely&quot; and so is camping Renahue. Quite alarming but since the website said the park was open we continued with the mindset we would have to turn back. The trail was pretty good from the termas to camping renahue and it is here where we met the horse guides that were doing the trail maintenance near Laguna Isolda. The horse guides came up through the trail from lake Caburgua and they said it was an easy trail. This could be a good option if you wanted to avoid any trouble with CONAF and the section closure. However we were still curious about Huerquehue so we continued option 01 thinking we would turn back if we saw another sign or anything saying the trail was closed, to our surprise there were no more signs. Between camping Renahue to lake Huerquehue, there is a lot of blow down but after lake Huerquehue, the trail is pristine. We started seeing people after Lago Toro, so obviously the park was open. With the combination of having a late morning at the hot springs and all the indecisiveness about closures we ended up walking through the park at a great time (530-7pm). There were very few people and we really got to enjoy how beautiful it was there. CONAF website said they close at 530pm but there are no gates and attendants so no problems leaving the park later.<br /> Unfortunately at the lake the camping El Rincon was closed and camping Olga was 18mil a night with a minimum of a two night stay so we managed to get a hitch to Pucón. If needed, you can illegally camp at the CONAF station as that is what others were doing or ask &quot;Alicia&quot; at the old El Rincon campsite if you can pay privately and take care of your washroom needs- supposedly they had to shut down due to washroom problems. <br /> <br /> '''&quot;Trail closure&quot; on option 01PN Huerquehue. When leaving the Eco termas Rio Blanco hot springs there is a sign saying the &quot;Huerquehue trail, camping renahue and the dome&quot; are closed &quot;indefinitely&quot;. The park itself is open but supposedly that section on the trail is closed. We continued bcs we were not sure which trail they were exactly talking about but we were prepared to turn around if we saw something blocked off. The trail was fine except for a lot of blow down up until the lake Huerquehue. If you want to avoid this closure there is a trail in good shape coming from lake Caburgua to camping renahue. We met a horse guide coming from there and said it is fine.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-05 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT15, 16 &amp; 17. It's easy to resupply in Curarrehue &amp; Liquine. 2 short days for GPT15 &amp; continued to GPT16 on 2nd day. Got the bus from Pucon to Reigolil via Currarehue. Didn't go to the lake but continued straight on the main road to Curarrehue. This option is quicker but there are not many places to camp. <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / 1.5 days / Hiking / NOBO'''<br /> <br /> We took the dirt road on the west side of river. There is a small coffee about 7km from Currarehue. Very nice with good atmosphere. No particular interest in this section. Hitch if you can, there are quite some people living along this road so it should be easy. There is a bus doing Currarehue/Reigolil every day. Currarehue is nice to resupply with restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation. There is also an ATM. Reigolil there is only one very small shop with not much.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-30 / SOBO / Main road / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> We started to walk on the road on the Western side of the river just to see what will happen. After 2 hours a bus to Curarrehue came ;-)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Shaun C '''<br /> <br /> Straightforward. Took a short 2 days. Rained incessantly, but still very pleasant, especially the misty Laguna Hualalafquen. Water readily available throughout. Only a few patches of snow (above 1200m).<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 4 days (GPT14 + GPT 15) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 14 and 15. It took us 3 days and nero.<br /> GPT14 - there are signs that someone tried to clear overgrown part of the trail on the begining and end but middle is still nicely overgrown. Though we didn't have problem to follow.<br /> Part of minor road on regular trail is under construction. They are putting a huge pipe under it. It was evening and workers were not there se we managed to sneak through but I don't think they will let you pass during working hours. It's just before descending to the river before National reserve Villarrica. <br /> In the Conaf campsite was food truck (it was weekend) with churasco, sopapillas, drinks... pure heaven. We paid 4000 per person at conaf.<br /> They are building a dorm at Lodge. It will be ready for next years hikers ;) <br /> Resuply in Reigolil - mini shop on trail seemed abandoned. We found best supplies in shop-4. There is one other shop directly after bridge. <br /> GPT15 - road and trail in good condition. On the climb to the lake bit before last settler there are some wild cherry trees on the left. We stuffed ourselves and left for others too. Enjoy. Multiple shops, accomodation options and restaurants in Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-19 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Easy walking, road in good condition. Would recommend hitching if you have limited time, but worth doing otherwise to connect sections 14 and 16. Really good resupply in Curarrehue (restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, pharmacy etc).<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Pucon has a few big supermarkets &amp; several shops with hiking gear. One of the supermarkets has a hardware section where you can buy camping gas. <br /> <br /> *Regioli at the northern start of the section has only one limited shop. <br /> <br /> *Curarrehue, at the southern end, is a decent-sized town with numerous restaurants and shops. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Quentin : Currarehue is kind of a big city, where you'll find easily places to resupply (there's at least 4 supermarkets and 10 minimarkets), foodplaces and accomodation (cabanas, hospedaje and hostel (at the end of the city)). Didn't checked in all supermarkets, but there's a good chance to find Gaz in this city I reckon, if not in supermarkets, probably in ferretería ?<br /> <br /> Reigolil is tiny tiny, not the best choice to resupply, but there's a minimarket in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Regioli has limited options. Curarrehue is much better connected.<br /> <br /> [[File:Reigolil.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Timetable January 2020]]<br /> <br /> Bus goes from Pucon to Curarrehue then Reigolil<br /> <br /> As of January 2024<br /> <br /> Bus from Reigolil to Curarrehue at 2pm. 1000 pesos. Two hour bus ride.<br /> <br /> November 2024:<br /> <br /> Direct bus from Pucón (Terminal Pullman) to Reigolil. 2600 CLP. 10:30 a.m. at a tuesday, but better to ask about the correct time at the terminal, because there is no written information.<br /> <br /> SOBO to Parque Huerquehue:<br /> Ask the Termas about chartered buses: Whatsapp;+56946809918, +56992318329.<br /> Otherwise make your way via Cunco or Temuco--&gt;Cunco.<br /> Temuco's Terminal de Buses Rurales (Balmaceda 1475) can be complicated since most buses have their own shop elsewhere. For Cunco go to office &quot;IGI LLAIMA/ Nar Bus&quot;; Balmaceda 997. The bus leaves every 30min. <br /> <br /> From Cunco check with locals about bus to Lago Caburga. Supposedly a bus leaves everyday at 4 or 5pm from Balmaceda corner La Concepción. It will pass by the nice supermarket;Supermercado Hesis on &quot;Colico Sur&quot; aka the S-75. Confirm schedule in the municipality of Cunco before traveling at +56 45 2200147.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking is easy up until Lago Collico, after that there are cars but not many stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT15 - Curarrehue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095280.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT15]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095440.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT15 and [[Volcán Lanín]]]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095350.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095403.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095515.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT15_(Curarrehue)&diff=123998 2025-08-25T06:50:46Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> GPT15 Option 1 (PN Huerquehue)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-Feb-10 to 2025-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan '''<br /> <br /> Combined GPT14 and 15 and took 6,5 hiking days in total including the Sollipulli Summit ascent.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Araucaria forests, Piñones, fast food, hospitable Mapuches, delicious blackberries<br /> “Challenges”: Fallen trees and spinous blackberry bushes<br /> <br /> Planned to spend our first night on GPT15 at Camp $ {15} [2.4+0.2/819]. Upon arrival we only found a deserted property with an empty house. Augusto, the neighbor at S 39°08.1453’ W 71°28.9760’ told us that the owner wasn’t at home but we could camp there anyways. Few minutes later his daughter Gloria offered us to sleep in a bed in a house on their property house for 20 luca. We happily accepted and got ice cold watermelon and some savory empanadas for second dinner - a stroke of luck after the restaurant in Reigolil was closed.<br /> <br /> In the morning Gloria made a delicious breakfast for us, consisting of huevos revueltos, pan, ají, manjar casero and mate. We gave her 20 luca for the bed and another 20 for the two meals.<br /> <br /> Augusto showed us a small cabaña he is currently building to host more hikers in the future. After using the power supply and internet for some planning and communication, we continued our hike in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> At around S 39°11.0510’ W 71°28.0804’ we met a guy called Roky who offered us accommodation. We declined but noted his phone number for hikers who pass there in the future: +56 9 7820 4656<br /> <br /> At S 39°13.0879’ W 71°26.1168’ we discovered a food truck just 200 m across the bridge from the RR. We ate one serving of delicious fried chicken, one of salchipapas and two soft drinks for a total of 11 luca. The owner told us he had opened this year.<br /> <br /> Camped at S 39°15.0309’ W 71°25.9345’. Not ideal as it’s very close to the street but at least next to the river.<br /> <br /> The next morning we ascended to Laguna Hualalafquén and spent one and a half days there, enjoying this beautiful place. Along the way we found a brand new mini shop (although closed when we passed it at round 8 in the morning) at S 39°17.8526’ W 71°26.0645’. Also picked a lot of delicious blackberries on our ascent.<br /> <br /> On our second day at the laguna, we met fellow GPT hiker Peggy who pitched her tent close to ours and we had a nice chat with her.<br /> <br /> Started early in the morning the next day to walk to Curarrehue. Filled out water bladders at the laguna which would not have been necessary as there is plenty of water on the way down.<br /> <br /> Plenty of fallen trees that had to be climbed over or crawled under slowed us down on the way down. Got caught in blackberry bushes with nasty spines. Also found another locked gate which was super easy to climb around though.<br /> <br /> From Curarrehue we originally wanted to take the next bus to Pucón (they go every 30 min), but then decided to stay a night and then even one more as this little town/village is very beautiful. Strongly recommended for hikers who want to take some time to explore a community where Mapuche culture is lived and celebrated.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-11 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / Road+OH 15A+RR / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> I followed the advice of the owner of the hostel and took the road which is parallel to the RR. Nice, comfortable road with a lot of houses. He said that here there are fewer cars. There were &quot;zona de carpas&quot; at points -39.23382, -71.43492. In the settlement Maite Aquas Blancas (15-A) [4.2+0.5/526] I crossed the bridge and joined at km 4 var A. There was water at -39.34382, -71.49513. Quiet road in the forest without views. Then I took the RR from km 40.9 of the RR. Night at Curarrehue en Cabana together with Peggy ( she went from stage 16). We paid 50.000 clp. To rooms and salón and kitchen (-39.36245, -71.58551). The village has everything. A lot of supermercados, ferreteria (gaz) -39.36469, -71.58380. Also, you can repair your clothes in two places. One -39.36170, -71.58498. Another at -39.36358, -71.58413. Also, there is a man who can repair shoes, his phone +56961763003.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-01-15 to 2025-01-16 / 1.5 days / NOBO / RR + Option 1 (PN Huerquehue) / Tobias '''<br /> <br /> Arrived at PN Hierquehue with the first Bus from Pucon in the Morning. Could not enter, because the Tickets for the Park were sold out and they didn’t let me cross the park anyway. No one with a big backpack was allowed to enter. Ranger said, that the path to the other side is closed since 9 years. Thought about finding my way around the checkpoint, but there is another checkpoint in the Park and I don’t won’t to complain, so I turned back and hitchhiked to Currarehue. There is a second unofficial entrance to cross Huerquehue down from the lake (-39.11001, -71.74589). I have done that trail 5 years ago and it worked. But to get there you need to do another 20km road walk by the lake. <br /> <br /> From Curarruehue I walked on the boring road. Good thing about walking boring section is that I always meet a lot of people. I was 3 times invited for coffee or mate, ate many cherrys and learned a lot about the Mapuche communities up there. I did not hitchhike, but 2 cars stopped beside me and took me for a while. So all in all, I liked the section.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-04 / 1 jours / Randonnée + bus / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Bus a 7h45 Reigolil &gt; Maite Centre (km 24,1). Du km 39 au km 41, le sentier n'est plus utilisé par les locaux et la végétation pousse vite. Dans la vallée tout est cloturé, j'ai ouvert le portail au km 41,5 pour prendre de l'eau. La gravel road jusqu'a Curarrehue est arborée et se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-31 to 2025-JAN-02/ 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A gravel section, mostly flat, that felt more like a connecting stretch leading to Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> In Reigolil, we resupplied in the evening and walked a few kilometers past the village, where we camped by the river. We spent a peaceful evening by the fire with bottles of wine, marking the last night of 2024. The next morning, we took our time and then started tackling relatively monotonous gravel sections.<br /> <br /> At the Maite Centro crossroads X {15} [24.1/544], we deviated from the RR route and chose variant {15-A}. Shortly after, we came across a brand-new and well-stocked shop that wasn’t listed in the track files (coordinates: -39.29747, -71.43439).<br /> <br /> At the crossroads X {15} [41.5/719], we rejoined the RR route and followed the well-trodden MR path all the way to Curarrehue. This is a great place to resupply, and we even managed to find a gas cartridge at the hardware store located at the end of town (-39.3547505, -71.5930750).<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''December 17–26 2024 / 10 days/  Packrafting / SOBO / New option combining Huella Andina and nearby lakes from Icalma/Villa Pehuenia to Paso Mamuil Mamal (road from  Pucón to Argentina) GPT14 RP?, GPT15-RP???'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> See our full report on wikiexplora page for GPT 14 for Argentinian packrafting version of GPT15.<br /> <br /> * '''19Dec2024 - 20dec2024 / hiking / OH1 (after GPT14 SOBO) / 2 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Nice way to go out of section 14. Sleep at hospedaje Verónica on OH1a<br /> <br /> Road for few km, hitchhike a part but not much cars. Then trail (to go on, need to enter a private property. There is a gate that is not close few meter after the tracks on map). Go back directly on tracks neither it's rapidly BB. Trail throught a dense forest but very well maintained. <br /> <br /> Lake isolda : impossible to camp here cause very dense vegetation and marsh around the lake. Few km further there are 2 glades where it's possible to camp with river flowing around. After lake, path is a bit less maintened and overgrown but still really easy to follow. After few km of trail, you arrive on an old road where cars can't go anymore for sure, easy walking till termas de rio blanco. Some nice views on the valley and montains around but most of time forest hiking. Multiple gates easy to go throught. 2 nice saltos (indicated) before termas de rio blanco where would bu nice to swim if hot weather. <br /> <br /> Camp eco termas (15k for night + enjoy termas really hot and nice). <br /> <br /> Day 2 is mostly trail in forest. Some nice views when up and on the other side on the lake and the villarrica volcan. 2 waterfalls. Up the trail, lago toro (west side), lago verde and lago chico have nice place where you can eat/rest. Then lake tinquilco, many campings, cabañas, restaurant. Conaf there between 8.30-18.30 and theoretically need ticket to go to the national park. Also it's written that path to rio Blanco is closed so maybe it's wouldn't be possible to go in the other way. There were no one when I passed, end of afternoon so they didn't asked me where I came from. <br /> <br /> From there, easy to hitchhike to Pucón. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dec-08 to 2024-dec-10 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Camp: km14 improvised (read text)/ km30.6<br /> <br /> From the village Reigolil to Maite, there are not real possibilities to camp. I was lucky and disovered a improvised place about 3.3km after GPT15-03 Start on the left side of the road, in a little forest, just before the paserelle, at the woodworker. A small stream is there too. It was ok for one night, but not optimal. There is space just for a one person tent between the trees. As it was Saturday nobody was there.<br /> <br /> The gravel road and the trail to the Laguna km30.6 is easy to follow. As the Laguna is quite flat at the border (high water level), the water was lukewarm and nice to take a bath. <br /> <br /> The way down to Settlement km40.9 was sometimes overgrown, or blocked by fallen trees/brunches. From the moment the path gets on the wider &quot;road&quot; (about km39), I would suggest to continue on this &quot;road&quot; (which joins var A) and not to turn left, as this path is not maintained at all and will soon be impossible to walk.<br /> <br /> Curarrehue is a bigger town in the mountain, so there is all kinds of shops for resupply and accomodation.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 14 / 1 day/ hiking/ Sobo/ RR/ Allie'''<br /> <br /> I took the bus from reigolil (at the bridge by the river) to maio centro. From there i started the ascent to lago hualalafquen. Its very straightforward. From the lake to currarehue its easier to lose the trail and lthere are some large tree trunks to climb, but no real obstacles.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 5.-8. / 4 days of hiking SOBO / Option PN Huerquehue / Daina and Arno'''<br /> <br /> We did a combination of GPT 14 &amp; 15 and took the option through the NP Huerquehue. Day 1 was GPT 14. Note: we didn't have the files.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Almost no traffic at the minor road, but still boring for a hiker.<br /> <br /> At -39.069326, -71.536092 there is a locked gate with a good trail, which leads directly to the shore of Laguna Isolda. But we couldn't find a connection to the trail to the Thermas.<br /> <br /> The log entrys says the correct trail to Laguna Isolda is in good condition, so i assumed it will be easy to find the trail to Laguna Isolda, without knowing the exact position of it. I was totally wrong! I had marked a spot on the map where it could be, but there were two gates very near, both easy to open. We tried 3 different paths, but they all disappeared quickly. After more than one hour of searching, we hiked back to a trail which leads to Laguna Cochor to spend the night. Both sides of the road are fenced with barbed wire. Very difficult to find campspots.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> At -39.069326, -71.536092 there is a locked gate with a good trail, which leads directly to the shore of Laguna Isolda. But we couldn't find a connection to the trail to the Thermas. Here the path near the shoreline was very overgrown, until we couldn't find it anymore. We backtracked to the road and lost 3 hours. Frustrated we walked 15km to the Thermas on the road. No cars in our direction, no possibility to hitch. <br /> <br /> The trail to Camping Renahue at the right side was overall in ok condition. We didn't see the left trail. The lower part was very wet due to snowmelt. The steep part was muddy, but without obstacles. May be demanding on a rainy day. Later there were a lot of huge fallen trees on the path, we followed horse tracks. They lead around the blowdowns. 7:15pm we arrived at Camping Renahue. There and at the beginning of the trail we couldn't find signs about a trail closure. <br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> We choosed the trail down to the Laguna Carburgua to avoid the Conaf. The condition was good, can't complain about it. The roadwalk until the primary road was annoying, again no car in our direction.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 31st to Apr 5th / 4 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 1 / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We did sections 14 and 15 together. <br /> <br /> TL:DR: Opt 1 is a nice route with lots of forest walking and some termales options; the Renahue sector of PN Huerquehue is still closed, but that also means no one is there.<br /> <br /> Day 1 Mar 31st<br /> <br /> Our hitch dropped us off at the beginning Opt 1. It is a road walk, but the road is not much used, so it wasn't too bad. <br /> <br /> We camped at (-39.06732, -71.51559) just before the bridge. It was a functional campsite. It was right next to the road and the ground was covered in a thin layer of pumice, so not optimal for the tent. But it was flat, and didn't require climbing any fences. Going back a small path it had good river access. It was also clearly used as a campsite by other people. There was a fire ring and a grill hanging in a tree.<br /> <br /> Day 2 Apr 1st<br /> <br /> We continued on the road. We passed the entrance to Opt 1B, though we didn't have time to take it. It is a clearly marked trailhead. We continued on the road to the private property. We tried calling the phone number on the private property sign, but no one answered so we decided to just go ahead. The entrance was through a barbed wire gate, then follow the path along the fence line to the trail. The trail was in pretty good shape except for a few areas where water has rutted it out. We did not find any real access to Laguna Isolada; there was a ring of marsh grass about 3 or 4 meters wide around the whole lake. Where the track gets closest to the lake there was a fallen tree that we sat on for coffee and lunch. At two points there were fairly elaborate wooden barricades, one that we climbed under, the other we climbed around. It was unclear whether they were for animals or people. As has been noted before, the road begins earlier than it shows on the map. We did not see anyone the entire time. We both really enjoy walking in the forest, and the forest was very pretty throughout the day, so we were happy we chose to go this way instead of just hitching all the way to the termas.<br /> <br /> We arrived at the termas area. Eco termas seemed nicer than San Sebastian. The weather forecast was predicting heavy rain and wind up to 60kmph with gusts over 100 kmph the following day, so we wanted to stay in a cabaña instead of the tent and neither of the termales places could accommodate us. We found a cabaña at Cabañas Rio Blanco (-39.10593, -71.61558). It had a well equipped kitchen, wood stove with wood included, and hot water in the shower and sinks. The woman who runs it, Angélica, was incredibly nice and made excellent pan amasado. There is no cell service in the valley and power cuts are a daily thing, though there was power for several hours a day, so plenty of time to charge things.<br /> <br /> Day 3 and 4 April 2nd and 3rd<br /> <br /> We stayed at Cabañas Rio Blanco for two days to wait over the weather. <br /> <br /> Day 5 April 4th<br /> <br /> We left Rio Blanco and started up the trail to PN Huerquehue. The trail was in decent shape, better than we had expected. Along the way we saw a lot of different mushrooms, including some very impressive groups of Amanita muscaria that were so shiny red they almost looked fake. At the Letrero mark on OSM is the welcome sign. There was a laminated piece of paper stapled to it that was so badly faded from water as to be unreadable. If it weren't for Natalie's note from last year we would have had no idea what it said. The Renahue sector is still officially closed, as is the camping. The trail up was sometimes a little hard to keep track of. It was also pretty slippery for a lot of it. I would definitely not recommend doing it in the rain. The forest is pretty though and we really enjoyed the hike. We camped at Renahue. It was fine, though nothing special.<br /> <br /> Day 6 April 5th<br /> <br /> From Renahue we followed the trail toward the entrance. Until Laguna Huerquehue there were still a lot of blow downs to climb over. In some places it looked like recent maintenance had been done, in others not. Laguna Avutardas is a short detour, as is Laguna Huerquehue which is less a laguna and more of a wetland. Laguna Toro was pretty and we stopped there for lunch. There is a campsite marked there on OSM, however the ground was saturated, not sure if from the rain or from the lake, but not a good camp spot. Lago Verde and Lago Chico were also nice. The trail after Lago Chico was in pretty rough shape. It was clear and there was no brush, but it was very wet and extremely slippery. There was no one at the ticket office when we left, however that is not really the exit. There is still more than a km of trail until a road, and then another 2 km until the actual gate. It was about 7:30 and we were about 200 m from the main entrance when a CONAF guard drove up in a truck, on his way to his house I assume. It ended up being a somewhat uncomfortable conversation, he was upset that we had gone that way and he said a number of things that didn't make sense, but the essence was that it was prohibited to cross the park from Rio Blanco. After everything he was a bit more demure and said if we wanted to camp at the CONAF camping it was 20.000 and we could register and pay in the morning, then he left. We were considering camping but a truck was leaving the entrance right as we got there and we caught a lucky hitch all the way to Pucón.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-09 // 1 day // Hiking // NOBO // OPT3 + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> As the weather was not on my side this week, and that I've got only one sunny day, I did my best to have this nice day for the ascent of the sollipulli volcano. <br /> <br /> So I decided to shortcut this GPT15, by passing threw the vallee Panqui (OPT3). It was not a very attractive section, as the RR I guess, rated 1/5 in terms of attractivity. But it was nor terrible ! <br /> <br /> After the city of Currarehue, you just follow a long and boring gravel road all along the vallee Panqui. Most surprising moment was to meet the polish priest of the city of Currarehue (yes, you read well), that really wanted to speak and know more on my adventure. After long discussions he even pried for me to have a safe end of my trip, and admit some doubt to have a track at the end of the gravel road. Another wtf moment of this GPT. <br /> <br /> The priest was wrong, of course there were a track at the end of the valley ! And I was happy about that because I was quite bored about this gravel. Track is easy to follow, again more when you pass after cross-country motorcycle that made the way again more easy to follow ! <br /> <br /> Best little moment of this section was the view on the pass, af the valley and the sollipulli volcano far away. <br /> <br /> Then you go down and continue the section until reigolil on a gravel road. People down there were very friendly and quite surprised to see me, not sure there's a lot of hikers who are passing threw the area ! <br /> <br /> Reigolil is tiny tiny, not the best choice to resupply, but there's a minimarket in case of emergency. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-14 to 2024-Feb-16 / 2,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / czimahi'''<br /> <br /> from Curarrehue by road, no prob, first drinkable water just before Puesto 15 [37.4/1101]<br /> one spiny fence on the way like on S39°22.000` W71°29.557` but you can just follow the road and then there is another road up. <br /> I slept like 0,5km before Puesto 15 [33.1/1096] with water<br /> The rest to Reigolil no prob, road ripio, I slept just after bridge Quinenahuin in some abandoned terrain<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {15-03} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Km1.07 : camping possibilities at west of the road(without fence)beside the river, some trees for privacy and cover.<br /> <br /> Km4.0 : Dirt road junction, you can follow the dirt road to river side, looks like a large flat area there.<br /> <br /> Km4.85 : large and beautiful grassland with trees and beside the river, some camping trace here. A small stream is flowing across the road 50m more.<br /> <br /> Km7.8 : I crossed to the other side of valley with a bridge at here.<br /> <br /> Settlement[59.8+6.9/767] : also a small shop here, selling some food and drinks, not much selection but good stock. I saw some locals waiting bus at here too. Super friendly.<br /> <br /> Then i continued south to join {15-03}.<br /> <br /> {15-03} km1.45 : i saw a clear trailhead going south at here.<br /> <br /> Km1.6 : junction of road and trail.<br /> <br /> From here to km4.1, {15-03} is a very old, damaged and no more cars running dirt road. Mostly you are following it, walking on it or some horse trail and cow paths to the pass at km4.35. Steep but very easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km1.68 : a trail junction here, it is a very clear trail to north, i think it is connected with the trailhead at km1.45.<br /> <br /> Km2.25 : side trail to a stream (-39.19811, -71.47021), some people use wood and bamboo made a pipe here, easy to collect water, thank you!<br /> <br /> Km2.75 : beautiful camping spot with grassland.<br /> <br /> Km3.1 : small stream(-39.20079, -71.47549) flowing good, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Km3.9 : no more trace of road, become a horse trail. Some flat spots at valley(east) side with views but windy.<br /> <br /> The trail is maintained by some people, some sticks just cut off on the ground maybe some weeks before. Trail condition is good and going smooth.<br /> <br /> Km4.35 : some flat spots and an old, small bridge here. Stream under the bridge without flowing.<br /> <br /> Km5.8 : trail condition becomes an old dirt road, also a dirt road junction here.<br /> <br /> Km5.85 : beautiful grassland(-39.21900, -71.48849), with a huge tree can fit lot of tents here. Bridge and a good flow stream nearby(-39.21831, -71.48848).<br /> <br /> Km5.9 : bridge, stream flowing good with clear water under the bridge.<br /> <br /> Km7.55 : stream flowing low beside the road, cross a log to grassland camping spot. After here, no more camping possibilities i can find.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : a friendly locked gate, easy climb at left side.<br /> <br /> Km8.2 : bridge, stream flowing good with clear water under the bridge.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : bus stop at the turning, but i don't know about the bus schedule.<br /> <br /> I walked about 4-5km more, a local driver waved hands to me, then i arrived Curarrehue, MAGIC!<br /> <br /> Good town for resupply. Lot of accommodation, some supermarkets and restaurants in Curarrehue, also bus to Pucón and Santiago. I resupply at Supermercado Katty(-39.36219, -71.58473), because locals told me it is the best in Curarrehue, and i find 230g gas canisters at GYG Supermercado (2nd floor)(-39.36043, -71.58693), it just left 2.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-28-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 1 + 1a / Jens '''<br /> <br /> I crossed the Huerquehue National Park to the north. Bus from Pucon to the entrance at 8.30am. Be there early, it fills up quickly.<br /> <br /> The warden told me that it was illegal to cross the park because of the trek closure. I assured her that I would come back and ignored her. <br /> <br /> The crossing was easy and beautiful. The trail was mostly maintained with the occasional tree trunk to climb over. <br /> <br /> Camping and water available.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-27 / 4 days / Hiking / 15-O1 NOBO + Solipulli traverse + 14 SOBO / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Very nice expedition starting opposite side from Nat &amp; Tomas cause i skipped GPT11-13 for gear resupply in Pucón (Volcanica outdoors very good btw !).<br /> Started 15-O1 in Parc Huerquehue the 23 in the morning after negociating an entrance ticket with one of the guard off voices who was very comprehensive after i got here without ticket on the 22 at 18pm and parc was fully reserved for 2 more days.. Be more prepared ! Had a lucky price 10mil for Olga’s camping 10mil for 1 person arriving late. Very good value for money ! Crystal clear lake water sunset, hot clean showers, caring owners.. Beers, galletas y pan amasado caliente in the morning ! Had to get back to the CONAF gate in the morning for ticket so wished i had left the mochila in Olga’s 😓 Easy and nice walk up to the lagunas and although i have been warned Renahue sector was shut, i decided to continue as Conaf is not checking exit route. (The sector has been closed for missbehavior of the visitors so obviously don’t make fire or leave basura !!). Starting this sector the trail is volontary left sufficiently overgrown to discourage normal visitor but no GPT hiker 😄 and the way down to the Termas is nice enough. Stayed at ecotermas for 15mil after nice chat with Richard the guardian. Loved to immerge in the termas for hours with a beer and chating with Chileans.<br /> Next morning had in mind to hitchhike but no cars so found nice cascade before turning left to laguna Isolda. The owner put a gate « recinto privado » but you can pass asking for permission.. I bumped into him and his little daughter cleaning the trail to the laguna with machete : very nice guy and thanks to him the trail in this forest till the road is beautiful !<br /> Hitchhiking the road was no better so had to camp next to it on an unmarked camp here -39.06698, -71.51530, rainy night.<br /> The day after finally had a lucky hitch all the way to the entrance of the reserva to Solipulli so could actually make it to the summit on the same day by following the south est ascent. It is CC after the treeline and found a good path climbing to the lake located before the crater for high camp (my specialty it seems 😄 !). Aqui : -38.96789, -71.49060. Weather was getting full sun so no problem and was delightly rewarded by one of the most amazing sunset of my life setting just into a depression of the crater above the glaciar. Mesmerizing and got me smiling for hours despite the crazy windy cold !<br /> After an icy night i used the same path to the ridge scouted before and could join the RR and true summit for midtime before going down on the easy north route heading to CONAF. There was surprisingly no-one there on a sunday early afternoon. Got small supplies from the lodge owner (28mil one p. in the refugio so passed and camped near a lake before last ford : recommended). Met also Franklin family for a few welcome asada meat sandwich treat 🍖 So generous !!<br /> Next day was big MR hiking back 14 sobo so putted earpods and went fullgas to a camp after Reigolil marked on gaia gps (but actually shut so got it free after asking for permision to the abuelo : -39.13615, -71.48404). Very hot and boring no cars after the reserve exit. Happy to reach Curarrehue’s cafeteria for sweet delights after 07:10 bus !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-20 to 2023-Feb-21 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 PN Huerquehue / Natalie &amp; Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> Hitched from the end of GPT14 to the start of the trail to Laguna Isolda (option 01). The start is gated (easily passable) and says private property but we continued. Sign said to call bosquesnalcahue (45) 91 06 59. We anticipated a bushwack but the trail was in surprisingly good conditions and we managed to meet the women responsible for the upkeep later in the park, she guides horse tours through those trails and clears as much as she can.<br /> The trail however is &quot;so so&quot; and you cannot access the lake easily, if you need water there is running water here;-39.10352, -71.54720. The trail turns into a road sooner than it is shown on the map, it turns into a road here;-39.10477, -71.54474 (about 5 km in). The road to the hotsprings has lots of water sources but it is not very interesting and I personally wished I just hitched all the way to the hotsprings to spend more time there. However, there was an interesting deserted logging operation along the way (-39.12617, -71.55411), we learned from the horse guide that the company went bankrupt and just left everything there.<br /> <br /> Camping at the hotsprings; Eco Thermas Rio Blanco and San Sebastian, are 15mil/person. We chose to stay at Rio Blanco because of the pools and a better variety of camping spots. We camped above the booth where you pay and the man who we payed showed us a hidden super hot (adjustable with cold water hose) bath not too far from our camp spot. Tomáš was surprised there by a family at 10 PM so keep some makeshift swimsuits ready. Both campings sell some basic food items but not much. <br /> <br /> There is a sign saying the trail to Huerquehue is closed &quot;Indefinitely&quot; and so is camping Renahue. Quite alarming but since the website said the park was open we continued with the mindset we would have to turn back. The trail was pretty good from the termas to camping renahue and it is here where we met the horse guides that were doing the trail maintenance near Laguna Isolda. The horse guides came up through the trail from lake Caburgua and they said it was an easy trail. This could be a good option if you wanted to avoid any trouble with CONAF and the section closure. However we were still curious about Huerquehue so we continued option 01 thinking we would turn back if we saw another sign or anything saying the trail was closed, to our surprise there were no more signs. Between camping Renahue to lake Huerquehue, there is a lot of blow down but after lake Huerquehue, the trail is pristine. We started seeing people after Lago Toro, so obviously the park was open. With the combination of having a late morning at the hot springs and all the indecisiveness about closures we ended up walking through the park at a great time (530-7pm). There were very few people and we really got to enjoy how beautiful it was there. CONAF website said they close at 530pm but there are no gates and attendants so no problems leaving the park later.<br /> Unfortunately at the lake the camping El Rincon was closed and camping Olga was 18mil a night with a minimum of a two night stay so we managed to get a hitch to Pucón. If needed, you can illegally camp at the CONAF station as that is what others were doing or ask &quot;Alicia&quot; at the old El Rincon campsite if you can pay privately and take care of your washroom needs- supposedly they had to shut down due to washroom problems. <br /> <br /> '''&quot;Trail closure&quot; on option 01PN Huerquehue. When leaving the Eco termas Rio Blanco hot springs there is a sign saying the &quot;Huerquehue trail, camping renahue and the dome&quot; are closed &quot;indefinitely&quot;. The park itself is open but supposedly that section on the trail is closed. We continued bcs we were not sure which trail they were exactly talking about but we were prepared to turn around if we saw something blocked off. The trail was fine except for a lot of blow down up until the lake Huerquehue. If you want to avoid this closure there is a trail in good shape coming from lake Caburgua to camping renahue. We met a horse guide coming from there and said it is fine.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-05 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT15, 16 &amp; 17. It's easy to resupply in Curarrehue &amp; Liquine. 2 short days for GPT15 &amp; continued to GPT16 on 2nd day. Got the bus from Pucon to Reigolil via Currarehue. Didn't go to the lake but continued straight on the main road to Curarrehue. This option is quicker but there are not many places to camp. <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / 1.5 days / Hiking / NOBO'''<br /> <br /> We took the dirt road on the west side of river. There is a small coffee about 7km from Currarehue. Very nice with good atmosphere. No particular interest in this section. Hitch if you can, there are quite some people living along this road so it should be easy. There is a bus doing Currarehue/Reigolil every day. Currarehue is nice to resupply with restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation. There is also an ATM. Reigolil there is only one very small shop with not much.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-30 / SOBO / Main road / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> We started to walk on the road on the Western side of the river just to see what will happen. After 2 hours a bus to Curarrehue came ;-)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Shaun C '''<br /> <br /> Straightforward. Took a short 2 days. Rained incessantly, but still very pleasant, especially the misty Laguna Hualalafquen. Water readily available throughout. Only a few patches of snow (above 1200m).<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 4 days (GPT14 + GPT 15) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 14 and 15. It took us 3 days and nero.<br /> GPT14 - there are signs that someone tried to clear overgrown part of the trail on the begining and end but middle is still nicely overgrown. Though we didn't have problem to follow.<br /> Part of minor road on regular trail is under construction. They are putting a huge pipe under it. It was evening and workers were not there se we managed to sneak through but I don't think they will let you pass during working hours. It's just before descending to the river before National reserve Villarrica. <br /> In the Conaf campsite was food truck (it was weekend) with churasco, sopapillas, drinks... pure heaven. We paid 4000 per person at conaf.<br /> They are building a dorm at Lodge. It will be ready for next years hikers ;) <br /> Resuply in Reigolil - mini shop on trail seemed abandoned. We found best supplies in shop-4. There is one other shop directly after bridge. <br /> GPT15 - road and trail in good condition. On the climb to the lake bit before last settler there are some wild cherry trees on the left. We stuffed ourselves and left for others too. Enjoy. Multiple shops, accomodation options and restaurants in Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-19 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Easy walking, road in good condition. Would recommend hitching if you have limited time, but worth doing otherwise to connect sections 14 and 16. Really good resupply in Curarrehue (restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, pharmacy etc).<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Pucon has a few big supermarkets &amp; several shops with hiking gear. One of the supermarkets has a hardware section where you can buy camping gas. <br /> <br /> *Regioli at the northern start of the section has only one limited shop. <br /> <br /> *Curarrehue, at the southern end, is a decent-sized town with numerous restaurants and shops. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Quentin : Currarehue is kind of a big city, where you'll find easily places to resupply (there's at least 4 supermarkets and 10 minimarkets), foodplaces and accomodation (cabanas, hospedaje and hostel (at the end of the city)). Didn't checked in all supermarkets, but there's a good chance to find Gaz in this city I reckon, if not in supermarkets, probably in ferretería ?<br /> <br /> Reigolil is tiny tiny, not the best choice to resupply, but there's a minimarket in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Regioli has limited options. Curarrehue is much better connected.<br /> <br /> [[File:Reigolil.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Timetable January 2020]]<br /> <br /> Bus goes from Pucon to Curarrehue then Reigolil<br /> <br /> As of January 2024<br /> <br /> Bus from Reigolil to Curarrehue at 2pm. 1000 pesos. Two hour bus ride.<br /> <br /> November 2024:<br /> <br /> Direct bus from Pucón (Terminal Pullman) to Reigolil. 2600 CLP. 10:30 a.m. at a tuesday, but better to ask about the correct time at the terminal, because there is no written information.<br /> <br /> SOBO to Parque Huerquehue:<br /> Ask the Termas about chartered buses: Whatsapp;+56946809918, +56992318329.<br /> Otherwise make your way via Cunco or Temuco--&gt;Cunco.<br /> Temuco's Terminal de Buses Rurales (Balmaceda 1475) can be complicated since most buses have their own shop elsewhere. For Cunco go to office &quot;IGI LLAIMA/ Nar Bus&quot;; Balmaceda 997. The bus leaves every 30min. <br /> <br /> From Cunco check with locals about bus to Lago Caburga. Supposedly a bus leaves everyday at 4 or 5pm from Balmaceda corner La Concepción. It will pass by the nice supermarket;Supermercado Hesis on &quot;Colico Sur&quot; aka the S-75. Confirm schedule in the municipality of Cunco before traveling at +56 45 2200147.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking is easy up until Lago Collico, after that there are cars but not many stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT15 - Curarrehue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095280.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT15]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095440.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT15 and [[Volcán Lanín]]]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095350.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095403.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095515.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT14_(Volcan_Sollipulli)&diff=123997 2025-08-25T06:48:25Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-25: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Option 1 (Cumbre Sollipulli): The ascent to the summit of Volcano Sollipulli is the highlight of this section. With good weather this opportunity should not be skipped. The most established route to the summit is the northern ascent that starts at the Conaf park ranger station. <br /> <br /> To avoid returning on the same route and to minimize road walking, the track files suggest a descent from the summit on the eastern slope of the vulcano. This route has been recorded several times but is somewhat more demanding then the northern ascent.<br /> <br /> Natalie, Tomas and Celio have investigated a much more demanding route along the eastern rim of Volcano Sollipulli that connects to the southern descent. This route includes some scrambling and should only be attempted in good stable weather by experienced hikers that feel comfortable in steep exposed terrain with small bits of climbing.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-Feb-05 to 2025-Feb-10 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, 14-01 (Sollipulli Summit), 14-C / Farah &amp; Jan '''<br /> <br /> Combined GPT14 and 15 and took 6,5 hiking days in total including the Sollipulli Summit ascent.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Araucaria forests, Piñones<br /> Challenges: Overgrown trails<br /> <br /> Started in the afternoon at Laguna Chica de Icalma and camped at a small laguna some hundred meters off the RR at (S 38°52.007' W 71°22.804'). The section indicated in the manual as potentially overgrown, was indeed overgrown. Had to fight our way through vegetation and regretted that we didn’t bring a machete. <br /> <br /> The creek at camp [22.4/1158] had dried out, so we took the 14-C detour to the lake {14-C} [0.9/1535] to fill our water bladders.<br /> <br /> Found an araucaria tree with a low hanging ripe piña that we harvested and later peeled and cooked - sabroso!<br /> <br /> Locked gate at S 38°53.3561’ W 71°27.0191’, that we had to climb over.<br /> <br /> Camped at S 38°53,4797’ W 71°27.8106’ next to the river.<br /> <br /> The next day we climbed another locked gate at S 38°53.6540’ W 71°29.4936’. Hiked only half a day, took the afternoon off and camped at S 38°54.5929’ W 71°29.9113’, at a small camp ground for 10 luca per night for two ppl and one tent.<br /> <br /> Ascended to the Nevados de Sollipulli summit the next morning on the CONAF path (14-1), which was easy to walk. A properly maintained hiking path in the beginning and volcanic gravel further up. Then enjoyed another relaxed afternoon at the camp ground.<br /> <br /> Next day we continued to the camp at [46.9/1091]. Easy road walking on a private road, between a forest and a beautiful river bed with little traffic (only a few 4WDs).<br /> <br /> The next day we bought some food at the Mini Shop at [57.8/856], which had a way better selection than the shops in Reigolil center. Would’ve fully resupplied there, if we had known that already. Continued to the bridge at [59.8/835] and spent some relaxing hours next to and in the river. The fast food restaurant in Reigolil was closed, so no restaurant food for us. Resupplied at the shop at [60.0/838] with a very limited choice of foods and continued onto GPT15.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-08 to 2025-02-10 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RH+Var A+RR+OH01 volcano+RR/ Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: At 3 p.m. from Icalma, I took variant OH1 till km.17.9 of RR. It was Saturday and &quot;feria&quot; en ICalma, so there were a lot of cars on OH1. In ICalma, I bought coffee y sopapillas de piñones. There were fodder tracks and many shops there. Without cars, this option is not so bad because you can admire the lake. I joined RR crossing the fence. Then the trail went through a very calm and beautiful forest. Some fences, but easy to cross. Then I took Var C to camp at the lake.<br /> <br /> Day 2: a little crazy. I started very early to reach the point of the park ranger before 11 a.m. taking RR. Some fences, sometimes I needed to pass under them. There was nobody in &quot;puestos&quot;. Part between km 30.9/29.6 and 31.9/30.9 of 1 km is something like a technical road to the installation managing water from the river. The last part I passed by a big pipe. I was not sure it was safe. I arrived 5 minutes before 11. Guardaparques was very polite and took care of my backpack. After me, two guys passed by the entrance without a problem. But I think that it is better to be there before 11. There is no possibility of camping near the entrance to the trail on Vulcan. Then I took the variant OH1 to Vulcan. The trail was very easy and touristy. The last part from 2000 height there was snow, but the trail is on the left side. The views were amazing. Then I came back the same route. The guardaparques has a camp on var H, point -38.90999,-71.49837 for 10000 clp. It is about 1.5 km before the park and there are good signs to this place. It is a very nice place close to the river: bathrooms, picnic tables, and a place to charge phones. Also, there was a net - Entel.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> Very easy and climatic trail to Ragolil. The rivers are calm and not deep. There is camping before Ragolil &quot;Rayem mapu&quot; at point -39.08640, -71.46810. Before the village Reigolil I met &quot;micro&quot; . The driver stopped to take me to his house - he has &quot;hospedaje&quot; for 15000 beds plus a little dinner ( Lodging (59.2+0.3/843). Very hot water was really nice. In front of their house was a shop. The other one is near the bus, but there were only sweets things to eat. There was also a bar with papas and completos.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-02 to 2025-02-05 / 4 days / NOBO / Huerquehue - Sollipulli traverse / Celio, Amalia ​​'''<br /> <br /> We did the huerquehue sollipulli traverse as suggested by Tomas and Natalie report.<br /> First of all thanks to them for this option!<br /> It's a very beautiful traverse but demanding on the south to north summit traverse of the sollipulli.<br /> <br /> Huerquehue :<br /> From Pucón there is 3 buses going to the entrance of the park (8:30am 12am and 16:30pm). There is 3 also living the park (around 1h later than the previous). Pucon was crowded and we decided to stay at the beginning of the trail at camping Olga (amazing place, no wifi and electricity btw, 9000$ each). When you get to the park entrance they will ask you your reservation at the camping and then ask you what's your trail plan and check your reservation for the park.<br /> There we just said that we planned to do the lagos loop, since the traverse is not authorized anymore. We had reserved the entrance in advance for the next day ( careful on monday the park is closed...).<br /> The next day we started early and went by the control &quot;nido de aguila&quot; by 9am and no one was there so we kept going. Once in laguna Huerquehue it's easy to follow the trail going down the other side (blues dots, overgrown a bit). You get to the old camping place reñahue and met with the trail going to termas rio blanco that's well maintained. We stayed at eco termas rio blanco, 15000$ each, amazing therms!<br /> <br /> Next day we followed the dirt road (you pass an old lumber exploitation) until 39.105063° S 71.545074° W. There is a sign saying laguna isolde, there start the trail. Note that you will come over several gates on the dirt road but we asked 2 persons and it's supposedly not a problem. At laguna isolde if you want to reach the shore, seek for the middle west shore, there is a trail following a dry rocky river bed that take you to the shore and a fire place. People camp there.<br /> After that the trail go down to the gravel road, that you follow 2km on the east until you find the start of the lago cochor trail (there is a sign for it).<br /> Going up lago cochor is a very nice trail well maintained and beautiful. Lago cochor is a perfect place to camp and we were not alone! 5 other tent.<br /> <br /> Sollipulli traverse :<br /> Next day we started the sollipulli traverse. There is a visible trail until you get out of the forest then it's less visible until the summit.<br /> At the beginning to avoid the small detour just after lago cochor we shortcut in the forest staying on the ridge (savimg a few meter and elevation) 39.037476° S 71.553153° W.<br /> <br /> After the south summit start the Tomás and Natalie suggestion track for the traverse.<br /> Careful!<br /> It's getting more demanding from this point, more alpine terrain and at the beggining there is a small downclimbimg (going Nobo) to do on a 4m wall. I guess it's was not there when Tomás did it earlier in the season with more snow. It's here 38.999587° S 71.520148° W. <br /> This is where we find out to be the easiest. I guess someone can try higher up on the snow but it's quite steep and on the map is shown as a Glaciar, even if I doubt there is still crevasses...<br /> After that it's walking mostly on moraine ground and volcanic rocks. I recommend to take the lower option of Tomás and especially here, 38.994149° S 71.499742° W, as the more higher option is exposed on a steep snow slope where a fall could &quot;hurt&quot; you.<br /> Also be careful to strictly follow is track here 38.978334° S 71.491617° W, since on the west or east it's a cliff. The way down is steep but on loose rock where you can &quot;ski&quot; down. If you want to avoid it you have to go way more east than the semi transparent blue track of Tomás. Around here I'll say 38.978328° S 71.487167° W. <br /> After this it get easier and we camp at the blue lake just down southeast of the north summit. Next day we joined the option 1 and went down the north face to the park ranger then the gravel road and hitchhiked to melipeuco.<br /> <br /> This traverse is probably a lot more scenic than the RR but it's demanding and require skills on alpine terrain especially later in the season when there is less snow and with that downclimbimg involved.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-17 to 2025-01-18 / 2 days / NOBO / RR / Tobias ​​'''<br /> <br /> First night I camped next to Río Machín (-39.03706, -71.46988), 2 km before “Police” {14} [49.3/1000]. There was no police. But at the next Puesto {14} [48.4/1078] the owner wrote down my name. Did not need to pay there. Went up the pass and took option 1 for getting up to Vulcan Sollipulli. Easy trail, amazing place up there!! Then I went down where the conaf trail starts. Rangers did not put any attention on me. I went to hot springs (-38.89384, -71.49345), because I thought about staying there. The owner showed me the place, full of algas and the water is cold, so I continued. Stayed at Camp {14} [22.4/1158] after 38 km of walking. Next day I continued 17 km to laguna chica de Icalma, where I continue packrafting in some days with Mara. For the overgrown part I recommend long trousers. Beautiful section, no bad surprises.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-02 &gt; 03 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / 14-A &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Bus Bio-Bio pour Lonquimay le 01 à 11h30, puis bus le 02 à 14h pour Cruzaco, puis auto-stop jusqu'au point X {14-A} [6.8/1319] (compliqué de sortir du GPT...). La rando est top et la piste en parfait etat. Je voulais relier les pistes 14-01 et 14-01B en traversant le cratère du volcan, mais le gardien du parc m'a dit que c'etait impossible. Je suis donc passé par la vallée. Pas de pont au km 33,5 mais facile a traverser. Après le col au km 42, la rando n'est plus interessante. C'est de la gravel road jusqu'a la fin.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-29 to 2024-DEC-31 / 2 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> This is a relatively easy stage with one challenging BB section; the rest is mostly along MR.<br /> <br /> We departed from Villa Icalma in the afternoon, carrying food supplies for two days. The first night we stayed at a campsite {13} [35.2/1172], where we paid 10,000 CLP for one tent. The locals warned us about the risk of forest fires and asked us not to light any fires.<br /> <br /> At coordinates (-38.8421396, -71.3628436), there is a log bridge to cross the stream. The following TL section is heavily overgrown and littered with fallen trees. Progress was slower here, but the path was still navigable. At the end of this overgrown part, we took a detour to a small, picturesque lake (-38.8676092, -71.3797418), where we refilled our water supplies. There were also a few picnic tables.<br /> <br /> At coordinates (-38.8892305, -71.4503356), we encountered a locked gate that we had to climb over. At Lodge Nevados de Sollipulli [33.4/1188], basic food supplies are available for purchase. However, the nearby bridge [33.8/1188], marked in the track files, was missing, so we had to ford the river.<br /> <br /> The remainder of the stage held no further surprises.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''December 17–26 2024 / 10 days/  Packrafting / SOBO / New option combining Huella Andina and nearby lakes from Icalma/Villa Pehuenia to Paso Mamuil Mamal (road from  Pucón to Argentina) GPT14 RP?, GPT15-RP???'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> TL;DR: If you like people suffering, skip to days 7–9. <br /> <br /> (Note: putting everything here, even though this technically spans two sections - there is no possibility to legally cross borders back to GPT15.)<br /> <br /> Summary: This is a new and quite scenic and varied mostly-not-on-road route. In our opinion, it is a superior alternative to a lot of roadwalking on the RR GPT14-15 and a possible candidate for extending RP (including a river flowing through Aracaurias, which are to be found along all the trail). The last bushbashing (BB) part, while offering an experience in a pristine and untouched forest, is extremely demanding and not exactly safe due to its remoteness and bone breaking/puncture hazards. The forest was an experience for us like no other so far after six months on the GPT in total. The 5km BB took us 3 days. However, before that final section, this route is suitable for hikers as it follows the Huella Andina (&quot;HA&quot;), with some modifications (and using a packraft). Natalie also found a MR route around the bush bashing and last two lakes (with some ridge options) for hikers. In either case, one can than connect to our traverse od the side of Lanin, which we published last year in GPT16. Had this not been our first section this year and had we not carried 1a packraft and food for ten days, this could have been done much faster. I will refer to the KMZ file downloadable from wikiexplora article about HA. This time of the year, we practically never carried water, it was everywhere. It would be probably different at the end of summer. We never met any park rangers, so we do not know if any permits or payments are needed. In Villa Pehuenia, we were told by the tourist information office that HA is only open from Lago Ñorquinco, and indeed it is only marked from there, but the two previous sections exist as trails or roads and to our knowledge are open for hiking. Probably they are not maintained as they are not in any National Park. Outside of the lakes, we met no other overnight hikers and only one daypacker and one group of MTBikers. <br /> <br /> Day 0 - Crossing from Icalma to Villa Pehuenia - 4 km<br /> In Icalma, we asked a local working in a garden whether there was a taxi in Icalma and he offered to drive us to the border for 5 thousand CLP, which we accepted. It was a big help since the border was closing at ~7pm (it may have been 6pm but we only had an hour or so for both crossings). At the border, we were informed that Argentina requires a boat certificate of desinfection by a Chilian officer, but the Argentinians did not ask for it (for details, see this discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1956717948167415/). We didn't get a hitch between the border controls, but soon after in Argentina the first car took us to Villa Pehuenia. Villa Pehuenia is a tourist town, with no exchange office but seemingly every shop was willing to change US dollars for Argentinian pesos, ask around to get a decent rate. Shops were open until 21. Ressuply is well possible, this being Argentina, but food is now probably cheaper (though of course worse) in Chile (the Argentinian border controls did not check our bags stuffed with food at all). There is a dedicated shop for vegetables and fruits here: -38.88139, -71.18762. Paid 10 thousand to sleep at a run-down but functional ‎Complejo Lagrimitas. Phone Claro internet decent.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Villa Pehuenia to Moquehue ‐ 15 km<br /> Our first independent packrafting trip meant that we fiddled several hours with packing and loading the boat, so we started at 11 AM. Lake was calm and we reached a beach here: -38.91476, -71.27327 around 14:00. The &quot;puesto&quot; marked in OSM sounds more like a settler, dogs and chickens heard. While we ate, whitecap waves against our direction developed and when paddling, we more or less stood on the ground, so we opted for hiking the rest of the way. The trail to Moquehue is easy but scenic, so we did not regret it. It is a trail, not a road, OSM has it wrong (will be fixed in the summer) until the last 1 km or so. In Moquehue, we managed to buy bread and nuts, ressuply possible, but we had most of our food already. Claro internet (last before end of trip). We followed HA for one km and slept a few hundred metres beyond the town here: -38.95579, -71.32329 (no water). <br /> <br /> Day 2 - Moquehue to ridge above the next valley - 13 km.<br /> We followed HA until just before Filo Cerro Plomo. Appart from first 2 km, it is a 4x4 road (sad) through a beautiful forrest (happy). Sidetrip to viewpoint here -38.96209, -71.32286 worth the ten minutes it takes. The ridge above the HA that should be accessible through OSM path starting here -38.95090, -71.31670 (mapped based on Strava, so might be CC) looked like easy and beautiful walking and is probably preferrable in good weather. Paths around -38.97080, -71.32003 are also mapped based on Strava, might be an artifact of a race or one single mad person doing the same round over and over and might be more CC than trails, but should get you to the ridge too. Anyway, on HA, the trackfiles are a bit wrong, around -39.00634, -71.30802, you will see two trail marks, so leave the road and go up. Met some people with bikes here, only people we met for the next two days. Path is not visible, but forrest is open and you go basically straight up. When reaching low lying beech shrubbery, path reappers that leads you up to the saddle. There is a creek shortly after this turn off (just before the trail marks) you can fill up on water. There is also a cairn at this creek and if you wish to walk the creek bed I think it might be possible as well. From the saddle we opted to follow the ridge NE from HA. It is spectacular and while steep, no hands are needed to advance. It is a bit slowgoing though, especially with a packraft and 10 days of food. We slept near a seasonal lake around -39.03013, -71.28361, very beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Ridge above the next valley to Lago Ñorquinco - 15 km.<br /> We followed the ridge for two km and then discovered a recently maintained trail down to the valley here: -39.05003, -71.28180. We took it. It took us down through beech shrubbery to here -39.05142, -71.28621. Then it kind of petered out but the forest was open enough for us to easily reach the HA in the valley. The HA is quite a wide path that must have been made with a digger some time back, but it is not used by cars up to -39.08562, -71.30652. We originally wanted to stay on the ridge longer and go down from here: -39.08760, -71.29079. That is open terrain and looking from below, it looked possible, but not wholly certain. However, we would advise to join the ridge straight from Moquehue as suggested previously and get down by this trail we discovered. We followed the HA to Ruta Provincial 11, but it might be advisable to cut to the NW corner of the lake from here: -39.11217, -71.30914 to avoid roadwalking and a detour: Arroyo Nompehuen must be forded anyway and while cold, does not have too much water (knee deep) and there seems to be a path on satellite in the suitable direction and the landscape is reasonably open. We put our packraft in here -39.12056, -71.31909. It is a campsite where noone was in attendance, otherwise day-access is about 4 thousand pesos per person, so you might want to reach the lake farther, should be possible, use OSM and satellite map. There are showers and toilets and trashbin though. It was a bit windy (from West) and rain was coming, so despite the small size of the lake and low fetch, whitecap waves developed. Their direction was suitable for us and we crossed the lake along the southern shore to find a very wind sheltered camp next to a creek behind a bush here: -39.12056, -71.31909. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - Lago Ñorquinco - to Arroyo Calfiquiera - 19 km<br /> The next day we padled to -39.14420, -71.29466 and joined HA from there. According to OSM, the lake can be hiked around from both directions. West side seems preferable. HA starts to be marked here. It is actually mostly a very old eroded road made with a digger probably decades back. It has overwhelmingly the characteristics of a trail. Cascada Coloco is very pretty. Once you reach the pass, where there is a puesto and cows, the trail turns into a road that is very rarely used, it seemed. Vivac Pampa de Castro would probably give you shelter in rain and is open enough for hanta virus not to be a worry. We reached Arroyo Calfiquiera here: -39.22814, -71.27044 (before that it is a wild stream). However, the creek is overgrown just after that, luckily there were two locals living there who were fishing and helped us carry our fully loaded packraft to -39.22933, -71.26945. There was one more narrow and almost overgrown section shortly after (-39.23189, -71.26735), so you might want to put in just after that (follow the 4x4 tracks visible on satellite). From then on, apart from two low lying bridges, no portages were needed (we shortly walked our boat once or twice through some narrow braided passages). We camped at -39.23857, -71.25184 just before a class 1 rapid (that turned out to be the biggest on the river). Tomáš left his scissors from his Victorinox card there, you might find them at the edge of grass. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Arroyo Calfiquiera to Vivac Malalco Chico - 18 km<br /> In the morning, the rapid turned out to be dangerous only for one's knees. The bridges are here: -39.24453, -71.24944 and -39.24874, -71.21634. There is a creek with fresh water flowing in at -39.24601 -71. 21842. With all the packing and unpacking, it is for sure quicker to walk on HA (which leaves the road for a trail in the valley for at least a part of its length). However, packrafting is recommended as part of the arroyo flows through an aracauria forrest and all along you get nice views of surrounding mountains. It is also good practice for beginners, we thought, being beginners ourselves. Down at the lake, we ferried across an American who said she would climb a mountain north of the lake nearby using a trail disclosed by a local. We did not packraft across the lake and instead got out at the picnic area at the west end of the lake (small stream but walk up a bit bcs there is an outhouse in the stream) and then after lunch made a shortcut to the ridge. After about 500 metres along the lake on the road, we turned right uphill and soon found a trail used by horses recently here: -39.25142, -71.19640. It was easy to follow and joined HA here -39.25310, -71.18395. It would be great if somebody could investigate where in the valley (presumably further up) it originates. There are a few puestos high up on this side so more trails are expected. The HA itself then crosses a very attractive (old volcanic) plateau. It is probably (one of) the nicest part of the HA that we have seen so far (out of a half). We camped at a valley designated by the KMZ files as a bivauc and it is a good camping spot, but do not expect any facilities or people.<br /> <br /> Natalie devised an idea where you would CC from here: -39.25687, -71.23304 onto the ridge, traverse Cerro Rucachoroi and join HA here: -39.31090, -71.20943. It all looked like well passable CC, but we never got a good view of the peak itself and are unsure if it can be sidehilled or crossed. Some of the sub-peaks obstructing the view were rather vertical, but ridges that we saw were passable. <br /> <br /> Day 6 - Vivac Malalco Chico to Lago Quillèn  - 21 km<br /> Going down is straightforward. However, there are some fallen branches. About 200 metres of altitude above the valley, you hit a creek that you will cross several times downstream. After crossing Arroyo Malalco (which looks great for packrafting, but do your research), a local from Comunidad Laf Lefiman offered us a cabaña with Starlink internet for 60 thousand,but it was too early so we went on. When we reached the lake, we saw a family with a paddleboard and kayaks that we saw the previous day at Lago Rucachoroi. Park rangers were nowhere to be seen. It was quite windy and waves looked big, so we used our packraft to cross the outlet from the lake and walked along the beach to join MR that runs along the southern side of the lake until -39.43088, -71.2848, where we camped. We met a group of people fishing there but they soon left. <br /> <br /> Day 7 - Lago Quillèn to Somewhere in bamboo  - 13 km.<br /> We started early (aiming for sunrise, we managed to be in the boat 45 minutes after it) and paddled on lake Quillèn to reach old buildings here: -39.42796, -71.42474. They were a (probably recentishly) abandoned border police station, as far as we could tell. The lake had some waves already in the morning but they were quite managable and it took us about 4 hours to paddle the 13 km or so. Along the way, there would be places to camp, especially on the beach here: -39.42164, -71.36282 where there is fresh water. After the police station, we got onto a beach here: -39.43593, -71.41508. We cleared a place for a tent and entry into the forest, did not check for water but satellite says there is a creek outlet about 50 m NW from there. Then the &quot;fun&quot; part started, at about 15:00. Natalie's many many warnings about the forest looking impenetrable turned out to be true. It is an ancient Chilean beech (Roble/Coigue) forest with a completely native understory of many shrubs but mainly just walls of bamboo. In the grand scheme of things, if we had stuck to the creek bed we would have made the crossing in two (long) days. But because we left the creekbed several times, this 5km crossing took us 3 days.<br /> <br /> At the beginning, while we were not yet on a steep slope, we were moving at a healthy speed of maybe 400m an hour. We found a creek here: -39.43977, -71.41793 that allowed us to walk without obstruction for about 15m. It was turning into a canyon, which we did not like, so we continued to the east of it. Little did we know how foolish that was! In the beginning, as it got steeper, we would sometimes find an area full of flat dead woody bambo that would allow us to jump about twenty metres before fighting the green bamboo again. As we progressed (at a speed of maybe 250m per hour), we noticed we were on a side of a steep canyon made by erosion from water running down the slope. Details of the satellite map revealed that we were two such ravines removed from the main creek. We crossed one over a log, that was maybe 10 m long and was maybe 6 m high above the lowest point of the canyon. It was getting dark so we cleared a somewhat even spot for a camp (sorry forest). After six hours and some zigzagging caused by the canyons, we were about 1 km from where we started. Survey without a backpack (which makes moving around about three times easier) suggested we might be able to rejoin the main canyon the next day which was about 100 m far (and thirty metres below). <br /> <br /> Day 8 - Somewhere in bamboo to dried creekbed - 1 km<br /> New survey in the morning made us go backdown as the main canyon's wall seemed like a landslide and almost vertical. We started to follow down a ravine between us and the main creek, hoping it would join it. After three hours, 400 m of distance and two failed surveys in the direction of the main canyon, we finally manged to make a crossing. A rule for heavy duty bushbashing seems to be: always follow the water. It is not exactly quicker, but psychologically being able to see more than 5 metres in advance and not having to constantly put branches from one's face is a tremendeous benefit. It also helps with orientation and hopefully provides a possible passage. We of course set a turn-back time by which we would turn back if we did not reach the pass, but (Tomáš not being the responsible one), we failed to heed it after deciding we actually still had food for three more somewhat fasting days. We started to go up the creek at a speed of about 200 metres an hour, so after about 5-6 hours, we managed to get under the place where we slept. We agreed that we could have probably gone down there, saving us 5 hours of a detour, the canyon walls being steep, but in some places having enough bamboo to provide good (but never truly certain) holds. At about -39.44779, -71.41624, there was a confluence of two canyons, and we decided to go through a steep dry vegetation-wise more or less open slope to the right . After about 100m, we traversed back left to the main creek. It was now six in the evening. Still hoping to reach the pass (hey, just 500m of distance!) and facing somewhat overgrown waterfall in the main ravine roughly -39.45067, -71.41624, we again opted to go right, onto an even steeper slope. Somehow with the help of trees growing there, we reached a beech-bush combined with bamboo understory, slowing us down to maybe 50 m an hour. After an hour or so, we found a ravine that we partially followed and traversed back to the creek. It still had some waterfalls that turned out to be scalable and after 100 m (our speed returning to a solid 250 m per hour), it turned dry. It now being 9 PM, we built a camp inside of the creekbed. Looking back, especially the second diversion was a mistake and we should have stayed in the canyon (the waterfall was probably scalable with passing backpacks and such). The variety of plant and insect species that live in and around the creekbed was amazing. Luckily very little tabanos or other obnoxious insects, which was true for all these 5 km. <br /> <br /> Day 9 - Dried creekbed to somewhere in bamboo II - 3 km<br /> In the morning, Tomáš went exploring and found the other side of the pass much preferable, so around ten, we set off to continue. After an easy 40-minute 300m traverse to the pass (Lanin looks impressive even through the trees), the character of the valley changed a lot. Almost open beech forrest and relatively regular creekbed (with a creek) enabled us to reach -39.45964, -71.41716 in a superb speed of almost 600m/hour. From there, we followed the river through a dense old and amazing canopy. At about 400 m/ hour, we eventually got to a 20 m cascading (not vertical) waterfall here: -39.47088, -71.41775. To its left, we managed to cut a path with our machete, passing each other our backpacks on the not-entirely vertical somewhat crumbly climb-down. Unfortunately we do not think our holds will last long as we scaled it down in mainly mud and fragile rock (rope or bamboo bushing walkaround should do). Afterwards, our speed again decreased to about 200 m an hour, overcoming many logjams and much smaller waterfalls. We camped around -39.47449, -71.41901. Natalie somehow left her insoles there. All the scrambling we have done both up and down were mangeable (T4 to T5 on SAC scale), though a rope of 10 or 15 m or so would have been at certian moments quite useful. <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Somewhere in bamboo II to Paso Mamuil Mamal - 17 km<br /> In the morning, we took three hours mostly following the creek or bashing bamboo alongisde it to reach the shore (yay!), where Tomáš somehow left his beloved trusty headphones: -39.48276, -71.42544. Should you find them, give them a decent burial. We inflated our packraft and paddled across Lago Tromen (which offers tremendeous views) in about 2,5 hours to outlet of Rio Malleo, meeting people again after several days. Rio Malleo has probably too much of a drop to be packrafted safely but lookes tempting to Tomáš. After a long lunch, eating the last of our last food, we crossed the river and walked along the OSM trail to the National Park office near the border. Nobody paid attention to us there, so we walked to the Argentinian border control, from which we got a hitch all the way to Pucon, seeing Clara hitchhiking around the end of the Villarica Traverse. Pucon did not have Tomáš's favourite icecream like last year and in general did not feel as good as previous years (cherries were perfect though). We were very glad and maybe somehow euphoric we made it . <br /> <br /> Overall, the forest was incredible. However, if we broke a limb or worse, we doubt help would come, so only do this if you are prepared for self-evacuation or face the consequences. We are however convinced that with good navigation, and staying mainly in the creek, it could take two long days to do the BB traverse, one for going up the pass and one down. The BB has difficulty 7 in GPT terms.<br /> <br /> * '''17Dec2024 - 20dec2024 / hiking SOBO / RR from ~km30 - OH1 A/R (cumbre sollipulli) - RR - GPT15 OH1 / 4 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhike from Icalma to Tracura and then Huechelepun (took me half day with multiple cars and still few km of road walking, not much cars) <br /> <br /> OH1 (cumbre sollipulli by north side) : no one of conaf at park 31. It's written that they don't allow people to go up after 11am so may be a problem if they're here (maybe more during full turism season). <br /> Very easy trail for 7km and 1000d+, steep and snow at the top but easy going slow. Really nice full snow cratere on the top !! Descent by same path cause low clouds comming (except took 1a short cut that is good). <br /> <br /> Ruta de Baquedanos (RR) is easy dirt road walking. Camp spots with water almost everywhere (maybe less between 40 and 46). Not many nice views all along. <br /> <br /> Then RR until GPT15 opt1 (a bit after settlment 51.7). <br /> Sleep in hospedaje Veronica that is lower on 15-OH-1a. (15k for bed + private bathroom with cold water + breakfast). She and her husband are really nice. She used to have a cafeteria and sell honey, charcuterias and other products that she did. For now she has family issues so she only keep the hospedaje but she told me that she's thinking to reopen it in january or february. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dec-05 to 2024-dec-08 / 3.5 Days (1 day rest due to bad weather) / Hiking / SOBO / RR - D / Karin'''<br /> <br /> I took the RR through the overgrown part. It was managable, but for some parts I had to look closly on the GPS not to loose track. There were lots of fallen trees/branches blocking the way. With the vegetation growing, I think it will become more difficult to get through. <br /> <br /> Camp spot at km17.9 was very wet and swompy, due to the rain. But, I guess that it would be good on nice days. <br /> <br /> On that kind of plateau (alt. 1500m) was still a bit of snow, but nothing to worry about.<br /> <br /> Camp on km22.4 looked nice (lots of curious cows). After this camp, about 1km, was a locked gate, which was not so easy to climb.<br /> <br /> As it was raining heavily (stronger than perdicted), I took var D in order to find a refuge. After a few km, I found cabañas (Santa Victoria) where I could stay for two nights ever that it is still off season. Very nice people working there. <br /> <br /> At the park ranger km31.8, as I didn't see anybody so I just walked through. <br /> <br /> The bridge at the Laguna (km33.5) was not there, but the river was easy to ford, so as well for the fords all the way up to the pass km41.5. The water was never higher than mid-calf/knee. <br /> <br /> I camped at camp km46.9. Very nice and large spot. <br /> <br /> The Ruta del Baqueano seems to be a high used biking or off road driving track. I meet a lot of cars and bikes.<br /> <br /> As I did GPT 13-15 in one, I did not stop neither in Icalma nor in Reigolil, so I cannot say if there is enough for resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 13 / 1 Day/ Hiking / SOBO/ hitchhiked to huechelepun + RR till reigolil/ Allie '''<br /> <br /> I camped in camping Carilafquen in Huechelepun. I left early in the morning as it was 32km to get to Reigolil. I stopped by the lodge nevados for a coffee and stayed a bit, the place was so lovely. On the highest parts of the regular route there are some patches of snow to cross but nothing sketchy. Watch out for snow bridges though. The river fords are doable as well. <br /> <br /> * '''5.-8.11.2024 / 4 hiking days / Daina and Arno'''<br /> <br /> We did a combination of GPT 14 and 15, although we didn't have the files at this time.<br /> <br /> We took a bus from Pucón to Flor del Valle and arrived later than expected at 1:30 pm. First we hiked into section 14 on the minor road with very few traffic. At -39.01943, -71.458341 we needed to cross a creek, that is not visible in our map. There are huge treetrunks like a natural bridge. Later at -39.014836, -71.456205 there was another wide stream of water at the road, but very easy to ford. <br /> Later we dicided to turn around and hiked to the Laguna Huesquefilo instead, to find a nice campspot. The trail to the Laguna was very smooth, the Laguna itself was beautiful. Next day we continued to GPT 15.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 24th to Mar 31st / 6 hiking days and 2 rest days / SOBO / Hiking / RR, Var C, E, H, G, Opt 1 and 1A, Opt 2 and 2A / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We did sections 14 and 15 together.<br /> <br /> TL:DR: a nice section; the summit of Sollipulli is not to be missed!<br /> <br /> Day 1 March 24th<br /> <br /> We left Icalma at 08:30. It was a foggy morning and the air was still, very nice hiking weather and beautiful light. It had rained the day before so the road walk was thankfully not dusty. It was a Sunday morning and very few cars passed.<br /> <br /> We left the highway to keep on RR. It is a dirt road for quite some time. We found a lot of piñones just lying on the ground. There was an unmarked ford at (-38.84187, -71.36345). After that the overgrown section began. It was somewhat challenging for us, not bush bashing per se, but definitely bush pushing. A lot of it was waist high and really slowed us down. Our plan had been to get to the laguna on Var C, but it became obvious that even if we did make it, it would be dark before we got there. Looking at the GPS I noticed what looked like a small laguna at (-38.86766, -71.38010). There was no OSM track for it, but when we got closer, we found a dirt road going to it. There was no sign and no fences. It was a lovely spot. There were a few araucarias dropping piñones, and the laguna was clear and glassy smooth. It was, however, definitely someone's campground. There are flat spots for tents, picnic tables, a shipping container turned into a bathroom (padlocked shut when we were there), and there were signs of more development planned. Point being, if you plan to camp here in future seasons, be aware that, at least during “la temporada”, there may be other people there, and it probably costs money.<br /> <br /> Day 2 March 25th<br /> <br /> We made it a short day. Our packs were extra heavy due to all the piñones we were harvesting. We kept trying to stop, but there is just something about their color and shape that makes them irresistible to pick up. The path from the campground to the laguna on 14-C is a dirt road the whole way. We had to check the GPS a few times as there are a few other roads that break off of it, but the route is easy walking. The laguna is very pretty and the campsite there is nice. It's fairly flat with plenty of space for multiple tents, under some trees, so mixed shade and sun, and easy water access. There was also a fire ring there. We had our first fire of the season and cooked a few batches of piñones. Some people on horseback came by looking for their cows. They said they are beginning the process of collecting the animals and moving them down to the invernadas for the winter. They mentioned that the laguna on 14-C is called Laguna Santa Olga.<br /> <br /> Day 3 March 26th<br /> <br /> Stayed at Laguna Santa Olga for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 4 March 27th<br /> <br /> We walked by (Camp 14 [17.9/1538]) on the way back to the road. We could hear a stream trickling in the opposite side of the road from it.<br /> <br /> The forest along the way was beautiful. It was a great time of year to be there as well, sunny but not hot and the light was always nice. We collected another 2 kg of piñones. There were so many everywhere, we definitely could have bought less food and been okay.<br /> <br /> We took Var E to bypass the road construction even though there was no one there by the time we arrived. It was mostly because we were looking for camping and knew there wouldn't be any good spots there. But if someone arrived there after work hours, the gate going SOBO was just closed with wire, and on the other end it was possible to just walk around the fence.<br /> <br /> We then followed Var H on to Var G towards Var F. We camped at Camping Carilafquen (-38.91004, -71.49813) along Var F. We paid 10.000 for the tent space. There was no one else there. The campground was pleasant. It had plenty of space on the grass for tents, picnic tables, and bathrooms with showers, cold water only, no electricity. It was a good option for us because it was only 1.6 km from the CONAF office. If wanting to camp there, just up the road from the property there is a house. A couple who manages the campground lives there. They were very nice, they even gave us sopaipillas. <br /> <br /> Day 5 March 28th<br /> <br /> We arrived at the CONAF office around 09:00. There was no ranger on the office. We started moving things into a small backpack anticipating leaving our bags. By the time we were ready to hike, still no one had shown up. Fortunately a small tour group arrived and parked right next to the CONAF office. They said we could put out bags in their vehicle and they would leave them for us if they got back first.<br /> <br /> The walk up through the forest was beautiful and peaceful. There were a lot of huge, old trees that were very impressive. The trail was well maintained and easy to follow. Higher up it switched to a more lunar landscape with multiple volcanoes and cordilleras of mountains appearing the higher up we got. Towards the top it got a little steep which was slower going. It took us 5 hours to the summit with photo breaks and a snack break. We spent about an hour at the summit with no one else there. The weather was impeccable, full sun and hardly a breeze. The only sound was the river below.<br /> It took us about 3 hours to get back to the bottom. <br /> We ended up camping across the path from the CONAF office next to the picnic tables. There was a facet outside the office and bathrooms.<br /> <br /> Day 6 March 29<br /> <br /> When the CONAF guard arrived in the morning, he came over to talk with us. He said it was fine that we camped for the night, but just asked us to take the tent down, and then we could take as much time as we needed. It seems that camping there is unofficially acceptable as long as you're there after closing and wrapped up before people start to show up in the morning.<br /> <br /> We started to walk along RR. We had been walking less than 30 minutes when a truck stopped and offered us a ride. They were going to Paso Llaima and to collect piñones. We rode in the back with their two dogs getting to watch the beautiful misty forest go by around us. <br /> <br /> From Paso Llaima we continued on RR, then took Opt 2 to Laguna Huequefilo. The trail up is easy to follow and well maintained. The sign at the front says no camping and no fires, but there was no CONAF office and no guardadaparques. When we got to the lake there were several groups camping and having fires. There are a huge number of araucarias there and it is a very popular spot with locals to go to collect them. <br /> <br /> Going down Opt 2A to the SE end of the lake, there is a fairly large sand beach and a creek feeding into the lake that was a good place to get water from. A local family from Ragolil that was camping there suggested a good spot around (-39.05250, -71.43000) that was fairly wind protected but still close to the beach. But if it's not windy, that end of the lake has plenty of space for camping. The lake and the setting is beautiful and for us it was well worth the detour. <br /> <br /> Day 7 March 30th<br /> <br /> We stayed at Laguna Huequefilo for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 8 March 31st<br /> <br /> We left Laguna Huequefilo and headed back to finish 14 and start 15. We gathered more piñones along the way. At (-39.05455, -71.46918), around km 52.26 there was a sign for a minimarket. The woman who runs is, Viviana, is very nice. She and her family moved there a couple of years ago from Santiago. We suggested she carry gas for camping and she said she would try to get some to sell in the future. She had canned fish, pasta, rice, 200 g tomato sauce packets, bullion cubes, mermeladas, butter and margarine, and a variety of cookies and candy. Prices were reasonable. We bought some things and got back to the road. We almost immediately caught a hitch to the beginning of GPT15 Opt 1.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-18 to 2024-Mar-19 / 1 day / SOBO / RR 01 01a/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfields, no Tabanos, no Mosquitos. Plenty of water except for the Sollipulli peak area.<br /> <br /> Came from Lonquimay by bus at 12:00 to Icalma, arrival around 14:00. There is a minibus directly going a bit west, but only to the intersection at the end of the lake, so maybe like 3km for 500 peso.<br /> Very little traffic, but luckily got 4 rides until the ranger at 31.8 in just 3 hours. I am a bit in a hurry as I want to hike Sollipulli but the weather turns bad next day evening. There is a minibus coming from Melipeuco to intersection end of Variant I. It turns to the bridge 30.6.<br /> <br /> I did not visit the rangers, as I don't want to go back the same way. Looking for a hidden spot ro camp and early start to the peak the next day.<br /> <br /> Don't camp at Hannes suggestion, every Hilux driver coming downhill will spot you easily. I am sure the actuall place he meant is -38.923355,-71.489118. Well hidden and flat, but the water on the other side of road dried up. There is water on your side too, but don't just follow your ears, you won't reach the water. Instead walk where it is relatively easy in south to south east, you may or may not see path like structure, but ca. in 200m you will reach a good path, just follow it uphill directly to the water at -38.924705,-71.489552. It is a 5 to 10min walk from camp. If you follow this path further it leads you to the OSM dirtroad, which is an offical marked hiking path of the park.<br /> <br /> I am alone all the way, later I heard that the rangers closed the path due the upcoming bad weather. Very strong and cold winds at the peak, a few hours later it will be snowing, I would love to try the traverse, but it is too risky with that forecast. Nice CC back down to the pass 41.5.<br /> <br /> First running water coming from the peak: -38.966463,-71.472000<br /> <br /> Possible camp with water at 01: -38.971581,-71.465207<br /> <br /> Only car on the road picks me up, a tourist couple from Santiago who stayed at the luxury lodge, and we drive to Pucón, while the rain starts.<br /> <br /> Without summiting Sollipulli this would be a drive by section, but Sollipulli makes this section absolutely amazing and I strongly recommend the easy climb up just for those mind blowing views.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-03-10 to 2023-03-11 // 2 day // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT1 (Summit) // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> What a section ! <br /> <br /> After a very cold start, early in the morning at the bottom of the vallee of reigolil, you just go slowly but surely in the Villarica reserve. <br /> <br /> The gravel road is transforming into a smaller 4WD track, and the path is lovely, going up gradually, passing threw a nice forest, with many amazing aucaria trees. <br /> <br /> Lucky enough to arrive in this region at the time where piniones are still possible to pick. Didn't had to make a lot of effort, just harvesting the ground was enough to give me way more than what I needed !<br /> <br /> I took the junction to reach the summit. At the very beginning I struggle a bit, when you reach a puesto, there's few possibility of track, I took the wrong one that result on a little fight with the bush, then I managed to come back on track, which is pretty clear until the volcanic plateau. <br /> <br /> No trouble at all with water, as you'll have some along the path, from th beginning to the end. <br /> <br /> Arriving to the plateau, then stick to the track, it will guide you to the summit and the outstanding view on the massive nevados de sollipulli ! That was sick, even with a looooooot of wind. I still stayed there for more than an hour, protected from the wind thanks to some bog rocks, contemplating this amazing landscape, some condors dancing around and the views over lanin and Llaima volcanoes. <br /> <br /> It was finally time to leave this kind of parrallele world. The way down was very easy as the track is marqued. Some crazy views again with Llaima volcán + the aucaria trees around, then I reached the conaf desk. I arrived there late and no-one was still there. <br /> <br /> (Didn't mentionned that going NOBO you don't have to respect a precise timing to go up, there's no conaf desk on that way). <br /> <br /> Then continuing on the way to icalma, passing threw a private pipeline working area. But as it was late on the day, I haven't got any troubles (still easy to avoid, by taking the variant E). <br /> <br /> After passing the Hot Spring {13} [#1/945] (PK28), you'll have to jump a gate, then few gates/fences, and continuing in the forest on a very well marked 4WD track, until the overgrown part, which is not difficult to pass. <br /> <br /> It's overgrown, but nothing to be scared about ! The track is still visible, it's just that the nature want to give you some hugs, very nice and kind, I could even say cute. It's nothing like a fight with the bush ! <br /> <br /> Then you continue till reaching the gravel road until Icalma. There it's possible to resupply Ith multiple minimercado, you have some possibilities to sleep too, bit it's still a tiny city, don't expect a lot. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-16 to 2024-Feb 18 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR /czimahi'''<br /> from Reigolil - no good resupply, no pan- following RR, night camp 46,9; then no prob (cross rio Carilafquen just first bridge after camping, think it is 14E) till point S38°51.753` W71°23.062` where I follow wrong way- for sure this would lead to 14a and to the main road. I decided go back to RR and be hours in bush. At the end I missed the route once more but I found water which I needed (aprox S38°50.483` W71°21.907`) and then meet 14B and back to RR to the camp $ 13, and next day to Icalma pueblo.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 30 to 2024 Feb 01 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH14-C + OH14-E + OH14-01 / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked to km 5,2. Then I went on RR, found last water at -38.841797 -71.363423, soon after the as overgrown marked trail starts. Trail actually not to bad overgrown, most of the time clearly visible, sometimes I had to stick to GPS, especially at the beginning, there are a few trails there… Till the Laguna {14C} I did not see water anymore, except close to Camp at km 17,9, around 50m down towards the puesto was running a little streamlet, maybe drying out? Laguna on OH 14-C is very nice! Good camping spot, but I headed on, still to early. Camped then at km 28,6. I loved this place! An open air cinema with all the green and birds flying and singing around. At -38.889097 -71.450367 you’ll find a locked? gate, barbed wire fence around. Check if it is really locked, I did not look accurately! I say this, because the next one I encountered outside this valley was just pseudolocked. Anyway, I passed the fence at around -38.889820 -71.449927, around 100ms to the left from gate beneath. Seemed to me the best option, but check out for yourself…Walked on. You’ll find another unlocked gate at -38.901269 -71.504529, private property with a sign that just authorised persons can pass, some company I suppose. I took a detour over OH14 E, but having seen the exit of this company road close to km 30, shortly before the bridge, I would have taken it. There a gate as well, but not locked and either entrance or exit nobody around. Went on to Conaf to take some water. Read about their rules and so I decided to take the unofficial trail up to the volcano shown on the OSMmap at 38.9238605S, 71.4873252W as some others already spotted. My plan was to do the Sollipulli-Traverse over the rim. The thing is: Where this trail (actually more an MR) starts, there is a nearly 100m long fence, hindering you to drop in directly, furthermore at the end of this fence there is an other cabaña, looks like an outpost of CONAF checking who is taking this trail. I do not know who sits in this shack, did not want to know either, did not want to explain my plans. So I went back were the fence starts. This is at -38.92315, -71.48867, there is a signboard with „Sollipulli Lodge, 500ms&quot;. There I dropped into the bushes. There would be actually a pretty nice camp spot for one to two tents at around -38.922156 -71.489928, around 30ms from the MR, but nobody sees you and water nearby at the other side of the road. From there I walked up (little CC) keeping in mind where the OSM trail goes, found a path and somewhere I got on this OSM trail. Went up to the summit. Looked over the rim, realized I had to descent for the next summit towards the south, impossible there to cross over the rim. Went down southeast of the summit to this two beautiful lakes, some bigger snowfields there, but could be done with afternoon sun. Camped at -38.971172 -71.489823, an amazing campsite! But realized there that without micro spikes or crampons I would have to detour some extended snowfields in the morning and loose a lot of time, not knowing what expects me after the next summit. So I skipped my plan for the traverse and went down over OH 14-01. Then all the way out to Reigolil. Difficult for me to hitch a car…<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-13 to 2024-Jan-15 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {14-A} - RR - {14-E} - RR - {14-01} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> DON'T SKIP GPT14, the views on Nevados de Sollipulli is one of the most STUNNING views in my life! <br /> <br /> HIGHLY RECOMMEND to you!<br /> <br /> Here is the waypoint description: <br /> <br /> RR road walking.<br /> <br /> Km1.0 : a small shop.<br /> <br /> Km1.1 : tiny shop, look like only have drinks and ice cream. It is closed when i was there at weekend.<br /> <br /> Km5.2 : junction of RR and {14-A}, i go for {14-A} because i want to arrive ranger station RR[31.8/1141] before 11am, {14-A} is a dirt road, the time can be controlled and stable.<br /> <br /> {14-A} km6.3 : ranger station, crowned when i pass here.<br /> <br /> Lot of possible camping spot beside the dirt road of {14-A}, i think it is easy to find a spot here.<br /> <br /> {14-A} km10.9 : water flowing, but it need some BB, about 10m for get close to stream.<br /> <br /> Km11.4 : locked gate, go around itbon right side.<br /> <br /> Km12.5 : huge blowdown, no more cars going up by this road.<br /> <br /> Km13.0 : side trail on valley side, 30m for collecting water, flowing low.<br /> <br /> Km13.3 : {14-A} end, connect with RR km15.7.<br /> <br /> I find one more water spot nearby, at RR km15.6, also a side trail at valley side, a little overgrown about 10m to stream, better water at downstream 10m, you can cross 2 logs there, then you will find a very tiny waterfall, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Camp RR[17.9/1538] : tiny grassland, some muddy nearby. Water flowing at downstream of the muddy, but in steep valley look like very difficult to collect.<br /> <br /> Camp[22.4/2158] : very beautiful grassland camping spot until km22.95.<br /> <br /> Km23.45 : locked gate with barbed wire fence. Better climb at left side, just the top one is barbed wire, all the wire of right side is barbed.<br /> <br /> Km24.6 : another beautiful grassland camping spot. I heard water flowing good at valley side, but I'm not sure can collect water or not. I think this is the last camping spot before you met settlement and climbing Sollipulli.<br /> <br /> Km25.85 : crossing Estero Huechelepun on bridge, water flowing good under the bridge, it is a steep valley, I don't think it is possible to collect water here.<br /> <br /> Km29.5 : junction of RR, {14-I} and {14-E}. RR is blocked by barbed wire fence. So i go for {14-E} then met RR.<br /> <br /> Honestly, i don't think {14-F}, {14-G} and {14-H} is still usable now. At {14-E} km0.4, {14-F} is blocked by a barbed wire fence(no gate) that taller than human, only this spot the fence is such high, i think it means the owner not welcome other people to go in at here. Also bridge[31.0+0.2/1020] and ford[31.0/1034] is all blocked by gate or barbed wire fence. Even you can climb all over them, {14-F} is going just beside settlement, it will annoys the people there.<br /> <br /> Lastly, ranger station is not at park ranger[31.8/1141], it is at (-38.91796, -71.49481), even you can sneak by {14-F}, rangers are still in front of you. There are no way to go around them, and their windows are towards the road, they see you before you get close (the only method is earlier or later than them at there).<br /> <br /> So, i go for a round trip for Sollipulli, and put my backpack in ranger station.<br /> <br /> For Sollipulli {14-01}:<br /> <br /> Km0 : ranger station, car parking lot, some picnic table, food truck(not open on Sunday when i was there) and toilet. Also you can collect water by Río Carilafquén if need.<br /> <br /> Km1.25 : official viewpoint, but surrounded by some trees taller than the viewpoint 5-20m, i saw nothing here. Some benches here too.<br /> <br /> Km2.1 : junction of {14-01} and {14-01A} (CC route). For GPT hiker, both are in good condition, easy to follow and walk, but of course {14-01} is a little better condition, because of official route.<br /> <br /> Km3.8 : sharp turning, a helipad nearby.<br /> <br /> Km4.73 : official viewpoint.<br /> <br /> Km5.3-km6.1 : snow valley, covered by snow now. Not too steep, no difficult climb up and go down, also there are some day hikers, mostly you can follow their steps or go by yourself.<br /> <br /> Summit [6.3/2145] to km7.05, covered by snow ridge now, very easy to walk on. Km7.1 is a better point for rest, mort quite, more peaceful. Most of the day hikers would not come to here. km7.05, enjoy your moments here.<br /> <br /> For my observation from high, km7.1 to km7.9 are all covered by snow, but easy to walk on. I didn't see any footprints or trace on the snow, so I don't know descent is still work or not. I need to get back my backpack at ranger station, so i didn't go down at here.<br /> <br /> I take a long nap and some relax with amazing views at km7.05, such a good time.<br /> <br /> I took 3 hours for climb up and 1.5 hour to go down.<br /> <br /> Continues on RR :<br /> <br /> Km32.2 : viewpoint of waterfall.<br /> <br /> Bridge[33.5/1188] : no bridge here, wet feet crossing. From here to ford[37.0/1228] you need to cross the same river 6 times, all wet feet crossing but just above ankle, easy.<br /> <br /> Km37.95: flat grassland beside a pond. I saw some people camping here, look nice.<br /> <br /> Camp[39.3/1294] : grassland camping spot with 2 fire ring beside the river.<br /> <br /> Km40.6 : an old dirt road leads you to a grassland beside the river.<br /> <br /> Km43.0 : junction of RR and {14-01}, {14-01} at here is a clear road to west, also one more road is going west after here 80m.<br /> <br /> Lot of small stream if flowing good with clear water across the road after the pass.<br /> <br /> Km44.5 : road junction, a sign &quot;Reigolil Paso Mallin Chileno&quot; here. Nice seat with good view of Sollipulli too.<br /> <br /> Km49 : wet feet or an exciting log crossing.<br /> <br /> Shop[57.8/856] : it is a ferretería, with drinks and ice cream, friendly.<br /> <br /> At last, I didn't cross bridge[59.8/835] to Reigolil and keep going south because i have enough food for GPT15.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 28 - 31 dec / 3 days / NOBO/ Option 01B / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Last year we wondered if one can avoid roadwalking on GPT 14 and GPT15 by traversing Sollipulli (not the glacier) and it turns out it can be done and is quite a spectacular option (probably a lot more attractive then RR and when done right, not with too many people). The idea is, SOBO, to follow the rim of Sollipulli for about 4 km, then go to Laguna Cochor (14-01B), then to Laguna Isolda, Termas Rio Blanco and NP Huerquehue (15-01) and then Villarica Traverse (16-04). If you hitch (should be easy) or take a bus between the end of 15-01 and beginning of 16-04 through Pucon, you will get quite a nice trail without much roadwalking. See our notes to GPT15 and GPT16 for the rest of this option, here follows the Solipulli bit [November 2024: it is in our suggestions in the Track files].<br /> <br /> Note: to do a one way traverse of Sollipulli, either walk through the CONAF station before about 8 AM or after about 7 PM when the guards should no longer be there or walk past it for about 1 km on the road and take a right at 38.9238605S, 71.4873252W where there is an OSM trail based on Strava heatmap; however that trail needs to be confirmed, but it is almost for certain there.<br /> <br /> Since we climbed Sollipulli last year from the north, this year we opted to do a day trip from Laguna Cochor to the north summit via south summit of Sollipulli, thus proving the traverse is doable and not too hard. The following paragraph (Tl;DR: do not expect to get a ride easily on this road) is about access, so if you are coming from the north, skip it. <br /> <br /> We took a bus from Temuco to Cunco, they go every half an hour and cost a few thousand pesos. There are many terminals, the company you look for is Nar Bus, find its terminal in google maps to save yourself 1 km of going to the rural bus terminal and back. The ride takes cca 80 minutes. From Cunco, there is a daily bus to Laguna Caburga that leaves everyday at 17:00. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it should go all the way to Termas Rio Blanco (it probably goes back in the morning, do not remember time schedule but we just saw a bus in the morning in the direction of Cunco). In Cunco we missed that bus and had to hitch. It was very easy at the beginning to get to Lago Colico but after that it became extremely difficult all the way to the start of the hike. We had to sleep in the forest by the road that night because no cars were stopping. In the morning, we got a hitch of 3 km and then we walked a few more to the western end of Laguna Caburga. We bought some bread and chips there, waited for four hours for a hitch and killed about twenty horseflies. None of the 15 cars that passed took us. We then walked to the other end of the lake, where we got a hitch to the junction with access to Thermas Rio Blanco. From there, we walked to the start/end of GPT14 option 1B. It took us about 26 hours from Cunco. <br /> <br /> At the entrance to the trail (it is open but seems to lead through private land), there is a sign saying it is not allowed to camp at Laguna Cochor (which is clearly being violated, on our second night there, there was a Chilean tent). Secondly, it says there is no estabilished access to Sollipulli, which is not true, the path leads well above the tree line. The trail is an old road for ~1 km and the rest is very clear, easy and pretty through sometimes dark forrest. At the laguna, there is a beach where one can camp, as we did. There is no good source of water on the way to the laguna or at the laguna (but some streams could be heard in the undergrowth), definitely treat the water in the laguna. <br /> <br /> The next day, we hid our tent and set off to reach the south summit of Sollipulli and then to the northern summit via the ridge (or below the ridge). It was an extremely long day trip (~16hrs out and back) but it should not be a problem if doing a proper traverse, many camping options. If one does not want to camp at Laguna Cochor, first good place is right above the treeline where the TR section ends and CC section begins. A nicer place would be cca 1 km further on, where you traverse to a nice valley. The first cca 2 km of CC are actually more TR&amp;CC, the trail comes and goes and follows the contour line, which is to be recommended. In the valley, there was a stream that can still be jumped in one place or could be easily forded. With less snow, it would probably be jumpable almost everywhere. The way to the summit is uneventful and a bit of a slog. No scrambling is needed (there is just one small rock obstacle, but one can walk through). Above around 1900 m., there was a lot of snow. If going early in the season, check the map where glaciers are and do not walk on them - you do not need to, they are fairly small. From the summit, we looked for several ways to go down and then retraced a bit and actually crossed what on a map is marked as a glacier here: 38.9963315S, 71.5233126W. Judging from satellite photos and our own survey, we think the western part of the glacier has melted and we walked over a snowfield to a soft ridge with a small tarn at the end of it. Getting down from this ridge sharply down left towards a plateau-like valley may or may not be difficult if there is &quot;no&quot; snow. We found a good way down on moderate snow slopes but considering the snow there is still very deep we do not know what the rock would be like, most likely it should be fine without snow. Here Natalie went back as it was already 1500, but Tomáš pressed on. He went across the valley and up the side of the next ridge at roughly 2000 m (there are two places that are not rocky, this one was the lower one, it was steep but fairly easy walking through loose stones and scree), then he went roughly half the way up the ridge, traversed above the two lakes on the way, then got to the rim and walked the ridge, then he got down to the other two lakes on the map and walked up to the summit.<br /> <br /> It was six, so he ate and then spent 6 hours walking back, this time not going to the rim at all and staying under the two more southern lakes and then retracing his steps - this was a faster but less spectacular variant. There seemed to be many possible variants how to cross this six km between two endpoints of GPT, the best variant will depend on your mood, skill level, weather and snowncover. It is however possible to do the traverse without climbing or exposed scrambling (though to make sure, somebody should do this in February when there is no snow), Tomáš practically never used his hands. On the way back, he met a Chilean tent above the treeline.<br /> <br /> Next day, we walked down to the road, walked about six km, got a hitch of 3 km to Reigolil, after 15 min there got a hitch of 5 km, waited for an hour and then got a hitch all the way to Pucón (about 75 min of driving). <br /> <br /> * '''2023 23 - 25 dec / 3 days / SOBO / RR + D + Sollipulli summit / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Trail is mildly overgrown going up to the first campsite but not as bad as expected. Usually until your knees but the trail is still visible, it just slows you down. Keep an eye on your GPS if you think you lost it, it's spot on with the GPX files. Camp 14 [22.4] is such a nice spot! Be aware that if you want to do the Sollipulli summit you have to there before 1100 (according to the sign) or the rangers won't let you up. Still a 2hr walk, but not difficult.<br /> <br /> GPT14-I point there is a gate and private property sign if you want to continue RR. They are doing road construction, and there is a guard house at the end. I didn't see anyone there, but it was weekend. Just keep in mind you might need to do the detour which takes a bit longer to get to the ranger station.<br /> <br /> At the park rangers place you can drop your backpack. I was not allowed to do a one-way trip. Needed to come back. It's definitely worth it! Amazing crater and nice views! Took me 2hrs to get up, 1.5 to get down. <br /> <br /> I walked to Camp 14 [39.3] to spend the night. Also a nice spot. The rest of the trail is not super exiciting but 80% slowly downhill which is nice to speed up this part. I spend the night a few km's into GPT 15 next to the river. There are a few decent spots after about 4km.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-31 to 2023-Feb-02/ 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / including the Sollipulli volcano / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> One of the best sections so far for us thanks to the Sollipulli volcano. We started at the Icalma lake (the San Alfonso camp was great, 10 000 per two people, hot water (yes!) and access to the beach). There are some restaurants and minishops as well, enough to resupply I believe. The overgrown section had been cleared half a bamboo-metre ago, so sometimes it was tough and felt like the forest wants to suck you in. Nothing impassable, but the two kilometres took us two hours. Another thing - the river where the ascent starts in the forest is for long the only water source there if the weather is dry. There was a gate (S 38° 53.3570' W 071° 27.0191'); there's a hole in the fence on the left that we went under. We camped at a good spot on the right side of the road (S 38°53.4903' W 071° 27.8162'). The next day, we rushed to the CONAF station - we got there a little past 11 AM, but the ranger let us do the ascent anyway, we even had lunch before we went up (not from the stand, sadly, still operates only at the weekends). You can leave your backpacks with the ranger, which was great! We didn't pay anything to enter the park. It took us 5 hours there and back with a longer break at the top. The view from the top is indescribable plus the path leading up to it is also very nice with some snowpatches next to it that you can slide down as you please. <br /> After that we continued further down the road. We tried to outsmart the three fords but ended up fording the river three times anyway since the number of the fences and gates had increased I guess and we got stuck on a private property with nowhere to go. The best option might be to just follow the regular route. <br /> There's a beautiful camping spot that we highly recommend and had been told about by the ranger - a lot of free space, a laguna/pond, nice (not dense!) forest and several safe fireplaces. (S 38°56.3141' W 071°27.6738)<br /> From there on it was easy walking until Reigolil. The shop before the bridge has not many things to resupply but is good to refresh. The shop near the bus stop tuna, rice, pasta, biscuits, chips, beverages, some vegetables as well, enough to resupply. Its owners were so nice that they took us to their lot near the river where they let us pitch our tent. It seems that you can freely camp by the river but there was some Mapuche festival going on at that time. <br /> The bus schedule: 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. from the bus stop by the shop to Pucon. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-18 to 2023-Feb-20 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR starting in Tracura (road to Sollipulli) / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> We used Icalma as a resupply which worked well enough; many &quot;mini- supermercados&quot; and cheap accomodation (we had a cabana for 20mil/10mil each) but as a warning internet is awful! There is a nice pehuenche restaurant at the southern end of town on the main road and a little further than this on the main road you can get the best cell signal. Supposedly a bus goes to Lonquimay Mon-Wed-Fri but I forget the times, I think it was at 6am and 3pm.<br /> <br /> We headed towards parque Sollipulli but hitching out of Icalma was slow, ~2hours combined waiting. We got off at Tracura and walked most of the way to CONAF (minus 4km hitch). Hitching was difficult even though it was a Saturday and there were cars, just no takers. No clean water sources until conaf but you could ask one of the cabana rentals along the way if needed.<br /> No entrance fee at CONAF and although camping is not allowed the &quot;senior&quot; ranger told us we could camp behind the office (I may have persuaded him with piñones). The only thing is we had to wait until everyone was gone (~7-730pm) and then leave early the next day (~7-730am). He didn't want people to know so don't spread the word... There are water, toilets, cold showers and the next morning we were able to keep our things in the other building as we went up Sollipulli. Finally there was a food truck there with sopapillas and juice (it was a Saturday).<br /> <br /> As for Sollipulli it has been the easiest summit so far, there is superb trail and it took ~2hrs up más o menos. There is one intersection where the trail tells you to go right but the climbers trail goes straight and is quicker (staying left is more quick: -38.93399, -71.49659).<br /> The glacier is amazing, 4km in diameter and supposedly 200m deep. I would come back here with glacier gear to cross it and go down the south summit. However Tomáš has his eyes on a way to go around the crater without glacier gear, so it would be a mixture of walking the rim and traversing above treeline towards the south summit where there should be another trail. That would save one cca 20 km of road walking [Nov 2024: this has been proven, see above].<br /> <br /> We wanted to go up the main route and down option 01 but CONAF still requests you come down the same way and since they helped us with camping I wanted to respect their wishes. If you wanted to avoid the rangers we both think you could easily go up before or after they arrive, we saw a few other parties doing this [they live somewhere else, this is just a day station]. Note that there is no water after CONAF, if you were doing the traverse, there are some lakes down to the east from the North summit. We think the traverse looks easy until the treeline. From the other end we later passed the trail going up which is in fact a road - not sure how far it goes as a road.<br /> <br /> The summit was quick, so afterwards we started walking the road that skirts Sollipulli on its east. It was a peaceful road and I have no complaints until it became not fun anymore after the camping at ~46.9. There were two vehicles that passed (no room) but I have no idea how they drove past some of the downed trees, would be a dodgy ride.<br /> The forests here are finally becoming alive! We saw tarantulas and a giant moth carcass and mushrooms finally! There are many fords at the beginning after the lodge so keep sandals on if you have them. It would be worth looking at Google Earth for an alternative trail because we met a guided horse group on GPt15 that told us they went from the south summit of Sollipulli to the lodge without going on the road. It is possible they meant &quot;no road&quot; as in &quot;no asphalt road&quot; but who knows.<br /> We headed to routa S-965 to hitch to GPT15 PN Huerquehue (no cars passed until S-965).<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-23 to 2023-Jan-25 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> This section took us 2 days. Unfortunately we didn’t go to the summit, because we needed to go quickly down to Curarrehue, but otherwise we wouldn’t skip it, just a few kms more and it looks incredible. About the trail, the beginning is a dirt road around the lakes and it continues until the start of overgrown section. That is a little more than 4kms, but from the start its a relatively normal trail, easy to follow. The overgrown part is mainly between km 2-3.5, but not so terrible overall following the gps. We camped at the end of this part that took us around 2 hrs, maybe less. After that you walk on a minor road all the time, in a really nice forrest. All the puestos were empty. Hot Spring waypoint is somewhere around houses so we didn’t even go there. To cross the river before CONAF station we used GPT14-E and the bridge. At the station was one guard, food truck closed, water available. The lodging after 1km is nice but it comes with higher prices, we stopped there to have some drink and beer + cola (cans) cost us 6k CLP. We spent the night in the forrest after the pass, but camp at km 46.9 looked great. The rest of the trail is still the same gravel road. Minishop at 57.8 has only basic food, but also some things for repairs etc. In Reigolil was only one shop on the main road open with very limited supplies, but we got from the lady pastel de choclo and some homemade bread, all delicious! Later we continued to GPT15.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / '''<br /> <br /> From Reigolil to Solipulli it is a very easy forest road inside the reserva nacional. Carabineros asked some questions and said we could camp where we wanted. Arriving at the CONAF site at Solipulli, there is a small campground, free if you pay the entrance for the volcanoe (4000pp). There is a food truck with sopaipillas and jugos. We hiked the Solipulli and it is a must see. It is incredible and there are not that many people doing it. The CONAF ranger is very friendly. We did not hike from there to Icalma to avoid bushbashing and we wanted to see the big fiesta planned in Melipeuco (every year in late feb). It was worth it as we got to see a celebration of baqueanos. Melipeuco is not this nice but there are several supermarkets and restaurants to resupply. Easy hitch to Icalma (or there are 2 buses / day). We then hitched to Liucura to start section 12.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-30 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Nothing to add to the previous comments. We arrived at the pipeline construction site during working hours and just followed the indications of the workers, no detour, just some optional route. We spent the night at the CONAF campground and had one of the best breakfasts in Chile at the Sollipulli Lodge (13'000 p.P.). As the rain hasn't stopped by lunchtime we had lunch there too, it was excellent :-D We actually quite liked this section with all the trees. We directly added section 15 after this one. There are several busses per day from Reigolil to Curarrehue but we don't know the schedule. <br /> <br /> * '''15-Jan-2020 / 4 days (GPT 14 + GPT 15) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 14 and 15. It took us 3 days and nero.<br /> GPT14 - there are signs that someone tried to clear overgrown part of the trail on the begining and end but middle is still nicely overgrown. Though we didn't have problem to follow.<br /> Part of minor road on regular trail is under construction. They are putting a huge pipe under it. It was evening and workers were not there se we managed to sneak through but I don't think they will let you pass during working hours. It's just before descending to the river before National reserve Villarrica. <br /> In the Conaf campsite was food truck (it was weekend) with churasco, sopapillas, drinks... pure heaven. We paid 4000 per person at conaf.<br /> They are building a dorm at Lodge. It will be ready for next years hikers ;) <br /> Resuply in Reigolil - mini shop on trail seemed abandoned. We found best supplies in shop-4. There is one other shop directly after bridge. <br /> GPT15 - road and trail in good condition. On the climb to the lake bit before last settler there are some wild cherry trees on the left. We stuffed ourselves and left for others too. Enjoy. Multiple shops, accomodation options and restaurants in Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional summit up Volcán Sollipulli / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Overgrown trail towards the start is relatively easy to follow. Mostly overgrown around the middle but the tracks towards either end are in decent condition. The rest of the section is easy walking. I would strongly recommend taking a small detour to summit Volcán Sollipulli in the CONAF National park (~30km into the section). When we arrived at the park we had to pay a CLP 4000 fee per person. When speaking to the ranger about where we intended to walk, he advised that the optional route down from the Volcán we planned to take is in very poor condition and would not let us take it. We had to do an out and back. It took us around 3.5-4h to summit and return. The trail is in excellent condition (trail markers are present) and the view is spectacular!! Possibly the best thing I’ve seen on the GPT. We camped in the park for no charge and bought some hot food from the food truck in the evening on the weekend. No issues with the rest of the section.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR including Sollipulli climb / Frank'''<br /> <br /> 2 long days including Sollipulli climb<br /> They are building the pipeline under the dirt road, when they are finished they will bury the pipe &amp; road should reopen. No issues going through there but it was Sunday &amp; no one was around. You walk on a narrow track above ditch, when you reach a point where two big boulders block the path you need to go down into the ditch to go around them. <br /> Climbing Sollipulli is highly recommended to see the huge summit crater filled with ice &amp; snow. Easy &amp; well marked ascent.<br /> You are not allowed to do the ascent after about 11AM. The food truck 'Sabores de Sollipulli' at the Conaf campsite only operates on weekends, it was closed on Sunday. I believe there is another Conaf site a little off route at Laguna Huaquifilo where you can camp. Nowhere good to camp after that. It was raining so I continued to Reigolil. Just after you cross the bridge there is a shop, they have rooms &amp; provide very basic food. Not recommended but will do if you are stuck.<br /> <br /> A few minor corrections: There is no bridge @ Bridge 46, just ford the river easily. Gate @ far side of ford is marked no entry but walking through appears to be OK.<br /> There is a gravel track that stays on the right side of the river &amp; goes past Ford 133 &amp; Ford 134 so you don't need to cross either of them. It leads to Ford 135 which you do cross.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> [[File:Reigolil.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Timetable January 2020]]<br /> <br /> Bus goes from Reigolil to Curacautin &amp; Pucon. When I was there it left Reigolil at 7 &amp; 7:50 AM (different to timetable) Confirm times at the shop by the bridge in Reigolil. Frank<br /> <br /> South Summit:<br /> Temuco--&gt;Cunco--&gt;Lago Caburga--&gt;Hitch/Walk. Or ask/phone the business at Termas Rio Blanco &amp; Termas San Sebastián about their own chartered buses, from a brief conversation with an employee there sounded to be a bus every few days.What's app +56946809918, +56992318329<br /> <br /> Temuco's Terminal de Buses Rurales (Balmaceda 1475) can be complicated since most buses have their own shop elsewhere. For Cunco go to office &quot;IGI LLAIMA/ Nar Bus&quot;; Balmaceda 997. The bus leaves every 30min. <br /> <br /> From Cunco check with locals about bus to Lago Caburga. Supposedly a bus leaves everyday at 4 or 5pm from Balmaceda corner La Concepción. It will pass by the nice supermarket;Supermercado Hesis on &quot;Colico Sur&quot; aka the S-75. Confirm schedule in the municipality of Cunco before traveling at +56 45 2200147.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking is easy up until Lago Collico, after that there are cars but not many stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT14 - Volcán Sollipulli]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109047041.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045586.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045611.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045628.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045648.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109046479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109046482.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109046483.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109047161.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109047207.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT14_(Volcan_Sollipulli)&diff=123996 2025-08-25T06:44:32Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-25: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Option 1 (Cumbre Sollipulli): The ascent to the summit of Volcano Sollipulli is the highlight of this section. With good weather this opportunity should not be skipped. The most established route to the summit is the northern ascent that starts at the Conaf park ranger station. <br /> <br /> To avoid returning on the same route and to minimize road walking, the track files suggest a descent from the summit on the eastern slope of the vulcano. This route has been recorded several times but is somewhat more demanding then the northern ascent.<br /> <br /> Natalie, Tomas and Celio have investigated a much more demanding route along the eastern rim of Volcano Sollipulli that connects to the southern descent. This route includes some scrambling and should only be attempted in good stable weather.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-Feb-05 to 2025-Feb-10 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, 14-01 (Sollipulli Summit), 14-C / Farah &amp; Jan '''<br /> <br /> Combined GPT14 and 15 and took 6,5 hiking days in total including the Sollipulli Summit ascent.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Araucaria forests, Piñones<br /> Challenges: Overgrown trails<br /> <br /> Started in the afternoon at Laguna Chica de Icalma and camped at a small laguna some hundred meters off the RR at (S 38°52.007' W 71°22.804'). The section indicated in the manual as potentially overgrown, was indeed overgrown. Had to fight our way through vegetation and regretted that we didn’t bring a machete. <br /> <br /> The creek at camp [22.4/1158] had dried out, so we took the 14-C detour to the lake {14-C} [0.9/1535] to fill our water bladders.<br /> <br /> Found an araucaria tree with a low hanging ripe piña that we harvested and later peeled and cooked - sabroso!<br /> <br /> Locked gate at S 38°53.3561’ W 71°27.0191’, that we had to climb over.<br /> <br /> Camped at S 38°53,4797’ W 71°27.8106’ next to the river.<br /> <br /> The next day we climbed another locked gate at S 38°53.6540’ W 71°29.4936’. Hiked only half a day, took the afternoon off and camped at S 38°54.5929’ W 71°29.9113’, at a small camp ground for 10 luca per night for two ppl and one tent.<br /> <br /> Ascended to the Nevados de Sollipulli summit the next morning on the CONAF path (14-1), which was easy to walk. A properly maintained hiking path in the beginning and volcanic gravel further up. Then enjoyed another relaxed afternoon at the camp ground.<br /> <br /> Next day we continued to the camp at [46.9/1091]. Easy road walking on a private road, between a forest and a beautiful river bed with little traffic (only a few 4WDs).<br /> <br /> The next day we bought some food at the Mini Shop at [57.8/856], which had a way better selection than the shops in Reigolil center. Would’ve fully resupplied there, if we had known that already. Continued to the bridge at [59.8/835] and spent some relaxing hours next to and in the river. The fast food restaurant in Reigolil was closed, so no restaurant food for us. Resupplied at the shop at [60.0/838] with a very limited choice of foods and continued onto GPT15.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-08 to 2025-02-10 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RH+Var A+RR+OH01 volcano+RR/ Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: At 3 p.m. from Icalma, I took variant OH1 till km.17.9 of RR. It was Saturday and &quot;feria&quot; en ICalma, so there were a lot of cars on OH1. In ICalma, I bought coffee y sopapillas de piñones. There were fodder tracks and many shops there. Without cars, this option is not so bad because you can admire the lake. I joined RR crossing the fence. Then the trail went through a very calm and beautiful forest. Some fences, but easy to cross. Then I took Var C to camp at the lake.<br /> <br /> Day 2: a little crazy. I started very early to reach the point of the park ranger before 11 a.m. taking RR. Some fences, sometimes I needed to pass under them. There was nobody in &quot;puestos&quot;. Part between km 30.9/29.6 and 31.9/30.9 of 1 km is something like a technical road to the installation managing water from the river. The last part I passed by a big pipe. I was not sure it was safe. I arrived 5 minutes before 11. Guardaparques was very polite and took care of my backpack. After me, two guys passed by the entrance without a problem. But I think that it is better to be there before 11. There is no possibility of camping near the entrance to the trail on Vulcan. Then I took the variant OH1 to Vulcan. The trail was very easy and touristy. The last part from 2000 height there was snow, but the trail is on the left side. The views were amazing. Then I came back the same route. The guardaparques has a camp on var H, point -38.90999,-71.49837 for 10000 clp. It is about 1.5 km before the park and there are good signs to this place. It is a very nice place close to the river: bathrooms, picnic tables, and a place to charge phones. Also, there was a net - Entel.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> Very easy and climatic trail to Ragolil. The rivers are calm and not deep. There is camping before Ragolil &quot;Rayem mapu&quot; at point -39.08640, -71.46810. Before the village Reigolil I met &quot;micro&quot; . The driver stopped to take me to his house - he has &quot;hospedaje&quot; for 15000 beds plus a little dinner ( Lodging (59.2+0.3/843). Very hot water was really nice. In front of their house was a shop. The other one is near the bus, but there were only sweets things to eat. There was also a bar with papas and completos.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-02 to 2025-02-05 / 4 days / NOBO / Huerquehue - Sollipulli traverse / Celio, Amalia ​​'''<br /> <br /> We did the huerquehue sollipulli traverse as suggested by Tomas and Natalie report.<br /> First of all thanks to them for this option!<br /> It's a very beautiful traverse but demanding on the south to north summit traverse of the sollipulli.<br /> <br /> Huerquehue :<br /> From Pucón there is 3 buses going to the entrance of the park (8:30am 12am and 16:30pm). There is 3 also living the park (around 1h later than the previous). Pucon was crowded and we decided to stay at the beginning of the trail at camping Olga (amazing place, no wifi and electricity btw, 9000$ each). When you get to the park entrance they will ask you your reservation at the camping and then ask you what's your trail plan and check your reservation for the park.<br /> There we just said that we planned to do the lagos loop, since the traverse is not authorized anymore. We had reserved the entrance in advance for the next day ( careful on monday the park is closed...).<br /> The next day we started early and went by the control &quot;nido de aguila&quot; by 9am and no one was there so we kept going. Once in laguna Huerquehue it's easy to follow the trail going down the other side (blues dots, overgrown a bit). You get to the old camping place reñahue and met with the trail going to termas rio blanco that's well maintained. We stayed at eco termas rio blanco, 15000$ each, amazing therms!<br /> <br /> Next day we followed the dirt road (you pass an old lumber exploitation) until 39.105063° S 71.545074° W. There is a sign saying laguna isolde, there start the trail. Note that you will come over several gates on the dirt road but we asked 2 persons and it's supposedly not a problem. At laguna isolde if you want to reach the shore, seek for the middle west shore, there is a trail following a dry rocky river bed that take you to the shore and a fire place. People camp there.<br /> After that the trail go down to the gravel road, that you follow 2km on the east until you find the start of the lago cochor trail (there is a sign for it).<br /> Going up lago cochor is a very nice trail well maintained and beautiful. Lago cochor is a perfect place to camp and we were not alone! 5 other tent.<br /> <br /> Sollipulli traverse :<br /> Next day we started the sollipulli traverse. There is a visible trail until you get out of the forest then it's less visible until the summit.<br /> At the beginning to avoid the small detour just after lago cochor we shortcut in the forest staying on the ridge (savimg a few meter and elevation) 39.037476° S 71.553153° W.<br /> <br /> After the south summit start the Tomás and Natalie suggestion track for the traverse.<br /> Careful!<br /> It's getting more demanding from this point, more alpine terrain and at the beggining there is a small downclimbimg (going Nobo) to do on a 4m wall. I guess it's was not there when Tomás did it earlier in the season with more snow. It's here 38.999587° S 71.520148° W. <br /> This is where we find out to be the easiest. I guess someone can try higher up on the snow but it's quite steep and on the map is shown as a Glaciar, even if I doubt there is still crevasses...<br /> After that it's walking mostly on moraine ground and volcanic rocks. I recommend to take the lower option of Tomás and especially here, 38.994149° S 71.499742° W, as the more higher option is exposed on a steep snow slope where a fall could &quot;hurt&quot; you.<br /> Also be careful to strictly follow is track here 38.978334° S 71.491617° W, since on the west or east it's a cliff. The way down is steep but on loose rock where you can &quot;ski&quot; down. If you want to avoid it you have to go way more east than the semi transparent blue track of Tomás. Around here I'll say 38.978328° S 71.487167° W. <br /> After this it get easier and we camp at the blue lake just down southeast of the north summit. Next day we joined the option 1 and went down the north face to the park ranger then the gravel road and hitchhiked to melipeuco.<br /> <br /> This traverse is probably a lot more scenic than the RR but it's demanding and require skills on alpine terrain especially later in the season when there is less snow and with that downclimbimg involved.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-17 to 2025-01-18 / 2 days / NOBO / RR / Tobias ​​'''<br /> <br /> First night I camped next to Río Machín (-39.03706, -71.46988), 2 km before “Police” {14} [49.3/1000]. There was no police. But at the next Puesto {14} [48.4/1078] the owner wrote down my name. Did not need to pay there. Went up the pass and took option 1 for getting up to Vulcan Sollipulli. Easy trail, amazing place up there!! Then I went down where the conaf trail starts. Rangers did not put any attention on me. I went to hot springs (-38.89384, -71.49345), because I thought about staying there. The owner showed me the place, full of algas and the water is cold, so I continued. Stayed at Camp {14} [22.4/1158] after 38 km of walking. Next day I continued 17 km to laguna chica de Icalma, where I continue packrafting in some days with Mara. For the overgrown part I recommend long trousers. Beautiful section, no bad surprises.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-02 &gt; 03 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / 14-A &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Bus Bio-Bio pour Lonquimay le 01 à 11h30, puis bus le 02 à 14h pour Cruzaco, puis auto-stop jusqu'au point X {14-A} [6.8/1319] (compliqué de sortir du GPT...). La rando est top et la piste en parfait etat. Je voulais relier les pistes 14-01 et 14-01B en traversant le cratère du volcan, mais le gardien du parc m'a dit que c'etait impossible. Je suis donc passé par la vallée. Pas de pont au km 33,5 mais facile a traverser. Après le col au km 42, la rando n'est plus interessante. C'est de la gravel road jusqu'a la fin.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-29 to 2024-DEC-31 / 2 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> This is a relatively easy stage with one challenging BB section; the rest is mostly along MR.<br /> <br /> We departed from Villa Icalma in the afternoon, carrying food supplies for two days. The first night we stayed at a campsite {13} [35.2/1172], where we paid 10,000 CLP for one tent. The locals warned us about the risk of forest fires and asked us not to light any fires.<br /> <br /> At coordinates (-38.8421396, -71.3628436), there is a log bridge to cross the stream. The following TL section is heavily overgrown and littered with fallen trees. Progress was slower here, but the path was still navigable. At the end of this overgrown part, we took a detour to a small, picturesque lake (-38.8676092, -71.3797418), where we refilled our water supplies. There were also a few picnic tables.<br /> <br /> At coordinates (-38.8892305, -71.4503356), we encountered a locked gate that we had to climb over. At Lodge Nevados de Sollipulli [33.4/1188], basic food supplies are available for purchase. However, the nearby bridge [33.8/1188], marked in the track files, was missing, so we had to ford the river.<br /> <br /> The remainder of the stage held no further surprises.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''December 17–26 2024 / 10 days/  Packrafting / SOBO / New option combining Huella Andina and nearby lakes from Icalma/Villa Pehuenia to Paso Mamuil Mamal (road from  Pucón to Argentina) GPT14 RP?, GPT15-RP???'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> TL;DR: If you like people suffering, skip to days 7–9. <br /> <br /> (Note: putting everything here, even though this technically spans two sections - there is no possibility to legally cross borders back to GPT15.)<br /> <br /> Summary: This is a new and quite scenic and varied mostly-not-on-road route. In our opinion, it is a superior alternative to a lot of roadwalking on the RR GPT14-15 and a possible candidate for extending RP (including a river flowing through Aracaurias, which are to be found along all the trail). The last bushbashing (BB) part, while offering an experience in a pristine and untouched forest, is extremely demanding and not exactly safe due to its remoteness and bone breaking/puncture hazards. The forest was an experience for us like no other so far after six months on the GPT in total. The 5km BB took us 3 days. However, before that final section, this route is suitable for hikers as it follows the Huella Andina (&quot;HA&quot;), with some modifications (and using a packraft). Natalie also found a MR route around the bush bashing and last two lakes (with some ridge options) for hikers. In either case, one can than connect to our traverse od the side of Lanin, which we published last year in GPT16. Had this not been our first section this year and had we not carried 1a packraft and food for ten days, this could have been done much faster. I will refer to the KMZ file downloadable from wikiexplora article about HA. This time of the year, we practically never carried water, it was everywhere. It would be probably different at the end of summer. We never met any park rangers, so we do not know if any permits or payments are needed. In Villa Pehuenia, we were told by the tourist information office that HA is only open from Lago Ñorquinco, and indeed it is only marked from there, but the two previous sections exist as trails or roads and to our knowledge are open for hiking. Probably they are not maintained as they are not in any National Park. Outside of the lakes, we met no other overnight hikers and only one daypacker and one group of MTBikers. <br /> <br /> Day 0 - Crossing from Icalma to Villa Pehuenia - 4 km<br /> In Icalma, we asked a local working in a garden whether there was a taxi in Icalma and he offered to drive us to the border for 5 thousand CLP, which we accepted. It was a big help since the border was closing at ~7pm (it may have been 6pm but we only had an hour or so for both crossings). At the border, we were informed that Argentina requires a boat certificate of desinfection by a Chilian officer, but the Argentinians did not ask for it (for details, see this discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1956717948167415/). We didn't get a hitch between the border controls, but soon after in Argentina the first car took us to Villa Pehuenia. Villa Pehuenia is a tourist town, with no exchange office but seemingly every shop was willing to change US dollars for Argentinian pesos, ask around to get a decent rate. Shops were open until 21. Ressuply is well possible, this being Argentina, but food is now probably cheaper (though of course worse) in Chile (the Argentinian border controls did not check our bags stuffed with food at all). There is a dedicated shop for vegetables and fruits here: -38.88139, -71.18762. Paid 10 thousand to sleep at a run-down but functional ‎Complejo Lagrimitas. Phone Claro internet decent.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Villa Pehuenia to Moquehue ‐ 15 km<br /> Our first independent packrafting trip meant that we fiddled several hours with packing and loading the boat, so we started at 11 AM. Lake was calm and we reached a beach here: -38.91476, -71.27327 around 14:00. The &quot;puesto&quot; marked in OSM sounds more like a settler, dogs and chickens heard. While we ate, whitecap waves against our direction developed and when paddling, we more or less stood on the ground, so we opted for hiking the rest of the way. The trail to Moquehue is easy but scenic, so we did not regret it. It is a trail, not a road, OSM has it wrong (will be fixed in the summer) until the last 1 km or so. In Moquehue, we managed to buy bread and nuts, ressuply possible, but we had most of our food already. Claro internet (last before end of trip). We followed HA for one km and slept a few hundred metres beyond the town here: -38.95579, -71.32329 (no water). <br /> <br /> Day 2 - Moquehue to ridge above the next valley - 13 km.<br /> We followed HA until just before Filo Cerro Plomo. Appart from first 2 km, it is a 4x4 road (sad) through a beautiful forrest (happy). Sidetrip to viewpoint here -38.96209, -71.32286 worth the ten minutes it takes. The ridge above the HA that should be accessible through OSM path starting here -38.95090, -71.31670 (mapped based on Strava, so might be CC) looked like easy and beautiful walking and is probably preferrable in good weather. Paths around -38.97080, -71.32003 are also mapped based on Strava, might be an artifact of a race or one single mad person doing the same round over and over and might be more CC than trails, but should get you to the ridge too. Anyway, on HA, the trackfiles are a bit wrong, around -39.00634, -71.30802, you will see two trail marks, so leave the road and go up. Met some people with bikes here, only people we met for the next two days. Path is not visible, but forrest is open and you go basically straight up. When reaching low lying beech shrubbery, path reappers that leads you up to the saddle. There is a creek shortly after this turn off (just before the trail marks) you can fill up on water. There is also a cairn at this creek and if you wish to walk the creek bed I think it might be possible as well. From the saddle we opted to follow the ridge NE from HA. It is spectacular and while steep, no hands are needed to advance. It is a bit slowgoing though, especially with a packraft and 10 days of food. We slept near a seasonal lake around -39.03013, -71.28361, very beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Ridge above the next valley to Lago Ñorquinco - 15 km.<br /> We followed the ridge for two km and then discovered a recently maintained trail down to the valley here: -39.05003, -71.28180. We took it. It took us down through beech shrubbery to here -39.05142, -71.28621. Then it kind of petered out but the forest was open enough for us to easily reach the HA in the valley. The HA is quite a wide path that must have been made with a digger some time back, but it is not used by cars up to -39.08562, -71.30652. We originally wanted to stay on the ridge longer and go down from here: -39.08760, -71.29079. That is open terrain and looking from below, it looked possible, but not wholly certain. However, we would advise to join the ridge straight from Moquehue as suggested previously and get down by this trail we discovered. We followed the HA to Ruta Provincial 11, but it might be advisable to cut to the NW corner of the lake from here: -39.11217, -71.30914 to avoid roadwalking and a detour: Arroyo Nompehuen must be forded anyway and while cold, does not have too much water (knee deep) and there seems to be a path on satellite in the suitable direction and the landscape is reasonably open. We put our packraft in here -39.12056, -71.31909. It is a campsite where noone was in attendance, otherwise day-access is about 4 thousand pesos per person, so you might want to reach the lake farther, should be possible, use OSM and satellite map. There are showers and toilets and trashbin though. It was a bit windy (from West) and rain was coming, so despite the small size of the lake and low fetch, whitecap waves developed. Their direction was suitable for us and we crossed the lake along the southern shore to find a very wind sheltered camp next to a creek behind a bush here: -39.12056, -71.31909. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - Lago Ñorquinco - to Arroyo Calfiquiera - 19 km<br /> The next day we padled to -39.14420, -71.29466 and joined HA from there. According to OSM, the lake can be hiked around from both directions. West side seems preferable. HA starts to be marked here. It is actually mostly a very old eroded road made with a digger probably decades back. It has overwhelmingly the characteristics of a trail. Cascada Coloco is very pretty. Once you reach the pass, where there is a puesto and cows, the trail turns into a road that is very rarely used, it seemed. Vivac Pampa de Castro would probably give you shelter in rain and is open enough for hanta virus not to be a worry. We reached Arroyo Calfiquiera here: -39.22814, -71.27044 (before that it is a wild stream). However, the creek is overgrown just after that, luckily there were two locals living there who were fishing and helped us carry our fully loaded packraft to -39.22933, -71.26945. There was one more narrow and almost overgrown section shortly after (-39.23189, -71.26735), so you might want to put in just after that (follow the 4x4 tracks visible on satellite). From then on, apart from two low lying bridges, no portages were needed (we shortly walked our boat once or twice through some narrow braided passages). We camped at -39.23857, -71.25184 just before a class 1 rapid (that turned out to be the biggest on the river). Tomáš left his scissors from his Victorinox card there, you might find them at the edge of grass. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Arroyo Calfiquiera to Vivac Malalco Chico - 18 km<br /> In the morning, the rapid turned out to be dangerous only for one's knees. The bridges are here: -39.24453, -71.24944 and -39.24874, -71.21634. There is a creek with fresh water flowing in at -39.24601 -71. 21842. With all the packing and unpacking, it is for sure quicker to walk on HA (which leaves the road for a trail in the valley for at least a part of its length). However, packrafting is recommended as part of the arroyo flows through an aracauria forrest and all along you get nice views of surrounding mountains. It is also good practice for beginners, we thought, being beginners ourselves. Down at the lake, we ferried across an American who said she would climb a mountain north of the lake nearby using a trail disclosed by a local. We did not packraft across the lake and instead got out at the picnic area at the west end of the lake (small stream but walk up a bit bcs there is an outhouse in the stream) and then after lunch made a shortcut to the ridge. After about 500 metres along the lake on the road, we turned right uphill and soon found a trail used by horses recently here: -39.25142, -71.19640. It was easy to follow and joined HA here -39.25310, -71.18395. It would be great if somebody could investigate where in the valley (presumably further up) it originates. There are a few puestos high up on this side so more trails are expected. The HA itself then crosses a very attractive (old volcanic) plateau. It is probably (one of) the nicest part of the HA that we have seen so far (out of a half). We camped at a valley designated by the KMZ files as a bivauc and it is a good camping spot, but do not expect any facilities or people.<br /> <br /> Natalie devised an idea where you would CC from here: -39.25687, -71.23304 onto the ridge, traverse Cerro Rucachoroi and join HA here: -39.31090, -71.20943. It all looked like well passable CC, but we never got a good view of the peak itself and are unsure if it can be sidehilled or crossed. Some of the sub-peaks obstructing the view were rather vertical, but ridges that we saw were passable. <br /> <br /> Day 6 - Vivac Malalco Chico to Lago Quillèn  - 21 km<br /> Going down is straightforward. However, there are some fallen branches. About 200 metres of altitude above the valley, you hit a creek that you will cross several times downstream. After crossing Arroyo Malalco (which looks great for packrafting, but do your research), a local from Comunidad Laf Lefiman offered us a cabaña with Starlink internet for 60 thousand,but it was too early so we went on. When we reached the lake, we saw a family with a paddleboard and kayaks that we saw the previous day at Lago Rucachoroi. Park rangers were nowhere to be seen. It was quite windy and waves looked big, so we used our packraft to cross the outlet from the lake and walked along the beach to join MR that runs along the southern side of the lake until -39.43088, -71.2848, where we camped. We met a group of people fishing there but they soon left. <br /> <br /> Day 7 - Lago Quillèn to Somewhere in bamboo  - 13 km.<br /> We started early (aiming for sunrise, we managed to be in the boat 45 minutes after it) and paddled on lake Quillèn to reach old buildings here: -39.42796, -71.42474. They were a (probably recentishly) abandoned border police station, as far as we could tell. The lake had some waves already in the morning but they were quite managable and it took us about 4 hours to paddle the 13 km or so. Along the way, there would be places to camp, especially on the beach here: -39.42164, -71.36282 where there is fresh water. After the police station, we got onto a beach here: -39.43593, -71.41508. We cleared a place for a tent and entry into the forest, did not check for water but satellite says there is a creek outlet about 50 m NW from there. Then the &quot;fun&quot; part started, at about 15:00. Natalie's many many warnings about the forest looking impenetrable turned out to be true. It is an ancient Chilean beech (Roble/Coigue) forest with a completely native understory of many shrubs but mainly just walls of bamboo. In the grand scheme of things, if we had stuck to the creek bed we would have made the crossing in two (long) days. But because we left the creekbed several times, this 5km crossing took us 3 days.<br /> <br /> At the beginning, while we were not yet on a steep slope, we were moving at a healthy speed of maybe 400m an hour. We found a creek here: -39.43977, -71.41793 that allowed us to walk without obstruction for about 15m. It was turning into a canyon, which we did not like, so we continued to the east of it. Little did we know how foolish that was! In the beginning, as it got steeper, we would sometimes find an area full of flat dead woody bambo that would allow us to jump about twenty metres before fighting the green bamboo again. As we progressed (at a speed of maybe 250m per hour), we noticed we were on a side of a steep canyon made by erosion from water running down the slope. Details of the satellite map revealed that we were two such ravines removed from the main creek. We crossed one over a log, that was maybe 10 m long and was maybe 6 m high above the lowest point of the canyon. It was getting dark so we cleared a somewhat even spot for a camp (sorry forest). After six hours and some zigzagging caused by the canyons, we were about 1 km from where we started. Survey without a backpack (which makes moving around about three times easier) suggested we might be able to rejoin the main canyon the next day which was about 100 m far (and thirty metres below). <br /> <br /> Day 8 - Somewhere in bamboo to dried creekbed - 1 km<br /> New survey in the morning made us go backdown as the main canyon's wall seemed like a landslide and almost vertical. We started to follow down a ravine between us and the main creek, hoping it would join it. After three hours, 400 m of distance and two failed surveys in the direction of the main canyon, we finally manged to make a crossing. A rule for heavy duty bushbashing seems to be: always follow the water. It is not exactly quicker, but psychologically being able to see more than 5 metres in advance and not having to constantly put branches from one's face is a tremendeous benefit. It also helps with orientation and hopefully provides a possible passage. We of course set a turn-back time by which we would turn back if we did not reach the pass, but (Tomáš not being the responsible one), we failed to heed it after deciding we actually still had food for three more somewhat fasting days. We started to go up the creek at a speed of about 200 metres an hour, so after about 5-6 hours, we managed to get under the place where we slept. We agreed that we could have probably gone down there, saving us 5 hours of a detour, the canyon walls being steep, but in some places having enough bamboo to provide good (but never truly certain) holds. At about -39.44779, -71.41624, there was a confluence of two canyons, and we decided to go through a steep dry vegetation-wise more or less open slope to the right . After about 100m, we traversed back left to the main creek. It was now six in the evening. Still hoping to reach the pass (hey, just 500m of distance!) and facing somewhat overgrown waterfall in the main ravine roughly -39.45067, -71.41624, we again opted to go right, onto an even steeper slope. Somehow with the help of trees growing there, we reached a beech-bush combined with bamboo understory, slowing us down to maybe 50 m an hour. After an hour or so, we found a ravine that we partially followed and traversed back to the creek. It still had some waterfalls that turned out to be scalable and after 100 m (our speed returning to a solid 250 m per hour), it turned dry. It now being 9 PM, we built a camp inside of the creekbed. Looking back, especially the second diversion was a mistake and we should have stayed in the canyon (the waterfall was probably scalable with passing backpacks and such). The variety of plant and insect species that live in and around the creekbed was amazing. Luckily very little tabanos or other obnoxious insects, which was true for all these 5 km. <br /> <br /> Day 9 - Dried creekbed to somewhere in bamboo II - 3 km<br /> In the morning, Tomáš went exploring and found the other side of the pass much preferable, so around ten, we set off to continue. After an easy 40-minute 300m traverse to the pass (Lanin looks impressive even through the trees), the character of the valley changed a lot. Almost open beech forrest and relatively regular creekbed (with a creek) enabled us to reach -39.45964, -71.41716 in a superb speed of almost 600m/hour. From there, we followed the river through a dense old and amazing canopy. At about 400 m/ hour, we eventually got to a 20 m cascading (not vertical) waterfall here: -39.47088, -71.41775. To its left, we managed to cut a path with our machete, passing each other our backpacks on the not-entirely vertical somewhat crumbly climb-down. Unfortunately we do not think our holds will last long as we scaled it down in mainly mud and fragile rock (rope or bamboo bushing walkaround should do). Afterwards, our speed again decreased to about 200 m an hour, overcoming many logjams and much smaller waterfalls. We camped around -39.47449, -71.41901. Natalie somehow left her insoles there. All the scrambling we have done both up and down were mangeable (T4 to T5 on SAC scale), though a rope of 10 or 15 m or so would have been at certian moments quite useful. <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Somewhere in bamboo II to Paso Mamuil Mamal - 17 km<br /> In the morning, we took three hours mostly following the creek or bashing bamboo alongisde it to reach the shore (yay!), where Tomáš somehow left his beloved trusty headphones: -39.48276, -71.42544. Should you find them, give them a decent burial. We inflated our packraft and paddled across Lago Tromen (which offers tremendeous views) in about 2,5 hours to outlet of Rio Malleo, meeting people again after several days. Rio Malleo has probably too much of a drop to be packrafted safely but lookes tempting to Tomáš. After a long lunch, eating the last of our last food, we crossed the river and walked along the OSM trail to the National Park office near the border. Nobody paid attention to us there, so we walked to the Argentinian border control, from which we got a hitch all the way to Pucon, seeing Clara hitchhiking around the end of the Villarica Traverse. Pucon did not have Tomáš's favourite icecream like last year and in general did not feel as good as previous years (cherries were perfect though). We were very glad and maybe somehow euphoric we made it . <br /> <br /> Overall, the forest was incredible. However, if we broke a limb or worse, we doubt help would come, so only do this if you are prepared for self-evacuation or face the consequences. We are however convinced that with good navigation, and staying mainly in the creek, it could take two long days to do the BB traverse, one for going up the pass and one down. The BB has difficulty 7 in GPT terms.<br /> <br /> * '''17Dec2024 - 20dec2024 / hiking SOBO / RR from ~km30 - OH1 A/R (cumbre sollipulli) - RR - GPT15 OH1 / 4 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhike from Icalma to Tracura and then Huechelepun (took me half day with multiple cars and still few km of road walking, not much cars) <br /> <br /> OH1 (cumbre sollipulli by north side) : no one of conaf at park 31. It's written that they don't allow people to go up after 11am so may be a problem if they're here (maybe more during full turism season). <br /> Very easy trail for 7km and 1000d+, steep and snow at the top but easy going slow. Really nice full snow cratere on the top !! Descent by same path cause low clouds comming (except took 1a short cut that is good). <br /> <br /> Ruta de Baquedanos (RR) is easy dirt road walking. Camp spots with water almost everywhere (maybe less between 40 and 46). Not many nice views all along. <br /> <br /> Then RR until GPT15 opt1 (a bit after settlment 51.7). <br /> Sleep in hospedaje Veronica that is lower on 15-OH-1a. (15k for bed + private bathroom with cold water + breakfast). She and her husband are really nice. She used to have a cafeteria and sell honey, charcuterias and other products that she did. For now she has family issues so she only keep the hospedaje but she told me that she's thinking to reopen it in january or february. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dec-05 to 2024-dec-08 / 3.5 Days (1 day rest due to bad weather) / Hiking / SOBO / RR - D / Karin'''<br /> <br /> I took the RR through the overgrown part. It was managable, but for some parts I had to look closly on the GPS not to loose track. There were lots of fallen trees/branches blocking the way. With the vegetation growing, I think it will become more difficult to get through. <br /> <br /> Camp spot at km17.9 was very wet and swompy, due to the rain. But, I guess that it would be good on nice days. <br /> <br /> On that kind of plateau (alt. 1500m) was still a bit of snow, but nothing to worry about.<br /> <br /> Camp on km22.4 looked nice (lots of curious cows). After this camp, about 1km, was a locked gate, which was not so easy to climb.<br /> <br /> As it was raining heavily (stronger than perdicted), I took var D in order to find a refuge. After a few km, I found cabañas (Santa Victoria) where I could stay for two nights ever that it is still off season. Very nice people working there. <br /> <br /> At the park ranger km31.8, as I didn't see anybody so I just walked through. <br /> <br /> The bridge at the Laguna (km33.5) was not there, but the river was easy to ford, so as well for the fords all the way up to the pass km41.5. The water was never higher than mid-calf/knee. <br /> <br /> I camped at camp km46.9. Very nice and large spot. <br /> <br /> The Ruta del Baqueano seems to be a high used biking or off road driving track. I meet a lot of cars and bikes.<br /> <br /> As I did GPT 13-15 in one, I did not stop neither in Icalma nor in Reigolil, so I cannot say if there is enough for resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 13 / 1 Day/ Hiking / SOBO/ hitchhiked to huechelepun + RR till reigolil/ Allie '''<br /> <br /> I camped in camping Carilafquen in Huechelepun. I left early in the morning as it was 32km to get to Reigolil. I stopped by the lodge nevados for a coffee and stayed a bit, the place was so lovely. On the highest parts of the regular route there are some patches of snow to cross but nothing sketchy. Watch out for snow bridges though. The river fords are doable as well. <br /> <br /> * '''5.-8.11.2024 / 4 hiking days / Daina and Arno'''<br /> <br /> We did a combination of GPT 14 and 15, although we didn't have the files at this time.<br /> <br /> We took a bus from Pucón to Flor del Valle and arrived later than expected at 1:30 pm. First we hiked into section 14 on the minor road with very few traffic. At -39.01943, -71.458341 we needed to cross a creek, that is not visible in our map. There are huge treetrunks like a natural bridge. Later at -39.014836, -71.456205 there was another wide stream of water at the road, but very easy to ford. <br /> Later we dicided to turn around and hiked to the Laguna Huesquefilo instead, to find a nice campspot. The trail to the Laguna was very smooth, the Laguna itself was beautiful. Next day we continued to GPT 15.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 24th to Mar 31st / 6 hiking days and 2 rest days / SOBO / Hiking / RR, Var C, E, H, G, Opt 1 and 1A, Opt 2 and 2A / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We did sections 14 and 15 together.<br /> <br /> TL:DR: a nice section; the summit of Sollipulli is not to be missed!<br /> <br /> Day 1 March 24th<br /> <br /> We left Icalma at 08:30. It was a foggy morning and the air was still, very nice hiking weather and beautiful light. It had rained the day before so the road walk was thankfully not dusty. It was a Sunday morning and very few cars passed.<br /> <br /> We left the highway to keep on RR. It is a dirt road for quite some time. We found a lot of piñones just lying on the ground. There was an unmarked ford at (-38.84187, -71.36345). After that the overgrown section began. It was somewhat challenging for us, not bush bashing per se, but definitely bush pushing. A lot of it was waist high and really slowed us down. Our plan had been to get to the laguna on Var C, but it became obvious that even if we did make it, it would be dark before we got there. Looking at the GPS I noticed what looked like a small laguna at (-38.86766, -71.38010). There was no OSM track for it, but when we got closer, we found a dirt road going to it. There was no sign and no fences. It was a lovely spot. There were a few araucarias dropping piñones, and the laguna was clear and glassy smooth. It was, however, definitely someone's campground. There are flat spots for tents, picnic tables, a shipping container turned into a bathroom (padlocked shut when we were there), and there were signs of more development planned. Point being, if you plan to camp here in future seasons, be aware that, at least during “la temporada”, there may be other people there, and it probably costs money.<br /> <br /> Day 2 March 25th<br /> <br /> We made it a short day. Our packs were extra heavy due to all the piñones we were harvesting. We kept trying to stop, but there is just something about their color and shape that makes them irresistible to pick up. The path from the campground to the laguna on 14-C is a dirt road the whole way. We had to check the GPS a few times as there are a few other roads that break off of it, but the route is easy walking. The laguna is very pretty and the campsite there is nice. It's fairly flat with plenty of space for multiple tents, under some trees, so mixed shade and sun, and easy water access. There was also a fire ring there. We had our first fire of the season and cooked a few batches of piñones. Some people on horseback came by looking for their cows. They said they are beginning the process of collecting the animals and moving them down to the invernadas for the winter. They mentioned that the laguna on 14-C is called Laguna Santa Olga.<br /> <br /> Day 3 March 26th<br /> <br /> Stayed at Laguna Santa Olga for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 4 March 27th<br /> <br /> We walked by (Camp 14 [17.9/1538]) on the way back to the road. We could hear a stream trickling in the opposite side of the road from it.<br /> <br /> The forest along the way was beautiful. It was a great time of year to be there as well, sunny but not hot and the light was always nice. We collected another 2 kg of piñones. There were so many everywhere, we definitely could have bought less food and been okay.<br /> <br /> We took Var E to bypass the road construction even though there was no one there by the time we arrived. It was mostly because we were looking for camping and knew there wouldn't be any good spots there. But if someone arrived there after work hours, the gate going SOBO was just closed with wire, and on the other end it was possible to just walk around the fence.<br /> <br /> We then followed Var H on to Var G towards Var F. We camped at Camping Carilafquen (-38.91004, -71.49813) along Var F. We paid 10.000 for the tent space. There was no one else there. The campground was pleasant. It had plenty of space on the grass for tents, picnic tables, and bathrooms with showers, cold water only, no electricity. It was a good option for us because it was only 1.6 km from the CONAF office. If wanting to camp there, just up the road from the property there is a house. A couple who manages the campground lives there. They were very nice, they even gave us sopaipillas. <br /> <br /> Day 5 March 28th<br /> <br /> We arrived at the CONAF office around 09:00. There was no ranger on the office. We started moving things into a small backpack anticipating leaving our bags. By the time we were ready to hike, still no one had shown up. Fortunately a small tour group arrived and parked right next to the CONAF office. They said we could put out bags in their vehicle and they would leave them for us if they got back first.<br /> <br /> The walk up through the forest was beautiful and peaceful. There were a lot of huge, old trees that were very impressive. The trail was well maintained and easy to follow. Higher up it switched to a more lunar landscape with multiple volcanoes and cordilleras of mountains appearing the higher up we got. Towards the top it got a little steep which was slower going. It took us 5 hours to the summit with photo breaks and a snack break. We spent about an hour at the summit with no one else there. The weather was impeccable, full sun and hardly a breeze. The only sound was the river below.<br /> It took us about 3 hours to get back to the bottom. <br /> We ended up camping across the path from the CONAF office next to the picnic tables. There was a facet outside the office and bathrooms.<br /> <br /> Day 6 March 29<br /> <br /> When the CONAF guard arrived in the morning, he came over to talk with us. He said it was fine that we camped for the night, but just asked us to take the tent down, and then we could take as much time as we needed. It seems that camping there is unofficially acceptable as long as you're there after closing and wrapped up before people start to show up in the morning.<br /> <br /> We started to walk along RR. We had been walking less than 30 minutes when a truck stopped and offered us a ride. They were going to Paso Llaima and to collect piñones. We rode in the back with their two dogs getting to watch the beautiful misty forest go by around us. <br /> <br /> From Paso Llaima we continued on RR, then took Opt 2 to Laguna Huequefilo. The trail up is easy to follow and well maintained. The sign at the front says no camping and no fires, but there was no CONAF office and no guardadaparques. When we got to the lake there were several groups camping and having fires. There are a huge number of araucarias there and it is a very popular spot with locals to go to collect them. <br /> <br /> Going down Opt 2A to the SE end of the lake, there is a fairly large sand beach and a creek feeding into the lake that was a good place to get water from. A local family from Ragolil that was camping there suggested a good spot around (-39.05250, -71.43000) that was fairly wind protected but still close to the beach. But if it's not windy, that end of the lake has plenty of space for camping. The lake and the setting is beautiful and for us it was well worth the detour. <br /> <br /> Day 7 March 30th<br /> <br /> We stayed at Laguna Huequefilo for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 8 March 31st<br /> <br /> We left Laguna Huequefilo and headed back to finish 14 and start 15. We gathered more piñones along the way. At (-39.05455, -71.46918), around km 52.26 there was a sign for a minimarket. The woman who runs is, Viviana, is very nice. She and her family moved there a couple of years ago from Santiago. We suggested she carry gas for camping and she said she would try to get some to sell in the future. She had canned fish, pasta, rice, 200 g tomato sauce packets, bullion cubes, mermeladas, butter and margarine, and a variety of cookies and candy. Prices were reasonable. We bought some things and got back to the road. We almost immediately caught a hitch to the beginning of GPT15 Opt 1.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-18 to 2024-Mar-19 / 1 day / SOBO / RR 01 01a/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfields, no Tabanos, no Mosquitos. Plenty of water except for the Sollipulli peak area.<br /> <br /> Came from Lonquimay by bus at 12:00 to Icalma, arrival around 14:00. There is a minibus directly going a bit west, but only to the intersection at the end of the lake, so maybe like 3km for 500 peso.<br /> Very little traffic, but luckily got 4 rides until the ranger at 31.8 in just 3 hours. I am a bit in a hurry as I want to hike Sollipulli but the weather turns bad next day evening. There is a minibus coming from Melipeuco to intersection end of Variant I. It turns to the bridge 30.6.<br /> <br /> I did not visit the rangers, as I don't want to go back the same way. Looking for a hidden spot ro camp and early start to the peak the next day.<br /> <br /> Don't camp at Hannes suggestion, every Hilux driver coming downhill will spot you easily. I am sure the actuall place he meant is -38.923355,-71.489118. Well hidden and flat, but the water on the other side of road dried up. There is water on your side too, but don't just follow your ears, you won't reach the water. Instead walk where it is relatively easy in south to south east, you may or may not see path like structure, but ca. in 200m you will reach a good path, just follow it uphill directly to the water at -38.924705,-71.489552. It is a 5 to 10min walk from camp. If you follow this path further it leads you to the OSM dirtroad, which is an offical marked hiking path of the park.<br /> <br /> I am alone all the way, later I heard that the rangers closed the path due the upcoming bad weather. Very strong and cold winds at the peak, a few hours later it will be snowing, I would love to try the traverse, but it is too risky with that forecast. Nice CC back down to the pass 41.5.<br /> <br /> First running water coming from the peak: -38.966463,-71.472000<br /> <br /> Possible camp with water at 01: -38.971581,-71.465207<br /> <br /> Only car on the road picks me up, a tourist couple from Santiago who stayed at the luxury lodge, and we drive to Pucón, while the rain starts.<br /> <br /> Without summiting Sollipulli this would be a drive by section, but Sollipulli makes this section absolutely amazing and I strongly recommend the easy climb up just for those mind blowing views.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-03-10 to 2023-03-11 // 2 day // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT1 (Summit) // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> What a section ! <br /> <br /> After a very cold start, early in the morning at the bottom of the vallee of reigolil, you just go slowly but surely in the Villarica reserve. <br /> <br /> The gravel road is transforming into a smaller 4WD track, and the path is lovely, going up gradually, passing threw a nice forest, with many amazing aucaria trees. <br /> <br /> Lucky enough to arrive in this region at the time where piniones are still possible to pick. Didn't had to make a lot of effort, just harvesting the ground was enough to give me way more than what I needed !<br /> <br /> I took the junction to reach the summit. At the very beginning I struggle a bit, when you reach a puesto, there's few possibility of track, I took the wrong one that result on a little fight with the bush, then I managed to come back on track, which is pretty clear until the volcanic plateau. <br /> <br /> No trouble at all with water, as you'll have some along the path, from th beginning to the end. <br /> <br /> Arriving to the plateau, then stick to the track, it will guide you to the summit and the outstanding view on the massive nevados de sollipulli ! That was sick, even with a looooooot of wind. I still stayed there for more than an hour, protected from the wind thanks to some bog rocks, contemplating this amazing landscape, some condors dancing around and the views over lanin and Llaima volcanoes. <br /> <br /> It was finally time to leave this kind of parrallele world. The way down was very easy as the track is marqued. Some crazy views again with Llaima volcán + the aucaria trees around, then I reached the conaf desk. I arrived there late and no-one was still there. <br /> <br /> (Didn't mentionned that going NOBO you don't have to respect a precise timing to go up, there's no conaf desk on that way). <br /> <br /> Then continuing on the way to icalma, passing threw a private pipeline working area. But as it was late on the day, I haven't got any troubles (still easy to avoid, by taking the variant E). <br /> <br /> After passing the Hot Spring {13} [#1/945] (PK28), you'll have to jump a gate, then few gates/fences, and continuing in the forest on a very well marked 4WD track, until the overgrown part, which is not difficult to pass. <br /> <br /> It's overgrown, but nothing to be scared about ! The track is still visible, it's just that the nature want to give you some hugs, very nice and kind, I could even say cute. It's nothing like a fight with the bush ! <br /> <br /> Then you continue till reaching the gravel road until Icalma. There it's possible to resupply Ith multiple minimercado, you have some possibilities to sleep too, bit it's still a tiny city, don't expect a lot. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-16 to 2024-Feb 18 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR /czimahi'''<br /> from Reigolil - no good resupply, no pan- following RR, night camp 46,9; then no prob (cross rio Carilafquen just first bridge after camping, think it is 14E) till point S38°51.753` W71°23.062` where I follow wrong way- for sure this would lead to 14a and to the main road. I decided go back to RR and be hours in bush. At the end I missed the route once more but I found water which I needed (aprox S38°50.483` W71°21.907`) and then meet 14B and back to RR to the camp $ 13, and next day to Icalma pueblo.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 30 to 2024 Feb 01 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH14-C + OH14-E + OH14-01 / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked to km 5,2. Then I went on RR, found last water at -38.841797 -71.363423, soon after the as overgrown marked trail starts. Trail actually not to bad overgrown, most of the time clearly visible, sometimes I had to stick to GPS, especially at the beginning, there are a few trails there… Till the Laguna {14C} I did not see water anymore, except close to Camp at km 17,9, around 50m down towards the puesto was running a little streamlet, maybe drying out? Laguna on OH 14-C is very nice! Good camping spot, but I headed on, still to early. Camped then at km 28,6. I loved this place! An open air cinema with all the green and birds flying and singing around. At -38.889097 -71.450367 you’ll find a locked? gate, barbed wire fence around. Check if it is really locked, I did not look accurately! I say this, because the next one I encountered outside this valley was just pseudolocked. Anyway, I passed the fence at around -38.889820 -71.449927, around 100ms to the left from gate beneath. Seemed to me the best option, but check out for yourself…Walked on. You’ll find another unlocked gate at -38.901269 -71.504529, private property with a sign that just authorised persons can pass, some company I suppose. I took a detour over OH14 E, but having seen the exit of this company road close to km 30, shortly before the bridge, I would have taken it. There a gate as well, but not locked and either entrance or exit nobody around. Went on to Conaf to take some water. Read about their rules and so I decided to take the unofficial trail up to the volcano shown on the OSMmap at 38.9238605S, 71.4873252W as some others already spotted. My plan was to do the Sollipulli-Traverse over the rim. The thing is: Where this trail (actually more an MR) starts, there is a nearly 100m long fence, hindering you to drop in directly, furthermore at the end of this fence there is an other cabaña, looks like an outpost of CONAF checking who is taking this trail. I do not know who sits in this shack, did not want to know either, did not want to explain my plans. So I went back were the fence starts. This is at -38.92315, -71.48867, there is a signboard with „Sollipulli Lodge, 500ms&quot;. There I dropped into the bushes. There would be actually a pretty nice camp spot for one to two tents at around -38.922156 -71.489928, around 30ms from the MR, but nobody sees you and water nearby at the other side of the road. From there I walked up (little CC) keeping in mind where the OSM trail goes, found a path and somewhere I got on this OSM trail. Went up to the summit. Looked over the rim, realized I had to descent for the next summit towards the south, impossible there to cross over the rim. Went down southeast of the summit to this two beautiful lakes, some bigger snowfields there, but could be done with afternoon sun. Camped at -38.971172 -71.489823, an amazing campsite! But realized there that without micro spikes or crampons I would have to detour some extended snowfields in the morning and loose a lot of time, not knowing what expects me after the next summit. So I skipped my plan for the traverse and went down over OH 14-01. Then all the way out to Reigolil. Difficult for me to hitch a car…<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-13 to 2024-Jan-15 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {14-A} - RR - {14-E} - RR - {14-01} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> DON'T SKIP GPT14, the views on Nevados de Sollipulli is one of the most STUNNING views in my life! <br /> <br /> HIGHLY RECOMMEND to you!<br /> <br /> Here is the waypoint description: <br /> <br /> RR road walking.<br /> <br /> Km1.0 : a small shop.<br /> <br /> Km1.1 : tiny shop, look like only have drinks and ice cream. It is closed when i was there at weekend.<br /> <br /> Km5.2 : junction of RR and {14-A}, i go for {14-A} because i want to arrive ranger station RR[31.8/1141] before 11am, {14-A} is a dirt road, the time can be controlled and stable.<br /> <br /> {14-A} km6.3 : ranger station, crowned when i pass here.<br /> <br /> Lot of possible camping spot beside the dirt road of {14-A}, i think it is easy to find a spot here.<br /> <br /> {14-A} km10.9 : water flowing, but it need some BB, about 10m for get close to stream.<br /> <br /> Km11.4 : locked gate, go around itbon right side.<br /> <br /> Km12.5 : huge blowdown, no more cars going up by this road.<br /> <br /> Km13.0 : side trail on valley side, 30m for collecting water, flowing low.<br /> <br /> Km13.3 : {14-A} end, connect with RR km15.7.<br /> <br /> I find one more water spot nearby, at RR km15.6, also a side trail at valley side, a little overgrown about 10m to stream, better water at downstream 10m, you can cross 2 logs there, then you will find a very tiny waterfall, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Camp RR[17.9/1538] : tiny grassland, some muddy nearby. Water flowing at downstream of the muddy, but in steep valley look like very difficult to collect.<br /> <br /> Camp[22.4/2158] : very beautiful grassland camping spot until km22.95.<br /> <br /> Km23.45 : locked gate with barbed wire fence. Better climb at left side, just the top one is barbed wire, all the wire of right side is barbed.<br /> <br /> Km24.6 : another beautiful grassland camping spot. I heard water flowing good at valley side, but I'm not sure can collect water or not. I think this is the last camping spot before you met settlement and climbing Sollipulli.<br /> <br /> Km25.85 : crossing Estero Huechelepun on bridge, water flowing good under the bridge, it is a steep valley, I don't think it is possible to collect water here.<br /> <br /> Km29.5 : junction of RR, {14-I} and {14-E}. RR is blocked by barbed wire fence. So i go for {14-E} then met RR.<br /> <br /> Honestly, i don't think {14-F}, {14-G} and {14-H} is still usable now. At {14-E} km0.4, {14-F} is blocked by a barbed wire fence(no gate) that taller than human, only this spot the fence is such high, i think it means the owner not welcome other people to go in at here. Also bridge[31.0+0.2/1020] and ford[31.0/1034] is all blocked by gate or barbed wire fence. Even you can climb all over them, {14-F} is going just beside settlement, it will annoys the people there.<br /> <br /> Lastly, ranger station is not at park ranger[31.8/1141], it is at (-38.91796, -71.49481), even you can sneak by {14-F}, rangers are still in front of you. There are no way to go around them, and their windows are towards the road, they see you before you get close (the only method is earlier or later than them at there).<br /> <br /> So, i go for a round trip for Sollipulli, and put my backpack in ranger station.<br /> <br /> For Sollipulli {14-01}:<br /> <br /> Km0 : ranger station, car parking lot, some picnic table, food truck(not open on Sunday when i was there) and toilet. Also you can collect water by Río Carilafquén if need.<br /> <br /> Km1.25 : official viewpoint, but surrounded by some trees taller than the viewpoint 5-20m, i saw nothing here. Some benches here too.<br /> <br /> Km2.1 : junction of {14-01} and {14-01A} (CC route). For GPT hiker, both are in good condition, easy to follow and walk, but of course {14-01} is a little better condition, because of official route.<br /> <br /> Km3.8 : sharp turning, a helipad nearby.<br /> <br /> Km4.73 : official viewpoint.<br /> <br /> Km5.3-km6.1 : snow valley, covered by snow now. Not too steep, no difficult climb up and go down, also there are some day hikers, mostly you can follow their steps or go by yourself.<br /> <br /> Summit [6.3/2145] to km7.05, covered by snow ridge now, very easy to walk on. Km7.1 is a better point for rest, mort quite, more peaceful. Most of the day hikers would not come to here. km7.05, enjoy your moments here.<br /> <br /> For my observation from high, km7.1 to km7.9 are all covered by snow, but easy to walk on. I didn't see any footprints or trace on the snow, so I don't know descent is still work or not. I need to get back my backpack at ranger station, so i didn't go down at here.<br /> <br /> I take a long nap and some relax with amazing views at km7.05, such a good time.<br /> <br /> I took 3 hours for climb up and 1.5 hour to go down.<br /> <br /> Continues on RR :<br /> <br /> Km32.2 : viewpoint of waterfall.<br /> <br /> Bridge[33.5/1188] : no bridge here, wet feet crossing. From here to ford[37.0/1228] you need to cross the same river 6 times, all wet feet crossing but just above ankle, easy.<br /> <br /> Km37.95: flat grassland beside a pond. I saw some people camping here, look nice.<br /> <br /> Camp[39.3/1294] : grassland camping spot with 2 fire ring beside the river.<br /> <br /> Km40.6 : an old dirt road leads you to a grassland beside the river.<br /> <br /> Km43.0 : junction of RR and {14-01}, {14-01} at here is a clear road to west, also one more road is going west after here 80m.<br /> <br /> Lot of small stream if flowing good with clear water across the road after the pass.<br /> <br /> Km44.5 : road junction, a sign &quot;Reigolil Paso Mallin Chileno&quot; here. Nice seat with good view of Sollipulli too.<br /> <br /> Km49 : wet feet or an exciting log crossing.<br /> <br /> Shop[57.8/856] : it is a ferretería, with drinks and ice cream, friendly.<br /> <br /> At last, I didn't cross bridge[59.8/835] to Reigolil and keep going south because i have enough food for GPT15.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 28 - 31 dec / 3 days / NOBO/ Option 01B / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Last year we wondered if one can avoid roadwalking on GPT 14 and GPT15 by traversing Sollipulli (not the glacier) and it turns out it can be done and is quite a spectacular option (probably a lot more attractive then RR and when done right, not with too many people). The idea is, SOBO, to follow the rim of Sollipulli for about 4 km, then go to Laguna Cochor (14-01B), then to Laguna Isolda, Termas Rio Blanco and NP Huerquehue (15-01) and then Villarica Traverse (16-04). If you hitch (should be easy) or take a bus between the end of 15-01 and beginning of 16-04 through Pucon, you will get quite a nice trail without much roadwalking. See our notes to GPT15 and GPT16 for the rest of this option, here follows the Solipulli bit [November 2024: it is in our suggestions in the Track files].<br /> <br /> Note: to do a one way traverse of Sollipulli, either walk through the CONAF station before about 8 AM or after about 7 PM when the guards should no longer be there or walk past it for about 1 km on the road and take a right at 38.9238605S, 71.4873252W where there is an OSM trail based on Strava heatmap; however that trail needs to be confirmed, but it is almost for certain there.<br /> <br /> Since we climbed Sollipulli last year from the north, this year we opted to do a day trip from Laguna Cochor to the north summit via south summit of Sollipulli, thus proving the traverse is doable and not too hard. The following paragraph (Tl;DR: do not expect to get a ride easily on this road) is about access, so if you are coming from the north, skip it. <br /> <br /> We took a bus from Temuco to Cunco, they go every half an hour and cost a few thousand pesos. There are many terminals, the company you look for is Nar Bus, find its terminal in google maps to save yourself 1 km of going to the rural bus terminal and back. The ride takes cca 80 minutes. From Cunco, there is a daily bus to Laguna Caburga that leaves everyday at 17:00. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it should go all the way to Termas Rio Blanco (it probably goes back in the morning, do not remember time schedule but we just saw a bus in the morning in the direction of Cunco). In Cunco we missed that bus and had to hitch. It was very easy at the beginning to get to Lago Colico but after that it became extremely difficult all the way to the start of the hike. We had to sleep in the forest by the road that night because no cars were stopping. In the morning, we got a hitch of 3 km and then we walked a few more to the western end of Laguna Caburga. We bought some bread and chips there, waited for four hours for a hitch and killed about twenty horseflies. None of the 15 cars that passed took us. We then walked to the other end of the lake, where we got a hitch to the junction with access to Thermas Rio Blanco. From there, we walked to the start/end of GPT14 option 1B. It took us about 26 hours from Cunco. <br /> <br /> At the entrance to the trail (it is open but seems to lead through private land), there is a sign saying it is not allowed to camp at Laguna Cochor (which is clearly being violated, on our second night there, there was a Chilean tent). Secondly, it says there is no estabilished access to Sollipulli, which is not true, the path leads well above the tree line. The trail is an old road for ~1 km and the rest is very clear, easy and pretty through sometimes dark forrest. At the laguna, there is a beach where one can camp, as we did. There is no good source of water on the way to the laguna or at the laguna (but some streams could be heard in the undergrowth), definitely treat the water in the laguna. <br /> <br /> The next day, we hid our tent and set off to reach the south summit of Sollipulli and then to the northern summit via the ridge (or below the ridge). It was an extremely long day trip (~16hrs out and back) but it should not be a problem if doing a proper traverse, many camping options. If one does not want to camp at Laguna Cochor, first good place is right above the treeline where the TR section ends and CC section begins. A nicer place would be cca 1 km further on, where you traverse to a nice valley. The first cca 2 km of CC are actually more TR&amp;CC, the trail comes and goes and follows the contour line, which is to be recommended. In the valley, there was a stream that can still be jumped in one place or could be easily forded. With less snow, it would probably be jumpable almost everywhere. The way to the summit is uneventful and a bit of a slog. No scrambling is needed (there is just one small rock obstacle, but one can walk through). Above around 1900 m., there was a lot of snow. If going early in the season, check the map where glaciers are and do not walk on them - you do not need to, they are fairly small. From the summit, we looked for several ways to go down and then retraced a bit and actually crossed what on a map is marked as a glacier here: 38.9963315S, 71.5233126W. Judging from satellite photos and our own survey, we think the western part of the glacier has melted and we walked over a snowfield to a soft ridge with a small tarn at the end of it. Getting down from this ridge sharply down left towards a plateau-like valley may or may not be difficult if there is &quot;no&quot; snow. We found a good way down on moderate snow slopes but considering the snow there is still very deep we do not know what the rock would be like, most likely it should be fine without snow. Here Natalie went back as it was already 1500, but Tomáš pressed on. He went across the valley and up the side of the next ridge at roughly 2000 m (there are two places that are not rocky, this one was the lower one, it was steep but fairly easy walking through loose stones and scree), then he went roughly half the way up the ridge, traversed above the two lakes on the way, then got to the rim and walked the ridge, then he got down to the other two lakes on the map and walked up to the summit.<br /> <br /> It was six, so he ate and then spent 6 hours walking back, this time not going to the rim at all and staying under the two more southern lakes and then retracing his steps - this was a faster but less spectacular variant. There seemed to be many possible variants how to cross this six km between two endpoints of GPT, the best variant will depend on your mood, skill level, weather and snowncover. It is however possible to do the traverse without climbing or exposed scrambling (though to make sure, somebody should do this in February when there is no snow), Tomáš practically never used his hands. On the way back, he met a Chilean tent above the treeline.<br /> <br /> Next day, we walked down to the road, walked about six km, got a hitch of 3 km to Reigolil, after 15 min there got a hitch of 5 km, waited for an hour and then got a hitch all the way to Pucón (about 75 min of driving). <br /> <br /> * '''2023 23 - 25 dec / 3 days / SOBO / RR + D + Sollipulli summit / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Trail is mildly overgrown going up to the first campsite but not as bad as expected. Usually until your knees but the trail is still visible, it just slows you down. Keep an eye on your GPS if you think you lost it, it's spot on with the GPX files. Camp 14 [22.4] is such a nice spot! Be aware that if you want to do the Sollipulli summit you have to there before 1100 (according to the sign) or the rangers won't let you up. Still a 2hr walk, but not difficult.<br /> <br /> GPT14-I point there is a gate and private property sign if you want to continue RR. They are doing road construction, and there is a guard house at the end. I didn't see anyone there, but it was weekend. Just keep in mind you might need to do the detour which takes a bit longer to get to the ranger station.<br /> <br /> At the park rangers place you can drop your backpack. I was not allowed to do a one-way trip. Needed to come back. It's definitely worth it! Amazing crater and nice views! Took me 2hrs to get up, 1.5 to get down. <br /> <br /> I walked to Camp 14 [39.3] to spend the night. Also a nice spot. The rest of the trail is not super exiciting but 80% slowly downhill which is nice to speed up this part. I spend the night a few km's into GPT 15 next to the river. There are a few decent spots after about 4km.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-31 to 2023-Feb-02/ 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / including the Sollipulli volcano / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> One of the best sections so far for us thanks to the Sollipulli volcano. We started at the Icalma lake (the San Alfonso camp was great, 10 000 per two people, hot water (yes!) and access to the beach). There are some restaurants and minishops as well, enough to resupply I believe. The overgrown section had been cleared half a bamboo-metre ago, so sometimes it was tough and felt like the forest wants to suck you in. Nothing impassable, but the two kilometres took us two hours. Another thing - the river where the ascent starts in the forest is for long the only water source there if the weather is dry. There was a gate (S 38° 53.3570' W 071° 27.0191'); there's a hole in the fence on the left that we went under. We camped at a good spot on the right side of the road (S 38°53.4903' W 071° 27.8162'). The next day, we rushed to the CONAF station - we got there a little past 11 AM, but the ranger let us do the ascent anyway, we even had lunch before we went up (not from the stand, sadly, still operates only at the weekends). You can leave your backpacks with the ranger, which was great! We didn't pay anything to enter the park. It took us 5 hours there and back with a longer break at the top. The view from the top is indescribable plus the path leading up to it is also very nice with some snowpatches next to it that you can slide down as you please. <br /> After that we continued further down the road. We tried to outsmart the three fords but ended up fording the river three times anyway since the number of the fences and gates had increased I guess and we got stuck on a private property with nowhere to go. The best option might be to just follow the regular route. <br /> There's a beautiful camping spot that we highly recommend and had been told about by the ranger - a lot of free space, a laguna/pond, nice (not dense!) forest and several safe fireplaces. (S 38°56.3141' W 071°27.6738)<br /> From there on it was easy walking until Reigolil. The shop before the bridge has not many things to resupply but is good to refresh. The shop near the bus stop tuna, rice, pasta, biscuits, chips, beverages, some vegetables as well, enough to resupply. Its owners were so nice that they took us to their lot near the river where they let us pitch our tent. It seems that you can freely camp by the river but there was some Mapuche festival going on at that time. <br /> The bus schedule: 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. from the bus stop by the shop to Pucon. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-18 to 2023-Feb-20 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR starting in Tracura (road to Sollipulli) / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> We used Icalma as a resupply which worked well enough; many &quot;mini- supermercados&quot; and cheap accomodation (we had a cabana for 20mil/10mil each) but as a warning internet is awful! There is a nice pehuenche restaurant at the southern end of town on the main road and a little further than this on the main road you can get the best cell signal. Supposedly a bus goes to Lonquimay Mon-Wed-Fri but I forget the times, I think it was at 6am and 3pm.<br /> <br /> We headed towards parque Sollipulli but hitching out of Icalma was slow, ~2hours combined waiting. We got off at Tracura and walked most of the way to CONAF (minus 4km hitch). Hitching was difficult even though it was a Saturday and there were cars, just no takers. No clean water sources until conaf but you could ask one of the cabana rentals along the way if needed.<br /> No entrance fee at CONAF and although camping is not allowed the &quot;senior&quot; ranger told us we could camp behind the office (I may have persuaded him with piñones). The only thing is we had to wait until everyone was gone (~7-730pm) and then leave early the next day (~7-730am). He didn't want people to know so don't spread the word... There are water, toilets, cold showers and the next morning we were able to keep our things in the other building as we went up Sollipulli. Finally there was a food truck there with sopapillas and juice (it was a Saturday).<br /> <br /> As for Sollipulli it has been the easiest summit so far, there is superb trail and it took ~2hrs up más o menos. There is one intersection where the trail tells you to go right but the climbers trail goes straight and is quicker (staying left is more quick: -38.93399, -71.49659).<br /> The glacier is amazing, 4km in diameter and supposedly 200m deep. I would come back here with glacier gear to cross it and go down the south summit. However Tomáš has his eyes on a way to go around the crater without glacier gear, so it would be a mixture of walking the rim and traversing above treeline towards the south summit where there should be another trail. That would save one cca 20 km of road walking [Nov 2024: this has been proven, see above].<br /> <br /> We wanted to go up the main route and down option 01 but CONAF still requests you come down the same way and since they helped us with camping I wanted to respect their wishes. If you wanted to avoid the rangers we both think you could easily go up before or after they arrive, we saw a few other parties doing this [they live somewhere else, this is just a day station]. Note that there is no water after CONAF, if you were doing the traverse, there are some lakes down to the east from the North summit. We think the traverse looks easy until the treeline. From the other end we later passed the trail going up which is in fact a road - not sure how far it goes as a road.<br /> <br /> The summit was quick, so afterwards we started walking the road that skirts Sollipulli on its east. It was a peaceful road and I have no complaints until it became not fun anymore after the camping at ~46.9. There were two vehicles that passed (no room) but I have no idea how they drove past some of the downed trees, would be a dodgy ride.<br /> The forests here are finally becoming alive! We saw tarantulas and a giant moth carcass and mushrooms finally! There are many fords at the beginning after the lodge so keep sandals on if you have them. It would be worth looking at Google Earth for an alternative trail because we met a guided horse group on GPt15 that told us they went from the south summit of Sollipulli to the lodge without going on the road. It is possible they meant &quot;no road&quot; as in &quot;no asphalt road&quot; but who knows.<br /> We headed to routa S-965 to hitch to GPT15 PN Huerquehue (no cars passed until S-965).<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-23 to 2023-Jan-25 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> This section took us 2 days. Unfortunately we didn’t go to the summit, because we needed to go quickly down to Curarrehue, but otherwise we wouldn’t skip it, just a few kms more and it looks incredible. About the trail, the beginning is a dirt road around the lakes and it continues until the start of overgrown section. That is a little more than 4kms, but from the start its a relatively normal trail, easy to follow. The overgrown part is mainly between km 2-3.5, but not so terrible overall following the gps. We camped at the end of this part that took us around 2 hrs, maybe less. After that you walk on a minor road all the time, in a really nice forrest. All the puestos were empty. Hot Spring waypoint is somewhere around houses so we didn’t even go there. To cross the river before CONAF station we used GPT14-E and the bridge. At the station was one guard, food truck closed, water available. The lodging after 1km is nice but it comes with higher prices, we stopped there to have some drink and beer + cola (cans) cost us 6k CLP. We spent the night in the forrest after the pass, but camp at km 46.9 looked great. The rest of the trail is still the same gravel road. Minishop at 57.8 has only basic food, but also some things for repairs etc. In Reigolil was only one shop on the main road open with very limited supplies, but we got from the lady pastel de choclo and some homemade bread, all delicious! Later we continued to GPT15.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / '''<br /> <br /> From Reigolil to Solipulli it is a very easy forest road inside the reserva nacional. Carabineros asked some questions and said we could camp where we wanted. Arriving at the CONAF site at Solipulli, there is a small campground, free if you pay the entrance for the volcanoe (4000pp). There is a food truck with sopaipillas and jugos. We hiked the Solipulli and it is a must see. It is incredible and there are not that many people doing it. The CONAF ranger is very friendly. We did not hike from there to Icalma to avoid bushbashing and we wanted to see the big fiesta planned in Melipeuco (every year in late feb). It was worth it as we got to see a celebration of baqueanos. Melipeuco is not this nice but there are several supermarkets and restaurants to resupply. Easy hitch to Icalma (or there are 2 buses / day). We then hitched to Liucura to start section 12.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-30 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Nothing to add to the previous comments. We arrived at the pipeline construction site during working hours and just followed the indications of the workers, no detour, just some optional route. We spent the night at the CONAF campground and had one of the best breakfasts in Chile at the Sollipulli Lodge (13'000 p.P.). As the rain hasn't stopped by lunchtime we had lunch there too, it was excellent :-D We actually quite liked this section with all the trees. We directly added section 15 after this one. There are several busses per day from Reigolil to Curarrehue but we don't know the schedule. <br /> <br /> * '''15-Jan-2020 / 4 days (GPT 14 + GPT 15) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 14 and 15. It took us 3 days and nero.<br /> GPT14 - there are signs that someone tried to clear overgrown part of the trail on the begining and end but middle is still nicely overgrown. Though we didn't have problem to follow.<br /> Part of minor road on regular trail is under construction. They are putting a huge pipe under it. It was evening and workers were not there se we managed to sneak through but I don't think they will let you pass during working hours. It's just before descending to the river before National reserve Villarrica. <br /> In the Conaf campsite was food truck (it was weekend) with churasco, sopapillas, drinks... pure heaven. We paid 4000 per person at conaf.<br /> They are building a dorm at Lodge. It will be ready for next years hikers ;) <br /> Resuply in Reigolil - mini shop on trail seemed abandoned. We found best supplies in shop-4. There is one other shop directly after bridge. <br /> GPT15 - road and trail in good condition. On the climb to the lake bit before last settler there are some wild cherry trees on the left. We stuffed ourselves and left for others too. Enjoy. Multiple shops, accomodation options and restaurants in Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional summit up Volcán Sollipulli / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Overgrown trail towards the start is relatively easy to follow. Mostly overgrown around the middle but the tracks towards either end are in decent condition. The rest of the section is easy walking. I would strongly recommend taking a small detour to summit Volcán Sollipulli in the CONAF National park (~30km into the section). When we arrived at the park we had to pay a CLP 4000 fee per person. When speaking to the ranger about where we intended to walk, he advised that the optional route down from the Volcán we planned to take is in very poor condition and would not let us take it. We had to do an out and back. It took us around 3.5-4h to summit and return. The trail is in excellent condition (trail markers are present) and the view is spectacular!! Possibly the best thing I’ve seen on the GPT. We camped in the park for no charge and bought some hot food from the food truck in the evening on the weekend. No issues with the rest of the section.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR including Sollipulli climb / Frank'''<br /> <br /> 2 long days including Sollipulli climb<br /> They are building the pipeline under the dirt road, when they are finished they will bury the pipe &amp; road should reopen. No issues going through there but it was Sunday &amp; no one was around. You walk on a narrow track above ditch, when you reach a point where two big boulders block the path you need to go down into the ditch to go around them. <br /> Climbing Sollipulli is highly recommended to see the huge summit crater filled with ice &amp; snow. Easy &amp; well marked ascent.<br /> You are not allowed to do the ascent after about 11AM. The food truck 'Sabores de Sollipulli' at the Conaf campsite only operates on weekends, it was closed on Sunday. I believe there is another Conaf site a little off route at Laguna Huaquifilo where you can camp. Nowhere good to camp after that. It was raining so I continued to Reigolil. Just after you cross the bridge there is a shop, they have rooms &amp; provide very basic food. Not recommended but will do if you are stuck.<br /> <br /> A few minor corrections: There is no bridge @ Bridge 46, just ford the river easily. Gate @ far side of ford is marked no entry but walking through appears to be OK.<br /> There is a gravel track that stays on the right side of the river &amp; goes past Ford 133 &amp; Ford 134 so you don't need to cross either of them. It leads to Ford 135 which you do cross.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> [[File:Reigolil.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Timetable January 2020]]<br /> <br /> Bus goes from Reigolil to Curacautin &amp; Pucon. When I was there it left Reigolil at 7 &amp; 7:50 AM (different to timetable) Confirm times at the shop by the bridge in Reigolil. Frank<br /> <br /> South Summit:<br /> Temuco--&gt;Cunco--&gt;Lago Caburga--&gt;Hitch/Walk. Or ask/phone the business at Termas Rio Blanco &amp; Termas San Sebastián about their own chartered buses, from a brief conversation with an employee there sounded to be a bus every few days.What's app +56946809918, +56992318329<br /> <br /> Temuco's Terminal de Buses Rurales (Balmaceda 1475) can be complicated since most buses have their own shop elsewhere. For Cunco go to office &quot;IGI LLAIMA/ Nar Bus&quot;; Balmaceda 997. The bus leaves every 30min. <br /> <br /> From Cunco check with locals about bus to Lago Caburga. Supposedly a bus leaves everyday at 4 or 5pm from Balmaceda corner La Concepción. It will pass by the nice supermarket;Supermercado Hesis on &quot;Colico Sur&quot; aka the S-75. Confirm schedule in the municipality of Cunco before traveling at +56 45 2200147.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking is easy up until Lago Collico, after that there are cars but not many stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT14 - Volcán Sollipulli]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109047041.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045586.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045611.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045628.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109045648.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109046479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109046482.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109046483.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109047161.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_8_Laguna_Icalma_and_Volcán_Sollipulli_109047207.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT13_(Laguna_Icalma)&diff=123995 2025-08-25T06:33:19Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-25: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - The Regular Route is located east of Rio Biobio to avoid walking on the primary road between Liucura and Icalma. But the Regular Route requires fording Rio Biobio. Early in the season during snowmelt, this might not be safely possible. <br /> <br /> Southbound hikers: If the upper Rio Biobio is not safely fordable, hikers must make a 14 km detour to cross the river on a bridge near Lago Gualletue. Therefore, early in the season with river level high, hikers better walk the main road (Variant A) or even take the bus from Liucura to Icalma to avoid 30 km of road walking. <br /> <br /> Northbound hikers: In this direction its only a 2 km detour to check out the ford location of Rio Biobio and opt for the primary road should the river level be too high.<br /> <br /> Packrafters: With a packraft the upper Rio Biobio offers some calmer sections where ferrying over the river should be safely possible.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> '''2025-01-27 to 2025-01-31 / 4 days / NOBO / GPT 13/12/11 (Packrafting Bio Bio) / Mara &amp; Tobias<br /> <br /> Jan is right as he put Río Bio Bio not as an official option for the GPT. But for experienced packrafter it might be a great thing to do!<br /> <br /> We crossed Lago Icalma in the early morning hours and hiked to Laguna Galletue where the Bio Bio river is born. We started paddling downstream. It was a funny but also demanding experience. Lage parts are overgrown with trees (non-native willow) and some rapids have little water. After we had 2 holes in the Packraft, we stopped the adventure after 6 km, went to the road and hitchhiked to bridge Lolén (-38.47294 -71.23612). One bridge earlier (-38.59210 -71.14081) would be suitable for river in as well. <br /> <br /> Then the great part started! We paddled 3 days down to the embalse Ralco lake and enjoyed the rapids (class 1-2+) there are 2 rapids class 3. All of the rapids can be easily spotted before entering. And also be bypassed. We did that 3 times. In Troyo there are 3 mini markets for resupply. Crossed the lake in the early morning hours to avoid strong winds. Bio Bio is a warm and not very clean river. We took the drinking water from the creeks beside. <br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-29 / 1 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road<br /> <br /> Le lac est vraiment beau et le sentier qui le longe est sympa. Mais le reste de la rando n'est pas interessant, et la gravel road juste avant le lac est dangereuse.<br /> Je pensais prendre un bus vers 7h pour Temuco et j'ai campé juste avant l'arret de bus. Mais j'ai vu le bus passer a 6h40 quand je pliais ma tente. J'ai donc pris un bus pour Lonquimay a 7h20, puis le bus de 10h20 pour Temuco.<br /> DEC-30&gt;JAN-01 : Repos Temuco<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-28 to 2024-DEC-29 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. B, F) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A calm and very easy section, mostly along a minor and paved road. We started from Liucura in the evening and camped on a small hill above the main road after crossing the bridge [2.0/1022]. The next day, we returned to the MR near the Biobío River and continued via the {13-B} variant. Near the settler [1.2/1036], we had to cross a pasture with horses and climb over several fences. This was followed by a section without water; the first water source we found was around km 10.6 at coordinates (-38.7115369, -71.1264958). The ford [16.6/1100] was easy to cross. Although the water reached waist height at one point, the current was calm.<br /> <br /> In the afternoon, we left the RR to follow the variant {13-F}. We ended GPT13 in the evening in the very touristic village of Villa Icalma, which offers good resupply opportunities with several stores available.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-16 / 1 Day / Bus / SOBO / Bus / Tomáš &amp; Natalie &amp; Clara'''<br /> <br /> On our way to Villa Pehuania, we took a bus. It leaves at 15:00 from Lonquimay, passes around 15:30-15:45 through Liucura and arrives to Icalma some time after five. On Sundays, it leaves Lonquimay at 15:20. From Icalma, the bus leaves &quot;Rincon Icalma&quot; at 7:10 (12:30 on Sundays). Met Clara at the bus stop in Liucura, great! BTW, the landscape now in mid-December is significantly greener and more attractive than when we passed in February 2023. I also think there might be a much nicer path either following the border ridge or Cordillera Lonquimay. Needs investigation. Entel internet now just works ( but town was empty pre-season). Road between Icalma and Liucura is to be paved in March, a local said.<br /> <br /> To Victoria buses leave Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 6:15 and go back at 17:15. From Temuco on the same days at 7:30 (9:00 on Sundays) and back to Icalma at 15:00 (same Sundays). There is also (subsidized) bus on the same days from Marimenuco (mid-GPT13) to Melipueco at 6:00 (Sunday 14:00), back 18:00 (same Sunday).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-03 to 2024-Dec-04 / 2 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, D / Karin'''<br /> <br /> I arrived on the 02 Dec at 4pm in Liucura, so I went to the second bridge (km2). Downstream is a nice place to camp. The night was freezing cold.<br /> <br /> The ford (km16.6) was not passable for me (170cm). The water was too high (above hips) and the current was too strong. So I took variante D. After having walked var. D, I camp at the ford. Very nice place. <br /> <br /> The road is easy to follow, not too many traffic. But definitly not the most attractiv.<br /> <br /> I camped at campamento (km35.2). The camping is not yet open, but the owner lives in the house on the other side of the road. He charged me 10000 pesos for one night. There are sanitary installations. <br /> <br /> As I did GPT 13 and 14 in one, I did not go in to Icalma, therefore I don't if there are shops for resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024 Mar 14th to Mar 15 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Var F, Var A / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> An easy section even though we took 2 days to do it. We left Liucura around 14:00. It looked like it would be possible to camp on the near side of the foot bridge around km 1.94 if one didn't want to stay in Liucura. Going through the pine plantation we found a bunch of fresh callampas mushrooms (Suillus luteus) which we collected. We camped at (-38.70318, -71.10882). There was a dirt road heading down the direction of the river with no fencing. We found a flat spot on grass close to the river.<br /> <br /> The next day we arrived in Icalma. The weather was sunny but very windy. Fords were easy. Just before and just after the ford at [16.6/1100] there were nice flat grassy areas that would be good camping spots. We passed a minimarket at (-38.77203, -71.24454). In Icalma there were three shops. The Almacén ECCA had a good selection with good prices. There is another shop across the street and a third on the road toward the border just before the school. The third store also had a good selection of stuff. Heading out the way of the border just a bit we found a family that rented us a “cabana” that they were in the process of renovating for 20.000 CLP. It had hot water in the shower. From there we walked to the border to renew our visa.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-03-12 // 1 day // Hiking // NOBO // beginning of VAR A + VAR F + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Started from icalma, this section was easy to follow and not a must do on the GPT, I understand the attractive rate, but still enjoyable, just smooth and easy.<br /> <br /> Rio Biobío was easy to cross, and I'm glad the RR pass threw this crossing to continue on a smaller track than the biring gravel road, who's parrallele. <br /> <br /> You'll finish the section in a kind of pampa, that reminded me some hard moments aha ! <br /> <br /> I decided to do a daybreak in liucura. It's a very small area, but as there's the chilean border control here, you can find accomodations, minimarkets and restaurant. <br /> <br /> I spent two nights in hospedaje la Normita. 15K CLP per night, you'll have a apartment for you, with private shower and toilets. The WiFi is weak it's a shared connection from the phone of the (nice and kind owner : her name is Norma), so when she's not around, no WiFi. <br /> <br /> But if you have to choose, maybe it's better to make a break in icalme instead of there, even if I left with my resupply and after a good rest. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-12 / 1 day / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Hermann &amp; Coline'''<br /> <br /> This trail was short (one day), easy (plains) and therefore pleasant (one's enjoys even more the views).<br /> <br /> We arrived at Icalma, after having gone to Temuco. I do not recommend to do the same, since there was no bus after Melipeuco and we had to hitchhike on a paved road with just a few cars going in our direction.<br /> <br /> We slept at a camping in Villa Ilcama, but had no view on the lake due to the cabañas inbetween. There are other campings on the way to the river Rucanuco, which seemed better. <br /> <br /> The plains were really nice looking at the end of the day, the river Bío Bío was okay to cross (water no higher than knees) and the RR easy to follow. We just shouln'd have left it before the Bridge {13} [2.0/1022], because this &quot;shortcurt&quot; was... very muddy.<br /> <br /> We camped nearby the bridge, where one's can bath and swim with the chilians in the afternoon, when the water is warmer than in the morning.<br /> <br /> The shops are small in Liucura, but we found varied food (cans, bread, sauce in poder, vegetables, meat, bread etc) – no bottle of gas, though.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-12/ 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {13-F} - {13-A} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Honestly, i love this section. Easy to walk and follow, relax my body in a still exercising status. Some nice views, especially Volcán Batea Mahuida and Icalma Lake! The whole way peaceful and no worries.<br /> <br /> Bridge[0.5/1036] : after crossing, look like some possible camping spots beside some trees at downstream.<br /> <br /> Bridge[2.0/1022] : a beautiful bridge! A locked gate with barbed wire after crossing. No need to climb, stand beside the gate and turn back, look at right side of the bridge. A broken hole beside the fence corner, easy to go through.<br /> <br /> {13-B} of course is shorter, but it go through private area, avoid of right of way dipute, better follow RR.<br /> <br /> Km7.55 : small stream flowing, maybe will dry up.<br /> <br /> Km7.75 : another locked gate with barbed wire. You can open the top of gate, remain the lock there, then push down the gate for some gap to a big step over. (Remember to close the gate, otherwise the owner may change the position of lock)<br /> <br /> Km11.6 : flat spot can fit 2 tents beside some trees, walk 50m more is a nice flowing stream.<br /> <br /> Km14.8 : excellent view point of Volcán Llama, Sierra Nevada, Volcán Batea Mahuida, also the beautiful valley of Río Biobío. ( I'm not sure the snow mountain at the right side of Volcán Batea Mahuida is Nevados de Sollipulli or not.)<br /> <br /> Ford[16.1/1100] : crossing of Río Biobío, river breaks into 3 parts here. Above ankle, just ankle and up to knee. Easy. Camping spot on grassland with fire ring before the crossing, flat spot on the island, and some camping spots surrounded by trees after the crossing.<br /> <br /> Km19.85 : nice bus stop, good place stay away from sun, rain and wind. ( I didn't see any bus until the end when I'm walking on Friday)<br /> <br /> Km20 - km20.1 : road going beside a pine tree forest. Look like is a good spot for stealth camp. Flat and privacy.<br /> <br /> Km20.8 : bus stop looks like small cabin, a board said it made by 45,600k CLP (I'm not sure the price is for all bus stop in this line/area, or only this one). But i think no people using it, the chair inside are super dusty.<br /> <br /> Km23.65 : a stream flowing good, i think this stream would not dry, have some &quot;two fingers&quot; size fish swimming in it, but upstream have some cabins, it is a risk to collect water here. Some flat spots nearby, this is the last place can wild camping, after here will become a commercial area, lot of paid campground and cabins.<br /> <br /> Km25.2 : junction of {13-F} and RR. I take {13-F}+{13-A} because i want to resupply in Icalma.<br /> <br /> {13-F} km0.4 : (-38.77186, -71.24484) good shop with lot of food for resupply, also have some sporty warm clothes (most of them is Columbia).<br /> <br /> Km1.2 : (-38.77791, -71.24697) tiny shop for tortilla.<br /> <br /> {13-F} join to {13-A}.<br /> <br /> {13-A} km25.7 : (-38.78516, -71.26117) excellent view point of Icalma Lake, climb up to the tiny hill on the right side, just 3min!<br /> <br /> Information in Icalma : <br /> <br /> Shop1 (-38.81222,-71.28290) : small, lot vegetable but not much other food. Have frozen pizza.<br /> <br /> Shop2 (-38.81003, -71.28553) : medium, just like the shop in Antuco. I resupply here, super friendly.<br /> <br /> Shop3 (-38.81092, -71.28449) : tiny, not much thing inside.<br /> <br /> Shop4 (-38.81174, -71.28576) : looks medium, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Shop5 (-38.81204, -71.28661) : looks small, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Shop6 (-38.81073, -71.28094) : looks small, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Shop7 (-38.81041, -71.28187) : looks small, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Ferretería (-38.81074, -71.28444) : no gas canisters, no tape.<br /> <br /> Food truck (-38.81131, -71.28434) : their french fries is a good size. Also lot of restaurants nearby.<br /> <br /> I don't find 230g gas canisters in Icalma.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i stayed at Cabañas Anyely (-38.81643, -71.29265), about 800m west of Icalma center. Sleep in a big cabin that can fit 5 people, not a cheap price for 1 people, but good deal if you are 2 or group. The main reason i stay here, they are happy to receive the resupply box(shoes and socks) that i sent from Santiago about 1 month ago and hold it for me. Also they accept i have a flexible date to stay. They are very happy when i arrive, also share some roast goat to me! Next day we go for a picnic nearby too (of course driving), we have a happy day there! I love them! They are so nice and friendly!<br /> <br /> If you want to stay here, Google Map have their information, you can call them or whatsApp them. I use Chilexpress for the delivery and the address is shown in Google Map.<br /> <br /> FYI : Volcán Batea Mahuida is a nice side trip, surrounded by lot of volcano(at least 8), you can find some (car+hiking) tour in Icalma. Also it is possible to renew visas at here, close to Argentina border.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 21 dec / 1 day / (hitch)hiking main road / SOBO / Frans'''<br /> <br /> This section didn't seem that interesting, and busses probably daily around noon going South. Since there is only 1 road going South, I decided to walk this road and try to get a ride. After 7km, and prob 7 cars going the wrong direction, the first one came in from behind and offered me a ride to Icalma which I happily accepted.<br /> <br /> Plenty of campsites and cabañas in Icalma, nice lake to swim, and some minimarkets with all the basic food options.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO'''<br /> <br /> Hitched from Icalma to Liucura. The section does not seem particularly interesting. Possibility to wildcamp near the river in Liucura. Some small shops in pueblo.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-25 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR until the lake, then OH / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Nothing to add to Matus' remarks :-) From Icalma we walked to Villa Pehuenia, Argentina, to renew our visas. We were able to avoid almost the hole road and walk on nice trails.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-13 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR until the lake, then optional #002, 6 and 7 to the village / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> Regular trail until the lake, then optional #002, 6 and 7 to the village. It took us 1 day.<br /> Trail/road are in good condition. River crossing without problem. Optionals were busy with traffic.<br /> Icalma village is pretty busy during weekend. Accomodation, tienda and resturant available. Tienda has pretty decent supplies. <br /> If you are traveling from Lonquimay don't ask in tourist info center about buses. Aparently they don't have a clue. We spent hours hitching after they advices.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Easy section, all roads in good condition and we didn’t run into any issues. Though the first bit after the bridge appears to be designed to avoid crossing paths with the private property owner. Nice enough to walk through but would recommend hitching if you have limited time. Good resupply in Icalma.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-28 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Div 85 then crossed the Bio Bio / Frank '''<br /> <br /> RR to Div 85 then I crossed the Bio Bio. Easy as water levels are low now but pick your spot as parts are deep. Continued on alternative routes South of Bio Bio &amp; on South shore of lake. At least 3 shops in Icalma. Continued to Lake In/Out Camp $. Paid 10000 CLP to stay in a shed there as weather was poor. Camping will normally be a better option. No shops after Icalma.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> *2024 March - the shop marked provisiones that also sells clothes had 230g gas recharge canisters for 2900 CLP, but not the screw top type.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> December 2024:<br /> [[Archivo:ICALMATIMETABLE.jpg|thumbnailimage]]<br /> <br /> *2024 March<br /> Bus Icalma to Melipeuco <br /> Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:15 AM <br /> Sunday 14:30 PM<br /> <br /> Bus Melipeuco to Icalma<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 18:00 PM <br /> Sunday 18:00 PM<br /> <br /> Bus Erbuc (does not go through Melipeuco)<br /> Icalma to Temuco<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 15:00<br /> <br /> Temuco to Icalma<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 07:30<br /> Sunday 09:00<br /> <br /> Buses UB<br /> Icalma to Victoria<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 06:15<br /> <br /> Victoria to Icalma<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 17:15<br /> <br /> (2020-Jan)<br /> <br /> Bus Lonquimay - Liucura 12:00 and 15:30 from Terminal (Mondays to Saturdays)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT13 - Laguna Icalma]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT12_(Rio_Rahue)&diff=123994 2025-08-25T06:18:40Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> === Connecting to Section 12 ===<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 11 to 12.jpg|450px|right|Connections between GPT11 and GPT12]]<br /> <br /> November 2024 [Tomáš]: There are a number of different ways to connect Sections 11 and 12. The regular route is proven and works. Will alone and Tomáš and Natalie together found independently of each other almost identical traverse, that they liked [it is included in their suggestions in the 2024 Track files]. it is pure CC and the terain is not the easiest, but they think it is quite doable. There is one route option which appears to be unexplored, GPT11-04 (and possibly 11-03). Please edit this text on both sections 11 and 12 if you have any updates.<br /> <br /> === Optional Routes ===<br /> A popular and scenic option on GPT12 is to go via the ridge near Cerro Dedos, GPT11-02 and GPT11-02B (it is somewhat confusingly part of Section 11). This ridge hike can be extended by walking up to Cerro Dedos, via GPT11-04, where Condors may be spotted. In bad weather, avoid the ridge.<br /> <br /> === Piñones ===<br /> Along this section are many opportunities to harvest piñones (in the right season), which can extend your hiking food supply. This can be a particularily useful resource if hiking in NOBO direction: bring enough food for GPT12, and supplement your diet with piñones to extend your supplies to last for GPT11 and onward. Be sure to bring lots of gas, since piñones need to be boiled for roughly 20 minutes.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Sadly, in March 2025 the hiker Tim Atkinson disappeared while hiking GPT12 in northbound direction. Several searches were conducted in April and May 2025 but Tim was not found. He was last seen near Kilometer 63 (-38.393870°, -71.022360°) hiking northbound (towards Kilometer 0). See also the Facebook post to Tim's disappearance. <br /> <br /> Since none of the searches could locate Tim, an accident while hiking along the Regular Route seams less likely now. Possibly, Tim suffered a health issue while resting or camping in a more hidden location a bit off the trail. Therefore, all hikers that walk GPT12 are asked to keep their eyes open and scan for possible hidden camp sites a bit off the trail. Should someone spot a lone collapsed tent or other traces of Tim, then please record the precise location by GPS and report your observations to the Carabineros (Chilean Police) and Jose Herrera (+56998252577) who coordinated the search earlier in 2025.<br /> <br /> - Regular Route: I rerouted the regular route between Kilometer 61 and 70 due to right-of-way conflicts in the upper valley Mitrauquen. This change bypasses several puestos where some hikers had been treated unpleasantly. I also rerouted the southern terminus near Liucura to avoid several new fences and gates. Now the final 2 km are on a minor road and a primary road.<br /> <br /> - GPT12 Option 3D and 3E (Meseta de Malonehue): It would be useful when an experienced hiker investigates this connection that is not fully visible on satellite images. The Puesto {12-03D} [7.0/1789] makes it very likely that a trail in the forest connects this puesto with the road down in the valley but the forest hides this route on satellite images. If this route is good to walk and people along the route are not bothered by hikers then I consider rerouting the Regular Route once again to completely bypass the upper valley Mitrauquen.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *''' 2025-03-31 to 2025-04-6 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Lonquimay 05G, 02, 03, 03C, RR, varA, 01 / Peggy<br /> <br /> I started in Lonquimay by taking a microbus that leaves from the bus terminal at 1:30 pm and dropped me off at the junction (km15.5), then I continued on section 02 to take the ferry. It doesn’t operate on weekends. I arrived around 2:15 pm, and a man had me cross 30 minutes later. He showed up to cross himself with others in his car. I don’t know if he’s the official operator.<br /> <br /> I stopped early and camped between the RR and section 03 (I forgot to note the exact point). There is a stream running through, and if you go up it a bit you can find good spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2, I took section 03. Water at 38.411909, 071.190373W. Easy climb through the forest to the plateau. I chose to go along the small ridge between the GPX track on the right and a track visible on Locus on the left (OSM), to the Lagunas Mezillas where I filled up on water not knowing if I’d find more lower down. With the cold, I don’t sleep next to a lake. Also, it was windy and even more was forecast for the evening. So I went down to the plateau just below and found a good spot sheltered from the wind among the Araucarias. I was also able to make a fire (I don’t have gas, I started with a wood stove but for the past few weeks I’ve been making campfires for cooking and warmth. Sometimes in the morning too). I ended up finding water (38.372273S, 071.122479W).<br /> <br /> Day 3, I went down via 03C, which is easy if you stick to the trail. Not being sure about 03C (steep and lots of bamboo), I first chose 03A but quickly switched to the right. The descent goes well mixing BB and CC, less steep and more open than 03C, except for the end with lots of shrubs. I followed cow paths and had to crawl for a few meters at one point! But it worked out!<br /> <br /> I eventually stopped at the puesto km37.7, which is in poor condition but gave me shelter from the rain. Here I got weak internet signal via Entel. Water nearby but needs filtering (between RR and the puesto). Lots of space to camp (I chose a spot sheltered in the grove to minimize cold. Temperatures below freezing).<br /> <br /> Day 4, I took the RR via the Mariñanqui lagoon. Between the water point at km37.4 and the ford at km36.6, there’s a short steep and slippery section. To avoid it, you can go higher where there are already horse and cow tracks. At the lagoon, I tried to avoid the marshes by skirting around the right side at the end of the lagoon. There’s a trail, but it becomes more and more uncertain and I ended up crossing the marsh anyway. Beautiful forest crossing, easy fords but very cold water in April. In the evening, I reached the Baños Coyucos. I found the water lukewarm but nice for a basic wash. There is a place to camp, but I preferred to cross the stream at the baños and set up a bit further away on the other side. Gorgeous view of the valley. I set up behind bamboo as the wind was already strong and was forecast to increase during the night (I check the wind with my Garmin to know the speed and direction to set up my tent properly, especially when a cold night is coming – I’ve had my tent damaged by wind before). Bad surprise that evening: I had forgotten my tent stakes at the previous camp… Fortunately, I was surrounded by bamboo which worked perfectly for the night (and thankfully I had pitched my tent well because the wind was indeed strong that night).<br /> <br /> Day 5, back to the puesto km37.7 where I had left my stakes… Same route as the day before, but with more wind! However, I was facing the right direction to charge my solar battery on my pack.<br /> <br /> Day 6, same path as the two previous days except that I chose to take variant A, which avoids the Mariñanqui lagoon and goes through the upper part. It seems to be preferred by arrieros as it is well marked by horses (and cows). The view is beautiful over the mountains, especially in the second part. Water at (38.272804S, 071.111205W). A bit after that, the trail goes up a bit along a small stream (a bit tricky). Then here (38.244753S, 071.082081W) there’s a small river to cross (so water), and a small puesto that can be used in case of problem or bad weather. Here, I again met two arrieros I had seen two days earlier. Very friendly. Arrived back on the RR, in the valley of the puestos, I followed section 01 aiming to buy food at one of the puestos but they were all already closed… Luckily, I found someone and managed to get food at the last one (which doesn’t appear on the map, to the right of the ford km22.1). Thanks to Jaime. I slept above the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 7, on the way to the Baños de Pelehue, I met a kind Chilean hiking couple (only the second time in 3 months). Then the Cerros Dedos (see section 11).<br /> <br /> At this time of year, there are lots of piñones on the ground. I cook them on the fire in water in two rounds. They usually require several hours to cook (at this time of year, as they are already hard). So I experimented and found that two rounds of cooking works. I cook on the fire, so in the evening and in the morning if I make a fire, or on two consecutive evenings. The shell should open, at least most of them. Each time 30–40 min or more after it starts boiling. A technique shared by an arriero to make them cook faster (a Mapuche technique I was told): roast them a bit before putting them into boiling water. I haven’t noticed a difference yet, but I don’t have enough experience.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-01 to 2025-03-05 / 5 days (combined GPT 12 + 11)/ Hiking / NOBO /OH 02 + RR/ Chloe and Mathieu<br /> We took the bus from Temuco to Lonquimay then we hitchhiked up to the camping Lolen (nice camping 8000p per person). We had to start from there because the ferry of option 2 is not working on weekends. <br /> <br /> Day 1: we walked along the Ruta R 893 to join the option 2 after the Rio Biobio crossing. We continued on the gravel road of the OH02 until we join RR at km 44.9. There is a ford not mentioned just before but easy to cross. <br /> The route in the valley of puesto [37.7+0.2/1367] is not always easy to follow so we kept looking at the GPS. <br /> Camped at Laguna Mariñanqui. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : we walked along the lake. Then we struggled to find our way in the wetlands at the north of the lake. Better to stick to the track on the GPS. Then we crossed 6 times the rio, no difficulties. Scenic gorges after. Many puestos wirh dogs in the valleys but we met noone.<br /> We checked the hot spring at 20.5, not really hot so we didn’t go in. We slept at camp 17.0, nice area, many cows. <br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked until pass {11-04} [5.4/2385], no difficult but very windy. Then we went down to the Pelehue Hot spring. Really nice to take a bath, really worth it!<br /> We walked up to the &quot; Hot Spring ?{11} [32.0/1428]&quot; where we camped. There is a hot spring, à bit dirty but nice anyway. Rhere is an other hotspring at S 38° 07.328', W 071° 05.140' but not possible to camp. <br /> <br /> Day 4: we climbed the pass and for that we stayed in the bed river all along of the CC part. A bit long but not difficult when you stick to this route. <br /> We went down to the Camp {11} [20.6/1317].<br /> <br /> Day 5 : went straight to Guallalli and slept at Rominàs house. Took the bus next day to Los Àngeles at 5:30PM.<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-20 to 2025-02-24 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, / Adrien, Julien et Valentin&quot;<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 7:30 pm on Wednesday <br /> We slept in the barn of Cabana Garcias for 5000 pesos (mention that you have a tent)<br /> <br /> One hour after the pass with the famous big Araucaria at the first descent you will encounter a puesto with a meadow and a fence. Instead of crossing it, go along the barrier to the end, the magnificent cliffs overlooked by the araucaria on the right. Then cross the bush until you find the RR. Very easy and very beautiful. It allows you to avoid the mean dogs on the other side of the meadow.<br /> <br /> Lots of araucaria seeds on the ground even though they were probably the last ones. 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking. oil and salt and it's perfect<br /> <br /> We had an argument with an Arriero who asked us for money to pass, well after Maximilliano, 6 kilometers before the Marinanqui lake but by telling him that we had authorization from the carabineros (which was not true) and from two other Gauchos we met beforehand, he ended up letting us pass.<br /> <br /> We didn't do the last part of the cerro dedo because of pain of one of us and we cut to Ranquil from the terms, easy to Hitchhike the weekend. but the last part is apparently not to be missed.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking to Lonquimay (only the weekend cause of the Termas)<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-14 to 2025-02-17 / 3,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, Var H, Cerro Dedos ascent / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume :<br /> - spectacular views concentrated in Cerro Dedos area and we really appreciated the section only from laguna Marinanqui <br /> - before laguna Marinanqui : views from pass 57,2 and araucarias are great but dogs, dust and valley floor long path are a little bit tiring &gt; If you don't need GPT 13 thru-hike connection, we highly recommand to consider option 2 or 4 to shorten south part of the section.<br /> - tabanos situation is currently resolved <br /> Day 1 afternoon : Liucura 104,3 &gt; Water 87,6<br /> Started at 15:30, we took variants P and S at the beginning to avoid barbed wire climbing (still one). We took water at puesto around 94,5 and we camped at the first water point (dusty and without sunset).<br /> Day 2 : Water 87,6 &gt; Pass 57,2 <br /> Doggy puesto day ! We took option H to avoid aggressive dogs which seem to be on the RR, but we had some anyway (without incident). Highlight of the day : we harvested and cooked our first pinones ! We camped at -38,360985 -71,054676 near great sunset views on Volcanos.<br /> Day 3 : Pass 57,2 &gt; Banos Cuyucos 20,5<br /> Long day to reach hot spring aperitif and dinner, following RR. Laguna Marinanqui and following gorges are very scenic, banos cuyucos are great for 3 people.<br /> Day 4 : Banos Cuyucos 20,5 &gt; Cerro Dedos ascent &gt;  Banos de Pelehue (11-02B [1.2/2113])<br /> Pleasure day with stunning views without long distance. The Pelehue hotsprings are really nice : 180° view, sunset, water temperature control (!), fumaroles,... <br /> We continued with GPT 11 RR next morning, with the desire to to follow Natalie and Tomas new connection to section 10 close to argentina border (GPT 11 option 6 + GPT 10 option 3).<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-12 to 2025-02-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1+RR+Option 2a / Chris &amp; Diana'''<br /> <br /> We had arranged with Maximiliano and Ana a pickup late at 9pm from Lonquimay, stayed at their house and were driven to the bus/police station the next morning. They offered 50kCLP for both drives, night in tent, some dinner &amp; breakfast, 70kCLP if we wanted to stay indoor. We accepted tent option but after a fun &amp; long dinner &amp; tea, they invited us to the cabana nontheless. They are a super lovely couple, we had a lot of fun together :)<br /> They operate a shop with everything a hiker needs (food, gas, even some clothes, but not too suitable but might be nice in emergencies) for fair prices. <br /> <br /> A bit more info in Lonquimay:<br /> Levanderia lonquimay <br /> +56971265059<br /> Histal Villa portales 32kCLP for 2 persons in a double bed (shared bedroom of 3 spots, cold water only)<br /> Uber lonquimay<br /> +56965791711,<br /> +56982471202,<br /> +56941761164,<br /> +56974846335<br /> Sweet little town, nice supermarkets, restaurants, even some small local giftshops at the main square/park.<br /> <br /> Bus towards trail from lonquimay: monday, wednesday, friday at 05:30 and 15:00<br /> From trail to lonquimay (via ranquil): monday, wednesday, friday 06:00/06:30, 16:00<br /> <br /> Disclaimer: check our route, we only hiked 40% of the RR, therefore only valid for that bit!<br /> <br /> Option 01: mostly rather boring MR/track, little descent into the valley. Easy and quick hike though.<br /> <br /> RR:<br /> Fords: all easy, last hour to the lake is full of fords we werent able to cross dry feet. Nothing above knee, no significant current. <br /> Water: plenty along the way.<br /> Snow: none.<br /> Hotsprings: surprisingly they werent mentioned often in here. They are fairly nice, there are two, the one under the araucaria tree is the hotter and nicer one, fresh water better taken upstream of the other &quot;first&quot; one. The hotspring is populated a lot on the weekends, friday had a few dayhikers, the nights we enjoyed alone. People in the valley were super nice, explaining us a better way through the swamp. <br /> <br /> Laguna mariñanqui was amazing to camp and bath in as well, lots of parrots swarming the skies and lots of piñones around adding a feast!<br /> <br /> Option 02a:<br /> Camped at S 38.364003 W 071.166101. Seemed like last obvious spot before Track &amp; Puestos start. Some appletrees along the way.<br /> We hitchhiked most of option 2 out to Lonquimay, it might be possible to Uber (see above) along here for NOBO folks who wanna cut it a bit short without missing the hotsprings and the pretty pass. We think we didnt see any bus houses/indication of public transport.<br /> Track until approx S 38.382561 W 071.172255 (easy with 4x4, normal car might be a bit difficult)<br /> MR until Ferry 12-02 [13.5], easy with normal car. Rather boring to walk.<br /> <br /> Summary: nice and easy walk, not crazy scenic, but some pretty views in between. Piñones made it very special, they just started to fall from the sky, enhanced our couscous alot! More than any could gather. <br /> Partly pretty dusty. Since its mostly along rivers, we always were able to get a bath.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-03 to 2025-02-07 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 01+RR+Var H+RR+VarN+VarP / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I arrived from Lonquimay by micro at 5 p.m. and started from OH 1. Night at pass 4.6/1499.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Day of fords but fortunately easy for my 1.64 height.<br /> In valley after pass a lot of cows, goats. Two dogs but only barking.<br /> Ford 7.5 - in exact point water above knee. I went a few meters upstream where water is lower.<br /> Ford 28.7 till calf.<br /> Fords Rio Pulul from 31.3 to 33.6 max to knee, but there were more than points in track.<br /> Ford 35.4 dry feet.<br /> Ford 36.6 dry feet.<br /> Ford 41.5 dry feet.<br /> Ford 45.5 above knee, current a bit strong.<br /> Camp at 47.5.<br /> <br /> Day 3 :<br /> Ascent from 52 to 53 was very exhausting.<br /> Camp at 57 before pass. Beautiful spot but strong wind. Water from lake.<br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Passes 57.2 and 57.4 free of snow. Part between 59 and 60 moody. I have met arrieros at camp 59.5 km. From km 62.4/62.9 I took varH and came back at km 68 of RR . In the next valley I have met a group of Mapuches. They were very reserved. I said hello and asked for the trail and said what I am doing here. Before puesto de Maxymiliano Lagos (71.4) the path is almost free of fallen trees after a tornado in November. I have bought fresh &quot;tortilla&quot; et Maksymiliano &quot;puesto&quot;. Camp at Laguna Escondida at 76.2. I think that a better camp is on the other side.<br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> At km 88 of RR I took varN than P till Liucura. Mostly MR. A lot of gates between puestos. At km 4.0/1314 settler (12-P) I advise taking the road not the track. I have met here one dog and need to cross under gates. After only some gates. In Liucura night at Hospedaje Normita. Very comfortable cabana for 20.000 clp. A lot of shops. I advise at point -38.64533,-71.08847. They have gas, chargers, cables and a lot of food.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-11 to 2025-JAN-13 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 12H / Alex '''<br /> Cerro Los Dedos offers the best views along this section. Many puestos along the route were occupied, often with numerous dogs.Be prepared for swampy areas throughout the section. I recommend adopting Option 12H as the regular route due to its advantages.<br /> At Camp {12-H} [1.5/1520], I arrived around 7 PM but found it unsuitable due to its location opposite a house and visibility from the road.<br /> I continued up the steep climb and discovered a short side trail to the left after 20 minutes. This led to an untouched forest with sheltered campsites just 70 meters from fresh running water.<br /> This is the best campsite in the entire section: no tabanos , no mosquitoes.<br /> I have attached a GPX file for this new campsite here<br /> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G_nxx9NlRwpGVU_mvsp5RAYcwNFEy9tL/view?usp=sharing<br /> The final 2 kilometers of Section 12 should be updated. The regular route trespasses through 3–4 private properties with barbed wire.<br /> I followed RR-TL-V {12} [100.0/100.4+2.2] directly to the highway instead.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-26 &gt; 29 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR (option est au Laguna Mariñanqui) + passage flan est a la fin / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : hors piste sur pente raide, glissement de terrain, foret détruite<br /> <br /> A 2100m a la premiere montée, ce ne sont pas des sources chaudes mais des sources de gaz qui font bouillir ce qui se trouve autour.<br /> Par contre au point (38.190017° S 71.036036° W) il y a une source chaude que les locaux ont amenagée en piscine (l'eau est ferrugineuse). Les arrieros m'en ont parlé donc elle est accessible a tout le monde.<br /> Dans la vallée du Cerro Rahue la piste n'est vraiment pas facile a suivre mais grâce a la trace GPS on la retrouve toujours. Il y a beaucoup de taons malheureusement, et sur le plateau a 2000m, c'est envahi de moustiques.<br /> La montée en hors piste n'est pas une cinécure, vraiment dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier car elle est dangereuse par mauvais temps. Premiere et seule journée nuageuse. La descente sous le Cerro Codihue se fait bien mais attention: 1) un gros éboulement a recouvert le sentier, et de la neige se trouve sous les roches. Ca forme des ponts qui sont tres dangereux. 2) une tornade a balayé la forêt. Elle est impossible a traverser mais facile a contourner en longeant le torrent.<br /> Juste apres la foret, Maximiliano Lagos m'a très bien reçu malgré mon faible niveau d'espagnol.<br /> Juste après le Laguna Escondida, Sonia Ramirez m'a bien accueilli également, j'ai pu assister a une capture de chevaux (pour castration).<br /> A Liucura j'ai pu acheter un peu de nourriture mais le magasin n'a quasiment rien.<br /> <br /> * ''' 24-12-15 - 24-12-19 / 4,5 days / SOBO / OH01, RR, OH-H\L\M\K / Volker ​​'''<br /> <br /> The Tabano section (first part only)<br /> All water markers reliable - and many other spots, fords mostly easy<br /> <br /> Day 1: Back in Ranquil after resupply in Lonquimay. The very friendly women from the Local Crafts Centre organised me a driver for 30k, which was really fair for a 1,5h ride. Started at 3 p.m., short walk on OH01 (well, I missed the hot spring on RR) over a pass, then down into the very beautiful valley. Camped after the ford OH1, 7,5, which was less easy than it seemed. The water is very deep, where it runs slowly, you have to cross the river there, where the stream is strong. <br /> <br /> Day 2: An extraordinary beautiful valley, but… a terrible Tabano situation. Not 3-4 surrounded me as sometimes on previous sections, but 10-15 at all times. Worst at the northern bank of Laguna Marinanqui. Swimming? Forget it. All those, who are into survival, will find a rich meal. Haute Cuisine: the Tabanos attacking you, while you are focused on one of the several fords (all easy). All others think twice, before taking a photo and ending up with 5 of them on each of your hand . My moskito head net was an essential gear, but I wished I had brought a beekeeper’s suit. And who wants to hike a day long veiled like a woman under Taliban rule? Camp at 17,0 completely „polluted“, I continued 1 km to the „pass“, where I found a dusty mini-spot (great view, however). <br /> <br /> Day 3: Tabano situation unchanched during the whole CC upwards. I walked at an altitude of 2100 on snowfields, surrounded by ten of them. Tried hard to have a look for the really scenic landscape. After the pass it got immediately better. It was like a water shed. What a relief! CC down easy, the following „trail“, however, was no trail, but a swamp (all indicated camp spots under water), and now I had to stick closely to the track file, otherwise I would have ended up in BB. After the swamp-trail, CC in the forest, the former trail is mostly invisible and blocked by broken trees. Got better with the MR (which is a TL). Down in the very beautiful valley, everything changed: No tabanos at all, no aggressive dogs or humans (waypoints), but a wonderful indicated camp spot at 1,5 of OH-H.<br /> <br /> Day 4: No tabanos, not a single one! Very quick on OH-H to the pass, short parts overgrown, the „CC“ down along Rio Pehuenco on RR has mostly a good trail, only short tricky sections with snow and mud in the gullies. Three aggressive dogs running in my direction at the puesto at 71,4. . Show them, who is the master! When I started to shout at them and move in their direction, their self-confidence imploded. Laguna Escondida very beautiful, marked camp spot at 76,2 under water.<br /> Very, very scenic up to the next pass and down to Laguna Verde. The marked camp spot on the north bank under water, too. Camped at the south bank close to a small puesto.<br /> <br /> Day 5: From Laguna Verde options L, M, K, highly recommended, very scenic on the plateau. Water running from a pipe close to the two houses where RR leaves the MR (OH -T) for the ridge. On the ridge again very scenic, CC easy (partly trail), but stick to the track files, otherwise BB is on the menu. Very windy in the last part. Had to climb 4 fences with barbed wire on the last 2 km to Liucura (can probably be avoided by taking OH-S to join OH-P), where I arrived at 3 p.m. (several lodges, nice hut in Calle Nueva Dos on the right side (20k), Bus to Victoria at 7 a.m. , but not on every day of the week.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''11Dec2024 - 15dec2024 / hiking SOBO / option 1 - RR - varE - RR - var H - RR - var L - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Really nice landscapes all along with mountains, volcanoes on the passes. Araucaria forests. Lakes that are nice and good spots to eat/camp. <br /> <br /> Camp : south of laguna mariñanqui 35.5. Meet a couple of GPT hikers there, good evening even if there were lots of tamaños and mosquitoes. <br /> <br /> varE (around51) camp at end : nice with good water. Mosquitoes. Looks more comfortable than the one note at 51.6 on RR. <br /> <br /> VarH camp 1.5 : not much place for a tent in dry area but was ok. <br /> <br /> 83km VarL : end of laguna verde. Nice dry spot. Mosquitoes. (Could rejoin RR directly here the next day)<br /> <br /> Fords : between 31 and 34. All went good, not much than mid thighs (I'm 1,57), low current (hot and dry during the last week). <br /> <br /> 45 : mid thighs with little current at midday<br /> <br /> Option 1 : nice and easy way up. <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> Laguna mariñanqui : var C and even some parts of RR are just under water or muddy +++. To lenght the est side of the lake I took some nice paths (there are many) that are higher up and avoid putting feet in the lake and mud between (around the middle, don't see at the beginnig and end of the lake). <br /> <br /> After varE path became less clear and it's more demanding to not loose it in high herbs but could follow one almost alle the time. <br /> <br /> CC around km53 : easy to find the route. Physical. Need to be carefull in soft sand because rocks and even the grass can detached and fall. <br /> <br /> Passes around 57 : not much snow, easy to cross and navigate. Entel coverage a bit before 1st pass (57-57.4) if need a little weather forecast point. <br /> Descending from the pass is steep but easy with little patches of snow. <br /> <br /> When CC finish around 58 : very muddy trail. Navigation a bit harder when you enter the forest and then the route is easy. <br /> <br /> VarH to avoid the dog : after the camp, steep clim but trail easy to follow. Only a bit before puesto 3.1, about 0.5km path get less clear with a bit BB. Need more GPS. <br /> <br /> Pass at 68 : easy, not much snow. Rejoin RR by varJ cause then varH was going BB. <br /> All CC until Liucura are horse (or goat) paths most of the time, easy to follow and when there is doubt, the tracks or OSM path bring to good path to go on. <br /> <br /> At the really end there are 3 or 4 fences to cross that I found difficult and really not made for crossing here. Maybe it's a bit better with varS but still 2 to cross. Or maybe it's better to go directly straight down to the road and not turning left when descending on the dirt road but I didn't try. <br /> <br /> Water : plenty except at the end. I think last on RR is water 87,6. Maybe it's possible if needed to ask some in the houses around 94 before going up to the ridge cause after there is none for sure.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-08 to 2024-Dec-13 / 6 days / Hiking NOBO / RR + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Water present at all markers and plenty more due to snow melt<br /> <br /> We took variant H to avoid the aggressive dogs, was a little overgrown and lots of different trails to choose from but was fine.<br /> <br /> Pass at 57.4km - snow present from around 1,850m and upwards but you can avoid most of it. The plateau also has snow but again is mostly avoidable. Entel signal on the pass.<br /> <br /> Camp 54.5 - horseflies started.<br /> <br /> We camped at 51.6km the ground is pretty wet at the moment so wasn't great. We would have continued to 47.5km in hindsight as the trail is decent so it wouldn't take long.<br /> <br /> Ford 45.4km crossed at 11 am about thigh deep (1.61m tall) no problem at all.<br /> <br /> Water 41.4km - Entel signal.<br /> <br /> Camped at the southern end of Lake Mariñanqui where we met Clara :) it was very beautiful, some horseflies though. Would not recommend northern end of the lake at this time. <br /> <br /> Tried to take variant C but it was too deep so went around on RR.<br /> <br /> Fords 33.6km - 31.4km we did these in the morning and were surprised how deep they were. The water is quite calm though so was all fine.<br /> <br /> Hotsprings 20.5km lower one is a nice temperature easily big enough to sit in. Worth a look. The 1st one wasn't as warm.<br /> <br /> High section between 15km and 9km. Snow patches present above 1850m ish. Was all either avoidable or manageable. Staying close to the RR worked well. This strech was very very beautiful and should t be missed.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-02B warm not hot but very nice views<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-01C buried under snow.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 11.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-abril-7 to 2024-ab-11 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 5 - option 2 - RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined this section with section 11.<br /> Day 1: Lonquimay - (-38.39301, -71.18538)<br /> We left Lonquimay on a Sunday morning, taking option 5G and then option 2b. We wanted to take the ferry, but it doesn't run on Sundays (but at the time we passed it, we thought it could be done on foot). We were picked up a few kilometers after Lonquimay and dropped off at Caracoles where there's a footbridge. We decided to explore and walk along the Rio Biobio to reach the ferry and option 2. There's a passage that connects the two points. We continued on to option 2. After crossing a bridge (in poor condition but holding), we looked for a place to pitch our tent, which we found along the river. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-38.39301, -71.18538) - laguna marinanqui<br /> Beautiful forest and valley sections with incredible views. We reached the RR in the morning. Magical trail, lots of waterholes.<br /> No particular difficulty for us on this part.<br /> When we got to the lagoon, there were plenty of places to pitch our tents on either side, which was really nice. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Laguna marinanqui - camp {12} [17.0/1794]<br /> First part of the day with lots of fords to pass without difficulty. Another beautiful day. Lots of puestos on the way. We met Walter in a valley, he is very welcoming and kind. <br /> In the afternoon we hiked through the forest past the hot springs to reach our camp for the night. Quite a windy night, but we were relatively protected. <br /> <br /> Day 4: camp {12} [17.0/1794] - puesto de Valentin <br /> Morning ascent. The view is incredible but it's extremely windy. When we passed, there were many gusts of wind, which complicated our walk. But the view is still breathtaking! There's little water on this &quot;plateau&quot;. We made our way back down to Ranquil. When we got there, there was nothing but the bus stop. We didn't meet anyone.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-20 to 2024-Mar-24 / 4 days ? / SOBO / RR/ Tobi + Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11. Not much to add, except that there's almost everyday a low-ish hanging arucaria tree en route (late-season)<br /> <br /> Pinones tips:<br /> Try piñones with nutmeg + parmesan, or merken + cumin (with salt and a bit of oil of course)<br /> Cooking these take a lot of boiling - we brought a large gas canister and it lasted us eight nights (8 quick dinners, + 4 x 1.3 L pots full of piñones) with an occasional warm breakfast/tea.<br /> Expect to spend an hour peeling each pot (two people) after cooking for 20 minutes - it's a LOT of work.<br /> This was enough food for 2 people for approx. one full day<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-14 to 2024-03-16 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // beginning of VAR A + VAR F + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Stunning section with great views and amazing rocks formation. The geology on this section really surprised me on some parts ! A lot of CC, and ups and downs threw pass, then going along valley then passing a new pass and cc a new valley etc.. <br /> <br /> RR at the beginning to the section is passing threw few fences. As other said, easy to avoid them. I met some nice people at the beginning, very friendly and we had nice talks, that was enjoyable ! <br /> <br /> Lagunas are great. At the end of Maximilian valley (that I unfortunately missed, but spoke with his employee, nice guy), I continue on the pass then took the variant H, but not sure it worth it, as there's no real track and I finished into a very steepy part It's losing rocks to reach the lower valley. So I guess RR is better. <br /> <br /> Not felt very welcoming by the pehuenche locals here (KM64,95), surprisingly because other hikers had great experienxes. They were not rude at all, but just don't really want to communicate. Anyway, no problem to pass and they confirm me the way to shortcut by the valley field.<br /> <br /> After the pass, you'll reach the lovely lagunas, with stunning views over volcanoes at the top of the pass. <br /> <br /> The way down will not be very fast as it's cc. Stay over tree/bush line, then plonge straight threw the Araucarias. The path will be more and more clear when you'll be at the balcon level, going all the way along the valley. <br /> <br /> There's a tiny wooden bridge that have been created and allow you to passe the Rio without having wet feets (Ford {12} [45.4/1039]). The bridge is a bit further the RR indicated ford, at the location 38°20′55.44″S 71°09′22.48″W. <br /> <br /> Then the path is very clear and easy to follow. I took the variant A to avoid the multiple ford crossing as it was freezing morning. I succeed and join RR with dry feets (but miss the Laguna marinanaui and the apparently very nice gorges). <br /> <br /> At that point, I was surprised by the attraction rate of this section (5/5). It was nice, but imho not deserve a 5. But I continued my way, go up to the pass, join the volcanic plateau and arrive to baños de pelehue). And this last stretch was absolutely amazing. I slept a pelehue, had a great hot bath, one has been created with rocks, it's a bit like on the bottom, but so nice after a hiking day !). <br /> <br /> Then I've been straight to GPT11, without going to Ranquil<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-13 to 2024-Mar-16 / 3 days / SOBO / RR C 02A 02 (11-05G)/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Plenty of water, no snowfields, no Tabanos or Moskitos, all fordings very easy except Rio BioBio. The ferry on option 02 does not run on weekends, so I forded the river around 200m upstream. It is a long ford, but not very hard. Water around kneedeep (i am 187cm, 100kg) and 1-2m in the middle had a bit strong current, but not difficult. The ford is probably not possible earlier in the seasion, also they had a drought for months...<br /> <br /> Banos Coyucos at 20.4 are not really nice warm springs. It is dark, no view, mildly warm, (natural) dirty, not very deep and the cold river next to it has no pool. Variant C was no problem, bit swampy but doable. The way north of Laguna Marinanqui for maybe a km or so can be tricky to find, lots of tracks in this jungle.<br /> <br /> At Laguna Marinanqui the southern camp is better, even the meadows are full of shit everywhere, the sand is a bit cleaner, there is a fresh stream and the water not as shallow. It was really cold in the morning mid March, my towel and shoes hard frozen. Maybe better to camp a bit further away from the lake then I did (20m) end of seasion.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: closed gate with very muddy surrounding at -38.354982,-71.164045 shortly after intersection with 02b start. I think 02b is blocked by a fence. Anyway, just follow some path close to the river, it leads to -38.355085,-71.164881 where the fence can be climbed easily and afterwards return (might be a bit swampy) to 02A.<br /> <br /> route blocked by difficult fence at -38.396035,-71187372 but next to it is an easy to open gate, just follow the path afterwards, leads you to a dirt road and another easy to open gate, theres is some agricultural storage and behind paths connects to regular 02A.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: Camped where 03C ends, connection to 02. There is a small stream and access to the river north of it for some bathing. I hide my tent behind some bushes around 20m away from the road, which has veeery little traffic. Still late night I woke up from some voices and torches. I guess reflectors on my tent where reflecting the car lights even through the bushes. Anyway the people moved on after their curiosity was satisfied. Next day I met the settler on the road, interrogating me a bit, but quickly turned friendly and gave his ok. Generally it is easier to camp anywhere north of settler 02A Fundo Rahue, afterwards there are lots of fences, it gets dry and dusty.<br /> <br /> Option 02: 100 to 200m north of the ferry on the eastern side of Rio Biobio side seems a nice campspot.<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 9 to 12, but run out of food so I decided to shorten GDP 12 by hiking to Lonquimay after Laguna Marinanqui. I found plenty of Piniones, but had not enough fuel, and cooking them over open fire in my tiny cooking pot is annoying (did it twice).<br /> <br /> Northern parts of GPT12 are quite nice. Option 02 is long and boring with lots of road walking. Shortly west of the ferry it is a big asphalt street, but very little traffic. Took awhile to get a ride to Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar 2nd to Mar 13th / 12 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT11 Var F, RR, Var Q, Var P / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL:DR a really beautiful and varied section. The RR up to the plateau is challenging but not terrible; we liked Laguna Escondida for camping; the ridge at the end is not a good option if the winds are strong.<br /> <br /> Day 1 March 2nd<br /> <br /> The first two days were actually on GPT11 Var F which we used to connect into GPT12. In Lonquimay a guy working for CONAF as a driver taking firefighters to and from Troyo offered us a ride. What luck! He was very friendly and pointed things out during the drive. He left us at the crossroads of the road to Troyo and Ranquil and even gave us a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade. A big thanks to him!<br /> <br /> The road to Ranquil had many, many water points along the way. It's crazy how much water is in that area. It is a dirt road and dusty, but few cars came by, so it wasn't too bad. There is barbed wire fencing along much of the road. There were some helicopters running water in the distance to fight the fires. We arrived at Ranquil and found a place to camp at (-38.24902, -71.23244) just over the bridge. Then we went to the minimarket run by Maximiliano and Anna’s shop. They were incredibly kind people. They offered for us to camp on their property, offered to let us take a shower and wash clothes. They are definitely people to stop in and say hello to. They have gas now. 3.000 for refill canisters, 7.000 for 230g stove tanks and 9.000 for 460g stove tanks. They also had canned fish, powdered soups, mate, Nescafé, cold drinks, and Anna made us delicious pan amasado in her wood fired clay oven. <br /> <br /> Day 2 March 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued on GPT11 Var F. Tons of water on the way up. We watched a helicopter pull water out of a large pond and dump it on a small fire on the hillside. At km 26.17 saw a building from the road with the word provisiones painted in large letters on the back wall. We did not need anything else, and the gate was closed, so we did not check to see if it was open. <br /> <br /> We found out first piñones of the season! We collected probably a kilo of them. We passed through Pelehue which it turns out is nothing. We camped by the river about 200 m before the turn onto GPT12 Opt 01. I walked to the Carabineros to register us, it was quick and easy. We had just finished dinner when a family stopped by and offered to let us stay with them and asked if we needed anything. They were so kind and thoughtful, it was very touching.<br /> <br /> Day 3 March 4th<br /> <br /> We finally officially started GPT12. We collected more piñones. The Carabineros passed us on horseback, so it's probably good that I took the time to register even though the path doesn't pass right by them. It was sunny all day, pleasant walking, all fords were easy. We camped at (camp 12 [31.6/1306]). It was fairly flat with grass and river access about 30 m away.<br /> <br /> Day 4 March 5th<br /> <br /> A short day. We walked to Laguna Marinanqui.<br /> When we were there, it was possible to walk the distance between (camp 12 [31.6/1306]) and (ford 32.5/1296]) without following the track up and down the dusty trail. It requires a few additional fords, but with warm weather, being in the water is very pleasant.<br /> <br /> We camped at the north side of the lake. It was windy until the sun went down but calm after.<br /> <br /> Day 5 March 6th<br /> We stayed at the lake for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 6 March 7th<br /> From the north side of the lake it was a bit tricky to find a path to connect to RR going around the lake as the ground was very muddy. Sticking closer to the big plant clumps helped. We collected more piñones at the south end of the lake. By this time we had probably 5 kg of them. Amazing views along the route that day, nothing especially difficult. There were some areas where the trail was damaged by landslides, but reroutes had already been created to get around them.<br /> We camped by the river right after the last ford at (-38.34864, -71.15528). There was a small path leading into the trees and to a small clearing. After a bit of site cleanup it made for a really nice and protected camp site.<br /> <br /> Day 7 March 8th<br /> <br /> It was a short day. We were confused as to whether Opt 3 of the current track files was the correct route up to the plateau or not. We tried finding it but had no luck so we decided to go with what showed up as RR on the GPS and Gaia. It started raining and was fairly windy. The ponchos I had bought us did not work well and we both got wet. We camped around the marked campsite at the end of Var E.<br /> <br /> Day 8 March 9th<br /> <br /> Back to a calm sunny day the next morning. It was cross-country for parts. The assent to the plateau was demanding. We could not find any true paths, though there were many things that appeared to be paths for short distances and would just end abruptly. I started referring to them as the mirages of the mountains.<br /> After reaching the plateau, the first laguna we arrived at was very pretty, deep blue water surrounded by green grass, and a few birds floating on the water. The area around was unfortunately too wet to camp on. We walked to the two larger ones but the area around was not pretty and the water was very shallow with a muddy bottom. We saw another heading back the direction of Option 3 and camped at the first one we came to (-38.36201, -71.07188). It was very cold, but fortunately there was no wind in the night. It was so silent there. <br /> <br /> Day 9 March 10th<br /> <br /> We took a long time getting to the two passes, taking a lot of photo stops. On the way down to the valley it was very windy and the ground was wet, so it was slow going until the forest. The forest areas were very beautiful sand pleasant to walk through. We camped in the valley just past the river at (-38.38830, -71.02145) in between several huge araucarias. It was very windy during the evening but that spot seemed fairly wind protected. It also had some visual screening from the road and the nearby puesto and river access without having to go to the road.<br /> <br /> Day 10 March 11th<br /> <br /> The valley was quiet and sunny in the morning. We headed up Var G. There was an unmarked puesto at (-38.38774, -71.01221). We were still fairly far off when four dogs started barking and slowly making their way out direction. We decided to go CC up the hill a bit and rejoin the path later which seemed to work at first. But after we rejoined the road we could hear them start barking again and they sounded like they were getting closer. We kept moving and eventually the barking stopped. <br /> <br /> The road diverged from the Var G track and we stayed with the road. Eventually there was a fork near a puesto. We went CC on a horse path that eventually connected to the road that I think came from the downhill fork. We followed the road and then did a bit of CC until we connected with the end bit of Var H to get to the pass. Where Var H and RR meet, we had lunch and coffee. The route down was fairly easy to follow. It was extremely windy until we reached the forest. It was a very pretty forest, I think beech mixed with araucaria. <br /> <br /> We met a woman and a child at the first puesto. We just said hello and asked if we could pass and she said of course. One of their dogs followed us for the rest of the day, but no matter what we did, it wouldn't leave. RR up to Laguna Escondida was a dirt road the whole way. It was in pretty good shape. We were surprised how many roads were in this area. There were nice views of the valley the whole way up. Laguna Escondida was also very pretty, especially in the later afternoon light. Water access is not so easy, but by breaking off the trail where it turned to the forest and heading straight for the lake, we found a small path to a beach. The water was clear. As it started getting dark, the dog finally left heading in the direction of the valley.<br /> <br /> We camped in the forest at (-38.47284, -70.97987). It was a ways away from water access, but the weather report was predicting 80 to 90 km per hour winds in the night, which turned out to be accurate. The trees overhead were blowing all night, but our tent hardly moved. We were very grateful for the wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 11 March 12th<br /> <br /> There was a bit of route finding to get to the other side of Laguna Escondida. The view from the top was great. In the valley we started following a dirt road. We weren't paying too much attention to the GPS and ended up off the route. We then really misinterpreted the map and thought we could follow the road all the way up and then just cut across at the top of the hill, but we kept getting further away from the route. We ended up going with our plan anyway and it worked in the end, though it probably added some kms. But there was an interesting wetland area, some great views of the valley, and some interesting rocks, including one that looked like a Buddha head, so a worthwhile detour on the whole. There were house trails cutting across to the pass to Laguna Verde. There were dogs at the puesto on the NE side of the laguna that started barking when we could just barely see them so we stuck to RR. There were some nice views of the lake going around it, though it was easy to see why it's called Laguna Verde, there was plant growth from the edge growing several meters into the laguna all the way around.<br /> <br /> We camped close to a stream, around (-38.53009, -71.00810). It was not very wind protected, but the wind stopped after it got dark.<br /> <br /> Day 12 March 13th<br /> <br /> We hiked up to the plateau. There were some horse trails, but it is also partially CC. After the plateau, to stay on RR we found a spot on the downhill side of the barbed wire fence where we could climb up and over rocks instead of the fence itself. The white rock structures passing along that way were really impressive. We really wanted to walk the ridge, but there was a lot of wind that day. We made it up to the beginning of the ridge, but the further we went up, the more intense the winds became. The weather report predicted gusts up to 75 kph, so we decided to take Var Q down to Var P. It was worth the climb anyway as it provided a different view on the white rock mountain. Var Q was easy to follow down and Var P is a dirt road nearly the entire way to Liucura, not particularly scenic, but not bad<br /> We Arrived in Liucura around 19:00. We stayed at Normita, going rate 15.000 pp, private room, private bath, hot water, and a small kitchen area. Norma is very nice. There are a few shops in town. The big shop closes around 19:30. They have a decent selection and the best prices generally. Donde Carlitos minimarket near aduana had gas recharges for 2600 each. They also have a decent selection of things for resupply and are reasonably priced. Across the street from the big shop there is a woman that sells bread, look for the signs in the window. She is open till around 19:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-15 to 2024-Feb-18 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH11-02B + OH11-02 + OH12-C + OH12-N / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.9-7.2]<br /> <br /> I directly continued from section 11 and just hiked up to the camp at km 7.2. There is a small wooden shed and right next to it one small flat spot (big enough for a 1-person tent)<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [7.2-9.7] + OH11-02B + OH11-02B + RR [12.9-33.9] + OH12-C + RR [34.3-37.7]<br /> <br /> There is lots of water around the two hotsprings Pelehue, but it has a sulfur taste. I can absolutly recommended OH11-02B and OH11-02. You have to scramble up some steep, rocky slopes, but the 360 ° views up there are amazing. There is Water at km 0.6 of 02-B and water provided by big melting snowfield right next to RR at km 14.0. The Banos Coyucos Hotspring (km 20.5) are nice and big enough for at least 3 people. I had no problems with flies at Laguna Marinanqui. The Puesto at the camp at km 37.7 is broken down and there are a few flat spots next to it. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [37.7-69.4]<br /> <br /> No Water at the Water ? waypoint at km 54.4. But RR passes a Laguna at km 55.9. There is also water at km 62.4 and 66.8. And at all water and ford waypoints.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69.4-88.0] + OH12-N + RR [91.5-102.2] + no official track to finish<br /> <br /> Water at km 87.7 is the last water SOBO. There is a barbed wire fence around km 102.2. There is no easy way to climb over it. Therefore I continued in south western direction until the Ruta 181.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Liucura - Section 11 on RR / RR / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really think this section is nice NOBO as it gets more and more interesting as you walk on it.<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 7:30 on a Monday in Temuco and arrived in Liucura around 13:00.<br /> <br /> After a Churrasco just next to the Border Control, we walked only until -38.443407, -71.000961 as it was really hot and the backpacks felts a bit too heavy. This place was a perfect camp with a nice stream of water and a flat and protected place to pitch a tent. So, if you arrive a bit late in Liucura, you don't have to cover nearly 20km to get water.<br /> <br /> We also camped at Camp {12} [35.5/1279] and it was really nice and the lake was beautiful and at the perfect temperature to swim.<br /> <br /> Another campspot we picked was Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). It was really nice but after passing the Hot Spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] (Banos de Pelehue, Poorly Maintained), we would had preferred to stay there. The view is incredible and there is some grass patches to pitch a tent. The hot springs need maybe 1 or 2 hours to be digged properly but it should totally worth it.<br /> <br /> Another thing to mention was that, because we didn't really know if we wanted to choose an option to connect section 11, we took option 4 until Pass {11-04} [5.4/2385]. The view there it just magnificent and there was some condors flying just over our head. I would really recommend taking this small detour, especially if going NOBO as the path is quite easy. (Maybe more demanding SOBO).<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 22 to 2024 Jan 27 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH11-02B+OH11-02 / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Start in Ranquil/Pelehue at Carabineros late afternoon, camped below ascent to the baños Pelehue. Reccomend the ascent in the early morning, as always much easier to climb before the heat comes in. Actually I figured out only fumaroles and no real baños up there, but I didn't look very carefully, wanted to head on. Took detour over OH11-02B and 02 along the ridge, which I reccomend strongly! Amazing views from this border-ridge and some interesting rock formations along there. Went down to the next valley and to baños Coyucos, loved this place, for me best termas so far. Even a nice camp place there. But it was still early afternoon, so I went on and camped at -38.203837 -71.077937. Next day I went to Laguna Marinanqui, nice lake, access to water muddy at north shore, south shore better to go in. Went on along this long next valley on a west slope trail, super hot! Camped at km 47,5, loved this place, flat area with special rock hill, mosquito zone, they take over when tábanos finish the day. Third day I went up the pass, super views all over from there! Down to the next valley, had to stick accurately to the GPS, as the TL is easy to loose where the bushes start and then you end up in some swampy zones, as it happens to me a few times. Lot of water around there. Crossed the valley, went up the other side. Passed puesto around km 64, no life there, no dogs. Seems abandoned this season, as I am not the first this year to pass by without seeing anybody. Walked on to the next pass, afternoon, again super hot, west-slope. Camped soon after the pass at -38.429390 -71.001130. 4th day I met Maximiliano in the early morning, little small talk, then I went on. Seems a nice guy. Went on to the two lagunas, wanted to do OH 12K, but looking to the access of the ridge I thought it can not be done, at least not with a heavy backpack...so I went on RR. Took water at km 87,6, no more running water till km 92. Nice views from the plateau to the southern volcanoes! Goats and horses up there. Camped at -38.578315 -W71.038569, around km 92, last water on RR till around Liucura! Next day over the ridge enjoying very much the views! Descending to Liucura on RR you have to cross around three to four barbed wire fences. <br /> Overall the most tábanos I ever had on a GPT section, but GPT12 still one of my favourite sections so far!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-13/22 / 7 + 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR (sections 12 &amp; 11) / Coline'''<br /> <br /> I hiked GPT12 and 11 in a raw, so to reach the Pelehue hotsprings instead of going to Troyo for resupplying. This ten-days trail was really a great experience ! Sometimes terrifying, but not dangerous – as said in another post.<br /> <br /> My &quot;goal&quot; was to reach each hotspring marked on the map (4). My favourite was the one at the end (near Guallalí), because I meet a chilian family on vacacion there and they had dig the spring large enough for them six !<br /> The baños Coyucos &quot;moved&quot; : there are just below the Camp {12} [20.4/1625], where one's finds a bench, a table and a place for firecamps. <br /> The termas Pelehue definitly disappeared, but the view there is very scenic.<br /> The Hot Spring {11} [32.0/1428] are a bit dirty, sibce ciws like to lie in them, but one's can easily &quot;clean&quot; them a bit and enjoy a warm bath : I choosed the uppermost, and therefore warmer (Yes, there are two).<br /> <br /> The sections 11 &amp; 12 were beautiful to me because of the passes... and difficult for the same reason. First Pass {12} [68.0+0.2/1909] was actually Ok, because the way (northbound) goes slowly up. <br /> The second Pass {12} [57.4/2180] was more difficult, due to the mud, and particularly on the way down for me, since I lost the trail and found myself stuck in a forest of small trees. <br /> <br /> The real DIFFICULTY for me was the last Pass {11} [27.6/2174]. After nine days, my body and mind were really tired. I forgot the advice of previous walkers and tried to go up through the forest (because of the sun exposure in the valley). I lost an hour and had to go down to the river. Moreover, the last 100m, with the snow and rocks, were doable, but the idea of sliding really scarred me.<br /> <br /> Something else scarred me at the beginning of my journey (and it shouln'd have...) : it was the attitud of some &quot;caballeros&quot; towards me, a solo female hiker. Most of the &quot;caballeros&quot; are nice and will help you, but some can be really insisting. (I had to yell at a man asking me for five minutes if I wanted a compagnon for the night... It was 3 a.m. and he had wake me up with his light and dog). But he was not threatening, &quot;just&quot; asking over and over.<br /> <br /> Actually Laguna Verde and Laguna Escondida (where I met those insisting men) are still nice memories to me ! By the way, I recommend the beach on the south side of Laguna Escondida ; the north one is skinny, inhabited by mosquitos and very &quot;escondida&quot; (hidden) in the bushes.<br /> <br /> What else ?<br /> I avoid the Pehuenche Extortioner taking CC road, and it went all good.<br /> There is a bridge some 120m west of the Ford {12} [45.4/1039],... whereas there is no more bridge at Bridge ? {11-C} [0.3/1109], but it seems very easier to cross the Estero Quillaylemu there, rather than on the RR.<br /> The river crossing is Ok, and there is plenty of water all along the way.<br /> As for the resupplying, I don't know about Troyo, but the only shop in Guallalí is very small (no bottle of gas or tobacco for sure). The woman who manages it is very nice though : she indicated me that a bus (with more food) would pass at 8 p.m, she invited me to charge my bateries at her place, let me have a nap, while she prepared me a delicious dish ! I had nice time with the younger kid, and even spend the night there at the end.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-10 to 2024-Jan-11 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / {12-01} - RR - {12-C} - RR - {12-H} - RR - {12-N} - {12-P} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 and GPT12, so i start at {12-01}.<br /> <br /> {12-01} from km0 to pass[4.6/1499] is dirt road walking.<br /> <br /> Pass[4.6/1499] : huge flat area, look like is a car camping spot, i saw 5 fire ring here. Lot of spots for camping, some spots are beside trees, with weather protection. Road is damaged after the pass, no more cars running.<br /> <br /> Km5.1 : welcome to a beautiful valley!<br /> <br /> Ford[7.5/1403] : crossing of Rio Pulul, rock bar underwater, flowing slow and up to knee, easy. Later you will cross this river some more times.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : join RR.<br /> <br /> Ford RR [31.4/1301] : start crossing Rio Pulul several times until [33.6/1285], all are easy crossing as now, the deepest is around knee only.<br /> <br /> Camp[31.6/1306] : a beautiful spot.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[33.9/1281] : Laguna Marinanqui. I never saw so many fries in my life, OMG. The lake shore is muddy, I think the south shore is a better camping spot.<br /> <br /> I take {12-C} here, because too many fries, after i take some photos beside the shore, i don't want to go back to find RR, i just want left this area.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.1 : cross a warm stream, some logs for crossing, but they are all underwater, also muddy around it, maybe better after some weeks. Crossing is easy, step on logs then just above ankle.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.2 : rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR Km34.3 - km35.4 : trail beside the lake. Most of them are muddy, with hundreds of fries, OMG. I'm so disappointed i can't have some relax time here.<br /> <br /> Camp[35.5/1279] : beautiful camping spot with 2 big trees. Less fries here, also is a dry area for camping. Estero Rucausey(a stream) is flowing nice with clear water just beside it.<br /> <br /> Km35.75 : excellent view point of Laguna Marinanqui!<br /> <br /> Water[41.4/1173] : upstream 40m, you can step over the stream.<br /> <br /> Km41.1 : grassland can fit 1-3 tents, but a little steep.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 - km43.65 : cross 3 small stream, all look like need a muddy crossing, but not. All of them, you can find a spot for step over, or a log help you for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 : after the crossing, flat spot with grassland can fit 2 tents under trees.<br /> <br /> Km43.65 : before the crossing, large flat area can fit lot of tents, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km43.85 : junction of RR and {12-D}, also dirt road start to south.<br /> <br /> Ford[45.4/1039] : before you go down the river for crossing, compass West 100m is a large, nice flat area beside some big trees, wind protection provided by some brushes. River is up to knee but flowing slow at early morning.<br /> <br /> Easy walking until km51.3.<br /> <br /> Km47 : look at left side, a beautiful hilltop with rock column!<br /> <br /> Km48.25 : pass, a steep side trail at left side(north) leads you to viewpoint. Steep for climbing up, be careful. After enjoying the view, don't go down with the same trail, go to the east ridge for go down, then CC back to trail, it is gentle, easier and safer. Before you left, look up the top of huge rock, there is a branch pressed by stone. Maybe some crazy people bouldering to the top?<br /> <br /> Km51.3 : junction of RR and {12-E}, RR after here just like CC, very overgrown, most of the time long grass coverd the trail, i just can use my feet to feel is it a trail i step on. Sometimes you'll step on some old cow path, then follow it walking to some wrong direction, be careful, check GPS more frequently.<br /> <br /> Km52.8 : junction of trail and CC climbing up. From here to km53.7 is steep climbing up on loose sand on RR or the trail shown on OSM. You need to find some grass foot spot and step on, tired and take long time. After i climb up a while, i cut to south side and join the spur, it is much easier and faster because lot of trees surrounding this spur. Hard leaves and sticks on the ground, also the soil is stable. I just need to step by step climb up on the stable ground, no need to find where is my next step, is it too loose or too steep to walk on.<br /> <br /> I also find a clear path at (-38.34710, -71.07574), look like climbing up on &quot;zig zag&quot;, but i lost it after about 20-30m.<br /> <br /> Km53.7 : tree line end. Climbing up on some rocks, much easier now.<br /> <br /> Water? [54.4/1930] : flowing low with warm water, maybe dry up later. Lot of tadpole and frogs swimming in it.<br /> <br /> Km55 : going in the plateau. Very beautiful area, blue lakes, green meadows, curved streams, small snow patches and some big birds, just like a aquarelle hanging on the wall.<br /> <br /> (-38.35842, -71.06810) : excellent view point, 360° beautiful views on a tiny rock hill! Climb up just 2 min!<br /> <br /> Km55.5 : look like it is possible to find a flat spot for camping beside the lake at east shore, beautiful but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km56.3 - km56.65 : flowing good with clear water by snow melt, when you climbing up this stream, don't forget to turn back take a look, beautiful plateau is behind you, also VIEWS of (from left to right) Volcán Llaima, Sierra Nevada, Volcán Lonquimay and Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Pass[57.2/2177] - pass[57.4/2180] : after you climb up to the pass, go down a little to east at 2160m is better, you can walk on a flat ground going south, much easier. Also when it is close to the second pass, a clear path and some rock cairns shown up.<br /> <br /> Pass[57.4/2180] : no snow at north side, just a little snow remain at south side as now. You can go around it on left side (east), or take 20sec to 1 min go down the snow patch directly. Easy.<br /> <br /> Km57.7 - km58.5 : walk your own way going down, sometimes you'll find some cairns and a clear path about 10m, then disappear.<br /> <br /> Km58.75 - km58.85 : steep snow slope, DON'T slide down at here, big hard rocks at bottom waiting for you. You can kick step going down but steep, or like me, go around at left side(NE), then go down a steep rocky slope.<br /> <br /> Km58.85 : wet, muddy, slippery trail starts, until km59.5 going under tree line. I think it is a pretty place in dry season.<br /> <br /> Km59.6 : blowdowns maze starts, tons of blowdowns cut the way, then lot of cow paths and dry riverbeds mix together. Sometimes the trail shown up and disappear for blowdowns. Need pay more attention here. Until km59.9, the trail becomes easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Road end[60.4/1745] : Dirt road start. Junction of another old dirt road on right side(west) after here 100m, it looks flat and no cars running on it, you can camp if need, also this old dirt road leads you to a small stream after 100m.<br /> <br /> Km61.5 : junction of RR and {12-F}, before this junction 20m, there is a clear trail going down, i followed it, and it is easy walk to Puesto[61.8/1550].<br /> <br /> Puesto[62.9/1523] : no people no dogs here.<br /> <br /> Then i joined {12-H} for climbing up.<br /> <br /> {12-H} km2.6 : i would like to said, here is covered by some heavy brushes already, just like BB and CC mixture. I saw the ground have some horse prints, looks like have a better reroute, but I don't know the way and it is difficult to follow so i lost it, lastly BB CC to Puesto[3.1/1822].<br /> <br /> After puesto[3.1/1822], trail conditions become better, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> Pass RR[68.0+0.2/1909] : still a tiny snow patch beside the pass, but nothing at pass. A beautiful area.<br /> <br /> Km70.7 : Dirt road start, until Laguna Escondida(RR km76.4).<br /> <br /> Ford[73.6/1517] : if you follow RR, no need follow cross this one, turn left and cross the small one.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[76.2/1750] : covered by many trees, but no views.<br /> <br /> Km76.4 : dirt road end, if this grassland is dry, it'll be a very beautiful camping spot with excellent lake view.<br /> <br /> Km80.7 : junction of RR and {12-K}, beautiful views here! The valley towards Laguna Verde is so nice. Flat area here, wild views but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Remark, {12-K} is an impossible route, the mountain top at (-38.50732,-70.98472) is some vertical rock column, i think about 40-80m, can't climb up to walk, also can't go around, mostly is 70-80° vertical wall.<br /> <br /> Water[81.9/1889] : flowing good with a flat spot can fit 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Camp[83.0/1767] : wet, also a puesto at (-38.51828, -70.98893). When I fill some water at stream, 2 dogs running out and barking at me, they follow/chase me until km83.3, I'm not sure they are curious, or aggressive.<br /> <br /> Some puesto at west shore of lake. So i camped on a little hill at (-38.52293, -70.99734). Good location for privacy and views but no wind protection, also not easy to find a spot because of rocky ground.<br /> <br /> Km86.8 : dirt road start.<br /> <br /> Because it is a crazy windy day, so i decided stay in valley by {12-N}+{12-P}, not climb up to plateau by RR.<br /> <br /> Dirt road walking 2km {12-N} then join {12-P}. {12-P} leads you all the way to Liucura. First 400m of {12-P} is dirt road, leads you to puesto[0.4/1526], then the road damaged becomes a trail, until puesto[1.9/1415].<br /> <br /> Water {12-P} [1.7/1400] : last good water until Liucura.<br /> <br /> Puesto[1.9/1415] : dirt road start again. Road go through a beautiful valley. You can look at other side of valley, some landslide trail there.<br /> <br /> Km5.0 : Left side, Volcán Batea Mahuida!<br /> <br /> Km10 : a beautiful meadow, horse trail start.<br /> <br /> Water[11.7/1289] : look clear, but I'm not sure is it flowing from cows and horse meadow.<br /> <br /> Puesto[12.1/1239] : dirt road start again, til Liucura.<br /> <br /> Shop[104.1/1036] : chocolate, biscuits, chips, drinks and ice cream, not much for resupply, but they make hot sandwiches and breakfast, yummy yummy!!!! They also do &quot;printing&quot;, if you need some documents in paper.<br /> <br /> Also 1 restaurant, 1 cafe and 4 shops nearby, i think you can have a full resupply here.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 12-27 to 2024 1-03 / 7 short days and one hour/ hiking / mainly RR / Sobo / Edwin'''<br /> <br /> Took the easy option from Ranquil to baños de Coyuco by Oh-12-01. The baños are really nice. After that the regular route until Laguna Verde after which a suspect knee made me stick to trails and minor roads. An enjoyable trek! Some snow at higher altitudes. <br /> The river crossings before Laguna Marinanqui were not too difficult except for the second one, which whas up to my crotch (I'm 1.90 meters) and fast flowing. <br /> Plenty of water around. Only took more than half a litre once when crossing the plateau and that wasn't needed. Days were generally hot.<br /> Met few people in the puestos but the ones I met were all friendly. <br /> If you want to skip section 13... The bus to Icalma passes through Liucura around 12:30 - 13:00 Monday/Wednesday/Friday<br /> <br /> * '''2023 17 - 20 dec / 4 days / hiking / option 12-04, H, RR / SOBO / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Started on a Sunday and it wasn't clear to me if the ferry (12-02G) would be up and running. No one in Lonquimay could guarantee me this. Because of Sunday and also because this day Chileans had to vote for the constitution. So I decided to walk the 181 and join the GPT12 on 12-04End. Nice walk, plenty of traffic to hitchhike, although I decided to walk. The minimarket at camping Lolén (100m before 12-04End) was closed, Sunday or voting? Was there around 11am. It looked up and running and not abonded or something. Just a closed sign. First house after the bridge sold eggs and honey, I bought some honey from Luis, super friendly guy. The walk was nice after that, although the road was fenced on both sides until km 16-ish. No campsites or minimarkets. I ended up campung at 12-03End, pretty long stretch so next time I would definitely hitchhike the 181. <br /> <br /> Climb to the pass was steep, pass was easy, no issues with snow. Beautiful views on both sides. Going down on some patches of snow you could see and/or hear the water flowing below. Might become tricky in the next days to walk over so a little caution is recommended. Met Maxi and his father down below at his puesto. Super friendly! Continued my way to camp at laguna Escondida (North side).<br /> <br /> Next day a bit iffy weather (as expected) cloudy, windy and a bit of rain. Decided to do a short one and camped at laguna Verde. Really good camping spots on the option 12L, at the end of the lake. And I could cross here the next day to join RR, there where some planks over the small stream.<br /> <br /> This last day I really enjoyed! Walking the plateau and the ridgeline was amazing. Perfect weather also. For sure worth it, easy to follow trail and all the CC options are 90% horse trails which are good to spot. <br /> <br /> Coming close to Liucura, it didn't feel good to me to climb those fences. Guess that's just a personal thing. There was a lot of cattle, fences looked new, so I decided to not climb over them and annoy the locals. Just followed the trail down to end up at the main road, take a left to Liucara. Maybe 1km extra in total. <br /> <br /> Stayed at Normita, couple of shops to resupply all the basics. <br /> <br /> All combined, really nice section especially the final part. Water not a problem, until you go up the plateau and ridge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Jens (together with Nolwenn and Yannick)'''<br /> <br /> To get to Liucura, take a bus from the Rural Terminal in Temuco to Lonquimay (departure 10 am) and from there another bus (3 pm). <br /> <br /> It is better to do your shopping in Liucura beforehand, the market and supermarkets are right next to the terminal. There are also some smaller supermarkets in Lonquimay. You are sure to get everything you need there. <br /> <br /> Crossing the pass at KM 57 was very strenuous and steep. There was still snow, which you could either hike around or through. The descent on the other side was very steep. It took two hours. You can camp well on both sides, even at the top if necessary, but it is very windy. <br /> <br /> From kilometre 26 north of the Marinanqui lagoon, we had to cross the river several times. We had some difficulties. The water was up to our hips. We couldn't have coped with any more water. The lake is beautiful, I would rather camp at the southern end as it is rather muddy and full of mosquitoes in the north. We fled from them. <br /> <br /> It had snowed overnight and so we decided not to make the crossing over the pass on RR, but to take the alternative route to the start of Section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present <br /> <br /> - Snow : (1) snow on pass at km 68 ( easy to walk on it ) / (2) from km 58,4 to km 54,9 : at this point we didn't follow the RR and went on the right side to reach the ridgeline and then continue on it - the plateau still had a lot of snow but we found it was not a problem to find our own safe way / (3) we didn't do the last pass between km 15,8 and km 9,5 because it has snowed in the night and the mountain was still covered by a thick layer of snow<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find <br /> <br /> - River crossing : (1) at 45,5 km we crossed in the morning and the current was strong but we are used to river crossings so this one was easily passable for us / (2) Laguna Marinanqui between km 35,4 and km 33,9 : was higher than usual and therefore the trail was under water, we walked in the lake from time to time and it was sometimes up until our thighs / (3) the river between km 33,9 and km 31,3 is really high and need multiple crossings that sometimes goes up until the waist with a strong current, we had to improvise and do some bushbahing to find places where it was crossable <br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny, snowy, cloudy, ( overall really good weather but can be cold )<br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant P + Q : easy track, it's a dirt road, there is water on the track / variant H : to avoid the dogs / option 1 : to avoid the snow on the pass, the trail is easy and beautiful<br /> <br /> - Warning : river crossings between km 33,8 and km 31,3 was really hard but manageable if you have skills and not too small<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section, still a lot of snow from 1700m<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-23 to 2023-Nov-27 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / Regular Route and Option 3 to return to Lonquimay / Ana &amp; William'''<br /> <br /> We just finished part of 12 and overall it is a lovely hike though we might potentially be a bit too early in the season depending on your risk threshold.<br /> <br /> Heading NOBO the small pass after laguna verde is fine. Little snow but not bad. Next pass is a bit tough, lots of snow walking and lots of risky parts where there are hidden rivers/water ways under the snow and where cliffs of snow had broken off but we managed by being careful and taking time to judge. RR-CC-A {12} [68.1/68.5+2.9] is not passable we went on the route to the left of it. Scary but fine, you have to make your own route since it’s completely snowed over. Downhill is fine, snow is only on the south face of the mountain. Next day we skipped the pass and did a plateau crossing based on advice from a local, it was lovely, the trail is east to follow most of the way then getting across the plateau you can take any possible direction, no wrong way and it connects to the 12-03c. Coming down on though there are two tracks at 12-03c marker. OH-TL-I {12-03A} [0.9+3.4] is not a route. At least not now. It’s basically a river gorge and it’s not possible unless you can surf down waterfalls, so we scaled up almost completely vertical to meet the CC route that runs parallel. Might be possible when there is less snow melt though. The CC route we took was almost a completely verticals decent for 800 meters and I must say a bit terrifying. Clambering down on your butt/downhill rock climbing is not the hard part but if you are not careful and you don’t judge your path every few meters you can find yourself looking down a minimum 30-200 meter drop, so it’s mentally scary not knowing if you will get to the bottom. But we did. I would not advise it, instead I’d advise continuing on 12-03 past the lakes back to the normal route. Took us almost 3 hours of being very careful though. We then got to the first river. Many locals we met before told us the only way to ranquil is the balsa, but we didn’t fully understand what they meant till we got to the river. They meant Bulsa Rahue which is on the way to lonquimay. The first main crossing at Ford {12} [45.4/1039] is very deep and very fast. For us as beginners a big no go, but I honestly think for advanced that would be tough as well if not only very dangerous. We then moved back to lonquimay where for the first part of the trail the river had flowed over so much that there was no trail but then eventually the trail gains significant elevation over the river and it’s fine. We asked others we ran into on the way and they confirmed that it’s too early to pass the rivers, but again depends on the hiker I’m sure.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck December 2023: The best route to ascent from the Plateau is the trail in the South-West of the Plateau. That's the trail on which the horses are probably moved up and down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 the normal route up and down the Plateau will be OH-TL-V {12-03} [0.0+14.4]. I have cleaned up the routes on the North-Western edge of the Plateau. These exploration routes are best taken up and not down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 these exploration options are {12-03A}, {12-03B} and {12-03C} and all classified as Exploration Routes. There pieces of trails visible on satellite images but these trail disappear into a forest and it is unclear who maintained these routes are and if these are part of an alternative access to the Plateau.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / Martin&amp;Helena'''<br /> <br /> On regular route (SOBO) after puesto at 62.9, there is another puesto after approx 1km. It’s situated right on the road, soon after start of CC and before Gpt12-G End and it’s guarded by 4 or 5 agressive dogs. It was impossible to go around, so we were continuing with our trekking poles in front of us but dogs started to attack us and in the end I was bitten by one of them. The owner was there too but basically did nothing and dogs were absolutely out of her control.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-01 to 2023-Mar-05 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Arrived in Liucura late in the 28th Feb afternoon by hitchhiking our way from Lonquimay. There is also a bus that leaves at 7:30 PM. We shared our plans with the carabineros and asked for a place to pitch and he sent us near the river, after the truck &quot;parking&quot; (-38.64806, -71.08856 - really nixe and private spot). There are 3 shops in Liucura with supplies and we even had a nice diner for 6k each at the Hospedaje. <br /> Started early the next day with 12-P until 12-R. This way we avoided to climb any fence. There are plenty of paths going upward so we ended up not following the one from the tracks but something that joined the top quite directly. Then we enjoyed our walk on the ridge. We continued for a while and camped at Laguna Escondida. The marked point is in the wood, a bit far away from the water but wind protected. We decided to go much closer to the water and met our two first GPT hikers going southbound on the trail! <br /> <br /> The next day we took 12-H to avoid the aggressive dogs and then sticked to the RR until Camp {12} [51.6/1293]. The descent in the forest (RR-CC-A {12} [52.3/52.8+2.2]) was a bit painful as it is steep and without path. Following the OSM route is not better.<br /> <br /> Day 3, we followed the RR until Laguna Marinanqui (Lake, Camp {12} [33.9/1281]) where we camped. Then we met Reyes, a local from Peluhue who was waiting a group of &quot;gringo&quot; since the previous day. We spent the night here with him, tasting our first cooked pinones. <br /> <br /> On day 4, we hiked to Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). All the fords of Rio Pulul were easy. On the trail we crossed a group of horseriders (Reyes' gringo) that got lost in the mountains and were on their way to the lake. Then we had our first pinata moment : we found an araucania and hit a ball with a branch for a rain of pinones. At the bayos, we met two persons preparing an asado for the group of riders and an other group of people just staying for a bath. Both pools are great, the second one (the smallest and a bit more down) is a bit warmer. We got invited and fed by the riders (smoked cerdo, tortillas al rescaldo, goat asado...)! They eventually left and we were alone in the bayos for the night. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we hiked until the junction with GPT11 but without taking options 1 or 2 following the advices of the previous hikers. Then we directly continued to GPT11.<br /> On a side note, on most of the section, you will walk on well marked trails that are easy to follow. It contains multiple extremely scenics moments, at least one highlight per day (several for the last one). Definitely worth it to hike! There are no more tabanos at this period of the year, but indeed many wasps ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-12 to 2023-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Natalie+Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> Combined 10+11+12, continued mid-day from 11.<br /> Started mid-day at Banos de Pelehue, Tomáš explored the banos, there was a pool that had some cold water flowing to it, which is diverted, so the temperature should be nicely warm. However, it resulted in smelly hands for two days despite soap. The first hot springs waypoint is wrong but the location is very scenic. We continued to Banos Coyucos for the night and luckily arrived just before a storm hit.<br /> The Banos Coyucos were not &quot;great&quot;. The first one with the A-frame roof is not that warm, more like stale bathwater, but the second further down with only a partial roof is much better. We spent the stormy night in the second one, so more heat would have been nice, but I am sure it's a good temperature for day time bathing.<br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Late start but great trail from the Banos to the marshy flats. I met Rosè from the puesto right at the beginning of the flats, she was very easy to get along with and had a good sense of humor. I would recommend looking for her if you were in need of help. She also helped show me how to avoid the marsh by sticking slightly high on the side of the hill, there was a little bit of a trail. The next plateau up was forgettable, accidentally walked along variant A for too long before dropping down to the RR. The RR is much faster than the side hill that hops from one puesto to the next on variant A. The rest of the way to Laguna Marinanque was enjoyable, definitely leave your sandals on at the bottom for the multiple river crossings. <br /> At this time of year Marinanque was still boggy but caused no problem's. However, I would be careful at the Northside not to get stuck in the bog, it looked very deep. We slept at the abandoned puesto 37.7 (No Water).<br /> <br /> Day3<br /> Fast and lovely trail to camp51.6. After then and up the steep grass hill it is CC. I wouldn't rely on the GPX here as it is basically just straight up. The last water source before the hill 52.2 makes a nice rest. Just to clarify once again, there is no water at the first plateau; camp54.5. However, the water at the small lakes on the main plateau did not look awful, just goose poo around.<br /> Up and over the main/last pass is straightforward but the other side is still boggy. The first camp was not good but if you walked up the bog directly on top of it there was a source of clean water. We slept at the second camp; 59.5, which felt the best of all three, there was water, a little muddy but the third camp looked dry. <br /> <br /> Day4. <br /> You can make a small short cut on a wide &quot;road-trail&quot; just before the RR turns off from the main trail towards puesto 61.8 [Nov 2024: included in our suggestions]. Crossing the bottom valley here is still very boggy. The lady at puesto 62.9 was very welcoming, offering food/chocolate/coffee. She had some angry dogs but they behaved well once she called them. The next puesto up from her had the dogs that bit a past GPT hiker. They were indeed the aggressive type but the lady tied the worst one up in order to let us pass. If she hadn't we were going to skirt around on the right into the forest to hopefully avoid them or you could descend back down the hill and go far left.<br /> Like Veronica said there is some water at -38.41178, -70.99125, not tasty but not filtering it had no consequences. At the intersection of RR and J, I met some friendly carabinieros that were going into Argentina to fetch some Chilean horses, they were taking on a good trail. From the water source I just described and towards Maximiliano's puesto I did not enjoy the trail, didn't make much sense and felt I was zig zaging in the valley for no good reason. <br /> Day got better once meeting &quot;Maxi&quot; and his son. Jan, if you are reading this Maximiliano says hi and has only good things to say about you. I told him you were off in the mountains somewhere but hopefully will come back to visit again. He wanted to make sure people were good to us and luckily we told him we only had pleasant encounters. His neighbor down the road (Seguro?) was also extremely friendly. The rest of the way to Laguna Verde was fast, a mixture of old roads and easy trails and a CC bit. The first puesto at Laguna Verde was abandoned and we slept in the grass beside it. It was very windy and the water in the lake was very dirty but luckily we found a small dribble of flowing water near the puesto. In the morning everything was covered in frost and slightly frozen, our first freeze.<br /> <br /> Day5<br /> Our final day was easy, the ridge got a little tedious (but was surprisingly beautiful in parts) and I was very happy it wasn't a hot day because otherwise it would have been very dry and uncomfortable. We managed to avoid all barbed wire fences (even though they could be jumped because 3/4 of the fence is cow panels and just the top two lines are barbed). When you are walking down from the trail from the ridge, instead of turning left and jumping over your first fence we just went straight down towards the main road (aim for this open gate -38.63510, -71.09298), it is on the first dirt road marked on OSM branching from the main road when going into Chile from the border after Liucura [Nov 2024: now included in our suggestions]. There were a couple big dogs at the end but they were locked up. Only 1km of road walking back to Liucura, past a nice looking restaurant, and or you could just start hitching to Lonquimay if desired. <br /> We agree that you could technically resupply in Liucura, it was a very happening border stop with fruit and vegetables, sold out bread and then all the other basics - but no canister fuel obviously. <br /> The bus situation from here is confusing as the shop owners and locals all say different things. What I gathered was that there was a bus going to Lonquimay at ~7, ~12 and ~4pm but I don't think it runs every day. Hitching to Lonquimay looked easy but we hitched to Icalma (more difficult, but we got a car in about 40 minutes or so) even though supposedly there was a bus to Icalma at 730/8/830?pm. Once again I don't think the bus runs everyday or weekends, possibly only Mon- Wed- Friday.<br /> In Icalma that was the case, if going to Lonquimay or Melipeuco there was only a bus Mon,Wed &amp; Friday. Sadly I forget the exact times but I remember the first bus was very early, leaving ~6am and then a bus to lonquimay at 3pm. Icalma had lots of little minimarkets and cheap accomodation, slept in cabana for 20mil/night (10mil each).<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> -If I was to do this trip again I wish I had more time to spend at the puestos.<br /> <br /> -The piñones are falling, also wish I doubled up on fuel in order to cook them. We tried mashed piñones in Icalma and they were delicious!<br /> <br /> -The wasps have replaced horseflies, never got sting but got bit. <br /> <br /> -Many of the trails this time of year were &quot;dirt-dust&quot; but on the bright side most bogs were avoidable. <br /> <br /> -No problems with water, only had to carry extra water on the last day after the final water stop at 87.6. <br /> <br /> -Luckily only had a few bad days of smoke, mainly when we were close to Trapa Trapa. <br /> <br /> - The road walk around Guallalí is annoying and best avoided through our new option.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR starting from the termas de pelehue / Will '''<br /> <br /> I merged onto section 12 at the termas de pelehue, where I was immediately greeted by a group of 20ish condors taking off from a patch of grass in the valley. My pace got even slower, watching them fly low around me.<br /> <br /> I went on to camp at the Banos Coyucos, easily my favorite hot springs so far. Perfect temperature, clean, but still felt natural. There were two groups of Chilean hikers there, all super friendly and generous.<br /> <br /> The next day of walking through the valleys was beautiful and pretty fast. A bit before the big climb I had my first unpleasant encounter, with a group heading down the road by ATV. The leader stopped and asked if I had authorization to hike there, I said that I didn't know that I needed it. He seemed to think that was obviously a lie. He became somewhat friendly once I explained my plans and after discovering that I was foreign. He gave me some direction advice then set off. In hindsight I figure he must have been a landowner. I did see quite a few littered beer cans afterwords, maybe he was trying to prevent that.<br /> <br /> The steep climb was tough, and I ended up camping pretty late up top. In terms of water I only saw a few muddy puddles though I didn't look very hard. There were a few ponds the next morning just over the hill. <br /> <br /> The rest of the section was easier than I expected, and not so interesting to me. I should have carried more water on the final 20km. If you want to skip the barbed wire fences you'd have to take variant R at the end of the ridge walk. I thought I could skip them with variant S but most of them were before the turnoff so I ended up following the regular route the whole way. Thankfully they were solid and pretty easy to climb.<br /> <br /> No luck hitching out of Liucura so I spent the night. There were no buses on Sunday but someone at my hostel gave me a ride to Lonquimay the next day. If you're continuing on then Liucura could work for a basic resupply, but I'm planning on relaxing a bit then skipping ahead. See busesbiobio.cl for the bus schedule out of Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> I'm still one day behind the same set of footprints I've been following all the way since section 7. I guess I'll never catch up.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-15 to 2023-Jan-18 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Termas de Pelehue (junction GPT 11, option 1 and GPT 12) - Liucura / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We connected section 11 and 12 and started at Termas de Pelehue around km 9.<br /> The first day the path was easy to find most of the time and the views were great. The canyon to Laguna Marinanqui is very beautiful. We camped after the last rivercrossing before the Laguna.<br /> <br /> To path around the Laguna involved some bushbashing and muddy ground.<br /> Until the CC ascent the path was good. The ascent itself is pretty tiring. We could not find water at the point indicated by Véronica so we continued until the first small Laguna on the plateau. That was a great spot to camp and the Laguna has clear water.<br /> <br /> The following part is not hard to navigate and continues with spectacular views.<br /> Ascending the next hill at appr. km 67 we followed a good animal path on towards the west of the hill (instead of the CC part of the RR), next to an accesible creek.<br /> Easy trails the rest of the day. We camped at the water waypoint [78.4/1775] between Laguna Escondida and Laguna verde.<br /> <br /> The next part is great and easy until towards the end of the ridge after the last ascent, where the path finding gets harder with some bush bashing parts. On the last kilometers we descended until the main road to avoid climbing barbed wire fences.<br /> The shopowner of the resupply in Liucura offered us to camp in his garden.<br /> The next morning we hitchhiked to Lonquimay. The buses from Lonquimay to Temuco leave at 8 am and 12:30 pm, not sure if there is also a later bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-25 to 2022-Dec-30 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (combined with GPT11 via GPT11-02) / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Junction at km 12.9 where GPT11-02 meets with GPT12 - Baños Coyucos - Laguna Marinanqui - Pehuenche Extortioner valley - Laguna Escondida - Liucura <br /> <br /> Absolutely beautiful section. Really loved the cross-country bits on high plateaus and ridges, amazing views. I did not have any navigation issues. I met no one 4 days in a row. <br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 Option 2 with GPT12, so I missed the Pelehue hot springs. I did find a good creek at the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 15.9 km, not dry like what Veronika and Jo found last year. I really enjoyed the camp at Baños Coyucos in an araucaria forest, and the hot springs there were great too! Perfect temperature, and not as dirty as I thought they might be. <br /> <br /> Lots of boggy cow pastures along RR-TL-V {12} [25.6+07], had trouble finding any sort of trail there. Enjoyed the trail along Río Pulul in the canyon with all the fords. All the river crossings were easy, and I found many lovely potential camp spots on that stretch. <br /> <br /> Just north of Laguna Marinanqui (where you have the option to take 12-C), there is a large marsh to contour like others have mentioned. I managed to cross without getting all muddy by closely following the regular route. <br /> The trail kind of disappears after the junction with 12-E, but following the GPS it's not too hard to reach the base of the big CC climb to the high plateau. This climb is steep, but not dangerous - you climb on grass and dirt (no scree). There was no water at the &quot;Water ?&quot; waypoint, but I found a hidden spring nearby at S 38° 21.247', W 071° 04.140'. There are also shallow lagunas up on the plateau you could get water from. After the passes coming downhill into the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, the three campsites in a row there were quite waterlogged from snowmelt. The trail was a river in a couple places there too. Lots of squishy walking, wouldn't be ideal to camp there right now. <br /> <br /> The next CC stretch after the Extortioner valley is awesome on a rounded ridgetop. There is a nice meadow and good water source shortly before reaching the next pass. From this pass all the way to Maximiliano's puesto is a good horse trail, not cross-country. <br /> <br /> After the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 87.6 km, after Laguna Verde, there is no more water until Liucura, so I filled up in order to dry camp on the ridge further along. All the subsequent CC stretches until Liucura have paths running along most of them, makes walking easier :) The final ridge walk starting at km 95.3 is fantastic, and there's lots of sheltered areas up there too where you could camp if you have enough water. <br /> <br /> I followed the regular route all the way to Liucura (ended up climbing over 4 different barbed wire fences once I was off the ridge). Hitched into Lonquimay and will be skipping down to Section 16.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-14 to 2022-Feb-15 + 2022-Mar-07 to 2022-Mar-10 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> The first day we continued from GPT11, starting at Termas de Pelehue (where you can camp, though you have to search around for non-sulfury water pushing up through the meadows). We continued along the border with Argentina. Great all-around views, decent trail instead of CC most of the time, no water at S 38° 09.380', W 071° 01.300' &lt;- in agreement with Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> We escaped to Ranquil in the south to resupply, and got back three weeks later, taking the afternoon bus from Lonquimay (mon-wed-fri, bus early the morning and in the afternoon). Slept in the refugio in the valley east of Ranquil. The road between Ranquil and this eastern valley is almost fully MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> Continued RR until the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, but took optionals 12-H and 12-5 to arrive at Pehuenco in time to take the bus Friday morning at 08:00 (also mon-wed-fri) to make sure we made it to our plane in Puerto Montt on Sunday. We skipped Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde with pain in our hearts :(<br /> <br /> We saw the camp site at 12-H and asked around in the roundabout way (&quot;do you know a camp site?&quot;) standing next to it, but no positive answer came. We camped at the pass before Maximiliano's puesto instead, where there is a little water turning into the usual cow meadow. Met Maximiliano there :)<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-21 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH 02 / Romain '''<br /> <br /> Regular Hiking Path :<br /> - There are a lot of Araucaria trees. I managed to save 2 days of food just by harvesting piñones on the floor following the path. I would recommend to not rely on it because it depends on the period, but there was plenty.<br /> <br /> - the path after Laguna Marinanqui wasn't easy to follow because it was like a swamp but once I manage to cross this humid part it was all good<br /> <br /> - Camp on Ford {12} [32.6/1299] (Rio Pulul), great place with lot of space, grass, dry wood, almost no wind when I camped there, I really appreciated this place <br /> <br /> - I did the multiple fords without removing my water shoes because there are close and it worth it<br /> <br /> - Camp {12} [17.0/1794] : I had to stay one day there due to raining conditions. Looking at the places after, it's to my mind the last place to camp before starting going uphill, it would be too windy and too cold to camp farther. During the rainy day the temperature dropped to less than 10° I think, I had to stay in my duvet. And during the night I got ice on my tent, it wasn't extreme but it was good to be well equipped. <br /> <br /> - Option 11-02 and 11-02B to reach back the regular route was the best part I did of my entire trek, with a condor flying 10-15m above me, spectacular landscapes, ... I really recommend it but only in stable good conditions because it was really really windy, and going northbound otherwise 11-02B would be very demanding because of the sand.<br /> <br /> - the hot spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] and more generally the place with vapors and boiling water at some places and many condors flying around you is very impressive<br /> <br /> - Nobo : Demanding clampering, in good weather only : everything is in the title and the other commentaries well describe it. I hadn't felt really in danger following the track but I was much tense and aware of everything. It's definitely not a good idea to be there not in good conditions. And you need to have time to do it in one time, there is no place adapted to camp until the pass {11} [27.6/2174] and event just after it's still much wind, and at some point the earth/sand soil make you hike very slowly. I thank the people who wants through before me, their tracks were much helpful to see the way and to not slip in the sand. Except these points the place is beautiful and I appreciated it a lot in the continuity of the part before.<br /> <br /> Option 12-02 :<br /> <br /> - 11-05G : the road from Lonquimay start with concrete and become gravel at a certain point, but lot of people use it and without hitchhiking many proposed me to take me<br /> <br /> - transition 11-05G to 12-02 : the road leading to the ferry is really smaller than the main one, I missed it because I wasn't enough attentive to that<br /> <br /> - Ferry : the indicated opening time are : 8:30-17:30 from Monday to Friday, 8:00-10:00/16:00-18:00 on saturday ; I arrived there at 13:30 on the Monday and there was nobody to move it, fishermen told me to wait for a car but they seem to say there should be one until 1 or 2 hours so I crossed the river going up, water reached my hips and I arrived in a farmer property, people were very friendly, but should I do it again I would cross going down (easier to reach + no problem with entering a property)<br /> <br /> - 12-02 continues by crossing the river on a beautiful wood hanging bridge (12-02A continues straight), I appreciated this path with plenty of rabbits, aracauria trees and beautiful landscapes. I slept close to the river in a flat field with apple and peach trees. It seemed people are used to camp there with lot of campfire marks, really windy the day I camp there<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / Molly og Melissa'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section with great views. Definitely don't skip the two high parts unless the weather is bad. We didn't find it to be dangerously steep except for a few metres on the descent before Laguna Marinanqui, which were uncomfortable.<br /> Tábanos were better than expected, it was pretty windy. We also brought a fly swatter. It was very effective for killing those who sticked around during breaks, and gave a lot of satisfaction<br /> <br /> We took the alternative route to the east right out of Liucura due to the notes of other people. Shortly after, we saw a path climbing the mountain, and took that. Big mistake - the path disappeared quickly and left us to climb steeply through dense bamboo. We learned the lesson of staying close to the route, and this payed off. Often, when the route is marked as CC, a path exists that follows the route closely.<br /> On one of the CC sections we met a man with his animals, who wanted to know what we were doing. He said that we needed a permission from someone in Liucura to be there, and that many people came by and disturbed the animals. When we apologized and said we didn't know and that we'd go on to Laguna Verde he didn't pursue the subject and seemed friendly enough.<br /> We ended up camping on the beach by Laguna Escondida.<br /> On the descent from there to the Pehuenche Extortioner valley we passed a puesto not marked on the GPS. It seemed empty, and the gravel road was right next to it. There were some very aggressive dogs that we gave a shock, though, they quickly surrounded us. The owner got them calmed down a bit, but one of them to still took a bite of my sleeping mat on the bottom of my bag while we were calmly talking to the owner. <br /> After the Pehuenche Extortioner valley you climb a pretty tall mountain pass to an amazing high plain. The descent from here is, as others have written, very steep, not too difficult but definitely better down than up. From there you have a very nice easy trail with good views almost all the way to Laguna Marinanqui, but at the river crossing and every time there is a puesto of trail the trail diverges, and you often have to follow the less obvious trail, so it pays off to look at the GPS often.<br /> After Laguna Marinanqui we just kept our wading shoes on for the six river crossings, it worked very well. None of the crossings were difficult in any way.<br /> We camped at the Coyuco hot springs. It's a nice enough camp site with a little bench and table under the Aucaria trees, but not too many big sites for the tent. The hot springs are a little bellow, covered by some planks. They are pretty dirty but a perfect temperature, no views either.<br /> <br /> The last big ascent nearing the Argentine border was amazing and should definitely not be skipped unless the weather is bad! There is a small CC section, but most of the way through the pass there is a nice trail - stick to the route and you will find it! It lasts all the way to the gravel road to Ranquil. There is a boarder post, and a pretty flat grassy area where it would be possible to camp on the Argentinian side of the border, next to a stream. In general, plenty of water all the way to the second hot springs. From there, nothing until you reach the river in the bottom. The hot springs are in an amazing area, and would be a beautiful campsite with great views, bit requires clear and calm water. We didn't see the hot springs ourselves, but we met some Chilean tourists who liked them. <br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Generally, water is plentiful, but with some comments. We started from Liucura on midday on a very hot day, and having read about plentiful water we brought a liter each. However, there was nothing until the first waypoint, which we couldn't reach, so we ended up going down to the river in the eastern valley and camping there.<br /> Furthermore, on the ascent from the Pehuenche Extortioner valley where there are three campsites on a row, the first didn't have water and the second only very little.<br /> On the high plain where it's marked water? there was water, but very still and dirty. Would only drink it if very desperate. Shortly after joining the path after the descent there are very nice streams.<br /> We arrived in Ranquil in the afternoon on a Sunday, and hitched to Lonquimay - very challenging though, with three rides and some walking in between<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-23 / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> After i finished GPT 3 i headed down south to GPT 12 in order to hike the next couple of groups in a northbound direction since it’s more suitable to hike from down here this time of year compared to the more northern sections<br /> <br /> It was love at first sight! I was so thrilled to escape the exposed terrain of the north and come down here to this beautiful part of the country, where you can enjoy the nice shade from the Arucania trees. Got the bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 14:00 and started my trip on the optional route east of the RR to avoid previously mentioned barbed wire fence.<br /> Later I climbed up to the mountain ridge and followed the RR.<br /> <br /> After my first night I was woken up by the sound of a bunch of cows running around my tent, and a stuck my head out to find a Pehuenche man on a horse wearing a balaclava, looking at me. Was very surprised at first but he was a nice guy who was just curious about me. We took some photos of each other and I got to ride around on his horse.<br /> I general I found water to be plenty, the weather good and the trail in good condition. There are although some very steep sections every now and then where you have to be careful. I was also hit by a hail storm during a mountain pass but luckily it quickly passed.<br /> <br /> At laguna Marinanqui towards the end of the section I met a group of Chileans from Victoria who were out on a weekend fishing trip. We drank a few beers together while catching some salmon in the Laguna and after i joined on the walk back to Ranquil. We took GPT option 1 to skip the nothern hump. And on arrival at Ranquil they gave me a ride back to Lonquimay. Great fun!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / Lauric'''<br /> <br /> Took optional #002 east of regular trail to avoid climbing over barbed wire. It is an easy road. Then we climbed up on the ridge with optional #003. Not exactly on the track but we found a trail going up. On the ridge it's amazing with 360 views. Easy walking too. Optional down in the valley would be easier but less rewarding. Continued our way to the pass 1920m (after taking mate at Maximiliano's puesto). At the pass we left the regular trail to end up on a descending road. Easy descent to optional 12-04-#001 and easy walk in the valley. From there we avoided the extortioner and up to the second pass (2120m). The views are amazing. Very steep and CC descent. Wouldn't have liked to go up this part. From the pass to laguna Marinanqui is pretty boring but easy part. Laguna is very beautiful and a great place to camp. North of laguna is ankle deep in cowshit. We got up by the river to the termas. There are 2 pools. Then we headed town to Ranquil to finish the section. Carabineros let us camp on their field. Bus to Lonquimay Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6AM and 5PM in front of the police station.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-24 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR mostly / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At the high lakes I continued on RR-CC-I@12-57.1+7.5, a spectacular traverse but at the end there is a very steep &amp; slow descent on rock, scree &amp; sand. I would consider this descent to be dangerous &amp; best avoided by taking the Pehuenche Extortioner variant. After Maximilian's Puesto I took OH-MR-V@12-03-#001out to the road then into Liucura. At least 2 places to stay there, they both have a restaurant. Also a cafe &amp; 3 shops, you can resupply easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Ending at ranquil carabineros / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Just hiked to The hot spring from the top of section 11. Not much to report. Hot springs were luke warm. There’s some sort of makeshift hut covering them. Nice camp there though. We got a hitch when nearing the carabineros to Lonquimay. Wouldn’t usually count on this though. Definitely middle of nowhere. Apparently the bus comes at 5.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 03 / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Start: Termas de Pelehue, End: Primary road towards Lonquimay<br /> Amazing section. The Termas de Pelehue are gone due to the lack of maintenance. The second hot springs the same, but the fumaroles above are quite impressive! The third hot springs down in the valley are great, there are several pools just below the camp. After the second pass (2'180) we decided not to do the investigation route as it looked pretty uncomfortable to us. The descent after the third pass (1'920) to Maximiliano's puesto was a nice trail, not at all CC. There our longing for a beer was so huge that we took the optional route 12-03-#001 through the beautiful araucaria valley. Believe it or not, shortly before arriving at the primary road there came a bus, taking us to the junction, from where a connecting bus to Lonquimay was leaving, everything within 10 minutes :-) Excellent resupply and accommodation in Lonquimay, funny town.<br /> <br /> * '''15-Jan-2020 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Spectacular section, some of the best scenery we have seen so far! Some of the ascents and descents are quite steep and technical. There is lots of loose rock and no easy track to follow. It was quite windy and all the high passes are dangerous in poor weather. The trail is also overgrown and difficult to follow in some sections. This makes it slower than you might expect, however it is perfectly doable. Good resupply in Licura at the end of the section, as well as nice places to stay (around 20000 pesos for a double). <br /> <br /> * '''9-Jan-2020 / 5 days (GPT11 + GPT12) / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 2 Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 11 and 12. It took us 5 days including one zero because of weather. Patagonia showed us bit of it's potential in these two sections. <br /> All walked trails were in good condition and CC sections pretty easy to navigate. In the sadle of section 11, because of strong wind, poor visibility and fresh snow and ice we were forced to take optional to the valley. There is a big snowfield, I don't recomend sliding on it all the way. It the lower parts there were big holes into the stream. <br /> From Ranquil we took optional #002 because we didn't want to climb back up. Uphill is more a minor road, downhill nice trail. <br /> After a laguna we took a optional to the Pass 2180 and road around the Pehuenche Extortioner. We needed to get down from elevation ASAP bacause of wind. We passed puesto early in the morning and no one was around. After rainy day everything above 2000m was white. We took trail to pass 1920m which was just with bit of fresh snow and then took minor road #001 down to valley. So I have no idea about the rest of the trail.<br /> Edit: adding a picture from the last sadle 1920m, we did after &quot;rainy&quot; day.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR from Liucura without the northern slope, so we went directly to Ranquil from S38°12.723' W71°05.208'/ Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 11days on the trail, of which we spend 1.5 in the tent due to bad weather. The route is free except for one fort, but there is a workaround. Also we had a couple of navigation problems, which cost us several hours. See recent alerts and suggestions.<br /> <br /> We liked: The quickly chang landscape and its huge variety, beautiful cinematic views, funny animals, that water was always available, bathing in the rivers, beautifully blooming plants.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The problems we encountered due to navigation mistakes, the hailstorm on the mountain ridge, beercans that people drop on the paths.<br /> <br /> We bluntly hated: The amount of horse flies. In the northern part we were not able to make one step without having at least five buzzing arround our faces. This army of blood suckers was sent by a source of pure evil to annoy hikers.<br /> <br /> The following is a chronological accumulation of all our observations made in the last 11 days. Note for navigation difficulties that we walked northbound.<br /> <br /> - The most southern CC part direclty north of Liucura is now bordered by fences. You have to follow the path and then go left through a gate. The gate on the western fence is some 80m further south than you would expect. It was locked and we had to carefully (barbed wire) climb over it. It might be a lot easier to take the optional route in the east to get up the ridge.<br /> <br /> -We were unable to find and follow the path at S38°24.881' W71°00.281' down to the valley. We endet up on a path a little further south. However, this path starts to lead further and further south, so that at some point we startet to ge back to the original path through the woods, which did cost several hours.<br /> <br /> - Getting up the mountain at S38°24.450 W71°01.871' we startet ca 300m further north than indicated by the CC route due to fences and rivercrossing opportunities in the valley. (We thought CC means come up with your own route anyway.) At ca 1720m of altitude, still 300m north of the indicated route we found a good looking path leading up the mountain and followed it. At its end we assumed it would not be a bad idea to continue from here on in north west direction up the mountain. We now know it was a very bad idea. We ended up in a very uncomfortable and seriously dangerous climbing situation in which we really did not want to be. So our advice: stick to the route here!<br /> <br /> - The Ford-125 (S38°20.908 W71°09.294') looks impassable right now. You can avoid it by using an improvised bridge about 120m further west.<br /> <br /> - At roughly S38°17.091' W71°01.354' the path broke away into a very steep descent. It is passable, but also slippery and includes a certain risk of which you should be aware.<br /> <br /> - The daily bus out of Ranquil does not stop at the busstation because it is too large to reverse there. You have to walk down the street ca. 2km to where a bridge crosses the river. The bus reverses here and does not go up further up the road. Right now it stops there at 6 in the morning.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> 2023- 2023-Dec / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn<br /> <br /> Accomodation : in Troyo there are some cabanas, just ask in the little shops <br /> <br /> - Resupply : big supermarket in Lonquemay / at the end of section 12, 30km down the road there is a village ' Troyo' where there a few small shops where you can find resupply<br /> <br /> ------------------<br /> Ranquil - no shop but there are families who sold us sopaipillas<br /> <br /> Lonquimay - Supermercado Espinoza next to the bus stop has most things. A little shop on the left hand shortly after the bus terminal when walking from the bus terminal towards the center has gas. The shop has different air mattresses, clothes and some outdoorsy things in the windows. There's also a ferretería that might have. Several accommodation options. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Ferry Option 02: no service on weekends (March 2024), no timetable at the ferry port<br /> <br /> *To Liucura<br /> Updated Jan 2022:<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Liucura (goes all the way to Icalma) Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:30am (+ 15:55?), 5 hours of travel. Leaves Liucura at the bus terminal next to COPEC at 12.<br /> Also busses from Lonquimay to Liucura Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15 and Tuesday+Thursday at 14<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Lonquimay every day - Monday-Saturday 15:55, Sunday 17:30<br /> There may even be busses from Santiago to Lonquimay<br /> <br /> *Ranquil<br /> Updated 2022, Jan<br /> Bus from Ranquil to Lonquimay (on Mon, Wed and Fri at 7:30am from the village<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Ranquil Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15:00 - bus terminal next to COPEC<br /> Buses to Troyo leave every day and can drop you off at the crossing to Ranquil, about 30-40 km, but hitching might still be difficult from here<br /> <br /> *If skipping section 13-15:<br /> We went from Pucón to Temuco, but it seems to be the long way around. It might be worth it to ask around in Pucón whether there is a rural bus to Curacautin, and from there to Lonquimay, as that seems way faster on the map - alternatively it could be possible hitching this route.<br /> <br /> *Lonquimay<br /> <br /> March 2024:<br /> Lonquimay to Icalma Mo, We, Fr at 12:00 and 19:30. Bus company Erbuc, 3200 Peso. 2h ride.<br /> <br /> Update 2022, Feb<br /> <br /> Bus from Santiago - Terminal Sur to Lonquimay leaving at 21:40 and arriving around 8:00<br /> <br /> Company : Jet Sur<br /> <br /> $26.000 for semi-cama<br /> <br /> Commentaries : really comfortable, nice and professional people, USB-plugs, I took it on Sunday night, it was the only one on Sunday, I don't know if there are some on the other days<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT12 - Río Rahue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664133.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Araucarias on GPT12]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664142.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664125.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664136.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664138.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT13_(Laguna_Icalma)&diff=123993 2025-08-25T06:16:14Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-25: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> '''2025-01-27 to 2025-01-31 / 4 days / NOBO / GPT 13/12/11 (Packrafting Bio Bio) / Mara &amp; Tobias<br /> <br /> Jan is right as he put Río Bio Bio not as an official option for the GPT. But for experienced packrafter it might be a great thing to do!<br /> <br /> We crossed Lago Icalma in the early morning hours and hiked to Laguna Galletue where the Bio Bio river is born. We started paddling downstream. It was a funny but also demanding experience. Lage parts are overgrown with trees (non-native willow) and some rapids have little water. After we had 2 holes in the Packraft, we stopped the adventure after 6 km, went to the road and hitchhiked to bridge Lolén (-38.47294 -71.23612). One bridge earlier (-38.59210 -71.14081) would be suitable for river in as well. <br /> <br /> Then the great part started! We paddled 3 days down to the embalse Ralco lake and enjoyed the rapids (class 1-2+) there are 2 rapids class 3. All of the rapids can be easily spotted before entering. And also be bypassed. We did that 3 times. In Troyo there are 3 mini markets for resupply. Crossed the lake in the early morning hours to avoid strong winds. Bio Bio is a warm and not very clean river. We took the drinking water from the creeks beside. <br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-29 / 1 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road<br /> <br /> Le lac est vraiment beau et le sentier qui le longe est sympa. Mais le reste de la rando n'est pas interessant, et la gravel road juste avant le lac est dangereuse.<br /> Je pensais prendre un bus vers 7h pour Temuco et j'ai campé juste avant l'arret de bus. Mais j'ai vu le bus passer a 6h40 quand je pliais ma tente. J'ai donc pris un bus pour Lonquimay a 7h20, puis le bus de 10h20 pour Temuco.<br /> DEC-30&gt;JAN-01 : Repos Temuco<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-28 to 2024-DEC-29 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. B, F) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A calm and very easy section, mostly along a minor and paved road. We started from Liucura in the evening and camped on a small hill above the main road after crossing the bridge [2.0/1022]. The next day, we returned to the MR near the Biobío River and continued via the {13-B} variant. Near the settler [1.2/1036], we had to cross a pasture with horses and climb over several fences. This was followed by a section without water; the first water source we found was around km 10.6 at coordinates (-38.7115369, -71.1264958). The ford [16.6/1100] was easy to cross. Although the water reached waist height at one point, the current was calm.<br /> <br /> In the afternoon, we left the RR to follow the variant {13-F}. We ended GPT13 in the evening in the very touristic village of Villa Icalma, which offers good resupply opportunities with several stores available.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-16 / 1 Day / Bus / SOBO / Bus / Tomáš &amp; Natalie &amp; Clara'''<br /> <br /> On our way to Villa Pehuania, we took a bus. It leaves at 15:00 from Lonquimay, passes around 15:30-15:45 through Liucura and arrives to Icalma some time after five. On Sundays, it leaves Lonquimay at 15:20. From Icalma, the bus leaves &quot;Rincon Icalma&quot; at 7:10 (12:30 on Sundays). Met Clara at the bus stop in Liucura, great! BTW, the landscape now in mid-December is significantly greener and more attractive than when we passed in February 2023. I also think there might be a much nicer path either following the border ridge or Cordillera Lonquimay. Needs investigation. Entel internet now just works ( but town was empty pre-season). Road between Icalma and Liucura is to be paved in March, a local said.<br /> <br /> To Victoria buses leave Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 6:15 and go back at 17:15. From Temuco on the same days at 7:30 (9:00 on Sundays) and back to Icalma at 15:00 (same Sundays). There is also (subsidized) bus on the same days from Marimenuco (mid-GPT13) to Melipueco at 6:00 (Sunday 14:00), back 18:00 (same Sunday).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-03 to 2024-Dec-04 / 2 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, D / Karin'''<br /> <br /> I arrived on the 02 Dec at 4pm in Liucura, so I went to the second bridge (km2). Downstream is a nice place to camp. The night was freezing cold.<br /> <br /> The ford (km16.6) was not passable for me (170cm). The water was too high (above hips) and the current was too strong. So I took variante D. After having walked var. D, I camp at the ford. Very nice place. <br /> <br /> The road is easy to follow, not too many traffic. But definitly not the most attractiv.<br /> <br /> I camped at campamento (km35.2). The camping is not yet open, but the owner lives in the house on the other side of the road. He charged me 10000 pesos for one night. There are sanitary installations. <br /> <br /> As I did GPT 13 and 14 in one, I did not go in to Icalma, therefore I don't if there are shops for resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024 Mar 14th to Mar 15 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Var F, Var A / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> An easy section even though we took 2 days to do it. We left Liucura around 14:00. It looked like it would be possible to camp on the near side of the foot bridge around km 1.94 if one didn't want to stay in Liucura. Going through the pine plantation we found a bunch of fresh callampas mushrooms (Suillus luteus) which we collected. We camped at (-38.70318, -71.10882). There was a dirt road heading down the direction of the river with no fencing. We found a flat spot on grass close to the river.<br /> <br /> The next day we arrived in Icalma. The weather was sunny but very windy. Fords were easy. Just before and just after the ford at [16.6/1100] there were nice flat grassy areas that would be good camping spots. We passed a minimarket at (-38.77203, -71.24454). In Icalma there were three shops. The Almacén ECCA had a good selection with good prices. There is another shop across the street and a third on the road toward the border just before the school. The third store also had a good selection of stuff. Heading out the way of the border just a bit we found a family that rented us a “cabana” that they were in the process of renovating for 20.000 CLP. It had hot water in the shower. From there we walked to the border to renew our visa.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-03-12 // 1 day // Hiking // NOBO // beginning of VAR A + VAR F + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Started from icalma, this section was easy to follow and not a must do on the GPT, I understand the attractive rate, but still enjoyable, just smooth and easy.<br /> <br /> Rio Biobío was easy to cross, and I'm glad the RR pass threw this crossing to continue on a smaller track than the biring gravel road, who's parrallele. <br /> <br /> You'll finish the section in a kind of pampa, that reminded me some hard moments aha ! <br /> <br /> I decided to do a daybreak in liucura. It's a very small area, but as there's the chilean border control here, you can find accomodations, minimarkets and restaurant. <br /> <br /> I spent two nights in hospedaje la Normita. 15K CLP per night, you'll have a apartment for you, with private shower and toilets. The WiFi is weak it's a shared connection from the phone of the (nice and kind owner : her name is Norma), so when she's not around, no WiFi. <br /> <br /> But if you have to choose, maybe it's better to make a break in icalme instead of there, even if I left with my resupply and after a good rest. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-12 / 1 day / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Hermann &amp; Coline'''<br /> <br /> This trail was short (one day), easy (plains) and therefore pleasant (one's enjoys even more the views).<br /> <br /> We arrived at Icalma, after having gone to Temuco. I do not recommend to do the same, since there was no bus after Melipeuco and we had to hitchhike on a paved road with just a few cars going in our direction.<br /> <br /> We slept at a camping in Villa Ilcama, but had no view on the lake due to the cabañas inbetween. There are other campings on the way to the river Rucanuco, which seemed better. <br /> <br /> The plains were really nice looking at the end of the day, the river Bío Bío was okay to cross (water no higher than knees) and the RR easy to follow. We just shouln'd have left it before the Bridge {13} [2.0/1022], because this &quot;shortcurt&quot; was... very muddy.<br /> <br /> We camped nearby the bridge, where one's can bath and swim with the chilians in the afternoon, when the water is warmer than in the morning.<br /> <br /> The shops are small in Liucura, but we found varied food (cans, bread, sauce in poder, vegetables, meat, bread etc) – no bottle of gas, though.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-12/ 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {13-F} - {13-A} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Honestly, i love this section. Easy to walk and follow, relax my body in a still exercising status. Some nice views, especially Volcán Batea Mahuida and Icalma Lake! The whole way peaceful and no worries.<br /> <br /> Bridge[0.5/1036] : after crossing, look like some possible camping spots beside some trees at downstream.<br /> <br /> Bridge[2.0/1022] : a beautiful bridge! A locked gate with barbed wire after crossing. No need to climb, stand beside the gate and turn back, look at right side of the bridge. A broken hole beside the fence corner, easy to go through.<br /> <br /> {13-B} of course is shorter, but it go through private area, avoid of right of way dipute, better follow RR.<br /> <br /> Km7.55 : small stream flowing, maybe will dry up.<br /> <br /> Km7.75 : another locked gate with barbed wire. You can open the top of gate, remain the lock there, then push down the gate for some gap to a big step over. (Remember to close the gate, otherwise the owner may change the position of lock)<br /> <br /> Km11.6 : flat spot can fit 2 tents beside some trees, walk 50m more is a nice flowing stream.<br /> <br /> Km14.8 : excellent view point of Volcán Llama, Sierra Nevada, Volcán Batea Mahuida, also the beautiful valley of Río Biobío. ( I'm not sure the snow mountain at the right side of Volcán Batea Mahuida is Nevados de Sollipulli or not.)<br /> <br /> Ford[16.1/1100] : crossing of Río Biobío, river breaks into 3 parts here. Above ankle, just ankle and up to knee. Easy. Camping spot on grassland with fire ring before the crossing, flat spot on the island, and some camping spots surrounded by trees after the crossing.<br /> <br /> Km19.85 : nice bus stop, good place stay away from sun, rain and wind. ( I didn't see any bus until the end when I'm walking on Friday)<br /> <br /> Km20 - km20.1 : road going beside a pine tree forest. Look like is a good spot for stealth camp. Flat and privacy.<br /> <br /> Km20.8 : bus stop looks like small cabin, a board said it made by 45,600k CLP (I'm not sure the price is for all bus stop in this line/area, or only this one). But i think no people using it, the chair inside are super dusty.<br /> <br /> Km23.65 : a stream flowing good, i think this stream would not dry, have some &quot;two fingers&quot; size fish swimming in it, but upstream have some cabins, it is a risk to collect water here. Some flat spots nearby, this is the last place can wild camping, after here will become a commercial area, lot of paid campground and cabins.<br /> <br /> Km25.2 : junction of {13-F} and RR. I take {13-F}+{13-A} because i want to resupply in Icalma.<br /> <br /> {13-F} km0.4 : (-38.77186, -71.24484) good shop with lot of food for resupply, also have some sporty warm clothes (most of them is Columbia).<br /> <br /> Km1.2 : (-38.77791, -71.24697) tiny shop for tortilla.<br /> <br /> {13-F} join to {13-A}.<br /> <br /> {13-A} km25.7 : (-38.78516, -71.26117) excellent view point of Icalma Lake, climb up to the tiny hill on the right side, just 3min!<br /> <br /> Information in Icalma : <br /> <br /> Shop1 (-38.81222,-71.28290) : small, lot vegetable but not much other food. Have frozen pizza.<br /> <br /> Shop2 (-38.81003, -71.28553) : medium, just like the shop in Antuco. I resupply here, super friendly.<br /> <br /> Shop3 (-38.81092, -71.28449) : tiny, not much thing inside.<br /> <br /> Shop4 (-38.81174, -71.28576) : looks medium, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Shop5 (-38.81204, -71.28661) : looks small, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Shop6 (-38.81073, -71.28094) : looks small, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Shop7 (-38.81041, -71.28187) : looks small, i didn't go inside.<br /> <br /> Ferretería (-38.81074, -71.28444) : no gas canisters, no tape.<br /> <br /> Food truck (-38.81131, -71.28434) : their french fries is a good size. Also lot of restaurants nearby.<br /> <br /> I don't find 230g gas canisters in Icalma.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i stayed at Cabañas Anyely (-38.81643, -71.29265), about 800m west of Icalma center. Sleep in a big cabin that can fit 5 people, not a cheap price for 1 people, but good deal if you are 2 or group. The main reason i stay here, they are happy to receive the resupply box(shoes and socks) that i sent from Santiago about 1 month ago and hold it for me. Also they accept i have a flexible date to stay. They are very happy when i arrive, also share some roast goat to me! Next day we go for a picnic nearby too (of course driving), we have a happy day there! I love them! They are so nice and friendly!<br /> <br /> If you want to stay here, Google Map have their information, you can call them or whatsApp them. I use Chilexpress for the delivery and the address is shown in Google Map.<br /> <br /> FYI : Volcán Batea Mahuida is a nice side trip, surrounded by lot of volcano(at least 8), you can find some (car+hiking) tour in Icalma. Also it is possible to renew visas at here, close to Argentina border.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 21 dec / 1 day / (hitch)hiking main road / SOBO / Frans'''<br /> <br /> This section didn't seem that interesting, and busses probably daily around noon going South. Since there is only 1 road going South, I decided to walk this road and try to get a ride. After 7km, and prob 7 cars going the wrong direction, the first one came in from behind and offered me a ride to Icalma which I happily accepted.<br /> <br /> Plenty of campsites and cabañas in Icalma, nice lake to swim, and some minimarkets with all the basic food options.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO'''<br /> <br /> Hitched from Icalma to Liucura. The section does not seem particularly interesting. Possibility to wildcamp near the river in Liucura. Some small shops in pueblo.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-25 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR until the lake, then OH / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Nothing to add to Matus' remarks :-) From Icalma we walked to Villa Pehuenia, Argentina, to renew our visas. We were able to avoid almost the hole road and walk on nice trails.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-13 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR until the lake, then optional #002, 6 and 7 to the village / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> Regular trail until the lake, then optional #002, 6 and 7 to the village. It took us 1 day.<br /> Trail/road are in good condition. River crossing without problem. Optionals were busy with traffic.<br /> Icalma village is pretty busy during weekend. Accomodation, tienda and resturant available. Tienda has pretty decent supplies. <br /> If you are traveling from Lonquimay don't ask in tourist info center about buses. Aparently they don't have a clue. We spent hours hitching after they advices.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Easy section, all roads in good condition and we didn’t run into any issues. Though the first bit after the bridge appears to be designed to avoid crossing paths with the private property owner. Nice enough to walk through but would recommend hitching if you have limited time. Good resupply in Icalma.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-28 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Div 85 then crossed the Bio Bio / Frank '''<br /> <br /> RR to Div 85 then I crossed the Bio Bio. Easy as water levels are low now but pick your spot as parts are deep. Continued on alternative routes South of Bio Bio &amp; on South shore of lake. At least 3 shops in Icalma. Continued to Lake In/Out Camp $. Paid 10000 CLP to stay in a shed there as weather was poor. Camping will normally be a better option. No shops after Icalma.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> *2024 March - the shop marked provisiones that also sells clothes had 230g gas recharge canisters for 2900 CLP, but not the screw top type.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> December 2024:<br /> [[Archivo:ICALMATIMETABLE.jpg|thumbnailimage]]<br /> <br /> *2024 March<br /> Bus Icalma to Melipeuco <br /> Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:15 AM <br /> Sunday 14:30 PM<br /> <br /> Bus Melipeuco to Icalma<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 18:00 PM <br /> Sunday 18:00 PM<br /> <br /> Bus Erbuc (does not go through Melipeuco)<br /> Icalma to Temuco<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 15:00<br /> <br /> Temuco to Icalma<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 07:30<br /> Sunday 09:00<br /> <br /> Buses UB<br /> Icalma to Victoria<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 06:15<br /> <br /> Victoria to Icalma<br /> Monday, Wednesday, Friday 17:15<br /> <br /> (2020-Jan)<br /> <br /> Bus Lonquimay - Liucura 12:00 and 15:30 from Terminal (Mondays to Saturdays)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT13 - Laguna Icalma]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT12_(Rio_Rahue)&diff=123992 2025-08-25T06:14:18Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> === Connecting to Section 12 ===<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 11 to 12.jpg|450px|right|Connections between GPT11 and GPT12]]<br /> <br /> November 2024 [Tomáš]: There are a number of different ways to connect Sections 11 and 12. The regular route is proven and works. Will alone and Tomáš and Natalie together found independently of each other almost identical traverse, that they liked [it is included in their suggestions in the 2024 Track files]. it is pure CC and the terain is not the easiest, but they think it is quite doable. There is one route option which appears to be unexplored, GPT11-04 (and possibly 11-03). Please edit this text on both sections 11 and 12 if you have any updates.<br /> <br /> === Optional Routes ===<br /> A popular and scenic option on GPT12 is to go via the ridge near Cerro Dedos, GPT11-02 and GPT11-02B (it is somewhat confusingly part of Section 11). This ridge hike can be extended by walking up to Cerro Dedos, via GPT11-04, where Condors may be spotted. In bad weather, avoid the ridge.<br /> <br /> === Piñones ===<br /> Along this section are many opportunities to harvest piñones (in the right season), which can extend your hiking food supply. This can be a particularily useful resource if hiking in NOBO direction: bring enough food for GPT12, and supplement your diet with piñones to extend your supplies to last for GPT11 and onward. Be sure to bring lots of gas, since piñones need to be boiled for roughly 20 minutes.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Sadly, in March 2025 the hiker Tim Atkinson disappeared while hiking GPT12 in northbound direction. Several searches were conducted in April and May 2025 but Tim was not found. He was last seen near Kilometer 63 (-38.393870°, -71.022360°) hiking northbound (towards Kilometer 0). See also the Facebook post to Tim's disappearance. <br /> <br /> Since none of the searches could locate Tim, an accident while hiking along the Regular Route seams less likely now. Possibly, Tim suffered a health issue while resting or camping in a more hidden location a bit off the trail. Therefore, all hikers that walk GPT12 are asked to keep their eyes open and scan for possible hidden camp sites a bit off the trail. Should someone spot a lone collapsed tent or other traces of Tim, then please record the precise location by GPS and report your observations to the Carabineros (Chilean Police) and Jose Herrera (+56998252577) who coordinated the search earlier in 2025.<br /> <br /> - Regular Route: I rerouted the regular route between Kilometer 61 and 70 due to right-of-way conflicts in the upper valley Mitrauquen. This change bypasses several puestos where some hikers had been treated unpleasantly.<br /> <br /> - GPT12 Option 3D and 3E (Meseta de Malonehue): It would be useful when an experienced hiker investigates this connection that is not fully visible on satellite images. The Puesto {12-03D} [7.0/1789] makes it very likely that a trail in the forest connects this puesto with the road down in the valley but the forest hides this route on satellite images. If this route is good to walk and people along the route are not bothered by hikers then I consider rerouting the Regular Route once again to completely bypass the upper valley Mitrauquen.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *''' 2025-03-31 to 2025-04-6 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Lonquimay 05G, 02, 03, 03C, RR, varA, 01 / Peggy<br /> <br /> I started in Lonquimay by taking a microbus that leaves from the bus terminal at 1:30 pm and dropped me off at the junction (km15.5), then I continued on section 02 to take the ferry. It doesn’t operate on weekends. I arrived around 2:15 pm, and a man had me cross 30 minutes later. He showed up to cross himself with others in his car. I don’t know if he’s the official operator.<br /> <br /> I stopped early and camped between the RR and section 03 (I forgot to note the exact point). There is a stream running through, and if you go up it a bit you can find good spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2, I took section 03. Water at 38.411909, 071.190373W. Easy climb through the forest to the plateau. I chose to go along the small ridge between the GPX track on the right and a track visible on Locus on the left (OSM), to the Lagunas Mezillas where I filled up on water not knowing if I’d find more lower down. With the cold, I don’t sleep next to a lake. Also, it was windy and even more was forecast for the evening. So I went down to the plateau just below and found a good spot sheltered from the wind among the Araucarias. I was also able to make a fire (I don’t have gas, I started with a wood stove but for the past few weeks I’ve been making campfires for cooking and warmth. Sometimes in the morning too). I ended up finding water (38.372273S, 071.122479W).<br /> <br /> Day 3, I went down via 03C, which is easy if you stick to the trail. Not being sure about 03C (steep and lots of bamboo), I first chose 03A but quickly switched to the right. The descent goes well mixing BB and CC, less steep and more open than 03C, except for the end with lots of shrubs. I followed cow paths and had to crawl for a few meters at one point! But it worked out!<br /> <br /> I eventually stopped at the puesto km37.7, which is in poor condition but gave me shelter from the rain. Here I got weak internet signal via Entel. Water nearby but needs filtering (between RR and the puesto). Lots of space to camp (I chose a spot sheltered in the grove to minimize cold. Temperatures below freezing).<br /> <br /> Day 4, I took the RR via the Mariñanqui lagoon. Between the water point at km37.4 and the ford at km36.6, there’s a short steep and slippery section. To avoid it, you can go higher where there are already horse and cow tracks. At the lagoon, I tried to avoid the marshes by skirting around the right side at the end of the lagoon. There’s a trail, but it becomes more and more uncertain and I ended up crossing the marsh anyway. Beautiful forest crossing, easy fords but very cold water in April. In the evening, I reached the Baños Coyucos. I found the water lukewarm but nice for a basic wash. There is a place to camp, but I preferred to cross the stream at the baños and set up a bit further away on the other side. Gorgeous view of the valley. I set up behind bamboo as the wind was already strong and was forecast to increase during the night (I check the wind with my Garmin to know the speed and direction to set up my tent properly, especially when a cold night is coming – I’ve had my tent damaged by wind before). Bad surprise that evening: I had forgotten my tent stakes at the previous camp… Fortunately, I was surrounded by bamboo which worked perfectly for the night (and thankfully I had pitched my tent well because the wind was indeed strong that night).<br /> <br /> Day 5, back to the puesto km37.7 where I had left my stakes… Same route as the day before, but with more wind! However, I was facing the right direction to charge my solar battery on my pack.<br /> <br /> Day 6, same path as the two previous days except that I chose to take variant A, which avoids the Mariñanqui lagoon and goes through the upper part. It seems to be preferred by arrieros as it is well marked by horses (and cows). The view is beautiful over the mountains, especially in the second part. Water at (38.272804S, 071.111205W). A bit after that, the trail goes up a bit along a small stream (a bit tricky). Then here (38.244753S, 071.082081W) there’s a small river to cross (so water), and a small puesto that can be used in case of problem or bad weather. Here, I again met two arrieros I had seen two days earlier. Very friendly. Arrived back on the RR, in the valley of the puestos, I followed section 01 aiming to buy food at one of the puestos but they were all already closed… Luckily, I found someone and managed to get food at the last one (which doesn’t appear on the map, to the right of the ford km22.1). Thanks to Jaime. I slept above the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 7, on the way to the Baños de Pelehue, I met a kind Chilean hiking couple (only the second time in 3 months). Then the Cerros Dedos (see section 11).<br /> <br /> At this time of year, there are lots of piñones on the ground. I cook them on the fire in water in two rounds. They usually require several hours to cook (at this time of year, as they are already hard). So I experimented and found that two rounds of cooking works. I cook on the fire, so in the evening and in the morning if I make a fire, or on two consecutive evenings. The shell should open, at least most of them. Each time 30–40 min or more after it starts boiling. A technique shared by an arriero to make them cook faster (a Mapuche technique I was told): roast them a bit before putting them into boiling water. I haven’t noticed a difference yet, but I don’t have enough experience.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-01 to 2025-03-05 / 5 days (combined GPT 12 + 11)/ Hiking / NOBO /OH 02 + RR/ Chloe and Mathieu<br /> We took the bus from Temuco to Lonquimay then we hitchhiked up to the camping Lolen (nice camping 8000p per person). We had to start from there because the ferry of option 2 is not working on weekends. <br /> <br /> Day 1: we walked along the Ruta R 893 to join the option 2 after the Rio Biobio crossing. We continued on the gravel road of the OH02 until we join RR at km 44.9. There is a ford not mentioned just before but easy to cross. <br /> The route in the valley of puesto [37.7+0.2/1367] is not always easy to follow so we kept looking at the GPS. <br /> Camped at Laguna Mariñanqui. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : we walked along the lake. Then we struggled to find our way in the wetlands at the north of the lake. Better to stick to the track on the GPS. Then we crossed 6 times the rio, no difficulties. Scenic gorges after. Many puestos wirh dogs in the valleys but we met noone.<br /> We checked the hot spring at 20.5, not really hot so we didn’t go in. We slept at camp 17.0, nice area, many cows. <br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked until pass {11-04} [5.4/2385], no difficult but very windy. Then we went down to the Pelehue Hot spring. Really nice to take a bath, really worth it!<br /> We walked up to the &quot; Hot Spring ?{11} [32.0/1428]&quot; where we camped. There is a hot spring, à bit dirty but nice anyway. Rhere is an other hotspring at S 38° 07.328', W 071° 05.140' but not possible to camp. <br /> <br /> Day 4: we climbed the pass and for that we stayed in the bed river all along of the CC part. A bit long but not difficult when you stick to this route. <br /> We went down to the Camp {11} [20.6/1317].<br /> <br /> Day 5 : went straight to Guallalli and slept at Rominàs house. Took the bus next day to Los Àngeles at 5:30PM.<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-20 to 2025-02-24 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, / Adrien, Julien et Valentin&quot;<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 7:30 pm on Wednesday <br /> We slept in the barn of Cabana Garcias for 5000 pesos (mention that you have a tent)<br /> <br /> One hour after the pass with the famous big Araucaria at the first descent you will encounter a puesto with a meadow and a fence. Instead of crossing it, go along the barrier to the end, the magnificent cliffs overlooked by the araucaria on the right. Then cross the bush until you find the RR. Very easy and very beautiful. It allows you to avoid the mean dogs on the other side of the meadow.<br /> <br /> Lots of araucaria seeds on the ground even though they were probably the last ones. 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking. oil and salt and it's perfect<br /> <br /> We had an argument with an Arriero who asked us for money to pass, well after Maximilliano, 6 kilometers before the Marinanqui lake but by telling him that we had authorization from the carabineros (which was not true) and from two other Gauchos we met beforehand, he ended up letting us pass.<br /> <br /> We didn't do the last part of the cerro dedo because of pain of one of us and we cut to Ranquil from the terms, easy to Hitchhike the weekend. but the last part is apparently not to be missed.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking to Lonquimay (only the weekend cause of the Termas)<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-14 to 2025-02-17 / 3,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, Var H, Cerro Dedos ascent / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume :<br /> - spectacular views concentrated in Cerro Dedos area and we really appreciated the section only from laguna Marinanqui <br /> - before laguna Marinanqui : views from pass 57,2 and araucarias are great but dogs, dust and valley floor long path are a little bit tiring &gt; If you don't need GPT 13 thru-hike connection, we highly recommand to consider option 2 or 4 to shorten south part of the section.<br /> - tabanos situation is currently resolved <br /> Day 1 afternoon : Liucura 104,3 &gt; Water 87,6<br /> Started at 15:30, we took variants P and S at the beginning to avoid barbed wire climbing (still one). We took water at puesto around 94,5 and we camped at the first water point (dusty and without sunset).<br /> Day 2 : Water 87,6 &gt; Pass 57,2 <br /> Doggy puesto day ! We took option H to avoid aggressive dogs which seem to be on the RR, but we had some anyway (without incident). Highlight of the day : we harvested and cooked our first pinones ! We camped at -38,360985 -71,054676 near great sunset views on Volcanos.<br /> Day 3 : Pass 57,2 &gt; Banos Cuyucos 20,5<br /> Long day to reach hot spring aperitif and dinner, following RR. Laguna Marinanqui and following gorges are very scenic, banos cuyucos are great for 3 people.<br /> Day 4 : Banos Cuyucos 20,5 &gt; Cerro Dedos ascent &gt;  Banos de Pelehue (11-02B [1.2/2113])<br /> Pleasure day with stunning views without long distance. The Pelehue hotsprings are really nice : 180° view, sunset, water temperature control (!), fumaroles,... <br /> We continued with GPT 11 RR next morning, with the desire to to follow Natalie and Tomas new connection to section 10 close to argentina border (GPT 11 option 6 + GPT 10 option 3).<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-12 to 2025-02-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1+RR+Option 2a / Chris &amp; Diana'''<br /> <br /> We had arranged with Maximiliano and Ana a pickup late at 9pm from Lonquimay, stayed at their house and were driven to the bus/police station the next morning. They offered 50kCLP for both drives, night in tent, some dinner &amp; breakfast, 70kCLP if we wanted to stay indoor. We accepted tent option but after a fun &amp; long dinner &amp; tea, they invited us to the cabana nontheless. They are a super lovely couple, we had a lot of fun together :)<br /> They operate a shop with everything a hiker needs (food, gas, even some clothes, but not too suitable but might be nice in emergencies) for fair prices. <br /> <br /> A bit more info in Lonquimay:<br /> Levanderia lonquimay <br /> +56971265059<br /> Histal Villa portales 32kCLP for 2 persons in a double bed (shared bedroom of 3 spots, cold water only)<br /> Uber lonquimay<br /> +56965791711,<br /> +56982471202,<br /> +56941761164,<br /> +56974846335<br /> Sweet little town, nice supermarkets, restaurants, even some small local giftshops at the main square/park.<br /> <br /> Bus towards trail from lonquimay: monday, wednesday, friday at 05:30 and 15:00<br /> From trail to lonquimay (via ranquil): monday, wednesday, friday 06:00/06:30, 16:00<br /> <br /> Disclaimer: check our route, we only hiked 40% of the RR, therefore only valid for that bit!<br /> <br /> Option 01: mostly rather boring MR/track, little descent into the valley. Easy and quick hike though.<br /> <br /> RR:<br /> Fords: all easy, last hour to the lake is full of fords we werent able to cross dry feet. Nothing above knee, no significant current. <br /> Water: plenty along the way.<br /> Snow: none.<br /> Hotsprings: surprisingly they werent mentioned often in here. They are fairly nice, there are two, the one under the araucaria tree is the hotter and nicer one, fresh water better taken upstream of the other &quot;first&quot; one. The hotspring is populated a lot on the weekends, friday had a few dayhikers, the nights we enjoyed alone. People in the valley were super nice, explaining us a better way through the swamp. <br /> <br /> Laguna mariñanqui was amazing to camp and bath in as well, lots of parrots swarming the skies and lots of piñones around adding a feast!<br /> <br /> Option 02a:<br /> Camped at S 38.364003 W 071.166101. Seemed like last obvious spot before Track &amp; Puestos start. Some appletrees along the way.<br /> We hitchhiked most of option 2 out to Lonquimay, it might be possible to Uber (see above) along here for NOBO folks who wanna cut it a bit short without missing the hotsprings and the pretty pass. We think we didnt see any bus houses/indication of public transport.<br /> Track until approx S 38.382561 W 071.172255 (easy with 4x4, normal car might be a bit difficult)<br /> MR until Ferry 12-02 [13.5], easy with normal car. Rather boring to walk.<br /> <br /> Summary: nice and easy walk, not crazy scenic, but some pretty views in between. Piñones made it very special, they just started to fall from the sky, enhanced our couscous alot! More than any could gather. <br /> Partly pretty dusty. Since its mostly along rivers, we always were able to get a bath.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-03 to 2025-02-07 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 01+RR+Var H+RR+VarN+VarP / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I arrived from Lonquimay by micro at 5 p.m. and started from OH 1. Night at pass 4.6/1499.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Day of fords but fortunately easy for my 1.64 height.<br /> In valley after pass a lot of cows, goats. Two dogs but only barking.<br /> Ford 7.5 - in exact point water above knee. I went a few meters upstream where water is lower.<br /> Ford 28.7 till calf.<br /> Fords Rio Pulul from 31.3 to 33.6 max to knee, but there were more than points in track.<br /> Ford 35.4 dry feet.<br /> Ford 36.6 dry feet.<br /> Ford 41.5 dry feet.<br /> Ford 45.5 above knee, current a bit strong.<br /> Camp at 47.5.<br /> <br /> Day 3 :<br /> Ascent from 52 to 53 was very exhausting.<br /> Camp at 57 before pass. Beautiful spot but strong wind. Water from lake.<br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Passes 57.2 and 57.4 free of snow. Part between 59 and 60 moody. I have met arrieros at camp 59.5 km. From km 62.4/62.9 I took varH and came back at km 68 of RR . In the next valley I have met a group of Mapuches. They were very reserved. I said hello and asked for the trail and said what I am doing here. Before puesto de Maxymiliano Lagos (71.4) the path is almost free of fallen trees after a tornado in November. I have bought fresh &quot;tortilla&quot; et Maksymiliano &quot;puesto&quot;. Camp at Laguna Escondida at 76.2. I think that a better camp is on the other side.<br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> At km 88 of RR I took varN than P till Liucura. Mostly MR. A lot of gates between puestos. At km 4.0/1314 settler (12-P) I advise taking the road not the track. I have met here one dog and need to cross under gates. After only some gates. In Liucura night at Hospedaje Normita. Very comfortable cabana for 20.000 clp. A lot of shops. I advise at point -38.64533,-71.08847. They have gas, chargers, cables and a lot of food.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-11 to 2025-JAN-13 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 12H / Alex '''<br /> Cerro Los Dedos offers the best views along this section. Many puestos along the route were occupied, often with numerous dogs.Be prepared for swampy areas throughout the section. I recommend adopting Option 12H as the regular route due to its advantages.<br /> At Camp {12-H} [1.5/1520], I arrived around 7 PM but found it unsuitable due to its location opposite a house and visibility from the road.<br /> I continued up the steep climb and discovered a short side trail to the left after 20 minutes. This led to an untouched forest with sheltered campsites just 70 meters from fresh running water.<br /> This is the best campsite in the entire section: no tabanos , no mosquitoes.<br /> I have attached a GPX file for this new campsite here<br /> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G_nxx9NlRwpGVU_mvsp5RAYcwNFEy9tL/view?usp=sharing<br /> The final 2 kilometers of Section 12 should be updated. The regular route trespasses through 3–4 private properties with barbed wire.<br /> I followed RR-TL-V {12} [100.0/100.4+2.2] directly to the highway instead.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-26 &gt; 29 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR (option est au Laguna Mariñanqui) + passage flan est a la fin / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : hors piste sur pente raide, glissement de terrain, foret détruite<br /> <br /> A 2100m a la premiere montée, ce ne sont pas des sources chaudes mais des sources de gaz qui font bouillir ce qui se trouve autour.<br /> Par contre au point (38.190017° S 71.036036° W) il y a une source chaude que les locaux ont amenagée en piscine (l'eau est ferrugineuse). Les arrieros m'en ont parlé donc elle est accessible a tout le monde.<br /> Dans la vallée du Cerro Rahue la piste n'est vraiment pas facile a suivre mais grâce a la trace GPS on la retrouve toujours. Il y a beaucoup de taons malheureusement, et sur le plateau a 2000m, c'est envahi de moustiques.<br /> La montée en hors piste n'est pas une cinécure, vraiment dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier car elle est dangereuse par mauvais temps. Premiere et seule journée nuageuse. La descente sous le Cerro Codihue se fait bien mais attention: 1) un gros éboulement a recouvert le sentier, et de la neige se trouve sous les roches. Ca forme des ponts qui sont tres dangereux. 2) une tornade a balayé la forêt. Elle est impossible a traverser mais facile a contourner en longeant le torrent.<br /> Juste apres la foret, Maximiliano Lagos m'a très bien reçu malgré mon faible niveau d'espagnol.<br /> Juste après le Laguna Escondida, Sonia Ramirez m'a bien accueilli également, j'ai pu assister a une capture de chevaux (pour castration).<br /> A Liucura j'ai pu acheter un peu de nourriture mais le magasin n'a quasiment rien.<br /> <br /> * ''' 24-12-15 - 24-12-19 / 4,5 days / SOBO / OH01, RR, OH-H\L\M\K / Volker ​​'''<br /> <br /> The Tabano section (first part only)<br /> All water markers reliable - and many other spots, fords mostly easy<br /> <br /> Day 1: Back in Ranquil after resupply in Lonquimay. The very friendly women from the Local Crafts Centre organised me a driver for 30k, which was really fair for a 1,5h ride. Started at 3 p.m., short walk on OH01 (well, I missed the hot spring on RR) over a pass, then down into the very beautiful valley. Camped after the ford OH1, 7,5, which was less easy than it seemed. The water is very deep, where it runs slowly, you have to cross the river there, where the stream is strong. <br /> <br /> Day 2: An extraordinary beautiful valley, but… a terrible Tabano situation. Not 3-4 surrounded me as sometimes on previous sections, but 10-15 at all times. Worst at the northern bank of Laguna Marinanqui. Swimming? Forget it. All those, who are into survival, will find a rich meal. Haute Cuisine: the Tabanos attacking you, while you are focused on one of the several fords (all easy). All others think twice, before taking a photo and ending up with 5 of them on each of your hand . My moskito head net was an essential gear, but I wished I had brought a beekeeper’s suit. And who wants to hike a day long veiled like a woman under Taliban rule? Camp at 17,0 completely „polluted“, I continued 1 km to the „pass“, where I found a dusty mini-spot (great view, however). <br /> <br /> Day 3: Tabano situation unchanched during the whole CC upwards. I walked at an altitude of 2100 on snowfields, surrounded by ten of them. Tried hard to have a look for the really scenic landscape. After the pass it got immediately better. It was like a water shed. What a relief! CC down easy, the following „trail“, however, was no trail, but a swamp (all indicated camp spots under water), and now I had to stick closely to the track file, otherwise I would have ended up in BB. After the swamp-trail, CC in the forest, the former trail is mostly invisible and blocked by broken trees. Got better with the MR (which is a TL). Down in the very beautiful valley, everything changed: No tabanos at all, no aggressive dogs or humans (waypoints), but a wonderful indicated camp spot at 1,5 of OH-H.<br /> <br /> Day 4: No tabanos, not a single one! Very quick on OH-H to the pass, short parts overgrown, the „CC“ down along Rio Pehuenco on RR has mostly a good trail, only short tricky sections with snow and mud in the gullies. Three aggressive dogs running in my direction at the puesto at 71,4. . Show them, who is the master! When I started to shout at them and move in their direction, their self-confidence imploded. Laguna Escondida very beautiful, marked camp spot at 76,2 under water.<br /> Very, very scenic up to the next pass and down to Laguna Verde. The marked camp spot on the north bank under water, too. Camped at the south bank close to a small puesto.<br /> <br /> Day 5: From Laguna Verde options L, M, K, highly recommended, very scenic on the plateau. Water running from a pipe close to the two houses where RR leaves the MR (OH -T) for the ridge. On the ridge again very scenic, CC easy (partly trail), but stick to the track files, otherwise BB is on the menu. Very windy in the last part. Had to climb 4 fences with barbed wire on the last 2 km to Liucura (can probably be avoided by taking OH-S to join OH-P), where I arrived at 3 p.m. (several lodges, nice hut in Calle Nueva Dos on the right side (20k), Bus to Victoria at 7 a.m. , but not on every day of the week.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''11Dec2024 - 15dec2024 / hiking SOBO / option 1 - RR - varE - RR - var H - RR - var L - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Really nice landscapes all along with mountains, volcanoes on the passes. Araucaria forests. Lakes that are nice and good spots to eat/camp. <br /> <br /> Camp : south of laguna mariñanqui 35.5. Meet a couple of GPT hikers there, good evening even if there were lots of tamaños and mosquitoes. <br /> <br /> varE (around51) camp at end : nice with good water. Mosquitoes. Looks more comfortable than the one note at 51.6 on RR. <br /> <br /> VarH camp 1.5 : not much place for a tent in dry area but was ok. <br /> <br /> 83km VarL : end of laguna verde. Nice dry spot. Mosquitoes. (Could rejoin RR directly here the next day)<br /> <br /> Fords : between 31 and 34. All went good, not much than mid thighs (I'm 1,57), low current (hot and dry during the last week). <br /> <br /> 45 : mid thighs with little current at midday<br /> <br /> Option 1 : nice and easy way up. <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> Laguna mariñanqui : var C and even some parts of RR are just under water or muddy +++. To lenght the est side of the lake I took some nice paths (there are many) that are higher up and avoid putting feet in the lake and mud between (around the middle, don't see at the beginnig and end of the lake). <br /> <br /> After varE path became less clear and it's more demanding to not loose it in high herbs but could follow one almost alle the time. <br /> <br /> CC around km53 : easy to find the route. Physical. Need to be carefull in soft sand because rocks and even the grass can detached and fall. <br /> <br /> Passes around 57 : not much snow, easy to cross and navigate. Entel coverage a bit before 1st pass (57-57.4) if need a little weather forecast point. <br /> Descending from the pass is steep but easy with little patches of snow. <br /> <br /> When CC finish around 58 : very muddy trail. Navigation a bit harder when you enter the forest and then the route is easy. <br /> <br /> VarH to avoid the dog : after the camp, steep clim but trail easy to follow. Only a bit before puesto 3.1, about 0.5km path get less clear with a bit BB. Need more GPS. <br /> <br /> Pass at 68 : easy, not much snow. Rejoin RR by varJ cause then varH was going BB. <br /> All CC until Liucura are horse (or goat) paths most of the time, easy to follow and when there is doubt, the tracks or OSM path bring to good path to go on. <br /> <br /> At the really end there are 3 or 4 fences to cross that I found difficult and really not made for crossing here. Maybe it's a bit better with varS but still 2 to cross. Or maybe it's better to go directly straight down to the road and not turning left when descending on the dirt road but I didn't try. <br /> <br /> Water : plenty except at the end. I think last on RR is water 87,6. Maybe it's possible if needed to ask some in the houses around 94 before going up to the ridge cause after there is none for sure.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-08 to 2024-Dec-13 / 6 days / Hiking NOBO / RR + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Water present at all markers and plenty more due to snow melt<br /> <br /> We took variant H to avoid the aggressive dogs, was a little overgrown and lots of different trails to choose from but was fine.<br /> <br /> Pass at 57.4km - snow present from around 1,850m and upwards but you can avoid most of it. The plateau also has snow but again is mostly avoidable. Entel signal on the pass.<br /> <br /> Camp 54.5 - horseflies started.<br /> <br /> We camped at 51.6km the ground is pretty wet at the moment so wasn't great. We would have continued to 47.5km in hindsight as the trail is decent so it wouldn't take long.<br /> <br /> Ford 45.4km crossed at 11 am about thigh deep (1.61m tall) no problem at all.<br /> <br /> Water 41.4km - Entel signal.<br /> <br /> Camped at the southern end of Lake Mariñanqui where we met Clara :) it was very beautiful, some horseflies though. Would not recommend northern end of the lake at this time. <br /> <br /> Tried to take variant C but it was too deep so went around on RR.<br /> <br /> Fords 33.6km - 31.4km we did these in the morning and were surprised how deep they were. The water is quite calm though so was all fine.<br /> <br /> Hotsprings 20.5km lower one is a nice temperature easily big enough to sit in. Worth a look. The 1st one wasn't as warm.<br /> <br /> High section between 15km and 9km. Snow patches present above 1850m ish. Was all either avoidable or manageable. Staying close to the RR worked well. This strech was very very beautiful and should t be missed.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-02B warm not hot but very nice views<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-01C buried under snow.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 11.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-abril-7 to 2024-ab-11 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 5 - option 2 - RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined this section with section 11.<br /> Day 1: Lonquimay - (-38.39301, -71.18538)<br /> We left Lonquimay on a Sunday morning, taking option 5G and then option 2b. We wanted to take the ferry, but it doesn't run on Sundays (but at the time we passed it, we thought it could be done on foot). We were picked up a few kilometers after Lonquimay and dropped off at Caracoles where there's a footbridge. We decided to explore and walk along the Rio Biobio to reach the ferry and option 2. There's a passage that connects the two points. We continued on to option 2. After crossing a bridge (in poor condition but holding), we looked for a place to pitch our tent, which we found along the river. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-38.39301, -71.18538) - laguna marinanqui<br /> Beautiful forest and valley sections with incredible views. We reached the RR in the morning. Magical trail, lots of waterholes.<br /> No particular difficulty for us on this part.<br /> When we got to the lagoon, there were plenty of places to pitch our tents on either side, which was really nice. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Laguna marinanqui - camp {12} [17.0/1794]<br /> First part of the day with lots of fords to pass without difficulty. Another beautiful day. Lots of puestos on the way. We met Walter in a valley, he is very welcoming and kind. <br /> In the afternoon we hiked through the forest past the hot springs to reach our camp for the night. Quite a windy night, but we were relatively protected. <br /> <br /> Day 4: camp {12} [17.0/1794] - puesto de Valentin <br /> Morning ascent. The view is incredible but it's extremely windy. When we passed, there were many gusts of wind, which complicated our walk. But the view is still breathtaking! There's little water on this &quot;plateau&quot;. We made our way back down to Ranquil. When we got there, there was nothing but the bus stop. We didn't meet anyone.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-20 to 2024-Mar-24 / 4 days ? / SOBO / RR/ Tobi + Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11. Not much to add, except that there's almost everyday a low-ish hanging arucaria tree en route (late-season)<br /> <br /> Pinones tips:<br /> Try piñones with nutmeg + parmesan, or merken + cumin (with salt and a bit of oil of course)<br /> Cooking these take a lot of boiling - we brought a large gas canister and it lasted us eight nights (8 quick dinners, + 4 x 1.3 L pots full of piñones) with an occasional warm breakfast/tea.<br /> Expect to spend an hour peeling each pot (two people) after cooking for 20 minutes - it's a LOT of work.<br /> This was enough food for 2 people for approx. one full day<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-14 to 2024-03-16 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // beginning of VAR A + VAR F + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Stunning section with great views and amazing rocks formation. The geology on this section really surprised me on some parts ! A lot of CC, and ups and downs threw pass, then going along valley then passing a new pass and cc a new valley etc.. <br /> <br /> RR at the beginning to the section is passing threw few fences. As other said, easy to avoid them. I met some nice people at the beginning, very friendly and we had nice talks, that was enjoyable ! <br /> <br /> Lagunas are great. At the end of Maximilian valley (that I unfortunately missed, but spoke with his employee, nice guy), I continue on the pass then took the variant H, but not sure it worth it, as there's no real track and I finished into a very steepy part It's losing rocks to reach the lower valley. So I guess RR is better. <br /> <br /> Not felt very welcoming by the pehuenche locals here (KM64,95), surprisingly because other hikers had great experienxes. They were not rude at all, but just don't really want to communicate. Anyway, no problem to pass and they confirm me the way to shortcut by the valley field.<br /> <br /> After the pass, you'll reach the lovely lagunas, with stunning views over volcanoes at the top of the pass. <br /> <br /> The way down will not be very fast as it's cc. Stay over tree/bush line, then plonge straight threw the Araucarias. The path will be more and more clear when you'll be at the balcon level, going all the way along the valley. <br /> <br /> There's a tiny wooden bridge that have been created and allow you to passe the Rio without having wet feets (Ford {12} [45.4/1039]). The bridge is a bit further the RR indicated ford, at the location 38°20′55.44″S 71°09′22.48″W. <br /> <br /> Then the path is very clear and easy to follow. I took the variant A to avoid the multiple ford crossing as it was freezing morning. I succeed and join RR with dry feets (but miss the Laguna marinanaui and the apparently very nice gorges). <br /> <br /> At that point, I was surprised by the attraction rate of this section (5/5). It was nice, but imho not deserve a 5. But I continued my way, go up to the pass, join the volcanic plateau and arrive to baños de pelehue). And this last stretch was absolutely amazing. I slept a pelehue, had a great hot bath, one has been created with rocks, it's a bit like on the bottom, but so nice after a hiking day !). <br /> <br /> Then I've been straight to GPT11, without going to Ranquil<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-13 to 2024-Mar-16 / 3 days / SOBO / RR C 02A 02 (11-05G)/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Plenty of water, no snowfields, no Tabanos or Moskitos, all fordings very easy except Rio BioBio. The ferry on option 02 does not run on weekends, so I forded the river around 200m upstream. It is a long ford, but not very hard. Water around kneedeep (i am 187cm, 100kg) and 1-2m in the middle had a bit strong current, but not difficult. The ford is probably not possible earlier in the seasion, also they had a drought for months...<br /> <br /> Banos Coyucos at 20.4 are not really nice warm springs. It is dark, no view, mildly warm, (natural) dirty, not very deep and the cold river next to it has no pool. Variant C was no problem, bit swampy but doable. The way north of Laguna Marinanqui for maybe a km or so can be tricky to find, lots of tracks in this jungle.<br /> <br /> At Laguna Marinanqui the southern camp is better, even the meadows are full of shit everywhere, the sand is a bit cleaner, there is a fresh stream and the water not as shallow. It was really cold in the morning mid March, my towel and shoes hard frozen. Maybe better to camp a bit further away from the lake then I did (20m) end of seasion.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: closed gate with very muddy surrounding at -38.354982,-71.164045 shortly after intersection with 02b start. I think 02b is blocked by a fence. Anyway, just follow some path close to the river, it leads to -38.355085,-71.164881 where the fence can be climbed easily and afterwards return (might be a bit swampy) to 02A.<br /> <br /> route blocked by difficult fence at -38.396035,-71187372 but next to it is an easy to open gate, just follow the path afterwards, leads you to a dirt road and another easy to open gate, theres is some agricultural storage and behind paths connects to regular 02A.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: Camped where 03C ends, connection to 02. There is a small stream and access to the river north of it for some bathing. I hide my tent behind some bushes around 20m away from the road, which has veeery little traffic. Still late night I woke up from some voices and torches. I guess reflectors on my tent where reflecting the car lights even through the bushes. Anyway the people moved on after their curiosity was satisfied. Next day I met the settler on the road, interrogating me a bit, but quickly turned friendly and gave his ok. Generally it is easier to camp anywhere north of settler 02A Fundo Rahue, afterwards there are lots of fences, it gets dry and dusty.<br /> <br /> Option 02: 100 to 200m north of the ferry on the eastern side of Rio Biobio side seems a nice campspot.<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 9 to 12, but run out of food so I decided to shorten GDP 12 by hiking to Lonquimay after Laguna Marinanqui. I found plenty of Piniones, but had not enough fuel, and cooking them over open fire in my tiny cooking pot is annoying (did it twice).<br /> <br /> Northern parts of GPT12 are quite nice. Option 02 is long and boring with lots of road walking. Shortly west of the ferry it is a big asphalt street, but very little traffic. Took awhile to get a ride to Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar 2nd to Mar 13th / 12 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT11 Var F, RR, Var Q, Var P / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL:DR a really beautiful and varied section. The RR up to the plateau is challenging but not terrible; we liked Laguna Escondida for camping; the ridge at the end is not a good option if the winds are strong.<br /> <br /> Day 1 March 2nd<br /> <br /> The first two days were actually on GPT11 Var F which we used to connect into GPT12. In Lonquimay a guy working for CONAF as a driver taking firefighters to and from Troyo offered us a ride. What luck! He was very friendly and pointed things out during the drive. He left us at the crossroads of the road to Troyo and Ranquil and even gave us a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade. A big thanks to him!<br /> <br /> The road to Ranquil had many, many water points along the way. It's crazy how much water is in that area. It is a dirt road and dusty, but few cars came by, so it wasn't too bad. There is barbed wire fencing along much of the road. There were some helicopters running water in the distance to fight the fires. We arrived at Ranquil and found a place to camp at (-38.24902, -71.23244) just over the bridge. Then we went to the minimarket run by Maximiliano and Anna’s shop. They were incredibly kind people. They offered for us to camp on their property, offered to let us take a shower and wash clothes. They are definitely people to stop in and say hello to. They have gas now. 3.000 for refill canisters, 7.000 for 230g stove tanks and 9.000 for 460g stove tanks. They also had canned fish, powdered soups, mate, Nescafé, cold drinks, and Anna made us delicious pan amasado in her wood fired clay oven. <br /> <br /> Day 2 March 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued on GPT11 Var F. Tons of water on the way up. We watched a helicopter pull water out of a large pond and dump it on a small fire on the hillside. At km 26.17 saw a building from the road with the word provisiones painted in large letters on the back wall. We did not need anything else, and the gate was closed, so we did not check to see if it was open. <br /> <br /> We found out first piñones of the season! We collected probably a kilo of them. We passed through Pelehue which it turns out is nothing. We camped by the river about 200 m before the turn onto GPT12 Opt 01. I walked to the Carabineros to register us, it was quick and easy. We had just finished dinner when a family stopped by and offered to let us stay with them and asked if we needed anything. They were so kind and thoughtful, it was very touching.<br /> <br /> Day 3 March 4th<br /> <br /> We finally officially started GPT12. We collected more piñones. The Carabineros passed us on horseback, so it's probably good that I took the time to register even though the path doesn't pass right by them. It was sunny all day, pleasant walking, all fords were easy. We camped at (camp 12 [31.6/1306]). It was fairly flat with grass and river access about 30 m away.<br /> <br /> Day 4 March 5th<br /> <br /> A short day. We walked to Laguna Marinanqui.<br /> When we were there, it was possible to walk the distance between (camp 12 [31.6/1306]) and (ford 32.5/1296]) without following the track up and down the dusty trail. It requires a few additional fords, but with warm weather, being in the water is very pleasant.<br /> <br /> We camped at the north side of the lake. It was windy until the sun went down but calm after.<br /> <br /> Day 5 March 6th<br /> We stayed at the lake for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 6 March 7th<br /> From the north side of the lake it was a bit tricky to find a path to connect to RR going around the lake as the ground was very muddy. Sticking closer to the big plant clumps helped. We collected more piñones at the south end of the lake. By this time we had probably 5 kg of them. Amazing views along the route that day, nothing especially difficult. There were some areas where the trail was damaged by landslides, but reroutes had already been created to get around them.<br /> We camped by the river right after the last ford at (-38.34864, -71.15528). There was a small path leading into the trees and to a small clearing. After a bit of site cleanup it made for a really nice and protected camp site.<br /> <br /> Day 7 March 8th<br /> <br /> It was a short day. We were confused as to whether Opt 3 of the current track files was the correct route up to the plateau or not. We tried finding it but had no luck so we decided to go with what showed up as RR on the GPS and Gaia. It started raining and was fairly windy. The ponchos I had bought us did not work well and we both got wet. We camped around the marked campsite at the end of Var E.<br /> <br /> Day 8 March 9th<br /> <br /> Back to a calm sunny day the next morning. It was cross-country for parts. The assent to the plateau was demanding. We could not find any true paths, though there were many things that appeared to be paths for short distances and would just end abruptly. I started referring to them as the mirages of the mountains.<br /> After reaching the plateau, the first laguna we arrived at was very pretty, deep blue water surrounded by green grass, and a few birds floating on the water. The area around was unfortunately too wet to camp on. We walked to the two larger ones but the area around was not pretty and the water was very shallow with a muddy bottom. We saw another heading back the direction of Option 3 and camped at the first one we came to (-38.36201, -71.07188). It was very cold, but fortunately there was no wind in the night. It was so silent there. <br /> <br /> Day 9 March 10th<br /> <br /> We took a long time getting to the two passes, taking a lot of photo stops. On the way down to the valley it was very windy and the ground was wet, so it was slow going until the forest. The forest areas were very beautiful sand pleasant to walk through. We camped in the valley just past the river at (-38.38830, -71.02145) in between several huge araucarias. It was very windy during the evening but that spot seemed fairly wind protected. It also had some visual screening from the road and the nearby puesto and river access without having to go to the road.<br /> <br /> Day 10 March 11th<br /> <br /> The valley was quiet and sunny in the morning. We headed up Var G. There was an unmarked puesto at (-38.38774, -71.01221). We were still fairly far off when four dogs started barking and slowly making their way out direction. We decided to go CC up the hill a bit and rejoin the path later which seemed to work at first. But after we rejoined the road we could hear them start barking again and they sounded like they were getting closer. We kept moving and eventually the barking stopped. <br /> <br /> The road diverged from the Var G track and we stayed with the road. Eventually there was a fork near a puesto. We went CC on a horse path that eventually connected to the road that I think came from the downhill fork. We followed the road and then did a bit of CC until we connected with the end bit of Var H to get to the pass. Where Var H and RR meet, we had lunch and coffee. The route down was fairly easy to follow. It was extremely windy until we reached the forest. It was a very pretty forest, I think beech mixed with araucaria. <br /> <br /> We met a woman and a child at the first puesto. We just said hello and asked if we could pass and she said of course. One of their dogs followed us for the rest of the day, but no matter what we did, it wouldn't leave. RR up to Laguna Escondida was a dirt road the whole way. It was in pretty good shape. We were surprised how many roads were in this area. There were nice views of the valley the whole way up. Laguna Escondida was also very pretty, especially in the later afternoon light. Water access is not so easy, but by breaking off the trail where it turned to the forest and heading straight for the lake, we found a small path to a beach. The water was clear. As it started getting dark, the dog finally left heading in the direction of the valley.<br /> <br /> We camped in the forest at (-38.47284, -70.97987). It was a ways away from water access, but the weather report was predicting 80 to 90 km per hour winds in the night, which turned out to be accurate. The trees overhead were blowing all night, but our tent hardly moved. We were very grateful for the wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 11 March 12th<br /> <br /> There was a bit of route finding to get to the other side of Laguna Escondida. The view from the top was great. In the valley we started following a dirt road. We weren't paying too much attention to the GPS and ended up off the route. We then really misinterpreted the map and thought we could follow the road all the way up and then just cut across at the top of the hill, but we kept getting further away from the route. We ended up going with our plan anyway and it worked in the end, though it probably added some kms. But there was an interesting wetland area, some great views of the valley, and some interesting rocks, including one that looked like a Buddha head, so a worthwhile detour on the whole. There were house trails cutting across to the pass to Laguna Verde. There were dogs at the puesto on the NE side of the laguna that started barking when we could just barely see them so we stuck to RR. There were some nice views of the lake going around it, though it was easy to see why it's called Laguna Verde, there was plant growth from the edge growing several meters into the laguna all the way around.<br /> <br /> We camped close to a stream, around (-38.53009, -71.00810). It was not very wind protected, but the wind stopped after it got dark.<br /> <br /> Day 12 March 13th<br /> <br /> We hiked up to the plateau. There were some horse trails, but it is also partially CC. After the plateau, to stay on RR we found a spot on the downhill side of the barbed wire fence where we could climb up and over rocks instead of the fence itself. The white rock structures passing along that way were really impressive. We really wanted to walk the ridge, but there was a lot of wind that day. We made it up to the beginning of the ridge, but the further we went up, the more intense the winds became. The weather report predicted gusts up to 75 kph, so we decided to take Var Q down to Var P. It was worth the climb anyway as it provided a different view on the white rock mountain. Var Q was easy to follow down and Var P is a dirt road nearly the entire way to Liucura, not particularly scenic, but not bad<br /> We Arrived in Liucura around 19:00. We stayed at Normita, going rate 15.000 pp, private room, private bath, hot water, and a small kitchen area. Norma is very nice. There are a few shops in town. The big shop closes around 19:30. They have a decent selection and the best prices generally. Donde Carlitos minimarket near aduana had gas recharges for 2600 each. They also have a decent selection of things for resupply and are reasonably priced. Across the street from the big shop there is a woman that sells bread, look for the signs in the window. She is open till around 19:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-15 to 2024-Feb-18 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH11-02B + OH11-02 + OH12-C + OH12-N / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.9-7.2]<br /> <br /> I directly continued from section 11 and just hiked up to the camp at km 7.2. There is a small wooden shed and right next to it one small flat spot (big enough for a 1-person tent)<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [7.2-9.7] + OH11-02B + OH11-02B + RR [12.9-33.9] + OH12-C + RR [34.3-37.7]<br /> <br /> There is lots of water around the two hotsprings Pelehue, but it has a sulfur taste. I can absolutly recommended OH11-02B and OH11-02. You have to scramble up some steep, rocky slopes, but the 360 ° views up there are amazing. There is Water at km 0.6 of 02-B and water provided by big melting snowfield right next to RR at km 14.0. The Banos Coyucos Hotspring (km 20.5) are nice and big enough for at least 3 people. I had no problems with flies at Laguna Marinanqui. The Puesto at the camp at km 37.7 is broken down and there are a few flat spots next to it. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [37.7-69.4]<br /> <br /> No Water at the Water ? waypoint at km 54.4. But RR passes a Laguna at km 55.9. There is also water at km 62.4 and 66.8. And at all water and ford waypoints.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69.4-88.0] + OH12-N + RR [91.5-102.2] + no official track to finish<br /> <br /> Water at km 87.7 is the last water SOBO. There is a barbed wire fence around km 102.2. There is no easy way to climb over it. Therefore I continued in south western direction until the Ruta 181.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Liucura - Section 11 on RR / RR / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really think this section is nice NOBO as it gets more and more interesting as you walk on it.<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 7:30 on a Monday in Temuco and arrived in Liucura around 13:00.<br /> <br /> After a Churrasco just next to the Border Control, we walked only until -38.443407, -71.000961 as it was really hot and the backpacks felts a bit too heavy. This place was a perfect camp with a nice stream of water and a flat and protected place to pitch a tent. So, if you arrive a bit late in Liucura, you don't have to cover nearly 20km to get water.<br /> <br /> We also camped at Camp {12} [35.5/1279] and it was really nice and the lake was beautiful and at the perfect temperature to swim.<br /> <br /> Another campspot we picked was Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). It was really nice but after passing the Hot Spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] (Banos de Pelehue, Poorly Maintained), we would had preferred to stay there. The view is incredible and there is some grass patches to pitch a tent. The hot springs need maybe 1 or 2 hours to be digged properly but it should totally worth it.<br /> <br /> Another thing to mention was that, because we didn't really know if we wanted to choose an option to connect section 11, we took option 4 until Pass {11-04} [5.4/2385]. The view there it just magnificent and there was some condors flying just over our head. I would really recommend taking this small detour, especially if going NOBO as the path is quite easy. (Maybe more demanding SOBO).<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 22 to 2024 Jan 27 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH11-02B+OH11-02 / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Start in Ranquil/Pelehue at Carabineros late afternoon, camped below ascent to the baños Pelehue. Reccomend the ascent in the early morning, as always much easier to climb before the heat comes in. Actually I figured out only fumaroles and no real baños up there, but I didn't look very carefully, wanted to head on. Took detour over OH11-02B and 02 along the ridge, which I reccomend strongly! Amazing views from this border-ridge and some interesting rock formations along there. Went down to the next valley and to baños Coyucos, loved this place, for me best termas so far. Even a nice camp place there. But it was still early afternoon, so I went on and camped at -38.203837 -71.077937. Next day I went to Laguna Marinanqui, nice lake, access to water muddy at north shore, south shore better to go in. Went on along this long next valley on a west slope trail, super hot! Camped at km 47,5, loved this place, flat area with special rock hill, mosquito zone, they take over when tábanos finish the day. Third day I went up the pass, super views all over from there! Down to the next valley, had to stick accurately to the GPS, as the TL is easy to loose where the bushes start and then you end up in some swampy zones, as it happens to me a few times. Lot of water around there. Crossed the valley, went up the other side. Passed puesto around km 64, no life there, no dogs. Seems abandoned this season, as I am not the first this year to pass by without seeing anybody. Walked on to the next pass, afternoon, again super hot, west-slope. Camped soon after the pass at -38.429390 -71.001130. 4th day I met Maximiliano in the early morning, little small talk, then I went on. Seems a nice guy. Went on to the two lagunas, wanted to do OH 12K, but looking to the access of the ridge I thought it can not be done, at least not with a heavy backpack...so I went on RR. Took water at km 87,6, no more running water till km 92. Nice views from the plateau to the southern volcanoes! Goats and horses up there. Camped at -38.578315 -W71.038569, around km 92, last water on RR till around Liucura! Next day over the ridge enjoying very much the views! Descending to Liucura on RR you have to cross around three to four barbed wire fences. <br /> Overall the most tábanos I ever had on a GPT section, but GPT12 still one of my favourite sections so far!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-13/22 / 7 + 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR (sections 12 &amp; 11) / Coline'''<br /> <br /> I hiked GPT12 and 11 in a raw, so to reach the Pelehue hotsprings instead of going to Troyo for resupplying. This ten-days trail was really a great experience ! Sometimes terrifying, but not dangerous – as said in another post.<br /> <br /> My &quot;goal&quot; was to reach each hotspring marked on the map (4). My favourite was the one at the end (near Guallalí), because I meet a chilian family on vacacion there and they had dig the spring large enough for them six !<br /> The baños Coyucos &quot;moved&quot; : there are just below the Camp {12} [20.4/1625], where one's finds a bench, a table and a place for firecamps. <br /> The termas Pelehue definitly disappeared, but the view there is very scenic.<br /> The Hot Spring {11} [32.0/1428] are a bit dirty, sibce ciws like to lie in them, but one's can easily &quot;clean&quot; them a bit and enjoy a warm bath : I choosed the uppermost, and therefore warmer (Yes, there are two).<br /> <br /> The sections 11 &amp; 12 were beautiful to me because of the passes... and difficult for the same reason. First Pass {12} [68.0+0.2/1909] was actually Ok, because the way (northbound) goes slowly up. <br /> The second Pass {12} [57.4/2180] was more difficult, due to the mud, and particularly on the way down for me, since I lost the trail and found myself stuck in a forest of small trees. <br /> <br /> The real DIFFICULTY for me was the last Pass {11} [27.6/2174]. After nine days, my body and mind were really tired. I forgot the advice of previous walkers and tried to go up through the forest (because of the sun exposure in the valley). I lost an hour and had to go down to the river. Moreover, the last 100m, with the snow and rocks, were doable, but the idea of sliding really scarred me.<br /> <br /> Something else scarred me at the beginning of my journey (and it shouln'd have...) : it was the attitud of some &quot;caballeros&quot; towards me, a solo female hiker. Most of the &quot;caballeros&quot; are nice and will help you, but some can be really insisting. (I had to yell at a man asking me for five minutes if I wanted a compagnon for the night... It was 3 a.m. and he had wake me up with his light and dog). But he was not threatening, &quot;just&quot; asking over and over.<br /> <br /> Actually Laguna Verde and Laguna Escondida (where I met those insisting men) are still nice memories to me ! By the way, I recommend the beach on the south side of Laguna Escondida ; the north one is skinny, inhabited by mosquitos and very &quot;escondida&quot; (hidden) in the bushes.<br /> <br /> What else ?<br /> I avoid the Pehuenche Extortioner taking CC road, and it went all good.<br /> There is a bridge some 120m west of the Ford {12} [45.4/1039],... whereas there is no more bridge at Bridge ? {11-C} [0.3/1109], but it seems very easier to cross the Estero Quillaylemu there, rather than on the RR.<br /> The river crossing is Ok, and there is plenty of water all along the way.<br /> As for the resupplying, I don't know about Troyo, but the only shop in Guallalí is very small (no bottle of gas or tobacco for sure). The woman who manages it is very nice though : she indicated me that a bus (with more food) would pass at 8 p.m, she invited me to charge my bateries at her place, let me have a nap, while she prepared me a delicious dish ! I had nice time with the younger kid, and even spend the night there at the end.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-10 to 2024-Jan-11 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / {12-01} - RR - {12-C} - RR - {12-H} - RR - {12-N} - {12-P} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 and GPT12, so i start at {12-01}.<br /> <br /> {12-01} from km0 to pass[4.6/1499] is dirt road walking.<br /> <br /> Pass[4.6/1499] : huge flat area, look like is a car camping spot, i saw 5 fire ring here. Lot of spots for camping, some spots are beside trees, with weather protection. Road is damaged after the pass, no more cars running.<br /> <br /> Km5.1 : welcome to a beautiful valley!<br /> <br /> Ford[7.5/1403] : crossing of Rio Pulul, rock bar underwater, flowing slow and up to knee, easy. Later you will cross this river some more times.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : join RR.<br /> <br /> Ford RR [31.4/1301] : start crossing Rio Pulul several times until [33.6/1285], all are easy crossing as now, the deepest is around knee only.<br /> <br /> Camp[31.6/1306] : a beautiful spot.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[33.9/1281] : Laguna Marinanqui. I never saw so many fries in my life, OMG. The lake shore is muddy, I think the south shore is a better camping spot.<br /> <br /> I take {12-C} here, because too many fries, after i take some photos beside the shore, i don't want to go back to find RR, i just want left this area.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.1 : cross a warm stream, some logs for crossing, but they are all underwater, also muddy around it, maybe better after some weeks. Crossing is easy, step on logs then just above ankle.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.2 : rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR Km34.3 - km35.4 : trail beside the lake. Most of them are muddy, with hundreds of fries, OMG. I'm so disappointed i can't have some relax time here.<br /> <br /> Camp[35.5/1279] : beautiful camping spot with 2 big trees. Less fries here, also is a dry area for camping. Estero Rucausey(a stream) is flowing nice with clear water just beside it.<br /> <br /> Km35.75 : excellent view point of Laguna Marinanqui!<br /> <br /> Water[41.4/1173] : upstream 40m, you can step over the stream.<br /> <br /> Km41.1 : grassland can fit 1-3 tents, but a little steep.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 - km43.65 : cross 3 small stream, all look like need a muddy crossing, but not. All of them, you can find a spot for step over, or a log help you for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 : after the crossing, flat spot with grassland can fit 2 tents under trees.<br /> <br /> Km43.65 : before the crossing, large flat area can fit lot of tents, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km43.85 : junction of RR and {12-D}, also dirt road start to south.<br /> <br /> Ford[45.4/1039] : before you go down the river for crossing, compass West 100m is a large, nice flat area beside some big trees, wind protection provided by some brushes. River is up to knee but flowing slow at early morning.<br /> <br /> Easy walking until km51.3.<br /> <br /> Km47 : look at left side, a beautiful hilltop with rock column!<br /> <br /> Km48.25 : pass, a steep side trail at left side(north) leads you to viewpoint. Steep for climbing up, be careful. After enjoying the view, don't go down with the same trail, go to the east ridge for go down, then CC back to trail, it is gentle, easier and safer. Before you left, look up the top of huge rock, there is a branch pressed by stone. Maybe some crazy people bouldering to the top?<br /> <br /> Km51.3 : junction of RR and {12-E}, RR after here just like CC, very overgrown, most of the time long grass coverd the trail, i just can use my feet to feel is it a trail i step on. Sometimes you'll step on some old cow path, then follow it walking to some wrong direction, be careful, check GPS more frequently.<br /> <br /> Km52.8 : junction of trail and CC climbing up. From here to km53.7 is steep climbing up on loose sand on RR or the trail shown on OSM. You need to find some grass foot spot and step on, tired and take long time. After i climb up a while, i cut to south side and join the spur, it is much easier and faster because lot of trees surrounding this spur. Hard leaves and sticks on the ground, also the soil is stable. I just need to step by step climb up on the stable ground, no need to find where is my next step, is it too loose or too steep to walk on.<br /> <br /> I also find a clear path at (-38.34710, -71.07574), look like climbing up on &quot;zig zag&quot;, but i lost it after about 20-30m.<br /> <br /> Km53.7 : tree line end. Climbing up on some rocks, much easier now.<br /> <br /> Water? [54.4/1930] : flowing low with warm water, maybe dry up later. Lot of tadpole and frogs swimming in it.<br /> <br /> Km55 : going in the plateau. Very beautiful area, blue lakes, green meadows, curved streams, small snow patches and some big birds, just like a aquarelle hanging on the wall.<br /> <br /> (-38.35842, -71.06810) : excellent view point, 360° beautiful views on a tiny rock hill! Climb up just 2 min!<br /> <br /> Km55.5 : look like it is possible to find a flat spot for camping beside the lake at east shore, beautiful but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km56.3 - km56.65 : flowing good with clear water by snow melt, when you climbing up this stream, don't forget to turn back take a look, beautiful plateau is behind you, also VIEWS of (from left to right) Volcán Llaima, Sierra Nevada, Volcán Lonquimay and Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Pass[57.2/2177] - pass[57.4/2180] : after you climb up to the pass, go down a little to east at 2160m is better, you can walk on a flat ground going south, much easier. Also when it is close to the second pass, a clear path and some rock cairns shown up.<br /> <br /> Pass[57.4/2180] : no snow at north side, just a little snow remain at south side as now. You can go around it on left side (east), or take 20sec to 1 min go down the snow patch directly. Easy.<br /> <br /> Km57.7 - km58.5 : walk your own way going down, sometimes you'll find some cairns and a clear path about 10m, then disappear.<br /> <br /> Km58.75 - km58.85 : steep snow slope, DON'T slide down at here, big hard rocks at bottom waiting for you. You can kick step going down but steep, or like me, go around at left side(NE), then go down a steep rocky slope.<br /> <br /> Km58.85 : wet, muddy, slippery trail starts, until km59.5 going under tree line. I think it is a pretty place in dry season.<br /> <br /> Km59.6 : blowdowns maze starts, tons of blowdowns cut the way, then lot of cow paths and dry riverbeds mix together. Sometimes the trail shown up and disappear for blowdowns. Need pay more attention here. Until km59.9, the trail becomes easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Road end[60.4/1745] : Dirt road start. Junction of another old dirt road on right side(west) after here 100m, it looks flat and no cars running on it, you can camp if need, also this old dirt road leads you to a small stream after 100m.<br /> <br /> Km61.5 : junction of RR and {12-F}, before this junction 20m, there is a clear trail going down, i followed it, and it is easy walk to Puesto[61.8/1550].<br /> <br /> Puesto[62.9/1523] : no people no dogs here.<br /> <br /> Then i joined {12-H} for climbing up.<br /> <br /> {12-H} km2.6 : i would like to said, here is covered by some heavy brushes already, just like BB and CC mixture. I saw the ground have some horse prints, looks like have a better reroute, but I don't know the way and it is difficult to follow so i lost it, lastly BB CC to Puesto[3.1/1822].<br /> <br /> After puesto[3.1/1822], trail conditions become better, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> Pass RR[68.0+0.2/1909] : still a tiny snow patch beside the pass, but nothing at pass. A beautiful area.<br /> <br /> Km70.7 : Dirt road start, until Laguna Escondida(RR km76.4).<br /> <br /> Ford[73.6/1517] : if you follow RR, no need follow cross this one, turn left and cross the small one.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[76.2/1750] : covered by many trees, but no views.<br /> <br /> Km76.4 : dirt road end, if this grassland is dry, it'll be a very beautiful camping spot with excellent lake view.<br /> <br /> Km80.7 : junction of RR and {12-K}, beautiful views here! The valley towards Laguna Verde is so nice. Flat area here, wild views but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Remark, {12-K} is an impossible route, the mountain top at (-38.50732,-70.98472) is some vertical rock column, i think about 40-80m, can't climb up to walk, also can't go around, mostly is 70-80° vertical wall.<br /> <br /> Water[81.9/1889] : flowing good with a flat spot can fit 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Camp[83.0/1767] : wet, also a puesto at (-38.51828, -70.98893). When I fill some water at stream, 2 dogs running out and barking at me, they follow/chase me until km83.3, I'm not sure they are curious, or aggressive.<br /> <br /> Some puesto at west shore of lake. So i camped on a little hill at (-38.52293, -70.99734). Good location for privacy and views but no wind protection, also not easy to find a spot because of rocky ground.<br /> <br /> Km86.8 : dirt road start.<br /> <br /> Because it is a crazy windy day, so i decided stay in valley by {12-N}+{12-P}, not climb up to plateau by RR.<br /> <br /> Dirt road walking 2km {12-N} then join {12-P}. {12-P} leads you all the way to Liucura. First 400m of {12-P} is dirt road, leads you to puesto[0.4/1526], then the road damaged becomes a trail, until puesto[1.9/1415].<br /> <br /> Water {12-P} [1.7/1400] : last good water until Liucura.<br /> <br /> Puesto[1.9/1415] : dirt road start again. Road go through a beautiful valley. You can look at other side of valley, some landslide trail there.<br /> <br /> Km5.0 : Left side, Volcán Batea Mahuida!<br /> <br /> Km10 : a beautiful meadow, horse trail start.<br /> <br /> Water[11.7/1289] : look clear, but I'm not sure is it flowing from cows and horse meadow.<br /> <br /> Puesto[12.1/1239] : dirt road start again, til Liucura.<br /> <br /> Shop[104.1/1036] : chocolate, biscuits, chips, drinks and ice cream, not much for resupply, but they make hot sandwiches and breakfast, yummy yummy!!!! They also do &quot;printing&quot;, if you need some documents in paper.<br /> <br /> Also 1 restaurant, 1 cafe and 4 shops nearby, i think you can have a full resupply here.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 12-27 to 2024 1-03 / 7 short days and one hour/ hiking / mainly RR / Sobo / Edwin'''<br /> <br /> Took the easy option from Ranquil to baños de Coyuco by Oh-12-01. The baños are really nice. After that the regular route until Laguna Verde after which a suspect knee made me stick to trails and minor roads. An enjoyable trek! Some snow at higher altitudes. <br /> The river crossings before Laguna Marinanqui were not too difficult except for the second one, which whas up to my crotch (I'm 1.90 meters) and fast flowing. <br /> Plenty of water around. Only took more than half a litre once when crossing the plateau and that wasn't needed. Days were generally hot.<br /> Met few people in the puestos but the ones I met were all friendly. <br /> If you want to skip section 13... The bus to Icalma passes through Liucura around 12:30 - 13:00 Monday/Wednesday/Friday<br /> <br /> * '''2023 17 - 20 dec / 4 days / hiking / option 12-04, H, RR / SOBO / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Started on a Sunday and it wasn't clear to me if the ferry (12-02G) would be up and running. No one in Lonquimay could guarantee me this. Because of Sunday and also because this day Chileans had to vote for the constitution. So I decided to walk the 181 and join the GPT12 on 12-04End. Nice walk, plenty of traffic to hitchhike, although I decided to walk. The minimarket at camping Lolén (100m before 12-04End) was closed, Sunday or voting? Was there around 11am. It looked up and running and not abonded or something. Just a closed sign. First house after the bridge sold eggs and honey, I bought some honey from Luis, super friendly guy. The walk was nice after that, although the road was fenced on both sides until km 16-ish. No campsites or minimarkets. I ended up campung at 12-03End, pretty long stretch so next time I would definitely hitchhike the 181. <br /> <br /> Climb to the pass was steep, pass was easy, no issues with snow. Beautiful views on both sides. Going down on some patches of snow you could see and/or hear the water flowing below. Might become tricky in the next days to walk over so a little caution is recommended. Met Maxi and his father down below at his puesto. Super friendly! Continued my way to camp at laguna Escondida (North side).<br /> <br /> Next day a bit iffy weather (as expected) cloudy, windy and a bit of rain. Decided to do a short one and camped at laguna Verde. Really good camping spots on the option 12L, at the end of the lake. And I could cross here the next day to join RR, there where some planks over the small stream.<br /> <br /> This last day I really enjoyed! Walking the plateau and the ridgeline was amazing. Perfect weather also. For sure worth it, easy to follow trail and all the CC options are 90% horse trails which are good to spot. <br /> <br /> Coming close to Liucura, it didn't feel good to me to climb those fences. Guess that's just a personal thing. There was a lot of cattle, fences looked new, so I decided to not climb over them and annoy the locals. Just followed the trail down to end up at the main road, take a left to Liucara. Maybe 1km extra in total. <br /> <br /> Stayed at Normita, couple of shops to resupply all the basics. <br /> <br /> All combined, really nice section especially the final part. Water not a problem, until you go up the plateau and ridge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Jens (together with Nolwenn and Yannick)'''<br /> <br /> To get to Liucura, take a bus from the Rural Terminal in Temuco to Lonquimay (departure 10 am) and from there another bus (3 pm). <br /> <br /> It is better to do your shopping in Liucura beforehand, the market and supermarkets are right next to the terminal. There are also some smaller supermarkets in Lonquimay. You are sure to get everything you need there. <br /> <br /> Crossing the pass at KM 57 was very strenuous and steep. There was still snow, which you could either hike around or through. The descent on the other side was very steep. It took two hours. You can camp well on both sides, even at the top if necessary, but it is very windy. <br /> <br /> From kilometre 26 north of the Marinanqui lagoon, we had to cross the river several times. We had some difficulties. The water was up to our hips. We couldn't have coped with any more water. The lake is beautiful, I would rather camp at the southern end as it is rather muddy and full of mosquitoes in the north. We fled from them. <br /> <br /> It had snowed overnight and so we decided not to make the crossing over the pass on RR, but to take the alternative route to the start of Section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present <br /> <br /> - Snow : (1) snow on pass at km 68 ( easy to walk on it ) / (2) from km 58,4 to km 54,9 : at this point we didn't follow the RR and went on the right side to reach the ridgeline and then continue on it - the plateau still had a lot of snow but we found it was not a problem to find our own safe way / (3) we didn't do the last pass between km 15,8 and km 9,5 because it has snowed in the night and the mountain was still covered by a thick layer of snow<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find <br /> <br /> - River crossing : (1) at 45,5 km we crossed in the morning and the current was strong but we are used to river crossings so this one was easily passable for us / (2) Laguna Marinanqui between km 35,4 and km 33,9 : was higher than usual and therefore the trail was under water, we walked in the lake from time to time and it was sometimes up until our thighs / (3) the river between km 33,9 and km 31,3 is really high and need multiple crossings that sometimes goes up until the waist with a strong current, we had to improvise and do some bushbahing to find places where it was crossable <br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny, snowy, cloudy, ( overall really good weather but can be cold )<br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant P + Q : easy track, it's a dirt road, there is water on the track / variant H : to avoid the dogs / option 1 : to avoid the snow on the pass, the trail is easy and beautiful<br /> <br /> - Warning : river crossings between km 33,8 and km 31,3 was really hard but manageable if you have skills and not too small<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section, still a lot of snow from 1700m<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-23 to 2023-Nov-27 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / Regular Route and Option 3 to return to Lonquimay / Ana &amp; William'''<br /> <br /> We just finished part of 12 and overall it is a lovely hike though we might potentially be a bit too early in the season depending on your risk threshold.<br /> <br /> Heading NOBO the small pass after laguna verde is fine. Little snow but not bad. Next pass is a bit tough, lots of snow walking and lots of risky parts where there are hidden rivers/water ways under the snow and where cliffs of snow had broken off but we managed by being careful and taking time to judge. RR-CC-A {12} [68.1/68.5+2.9] is not passable we went on the route to the left of it. Scary but fine, you have to make your own route since it’s completely snowed over. Downhill is fine, snow is only on the south face of the mountain. Next day we skipped the pass and did a plateau crossing based on advice from a local, it was lovely, the trail is east to follow most of the way then getting across the plateau you can take any possible direction, no wrong way and it connects to the 12-03c. Coming down on though there are two tracks at 12-03c marker. OH-TL-I {12-03A} [0.9+3.4] is not a route. At least not now. It’s basically a river gorge and it’s not possible unless you can surf down waterfalls, so we scaled up almost completely vertical to meet the CC route that runs parallel. Might be possible when there is less snow melt though. The CC route we took was almost a completely verticals decent for 800 meters and I must say a bit terrifying. Clambering down on your butt/downhill rock climbing is not the hard part but if you are not careful and you don’t judge your path every few meters you can find yourself looking down a minimum 30-200 meter drop, so it’s mentally scary not knowing if you will get to the bottom. But we did. I would not advise it, instead I’d advise continuing on 12-03 past the lakes back to the normal route. Took us almost 3 hours of being very careful though. We then got to the first river. Many locals we met before told us the only way to ranquil is the balsa, but we didn’t fully understand what they meant till we got to the river. They meant Bulsa Rahue which is on the way to lonquimay. The first main crossing at Ford {12} [45.4/1039] is very deep and very fast. For us as beginners a big no go, but I honestly think for advanced that would be tough as well if not only very dangerous. We then moved back to lonquimay where for the first part of the trail the river had flowed over so much that there was no trail but then eventually the trail gains significant elevation over the river and it’s fine. We asked others we ran into on the way and they confirmed that it’s too early to pass the rivers, but again depends on the hiker I’m sure.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck December 2023: The best route to ascent from the Plateau is the trail in the South-West of the Plateau. That's the trail on which the horses are probably moved up and down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 the normal route up and down the Plateau will be OH-TL-V {12-03} [0.0+14.4]. I have cleaned up the routes on the North-Western edge of the Plateau. These exploration routes are best taken up and not down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 these exploration options are {12-03A}, {12-03B} and {12-03C} and all classified as Exploration Routes. There pieces of trails visible on satellite images but these trail disappear into a forest and it is unclear who maintained these routes are and if these are part of an alternative access to the Plateau.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / Martin&amp;Helena'''<br /> <br /> On regular route (SOBO) after puesto at 62.9, there is another puesto after approx 1km. It’s situated right on the road, soon after start of CC and before Gpt12-G End and it’s guarded by 4 or 5 agressive dogs. It was impossible to go around, so we were continuing with our trekking poles in front of us but dogs started to attack us and in the end I was bitten by one of them. The owner was there too but basically did nothing and dogs were absolutely out of her control.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-01 to 2023-Mar-05 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Arrived in Liucura late in the 28th Feb afternoon by hitchhiking our way from Lonquimay. There is also a bus that leaves at 7:30 PM. We shared our plans with the carabineros and asked for a place to pitch and he sent us near the river, after the truck &quot;parking&quot; (-38.64806, -71.08856 - really nixe and private spot). There are 3 shops in Liucura with supplies and we even had a nice diner for 6k each at the Hospedaje. <br /> Started early the next day with 12-P until 12-R. This way we avoided to climb any fence. There are plenty of paths going upward so we ended up not following the one from the tracks but something that joined the top quite directly. Then we enjoyed our walk on the ridge. We continued for a while and camped at Laguna Escondida. The marked point is in the wood, a bit far away from the water but wind protected. We decided to go much closer to the water and met our two first GPT hikers going southbound on the trail! <br /> <br /> The next day we took 12-H to avoid the aggressive dogs and then sticked to the RR until Camp {12} [51.6/1293]. The descent in the forest (RR-CC-A {12} [52.3/52.8+2.2]) was a bit painful as it is steep and without path. Following the OSM route is not better.<br /> <br /> Day 3, we followed the RR until Laguna Marinanqui (Lake, Camp {12} [33.9/1281]) where we camped. Then we met Reyes, a local from Peluhue who was waiting a group of &quot;gringo&quot; since the previous day. We spent the night here with him, tasting our first cooked pinones. <br /> <br /> On day 4, we hiked to Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). All the fords of Rio Pulul were easy. On the trail we crossed a group of horseriders (Reyes' gringo) that got lost in the mountains and were on their way to the lake. Then we had our first pinata moment : we found an araucania and hit a ball with a branch for a rain of pinones. At the bayos, we met two persons preparing an asado for the group of riders and an other group of people just staying for a bath. Both pools are great, the second one (the smallest and a bit more down) is a bit warmer. We got invited and fed by the riders (smoked cerdo, tortillas al rescaldo, goat asado...)! They eventually left and we were alone in the bayos for the night. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we hiked until the junction with GPT11 but without taking options 1 or 2 following the advices of the previous hikers. Then we directly continued to GPT11.<br /> On a side note, on most of the section, you will walk on well marked trails that are easy to follow. It contains multiple extremely scenics moments, at least one highlight per day (several for the last one). Definitely worth it to hike! There are no more tabanos at this period of the year, but indeed many wasps ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-12 to 2023-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Natalie+Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> Combined 10+11+12, continued mid-day from 11.<br /> Started mid-day at Banos de Pelehue, Tomáš explored the banos, there was a pool that had some cold water flowing to it, which is diverted, so the temperature should be nicely warm. However, it resulted in smelly hands for two days despite soap. The first hot springs waypoint is wrong but the location is very scenic. We continued to Banos Coyucos for the night and luckily arrived just before a storm hit.<br /> The Banos Coyucos were not &quot;great&quot;. The first one with the A-frame roof is not that warm, more like stale bathwater, but the second further down with only a partial roof is much better. We spent the stormy night in the second one, so more heat would have been nice, but I am sure it's a good temperature for day time bathing.<br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Late start but great trail from the Banos to the marshy flats. I met Rosè from the puesto right at the beginning of the flats, she was very easy to get along with and had a good sense of humor. I would recommend looking for her if you were in need of help. She also helped show me how to avoid the marsh by sticking slightly high on the side of the hill, there was a little bit of a trail. The next plateau up was forgettable, accidentally walked along variant A for too long before dropping down to the RR. The RR is much faster than the side hill that hops from one puesto to the next on variant A. The rest of the way to Laguna Marinanque was enjoyable, definitely leave your sandals on at the bottom for the multiple river crossings. <br /> At this time of year Marinanque was still boggy but caused no problem's. However, I would be careful at the Northside not to get stuck in the bog, it looked very deep. We slept at the abandoned puesto 37.7 (No Water).<br /> <br /> Day3<br /> Fast and lovely trail to camp51.6. After then and up the steep grass hill it is CC. I wouldn't rely on the GPX here as it is basically just straight up. The last water source before the hill 52.2 makes a nice rest. Just to clarify once again, there is no water at the first plateau; camp54.5. However, the water at the small lakes on the main plateau did not look awful, just goose poo around.<br /> Up and over the main/last pass is straightforward but the other side is still boggy. The first camp was not good but if you walked up the bog directly on top of it there was a source of clean water. We slept at the second camp; 59.5, which felt the best of all three, there was water, a little muddy but the third camp looked dry. <br /> <br /> Day4. <br /> You can make a small short cut on a wide &quot;road-trail&quot; just before the RR turns off from the main trail towards puesto 61.8 [Nov 2024: included in our suggestions]. Crossing the bottom valley here is still very boggy. The lady at puesto 62.9 was very welcoming, offering food/chocolate/coffee. She had some angry dogs but they behaved well once she called them. The next puesto up from her had the dogs that bit a past GPT hiker. They were indeed the aggressive type but the lady tied the worst one up in order to let us pass. If she hadn't we were going to skirt around on the right into the forest to hopefully avoid them or you could descend back down the hill and go far left.<br /> Like Veronica said there is some water at -38.41178, -70.99125, not tasty but not filtering it had no consequences. At the intersection of RR and J, I met some friendly carabinieros that were going into Argentina to fetch some Chilean horses, they were taking on a good trail. From the water source I just described and towards Maximiliano's puesto I did not enjoy the trail, didn't make much sense and felt I was zig zaging in the valley for no good reason. <br /> Day got better once meeting &quot;Maxi&quot; and his son. Jan, if you are reading this Maximiliano says hi and has only good things to say about you. I told him you were off in the mountains somewhere but hopefully will come back to visit again. He wanted to make sure people were good to us and luckily we told him we only had pleasant encounters. His neighbor down the road (Seguro?) was also extremely friendly. The rest of the way to Laguna Verde was fast, a mixture of old roads and easy trails and a CC bit. The first puesto at Laguna Verde was abandoned and we slept in the grass beside it. It was very windy and the water in the lake was very dirty but luckily we found a small dribble of flowing water near the puesto. In the morning everything was covered in frost and slightly frozen, our first freeze.<br /> <br /> Day5<br /> Our final day was easy, the ridge got a little tedious (but was surprisingly beautiful in parts) and I was very happy it wasn't a hot day because otherwise it would have been very dry and uncomfortable. We managed to avoid all barbed wire fences (even though they could be jumped because 3/4 of the fence is cow panels and just the top two lines are barbed). When you are walking down from the trail from the ridge, instead of turning left and jumping over your first fence we just went straight down towards the main road (aim for this open gate -38.63510, -71.09298), it is on the first dirt road marked on OSM branching from the main road when going into Chile from the border after Liucura [Nov 2024: now included in our suggestions]. There were a couple big dogs at the end but they were locked up. Only 1km of road walking back to Liucura, past a nice looking restaurant, and or you could just start hitching to Lonquimay if desired. <br /> We agree that you could technically resupply in Liucura, it was a very happening border stop with fruit and vegetables, sold out bread and then all the other basics - but no canister fuel obviously. <br /> The bus situation from here is confusing as the shop owners and locals all say different things. What I gathered was that there was a bus going to Lonquimay at ~7, ~12 and ~4pm but I don't think it runs every day. Hitching to Lonquimay looked easy but we hitched to Icalma (more difficult, but we got a car in about 40 minutes or so) even though supposedly there was a bus to Icalma at 730/8/830?pm. Once again I don't think the bus runs everyday or weekends, possibly only Mon- Wed- Friday.<br /> In Icalma that was the case, if going to Lonquimay or Melipeuco there was only a bus Mon,Wed &amp; Friday. Sadly I forget the exact times but I remember the first bus was very early, leaving ~6am and then a bus to lonquimay at 3pm. Icalma had lots of little minimarkets and cheap accomodation, slept in cabana for 20mil/night (10mil each).<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> -If I was to do this trip again I wish I had more time to spend at the puestos.<br /> <br /> -The piñones are falling, also wish I doubled up on fuel in order to cook them. We tried mashed piñones in Icalma and they were delicious!<br /> <br /> -The wasps have replaced horseflies, never got sting but got bit. <br /> <br /> -Many of the trails this time of year were &quot;dirt-dust&quot; but on the bright side most bogs were avoidable. <br /> <br /> -No problems with water, only had to carry extra water on the last day after the final water stop at 87.6. <br /> <br /> -Luckily only had a few bad days of smoke, mainly when we were close to Trapa Trapa. <br /> <br /> - The road walk around Guallalí is annoying and best avoided through our new option.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR starting from the termas de pelehue / Will '''<br /> <br /> I merged onto section 12 at the termas de pelehue, where I was immediately greeted by a group of 20ish condors taking off from a patch of grass in the valley. My pace got even slower, watching them fly low around me.<br /> <br /> I went on to camp at the Banos Coyucos, easily my favorite hot springs so far. Perfect temperature, clean, but still felt natural. There were two groups of Chilean hikers there, all super friendly and generous.<br /> <br /> The next day of walking through the valleys was beautiful and pretty fast. A bit before the big climb I had my first unpleasant encounter, with a group heading down the road by ATV. The leader stopped and asked if I had authorization to hike there, I said that I didn't know that I needed it. He seemed to think that was obviously a lie. He became somewhat friendly once I explained my plans and after discovering that I was foreign. He gave me some direction advice then set off. In hindsight I figure he must have been a landowner. I did see quite a few littered beer cans afterwords, maybe he was trying to prevent that.<br /> <br /> The steep climb was tough, and I ended up camping pretty late up top. In terms of water I only saw a few muddy puddles though I didn't look very hard. There were a few ponds the next morning just over the hill. <br /> <br /> The rest of the section was easier than I expected, and not so interesting to me. I should have carried more water on the final 20km. If you want to skip the barbed wire fences you'd have to take variant R at the end of the ridge walk. I thought I could skip them with variant S but most of them were before the turnoff so I ended up following the regular route the whole way. Thankfully they were solid and pretty easy to climb.<br /> <br /> No luck hitching out of Liucura so I spent the night. There were no buses on Sunday but someone at my hostel gave me a ride to Lonquimay the next day. If you're continuing on then Liucura could work for a basic resupply, but I'm planning on relaxing a bit then skipping ahead. See busesbiobio.cl for the bus schedule out of Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> I'm still one day behind the same set of footprints I've been following all the way since section 7. I guess I'll never catch up.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-15 to 2023-Jan-18 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Termas de Pelehue (junction GPT 11, option 1 and GPT 12) - Liucura / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We connected section 11 and 12 and started at Termas de Pelehue around km 9.<br /> The first day the path was easy to find most of the time and the views were great. The canyon to Laguna Marinanqui is very beautiful. We camped after the last rivercrossing before the Laguna.<br /> <br /> To path around the Laguna involved some bushbashing and muddy ground.<br /> Until the CC ascent the path was good. The ascent itself is pretty tiring. We could not find water at the point indicated by Véronica so we continued until the first small Laguna on the plateau. That was a great spot to camp and the Laguna has clear water.<br /> <br /> The following part is not hard to navigate and continues with spectacular views.<br /> Ascending the next hill at appr. km 67 we followed a good animal path on towards the west of the hill (instead of the CC part of the RR), next to an accesible creek.<br /> Easy trails the rest of the day. We camped at the water waypoint [78.4/1775] between Laguna Escondida and Laguna verde.<br /> <br /> The next part is great and easy until towards the end of the ridge after the last ascent, where the path finding gets harder with some bush bashing parts. On the last kilometers we descended until the main road to avoid climbing barbed wire fences.<br /> The shopowner of the resupply in Liucura offered us to camp in his garden.<br /> The next morning we hitchhiked to Lonquimay. The buses from Lonquimay to Temuco leave at 8 am and 12:30 pm, not sure if there is also a later bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-25 to 2022-Dec-30 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (combined with GPT11 via GPT11-02) / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Junction at km 12.9 where GPT11-02 meets with GPT12 - Baños Coyucos - Laguna Marinanqui - Pehuenche Extortioner valley - Laguna Escondida - Liucura <br /> <br /> Absolutely beautiful section. Really loved the cross-country bits on high plateaus and ridges, amazing views. I did not have any navigation issues. I met no one 4 days in a row. <br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 Option 2 with GPT12, so I missed the Pelehue hot springs. I did find a good creek at the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 15.9 km, not dry like what Veronika and Jo found last year. I really enjoyed the camp at Baños Coyucos in an araucaria forest, and the hot springs there were great too! Perfect temperature, and not as dirty as I thought they might be. <br /> <br /> Lots of boggy cow pastures along RR-TL-V {12} [25.6+07], had trouble finding any sort of trail there. Enjoyed the trail along Río Pulul in the canyon with all the fords. All the river crossings were easy, and I found many lovely potential camp spots on that stretch. <br /> <br /> Just north of Laguna Marinanqui (where you have the option to take 12-C), there is a large marsh to contour like others have mentioned. I managed to cross without getting all muddy by closely following the regular route. <br /> The trail kind of disappears after the junction with 12-E, but following the GPS it's not too hard to reach the base of the big CC climb to the high plateau. This climb is steep, but not dangerous - you climb on grass and dirt (no scree). There was no water at the &quot;Water ?&quot; waypoint, but I found a hidden spring nearby at S 38° 21.247', W 071° 04.140'. There are also shallow lagunas up on the plateau you could get water from. After the passes coming downhill into the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, the three campsites in a row there were quite waterlogged from snowmelt. The trail was a river in a couple places there too. Lots of squishy walking, wouldn't be ideal to camp there right now. <br /> <br /> The next CC stretch after the Extortioner valley is awesome on a rounded ridgetop. There is a nice meadow and good water source shortly before reaching the next pass. From this pass all the way to Maximiliano's puesto is a good horse trail, not cross-country. <br /> <br /> After the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 87.6 km, after Laguna Verde, there is no more water until Liucura, so I filled up in order to dry camp on the ridge further along. All the subsequent CC stretches until Liucura have paths running along most of them, makes walking easier :) The final ridge walk starting at km 95.3 is fantastic, and there's lots of sheltered areas up there too where you could camp if you have enough water. <br /> <br /> I followed the regular route all the way to Liucura (ended up climbing over 4 different barbed wire fences once I was off the ridge). Hitched into Lonquimay and will be skipping down to Section 16.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-14 to 2022-Feb-15 + 2022-Mar-07 to 2022-Mar-10 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> The first day we continued from GPT11, starting at Termas de Pelehue (where you can camp, though you have to search around for non-sulfury water pushing up through the meadows). We continued along the border with Argentina. Great all-around views, decent trail instead of CC most of the time, no water at S 38° 09.380', W 071° 01.300' &lt;- in agreement with Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> We escaped to Ranquil in the south to resupply, and got back three weeks later, taking the afternoon bus from Lonquimay (mon-wed-fri, bus early the morning and in the afternoon). Slept in the refugio in the valley east of Ranquil. The road between Ranquil and this eastern valley is almost fully MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> Continued RR until the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, but took optionals 12-H and 12-5 to arrive at Pehuenco in time to take the bus Friday morning at 08:00 (also mon-wed-fri) to make sure we made it to our plane in Puerto Montt on Sunday. We skipped Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde with pain in our hearts :(<br /> <br /> We saw the camp site at 12-H and asked around in the roundabout way (&quot;do you know a camp site?&quot;) standing next to it, but no positive answer came. We camped at the pass before Maximiliano's puesto instead, where there is a little water turning into the usual cow meadow. Met Maximiliano there :)<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-21 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH 02 / Romain '''<br /> <br /> Regular Hiking Path :<br /> - There are a lot of Araucaria trees. I managed to save 2 days of food just by harvesting piñones on the floor following the path. I would recommend to not rely on it because it depends on the period, but there was plenty.<br /> <br /> - the path after Laguna Marinanqui wasn't easy to follow because it was like a swamp but once I manage to cross this humid part it was all good<br /> <br /> - Camp on Ford {12} [32.6/1299] (Rio Pulul), great place with lot of space, grass, dry wood, almost no wind when I camped there, I really appreciated this place <br /> <br /> - I did the multiple fords without removing my water shoes because there are close and it worth it<br /> <br /> - Camp {12} [17.0/1794] : I had to stay one day there due to raining conditions. Looking at the places after, it's to my mind the last place to camp before starting going uphill, it would be too windy and too cold to camp farther. During the rainy day the temperature dropped to less than 10° I think, I had to stay in my duvet. And during the night I got ice on my tent, it wasn't extreme but it was good to be well equipped. <br /> <br /> - Option 11-02 and 11-02B to reach back the regular route was the best part I did of my entire trek, with a condor flying 10-15m above me, spectacular landscapes, ... I really recommend it but only in stable good conditions because it was really really windy, and going northbound otherwise 11-02B would be very demanding because of the sand.<br /> <br /> - the hot spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] and more generally the place with vapors and boiling water at some places and many condors flying around you is very impressive<br /> <br /> - Nobo : Demanding clampering, in good weather only : everything is in the title and the other commentaries well describe it. I hadn't felt really in danger following the track but I was much tense and aware of everything. It's definitely not a good idea to be there not in good conditions. And you need to have time to do it in one time, there is no place adapted to camp until the pass {11} [27.6/2174] and event just after it's still much wind, and at some point the earth/sand soil make you hike very slowly. I thank the people who wants through before me, their tracks were much helpful to see the way and to not slip in the sand. Except these points the place is beautiful and I appreciated it a lot in the continuity of the part before.<br /> <br /> Option 12-02 :<br /> <br /> - 11-05G : the road from Lonquimay start with concrete and become gravel at a certain point, but lot of people use it and without hitchhiking many proposed me to take me<br /> <br /> - transition 11-05G to 12-02 : the road leading to the ferry is really smaller than the main one, I missed it because I wasn't enough attentive to that<br /> <br /> - Ferry : the indicated opening time are : 8:30-17:30 from Monday to Friday, 8:00-10:00/16:00-18:00 on saturday ; I arrived there at 13:30 on the Monday and there was nobody to move it, fishermen told me to wait for a car but they seem to say there should be one until 1 or 2 hours so I crossed the river going up, water reached my hips and I arrived in a farmer property, people were very friendly, but should I do it again I would cross going down (easier to reach + no problem with entering a property)<br /> <br /> - 12-02 continues by crossing the river on a beautiful wood hanging bridge (12-02A continues straight), I appreciated this path with plenty of rabbits, aracauria trees and beautiful landscapes. I slept close to the river in a flat field with apple and peach trees. It seemed people are used to camp there with lot of campfire marks, really windy the day I camp there<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / Molly og Melissa'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section with great views. Definitely don't skip the two high parts unless the weather is bad. We didn't find it to be dangerously steep except for a few metres on the descent before Laguna Marinanqui, which were uncomfortable.<br /> Tábanos were better than expected, it was pretty windy. We also brought a fly swatter. It was very effective for killing those who sticked around during breaks, and gave a lot of satisfaction<br /> <br /> We took the alternative route to the east right out of Liucura due to the notes of other people. Shortly after, we saw a path climbing the mountain, and took that. Big mistake - the path disappeared quickly and left us to climb steeply through dense bamboo. We learned the lesson of staying close to the route, and this payed off. Often, when the route is marked as CC, a path exists that follows the route closely.<br /> On one of the CC sections we met a man with his animals, who wanted to know what we were doing. He said that we needed a permission from someone in Liucura to be there, and that many people came by and disturbed the animals. When we apologized and said we didn't know and that we'd go on to Laguna Verde he didn't pursue the subject and seemed friendly enough.<br /> We ended up camping on the beach by Laguna Escondida.<br /> On the descent from there to the Pehuenche Extortioner valley we passed a puesto not marked on the GPS. It seemed empty, and the gravel road was right next to it. There were some very aggressive dogs that we gave a shock, though, they quickly surrounded us. The owner got them calmed down a bit, but one of them to still took a bite of my sleeping mat on the bottom of my bag while we were calmly talking to the owner. <br /> After the Pehuenche Extortioner valley you climb a pretty tall mountain pass to an amazing high plain. The descent from here is, as others have written, very steep, not too difficult but definitely better down than up. From there you have a very nice easy trail with good views almost all the way to Laguna Marinanqui, but at the river crossing and every time there is a puesto of trail the trail diverges, and you often have to follow the less obvious trail, so it pays off to look at the GPS often.<br /> After Laguna Marinanqui we just kept our wading shoes on for the six river crossings, it worked very well. None of the crossings were difficult in any way.<br /> We camped at the Coyuco hot springs. It's a nice enough camp site with a little bench and table under the Aucaria trees, but not too many big sites for the tent. The hot springs are a little bellow, covered by some planks. They are pretty dirty but a perfect temperature, no views either.<br /> <br /> The last big ascent nearing the Argentine border was amazing and should definitely not be skipped unless the weather is bad! There is a small CC section, but most of the way through the pass there is a nice trail - stick to the route and you will find it! It lasts all the way to the gravel road to Ranquil. There is a boarder post, and a pretty flat grassy area where it would be possible to camp on the Argentinian side of the border, next to a stream. In general, plenty of water all the way to the second hot springs. From there, nothing until you reach the river in the bottom. The hot springs are in an amazing area, and would be a beautiful campsite with great views, bit requires clear and calm water. We didn't see the hot springs ourselves, but we met some Chilean tourists who liked them. <br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Generally, water is plentiful, but with some comments. We started from Liucura on midday on a very hot day, and having read about plentiful water we brought a liter each. However, there was nothing until the first waypoint, which we couldn't reach, so we ended up going down to the river in the eastern valley and camping there.<br /> Furthermore, on the ascent from the Pehuenche Extortioner valley where there are three campsites on a row, the first didn't have water and the second only very little.<br /> On the high plain where it's marked water? there was water, but very still and dirty. Would only drink it if very desperate. Shortly after joining the path after the descent there are very nice streams.<br /> We arrived in Ranquil in the afternoon on a Sunday, and hitched to Lonquimay - very challenging though, with three rides and some walking in between<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-23 / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> After i finished GPT 3 i headed down south to GPT 12 in order to hike the next couple of groups in a northbound direction since it’s more suitable to hike from down here this time of year compared to the more northern sections<br /> <br /> It was love at first sight! I was so thrilled to escape the exposed terrain of the north and come down here to this beautiful part of the country, where you can enjoy the nice shade from the Arucania trees. Got the bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 14:00 and started my trip on the optional route east of the RR to avoid previously mentioned barbed wire fence.<br /> Later I climbed up to the mountain ridge and followed the RR.<br /> <br /> After my first night I was woken up by the sound of a bunch of cows running around my tent, and a stuck my head out to find a Pehuenche man on a horse wearing a balaclava, looking at me. Was very surprised at first but he was a nice guy who was just curious about me. We took some photos of each other and I got to ride around on his horse.<br /> I general I found water to be plenty, the weather good and the trail in good condition. There are although some very steep sections every now and then where you have to be careful. I was also hit by a hail storm during a mountain pass but luckily it quickly passed.<br /> <br /> At laguna Marinanqui towards the end of the section I met a group of Chileans from Victoria who were out on a weekend fishing trip. We drank a few beers together while catching some salmon in the Laguna and after i joined on the walk back to Ranquil. We took GPT option 1 to skip the nothern hump. And on arrival at Ranquil they gave me a ride back to Lonquimay. Great fun!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / Lauric'''<br /> <br /> Took optional #002 east of regular trail to avoid climbing over barbed wire. It is an easy road. Then we climbed up on the ridge with optional #003. Not exactly on the track but we found a trail going up. On the ridge it's amazing with 360 views. Easy walking too. Optional down in the valley would be easier but less rewarding. Continued our way to the pass 1920m (after taking mate at Maximiliano's puesto). At the pass we left the regular trail to end up on a descending road. Easy descent to optional 12-04-#001 and easy walk in the valley. From there we avoided the extortioner and up to the second pass (2120m). The views are amazing. Very steep and CC descent. Wouldn't have liked to go up this part. From the pass to laguna Marinanqui is pretty boring but easy part. Laguna is very beautiful and a great place to camp. North of laguna is ankle deep in cowshit. We got up by the river to the termas. There are 2 pools. Then we headed town to Ranquil to finish the section. Carabineros let us camp on their field. Bus to Lonquimay Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6AM and 5PM in front of the police station.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-24 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR mostly / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At the high lakes I continued on RR-CC-I@12-57.1+7.5, a spectacular traverse but at the end there is a very steep &amp; slow descent on rock, scree &amp; sand. I would consider this descent to be dangerous &amp; best avoided by taking the Pehuenche Extortioner variant. After Maximilian's Puesto I took OH-MR-V@12-03-#001out to the road then into Liucura. At least 2 places to stay there, they both have a restaurant. Also a cafe &amp; 3 shops, you can resupply easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Ending at ranquil carabineros / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Just hiked to The hot spring from the top of section 11. Not much to report. Hot springs were luke warm. There’s some sort of makeshift hut covering them. Nice camp there though. We got a hitch when nearing the carabineros to Lonquimay. Wouldn’t usually count on this though. Definitely middle of nowhere. Apparently the bus comes at 5.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 03 / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Start: Termas de Pelehue, End: Primary road towards Lonquimay<br /> Amazing section. The Termas de Pelehue are gone due to the lack of maintenance. The second hot springs the same, but the fumaroles above are quite impressive! The third hot springs down in the valley are great, there are several pools just below the camp. After the second pass (2'180) we decided not to do the investigation route as it looked pretty uncomfortable to us. The descent after the third pass (1'920) to Maximiliano's puesto was a nice trail, not at all CC. There our longing for a beer was so huge that we took the optional route 12-03-#001 through the beautiful araucaria valley. Believe it or not, shortly before arriving at the primary road there came a bus, taking us to the junction, from where a connecting bus to Lonquimay was leaving, everything within 10 minutes :-) Excellent resupply and accommodation in Lonquimay, funny town.<br /> <br /> * '''15-Jan-2020 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Spectacular section, some of the best scenery we have seen so far! Some of the ascents and descents are quite steep and technical. There is lots of loose rock and no easy track to follow. It was quite windy and all the high passes are dangerous in poor weather. The trail is also overgrown and difficult to follow in some sections. This makes it slower than you might expect, however it is perfectly doable. Good resupply in Licura at the end of the section, as well as nice places to stay (around 20000 pesos for a double). <br /> <br /> * '''9-Jan-2020 / 5 days (GPT11 + GPT12) / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 2 Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 11 and 12. It took us 5 days including one zero because of weather. Patagonia showed us bit of it's potential in these two sections. <br /> All walked trails were in good condition and CC sections pretty easy to navigate. In the sadle of section 11, because of strong wind, poor visibility and fresh snow and ice we were forced to take optional to the valley. There is a big snowfield, I don't recomend sliding on it all the way. It the lower parts there were big holes into the stream. <br /> From Ranquil we took optional #002 because we didn't want to climb back up. Uphill is more a minor road, downhill nice trail. <br /> After a laguna we took a optional to the Pass 2180 and road around the Pehuenche Extortioner. We needed to get down from elevation ASAP bacause of wind. We passed puesto early in the morning and no one was around. After rainy day everything above 2000m was white. We took trail to pass 1920m which was just with bit of fresh snow and then took minor road #001 down to valley. So I have no idea about the rest of the trail.<br /> Edit: adding a picture from the last sadle 1920m, we did after &quot;rainy&quot; day.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR from Liucura without the northern slope, so we went directly to Ranquil from S38°12.723' W71°05.208'/ Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 11days on the trail, of which we spend 1.5 in the tent due to bad weather. The route is free except for one fort, but there is a workaround. Also we had a couple of navigation problems, which cost us several hours. See recent alerts and suggestions.<br /> <br /> We liked: The quickly chang landscape and its huge variety, beautiful cinematic views, funny animals, that water was always available, bathing in the rivers, beautifully blooming plants.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The problems we encountered due to navigation mistakes, the hailstorm on the mountain ridge, beercans that people drop on the paths.<br /> <br /> We bluntly hated: The amount of horse flies. In the northern part we were not able to make one step without having at least five buzzing arround our faces. This army of blood suckers was sent by a source of pure evil to annoy hikers.<br /> <br /> The following is a chronological accumulation of all our observations made in the last 11 days. Note for navigation difficulties that we walked northbound.<br /> <br /> - The most southern CC part direclty north of Liucura is now bordered by fences. You have to follow the path and then go left through a gate. The gate on the western fence is some 80m further south than you would expect. It was locked and we had to carefully (barbed wire) climb over it. It might be a lot easier to take the optional route in the east to get up the ridge.<br /> <br /> -We were unable to find and follow the path at S38°24.881' W71°00.281' down to the valley. We endet up on a path a little further south. However, this path starts to lead further and further south, so that at some point we startet to ge back to the original path through the woods, which did cost several hours.<br /> <br /> - Getting up the mountain at S38°24.450 W71°01.871' we startet ca 300m further north than indicated by the CC route due to fences and rivercrossing opportunities in the valley. (We thought CC means come up with your own route anyway.) At ca 1720m of altitude, still 300m north of the indicated route we found a good looking path leading up the mountain and followed it. At its end we assumed it would not be a bad idea to continue from here on in north west direction up the mountain. We now know it was a very bad idea. We ended up in a very uncomfortable and seriously dangerous climbing situation in which we really did not want to be. So our advice: stick to the route here!<br /> <br /> - The Ford-125 (S38°20.908 W71°09.294') looks impassable right now. You can avoid it by using an improvised bridge about 120m further west.<br /> <br /> - At roughly S38°17.091' W71°01.354' the path broke away into a very steep descent. It is passable, but also slippery and includes a certain risk of which you should be aware.<br /> <br /> - The daily bus out of Ranquil does not stop at the busstation because it is too large to reverse there. You have to walk down the street ca. 2km to where a bridge crosses the river. The bus reverses here and does not go up further up the road. Right now it stops there at 6 in the morning.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> 2023- 2023-Dec / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn<br /> <br /> Accomodation : in Troyo there are some cabanas, just ask in the little shops <br /> <br /> - Resupply : big supermarket in Lonquemay / at the end of section 12, 30km down the road there is a village ' Troyo' where there a few small shops where you can find resupply<br /> <br /> ------------------<br /> Ranquil - no shop but there are families who sold us sopaipillas<br /> <br /> Lonquimay - Supermercado Espinoza next to the bus stop has most things. A little shop on the left hand shortly after the bus terminal when walking from the bus terminal towards the center has gas. The shop has different air mattresses, clothes and some outdoorsy things in the windows. There's also a ferretería that might have. Several accommodation options. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Ferry Option 02: no service on weekends (March 2024), no timetable at the ferry port<br /> <br /> *To Liucura<br /> Updated Jan 2022:<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Liucura (goes all the way to Icalma) Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:30am (+ 15:55?), 5 hours of travel. Leaves Liucura at the bus terminal next to COPEC at 12.<br /> Also busses from Lonquimay to Liucura Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15 and Tuesday+Thursday at 14<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Lonquimay every day - Monday-Saturday 15:55, Sunday 17:30<br /> There may even be busses from Santiago to Lonquimay<br /> <br /> *Ranquil<br /> Updated 2022, Jan<br /> Bus from Ranquil to Lonquimay (on Mon, Wed and Fri at 7:30am from the village<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Ranquil Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15:00 - bus terminal next to COPEC<br /> Buses to Troyo leave every day and can drop you off at the crossing to Ranquil, about 30-40 km, but hitching might still be difficult from here<br /> <br /> *If skipping section 13-15:<br /> We went from Pucón to Temuco, but it seems to be the long way around. It might be worth it to ask around in Pucón whether there is a rural bus to Curacautin, and from there to Lonquimay, as that seems way faster on the map - alternatively it could be possible hitching this route.<br /> <br /> *Lonquimay<br /> <br /> March 2024:<br /> Lonquimay to Icalma Mo, We, Fr at 12:00 and 19:30. Bus company Erbuc, 3200 Peso. 2h ride.<br /> <br /> Update 2022, Feb<br /> <br /> Bus from Santiago - Terminal Sur to Lonquimay leaving at 21:40 and arriving around 8:00<br /> <br /> Company : Jet Sur<br /> <br /> $26.000 for semi-cama<br /> <br /> Commentaries : really comfortable, nice and professional people, USB-plugs, I took it on Sunday night, it was the only one on Sunday, I don't know if there are some on the other days<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT12 - Río Rahue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664133.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Araucarias on GPT12]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664142.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664125.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664136.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664138.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT10_(Laguna_El_Barco)&diff=123991 2025-08-25T06:10:20Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - GPT10 Option 1 (Termas Pucon Mahuida) and Option 2 (Cumbre Copahue): I added in 2025 additional routes east of the regular route. In good weather and with the vulcano being calm, these more remote routes are more adventurous but might require some exploration.<br /> <br /> - GPT10 Option 3 (Ruta Fronterra): This completely new route was suggested and investigated by Manon and Robin and connects GPT10 Option 1 with GPT11 on a more eastern route by traversing the mountain ridges along the border to Argentina. This route bypasses the more populated valleys along the regular route where in rare cases some tension with the local Pehuenche population was reported. This route also bypasses Guallali. Thererfore, more provisions are required.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *'''2025-04-11 to 2025-04-13 / 2.5 days / NOBO / Hiking / RR, 10C and 10D (Laguna Liay) / Peggy<br /> <br /> Day 1: I left late after having a long conversation with Romina at Guallali. I found a good spot before the camping at Laguna el Barco, on the heights above the lake, sheltered from the lake's humidity where I could make my evening and morning fire.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Crossing the camping area was deserted at this time. I climbed up to the plateau where I met some motorcyclists (Saturday). At first, I grumbled to myself because of the noise, but they also have the right to enjoy the place in their own way! Come on, Peggy! And in truth, I just followed their tracks all day until I reached Laguna Liay, where I arrived at the right time to take a photo of them! The descent to the lake was a bit tricky. I tried 10C, but I couldn’t find the trail and it seemed very steep. I went back to 10D, which I had tried initially. I got half-lost in the bamboo, losing then finding the cow trail. Once down, I just got some water and then went back up. No way I was going to sleep by the lake in the cold and humidity (autumn, of course!). Once at the top, I took some time to find the right spot (humidity, wind, flat if possible, and maybe a view...). It was late, but I found it, collected some wood, made my fire, and enjoyed the view with the full moon. I slept well!<br /> <br /> Day 3: Descent to Trapa Trapa. All the puestos were closed at this time. I didn’t meet anyone. I went straight to the lodging point km0.3 at Mireya’s place and stayed there for 2 nights knowing it would rain all day (and snow at higher altitudes). Be careful, in Trapa Trapa, there’s only network with Wom and maybe Claro. Otherwise, there’s Wi-Fi at the health center (Posta de Salud, at the center – didn’t need to enter a password, connection accessible from the outside).<br /> <br /> <br /> *&quot;2025-02-17 to 18/ 2 days, SOBO, RR, Henry and Emilie:&quot;<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> After waking up at a beautiful campsite just outside Trapa Trapa we went down to the store where we bought some more sugary snacks as well as half a kilo of fresh honey! (Possibly too much?) We continued South through Trapa and before leaving were also able to buy some fresh eggs. The trail is well troden through the valley and it is very beautiful though dusty. We came across two very easy fjords through the day and camped at (S 37.812384° O 71.274833°). Throughout the day there were a few aggressive puesto dogs, it seemed to me though that they were smart enough to back off when I raised my stick at them.<br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> After waking up we made our way up to Laguna Liey. A steep but short climb. Getting down to the lake though was another matter. It's steep and for us confusing, we lost the trail on the way down and ended up doing some bush bashing. Made it eventually though, filled up water for the last time until Laguna del Barco (there is no water on the plateau). The way OUT of Laguna Liey was very rough for us. The tracks seemed to lead us straight up a cliff, eventually we made it out my following horse tracks around the cliff to the left. Rest of the day was moderatly easy but long, made it to El Barco after dark and were able to pay for a very slanted campsite (S 37.941382° O 71.284620°) (8000 each). Lots of people selling snacks and bread there and we managed to score some cold beers. The next day we hitch hiked from El Barco back to Los Angeles not completing the section to instead head down South.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-19 to 2025-02-20 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Natalie&amp;Tomas option 3 from GPT11 (border ridge), option 1&amp;2 (Cupahue ascent), RR / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume : both Volcan Cupahue option (1&amp;2) and Natalie&amp;Thomas option (3) to connect GPT11 near argentinian border are really amazing and made to be combined if you can do without Guallali food supply. We highly recommand it if the weather is good. (Thanks a lot Natalie&amp;Tomas !)<br /> Coming from GPT11 we camped at the abandonned puesto at -37.978400, -71.141083 (very good camp spot : peasible, water pool, beautiful araucarias with pinones supply).  <br /> Day 1 : Abandonned puesto from GPT 11 &gt; Camp at 2170 under Cupahue <br /> We climbed the ridge dividing the valley in into two following Natalie&amp;Tomas tracks to the north. With the trail slope before the ford, the ascending BB&amp;TL ridge is truely easy. Then easy CC to join the main ridge at about -37.958580, -71.142415 and then following the ridge to the east until the summit/plateau (on the north side sometimes). Really good views on Cupahue and Collaqui following the ridge to the north. We joined and went down the Paso Pucon Mahuida non-used MR until to reach option 1. Passing by the hotsprings which seem ok, we went up until a camp at 2170 under Cupahue glacier at -37.87753, -71.19874. Volcanic ground was pretty easy to hike finally. <br /> Day 2 : Camp at 2170 &gt; Cupahue ascent &gt; Trapa Trapa<br /> Easy CC to the summit (beautiful crater and view) and way down to highest puesto, with also spectacular views to the north. From there, we followed a path with only 100 meters of easy BB (between option 1 and option 1A) and then Option 1 and RR to Trapa Trapa. <br /> We conclued then 6,5 days of GPT 12, 11 and 10 and slept at welcoming Mapuche family home at &quot;Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956]&quot;.<br /> Manon and Robin continued NOBO and I (Thomas) took the daily 6am bus to Los Angeles. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-05 - 2024-02-06/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Elijah and Michael'''<br /> No water on plateau after Laguna Liay as previous notes.<br /> <br /> Camping at Laguna Barco 8000 CLP per person. Hot food such as sopapaillas, tortillas, completos, etc available. Minishop has snacks, cookies and drinks.<br /> <br /> Shop at Guallil had sufficient options for a limited resupply - soups, ramen, pasta, biscuits, etc. Shop also provided accommodation for 30,000CLP including cena and desayuno. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2024-01-31 to 2024-02-03 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Chris &amp; Julia'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful araucarias (and yummi piñones), pretty easy trail, Laguna El Barco less romantic and more overcrowded than expected but nice food! No snow, no fords worth mentioning. Also possible in less time.<br /> <br /> Day 1: started after resupplying in Trapa Trapa (only cookies) in the afternoon. Camped at [S 37° 45' 18.08&quot; W 071° 17' 01.75&quot;] ~6km (first possible camping spot with water and flat ground). A lot of arieros passing. <br /> <br /> Day 2: A lot of puestos. Last water at 14.5km. Trail to the pass is very beautiful, stunning araucarias. We also harvested some low hanging piñones. We reached two by hand (twisting, not pulling, worked for us). For another we used a rope stretched between two long branches. A bit tricky, but it worked. They are not ripe yet, but they taste good raw and even better roasted. We camped at Camp {10-d} [0.1/1658] to avoid walking 19km without water. The Laguna there is really just a dirty pond, we spend hours (!) filtering water for two people with our befree, would not recommend sleeping there.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Nice and easy trail. We followed a wrong trail at [S 37° 56' 01.04&quot; W 071° 18' 15.57&quot;] for ~2.5 km. At Laguna El Barco we had to pay 8000 CPL per person for camping (has bathrooms + showers). It was pretty crowded (guess because of weekend?). But there were 3 small stands with nice food (Tortillas, Sopaipillas, Completos, some meet stuff, <br /> Softdrinks, &amp; Mote con huesillo -&gt; you should try, super nice chilean summerdrink).<br /> <br /> Day 4: Following the trail there is a nice Camp at the Laguna after the official campsite if you prefere a more private spot (we would have camped there if we had known). Met Tobi + Mara from Germany (Viele Grüße :D!). Hitched directly to Ralco from the road. From Ralco there are buses to Los Angeles (at least every 2hours). <br /> <br /> *''' 2024-01-29 to 2024-01-30 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 10E+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Day1: A lot of puestos on part till 14.5 km of RR. I had some really interesting talks about the Mapuche conflict and war between Russia and Ukraine. All people were friendly. Camp at Laguna Liay taking OH 10C - easy to find. After that, one woman said to me that near Laguna there is a path where crossed thieves with stolen cows from Guallalli. Very nice and quiet place.<br /> <br /> Day2: I came back to the trail tracking back and found a shortcut. Took water from the lake for the whole day. I had a strange case near Laguna in the forest. A big bird tried to attack me. The plateau is amazing. Descending to Laguna Barco at 32.1/1296 there is a puesto and a gate. I decided not to go through camping at Laguna Barco, as there were a lot of people there. Took variant 10E on MR. At km 6.0 of this variant it is possible to buy soft drinks and ice creams. Night at Guallalli at minishop 11 (0.1/951) fideos, sweets, soft drinks. Bed, breakfast,dinner 30000 CLP. Very nice place. In the evening I had a really interesting talk about the Mapuche and animals. This family is not Mapuche. There is a good net here, Entel.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-Jan-23 to 2025-Jan-26 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, 10-C, 10-E / Janboro '''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 09, 10 and 11 and took 6,5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Stunning Araucaria forests, encounters with the Pehuenche people living there, Laguna de Liay, puma tracks and puma stories.<br /> <br /> Challenges: No water on the plateau. The creek at S 37°54.077' W 71°18.470' has dried out already by this time of the year.<br /> <br /> I had lots of friendly encounters with the native Pehuenche and some not so friendly ones with their dogs. I’ve made it a habit to greet people in their language (mari mari), then approach them and introduce myself in Spanish with my name and a handshake. This led to a couple of interesting, informative and friendly conversations with lots of mutual learning.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> Started in the evening in Trapa Trapa and camped at [7.1/1181], where I met Elias, the owner of this land. He told me a lot about Pehuenche history, his hard but also beautiful and tranquil life in the mountains and about other mochileros who camped on his land.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Started late because of hip pain. Higher up the valley two people independently from each other told me that they frequently see pumas (“leones”) on the edge of the plateau, one told me he has sheep “cuando no los comen los leones”, asked me if I had a revolver to defend myself, then reassured me pumas don’t attack people unless feeling cornered or protecting their offspring. One Pehuenche asked me how I know the way. I showed him my GPS device and showed him the track. He was a bit astonished but didn’t suspect any commercial exploitation as had happened previously according to the manual.<br /> <br /> I shared Volkers feeling of awe when I saw the group of Araucarias right before the ascent to the plateau. It’s simply beautiful. Took a long food and coffee break there and ascended to Laguna Liay. On the way up, the path is partly heavily overgrown and at times difficult to find between other paths.<br /> <br /> Up there I found myself in a fairytale forest in the evening light. I hashed my first glimpse of Laguna Liay shortly before sunset and it was mesmerizing. When looking for the way down to the laguna I lost the path and did some heavy CC BB but after a couple of minutes decided this can’t be the right way, double checked my location using the GPS and found the correct path. Still overgrown, but recognizable and easy to walk.<br /> <br /> Camped close to the spot indicated by Nimrod &amp; Tamar. Pure beauty and tranquility!<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> Purified and packed enough water for the day and then continued my ascent to the and way over the plateau. Shortly before the intersection X {10} [17.7/1676] I discovered my first puma tracks.<br /> <br /> Checked the little creek at S 37°54.077' W 71°18.470': It has dried out, so the last chance to fill up water before the plateau is at Laguna de Liay (as described in the manual).<br /> <br /> At a rock close by I took a siesta/food/coffee break. Lorenzo, a Pehuenche in his sixties, came up from the valley in his horse with three dogs, and had them drive his cattle downhill. He then turned around, rode towards me and offered to carry my backpack on his horse all the way down to Laguna del Barco. I was amazed by this generous offer, but still wanted to carry it myself, so I thanked him many times but declined. Later met him next to his house at X {10} [32.1/1296], where we took photos together and exchanged numbers.<br /> <br /> Camped at Laguna de Barco and filled my hungry stomach with a churrasco, a huge serving of French fries, a fruit shake and a Coca Cola. The restaurant closes around 21 opens at 8 in the morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> Bought a sopaipilla (similar to the hungarian lángos) and two tortilla breads and took the variant 10-E to Guallalí. Bad decision because 10-E seems to be the only way to get from and to Laguna de Barco by car, so I got to eat a lot of dust. Good decision, because I got offered a ride a couple of times (politely declined) and one passing driver gifted me cookies and fruits (gratefully accepted). There’s also a house where they sell ice cream. I asked a couple of people with chicken on their yards, if they sell eggs. None had any because most hens don’t lay that time of the year due to the heat as I learned later at the Guallalí shop. In Guallalí, shortly before the police station, I got invited for a coffee, soft drink, tortilla bread with butter and a friendly and very interested conversation with the elder couple who lives there and their family from Los Ángeles. When I left, they also gifted me cookies.<br /> <br /> Bought a can of tuna and a pack of tomato sauce at the shop in Guallalí and continued to GPT11.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-18 to 2025-Jan-20 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH10C+D (Laguna Liay) / Nimrod &amp; Tamar'''<br /> <br /> 1st day:<br /> After buying some supplies from a family we started hiking up the valley.<br /> There were some unmarked puestos and tons of nice places for camp.<br /> We asked permission from the family in a puesto to camp in their area and camped at (). <br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> Last water point is near puesto [14.5/1297]. Next water point is near Laguna El Barco on RR or Laguna Liay.<br /> <br /> There was a trail crossing at approx (-37.83314, -71.27040). We didn't notice it because the trail which is not on the files is much more clear, and walked on it for 200 meters until we felt something is wrong, and turned back. It might be easier trail up.<br /> <br /> OH (10-C) until approx 1 km is partly easy CC because of the fire. From 1 km to 2.1 the trail has changed but it was easy to follow.<br /> <br /> TL(10-D) does not exist and was hard BB so we skipped it. There might be another trail going down to the Laguna but we didn't look for it.<br /> <br /> Camp {10-d} [0.1/1658] is really poor in comparison to the lagoon beach. It was a dirty pond with a lot of cows around. So we hiked back and camped on the beach at (-37.83347, -71.28245).<br /> Had afternoon swim and really nice view!<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> Easy trails until laguna El Barco. We harvested low hanging piñones we found at (-37.84210, -71.27454).<br /> We recommend bringing a 15 meters cord. We had only 4 meters. The piñones were not ripe yet but were sweet, and could be eaten fresh without roasting.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Barco we had to pay 1000 clp per person only for entrance. There was a small stand which sold fresh tortillas and some junk food. We had a Churrasca, coke, and ice cream 😋.<br /> <br /> We discovered that the bus to Los Angeles departs Gulalli at 5:30 so we put an effort to get there before darkness.<br /> When it was completely dark we saw a bus parking in a yard, 1 km before Gulalli! Happy and excited we discovered it was the driver's house, which let us camp in his garden and take a hot shower in his home.<br /> <br /> The first bus stop is at the police station and the ride takes approx 5 hours and cost us 3500 clp per person.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-09 to 2025-JAN-10 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Alex '''<br /> Found an excellent campsite: S37° 46.967' W71° 16.896', right on the riverbank and free of cow manure. The river pocket was teeming with trout during the evening feed. A small fly or tenkara gear is recommended for fishing.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-24 &gt; 25 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Il restait un peu de neige alors j'ai trouvé de l'eau facilement.<br /> Juste avant le Laguna El Barco il y a un camping 5000CLP/nuit pour emplacement, douche glacée, eau potable, électricité et poubelle. J'y suis allé car c'etait marqué qu'il etait interdit de camper près du lac...<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-22 to 2024-DEC-23 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A straightforward stage dominated by a relatively flat plateau with araucarias. A highlight of the journey was swimming in Laguna El Barco. We set off from Trapa Trapa in the late afternoon along a pleasant gravel road, carrying food for two days. After the ford [9.5/1171], the trail continues through a beautiful and wide river valley, where several puestos are located. We camped at a nice spot, Camp [14.1/1269], under the araucarias. There, we each collected 3 liters of water, as there was none on the plateau, except for one location (-37.90128, -71.30783), where there was a small stream that was not marked in the track files. It’s possible that this stream could be dry during peak summer.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the plateau was taken via a more well-trodden and gradual path (approximately 300 meters longer than in the track files, but more frequently used). The plateau itself is a paradise of araucarias with views of Volcán Callaqui. After descending to Laguna El Barco, we first paid 1000 CLP per person for entry at point Lake, Camp [32.9/1292], and then enjoyed a pleasant picnic by the lake while swimming. It’s a beautiful lake. <br /> <br /> The route to Guallalí mostly follows a pleasant MR, although it can be somewhat monotonous at times. Upon arriving in Guallalí, we stocked up on supplies for two days for the GPT11 stage at a small shop, Shop {11} [0.1/951] (Mini Shop). They had pasta, rice, tuna, jurel, cookies, and soft drinks.<br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-16 to 2024-Dec-18 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Not much to say for this section it's pretty straight forward. We did it in a relaxed 2.5 days to avoid spending the night in Trapa Trapa but its easily doable in 2.<br /> <br /> 25.2km water - there was a small stream flowing well here. Could have saved us carrying so much water to camp up on the plateau.<br /> <br /> Resupplied at the red shop (S 37.42745, W 71.15386) in trapa trapa, they had ramen cookies, chocolate etc. She also sold us a big loaf of bread. Not great for a full resupply but enough for us to top up for a few days.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 9<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''24-12-11 - 24-12-12/ 2 days/ SOBO / RR/ Volker'''<br /> A section of beauty and peace <br /> There are few technical things to say about this section, perhaps this: on the way from the valley up to the pass use your device more often than you might feel it is necessary. There are many trails and yours is often not the one you see in front of you, but the overgrown or blocked by a broken tree to your right or left. <br /> The moment you arrive at the first Araucaria trees (though some on the way down to Trapa Trapa on gpt09) is just overwhelming. Camped at Laguna Liay, when I arrived there, I just didn’t want to leave this place. <br /> Day 2: After the short first day, this one promised to become a long one. The plateau is just breathtaking, even after 08+09 the days before. At Laguna El Barco no food, no wifi, but a great opportunity to cool down in the lake. Some km later on RR the MR (good to walk, few rubble, shadow) passes a house, the sheep ran away from me, a lamb left behind, I draw the attention of a woman to the lamb - and was invited for lunch with that very nice „spanish“ (not Pehuenche) family. <br /> Arrived at Guallali at 6.30 p.m., presented at the carabineros (very friendly!), the officer brought me to the „shop“, which is hidden in a garden house (don‘t expect any meaningful resupply). <br /> Camped not far, to the right of RR11, in a small valley beyond some Eucalyptus and Araucaria trees (river not far, but deep down). Two women passed by, first sceptical, then offered to join them and get some bred (declined).<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''3Dec2024 - 5dec2024 / hiking SOBO / RR -varC - RR / 2 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> The ascent and descent of the plateau are awesome, full of araucaria trees and beautiful landscapes of the montains around. Sad that I've to hurry because of bad weather comming. <br /> Fords : easy <br /> Snow : big snow fields from about 1700m alt but easy to cross. <br /> Water : still full on the plateau at this period. <br /> Navigation : often many paths but easy to find the good one with the GPS. A bit more difficult to follow on the ascent after puesto at 14.5. And also around the pass cause the path often goes under the snow fields so needed more gps to stay in the good direction. <br /> Var C : the lake is really nice. Made it with not so much bushbashing by staying closest as possible to the tracks, gps in hand at least at the begining. <br /> Camp : around 8km (water) and camping at laguna el barco was open (5000 CLP/pers/night) <br /> <br /> Arrive in Guallali before the rain : <br /> Eat and sleep at the point mini-market with Romina and her family. <br /> 30kCLP for bed + lunch + dinner + breakfast. <br /> Mini market : pasta, soups. <br /> <br /> Entel phone coverage. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 2024-Nov-26 to 2024-Nov-28 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - C, D / Karin<br /> <br /> Camp: camp near laguna Liay (km0.1 var D) / Campamento Laguna El Barque (km32.9)<br /> <br /> The MR/trail is easy to follow, except for the ascent after puesto km14.5, where the trail is no well visible. All along the valley from Trapa Trapa to the late puesto were a lot of small streams running over the road. Some were easy to cross without getting wet feet, others were a bit bigger, but never more than mid-calf.<br /> <br /> From an altitude of 1760m was still snow. The snow on the pass and the plateau was managable, but slows down quite a bit and makes navigation more challenging. This on a distance of about 8km. <br /> <br /> As there is still snow, there is a lot of water. Even on the plateau were a few streams, which will probably dry out during summer. <br /> <br /> The camping at the Laguna El Barque was still closed. I asked two men how were working on the cabañas if I could pit up the tent anyways. This was not a problem and they did not charge me for this. At the camping were sanitary instalations, tables...<br /> <br /> I arrived Guallalí at 12hrs. Because of the snow, I decided to go to Los Angeles. The carabineros station was empty, so I went to the minishop (gpt 11 km0.1) and asked when the buses leave. The owner told me that there is only one bus everyday at 5.30 am. But I could try to hichhike. While waiting, two locals came by and told me that in the next community (Chenqueco) are more cars going to/in direction of Ralco and that from there I would be more lucky. <br /> About 5min later a car drove by and took me to this community. From there I hichhiked again.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-19 // 1,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I was a bit anxious on that section because of a big fire on the valley of the vokcan Copahue. Everything was under the steam all around, and with a big smell of fire. Few helicopters passed, and I was seriously questioning myself to continue or not. <br /> <br /> Fortunately for me the track change of the valley to reach the beautiful Laguna El Barco. <br /> <br /> It was late on the season so there were absolutely no one there. But In season that would be a great camp spot (event if it's probably popular and not so quiet as there's a lot of camping places). <br /> <br /> Fill your water at the bottom of the valley because when you'll reach the plateau you'll have no water at all, until you go down to the valley. <br /> <br /> Plateau is pretty nice, met a lot of people up there harvesting piñones. Easy horse track to follow. Ground is sandy and very steamy on the way down. Then you arrive on a valley with lot of water and lor of arrieros, great to chat with some of those that are leaving around there. <br /> <br /> I crossed the Ford {10} [9.5/1171] then camo just after that. Had a great and quiet night there, happy to clean myself after a very dusty day, but I reckon it's gonna be like that for few sections further north aha ! <br /> <br /> Then easy track, gravel and road. No more ford to cross. Until the tiny trapa trapa. <br /> <br /> Locals sent me to a kiosco, who Is situated very close to the point X {10} [0.0+0.3/937]. There's a ringtone, then a girl came to open the kiosco for a small resupply (tuna, fideos, chips and sweetness like candies, biscuits, and other stuff with a packaging of 90's that seems to be very bad for your body aha, but took it anyway). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-25 to 2024-03-29 / 5 days / SOBO / RR + new route + Copahue summit opt 2. + opt 1 down Copahue + Nathalie/Tomas new route + gpt11 nobo back to Guallalí / Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Started in Trapa Trapa around 15:30 and walked to right before camp 7.1. Hid in the forest to camp instead of using the nice grassy area as a lot of people on horses were using the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Felt worried about the multiple puesto dogs and the aggressive person along the RR and option 1 so decided to try a new route to eventually rejoin GPT option 2, the trail to the summit of Copahue (pronounced Copaway). Went cross country going South from my 7.1 camp for a while until I started climbing East. Eventually joined a trail that seemed to get good use. There is probably no need to go cross country if you find the start of that trail… Left the trail at -37.78784, -71.25114 and went CC again on the plateau. Met a couple harvesting piñones and chatted with them. As I was leaving, their dog nipped my ankle… so much for avoiding dogs. Stopped by Laguna Negra (-37.81527, -71.21972) for lunch and water. Camped by a small lake at -37.83042, -71.20250. Beautiful views around that area. There were patches of old (last year’s) and new (last week’s) snow. In the evening, I went to investigate a direct route to Copahue up the peak at -37.83807, -71.20001, but felt that it was a little too exposed for me and my big backpack.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Took a slightly lower route on the West side of previously mentioned peak to Copahue from my campsite which worked great. Water at -37.83722, -71.20762 and also further depending on the snow quantity. Rejoined the marked OSM trail up to Copahue at around 2,750 meters of elevation, where I left most of my gear and went to the summit. The hike down from the volcano was very slow going, I followed the OSM route mostly but at times I was in between the GPT line and the OSM line. Went to check out the hot springs, which looked gross to me. Camped at -37.89625, -71.16599, on the road leading to Argentina.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - I wanted to try the new option that Nathalie and Tomas have posted below for this section, so I followed the road to Argentina up to the valley that parallels the border and made my way to the ridge. Views from the ridge are spectacular and I enjoyed that part very much, following the border at first and ending up here: -37.95833, -71.11928. Difficulties came when I tried to come down the ridge following the route posted on FB. I backed out of the proposed “best route” as it was too exposed and scrambling-like for my liking. I ended up going down the steep talus slope for a while, traversing as Natalie described and ended up doing a fair amount of unpleasant bush-bashing to reach the trail at the bottom of the valley. There are probably better routes than the one I took though, I didn’t have the opportunity to study the satellite imagery very well before going :-). Looking back I should have walked in the creek bed earlier rather than fight with all the bamboo. Ended up with a fair amount of scratches and ripped pants. Camped shortly after I found the trail in the valley.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Used GPT11 NOBO to reach Guallalí. Stopped at the hot springs (6.6km/991) on the way to clean up a little. It was a holiday in Chile, Good Friday, and I met two groups of people from the city that were driving around this remote road for fun. Reached Guallalí and went to the carabineros station to ask about camp possibilities. They mentioned a metal bridge about 3 kilometers away but not in the direction that I wanted to go (Ralco). I hung out close to the bus stop thinking about what I would do and eventually two of them came out to talk to me again. They said that they have to be careful with strangers as they are the police and never know people’s intentions but that they’d like to invite me to have some of the lunch they had made. They also let me camp next to the station to catch the 5.30am bus the next morning after checking my passport. I think that the fact that I was a solo woman helped. As I learned from our discussion, new police officers get assigned to this station every month and stay there for the full month, so this might not be offered again in the future.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-26 to 2024-03-28 / 2 days? / NOBO / RR / Fangwen + Tobi'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11 (~8 days, relaxed). See section 12 for our tips on pinones<br /> <br /> Nothing to add that's not described below, except we found the native Pehuenche people friendly. We think it helps to great them in their language (Mari mari - hello; Chaltu may - thank you). This you can find with a bit of digging online. Would love to have interacted with them more - they seem friendlier up the valley at the puestos (not in trappa trappa).<br /> <br /> No luck finding asado in this time of year due to touristic things shutting down (including campsite at Lago El Barco, completely deserted).<br /> <br /> There is no bus out of Trappa on holidays, and didn't find anything but 2 types of cookies and ice cream at resupply point there. You can ask the locals to drive you (for a fee) - they referred to it as &quot;Fleeta&quot;(?)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-8 to 2024-Mar-11 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR B / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfields, all fordings very easy, plenty of (unmarked) water except from Puesto RR 14.5km (one stream a few hundred meters afterwards last water) to shortly before Laguna El Barco. Tabanos: 2<br /> <br /> The valley south of Trapa-Trapa is first narrow but the open ups to a wide valley with a lot of puestos, mostly inhabited, which means a lot of dogs and cows, horses, sheep around. All marked campsites are completely full of animal feces, every single decimeter is covered. I camped around -37.78551,-71.27975 on sand next to the river, sandy and stony places are the only one without extrem amounts of shit. Stayed there another day just sleeping in the tent bc of all day raining. Next camp was a nice weather camp with great views but no water at -37.89069,-71.30189. Flat spot, no shit, very quiet, some boulders and bushes.<br /> <br /> RR out of the valley up to thea area of Laguna Liay was a bit tricky. Seems part of RR are not in use anymore and overgrown ( -37.83346,-71.2705 ). I just followed the horse tracks which later went back to RR. it seems there are different paths going up.<br /> <br /> Lake, camp 32.9km: camping 8000, picknick 5000. But nobody at the gate, so I just walk in, swimm a little and try to open my first Araucaria seed cone I harvested an hour before. Shortly before I leave someone asks if I paid the entry. Sorry bro, not going to pay 5000 for sitting 30min on a bench, so I just don't understand spanish at all until he gives up.<br /> Next to Laguna El Barco a wildfire puts a lot of smoke on the water, but no fire in the sky. 2 helicopters pour water on it the whole day. RR southeast of the Laguna was not affected, the fire (actually only lots of smoke) was on the other side of the valley about 1km away.<br /> <br /> Rio Lomin had very brown-yellow water, but there are a few small clean unmarked streams further south RR.<br /> <br /> Guallali tiny shop, no sign, just go over the little wooden bridge after the police and shortly before the school. Dog alarms child, child alarms mother. Mother opens shop. Mostly cola and chips, ice cream, some cookies, 3 packs of noodles and (worst quality) toilet paper.<br /> <br /> Some really nice views at the waterless part, first massive amount of Araucaria trees, Laguna El Barco is kinda nice too, finally a lake with trees around! Lots of boring road walking at the beginnig and more so at the end of section with basically no traffic.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 28 to Feb 29 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 09 and 10 into 5 days of hiking. Beautiful sections with a diversity of landscapes: volcano, meadows, puestos...<br /> <br /> Day 0: Trapa Trapa- Camp -37.76398, -71.28171<br /> <br /> On our last day of the previous section, we hiked the first 7 km to this camp. Great bivouac spot not to be missed, next to a puesto with grass, water, horses and welcoming vegetation. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Camp -37.76398, -71.28171 - Laguna El Barco: <br /> <br /> Truly magnificent scenery and lots of puestos. The climb is pleasant and in the shade. As soon as you cross a river, it's easy (maximum knee-deep). <br /> From laguna Liay to laguna el barco, NO WATER. We initially wanted to camp between the two, but were forced to push on to laguna el barco to get water. The scenery is really beautiful and easy to walk on the plateau, and the aracaunia trees give it a unique atmosphere. <br /> Pay camping at el barco (8,000 pesos per person) with beach and friendly staff.)<br /> <br /> Day 2: Laguna el barco - Guallali <br /> <br /> A short day's descent. We stop at the bus stop indicated in the waypoints at 3pm. Only one bus a day from Guallali to Los Angeles at 5:30 am. <br /> We were lucky and hitchhiked to Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 13 to Feb 18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Var C, Var D, some off GPT track / Michael and Kasia '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 9, 10, and 11 together.<br /> <br /> TLDR: beautiful section with some very impressive araucaria forests. Technically easy but navigationally a little challenging due to so many trails branching everywhere. Laguna Liay is definitely worth visiting.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Feb 13<br /> <br /> After finishing our resupply in Trappa Trappa, we started on RR. The road was fully exposed until we got up a ways into the forest. After that I had to watch the GPS fairly closely. As has been noted previously, the horse trails fork off in different directions, sometimes rejoining and sometimes not. The trail was pretty dusty, but the forest was beautiful. There was very little water access for quite awhile. We arrived at the camp point at km 7.1 with the Mapuche family. No one was at the house so we started looking around. I found Elías in another part of the property. He was very kind and said we were welcome to camp. He showed us a nice spot near a creek set away from the road. We had initially thought to camp more in the open area but he said that the road gets a lot of traffic in the night and the are some “mala gente” that pass through, so the spot he showed us was safer.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Feb 14<br /> <br /> We started hiking early and the morning light on the landscape was absolutely beautiful. We stopped after the first ford, mid calf with little current, to have coffee and enjoy the area. We continued on passing a lot of puestos. Many seemed abandoned or falling apart, though there were people at several of them. We waved and they waved back, but they were fairly far from the road so we didn't go over to talk. We met our first other GPT hikers, Christof and Alex (hi guys! We hope you got the roasted chicken in Antuco!) We crossed the second ford, just under the knee, and had lunch and a nap and then started up to the pass. The path was mostly in forest, and though steep, we didn't find it difficult. We started on Var C to Laguna Liay sticking more to the OSM track than the GPT track. We got down to the lake and wanted to go all the way around to the north side, but part way up the trail started heading up to the plateau. We returned to the bottom and tried to walk in the water counterclockwise around the lake, but after only about 50 m there was a section where I was sinking deep into mud. We walked back to the south side beach and then walked the beach clockwise to get to the north side. There were a few fallen trees to climb over, but otherwise we had no issues going that way. On the north side there was a fairly sizable sand beach with a fire ring. We camped there.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Feb 15<br /> <br /> We took a rest day at the lake. The atmosphere at the lake was so peaceful and the scenery was so beautiful. Not one person passed through that day, and it felt really amazing to have such a quiet, serene and beautiful place all to ourselves. It got hot during the afternoon so we retreated up into the woods a bit to get some shade. In the late afternoon I went to scout Var D for the next day. There isn't a full trail there really, but from the beach looking uphill I could see a brown stripe going up. It was a short BB to get to it and then a steep up. The trail forked after maybe 50 m. I first went left, but after a while it was all dead ends and started to lose elevation. I went back and tried the right fork with a combination BB/CC and was finally able to connect to a path. From there it was easy to get up to the plateau and then to the other marked campsite which was near a pond that had mostly evaporated for the season.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Feb 16<br /> <br /> We started early to get over the pass before it got hot. We took the scouted approximate Var D up and then connected in with RR. The pass was easy and on the far side there was an incredible monkey puzzle forest. As noted there was no water. We took the OSM track up just before the descent to Laguna El Barco for the lookout. The trail down to Laguna El Barco was somewhat steep but easy to follow. At the bottom it passes through a puesto on the way to the road. The guy there also rents camping sites. The El Barco campground is somewhat chaotically managed. We arrived on a Friday and it was packed with vacationing Chilenos. Posted price was 5.000 pp for the picnic area day use and 8.000 pp for camping. They offered 6.000 pp without a table, which we took. It turns out that that is for essentially an unused parking spot next to the road. We would have left, but it was too late to go anywhere else. A very nice couple happened by as we were setting up and said they were about to leave and we could have their spot which had a table and was away from the road. We thanked them and moved up. The shop seems not to be operating this year. The small building it was in was empty and the door was just hanging open. There were two groups selling food, one at the entrance selling tortillla, a fairly large and dense bread cooked directly in the ash in the fire for 2.000 each, some smaller pan amasado, sopaipillas 500 each, a fried dessert bread dusted in powdered sugar 3 for 1.000, and churasco for 4.000. They also had sodas, 1.200 for a 591 ml bottle. The other group was at a camp just past the lower bathrooms, and two of them walked around the campground periodically as well. They had tortilla 2.000 each, sopaipillas 2 for 1.000, and some kind of tea. The second place had our favorite tortillas, we ate several of them. The churrasco was a disappointment. I was thinking Bolivian churasco which is just grilled meat. These were sandwiches with a couple thin strips of meat simmered in liquid in a frying pan and then put on huge breads with a slice of tomato, a bit of lettuce and some mayo. They were okay, but not what I had expected.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Feb 17<br /> <br /> We left late and hiked RR. On the other side is another much smaller and more laid back campground. It is run by the couple that lives there. Price was 6.000 pp with a table. They had a toilet and sinks, no shower. They sold tortillas on request, 2.000 each, but the woman, Clementina, makes them when she's making their food, so it can be awhile. We bought 5 of them and they were larger than the ones in the campground. Wrapped in paper towels and kept in plastic bags, these lasted us almost 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Feb 18<br /> <br /> We continued on RR with the intention to head to Guallalí. Along the way we meet a Mapuche arriero, Hector, at his pesto (-37.95912, -71.26119). If you pass by there and he is around, definitely make some time to talk with him. He was incredibly kind and generous, offered us coffee, took us to his animal corral to pet the goats, told us about the political structure in the Mapuche comunidades, and even showed us some of the medicinal plants in the area. He also sells goats and sheep and does asados, but we didn't ask the price. We were about to leave when a friend of his arrived to pick something up for a really important Mapuche ceremony that was finishing that day. His friend gave us a ride, which took us off the GPT track a bit, but dropped us very near a shop at (-38.01007, -71.30695) run by a woman named Maria that actually had a good selection of stuff. We bought pasta, a queso mantecoso from the region that lasted 3 days, her last can of Nescafé, some tomatoes and cucumbers, Zukos, and cookies. She also had eggs, frozen meat, sodas, beer, yogurt, a few other types of cheese, and various other things. Prices were very reasonable. She had a small table and a bench outside the shop and let us stay there to have lunch and repack. More than a dozen cars stopped by to buy things while we were there, so it seems like a pretty popular spot. From there we walked on the highway towards Comunidad Vilcuncura and on towards Comunidad Chenqueco. We passed one other shop at (-38.01473, -71.31626) that looked sizable and had a range of things, though we didn't buy anything there. In Comunidad Chenqenco we connected with GPT11 Opt 5A.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH E / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-21.9]<br /> <br /> Both Fords are easy below knee + the RR crosses a few more streams during the first 14 km. There is no water on RR after the Ford at km 14.1 until km 32.1.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [21.9-32.1] + OH10-E + RR [45.1-47.5]<br /> <br /> At km 32.1 (right before the start of OH10-E is a creek and some tables around. I think it belongs to a campsite there, but nobody cared that I did a break there. OH10-E is a big dirtroad with no water until km 8.4. I bought some cookies in the mini shop in Guallali + they allowed me to charge my power bank. After that I continued with section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-12 to 2024-Feb-14 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Guallali - Trapa-Trapa / RR + Option D/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a nice and easy section. For us, the Laguna Liay would deserve to be on RR. It was one of the most beautiful and peaceful campspot we had this season.<br /> <br /> We also camped on the official campground at Laguna El barco. It was still 8000 CLP pp and the place was crowded with all the Chileans on holiday. The beach is nice but the campground is really dusty (as most of the section). There were also two families selling food (tortillas, sopaipillas and some other things).<br /> <br /> By the way, there is no more snow on the plateau so take plenty of water to cover the distance between Lago El Barco and Laguna Liay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-14 to 2024-Jan-16 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> From Trapa Trapa I went in this long valley, it is pretty packed with puestos. Had to check a few times the GPS in there, was quite often on a wrong trail. Many puestos create their own trail network…Went up to Laguna Liay and camped directly at the shore. I figured out two reachable beaches where you can put on one or two tents, one beach at the NW-shore, the other SE-shore. I camped at the second. Option 10D brings you down to it, but actually I could not find a real trail. This Laguna is just an amazing place, for me there was not just silence but peace! The special echo in this place has an effect. Next day I went to Laguna El Barco, for camping you have to pay. A huge laguna, beautiful, but with a check in and all the rules which apply. I do not like this. I went further and a few km before Guallalí I asked a Settler if I could sleep on his Eukalyptus plantation. The 3rd day I walked to Guallalí and stocked up for GPT 11 in the minimarket. For cigarettes I went to a house at -38.050512, -71,272100. There is a woman who sells tobacco and if you kindly ask her she might sell you one of her homemade bread loafs. Ask for the house of Cololo.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-04 to 2024-Jan-05 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {10-C} - RR - {10-E} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> After have a nice breakfast with the lovely family, i keep going south.<br /> <br /> Km0 - km13.6 : easy walking, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km13.6 : junction of RR and {10-01}.<br /> <br /> Ford[14.1/1269] : if you are not decided go to {10-C} or visit Laguna Liay (lake), it is the last water until km33 Laguna El Barco ( or a stream just before this lake ).<br /> <br /> Km14.47 : climb up start, the entrance is beside the corner of wooden fence.<br /> <br /> Km15.65 : a sharp turning, after here trail become very overgrown, until km15.9. At km15.65 and km15.9, i both saw a clear path going to east, I'm not sure is it a new reroute by local and are they connect or not.<br /> <br /> Km16.1 : junction of RR and {10-C} , I don't decide go for walk around the whole lake, but just want to visit it take a look, and collect some water.<br /> <br /> {10-C} km0.33 : (-37.83379, -71.27817) a sandy slope steep going down, the trail to Laguna Liay (lake) is here, you can see some trail trace on the sandy slope. A little overgrown and sometimes fallen tree block your way, but mostly you can step over them. About 10min you will arrive a sandy beach (-37.83326, -71.28031) at km0.5. Not a camping spot, but here have some big trees fell in the lake, easy walking on them go to the lake for collecting better water. Good view point of Laguna Liay with Volcán Callaqui, i also saw some beautiful ducks with red brown body and blue beak swimming here! <br /> <br /> After collecting water and a long nap, i decided back to RR, i took another trail on the sandy slope that closer to lake side (not shown on map), it is easy to follow and easy walk, lastly join RR at km16.5.<br /> <br /> RR Km16.9 : what a beautiful grassland! Easy trail start, enjoy the land scape changing and Araucaria forest. I love this area!<br /> <br /> Pass RR [20.6/1850] : large flat area ( Most of the section10 is flat area), nice view point of Volcán Callaqui! Also the first view ( for SOBO) of Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Km26.6 : left side, Volcán Copahue!<br /> <br /> Km31.4 : pass, from dirt road to trail going down, but before going down, there is a side trail to south for climbing up a small hill, just distance 500m and climb up 70m, go for it! Excellent view point of Laguna El Barco, Volcán Callaqui, Volcán Copahue and Volcán Lonquimay( Sierra Nevada behind it?) !<br /> <br /> X[31.2/1469] : a campground with picnic table ( i think it is a paid area because a sign at front gate but didn't see anyone when i passed there) and a stream flowing nice with clear water just before it. If you don't decide go to Laguna El Barco for collecting water, it is the only water until Guallalí.<br /> <br /> Because the weather becomes worse, very windy and cloudy, also the forecast said it maybe rain at afternoon, so i took {10-E}, shorter the distance rush to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> Bus {10-E} [8.4/938] didn't find the shop that Martin &amp; Helena said (close to Bus 10-E mark.) I asked the house owner beside the bus stop, and she said no shop there. I saw a sign beside the bus stop is erased away, also a banner looks like said &quot;selling thing&quot; already being discarded on the ground, so maybe the shop is closed no more? ( I'm not sure).<br /> <br /> {10-E} km10.0 rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR km46.05 : look like a very old shop, I saw a sign for candy and cigarettes, but the house is broken and no people there any more.<br /> <br /> Shop {11} [0.1/951] : No sign for shop, it is a beautiful looking wooden house, cross a tiny wooden bridge to their front gate. A little better stock than i think before, more than the shop at Trapa Trapa and almost the same as Los Álamos. Pastas, rice, some canned food, biscuits, drinks and chips. Not picky and i resupply for 3 days food here. I asked for accommodation, and the female owner said can stay in their house, 30000 CLP for a single room(4 beds) with light, quilt and electric charger, shower(cold) with shampoo, dinner and breakfast, maybe can use their washer for laundry, but finally i use my hand for washing them, because my clothes are too dusty and don't want to pollut their machine. It has a feeling look like guesthouse at some tourist routes in Nepal, but of course the one in Nepal are much commercial.<br /> <br /> Dinner is delicious for goat and rice! Although not much enough for hiker hunger (never enough), but it is one of the best meal i eaten in Chile so far. They are super friendly, i'm very happy staying here with them!<br /> <br /> I saw a bus arrive Shop {11} [0.1/951] on friday 6pm, but I don't know where it come from.<br /> <br /> (-38.04741, -71.27506) look like is the church that Maks&amp; Gabi said. A tree with beautiful grassland, but no good water resources nearby, the river beside it is flowing brown water, also farming and people living at upstream.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 30 to Dec 31 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: beautiful secluded camping on plateau but no water. be cognizant of tensions between Pehuenche and non Indigenous people <br /> <br /> Day 1: Trail was beautiful and mostly easy to navigate. Camped that night at around 11 km on the right side of the river, pushed back into the trees quite a bit. Chose not to camp at one of the marked campsites near the puestos because I became a bit worried about the large number of beer cans I was seeing along the way, and I didn’t meet any women at any of the puestos. Though I’m sure there’s mostly very kind people in this valley and I had no encounters that made me feel otherwise, I didn’t feel like taking my chances as a young solo woman given a few past reports on this section. However, it was a challenge to find a camping spot that felt both safely hidden and like I wasn’t on someone’s land without permission (though I probably still was) - there’s many more puestos in this valley now than appear on the waypoints, and there’s also loads of cows and horses grazing! If you find yourself in a similar position to me, I highly recommend just mustering up the energy to hike up to the plateau and camp about a kilometer in. Very nice and secluded spots up there. You would just need to bring a lot of water because there’s none until Laguna El Barco. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Plateau was beautiful, but keep an eye on the GPS. As others have said, you have to pass through what is now a campsite with a gate just before the main road to Laguna El Barco, but no one was there so I didn’t get charged. Laguna El Barco camping was nice and lively on New Year’s eve. The store is still not set up yet, but the staff charged my devices for me. If you continue on the RR for about a km you will find the wooden sign for Entel service which did work for me. Just be aware that you have to walk by what is demarcated as a “dangerous zone” on Pehuenche land. I’m not quite sure what this means, but when I was walking to get service someone I passed warned me of it as well… <br /> <br /> Next day I got a ride from someone leaving the campground to Ralco (2 hour drive!). Bigger market was open even when nothing else was on a national holiday (January 1) and had good options. Camped at Camping Nativo about a 30 min walk outside of town, which is close to a great river spot and has sinks, outlets and even a shower! <br /> <br /> Given the tensions between the Pehuenche and non Indigenous people on the lands that this trail crosses, I’m curious if we, as non Indigenous hikers, should think about having a broader conversation to understand what kind of place we have (if any) in using these lands. Ideally with direct input from Pehuenche people themselves. Both for the sake of respecting the people of these lands and feeling safe as hikers. <br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 22 to Dec 26 / 4,5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; part Option 1 &amp; Completely new option / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> Note: Our path was of course convoluted. We walked the optional route 10-01 to Volcán Copahue last year. It is splendid and recommended for our option, but this time we opted for the RR, as we have not walked it previously. We came back to the area to find a new connection that would avoid almost 25 km of unpleasant roadwalking after Laguna El Barco. We suceeded, see below.<br /> <br /> We followed the regular route to Laguna el Barco. The route and the Laguna are indeed very pleasant. We paid 1000 each to be able to pass through (?) and use the camping tables for lunch. The store was closed even on Saturday (Dec 23). About 300m from the lagoon, there is a sign about Entel coverage and 4g indeed works decently there. We then took the minor road to the hot spring under Volcan Copahue (elevation 1812, name Pucon Mahuida).<br /> <br /> No cars seem to be using the road, especially the second part is quite eroded and after the hot spring it is bordering on impassable for cars. The hot spring is still nice. We then followed the road to an incredibly beautiful valley under Copahue. Few hundred metres before reaching Argentina, we left the road and shortly found a path that traversed into the valley in the south next to the border. The path petered out once we got above the bushes. It was really easy to reach the ridge and folow it (and the Argentinian border) to 37.9575000S, 71.1211474W. With snow all around on the slopes and with condors circling us, it was stunning (the ridge is mostly snow free). Made camp under the summit next to a 10m-high wall of ice for wind protection. There was no path but walking was easy, the ridge is rather flat and wide.<br /> <br /> There are three options we explored from there on. The recommended one is the last one we explored, but here they follow in chronological order. Continuing on the ridge towards Cerro Dedo would require climbing or exposed traversing (if one dropped to Argentina, one could probably find a path to reconnect to GPT after Cerro Dedos if there ius no police in the area). Instead we went down side of the mountain roughly to here: 37.9650794S, 71.1206588W (it was steep but full of stones, so not slippery and we did not think it was dangerous). Then we started traversing (it did not feel exposed, but was a bit strenuous) until about here: 37.9792148S, 71.1245764W, from where we started going down a narrow ridge that was flanked by creeks on both sides. Again it was not dangerous and first half was good CC (like all the previous traverse), the second half was part cow trail (with cow poop), part bush bashing, but surprisingly easy and painless with long sleeeves.<br /> <br /> At the bottom of the valley, we came out on a clearly visible trail. We went up it further into the valley, where there was a deserted puesto on a meadow under enormous araucaria trees with a magnificent views on snowy slopes full of huge waterfalls. We made camp.<br /> <br /> In the evening, Tomáš then went to explore a scary looking ridge to reach this peak: <br /> 37.9767704S, 71.1623784W. It turned out not to be scary. The sidehill up the ridge is mostly without trees or bushes, so it is steep but good CC. Once up the ridge, one can go around the pinacles from the southern side (left facing up), occasionally using the tree branches as support - there is a little of easy climbing, but with no exposure. Then the ridge is steep and somewhat narrow but one can mostly go up only using poles and not hands. Altogether SAC 5. It was fun and pretty, but caution needs to apply. From the top, one could easily traverse north towards here: 37.9611427S, 71.1539942W.<br /> <br /> The next day, we went up a ridge dividing the valley we slept in into two (this one: 37.9714484S, 71.1414231W). There is a trail up that branches off the main valley trail about 300 m downstream of the abandoned puesto. One goes up a slope for about 400m and then down to a ford and then up. There are a variety of cow trails with bamboo cut some time ago. It is partly bush bashing, but very easy and just a few hundred metres. Once up the steep slope, the trail is much clearer. Above the tree line, it is easy CC. Once you get up the main ridge, you can either go right to the peak we slept the days before (a walk up - no need to use hands, the rocky features can be easily skirted, SAC 3-4) or left to the coordinates that end the previous paragraph. From there one could go down to the valley in the north and either CC and ford (probably possible, but unceartain) or follow the road/path that is mapped in OSM (look it online, it was only added in late November) toward El Barco. Navigating this SOBO is much easier, we posted the GPX route of the most tricky part and a rough overall route painted over satellite image in the Facebook group and hopefully it will be included in the GPT next year [November 2024: it is in our suggstions together with a lot of exploratory options].<br /> <br /> Going down the valley to reconnect to the GPT leading from Gaulali is easy 5 km on a clear trail. Once you hit car tracks (almost in the main valley) that will soon turn left, you can probably follow one of the trails going straight and save yourself maybe a 0.5 km detour to a puesto here: 38.0095590S, 71.1391237W. From the puesto, there is a very ugly road that was enlarged this year all the way to Guallali. Going NOBO, you reconnect to the trail going to Cerro Dedos very soon and thus almost entirely eclipsing the roadwalk. Plus our proposed new route is really pretty.<br /> <br /> From Gaullali, there seems to be a daily bus leaving at 5.30 AM from in-front-of-the-turnoff-to-the-carabinieros-station. It goes to Ralco and then to Los Angeles. By mistake we first bought tickets to Ralco for 1300 and then to Los Angeles for 1500. It arrives in Ralco at 8:00 and stops there for 10 or so minutes. Next bigger stop is in Santa Barbara around 9:30. It arrives to Los Angels after 10:30. I think it goes back in the afternoon, possibly at 14:00, but ask at the station.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 dec 12 - dec 14 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR + B + C + F / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Ralco to Trapa Trapa, start of GPT10. 2 busses a day, 4.30 and 16.30. I was at the busstop at 4.10, but the driver probably didn't expect anyone and took a shortcut and therefore didn't pass the busstop. So if you want to take that one, walk 100m further to the crossing of the main road.<br /> 16.30 no problems, plenty of people taking that bus. Total of 2.5hrs to get to Trapa Trapa.<br /> <br /> Missing the bus gave me time to explore Ralco a bit, plenty of shops, turist information center and a Museum about the Pewenche. Small, but worth a visit (1000 CLP).<br /> <br /> Didn't explore anything in Trapa Trapa since I wanted to cover some gound before darkness. Did see some signs of shops tho.<br /> Easy trail, no issues here. Ended up to camp at: Camp 10 [7.1/1181]. Got woken up by some cows and horses in the morning. <br /> <br /> Took the route (C) along the lake, also with the intention to get some extra water for the plateau. Although there was plenty at the plateau (for now), at least 5 good streams and more small ones. All because of the melting snow, so I don't know for how long that will be in the upcoming weeks. <br /> <br /> Walk was easy, pass is easy, some snow/ice walking but all stable. You might be taking a little caution when it starts melting more but walk around the snow is also an easy option.<br /> <br /> I camped at the plateau, almost at the end just before you walk into the greenzone again. On the right side is a flat spot next to some trees and bushes. <br /> <br /> Next day via Laguna el Barco, some people camping there, no one at the entry so didn't had to pay anything. Easy walk again. Took option (F) and first house on the left after crossing the bridge had a sign that they sold ice cream. Stopped there, friendly people and as they told me they will sell more stuff in the future. It also looked like that, they were constructing a store, shelves, counter everything. Just no inventory yet. Unclear when they will, at least to me with my limited Spanish.<br /> <br /> Reached Guillali easily, had a chat with the local Cabaniero. He gave me a Entell Sim-card so I could have cell service. Stayed at Romina. Bed, dinner, breakfast 30.000 CLP. <br /> <br /> Really nice walk all along. Easy navigation, nice views and not really demanding terrain. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec- to 2023-Dec-8 / 2,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant G + variant E + variant C / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Jens'''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present<br /> <br /> - Snow : a little bit of snow around the pass, super easy to navigate <br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find<br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> <br /> - Resupply : there is a small 'negocio' in Trapa Trapa, and you can have breakfast with a really nice family at the 'lodging and food' <br /> <br /> - Option roads : Variant C - really nice lake, just a little bit of bushbashing to rejoin the RR<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-07 to 2023-Mar-09 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> After a night in Guallali, we continued on GPT10. This section is short and awesome, definitely worth hiking! <br /> <br /> On Day 1, we decided to reach the camping of Laguna El Barco (Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292]). We managed to get two rides that shorten the day, and enjoyed an afternoon of rest in the campground (we cooked some pinones). As other as noted, the price is 8pp and the water in the shower ice cold. We were hungry for sopapillas but sadly, this late in the season, the shop was closed. Because we asked, we were able to buy tortillas (2k each) directly from the owners for the next morning. Expect heavy bread - one half is enough for a meal.<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we hiked through the plateau. Of note, X {10} [32.1/1296] is now a gate (and a camp) and we were asked to pay 1pp for the right of way. <br /> The plateau is easy walking with a clear trail while filled with beautiful views. Better pack some water before because we did not find any before reaching the end of the descent in the forest (RR-TL-V {10} [13.6+2.5]). We camped at Camp {10} [9.6/1175], which is in a bosquet and wind sheltered.<br /> <br /> * '''On Day 3, we finished the section until Trapa Trapa and asked for lodging at Mirellas (Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956]). It costs 20k pp for room / dinner / breakfast (no hot water). We were told there are some &quot;thermas&quot; close to -37.69656, -71.29006 but when asking our way, we were told it costs 4pp to use them. It did not seem worth it so we backtracked.'''<br /> The three shops in Trapa Trapa are located at -37.71004, -71.26861 (closed when we passed by), -37.71040, -71.26661 (had various sweets, ice cream) and -37.71234, -71.25523 (the biggest of them). However, expect limited supplies (we could not find batterias nor sunscreen for the next sections).<br /> <br /> Not much more to say on this section. We initially planned to go on 10-01 for the Volcan, but were told it would be a day of heavy rain and thus stayed on the RR (finally, not a single drop, just a little cloudy and windy). <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-07 to 2023-Feb-10 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + option 01 Volcán Copahue / Natalie&amp;Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> The forest fire situation made planning for this extremely difficult. We packed for GPT 09-12 with volcano side trips but we had to skip 09 because of park closure and gamble on starting directly in Trapa Trapa. We took the direct bus to Trapa Trapa from Los Angeles, it was long... 5+hours and it leaves once a day at 2:15pm (Feb,2023). Although it was memorable, we think it would have been faster to bus to Ralco and try to hitch as there are &quot;some&quot; cars. The road condition looked as if it has been recently fixed and is being improved even more.<br /> Arrived in Trapa Trapa at ~7:30pm and started hiking right away. Beautiful town and valley. We were going to camp at km07 but there were people staying there with dogs so we moved on to the next river crossing not great for camping (there are nicer spots just a bit further). <br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Easy walk towards the junction for option 01 to volcán Copahue with a long conversation and piñone testing with &quot;Pedro&quot; from puesto 13.7. We were lucky to hike during the season that the piñones were dropping but sadly we did not find Laureline's cellphone:(. Our plan was to summit Copahue but my stomach bug came back and we stopped very early to camp, we had a few days of excess food so this was no problem. We camped near the large creek separating 01&amp;01a -37.83511, -71.24072. The smoke was also getting us down. There is water here obviously, but there is also a nice water source earlier here: -37.83542, -71.24258. This trail (01) is slightly overgrown and the &quot;aggressive puesto&quot; @ 1.2 was locked up with no one there. <br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> We took option 01a (BB) to the pass. Tomáš had tested it the day before to see if it was BB but there was a path. Although we found the path the day before, we both got lost in the bamboo for the first bit but luckily once you get under the canopy of the Araucarias, the trail is clear and non-bushy, actually it is really pleasant! In the forest there is water here; -37.83520, -71.23177 and a small broken down puesto here; -37.83893, -71.22434. <br /> Out of the forest there is a beautiful grassy (and boggy) plateau with two puestos (one occupied) and lots of water (-37.84756, -71.22044). We spoke with the lady of the puesto and her 5yr old son: genuinely nice people! There is a trail from her puesto (-37.84760, -71.22095) that goes straight up East. The trail exists until you hit a waterfall-fed creek and the rocks start; -37.85161, -71.21874. from there on it is CC on grippy rocks, dirt and boulders. Last water source before the pass is not far; -37.85768, -71.21610 and would make a nice camp. Getting to this pass, although beautiful, took a long time! <br /> At the pass we dropped our bags and followed the osm route for volcán Copahue. The osm route was better than the GPT bcs it followed a firm snow patch for a good while making walking fast. There was a good stream of snow melt on the approach (-37.86132, -71.19051) and the walk to the summit was easy, some loose little boulders. The summit was well worth it as the crater of Copahue is very impressive; a large broken glacier with a beautiful glacier lake. We think apart from our climb of Azul it was the nicest volcano so far. <br /> The way down to Termas de Pucon Mahuida was very slow going. Followed the osm route rather than GPT bcs it seemed more accurate.However it was still CC on rocks almost the whole way. Up high there is water here; -37.87362, -71.20509 and &quot;some&quot; spots for camping. Later there is a scenic valley good for water and camping, nice views of Copahue's glacier; -37.87753, -71.19874. We followed this valley down until we had to cross out of it, once leaving this valley there is no drinking water until the hot springs.<br /> We camped at the hot springs which are a good temperature, one small pool but I think there are more higher up. The area around is not good for camping and very boggy, we found one half decent spot. Unfortunately Tomáš had his turn with the stomach bug and the smoke crept in strongly overnight. We rested late until the next day. <br /> <br /> Day4<br /> We rested until late morning as Tomáš was still barely recovered from his stomach bug and walked the long road to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> The beginning of the road could have been some of my favorite scenery so far, The Araucaria trees surpassed my expectations and especially when they are backdropped with mountains and at one time an orange river (glacier water flowing through sulphur like sediment?), it feels like the era of the dinosaurs. The road for option01 had plenty of good water sources (~5x). Friendliest dogs at this puesto; -37.95898, -71.26155 and a teeny tiny amount of water.<br /> Luckily got a hitch with a local to the bus stop shortly after the intersection with 01 and RR. From there we walked about 3 km to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-25 to 2023-Jan-27 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maks&amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Really quick section. We started about 2 pm on 25.01 and finished about 2 pm on the 27.01.<br /> Nice and easy with visible trail and no problems from the locals (all of them really nice). There is no water between 14 and 33km even after rain. <br /> We stayed at Camping by Laguna el Barco and paid 8 000 for the both of us. The water in the shower is ice cold, but there are few ladies selling fresh, warm bread. <br /> The public transport from the end of the section is the bus at 5.30 (Guallali) or bus point 5.45. We tried to hitchhike but with no luck. We camped in Guallali by the river (next to the church.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-25 to 2023-Jan-27 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> We found this section surprisingly attractive - mainly the plateau was breathtaking. We spent the first night at a property of a Mapuche family (waypoint Camp - 7,1 km). Right before the ascent to Laguna Liay, there was a Mapuche family whose father approached us, he acted rather reserved from the start towards tourists (as he told us that they bring litter into the mountains) but we ended up drinking harina tostada with the family which also sold us some bread. We took the optional route which goes around the Laguna Liay and couldn't find the path so we somehow slid down the hill and went around the beach. Laguna Liay was really great to take a swim in and felt private (until a helicopter started hovering above our heads, taking water from the lake). There really seemed to be no water on the plateau - we took it from the Laguna and spent the night on the plateau - lots of space for camping there. The next day we arrived at Laguna El Barco, we didn't have to pay for the entry to the lake. The tienda there was open until 8 p.m. and had tuna, rice, pasta, biscuits, beverages, toilet paper, instant soups. There was a stand that made sopaipillas, churascos, french fries, salad, tortillas. Then there were some ladies going around the beach offering almost the same. We hitchhiked some of the last kilometres of the road to Guallalí. There's a shop as others indicated and a bus going only in the morning as written below. The chances of hitch hiking from there are rather scarce, as our Polish fellow travelers found out. There's a quite nice camping spot by the river further down the road (it's a few metres into the start of the section 11); it's not very private but people that were passing by didn't mind us camping there. Continued to section 11 thereafter. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-12 to 2023-Jan-15 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / detour past Laguna las Totoras / Will '''<br /> <br /> Another quick section, with some super unique Araucaria forests. I decided to try and find the trail to Laguna las Totoras that Jo and Veronica mentioned. The route wasn't exactly traditionally scenic, but I had a good time. The lake was more of a shallow grassy pond surrounded by thick Araucaria forest. To me it was a nice change from all the classic alpine lakes. Flat grassy bank that seemed perfect for camping. The water itself was warm and a bit muddy. I didn't see anyone along the detour, other than a few bulls at the lake.<br /> <br /> I turned off the main trail at -37.90827, -71.30880. I followed some horse tracks curving to the south along the edge of the woods. The tracks went through some sandy clearings before I eventually lost them in the woods. The woods were pretty easy travel, before too long I was out on a grassy plateau where I found tracks leading to the mirador marked on openstreetmap. Went up the road through some inspiring woods to the lake. I then walked south along the not very scenic road back to the main route.<br /> <br /> Could be a nice option to take if you're in the mood for a change from the open alpine trail.<br /> <br /> Other than that I missed the turnoff to the Laguna liay and decided to try bushwhacking straight through. Had a good time going off trail due west to the bottom right corner of the lake, open woods with a few pretty easy scrambles up/down rocky cliffs. Had a worse time trying to head southeast back to the main trail, encountering some thicker woods.<br /> <br /> The bus to Ralco comes at 2pm on Sunday, so I spent two nights at Laguna El Barco with a quick walk Sunday morning to catch the bus. For 15000 I rented a kayak to circle the lake in a bit under two hours, super nice. The campsite was crowded for the weekend. There were some nice ladies selling simple food. The trail to the right of the campsite along the lake is beautiful.<br /> <br /> Had a hard time finding accommodation in Ralco, the first five places I tried were full. Eventually found a spot at Cabañas Nehuen Antu for 30k.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-11 to 2023-Jan-13 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We continued from Trapa Trapa in the late afternoon to the camp at km 7. Trail is easy to navigate from the beginning. We set the camp actually a few meters before the puesto, in the forrest on the right side that seemed to be more quiet and hidden place. There is a nice spot with water around km 8, before entering the valley. We have seen just a few people around the puestos. Ascent to the pass is not bad, we enjoyed again very different landscape all around. Continuing to laguna, we decided to camp below arucaria trees a little before the official camp (cca 2 km) since we would get there pretty late. Based on comments from other hikers we went through the camp the next morning to check if there is opportunity to buy some food and eventhough the shop was closed, there were two ladies selling tortillas and sopapillas, churrasco and a few other things. The trail after laguna is mostly a dirt road passing around puestos. There was a community festival in Guallalí (1st edition) which was really nice to see, we tried grilled goat and bought some local products, great experience. One of the guys from the festival took us to Ralco in the evening and arranged a cabaña for us (35k CLP). There are 2-3 bigger shops with basically everything, gas is in the one next to the biggest market on the plaza. On the other hand, minishop in Guallalí is very limited, but they have some drinks, ice cream, cookies etc. There is also one small shop on the way to Guallalí, close to Bus 10-E mark.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-09 to 2023-Jan-10 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Trapa Trapa - Laguna El Barco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We started from Trapa Trapa around 11 am after finishing section 9. The first part nearly until Laguna Liay is an easy walk on dirt roads/nice paths with several water sources.<br /> We met some pehuenche people who greated us friendly, only one man mumbled if we had a 'permiso' to pass there (we couldn't understand him very well). But then his friends told him to let us pass, he went away and we continued walking.<br /> On the last km to Laguna Liay there is a lot of bush bashing. But it's definitely worth it, a very nice camping spot up there.<br /> The next day we took option C around the lake, which was a mistake because at some point we couldn't find a path and ended up on a sketchy climb to the top of the plateau. The rest of the way to Laguna el Barco is easy with good paths.There is no water between Laguna Liay and Laguna el Barco.<br /> At the Laguna they charge 5000 CLP p.p. for the picnic/beach and 8000 CLP p.p. for camping. From there we hitchhiked to Ralco to resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-23 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / Option C / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Trapa Trapa - Laguna Liay - Laguna El Barco - Guallalí<br /> <br /> Two days from Trapa Trapa to Guallalí. Easy trail up the valley towards Laguna Liay. Didn't see anyone, most of the puestos appeared unoccupied. Lovely araucaria grove at the base of the big climb to Laguna Liay. The trail during the climb was overgrown/hard to distinguish in some places, and had a few areas of blowdowns too, which made the going slow during that bit.<br /> <br /> I took Option C around Laguna Liay, which I found to be a frustrating maze of cow paths. One minute it's nice and clear and then it disappears, leaving me to bushwhack my way along until I stumble upon it again. The lake is beautiful though, and it's the last water before Laguna El Barco, so I filled up a couple litres. Met my first other GPT hikers in 3 weeks there too, they were going NOBO. Really beautiful up on the plateau of araucarias. <br /> There was no one at Laguna El Barco when I got there around lunchtime, no one selling food either. Spent over an hour there enjoying the shady picnic tables and the beach. <br /> <br /> Easy trails/4×4 tracks the rest of the way to Guallalí. The two NOBO GPT hikers I met yesterday got charged 10,000 pesos by some local Mapuche folks to pass through this area, but I (again) didn't meet anyone. <br /> The shop in Guallalí is very limited. When I saw the selection, I decided to take the bus the next morning to Ralco, it leaves at 5:30 am. The shop owner was also not offering accommodation, but pointed me to the lovely araucaria grove across the street to camp. There is Entel cell service here :)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-27 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Romain '''<br /> <br /> - Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292] : the place is nice, as mentioned there are lot of bins, the camping is also very nice and the showers still very cold. They charged me $5.000 for the night. It was written &quot;with no (something I didn't manage to read)&quot; on the bill so if they charge you $8.000 you can try to specify you don't have car, or I don't know... They removed the panel for the grocery just after I asked for it so it's now fixed, there is no grocery. The family selling cooked food wasn't selling food when I visited them around 11:00, maybe because it was monday morning, maybe because it was the end of summer, I don't know<br /> <br /> - Close to GPT10-C Start there is a point of view on the whole valley, it's beautiful and you can see all the puestos <br /> <br /> - Just after it there are many paths to go down, I haven't taken the one from the GPS but it's very easy to reach it then<br /> <br /> - Around Puesto {10} [14.5/1297] an arriero told me there are 2 paths going down the valley, one on each side of the river, I've followed the GPT to try to reach Trapa Trapa before the night so I didn't go further about them but if someone try<br /> <br /> - Around fords there are often a &quot;bridge&quot; made of one massive plank, the same arriero told me about some so they probably check each year they are usable. You just have to look for it, but it can not be the case at some points<br /> <br /> - The number of puestos in this Valley is impressive, I only had good contacts with the people I met<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-11 to 2022-Feb-12 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional section 10-E straight from Laguna El Barco to Guallalí / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> In one day from Trapa Trapa to Laguna Liay, camping at the north side. There are many cow trails leading down to the laguna. The one we took seemed suitable for hikers too. Going back up the next day we got lost in the cow maze though, and only by searching for our own footprints from the previous day did we get back on the RR. It may be worth having a look at our GPS tracking data to figure out our initial path.<br /> <br /> The next day continued to Guallalí. Beatiful plateau! Got to harvest our first piñones as well! However, we hurt the araucaria tree by breaking off a small but not insignificant branch when trying to get the green &quot;pinecone&quot; to break off, using the &quot;strong rope&quot; method described in the hiker's manual. Only later we learned you should go for the brownish, &quot;café&quot;-colored cones. Just hit these with your walking stick and the piñones will fall right off. You then collect them from the ground. The threatened araucaria will be much happier not being hurt :)<br /> <br /> When in need of water at the plateau, there should be a path to Laguna Totora from S 37° 54.510', W 071° 18.580', according to an arriero who passed by. Maybe a future optional route?<br /> <br /> The optional routes 10-E and 10-G have become MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> The lodging at the shop in Guallalí was not avaible, but the shop owner pointed us to an araucaria grove closeby (you can enter via a wooden gate next to the escuela). We camped there: S 38° 02.647', W 071° 16.441'. There were some villagers passing by, so it seems to be public land. There's a small stream to the east with quite clear water. Maybe it's possible to camp more upstream to the north, where there are bridges and where the stream has passed fewer houses.<br /> <br /> Continued to GPT11 immediately after.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-19 /3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> Between Guallalí and Laguna el Barco is mainly gravel road, but sometimes there are small, discrete paths that connect them, so keep an eye on the GPS.<br /> The camping at Laguna el barco is now 8000 per person. There are toilets, very cold showers and many garbage bins. There is also a family selling tortillas (bread baked in the ash) and sopaipillas, as well as some other people who come down in the evening and morning selling tortillas. There's a shop advertising ice cream, bread, sodas and other stuff, but it's closed. The people at the camping told us that it would open at 13, and then at 20, and then next day. A lady who had stayed there for a week said it had been like that the whole week, so I wouldn't count on it being open. As noted, you can ask the campground people to charge your phone. All in all, it was a nice campsite.<br /> Shortly after, the big climb starts. You have to pass through a fence and by some houses - again keep an eye on the GPS. We were charged 1000 per person, probably wouldn't happen for people going southbound. <br /> As warned, there was no water on the plateau until Laguna Liay. At the camp-waypoint, there is a very small lake, it doesn't look like the best drinking water, and the path directly to the lake seems very overgrown. Instead, we continued around the lake and found a decent campsite on the far side. The path around the lake is faint at best, and we ended up doing some serious scrambling down a cliff, however when we got down we found a path coming more from the right, so maybe there's a better way. The walk around is pretty, though.<br /> After the descent, the rest is easy walking past many puestos.<br /> In Trapa Trapa, we stayed at the house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot;. They charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. Very nice family, they might be away in their puesto sometimes though. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. They were building a cabaña when we were there. Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there. Apart from that there are two other minishops, one in each direction, which we didn't check out.<br /> <br /> The bus apparently leaves for Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option D / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> After finishing GPT9 I went directly on to GPT10 and made camp at the camping ground by el barco lake (5000 pesos) you can ask them to charge your electronics by the house where you pay. They didn’t sell any food.<br /> Like already mentioned by others, remember to bring a lot of water for the following section. The plateau you climb up on after El Barco lake was very dry. Next water source with good clean water was at Laguna Liay. I was getting desperate for water, so I took variant D directly down to the laguna. The trail was very overgrown and requires some bush bashing. Frustrating amounts of mosquitos and horseflies in this part of the section, might be worth bringing some mosquito spray!<br /> <br /> Next section towards trapa trapa was nice and easy with perfect weather and plenty of water.<br /> Found two mini-shops in Trapa Trapa with only limited supplies. A bus to Ralco, leaves weekdays 6:00 in the morning. Therefore I spent the night in a room that a local Mapuche family were renting out. Was served a very big plate of grilled sheep meat and really enjoyed talking with the family. Later in the evening the father returned home very drunk. He was nice and talkative but I was getting at bit of a bad vibe from him, so thanked them for the food and went off to bed. Later at night I was awaken by someone vigorously trying to open the door which I thankfully locked. Rest of the family woke up and I heard a mans voice shouting something about “extranjero” and soon after the abuela kicked this guy out of the house.<br /> <br /> Instantly thought I was gonna get robbed, but might just have been a drunk family member or the father who had forgot I was sleeping in their room. Hard to say… Apart from this I really enjoyed interacting with the locals in this region and I’ve had a lot of nice and memorable experiences.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / Incident on GPT10 at Puesto-55 Location S 37* 49‘ 31.79‘‘ / W 71* 16‘ 23.38‘‘ / Published on behalf of Trevor Mattson'''<br /> <br /> &quot;Sad to report that i had a very negative experience about 15km into section 10 on sunday (2/2). I was offered food and a place to camp by a very nice pehuenche lady (miriam, goes by &quot;mila&quot;, the puesto after puesto 55 marked as &quot;puesto, food&quot; at the beginning of the OH route right after it splits from RR) only to have her husband come home later an try to rob me. She was extremely friendly. Although he was noticeably intoxicated, he was also nice at first as we joked, drank maté an collected firewood together. After a couple hours, as the sun was almost completely gone (~10pm), he went inside his puesto, grabbed a knife, an approached me from behind as i sat around the fire with his wife. He marched me to my tent with the knife pressed againt my neck. I allowed him to search it (he kept saying &quot;plata, plata, plata&quot; an his Spanish wasn't very good) which gave me the opportunity to pick up a rock an intimidate him a bit. I had a lot of money an wasn't just gonna let him take it and all of my stuff up in the mountains at night. His wife then came an tried to get between us / protect me (she was pleading him to stop). He was shoving her around, but this gave me just enough time to rip my tent out of the ground, which had all my stuff in it, an quickly drag it to the nearest puesto (~100metres). He followed me on horseback after a minute or two an the family there armed themselves with sticks an told him to f**k off. <br /> <br /> I hiked for a few hours through the night an met an incredible family at around 1700metres on the optional route (papa named exequel). They told me that he (bernardino from &quot;puesto, food&quot;) has robbed a &quot;chino&quot; (means anyone that looks even remotely asian in my latin American experiences) in the past an that &quot;se vuelve loco&quot; when he drinks vine. I bought more cheese from bernardino an his wife than i wanted/needed as a nice gesture an we seemed to get along, so this was reassuring that he was just crazy an it was nothing that i did to provoke him. In other words, i behave according to the manual provided by Jan an it is not at fault.<br /> All in all, the pehuenches an mapuches i've met are all amazing except this guy. I definitely had to inform you all but don't want you to think that they are some uncivilized savages by any means. Bernardino kept telling his wife that i was &quot;solo&quot; as his justification for robbing me as they argued. Therefore i don't recommend passing through there alone, especially not later in the evening. I think if you stick to the regular you will narrowly avoid the puesto entirely. Or definitely worth the extra few KMs to continue to exequel's puesto further up the OH route. Also, i had a few extra pesos in a separate pocket that i was able to pretend like was all the money i had which was clutch. An from now on, I'm not staking anything into the ground until i know the father of the family well. <br /> Anyway, happy trekking, stay safe, an if anyone knows a good place to try an fix tent poles in concepción by chance then that would be awesome!&quot;<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank '''<br /> <br /> Came in from Trapa Trapa in evening &amp; camped @ Camp 81. There is a Mapuche family living there, talked to them &amp; they were OK with me camping nearby. I was caught out by the sudden transition from river valley to dry plateau, had very little water &amp; was as dry as dirt when I got to stream 1KM before Laguna Barco, drank 3 litres there. 3000CLP camping for 1 person @ Laguna. There is a Mapuche family with a food stall there, they have chips, sopaipillas &amp; tortilla. The tortilla is like a small bread loaf. Next morning as I was leaving around 8:30 the Mapuche woman came round the campsite with fresh sopaipillas &amp; tortilla. Walked in to Guallali from Laguna Barco in about 3 hours. Shop in Guallali is small but Romina who runs the shop provides beds &amp; meals. 20,000 CLP for evening meal (usually goat &amp; rice), bed &amp; breakfast. Walked out 9KM to Comunidad Chanqueco, there is a good shop there. From Chanqueco it's easier to hitch, traffic coming from Laguna Barco but very little from Guallali. Hitched into Ralco, stayed @ Hosteria Montana there, about 15000CLP single.<br /> 2 supermarkets in Ralco, they sometimes have camping gas.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-12 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> This section was well marked/distinguished relative to all the other sections on thus far. There were many Puestos along the way as well. This was also the first section where the araucaria tree is very prevalent across the landscape. This section was my final section on the GPT and the araucaria trees and the lush green landscape provided good contrast to the semi-desert climate south of Santiago de Chile. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: <br /> There was a small 12km ish section without water close to the pass. <br /> <br /> Highlights: <br /> Change in landscape. Great views of the many volcanoes in the area.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 9 &amp; 10. 4 days. Sierra Velluda and Antuco Volcanoe were amazing. In Trapa Trapa the two small shops were out of stock, so we couldn't buy anything. Pehuenche settlers in &quot;veranadas&quot; were really welcoming and friendly to us. We asked anyway for permission to camp close to their settlements. We were invited by familia Crespo Manquepi for tortillas, tea and some other food and stayed there for a few hours. They are welcome to recieve gpt hikers and in the future sell some food and lodging. Really kind family. Just before the last big climb in section 10. No water for a long stretch after it. Recomend the detour to Laguna Liay, amazing. Resupplied in Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> The trail was in good condition and we didn’t experience any issues. Possible to resupply at Guallalí but the selection isn’t huge (pasta, dry soups, crackers, tuna etc). If you are looking to bus into Lonquimay, it was leaving at 5:30AM the next morning for us (but we didn’t take it). <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Easy trail and navigation. We got in this really bad weather too. Storm and ice at the pass. In Guallali we had coffee and sopapillas at the carabinieros and spent the night at the same place as Matus, Anna and Linda. We took the bus at 05:30 towards Los Angeles and are staying in Ralco for resupply and drying. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-25 to 2019-Dec-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Linda'''<br /> <br /> - Nice hike with no major difficulties. The plateau with the araucarias after the pass is amazing!!!<br /> <br /> - No river when you leave the valley toward the pass and then down to the other valley BUT, as I wanted to sleep on this plateau (25 km after the start of the section) I found a small river 300 meters on the right from the regular track and camped at this place : S37,895511° O71,308919° Wonderful sunset!!! <br /> <br /> - In Guallali, end of the section, lodging, food and mini shop. Lodging at the way point Minishop very nice = guesthouse with diner and breakfast for 20000 CLP. Very nice family!!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 3.5 days (11 walking hours) / Hiking / NOBO / RR with hitch hiking between Guallali and Laguna el Barco / Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 3.5 days on the trail, of which we spend 1 in the tent due to bad weather. The 0.5 day we had left from arriving in Guallali we spend buying food and hitch hiking to the campground at Laguna el Barco. We did so because we expected rain soon and wanted to camp it out. Also we were not too keen for the gravel road part.<br /> <br /> We liked: Nice araucaria trees, an amazing sunset we saw a tad south of Laguna Llai and after section 11 and 12 the easy terrain.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The horsflies.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-04 / 3.5 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> GPT09 and GPT10 Season section log. <br /> We combined these two sections. It took us 3.5 days via regular trail SOBO.<br /> Trail in both section is in good condition. There is snowfield in first pass as was mentioned. We went left, but it would be worth to check is it's possible to go through rocks on the right as it seems much shorter. <br /> Water is not marked on a map but there is a stream before the pass. <br /> Resuply in Trapa Trapa is very limited. They had few tunas, other caned fish, some pasta, flour, cola, crisps... We didn't check for accomodation. <br /> We stayed in a paid campsite at Laguna el Barco for 5000 both. Around 8 there was a woman selling bread and sweet pastry, but mind that it was weekend. <br /> Resuply in Guallali again very limited. They have tunas, caned fish, pasta, oil, crackers and bit more. We are staying in a house next to the shop.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Trapa Trapa<br /> - Accommodation: The house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot; charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. <br /> <br /> - Shopping: Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there. There is a panel just before the street going to the grocery indicating that the mini-market is 100m away. There are two other minishops.<br /> <br /> - Bus: The bus apparently leaves for Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends.<br /> <br /> *Guallalí<br /> Lodging at the way point Minishop very nice = guesthouse with dinner and breakfast for 20000 CLP. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Laguna El Barco :<br /> Updated Mar 22<br /> <br /> -The family selling cooked food close to Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292] wasn't selling food when I visited them around 11:00, maybe because it was monday morning, maybe because it was the end of summer, I don't know<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Bus Guallali - Ralco - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles 05:30<br /> <br /> Updated January 2022:<br /> Bus from Trapa Trapa to Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends<br /> <br /> &lt;u&gt;Updated February 2025:&lt;/u&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;Bus from Butalelbún/Trapa Trapa to Los Angeles:&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 5:30 am from Monday to Saturday&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 14:00 on Sunday&lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;Bus from Los Angeles to Butalelbún/Trapa Trapa:&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 14:00 am from Monday to Saturday&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 19:15 on Sunday&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108664113.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603529.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603527.jpg|thumb|Araucarias at GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603530.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603538.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_1086641189.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT10_(Laguna_El_Barco)&diff=123990 2025-08-25T06:09:42Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT10 Option 1 (Termas Pucon Mahuida) and Option 2 (Cumbre Copahue): I added in 2025 additional routes east of the regular route. In good weather and with the vulcano being calm, these more remote routes are more adventurous but might require some exploration.<br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT10 Option 3 (Ruta Fronterra): This completely new route was suggested and investigated by Manon and Robin and connects GPT10 Option 1 with GPT11 on a more eastern route by traversing the mountain ridges along the border to Argentina. This route bypasses the more populated valleys along the regular route where in rare cases some tension with the local Pehuenche population was reported. This route also bypasses Guallali. Thererfore, more provisions are required.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *'''2025-04-11 to 2025-04-13 / 2.5 days / NOBO / Hiking / RR, 10C and 10D (Laguna Liay) / Peggy<br /> <br /> Day 1: I left late after having a long conversation with Romina at Guallali. I found a good spot before the camping at Laguna el Barco, on the heights above the lake, sheltered from the lake's humidity where I could make my evening and morning fire.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Crossing the camping area was deserted at this time. I climbed up to the plateau where I met some motorcyclists (Saturday). At first, I grumbled to myself because of the noise, but they also have the right to enjoy the place in their own way! Come on, Peggy! And in truth, I just followed their tracks all day until I reached Laguna Liay, where I arrived at the right time to take a photo of them! The descent to the lake was a bit tricky. I tried 10C, but I couldn’t find the trail and it seemed very steep. I went back to 10D, which I had tried initially. I got half-lost in the bamboo, losing then finding the cow trail. Once down, I just got some water and then went back up. No way I was going to sleep by the lake in the cold and humidity (autumn, of course!). Once at the top, I took some time to find the right spot (humidity, wind, flat if possible, and maybe a view...). It was late, but I found it, collected some wood, made my fire, and enjoyed the view with the full moon. I slept well!<br /> <br /> Day 3: Descent to Trapa Trapa. All the puestos were closed at this time. I didn’t meet anyone. I went straight to the lodging point km0.3 at Mireya’s place and stayed there for 2 nights knowing it would rain all day (and snow at higher altitudes). Be careful, in Trapa Trapa, there’s only network with Wom and maybe Claro. Otherwise, there’s Wi-Fi at the health center (Posta de Salud, at the center – didn’t need to enter a password, connection accessible from the outside).<br /> <br /> <br /> *&quot;2025-02-17 to 18/ 2 days, SOBO, RR, Henry and Emilie:&quot;<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> After waking up at a beautiful campsite just outside Trapa Trapa we went down to the store where we bought some more sugary snacks as well as half a kilo of fresh honey! (Possibly too much?) We continued South through Trapa and before leaving were also able to buy some fresh eggs. The trail is well troden through the valley and it is very beautiful though dusty. We came across two very easy fjords through the day and camped at (S 37.812384° O 71.274833°). Throughout the day there were a few aggressive puesto dogs, it seemed to me though that they were smart enough to back off when I raised my stick at them.<br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> After waking up we made our way up to Laguna Liey. A steep but short climb. Getting down to the lake though was another matter. It's steep and for us confusing, we lost the trail on the way down and ended up doing some bush bashing. Made it eventually though, filled up water for the last time until Laguna del Barco (there is no water on the plateau). The way OUT of Laguna Liey was very rough for us. The tracks seemed to lead us straight up a cliff, eventually we made it out my following horse tracks around the cliff to the left. Rest of the day was moderatly easy but long, made it to El Barco after dark and were able to pay for a very slanted campsite (S 37.941382° O 71.284620°) (8000 each). Lots of people selling snacks and bread there and we managed to score some cold beers. The next day we hitch hiked from El Barco back to Los Angeles not completing the section to instead head down South.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-19 to 2025-02-20 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Natalie&amp;Tomas option 3 from GPT11 (border ridge), option 1&amp;2 (Cupahue ascent), RR / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume : both Volcan Cupahue option (1&amp;2) and Natalie&amp;Thomas option (3) to connect GPT11 near argentinian border are really amazing and made to be combined if you can do without Guallali food supply. We highly recommand it if the weather is good. (Thanks a lot Natalie&amp;Tomas !)<br /> Coming from GPT11 we camped at the abandonned puesto at -37.978400, -71.141083 (very good camp spot : peasible, water pool, beautiful araucarias with pinones supply).  <br /> Day 1 : Abandonned puesto from GPT 11 &gt; Camp at 2170 under Cupahue <br /> We climbed the ridge dividing the valley in into two following Natalie&amp;Tomas tracks to the north. With the trail slope before the ford, the ascending BB&amp;TL ridge is truely easy. Then easy CC to join the main ridge at about -37.958580, -71.142415 and then following the ridge to the east until the summit/plateau (on the north side sometimes). Really good views on Cupahue and Collaqui following the ridge to the north. We joined and went down the Paso Pucon Mahuida non-used MR until to reach option 1. Passing by the hotsprings which seem ok, we went up until a camp at 2170 under Cupahue glacier at -37.87753, -71.19874. Volcanic ground was pretty easy to hike finally. <br /> Day 2 : Camp at 2170 &gt; Cupahue ascent &gt; Trapa Trapa<br /> Easy CC to the summit (beautiful crater and view) and way down to highest puesto, with also spectacular views to the north. From there, we followed a path with only 100 meters of easy BB (between option 1 and option 1A) and then Option 1 and RR to Trapa Trapa. <br /> We conclued then 6,5 days of GPT 12, 11 and 10 and slept at welcoming Mapuche family home at &quot;Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956]&quot;.<br /> Manon and Robin continued NOBO and I (Thomas) took the daily 6am bus to Los Angeles. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-05 - 2024-02-06/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Elijah and Michael'''<br /> No water on plateau after Laguna Liay as previous notes.<br /> <br /> Camping at Laguna Barco 8000 CLP per person. Hot food such as sopapaillas, tortillas, completos, etc available. Minishop has snacks, cookies and drinks.<br /> <br /> Shop at Guallil had sufficient options for a limited resupply - soups, ramen, pasta, biscuits, etc. Shop also provided accommodation for 30,000CLP including cena and desayuno. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2024-01-31 to 2024-02-03 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Chris &amp; Julia'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful araucarias (and yummi piñones), pretty easy trail, Laguna El Barco less romantic and more overcrowded than expected but nice food! No snow, no fords worth mentioning. Also possible in less time.<br /> <br /> Day 1: started after resupplying in Trapa Trapa (only cookies) in the afternoon. Camped at [S 37° 45' 18.08&quot; W 071° 17' 01.75&quot;] ~6km (first possible camping spot with water and flat ground). A lot of arieros passing. <br /> <br /> Day 2: A lot of puestos. Last water at 14.5km. Trail to the pass is very beautiful, stunning araucarias. We also harvested some low hanging piñones. We reached two by hand (twisting, not pulling, worked for us). For another we used a rope stretched between two long branches. A bit tricky, but it worked. They are not ripe yet, but they taste good raw and even better roasted. We camped at Camp {10-d} [0.1/1658] to avoid walking 19km without water. The Laguna there is really just a dirty pond, we spend hours (!) filtering water for two people with our befree, would not recommend sleeping there.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Nice and easy trail. We followed a wrong trail at [S 37° 56' 01.04&quot; W 071° 18' 15.57&quot;] for ~2.5 km. At Laguna El Barco we had to pay 8000 CPL per person for camping (has bathrooms + showers). It was pretty crowded (guess because of weekend?). But there were 3 small stands with nice food (Tortillas, Sopaipillas, Completos, some meet stuff, <br /> Softdrinks, &amp; Mote con huesillo -&gt; you should try, super nice chilean summerdrink).<br /> <br /> Day 4: Following the trail there is a nice Camp at the Laguna after the official campsite if you prefere a more private spot (we would have camped there if we had known). Met Tobi + Mara from Germany (Viele Grüße :D!). Hitched directly to Ralco from the road. From Ralco there are buses to Los Angeles (at least every 2hours). <br /> <br /> *''' 2024-01-29 to 2024-01-30 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 10E+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Day1: A lot of puestos on part till 14.5 km of RR. I had some really interesting talks about the Mapuche conflict and war between Russia and Ukraine. All people were friendly. Camp at Laguna Liay taking OH 10C - easy to find. After that, one woman said to me that near Laguna there is a path where crossed thieves with stolen cows from Guallalli. Very nice and quiet place.<br /> <br /> Day2: I came back to the trail tracking back and found a shortcut. Took water from the lake for the whole day. I had a strange case near Laguna in the forest. A big bird tried to attack me. The plateau is amazing. Descending to Laguna Barco at 32.1/1296 there is a puesto and a gate. I decided not to go through camping at Laguna Barco, as there were a lot of people there. Took variant 10E on MR. At km 6.0 of this variant it is possible to buy soft drinks and ice creams. Night at Guallalli at minishop 11 (0.1/951) fideos, sweets, soft drinks. Bed, breakfast,dinner 30000 CLP. Very nice place. In the evening I had a really interesting talk about the Mapuche and animals. This family is not Mapuche. There is a good net here, Entel.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-Jan-23 to 2025-Jan-26 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, 10-C, 10-E / Janboro '''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 09, 10 and 11 and took 6,5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Stunning Araucaria forests, encounters with the Pehuenche people living there, Laguna de Liay, puma tracks and puma stories.<br /> <br /> Challenges: No water on the plateau. The creek at S 37°54.077' W 71°18.470' has dried out already by this time of the year.<br /> <br /> I had lots of friendly encounters with the native Pehuenche and some not so friendly ones with their dogs. I’ve made it a habit to greet people in their language (mari mari), then approach them and introduce myself in Spanish with my name and a handshake. This led to a couple of interesting, informative and friendly conversations with lots of mutual learning.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> Started in the evening in Trapa Trapa and camped at [7.1/1181], where I met Elias, the owner of this land. He told me a lot about Pehuenche history, his hard but also beautiful and tranquil life in the mountains and about other mochileros who camped on his land.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Started late because of hip pain. Higher up the valley two people independently from each other told me that they frequently see pumas (“leones”) on the edge of the plateau, one told me he has sheep “cuando no los comen los leones”, asked me if I had a revolver to defend myself, then reassured me pumas don’t attack people unless feeling cornered or protecting their offspring. One Pehuenche asked me how I know the way. I showed him my GPS device and showed him the track. He was a bit astonished but didn’t suspect any commercial exploitation as had happened previously according to the manual.<br /> <br /> I shared Volkers feeling of awe when I saw the group of Araucarias right before the ascent to the plateau. It’s simply beautiful. Took a long food and coffee break there and ascended to Laguna Liay. On the way up, the path is partly heavily overgrown and at times difficult to find between other paths.<br /> <br /> Up there I found myself in a fairytale forest in the evening light. I hashed my first glimpse of Laguna Liay shortly before sunset and it was mesmerizing. When looking for the way down to the laguna I lost the path and did some heavy CC BB but after a couple of minutes decided this can’t be the right way, double checked my location using the GPS and found the correct path. Still overgrown, but recognizable and easy to walk.<br /> <br /> Camped close to the spot indicated by Nimrod &amp; Tamar. Pure beauty and tranquility!<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> Purified and packed enough water for the day and then continued my ascent to the and way over the plateau. Shortly before the intersection X {10} [17.7/1676] I discovered my first puma tracks.<br /> <br /> Checked the little creek at S 37°54.077' W 71°18.470': It has dried out, so the last chance to fill up water before the plateau is at Laguna de Liay (as described in the manual).<br /> <br /> At a rock close by I took a siesta/food/coffee break. Lorenzo, a Pehuenche in his sixties, came up from the valley in his horse with three dogs, and had them drive his cattle downhill. He then turned around, rode towards me and offered to carry my backpack on his horse all the way down to Laguna del Barco. I was amazed by this generous offer, but still wanted to carry it myself, so I thanked him many times but declined. Later met him next to his house at X {10} [32.1/1296], where we took photos together and exchanged numbers.<br /> <br /> Camped at Laguna de Barco and filled my hungry stomach with a churrasco, a huge serving of French fries, a fruit shake and a Coca Cola. The restaurant closes around 21 opens at 8 in the morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> Bought a sopaipilla (similar to the hungarian lángos) and two tortilla breads and took the variant 10-E to Guallalí. Bad decision because 10-E seems to be the only way to get from and to Laguna de Barco by car, so I got to eat a lot of dust. Good decision, because I got offered a ride a couple of times (politely declined) and one passing driver gifted me cookies and fruits (gratefully accepted). There’s also a house where they sell ice cream. I asked a couple of people with chicken on their yards, if they sell eggs. None had any because most hens don’t lay that time of the year due to the heat as I learned later at the Guallalí shop. In Guallalí, shortly before the police station, I got invited for a coffee, soft drink, tortilla bread with butter and a friendly and very interested conversation with the elder couple who lives there and their family from Los Ángeles. When I left, they also gifted me cookies.<br /> <br /> Bought a can of tuna and a pack of tomato sauce at the shop in Guallalí and continued to GPT11.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-18 to 2025-Jan-20 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH10C+D (Laguna Liay) / Nimrod &amp; Tamar'''<br /> <br /> 1st day:<br /> After buying some supplies from a family we started hiking up the valley.<br /> There were some unmarked puestos and tons of nice places for camp.<br /> We asked permission from the family in a puesto to camp in their area and camped at (). <br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> Last water point is near puesto [14.5/1297]. Next water point is near Laguna El Barco on RR or Laguna Liay.<br /> <br /> There was a trail crossing at approx (-37.83314, -71.27040). We didn't notice it because the trail which is not on the files is much more clear, and walked on it for 200 meters until we felt something is wrong, and turned back. It might be easier trail up.<br /> <br /> OH (10-C) until approx 1 km is partly easy CC because of the fire. From 1 km to 2.1 the trail has changed but it was easy to follow.<br /> <br /> TL(10-D) does not exist and was hard BB so we skipped it. There might be another trail going down to the Laguna but we didn't look for it.<br /> <br /> Camp {10-d} [0.1/1658] is really poor in comparison to the lagoon beach. It was a dirty pond with a lot of cows around. So we hiked back and camped on the beach at (-37.83347, -71.28245).<br /> Had afternoon swim and really nice view!<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> Easy trails until laguna El Barco. We harvested low hanging piñones we found at (-37.84210, -71.27454).<br /> We recommend bringing a 15 meters cord. We had only 4 meters. The piñones were not ripe yet but were sweet, and could be eaten fresh without roasting.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Barco we had to pay 1000 clp per person only for entrance. There was a small stand which sold fresh tortillas and some junk food. We had a Churrasca, coke, and ice cream 😋.<br /> <br /> We discovered that the bus to Los Angeles departs Gulalli at 5:30 so we put an effort to get there before darkness.<br /> When it was completely dark we saw a bus parking in a yard, 1 km before Gulalli! Happy and excited we discovered it was the driver's house, which let us camp in his garden and take a hot shower in his home.<br /> <br /> The first bus stop is at the police station and the ride takes approx 5 hours and cost us 3500 clp per person.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-09 to 2025-JAN-10 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Alex '''<br /> Found an excellent campsite: S37° 46.967' W71° 16.896', right on the riverbank and free of cow manure. The river pocket was teeming with trout during the evening feed. A small fly or tenkara gear is recommended for fishing.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-24 &gt; 25 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Il restait un peu de neige alors j'ai trouvé de l'eau facilement.<br /> Juste avant le Laguna El Barco il y a un camping 5000CLP/nuit pour emplacement, douche glacée, eau potable, électricité et poubelle. J'y suis allé car c'etait marqué qu'il etait interdit de camper près du lac...<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-22 to 2024-DEC-23 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A straightforward stage dominated by a relatively flat plateau with araucarias. A highlight of the journey was swimming in Laguna El Barco. We set off from Trapa Trapa in the late afternoon along a pleasant gravel road, carrying food for two days. After the ford [9.5/1171], the trail continues through a beautiful and wide river valley, where several puestos are located. We camped at a nice spot, Camp [14.1/1269], under the araucarias. There, we each collected 3 liters of water, as there was none on the plateau, except for one location (-37.90128, -71.30783), where there was a small stream that was not marked in the track files. It’s possible that this stream could be dry during peak summer.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the plateau was taken via a more well-trodden and gradual path (approximately 300 meters longer than in the track files, but more frequently used). The plateau itself is a paradise of araucarias with views of Volcán Callaqui. After descending to Laguna El Barco, we first paid 1000 CLP per person for entry at point Lake, Camp [32.9/1292], and then enjoyed a pleasant picnic by the lake while swimming. It’s a beautiful lake. <br /> <br /> The route to Guallalí mostly follows a pleasant MR, although it can be somewhat monotonous at times. Upon arriving in Guallalí, we stocked up on supplies for two days for the GPT11 stage at a small shop, Shop {11} [0.1/951] (Mini Shop). They had pasta, rice, tuna, jurel, cookies, and soft drinks.<br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-16 to 2024-Dec-18 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Not much to say for this section it's pretty straight forward. We did it in a relaxed 2.5 days to avoid spending the night in Trapa Trapa but its easily doable in 2.<br /> <br /> 25.2km water - there was a small stream flowing well here. Could have saved us carrying so much water to camp up on the plateau.<br /> <br /> Resupplied at the red shop (S 37.42745, W 71.15386) in trapa trapa, they had ramen cookies, chocolate etc. She also sold us a big loaf of bread. Not great for a full resupply but enough for us to top up for a few days.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 9<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''24-12-11 - 24-12-12/ 2 days/ SOBO / RR/ Volker'''<br /> A section of beauty and peace <br /> There are few technical things to say about this section, perhaps this: on the way from the valley up to the pass use your device more often than you might feel it is necessary. There are many trails and yours is often not the one you see in front of you, but the overgrown or blocked by a broken tree to your right or left. <br /> The moment you arrive at the first Araucaria trees (though some on the way down to Trapa Trapa on gpt09) is just overwhelming. Camped at Laguna Liay, when I arrived there, I just didn’t want to leave this place. <br /> Day 2: After the short first day, this one promised to become a long one. The plateau is just breathtaking, even after 08+09 the days before. At Laguna El Barco no food, no wifi, but a great opportunity to cool down in the lake. Some km later on RR the MR (good to walk, few rubble, shadow) passes a house, the sheep ran away from me, a lamb left behind, I draw the attention of a woman to the lamb - and was invited for lunch with that very nice „spanish“ (not Pehuenche) family. <br /> Arrived at Guallali at 6.30 p.m., presented at the carabineros (very friendly!), the officer brought me to the „shop“, which is hidden in a garden house (don‘t expect any meaningful resupply). <br /> Camped not far, to the right of RR11, in a small valley beyond some Eucalyptus and Araucaria trees (river not far, but deep down). Two women passed by, first sceptical, then offered to join them and get some bred (declined).<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''3Dec2024 - 5dec2024 / hiking SOBO / RR -varC - RR / 2 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> The ascent and descent of the plateau are awesome, full of araucaria trees and beautiful landscapes of the montains around. Sad that I've to hurry because of bad weather comming. <br /> Fords : easy <br /> Snow : big snow fields from about 1700m alt but easy to cross. <br /> Water : still full on the plateau at this period. <br /> Navigation : often many paths but easy to find the good one with the GPS. A bit more difficult to follow on the ascent after puesto at 14.5. And also around the pass cause the path often goes under the snow fields so needed more gps to stay in the good direction. <br /> Var C : the lake is really nice. Made it with not so much bushbashing by staying closest as possible to the tracks, gps in hand at least at the begining. <br /> Camp : around 8km (water) and camping at laguna el barco was open (5000 CLP/pers/night) <br /> <br /> Arrive in Guallali before the rain : <br /> Eat and sleep at the point mini-market with Romina and her family. <br /> 30kCLP for bed + lunch + dinner + breakfast. <br /> Mini market : pasta, soups. <br /> <br /> Entel phone coverage. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 2024-Nov-26 to 2024-Nov-28 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - C, D / Karin<br /> <br /> Camp: camp near laguna Liay (km0.1 var D) / Campamento Laguna El Barque (km32.9)<br /> <br /> The MR/trail is easy to follow, except for the ascent after puesto km14.5, where the trail is no well visible. All along the valley from Trapa Trapa to the late puesto were a lot of small streams running over the road. Some were easy to cross without getting wet feet, others were a bit bigger, but never more than mid-calf.<br /> <br /> From an altitude of 1760m was still snow. The snow on the pass and the plateau was managable, but slows down quite a bit and makes navigation more challenging. This on a distance of about 8km. <br /> <br /> As there is still snow, there is a lot of water. Even on the plateau were a few streams, which will probably dry out during summer. <br /> <br /> The camping at the Laguna El Barque was still closed. I asked two men how were working on the cabañas if I could pit up the tent anyways. This was not a problem and they did not charge me for this. At the camping were sanitary instalations, tables...<br /> <br /> I arrived Guallalí at 12hrs. Because of the snow, I decided to go to Los Angeles. The carabineros station was empty, so I went to the minishop (gpt 11 km0.1) and asked when the buses leave. The owner told me that there is only one bus everyday at 5.30 am. But I could try to hichhike. While waiting, two locals came by and told me that in the next community (Chenqueco) are more cars going to/in direction of Ralco and that from there I would be more lucky. <br /> About 5min later a car drove by and took me to this community. From there I hichhiked again.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-19 // 1,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I was a bit anxious on that section because of a big fire on the valley of the vokcan Copahue. Everything was under the steam all around, and with a big smell of fire. Few helicopters passed, and I was seriously questioning myself to continue or not. <br /> <br /> Fortunately for me the track change of the valley to reach the beautiful Laguna El Barco. <br /> <br /> It was late on the season so there were absolutely no one there. But In season that would be a great camp spot (event if it's probably popular and not so quiet as there's a lot of camping places). <br /> <br /> Fill your water at the bottom of the valley because when you'll reach the plateau you'll have no water at all, until you go down to the valley. <br /> <br /> Plateau is pretty nice, met a lot of people up there harvesting piñones. Easy horse track to follow. Ground is sandy and very steamy on the way down. Then you arrive on a valley with lot of water and lor of arrieros, great to chat with some of those that are leaving around there. <br /> <br /> I crossed the Ford {10} [9.5/1171] then camo just after that. Had a great and quiet night there, happy to clean myself after a very dusty day, but I reckon it's gonna be like that for few sections further north aha ! <br /> <br /> Then easy track, gravel and road. No more ford to cross. Until the tiny trapa trapa. <br /> <br /> Locals sent me to a kiosco, who Is situated very close to the point X {10} [0.0+0.3/937]. There's a ringtone, then a girl came to open the kiosco for a small resupply (tuna, fideos, chips and sweetness like candies, biscuits, and other stuff with a packaging of 90's that seems to be very bad for your body aha, but took it anyway). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-25 to 2024-03-29 / 5 days / SOBO / RR + new route + Copahue summit opt 2. + opt 1 down Copahue + Nathalie/Tomas new route + gpt11 nobo back to Guallalí / Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Started in Trapa Trapa around 15:30 and walked to right before camp 7.1. Hid in the forest to camp instead of using the nice grassy area as a lot of people on horses were using the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Felt worried about the multiple puesto dogs and the aggressive person along the RR and option 1 so decided to try a new route to eventually rejoin GPT option 2, the trail to the summit of Copahue (pronounced Copaway). Went cross country going South from my 7.1 camp for a while until I started climbing East. Eventually joined a trail that seemed to get good use. There is probably no need to go cross country if you find the start of that trail… Left the trail at -37.78784, -71.25114 and went CC again on the plateau. Met a couple harvesting piñones and chatted with them. As I was leaving, their dog nipped my ankle… so much for avoiding dogs. Stopped by Laguna Negra (-37.81527, -71.21972) for lunch and water. Camped by a small lake at -37.83042, -71.20250. Beautiful views around that area. There were patches of old (last year’s) and new (last week’s) snow. In the evening, I went to investigate a direct route to Copahue up the peak at -37.83807, -71.20001, but felt that it was a little too exposed for me and my big backpack.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Took a slightly lower route on the West side of previously mentioned peak to Copahue from my campsite which worked great. Water at -37.83722, -71.20762 and also further depending on the snow quantity. Rejoined the marked OSM trail up to Copahue at around 2,750 meters of elevation, where I left most of my gear and went to the summit. The hike down from the volcano was very slow going, I followed the OSM route mostly but at times I was in between the GPT line and the OSM line. Went to check out the hot springs, which looked gross to me. Camped at -37.89625, -71.16599, on the road leading to Argentina.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - I wanted to try the new option that Nathalie and Tomas have posted below for this section, so I followed the road to Argentina up to the valley that parallels the border and made my way to the ridge. Views from the ridge are spectacular and I enjoyed that part very much, following the border at first and ending up here: -37.95833, -71.11928. Difficulties came when I tried to come down the ridge following the route posted on FB. I backed out of the proposed “best route” as it was too exposed and scrambling-like for my liking. I ended up going down the steep talus slope for a while, traversing as Natalie described and ended up doing a fair amount of unpleasant bush-bashing to reach the trail at the bottom of the valley. There are probably better routes than the one I took though, I didn’t have the opportunity to study the satellite imagery very well before going :-). Looking back I should have walked in the creek bed earlier rather than fight with all the bamboo. Ended up with a fair amount of scratches and ripped pants. Camped shortly after I found the trail in the valley.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Used GPT11 NOBO to reach Guallalí. Stopped at the hot springs (6.6km/991) on the way to clean up a little. It was a holiday in Chile, Good Friday, and I met two groups of people from the city that were driving around this remote road for fun. Reached Guallalí and went to the carabineros station to ask about camp possibilities. They mentioned a metal bridge about 3 kilometers away but not in the direction that I wanted to go (Ralco). I hung out close to the bus stop thinking about what I would do and eventually two of them came out to talk to me again. They said that they have to be careful with strangers as they are the police and never know people’s intentions but that they’d like to invite me to have some of the lunch they had made. They also let me camp next to the station to catch the 5.30am bus the next morning after checking my passport. I think that the fact that I was a solo woman helped. As I learned from our discussion, new police officers get assigned to this station every month and stay there for the full month, so this might not be offered again in the future.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-26 to 2024-03-28 / 2 days? / NOBO / RR / Fangwen + Tobi'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11 (~8 days, relaxed). See section 12 for our tips on pinones<br /> <br /> Nothing to add that's not described below, except we found the native Pehuenche people friendly. We think it helps to great them in their language (Mari mari - hello; Chaltu may - thank you). This you can find with a bit of digging online. Would love to have interacted with them more - they seem friendlier up the valley at the puestos (not in trappa trappa).<br /> <br /> No luck finding asado in this time of year due to touristic things shutting down (including campsite at Lago El Barco, completely deserted).<br /> <br /> There is no bus out of Trappa on holidays, and didn't find anything but 2 types of cookies and ice cream at resupply point there. You can ask the locals to drive you (for a fee) - they referred to it as &quot;Fleeta&quot;(?)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-8 to 2024-Mar-11 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR B / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfields, all fordings very easy, plenty of (unmarked) water except from Puesto RR 14.5km (one stream a few hundred meters afterwards last water) to shortly before Laguna El Barco. Tabanos: 2<br /> <br /> The valley south of Trapa-Trapa is first narrow but the open ups to a wide valley with a lot of puestos, mostly inhabited, which means a lot of dogs and cows, horses, sheep around. All marked campsites are completely full of animal feces, every single decimeter is covered. I camped around -37.78551,-71.27975 on sand next to the river, sandy and stony places are the only one without extrem amounts of shit. Stayed there another day just sleeping in the tent bc of all day raining. Next camp was a nice weather camp with great views but no water at -37.89069,-71.30189. Flat spot, no shit, very quiet, some boulders and bushes.<br /> <br /> RR out of the valley up to thea area of Laguna Liay was a bit tricky. Seems part of RR are not in use anymore and overgrown ( -37.83346,-71.2705 ). I just followed the horse tracks which later went back to RR. it seems there are different paths going up.<br /> <br /> Lake, camp 32.9km: camping 8000, picknick 5000. But nobody at the gate, so I just walk in, swimm a little and try to open my first Araucaria seed cone I harvested an hour before. Shortly before I leave someone asks if I paid the entry. Sorry bro, not going to pay 5000 for sitting 30min on a bench, so I just don't understand spanish at all until he gives up.<br /> Next to Laguna El Barco a wildfire puts a lot of smoke on the water, but no fire in the sky. 2 helicopters pour water on it the whole day. RR southeast of the Laguna was not affected, the fire (actually only lots of smoke) was on the other side of the valley about 1km away.<br /> <br /> Rio Lomin had very brown-yellow water, but there are a few small clean unmarked streams further south RR.<br /> <br /> Guallali tiny shop, no sign, just go over the little wooden bridge after the police and shortly before the school. Dog alarms child, child alarms mother. Mother opens shop. Mostly cola and chips, ice cream, some cookies, 3 packs of noodles and (worst quality) toilet paper.<br /> <br /> Some really nice views at the waterless part, first massive amount of Araucaria trees, Laguna El Barco is kinda nice too, finally a lake with trees around! Lots of boring road walking at the beginnig and more so at the end of section with basically no traffic.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 28 to Feb 29 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 09 and 10 into 5 days of hiking. Beautiful sections with a diversity of landscapes: volcano, meadows, puestos...<br /> <br /> Day 0: Trapa Trapa- Camp -37.76398, -71.28171<br /> <br /> On our last day of the previous section, we hiked the first 7 km to this camp. Great bivouac spot not to be missed, next to a puesto with grass, water, horses and welcoming vegetation. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Camp -37.76398, -71.28171 - Laguna El Barco: <br /> <br /> Truly magnificent scenery and lots of puestos. The climb is pleasant and in the shade. As soon as you cross a river, it's easy (maximum knee-deep). <br /> From laguna Liay to laguna el barco, NO WATER. We initially wanted to camp between the two, but were forced to push on to laguna el barco to get water. The scenery is really beautiful and easy to walk on the plateau, and the aracaunia trees give it a unique atmosphere. <br /> Pay camping at el barco (8,000 pesos per person) with beach and friendly staff.)<br /> <br /> Day 2: Laguna el barco - Guallali <br /> <br /> A short day's descent. We stop at the bus stop indicated in the waypoints at 3pm. Only one bus a day from Guallali to Los Angeles at 5:30 am. <br /> We were lucky and hitchhiked to Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 13 to Feb 18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Var C, Var D, some off GPT track / Michael and Kasia '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 9, 10, and 11 together.<br /> <br /> TLDR: beautiful section with some very impressive araucaria forests. Technically easy but navigationally a little challenging due to so many trails branching everywhere. Laguna Liay is definitely worth visiting.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Feb 13<br /> <br /> After finishing our resupply in Trappa Trappa, we started on RR. The road was fully exposed until we got up a ways into the forest. After that I had to watch the GPS fairly closely. As has been noted previously, the horse trails fork off in different directions, sometimes rejoining and sometimes not. The trail was pretty dusty, but the forest was beautiful. There was very little water access for quite awhile. We arrived at the camp point at km 7.1 with the Mapuche family. No one was at the house so we started looking around. I found Elías in another part of the property. He was very kind and said we were welcome to camp. He showed us a nice spot near a creek set away from the road. We had initially thought to camp more in the open area but he said that the road gets a lot of traffic in the night and the are some “mala gente” that pass through, so the spot he showed us was safer.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Feb 14<br /> <br /> We started hiking early and the morning light on the landscape was absolutely beautiful. We stopped after the first ford, mid calf with little current, to have coffee and enjoy the area. We continued on passing a lot of puestos. Many seemed abandoned or falling apart, though there were people at several of them. We waved and they waved back, but they were fairly far from the road so we didn't go over to talk. We met our first other GPT hikers, Christof and Alex (hi guys! We hope you got the roasted chicken in Antuco!) We crossed the second ford, just under the knee, and had lunch and a nap and then started up to the pass. The path was mostly in forest, and though steep, we didn't find it difficult. We started on Var C to Laguna Liay sticking more to the OSM track than the GPT track. We got down to the lake and wanted to go all the way around to the north side, but part way up the trail started heading up to the plateau. We returned to the bottom and tried to walk in the water counterclockwise around the lake, but after only about 50 m there was a section where I was sinking deep into mud. We walked back to the south side beach and then walked the beach clockwise to get to the north side. There were a few fallen trees to climb over, but otherwise we had no issues going that way. On the north side there was a fairly sizable sand beach with a fire ring. We camped there.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Feb 15<br /> <br /> We took a rest day at the lake. The atmosphere at the lake was so peaceful and the scenery was so beautiful. Not one person passed through that day, and it felt really amazing to have such a quiet, serene and beautiful place all to ourselves. It got hot during the afternoon so we retreated up into the woods a bit to get some shade. In the late afternoon I went to scout Var D for the next day. There isn't a full trail there really, but from the beach looking uphill I could see a brown stripe going up. It was a short BB to get to it and then a steep up. The trail forked after maybe 50 m. I first went left, but after a while it was all dead ends and started to lose elevation. I went back and tried the right fork with a combination BB/CC and was finally able to connect to a path. From there it was easy to get up to the plateau and then to the other marked campsite which was near a pond that had mostly evaporated for the season.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Feb 16<br /> <br /> We started early to get over the pass before it got hot. We took the scouted approximate Var D up and then connected in with RR. The pass was easy and on the far side there was an incredible monkey puzzle forest. As noted there was no water. We took the OSM track up just before the descent to Laguna El Barco for the lookout. The trail down to Laguna El Barco was somewhat steep but easy to follow. At the bottom it passes through a puesto on the way to the road. The guy there also rents camping sites. The El Barco campground is somewhat chaotically managed. We arrived on a Friday and it was packed with vacationing Chilenos. Posted price was 5.000 pp for the picnic area day use and 8.000 pp for camping. They offered 6.000 pp without a table, which we took. It turns out that that is for essentially an unused parking spot next to the road. We would have left, but it was too late to go anywhere else. A very nice couple happened by as we were setting up and said they were about to leave and we could have their spot which had a table and was away from the road. We thanked them and moved up. The shop seems not to be operating this year. The small building it was in was empty and the door was just hanging open. There were two groups selling food, one at the entrance selling tortillla, a fairly large and dense bread cooked directly in the ash in the fire for 2.000 each, some smaller pan amasado, sopaipillas 500 each, a fried dessert bread dusted in powdered sugar 3 for 1.000, and churasco for 4.000. They also had sodas, 1.200 for a 591 ml bottle. The other group was at a camp just past the lower bathrooms, and two of them walked around the campground periodically as well. They had tortilla 2.000 each, sopaipillas 2 for 1.000, and some kind of tea. The second place had our favorite tortillas, we ate several of them. The churrasco was a disappointment. I was thinking Bolivian churasco which is just grilled meat. These were sandwiches with a couple thin strips of meat simmered in liquid in a frying pan and then put on huge breads with a slice of tomato, a bit of lettuce and some mayo. They were okay, but not what I had expected.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Feb 17<br /> <br /> We left late and hiked RR. On the other side is another much smaller and more laid back campground. It is run by the couple that lives there. Price was 6.000 pp with a table. They had a toilet and sinks, no shower. They sold tortillas on request, 2.000 each, but the woman, Clementina, makes them when she's making their food, so it can be awhile. We bought 5 of them and they were larger than the ones in the campground. Wrapped in paper towels and kept in plastic bags, these lasted us almost 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Feb 18<br /> <br /> We continued on RR with the intention to head to Guallalí. Along the way we meet a Mapuche arriero, Hector, at his pesto (-37.95912, -71.26119). If you pass by there and he is around, definitely make some time to talk with him. He was incredibly kind and generous, offered us coffee, took us to his animal corral to pet the goats, told us about the political structure in the Mapuche comunidades, and even showed us some of the medicinal plants in the area. He also sells goats and sheep and does asados, but we didn't ask the price. We were about to leave when a friend of his arrived to pick something up for a really important Mapuche ceremony that was finishing that day. His friend gave us a ride, which took us off the GPT track a bit, but dropped us very near a shop at (-38.01007, -71.30695) run by a woman named Maria that actually had a good selection of stuff. We bought pasta, a queso mantecoso from the region that lasted 3 days, her last can of Nescafé, some tomatoes and cucumbers, Zukos, and cookies. She also had eggs, frozen meat, sodas, beer, yogurt, a few other types of cheese, and various other things. Prices were very reasonable. She had a small table and a bench outside the shop and let us stay there to have lunch and repack. More than a dozen cars stopped by to buy things while we were there, so it seems like a pretty popular spot. From there we walked on the highway towards Comunidad Vilcuncura and on towards Comunidad Chenqueco. We passed one other shop at (-38.01473, -71.31626) that looked sizable and had a range of things, though we didn't buy anything there. In Comunidad Chenqenco we connected with GPT11 Opt 5A.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH E / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-21.9]<br /> <br /> Both Fords are easy below knee + the RR crosses a few more streams during the first 14 km. There is no water on RR after the Ford at km 14.1 until km 32.1.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [21.9-32.1] + OH10-E + RR [45.1-47.5]<br /> <br /> At km 32.1 (right before the start of OH10-E is a creek and some tables around. I think it belongs to a campsite there, but nobody cared that I did a break there. OH10-E is a big dirtroad with no water until km 8.4. I bought some cookies in the mini shop in Guallali + they allowed me to charge my power bank. After that I continued with section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-12 to 2024-Feb-14 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Guallali - Trapa-Trapa / RR + Option D/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a nice and easy section. For us, the Laguna Liay would deserve to be on RR. It was one of the most beautiful and peaceful campspot we had this season.<br /> <br /> We also camped on the official campground at Laguna El barco. It was still 8000 CLP pp and the place was crowded with all the Chileans on holiday. The beach is nice but the campground is really dusty (as most of the section). There were also two families selling food (tortillas, sopaipillas and some other things).<br /> <br /> By the way, there is no more snow on the plateau so take plenty of water to cover the distance between Lago El Barco and Laguna Liay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-14 to 2024-Jan-16 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> From Trapa Trapa I went in this long valley, it is pretty packed with puestos. Had to check a few times the GPS in there, was quite often on a wrong trail. Many puestos create their own trail network…Went up to Laguna Liay and camped directly at the shore. I figured out two reachable beaches where you can put on one or two tents, one beach at the NW-shore, the other SE-shore. I camped at the second. Option 10D brings you down to it, but actually I could not find a real trail. This Laguna is just an amazing place, for me there was not just silence but peace! The special echo in this place has an effect. Next day I went to Laguna El Barco, for camping you have to pay. A huge laguna, beautiful, but with a check in and all the rules which apply. I do not like this. I went further and a few km before Guallalí I asked a Settler if I could sleep on his Eukalyptus plantation. The 3rd day I walked to Guallalí and stocked up for GPT 11 in the minimarket. For cigarettes I went to a house at -38.050512, -71,272100. There is a woman who sells tobacco and if you kindly ask her she might sell you one of her homemade bread loafs. Ask for the house of Cololo.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-04 to 2024-Jan-05 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {10-C} - RR - {10-E} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> After have a nice breakfast with the lovely family, i keep going south.<br /> <br /> Km0 - km13.6 : easy walking, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km13.6 : junction of RR and {10-01}.<br /> <br /> Ford[14.1/1269] : if you are not decided go to {10-C} or visit Laguna Liay (lake), it is the last water until km33 Laguna El Barco ( or a stream just before this lake ).<br /> <br /> Km14.47 : climb up start, the entrance is beside the corner of wooden fence.<br /> <br /> Km15.65 : a sharp turning, after here trail become very overgrown, until km15.9. At km15.65 and km15.9, i both saw a clear path going to east, I'm not sure is it a new reroute by local and are they connect or not.<br /> <br /> Km16.1 : junction of RR and {10-C} , I don't decide go for walk around the whole lake, but just want to visit it take a look, and collect some water.<br /> <br /> {10-C} km0.33 : (-37.83379, -71.27817) a sandy slope steep going down, the trail to Laguna Liay (lake) is here, you can see some trail trace on the sandy slope. A little overgrown and sometimes fallen tree block your way, but mostly you can step over them. About 10min you will arrive a sandy beach (-37.83326, -71.28031) at km0.5. Not a camping spot, but here have some big trees fell in the lake, easy walking on them go to the lake for collecting better water. Good view point of Laguna Liay with Volcán Callaqui, i also saw some beautiful ducks with red brown body and blue beak swimming here! <br /> <br /> After collecting water and a long nap, i decided back to RR, i took another trail on the sandy slope that closer to lake side (not shown on map), it is easy to follow and easy walk, lastly join RR at km16.5.<br /> <br /> RR Km16.9 : what a beautiful grassland! Easy trail start, enjoy the land scape changing and Araucaria forest. I love this area!<br /> <br /> Pass RR [20.6/1850] : large flat area ( Most of the section10 is flat area), nice view point of Volcán Callaqui! Also the first view ( for SOBO) of Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Km26.6 : left side, Volcán Copahue!<br /> <br /> Km31.4 : pass, from dirt road to trail going down, but before going down, there is a side trail to south for climbing up a small hill, just distance 500m and climb up 70m, go for it! Excellent view point of Laguna El Barco, Volcán Callaqui, Volcán Copahue and Volcán Lonquimay( Sierra Nevada behind it?) !<br /> <br /> X[31.2/1469] : a campground with picnic table ( i think it is a paid area because a sign at front gate but didn't see anyone when i passed there) and a stream flowing nice with clear water just before it. If you don't decide go to Laguna El Barco for collecting water, it is the only water until Guallalí.<br /> <br /> Because the weather becomes worse, very windy and cloudy, also the forecast said it maybe rain at afternoon, so i took {10-E}, shorter the distance rush to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> Bus {10-E} [8.4/938] didn't find the shop that Martin &amp; Helena said (close to Bus 10-E mark.) I asked the house owner beside the bus stop, and she said no shop there. I saw a sign beside the bus stop is erased away, also a banner looks like said &quot;selling thing&quot; already being discarded on the ground, so maybe the shop is closed no more? ( I'm not sure).<br /> <br /> {10-E} km10.0 rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR km46.05 : look like a very old shop, I saw a sign for candy and cigarettes, but the house is broken and no people there any more.<br /> <br /> Shop {11} [0.1/951] : No sign for shop, it is a beautiful looking wooden house, cross a tiny wooden bridge to their front gate. A little better stock than i think before, more than the shop at Trapa Trapa and almost the same as Los Álamos. Pastas, rice, some canned food, biscuits, drinks and chips. Not picky and i resupply for 3 days food here. I asked for accommodation, and the female owner said can stay in their house, 30000 CLP for a single room(4 beds) with light, quilt and electric charger, shower(cold) with shampoo, dinner and breakfast, maybe can use their washer for laundry, but finally i use my hand for washing them, because my clothes are too dusty and don't want to pollut their machine. It has a feeling look like guesthouse at some tourist routes in Nepal, but of course the one in Nepal are much commercial.<br /> <br /> Dinner is delicious for goat and rice! Although not much enough for hiker hunger (never enough), but it is one of the best meal i eaten in Chile so far. They are super friendly, i'm very happy staying here with them!<br /> <br /> I saw a bus arrive Shop {11} [0.1/951] on friday 6pm, but I don't know where it come from.<br /> <br /> (-38.04741, -71.27506) look like is the church that Maks&amp; Gabi said. A tree with beautiful grassland, but no good water resources nearby, the river beside it is flowing brown water, also farming and people living at upstream.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 30 to Dec 31 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: beautiful secluded camping on plateau but no water. be cognizant of tensions between Pehuenche and non Indigenous people <br /> <br /> Day 1: Trail was beautiful and mostly easy to navigate. Camped that night at around 11 km on the right side of the river, pushed back into the trees quite a bit. Chose not to camp at one of the marked campsites near the puestos because I became a bit worried about the large number of beer cans I was seeing along the way, and I didn’t meet any women at any of the puestos. Though I’m sure there’s mostly very kind people in this valley and I had no encounters that made me feel otherwise, I didn’t feel like taking my chances as a young solo woman given a few past reports on this section. However, it was a challenge to find a camping spot that felt both safely hidden and like I wasn’t on someone’s land without permission (though I probably still was) - there’s many more puestos in this valley now than appear on the waypoints, and there’s also loads of cows and horses grazing! If you find yourself in a similar position to me, I highly recommend just mustering up the energy to hike up to the plateau and camp about a kilometer in. Very nice and secluded spots up there. You would just need to bring a lot of water because there’s none until Laguna El Barco. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Plateau was beautiful, but keep an eye on the GPS. As others have said, you have to pass through what is now a campsite with a gate just before the main road to Laguna El Barco, but no one was there so I didn’t get charged. Laguna El Barco camping was nice and lively on New Year’s eve. The store is still not set up yet, but the staff charged my devices for me. If you continue on the RR for about a km you will find the wooden sign for Entel service which did work for me. Just be aware that you have to walk by what is demarcated as a “dangerous zone” on Pehuenche land. I’m not quite sure what this means, but when I was walking to get service someone I passed warned me of it as well… <br /> <br /> Next day I got a ride from someone leaving the campground to Ralco (2 hour drive!). Bigger market was open even when nothing else was on a national holiday (January 1) and had good options. Camped at Camping Nativo about a 30 min walk outside of town, which is close to a great river spot and has sinks, outlets and even a shower! <br /> <br /> Given the tensions between the Pehuenche and non Indigenous people on the lands that this trail crosses, I’m curious if we, as non Indigenous hikers, should think about having a broader conversation to understand what kind of place we have (if any) in using these lands. Ideally with direct input from Pehuenche people themselves. Both for the sake of respecting the people of these lands and feeling safe as hikers. <br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 22 to Dec 26 / 4,5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; part Option 1 &amp; Completely new option / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> Note: Our path was of course convoluted. We walked the optional route 10-01 to Volcán Copahue last year. It is splendid and recommended for our option, but this time we opted for the RR, as we have not walked it previously. We came back to the area to find a new connection that would avoid almost 25 km of unpleasant roadwalking after Laguna El Barco. We suceeded, see below.<br /> <br /> We followed the regular route to Laguna el Barco. The route and the Laguna are indeed very pleasant. We paid 1000 each to be able to pass through (?) and use the camping tables for lunch. The store was closed even on Saturday (Dec 23). About 300m from the lagoon, there is a sign about Entel coverage and 4g indeed works decently there. We then took the minor road to the hot spring under Volcan Copahue (elevation 1812, name Pucon Mahuida).<br /> <br /> No cars seem to be using the road, especially the second part is quite eroded and after the hot spring it is bordering on impassable for cars. The hot spring is still nice. We then followed the road to an incredibly beautiful valley under Copahue. Few hundred metres before reaching Argentina, we left the road and shortly found a path that traversed into the valley in the south next to the border. The path petered out once we got above the bushes. It was really easy to reach the ridge and folow it (and the Argentinian border) to 37.9575000S, 71.1211474W. With snow all around on the slopes and with condors circling us, it was stunning (the ridge is mostly snow free). Made camp under the summit next to a 10m-high wall of ice for wind protection. There was no path but walking was easy, the ridge is rather flat and wide.<br /> <br /> There are three options we explored from there on. The recommended one is the last one we explored, but here they follow in chronological order. Continuing on the ridge towards Cerro Dedo would require climbing or exposed traversing (if one dropped to Argentina, one could probably find a path to reconnect to GPT after Cerro Dedos if there ius no police in the area). Instead we went down side of the mountain roughly to here: 37.9650794S, 71.1206588W (it was steep but full of stones, so not slippery and we did not think it was dangerous). Then we started traversing (it did not feel exposed, but was a bit strenuous) until about here: 37.9792148S, 71.1245764W, from where we started going down a narrow ridge that was flanked by creeks on both sides. Again it was not dangerous and first half was good CC (like all the previous traverse), the second half was part cow trail (with cow poop), part bush bashing, but surprisingly easy and painless with long sleeeves.<br /> <br /> At the bottom of the valley, we came out on a clearly visible trail. We went up it further into the valley, where there was a deserted puesto on a meadow under enormous araucaria trees with a magnificent views on snowy slopes full of huge waterfalls. We made camp.<br /> <br /> In the evening, Tomáš then went to explore a scary looking ridge to reach this peak: <br /> 37.9767704S, 71.1623784W. It turned out not to be scary. The sidehill up the ridge is mostly without trees or bushes, so it is steep but good CC. Once up the ridge, one can go around the pinacles from the southern side (left facing up), occasionally using the tree branches as support - there is a little of easy climbing, but with no exposure. Then the ridge is steep and somewhat narrow but one can mostly go up only using poles and not hands. Altogether SAC 5. It was fun and pretty, but caution needs to apply. From the top, one could easily traverse north towards here: 37.9611427S, 71.1539942W.<br /> <br /> The next day, we went up a ridge dividing the valley we slept in into two (this one: 37.9714484S, 71.1414231W). There is a trail up that branches off the main valley trail about 300 m downstream of the abandoned puesto. One goes up a slope for about 400m and then down to a ford and then up. There are a variety of cow trails with bamboo cut some time ago. It is partly bush bashing, but very easy and just a few hundred metres. Once up the steep slope, the trail is much clearer. Above the tree line, it is easy CC. Once you get up the main ridge, you can either go right to the peak we slept the days before (a walk up - no need to use hands, the rocky features can be easily skirted, SAC 3-4) or left to the coordinates that end the previous paragraph. From there one could go down to the valley in the north and either CC and ford (probably possible, but unceartain) or follow the road/path that is mapped in OSM (look it online, it was only added in late November) toward El Barco. Navigating this SOBO is much easier, we posted the GPX route of the most tricky part and a rough overall route painted over satellite image in the Facebook group and hopefully it will be included in the GPT next year [November 2024: it is in our suggstions together with a lot of exploratory options].<br /> <br /> Going down the valley to reconnect to the GPT leading from Gaulali is easy 5 km on a clear trail. Once you hit car tracks (almost in the main valley) that will soon turn left, you can probably follow one of the trails going straight and save yourself maybe a 0.5 km detour to a puesto here: 38.0095590S, 71.1391237W. From the puesto, there is a very ugly road that was enlarged this year all the way to Guallali. Going NOBO, you reconnect to the trail going to Cerro Dedos very soon and thus almost entirely eclipsing the roadwalk. Plus our proposed new route is really pretty.<br /> <br /> From Gaullali, there seems to be a daily bus leaving at 5.30 AM from in-front-of-the-turnoff-to-the-carabinieros-station. It goes to Ralco and then to Los Angeles. By mistake we first bought tickets to Ralco for 1300 and then to Los Angeles for 1500. It arrives in Ralco at 8:00 and stops there for 10 or so minutes. Next bigger stop is in Santa Barbara around 9:30. It arrives to Los Angels after 10:30. I think it goes back in the afternoon, possibly at 14:00, but ask at the station.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 dec 12 - dec 14 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR + B + C + F / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Ralco to Trapa Trapa, start of GPT10. 2 busses a day, 4.30 and 16.30. I was at the busstop at 4.10, but the driver probably didn't expect anyone and took a shortcut and therefore didn't pass the busstop. So if you want to take that one, walk 100m further to the crossing of the main road.<br /> 16.30 no problems, plenty of people taking that bus. Total of 2.5hrs to get to Trapa Trapa.<br /> <br /> Missing the bus gave me time to explore Ralco a bit, plenty of shops, turist information center and a Museum about the Pewenche. Small, but worth a visit (1000 CLP).<br /> <br /> Didn't explore anything in Trapa Trapa since I wanted to cover some gound before darkness. Did see some signs of shops tho.<br /> Easy trail, no issues here. Ended up to camp at: Camp 10 [7.1/1181]. Got woken up by some cows and horses in the morning. <br /> <br /> Took the route (C) along the lake, also with the intention to get some extra water for the plateau. Although there was plenty at the plateau (for now), at least 5 good streams and more small ones. All because of the melting snow, so I don't know for how long that will be in the upcoming weeks. <br /> <br /> Walk was easy, pass is easy, some snow/ice walking but all stable. You might be taking a little caution when it starts melting more but walk around the snow is also an easy option.<br /> <br /> I camped at the plateau, almost at the end just before you walk into the greenzone again. On the right side is a flat spot next to some trees and bushes. <br /> <br /> Next day via Laguna el Barco, some people camping there, no one at the entry so didn't had to pay anything. Easy walk again. Took option (F) and first house on the left after crossing the bridge had a sign that they sold ice cream. Stopped there, friendly people and as they told me they will sell more stuff in the future. It also looked like that, they were constructing a store, shelves, counter everything. Just no inventory yet. Unclear when they will, at least to me with my limited Spanish.<br /> <br /> Reached Guillali easily, had a chat with the local Cabaniero. He gave me a Entell Sim-card so I could have cell service. Stayed at Romina. Bed, dinner, breakfast 30.000 CLP. <br /> <br /> Really nice walk all along. Easy navigation, nice views and not really demanding terrain. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec- to 2023-Dec-8 / 2,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant G + variant E + variant C / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Jens'''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present<br /> <br /> - Snow : a little bit of snow around the pass, super easy to navigate <br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find<br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> <br /> - Resupply : there is a small 'negocio' in Trapa Trapa, and you can have breakfast with a really nice family at the 'lodging and food' <br /> <br /> - Option roads : Variant C - really nice lake, just a little bit of bushbashing to rejoin the RR<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-07 to 2023-Mar-09 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> After a night in Guallali, we continued on GPT10. This section is short and awesome, definitely worth hiking! <br /> <br /> On Day 1, we decided to reach the camping of Laguna El Barco (Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292]). We managed to get two rides that shorten the day, and enjoyed an afternoon of rest in the campground (we cooked some pinones). As other as noted, the price is 8pp and the water in the shower ice cold. We were hungry for sopapillas but sadly, this late in the season, the shop was closed. Because we asked, we were able to buy tortillas (2k each) directly from the owners for the next morning. Expect heavy bread - one half is enough for a meal.<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we hiked through the plateau. Of note, X {10} [32.1/1296] is now a gate (and a camp) and we were asked to pay 1pp for the right of way. <br /> The plateau is easy walking with a clear trail while filled with beautiful views. Better pack some water before because we did not find any before reaching the end of the descent in the forest (RR-TL-V {10} [13.6+2.5]). We camped at Camp {10} [9.6/1175], which is in a bosquet and wind sheltered.<br /> <br /> * '''On Day 3, we finished the section until Trapa Trapa and asked for lodging at Mirellas (Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956]). It costs 20k pp for room / dinner / breakfast (no hot water). We were told there are some &quot;thermas&quot; close to -37.69656, -71.29006 but when asking our way, we were told it costs 4pp to use them. It did not seem worth it so we backtracked.'''<br /> The three shops in Trapa Trapa are located at -37.71004, -71.26861 (closed when we passed by), -37.71040, -71.26661 (had various sweets, ice cream) and -37.71234, -71.25523 (the biggest of them). However, expect limited supplies (we could not find batterias nor sunscreen for the next sections).<br /> <br /> Not much more to say on this section. We initially planned to go on 10-01 for the Volcan, but were told it would be a day of heavy rain and thus stayed on the RR (finally, not a single drop, just a little cloudy and windy). <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-07 to 2023-Feb-10 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + option 01 Volcán Copahue / Natalie&amp;Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> The forest fire situation made planning for this extremely difficult. We packed for GPT 09-12 with volcano side trips but we had to skip 09 because of park closure and gamble on starting directly in Trapa Trapa. We took the direct bus to Trapa Trapa from Los Angeles, it was long... 5+hours and it leaves once a day at 2:15pm (Feb,2023). Although it was memorable, we think it would have been faster to bus to Ralco and try to hitch as there are &quot;some&quot; cars. The road condition looked as if it has been recently fixed and is being improved even more.<br /> Arrived in Trapa Trapa at ~7:30pm and started hiking right away. Beautiful town and valley. We were going to camp at km07 but there were people staying there with dogs so we moved on to the next river crossing not great for camping (there are nicer spots just a bit further). <br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Easy walk towards the junction for option 01 to volcán Copahue with a long conversation and piñone testing with &quot;Pedro&quot; from puesto 13.7. We were lucky to hike during the season that the piñones were dropping but sadly we did not find Laureline's cellphone:(. Our plan was to summit Copahue but my stomach bug came back and we stopped very early to camp, we had a few days of excess food so this was no problem. We camped near the large creek separating 01&amp;01a -37.83511, -71.24072. The smoke was also getting us down. There is water here obviously, but there is also a nice water source earlier here: -37.83542, -71.24258. This trail (01) is slightly overgrown and the &quot;aggressive puesto&quot; @ 1.2 was locked up with no one there. <br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> We took option 01a (BB) to the pass. Tomáš had tested it the day before to see if it was BB but there was a path. Although we found the path the day before, we both got lost in the bamboo for the first bit but luckily once you get under the canopy of the Araucarias, the trail is clear and non-bushy, actually it is really pleasant! In the forest there is water here; -37.83520, -71.23177 and a small broken down puesto here; -37.83893, -71.22434. <br /> Out of the forest there is a beautiful grassy (and boggy) plateau with two puestos (one occupied) and lots of water (-37.84756, -71.22044). We spoke with the lady of the puesto and her 5yr old son: genuinely nice people! There is a trail from her puesto (-37.84760, -71.22095) that goes straight up East. The trail exists until you hit a waterfall-fed creek and the rocks start; -37.85161, -71.21874. from there on it is CC on grippy rocks, dirt and boulders. Last water source before the pass is not far; -37.85768, -71.21610 and would make a nice camp. Getting to this pass, although beautiful, took a long time! <br /> At the pass we dropped our bags and followed the osm route for volcán Copahue. The osm route was better than the GPT bcs it followed a firm snow patch for a good while making walking fast. There was a good stream of snow melt on the approach (-37.86132, -71.19051) and the walk to the summit was easy, some loose little boulders. The summit was well worth it as the crater of Copahue is very impressive; a large broken glacier with a beautiful glacier lake. We think apart from our climb of Azul it was the nicest volcano so far. <br /> The way down to Termas de Pucon Mahuida was very slow going. Followed the osm route rather than GPT bcs it seemed more accurate.However it was still CC on rocks almost the whole way. Up high there is water here; -37.87362, -71.20509 and &quot;some&quot; spots for camping. Later there is a scenic valley good for water and camping, nice views of Copahue's glacier; -37.87753, -71.19874. We followed this valley down until we had to cross out of it, once leaving this valley there is no drinking water until the hot springs.<br /> We camped at the hot springs which are a good temperature, one small pool but I think there are more higher up. The area around is not good for camping and very boggy, we found one half decent spot. Unfortunately Tomáš had his turn with the stomach bug and the smoke crept in strongly overnight. We rested late until the next day. <br /> <br /> Day4<br /> We rested until late morning as Tomáš was still barely recovered from his stomach bug and walked the long road to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> The beginning of the road could have been some of my favorite scenery so far, The Araucaria trees surpassed my expectations and especially when they are backdropped with mountains and at one time an orange river (glacier water flowing through sulphur like sediment?), it feels like the era of the dinosaurs. The road for option01 had plenty of good water sources (~5x). Friendliest dogs at this puesto; -37.95898, -71.26155 and a teeny tiny amount of water.<br /> Luckily got a hitch with a local to the bus stop shortly after the intersection with 01 and RR. From there we walked about 3 km to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-25 to 2023-Jan-27 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maks&amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Really quick section. We started about 2 pm on 25.01 and finished about 2 pm on the 27.01.<br /> Nice and easy with visible trail and no problems from the locals (all of them really nice). There is no water between 14 and 33km even after rain. <br /> We stayed at Camping by Laguna el Barco and paid 8 000 for the both of us. The water in the shower is ice cold, but there are few ladies selling fresh, warm bread. <br /> The public transport from the end of the section is the bus at 5.30 (Guallali) or bus point 5.45. We tried to hitchhike but with no luck. We camped in Guallali by the river (next to the church.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-25 to 2023-Jan-27 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> We found this section surprisingly attractive - mainly the plateau was breathtaking. We spent the first night at a property of a Mapuche family (waypoint Camp - 7,1 km). Right before the ascent to Laguna Liay, there was a Mapuche family whose father approached us, he acted rather reserved from the start towards tourists (as he told us that they bring litter into the mountains) but we ended up drinking harina tostada with the family which also sold us some bread. We took the optional route which goes around the Laguna Liay and couldn't find the path so we somehow slid down the hill and went around the beach. Laguna Liay was really great to take a swim in and felt private (until a helicopter started hovering above our heads, taking water from the lake). There really seemed to be no water on the plateau - we took it from the Laguna and spent the night on the plateau - lots of space for camping there. The next day we arrived at Laguna El Barco, we didn't have to pay for the entry to the lake. The tienda there was open until 8 p.m. and had tuna, rice, pasta, biscuits, beverages, toilet paper, instant soups. There was a stand that made sopaipillas, churascos, french fries, salad, tortillas. Then there were some ladies going around the beach offering almost the same. We hitchhiked some of the last kilometres of the road to Guallalí. There's a shop as others indicated and a bus going only in the morning as written below. The chances of hitch hiking from there are rather scarce, as our Polish fellow travelers found out. There's a quite nice camping spot by the river further down the road (it's a few metres into the start of the section 11); it's not very private but people that were passing by didn't mind us camping there. Continued to section 11 thereafter. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-12 to 2023-Jan-15 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / detour past Laguna las Totoras / Will '''<br /> <br /> Another quick section, with some super unique Araucaria forests. I decided to try and find the trail to Laguna las Totoras that Jo and Veronica mentioned. The route wasn't exactly traditionally scenic, but I had a good time. The lake was more of a shallow grassy pond surrounded by thick Araucaria forest. To me it was a nice change from all the classic alpine lakes. Flat grassy bank that seemed perfect for camping. The water itself was warm and a bit muddy. I didn't see anyone along the detour, other than a few bulls at the lake.<br /> <br /> I turned off the main trail at -37.90827, -71.30880. I followed some horse tracks curving to the south along the edge of the woods. The tracks went through some sandy clearings before I eventually lost them in the woods. The woods were pretty easy travel, before too long I was out on a grassy plateau where I found tracks leading to the mirador marked on openstreetmap. Went up the road through some inspiring woods to the lake. I then walked south along the not very scenic road back to the main route.<br /> <br /> Could be a nice option to take if you're in the mood for a change from the open alpine trail.<br /> <br /> Other than that I missed the turnoff to the Laguna liay and decided to try bushwhacking straight through. Had a good time going off trail due west to the bottom right corner of the lake, open woods with a few pretty easy scrambles up/down rocky cliffs. Had a worse time trying to head southeast back to the main trail, encountering some thicker woods.<br /> <br /> The bus to Ralco comes at 2pm on Sunday, so I spent two nights at Laguna El Barco with a quick walk Sunday morning to catch the bus. For 15000 I rented a kayak to circle the lake in a bit under two hours, super nice. The campsite was crowded for the weekend. There were some nice ladies selling simple food. The trail to the right of the campsite along the lake is beautiful.<br /> <br /> Had a hard time finding accommodation in Ralco, the first five places I tried were full. Eventually found a spot at Cabañas Nehuen Antu for 30k.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-11 to 2023-Jan-13 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We continued from Trapa Trapa in the late afternoon to the camp at km 7. Trail is easy to navigate from the beginning. We set the camp actually a few meters before the puesto, in the forrest on the right side that seemed to be more quiet and hidden place. There is a nice spot with water around km 8, before entering the valley. We have seen just a few people around the puestos. Ascent to the pass is not bad, we enjoyed again very different landscape all around. Continuing to laguna, we decided to camp below arucaria trees a little before the official camp (cca 2 km) since we would get there pretty late. Based on comments from other hikers we went through the camp the next morning to check if there is opportunity to buy some food and eventhough the shop was closed, there were two ladies selling tortillas and sopapillas, churrasco and a few other things. The trail after laguna is mostly a dirt road passing around puestos. There was a community festival in Guallalí (1st edition) which was really nice to see, we tried grilled goat and bought some local products, great experience. One of the guys from the festival took us to Ralco in the evening and arranged a cabaña for us (35k CLP). There are 2-3 bigger shops with basically everything, gas is in the one next to the biggest market on the plaza. On the other hand, minishop in Guallalí is very limited, but they have some drinks, ice cream, cookies etc. There is also one small shop on the way to Guallalí, close to Bus 10-E mark.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-09 to 2023-Jan-10 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Trapa Trapa - Laguna El Barco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We started from Trapa Trapa around 11 am after finishing section 9. The first part nearly until Laguna Liay is an easy walk on dirt roads/nice paths with several water sources.<br /> We met some pehuenche people who greated us friendly, only one man mumbled if we had a 'permiso' to pass there (we couldn't understand him very well). But then his friends told him to let us pass, he went away and we continued walking.<br /> On the last km to Laguna Liay there is a lot of bush bashing. But it's definitely worth it, a very nice camping spot up there.<br /> The next day we took option C around the lake, which was a mistake because at some point we couldn't find a path and ended up on a sketchy climb to the top of the plateau. The rest of the way to Laguna el Barco is easy with good paths.There is no water between Laguna Liay and Laguna el Barco.<br /> At the Laguna they charge 5000 CLP p.p. for the picnic/beach and 8000 CLP p.p. for camping. From there we hitchhiked to Ralco to resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-23 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / Option C / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Trapa Trapa - Laguna Liay - Laguna El Barco - Guallalí<br /> <br /> Two days from Trapa Trapa to Guallalí. Easy trail up the valley towards Laguna Liay. Didn't see anyone, most of the puestos appeared unoccupied. Lovely araucaria grove at the base of the big climb to Laguna Liay. The trail during the climb was overgrown/hard to distinguish in some places, and had a few areas of blowdowns too, which made the going slow during that bit.<br /> <br /> I took Option C around Laguna Liay, which I found to be a frustrating maze of cow paths. One minute it's nice and clear and then it disappears, leaving me to bushwhack my way along until I stumble upon it again. The lake is beautiful though, and it's the last water before Laguna El Barco, so I filled up a couple litres. Met my first other GPT hikers in 3 weeks there too, they were going NOBO. Really beautiful up on the plateau of araucarias. <br /> There was no one at Laguna El Barco when I got there around lunchtime, no one selling food either. Spent over an hour there enjoying the shady picnic tables and the beach. <br /> <br /> Easy trails/4×4 tracks the rest of the way to Guallalí. The two NOBO GPT hikers I met yesterday got charged 10,000 pesos by some local Mapuche folks to pass through this area, but I (again) didn't meet anyone. <br /> The shop in Guallalí is very limited. When I saw the selection, I decided to take the bus the next morning to Ralco, it leaves at 5:30 am. The shop owner was also not offering accommodation, but pointed me to the lovely araucaria grove across the street to camp. There is Entel cell service here :)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-27 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Romain '''<br /> <br /> - Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292] : the place is nice, as mentioned there are lot of bins, the camping is also very nice and the showers still very cold. They charged me $5.000 for the night. It was written &quot;with no (something I didn't manage to read)&quot; on the bill so if they charge you $8.000 you can try to specify you don't have car, or I don't know... They removed the panel for the grocery just after I asked for it so it's now fixed, there is no grocery. The family selling cooked food wasn't selling food when I visited them around 11:00, maybe because it was monday morning, maybe because it was the end of summer, I don't know<br /> <br /> - Close to GPT10-C Start there is a point of view on the whole valley, it's beautiful and you can see all the puestos <br /> <br /> - Just after it there are many paths to go down, I haven't taken the one from the GPS but it's very easy to reach it then<br /> <br /> - Around Puesto {10} [14.5/1297] an arriero told me there are 2 paths going down the valley, one on each side of the river, I've followed the GPT to try to reach Trapa Trapa before the night so I didn't go further about them but if someone try<br /> <br /> - Around fords there are often a &quot;bridge&quot; made of one massive plank, the same arriero told me about some so they probably check each year they are usable. You just have to look for it, but it can not be the case at some points<br /> <br /> - The number of puestos in this Valley is impressive, I only had good contacts with the people I met<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-11 to 2022-Feb-12 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional section 10-E straight from Laguna El Barco to Guallalí / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> In one day from Trapa Trapa to Laguna Liay, camping at the north side. There are many cow trails leading down to the laguna. The one we took seemed suitable for hikers too. Going back up the next day we got lost in the cow maze though, and only by searching for our own footprints from the previous day did we get back on the RR. It may be worth having a look at our GPS tracking data to figure out our initial path.<br /> <br /> The next day continued to Guallalí. Beatiful plateau! Got to harvest our first piñones as well! However, we hurt the araucaria tree by breaking off a small but not insignificant branch when trying to get the green &quot;pinecone&quot; to break off, using the &quot;strong rope&quot; method described in the hiker's manual. Only later we learned you should go for the brownish, &quot;café&quot;-colored cones. Just hit these with your walking stick and the piñones will fall right off. You then collect them from the ground. The threatened araucaria will be much happier not being hurt :)<br /> <br /> When in need of water at the plateau, there should be a path to Laguna Totora from S 37° 54.510', W 071° 18.580', according to an arriero who passed by. Maybe a future optional route?<br /> <br /> The optional routes 10-E and 10-G have become MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> The lodging at the shop in Guallalí was not avaible, but the shop owner pointed us to an araucaria grove closeby (you can enter via a wooden gate next to the escuela). We camped there: S 38° 02.647', W 071° 16.441'. There were some villagers passing by, so it seems to be public land. There's a small stream to the east with quite clear water. Maybe it's possible to camp more upstream to the north, where there are bridges and where the stream has passed fewer houses.<br /> <br /> Continued to GPT11 immediately after.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-19 /3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> Between Guallalí and Laguna el Barco is mainly gravel road, but sometimes there are small, discrete paths that connect them, so keep an eye on the GPS.<br /> The camping at Laguna el barco is now 8000 per person. There are toilets, very cold showers and many garbage bins. There is also a family selling tortillas (bread baked in the ash) and sopaipillas, as well as some other people who come down in the evening and morning selling tortillas. There's a shop advertising ice cream, bread, sodas and other stuff, but it's closed. The people at the camping told us that it would open at 13, and then at 20, and then next day. A lady who had stayed there for a week said it had been like that the whole week, so I wouldn't count on it being open. As noted, you can ask the campground people to charge your phone. All in all, it was a nice campsite.<br /> Shortly after, the big climb starts. You have to pass through a fence and by some houses - again keep an eye on the GPS. We were charged 1000 per person, probably wouldn't happen for people going southbound. <br /> As warned, there was no water on the plateau until Laguna Liay. At the camp-waypoint, there is a very small lake, it doesn't look like the best drinking water, and the path directly to the lake seems very overgrown. Instead, we continued around the lake and found a decent campsite on the far side. The path around the lake is faint at best, and we ended up doing some serious scrambling down a cliff, however when we got down we found a path coming more from the right, so maybe there's a better way. The walk around is pretty, though.<br /> After the descent, the rest is easy walking past many puestos.<br /> In Trapa Trapa, we stayed at the house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot;. They charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. Very nice family, they might be away in their puesto sometimes though. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. They were building a cabaña when we were there. Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there. Apart from that there are two other minishops, one in each direction, which we didn't check out.<br /> <br /> The bus apparently leaves for Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option D / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> After finishing GPT9 I went directly on to GPT10 and made camp at the camping ground by el barco lake (5000 pesos) you can ask them to charge your electronics by the house where you pay. They didn’t sell any food.<br /> Like already mentioned by others, remember to bring a lot of water for the following section. The plateau you climb up on after El Barco lake was very dry. Next water source with good clean water was at Laguna Liay. I was getting desperate for water, so I took variant D directly down to the laguna. The trail was very overgrown and requires some bush bashing. Frustrating amounts of mosquitos and horseflies in this part of the section, might be worth bringing some mosquito spray!<br /> <br /> Next section towards trapa trapa was nice and easy with perfect weather and plenty of water.<br /> Found two mini-shops in Trapa Trapa with only limited supplies. A bus to Ralco, leaves weekdays 6:00 in the morning. Therefore I spent the night in a room that a local Mapuche family were renting out. Was served a very big plate of grilled sheep meat and really enjoyed talking with the family. Later in the evening the father returned home very drunk. He was nice and talkative but I was getting at bit of a bad vibe from him, so thanked them for the food and went off to bed. Later at night I was awaken by someone vigorously trying to open the door which I thankfully locked. Rest of the family woke up and I heard a mans voice shouting something about “extranjero” and soon after the abuela kicked this guy out of the house.<br /> <br /> Instantly thought I was gonna get robbed, but might just have been a drunk family member or the father who had forgot I was sleeping in their room. Hard to say… Apart from this I really enjoyed interacting with the locals in this region and I’ve had a lot of nice and memorable experiences.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / Incident on GPT10 at Puesto-55 Location S 37* 49‘ 31.79‘‘ / W 71* 16‘ 23.38‘‘ / Published on behalf of Trevor Mattson'''<br /> <br /> &quot;Sad to report that i had a very negative experience about 15km into section 10 on sunday (2/2). I was offered food and a place to camp by a very nice pehuenche lady (miriam, goes by &quot;mila&quot;, the puesto after puesto 55 marked as &quot;puesto, food&quot; at the beginning of the OH route right after it splits from RR) only to have her husband come home later an try to rob me. She was extremely friendly. Although he was noticeably intoxicated, he was also nice at first as we joked, drank maté an collected firewood together. After a couple hours, as the sun was almost completely gone (~10pm), he went inside his puesto, grabbed a knife, an approached me from behind as i sat around the fire with his wife. He marched me to my tent with the knife pressed againt my neck. I allowed him to search it (he kept saying &quot;plata, plata, plata&quot; an his Spanish wasn't very good) which gave me the opportunity to pick up a rock an intimidate him a bit. I had a lot of money an wasn't just gonna let him take it and all of my stuff up in the mountains at night. His wife then came an tried to get between us / protect me (she was pleading him to stop). He was shoving her around, but this gave me just enough time to rip my tent out of the ground, which had all my stuff in it, an quickly drag it to the nearest puesto (~100metres). He followed me on horseback after a minute or two an the family there armed themselves with sticks an told him to f**k off. <br /> <br /> I hiked for a few hours through the night an met an incredible family at around 1700metres on the optional route (papa named exequel). They told me that he (bernardino from &quot;puesto, food&quot;) has robbed a &quot;chino&quot; (means anyone that looks even remotely asian in my latin American experiences) in the past an that &quot;se vuelve loco&quot; when he drinks vine. I bought more cheese from bernardino an his wife than i wanted/needed as a nice gesture an we seemed to get along, so this was reassuring that he was just crazy an it was nothing that i did to provoke him. In other words, i behave according to the manual provided by Jan an it is not at fault.<br /> All in all, the pehuenches an mapuches i've met are all amazing except this guy. I definitely had to inform you all but don't want you to think that they are some uncivilized savages by any means. Bernardino kept telling his wife that i was &quot;solo&quot; as his justification for robbing me as they argued. Therefore i don't recommend passing through there alone, especially not later in the evening. I think if you stick to the regular you will narrowly avoid the puesto entirely. Or definitely worth the extra few KMs to continue to exequel's puesto further up the OH route. Also, i had a few extra pesos in a separate pocket that i was able to pretend like was all the money i had which was clutch. An from now on, I'm not staking anything into the ground until i know the father of the family well. <br /> Anyway, happy trekking, stay safe, an if anyone knows a good place to try an fix tent poles in concepción by chance then that would be awesome!&quot;<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank '''<br /> <br /> Came in from Trapa Trapa in evening &amp; camped @ Camp 81. There is a Mapuche family living there, talked to them &amp; they were OK with me camping nearby. I was caught out by the sudden transition from river valley to dry plateau, had very little water &amp; was as dry as dirt when I got to stream 1KM before Laguna Barco, drank 3 litres there. 3000CLP camping for 1 person @ Laguna. There is a Mapuche family with a food stall there, they have chips, sopaipillas &amp; tortilla. The tortilla is like a small bread loaf. Next morning as I was leaving around 8:30 the Mapuche woman came round the campsite with fresh sopaipillas &amp; tortilla. Walked in to Guallali from Laguna Barco in about 3 hours. Shop in Guallali is small but Romina who runs the shop provides beds &amp; meals. 20,000 CLP for evening meal (usually goat &amp; rice), bed &amp; breakfast. Walked out 9KM to Comunidad Chanqueco, there is a good shop there. From Chanqueco it's easier to hitch, traffic coming from Laguna Barco but very little from Guallali. Hitched into Ralco, stayed @ Hosteria Montana there, about 15000CLP single.<br /> 2 supermarkets in Ralco, they sometimes have camping gas.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-12 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> This section was well marked/distinguished relative to all the other sections on thus far. There were many Puestos along the way as well. This was also the first section where the araucaria tree is very prevalent across the landscape. This section was my final section on the GPT and the araucaria trees and the lush green landscape provided good contrast to the semi-desert climate south of Santiago de Chile. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: <br /> There was a small 12km ish section without water close to the pass. <br /> <br /> Highlights: <br /> Change in landscape. Great views of the many volcanoes in the area.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 9 &amp; 10. 4 days. Sierra Velluda and Antuco Volcanoe were amazing. In Trapa Trapa the two small shops were out of stock, so we couldn't buy anything. Pehuenche settlers in &quot;veranadas&quot; were really welcoming and friendly to us. We asked anyway for permission to camp close to their settlements. We were invited by familia Crespo Manquepi for tortillas, tea and some other food and stayed there for a few hours. They are welcome to recieve gpt hikers and in the future sell some food and lodging. Really kind family. Just before the last big climb in section 10. No water for a long stretch after it. Recomend the detour to Laguna Liay, amazing. Resupplied in Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> The trail was in good condition and we didn’t experience any issues. Possible to resupply at Guallalí but the selection isn’t huge (pasta, dry soups, crackers, tuna etc). If you are looking to bus into Lonquimay, it was leaving at 5:30AM the next morning for us (but we didn’t take it). <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Easy trail and navigation. We got in this really bad weather too. Storm and ice at the pass. In Guallali we had coffee and sopapillas at the carabinieros and spent the night at the same place as Matus, Anna and Linda. We took the bus at 05:30 towards Los Angeles and are staying in Ralco for resupply and drying. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-25 to 2019-Dec-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Linda'''<br /> <br /> - Nice hike with no major difficulties. The plateau with the araucarias after the pass is amazing!!!<br /> <br /> - No river when you leave the valley toward the pass and then down to the other valley BUT, as I wanted to sleep on this plateau (25 km after the start of the section) I found a small river 300 meters on the right from the regular track and camped at this place : S37,895511° O71,308919° Wonderful sunset!!! <br /> <br /> - In Guallali, end of the section, lodging, food and mini shop. Lodging at the way point Minishop very nice = guesthouse with diner and breakfast for 20000 CLP. Very nice family!!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 3.5 days (11 walking hours) / Hiking / NOBO / RR with hitch hiking between Guallali and Laguna el Barco / Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 3.5 days on the trail, of which we spend 1 in the tent due to bad weather. The 0.5 day we had left from arriving in Guallali we spend buying food and hitch hiking to the campground at Laguna el Barco. We did so because we expected rain soon and wanted to camp it out. Also we were not too keen for the gravel road part.<br /> <br /> We liked: Nice araucaria trees, an amazing sunset we saw a tad south of Laguna Llai and after section 11 and 12 the easy terrain.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The horsflies.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-04 / 3.5 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> GPT09 and GPT10 Season section log. <br /> We combined these two sections. It took us 3.5 days via regular trail SOBO.<br /> Trail in both section is in good condition. There is snowfield in first pass as was mentioned. We went left, but it would be worth to check is it's possible to go through rocks on the right as it seems much shorter. <br /> Water is not marked on a map but there is a stream before the pass. <br /> Resuply in Trapa Trapa is very limited. They had few tunas, other caned fish, some pasta, flour, cola, crisps... We didn't check for accomodation. <br /> We stayed in a paid campsite at Laguna el Barco for 5000 both. Around 8 there was a woman selling bread and sweet pastry, but mind that it was weekend. <br /> Resuply in Guallali again very limited. They have tunas, caned fish, pasta, oil, crackers and bit more. We are staying in a house next to the shop.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Trapa Trapa<br /> - Accommodation: The house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot; charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. <br /> <br /> - Shopping: Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there. There is a panel just before the street going to the grocery indicating that the mini-market is 100m away. There are two other minishops.<br /> <br /> - Bus: The bus apparently leaves for Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends.<br /> <br /> *Guallalí<br /> Lodging at the way point Minishop very nice = guesthouse with dinner and breakfast for 20000 CLP. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Laguna El Barco :<br /> Updated Mar 22<br /> <br /> -The family selling cooked food close to Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292] wasn't selling food when I visited them around 11:00, maybe because it was monday morning, maybe because it was the end of summer, I don't know<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Bus Guallali - Ralco - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles 05:30<br /> <br /> Updated January 2022:<br /> Bus from Trapa Trapa to Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends<br /> <br /> &lt;u&gt;Updated February 2025:&lt;/u&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;Bus from Butalelbún/Trapa Trapa to Los Angeles:&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 5:30 am from Monday to Saturday&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 14:00 on Sunday&lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;Bus from Los Angeles to Butalelbún/Trapa Trapa:&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 14:00 am from Monday to Saturday&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 19:15 on Sunday&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108664113.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603529.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603527.jpg|thumb|Araucarias at GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603530.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603538.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_1086641189.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=123986 2025-08-23T18:44:33Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-23: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Carefully read all previous reports to this section before even considering to venture on this very demanding and dangerous section.<br /> <br /> <br /> The GPT Track Files 2025 are updated based on the GPS records and reports from Celio Lebsilly, Robin Marcille and Tim Kronsbein. <br /> <br /> <br /> - Obtaining a permit for the Regular Route (southbound and northbound) appears to be somewhat complicated. Also, the Estancia Helsingfors (northern terminus) and the Estancia Cristina (southern terminus) are very exclusive adventure tourist destinations. On top of this, the ferry between Estancia Christina to Puerto Bandera (GPT43) is expensive. <br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 3 (PN Los Glaciares Centro) is an interesting alternative to the Regular Route. This Optional Route is best attempted in northbound direction starting at the northern shore of Lago Argentino somewhere along Route 19. This remote and wind exposed Optional Route connects via Lago Tannhäuser to Lago Anita at the Regular Route from where the Regular Route can be followed to the northern terminus. A permit is required to enter the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares on this route but when hiking starting at the shore of Lago Argentino and hiking northbound then check points will be passed when entering the protected area. When taking this route without a permit then best avoid being seen at Estancia Christina, Estancia Helsingfors and the Park Administration near Estancia Helsingfors. This Optional Route is still classified as &quot;Investigation&quot; due to the small number of GPS records and report. Risks are primarily the remote and wind exposed route and wild, potentially aggressive cattle (baguales).<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 2 (Lago Argentina Costa Oeste) had been only partially recorded by GPS but is reasonable well visible on satellite images. Compared to Option 3, this coastal route is lower and offers more wind sheltered camp sites. For permits read the remarks to Option 3.<br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 1 (Glaciar Upsala) is a highly recommended detour to various viewpoints over glaciar Upsala. This detour commences at the northern terminus of GPT42 Option 3 and reconnects with the Regular Route north of Lago Anita.<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 4 (Rio Matas Negras) is a cross route for diehard thru-hikers that wish to connect on a faster route from Lago Viedma to Lago Argentina but want to avoid the paved main road. This route is not traversable early in the season due to the high water level of Rio Matas Negras during snow melt. But this Optional Route becomes particular interesting later in the season when the more mountainous routes further west are already covered by snow.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller-retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour différent de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ça avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> Google Translate: This stage doesn't look mature, the trail is non-existent (either from the CC or BB) and routes 19 and 21 to go and back are a big uncertainty. How many days of food to take, how to book the boat (GPT43), for what rate, regulation prohibiting hiking alone, the obligation to declare ... The region south of El Chalten is definitely made for the packraft. My plan was to do a round-trip boat trip to Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Cristina Estate and to do the 42-01 option (~60km) as well as Tannhauser Lake and Sombrero Mountain (~50km) over 4 days. In fact the returns on wikiexplora indicate that these areas are magnificent, and that the northern part of this stage is abandoned and uninteresting. The boat is expensive, but it is a reliable transportation. Marching on deserted roads waiting for cars cost me a lot more dearly in morale, energy, and time. I went to the office of the Cristina Estate in the center of El Calafate. I was told it was ARS 200,000 for a same day round-trip. And that if the return was made on a different day than the departure, it was ARS 200,000 the departure and ARS 200,000 the return. It's completely grotesque and insane. He doesn't want us to hike without a guide and he makes us pay for it. I am when I went to the office of Los Glaciares National Park also located on the main street of El Calafate. And there I was told to apply for access 3 days in advance, and for 3 people minimum. I doubly abandoned it since I couldn't afford to go and besides it wasn't in my budget. I am deeply disappointed and turn towards my next hike. The GPT44 presents feasibility issues due to the border, I can't do it. It turns out that buses to Torres del Paine cost 190,000 ARS and the one to Puerto Natales 32,000 ARS. I am therefore going to do the GPT46 and then the GPT45 NoBo, for financial reasons. The stop is obviously possible as the route is very busy. This is the first time I've gotten my head to this point on the GPT. The demand, the transportation, the cost, and the administration assume absurd proportions for a simple hiker. If it had been too complicated on the previous steps I would still be at GPT03 at the time it is. Good luck to those who absolutely want to see this stage 42 which is surely grand<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=123985 2025-08-23T18:27:06Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-23: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> <br /> The GPT Track Files 2025 are updated based on the GPS records and reports from Celio Lebsilly, Robin Marcille and Tim Kronsbein. <br /> <br /> <br /> - Obtaining a permit for the Regular Route (southbound and northbound) appears to be complicated. Also, the Estancia Helsingfors (northern terminus) and the Estancia Cristina (southern terminus) are very exclusive adventure tourist destinations. On top of this, the ferry between Estancia Christina to Puerto Bandera (GPT43) is rather expensive. <br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 3 (PN Los Glaciares Centro) is an interesting alternative to the Regular Route. This Optional Route is best attempted in northbound direction starting at the northern shore of Lago Argentino somewhere along Route 19. This remote and wind exposed Optional Route connects via Lago Tannhäuser to Lago Anita at the Regular Route from where the Regular Route can be followed to the northern terminus. A permit is required to enter the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares on this route but when hiking starting at the shore of Lago Argentino and hiking northbound then check points will be passed when entering the protected area. When taking this route without a permit then best avoid being seen at Estancia Christina, Estancia Helsingfors and the Park Administration near Estancia Helsingfors. This Optional Route is still classified as &quot;Investigation&quot; due to the small number of GPS records and report. Risks are primarily the remote and wind exposed route and wild, potentially aggressive cattle (baguales).<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 2 (Lago Argentina Costa Oeste) had been only partially recorded by GPS but is reasonable well visible on satellite images. Compared to Option 3, this coastal route is lower and offers more wind sheltered camp sites. For permits read the remarks to Option 3.<br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 1 (Glaciar Upsala) is a highly recommended detour to various viewpoints over glaciar Upsala. This detour commences at the northern terminus of GPT42 Option 3 and reconnects with the Regular Route north of Lago Anita.<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 4 (Rio Matas Negras) is a cross route for diehard thru-hikers that wish to connect on a faster route from Lago Viedma to Lago Argentina but want to avoid the paved main road. This route is not traversable early in the season due to the high water level of Rio Matas Negras during snow melt. But this Optional Route becomes particular interesting later in the season when the more mountainous routes further west are already covered by snow.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller-retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour différent de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ça avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> Google Translate: This stage doesn't look mature, the trail is non-existent (either from the CC or BB) and routes 19 and 21 to go and back are a big uncertainty. How many days of food to take, how to book the boat (GPT43), for what rate, regulation prohibiting hiking alone, the obligation to declare ... The region south of El Chalten is definitely made for the packraft. My plan was to do a round-trip boat trip to Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Cristina Estate and to do the 42-01 option (~60km) as well as Tannhauser Lake and Sombrero Mountain (~50km) over 4 days. In fact the returns on wikiexplora indicate that these areas are magnificent, and that the northern part of this stage is abandoned and uninteresting. The boat is expensive, but it is a reliable transportation. Marching on deserted roads waiting for cars cost me a lot more dearly in morale, energy, and time. I went to the office of the Cristina Estate in the center of El Calafate. I was told it was ARS 200,000 for a same day round-trip. And that if the return was made on a different day than the departure, it was ARS 200,000 the departure and ARS 200,000 the return. It's completely grotesque and insane. He doesn't want us to hike without a guide and he makes us pay for it. I am when I went to the office of Los Glaciares National Park also located on the main street of El Calafate. And there I was told to apply for access 3 days in advance, and for 3 people minimum. I doubly abandoned it since I couldn't afford to go and besides it wasn't in my budget. I am deeply disappointed and turn towards my next hike. The GPT44 presents feasibility issues due to the border, I can't do it. It turns out that buses to Torres del Paine cost 190,000 ARS and the one to Puerto Natales 32,000 ARS. I am therefore going to do the GPT46 and then the GPT45 NoBo, for financial reasons. The stop is obviously possible as the route is very busy. This is the first time I've gotten my head to this point on the GPT. The demand, the transportation, the cost, and the administration assume absurd proportions for a simple hiker. If it had been too complicated on the previous steps I would still be at GPT03 at the time it is. Good luck to those who absolutely want to see this stage 42 which is surely grand<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=123984 2025-08-23T18:21:58Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-23: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> <br /> The GPT Track Files 2025 are updated based on the GPS records and reports from Celio Lebsilly, Robin Marcille and Tim Kronsbein. <br /> <br /> <br /> - Obtaining a permit for the Regular Route (southbound and northbound) appears to be complicated. Also, the Estancia Helsingfors (northern terminus) and the Estancia Cristina (southern terminus) are very exclusive adventure tourist destinations that do not support regular hikers. On top of this, the ferry between Estancia Christina to Puerto Bandera (GPT43) is rather expensive. <br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 3 (PN Los Glaciares Centro) is an interesting alternative to the Regular Route. This Optional Route is best attempted in northbound direction starting at the northern shore of Lago Argentino somewhere along Route 19. This remote and wind exposed Optional Route connects via Lago Tannhäuser to Lago Anita at the Regular Route from where the Regular Route can be followed to the northern terminus. A permit is required to enter the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares on this route but when hiking starting at the shore of Lago Argentino and hiking northbound then check points will be passed when entering the protected area. When taking this route without a permit then best avoid being seen at Estancia Christina, Estancia Helsingfors and the Park Administration near Estancia Helsingfors. This Optional Route is still classified as &quot;Investigation&quot; due to the small number of GPS records and report. Risks are primarily the remote and wind exposed route and wild, potentially aggressive cattle (baguales).<br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 1 (Glaciar Upsala) is a highly recommended detour to various viewpoints over glaciar Upsala. This detour commences at the northern terminus of GPT42 Option 3 and reconnects with the Regular Route north of Lago Anita.<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 4 (Rio Matas Negras) is a cross route for diehard thru-hikers that wish to connect on a faster route from Lago Viedma to Lago Argentina but want to avoid the paved main road. This route is not traversable early in the season due to the high water level of Rio Matas Negras during snow melt. But this Optional Route becomes particular interesting later in the season when the more mountainous routes further west are already covered by snow.<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 2 (Lago Argentina Costa Oeste) had been only partially recorded by GPS but is reasonable well visible on satellite images. Compared to Option 3, this coastal route is lower and offers more wind sheltered camp sites. For permits read the remarks to Option 3.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller-retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour différent de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ça avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> Google Translate: This stage doesn't look mature, the trail is non-existent (either from the CC or BB) and routes 19 and 21 to go and back are a big uncertainty. How many days of food to take, how to book the boat (GPT43), for what rate, regulation prohibiting hiking alone, the obligation to declare ... The region south of El Chalten is definitely made for the packraft. My plan was to do a round-trip boat trip to Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Cristina Estate and to do the 42-01 option (~60km) as well as Tannhauser Lake and Sombrero Mountain (~50km) over 4 days. In fact the returns on wikiexplora indicate that these areas are magnificent, and that the northern part of this stage is abandoned and uninteresting. The boat is expensive, but it is a reliable transportation. Marching on deserted roads waiting for cars cost me a lot more dearly in morale, energy, and time. I went to the office of the Cristina Estate in the center of El Calafate. I was told it was ARS 200,000 for a same day round-trip. And that if the return was made on a different day than the departure, it was ARS 200,000 the departure and ARS 200,000 the return. It's completely grotesque and insane. He doesn't want us to hike without a guide and he makes us pay for it. I am when I went to the office of Los Glaciares National Park also located on the main street of El Calafate. And there I was told to apply for access 3 days in advance, and for 3 people minimum. I doubly abandoned it since I couldn't afford to go and besides it wasn't in my budget. I am deeply disappointed and turn towards my next hike. The GPT44 presents feasibility issues due to the border, I can't do it. It turns out that buses to Torres del Paine cost 190,000 ARS and the one to Puerto Natales 32,000 ARS. I am therefore going to do the GPT46 and then the GPT45 NoBo, for financial reasons. The stop is obviously possible as the route is very busy. This is the first time I've gotten my head to this point on the GPT. The demand, the transportation, the cost, and the administration assume absurd proportions for a simple hiker. If it had been too complicated on the previous steps I would still be at GPT03 at the time it is. Good luck to those who absolutely want to see this stage 42 which is surely grand<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=123983 2025-08-23T18:17:27Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-23: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> <br /> The GPT Track Files 2025 are updated based on the GPS records and reports from Celio Lebsilly, Robin Marcille and Tim Kronsbein. <br /> <br /> <br /> - Obtaining a permit for the Regular Route (southbound and northbound) appears to be complicated. Also, the Estancia Helsingfors (northern terminus) and the Estancia Cristina (southern terminus) are very exclusive adventure tourist destinations that do not support regular hikers. On top of this, the ferry between Estancia Christina to Puerto Bandera (GPT43) is rather expensive. <br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 3 (PN Los Glaciares Centro) is an interesting alternative to the Regular Route. This Optional Route is best attempted in northbound direction starting at the northern shore of Lago Argentino somewhere along Route 19. This remote and wind exposed Optional Route connects via Lago Tannhäuser to Lago Anita at the Regular Route from where the Regular Route can be followed to the northern terminus. A permit is required to enter the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares on this route but when hiking starting at the shore of Lago Argentino and hiking northbound then check points will be passed when entering the protected area. When taking this route without a permit then best avoid being seen at Estancia Christina, Estancia Helsingfors and the Park Administration near Estancia Helsingfors. This Optional Route is still classified as &quot;Investigation&quot; due to the small number of GPS records and report. Risks are primarily the remote and wind exposed route and wild, potentially aggressive cattle (baguales).<br /> <br /> <br /> - GPT42 Option 1 (Glaciar Upsala) is a highly recommended detour to various viewpoints over glaciar Upsala. This detour commences at the northern terminus of GPT42 Option 3 and reconnects with the Regular Route north of Lago Anita.<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 4 (Rio Matas Negras) is a cross route for diehard thru-hikers that wish to connect on a faster route from Lago Viedma to Lago Argentina but want to avoid the paved main road. This route is not traversable early in the season due to the high water level of Rio Matas Negras during snow melt. But this Optional Route becomes particular interesting later in the season when the more mountainous routes further west are already covered by snow.<br /> <br /> <br /> - Option 2 (Lago Argentina Costa Oeste) had been only partially recorded by GPS but is reasonable well visible on satellite images. Compared to Option 3, this coastal route is lower and offers more wind sheltered camp sites. For permits read the remarks to Option 3.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller-retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour différent de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ça avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT18_(Lago_Pirihueico)&diff=123978 2025-08-21T21:30:34Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-21: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - I rerouted the Regular Route for GPT18 Variant E, that was described in season 2024/25 as less overgrown then the Regular Route at this time. I &quot;downgraded&quot; the changed section of the Regular Route to Option H.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-18 to 2025-03-20 / 3 days / Hiking/ NOBO / RR, 18A, 18E, 18D / Peggy<br /> <br /> Without the difficult part of the RR, this section becomes a 3-day hike (or less) without any particular problem, in a lush native forest.<br /> <br /> That means in NOBO: RR, 18E, 18D and RR again. 18C at the beginning possible?<br /> <br /> I didn’t meet any humans during the week in March.<br /> <br /> I first camped at the free hot springs on the RR (km82.3). There were people in the late afternoon when I arrived and in the evening. Only one other tent afterward. Not very warm but warm enough depending on the pools.<br /> <br /> The next day, I started with 18A. The gate at km78.5 is locked and quite high. I first thought I could pass with my backpack but, fearing I’d lose balance, I passed it over first. I think I broke one of its frame stays at that moment... Probably already weakened.<br /> <br /> A dog followed me on 18A. I made the mistake (or not?) of not chasing it away from the start. I admit I enjoyed its company and thought it would go back on its own further along. It didn’t.<br /> <br /> At the junction between 18A and the RR, there’s a tricky section. I struggled for quite a while, took a lunch break, struggled again through bamboo before finding the &quot;path.&quot; Then the RR was good (but for how long?) but I had in mind to take 18D, yet the entrance was completely blocked by fallen trees. Realizing the dog would keep following me and that I couldn’t reasonably leave it on the other side of the section with the first person I’d meet, I brought it back home… 1h30 walking in the other direction.<br /> <br /> Once there, I decided to extend my route and return to Santa Rosa to take the RR.<br /> <br /> From there, everything was smooth. First night at the camp km74.7, a bit above to avoid smoking the bees with my fire (presence of hives).<br /> <br /> A bit before and after the junction between 18E and 18D, the GPS trace doesn’t match, but no problem, the path is very well marked.<br /> <br /> The RR until 18E and 18E itself are forest roads.<br /> <br /> On the second day, I planned to stay at the camp km55.4 but didn’t like the spot and it was still early enough to continue. I ended up taking the wrong path and bivouacked here (39.997112S, 071.880970W), there’s a small spring just before. Very nice place.<br /> <br /> Then a long descent to Pirihueico the next day.<br /> <br /> Tall wet grass (my shoes quickly turned into swimming pools :D and I was glad I had my rain pants) and some fallen trees on the path, but easy to pass — over, under or around.<br /> <br /> No issues with the rivers.<br /> <br /> At km86.9, I made a mistake and followed another path until I checked my GPS to see how far I still had to go… Thankfully, I was going in the wrong direction! The RR here is not as clear as that other path and it’s easy to get confused. So be careful! ;)<br /> <br /> Then I found myself walking along the airstrip, eager to arrive! I just veered off to the left at the end to avoid having to go through the gate of the small airfield in case it caused trouble, and exited through a side path to reach the beach near two large ruins of an old hotel.<br /> <br /> I slept at the mini-camping in Pirihueico and took the ferry at 9am the next morning with a direct connection to Puerto Fuy with the bus going to Panguipulli, since I had already done sections 17 and 16 some time ago.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-08 &gt; 10 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; river &gt; 18-A &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 0/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : gouffres sur le sentier, bush-bashing, plantes urticantes, culs de sacs, prise de risques<br /> <br /> Le premier km n'est pas tres bien entretenu, mais le sentier est tres bien jusqu'au km 33,9. Ensuite il y a beaucoup de passages difficile avec des arbres en travers. Il n'y a plus de pont au km 37,1. Bush-bashing dès le km 64,3 mais le sentier est bien visible (2km/h). Vers le km 70 ca devient vraiment difficile (1,5km/h) et parfois le sentier disparait totalement. Beaucoup de bambou et quelques plantes urticantes. Ronces uniquement dans les clairières.<br /> Au km 72,2, le sentier est impratiquable car totalement envahi de bambous. 2 options : faire demi-tour, ou passer par la riviere. Je ne fais jamais demi-tour quand j'ai une autre option. Donc riviere. Je vois sur ma carte que jusqu'au pont km 4,6 de la 18-A, je passe de 460m a 370m de façon reguliere et sans affluent majeur. L'eau n'est pas froide mais les pierres sont glissantes. Je commence la riviere et ça se passe bien (2km/h). Il y a quelques passages exigent mais aucune chute, rapide, trou d'eau. Apres 4km je suis content de trouver de la gravel road car je n'avais aucune certitude sur la faisabilité de mon choix. Ensuite c'est de la gravel road, puis de la route a partir du pont au km 86,9. Je deconseille fortement le GPT18 a ceux qui font du trail longue distance. Il faut un equipement lourd et solide pour affronter la jungle et la riviere. J'ai abimé mon equipement (et ma peau) sur cette section car il est leger et fragile.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-JAN-05 to 2025-JAN-07 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH (var. 02, 02B, 02A, D, E, C) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> Almost the entire stage runs through the Valdivian rainforest, which enchanted us with its wildness and vividly demonstrates the power of nature.<br /> From Puerto Fuy, we chose an unusual combination of the {18-02}, {18-02B}, and {18-02A} variants. Next to the inaccessible private bridge {18-02} [26.4/609], there is a campsite where we met German kayakers who kindly ferried us and our backpacks to the other shore. After a short cross-country section, we joined the {18-02} variant. The variants {18-02B} and {18-02A} were mostly old, unused minor roads, so we often climbed over fallen trees blocking the path, though nothing overly challenging. At the ford located at coordinates (-39.9489679, -71.8823379), we found a long beam, which we used to build a makeshift bridge to cross the stream dry-footed. This stream is also the first water source since Río Fuy. Even after reconnecting with the MR, there were still many fallen trees, but no significant bush-bashing.<br /> <br /> On Volker's recommendation, we left the MR near the Camp (64.1/653) and followed the tracks of quad bikes along the well-maintained {18-D} variant. Towards the end of this variant, near Emergency Camp [6.4/562], the actual trail did not perfectly match the track files, but it wasn't big deal, and the path eventually rejoined the main route. After completing the {18-E} variant, we slept at Camp [74.7/468], which offers a lovely spot next to some beehives.<br /> <br /> The second day was short. After leaving the RR route, we continued on variant {18-C}, which was mostly minor road. At the end of this variant is a main road, so we hitched a ride to Llifén. From there, we took a bus to Futrono and then onward to Valdivia. Buses run regularly and frequently.<br /> <br /> * '''Start 2025-01-02/ 2.5d / Hiking / NOBO / RR, Var. D+E/ Mara &amp; Tobias'''<br /> <br /> A big thanks goes to Tomáš and Nathalie who told us right on time how to avoid the BB (Var. D and Var. E)! After an off day at hot springs with asado with Chileans (camp 82.3), we started relaxed in the section. We followed the quad tracks (Var. D and Var. E), there was water every 30 minutes. Some fallen trees, especially after the first pass (NOBO). Ferry schedule for Lago Pirihueco: https://barcazahuahum.com/en/schedule-and-prices/<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2024-12-30 to 2025-01-01 / 3 days / Packrafting/ SOBO/ RP, RR, variants D, E / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> Day one: The lake, 22 km<br /> After a slow rainy morning, we started to paddle around 10:30. From the start, we had wind on our backs and manageable waves. We tried to improvize a sail from our tyvek and it worked (and is faster) however holding it with one's hands is tiring and overall it feels a bit less stable. Mid-lake, waves had maybe half a metre. On our way to &quot;Hot spring 13.4&quot; we stopped advancing to the shore due to the waves. We very shortly panicked and then realized we were both backpaddling. Stopping that solved our motionlessness and we shortly reached the luxury &quot;Hot Springs&quot; where we had lunch. The resort looks somewhat deserted and the various pools were empty. The water comes from underground and is only available when the generator in a building is turned on. We discovered this when suddenly a private group of day trippers appeared and water started to flow. They did not seem frazzled by our presence and their guides chatted with us amicaly. Apparently it is used during afternoons when guests are interested and ferried in, which is probably several times a week. The whole thing is bizzare but suitable for a stop, however do not expect a hotspring.<br /> <br /> We then continued to where RP lands. Waves got to about 70 cm and twice we had to turn and ferry away from the shore, however mostly the wind pushed us in the right direction.. Indeed end of RP is a good camping spot. There was a speedboat parked. After some time, two people on another boat came. One of them approached us, raising fears we would be evicted. However, he just announced his boat was broken and asked if we would not mind if he picked it up two hours later. We did not and he later indeed came and left with the boat.<br /> <br /> Day two: The road, 28 km<br /> Nothing exciting here. This is all on a minor road in various states of disrepair. Apart from the first two km and on one km in the middle around camp at 55.4, this seems never to be driven by cars. In some sections, there is a lot of treefall (Tomáš used our machete here) or grass that it feels more like a trail. It is possible the tree fall is mostly being cleared as most of the trees were fresh but we were not sure.<br /> <br /> Day 3: No bushbash 21 km<br /> Tomáš wondered that nobody tried variant D. When we got to camp at 64.1, we saw fresh quad/ATV and motorcycle tracks coming from it. When we discovered very fresh cuts on wood, we took our chances, as the quad must have driven from somewhere. This is a former MR (same as E), now mostly overgrown with up to 1 m high grass (the quad did a good job of pushing it down) and occasional overhanging bamboo, but it is no bushbashing (a quad made it through!). Not sure if the end of D variant after fording the river exists(it used to be a road, possibly very overgrown). Around -40.12325, -71.90483, the GPT tracks are imprecise, there had been a huge landslide and the route goes down to overcome it, leading to a sharp and unexpected climb. However, it is easy to follow and RR should be probably rerouted through here. RR 64.9 is again a road, not a trail. At -40.16345, -71.92168, it looks like NOBO one could follow and find a shorter route up (here the former MR is so receded that it is a TL). Ford 77.7 was to our thighs but easy. You can climb up the bank on the right near a broken fence but then you have to pass through a very slack barbwire fence on your left. Then you are in the road. On your left, remnants of abanoned sawmill (that is what it is, Lilian) will please any urbexer. We walked to the free termas, where on New Year were quite some locals and we also met Tobias and Mara there. The water was pleasantly warm, would not describe it as lukewarm. They met a guy with whom we arranged a free ride to Puerto Mahiue. The last ten km or so is paved and is a PR, not MR. We slept as the only guests at a Camping Don Julio. No hot water and electricity went off during the night (maybe battery powered?) made us think 8000 was a bit overpriced. Entel internet here fast enough but not the greatests.<br /> <br /> * '''24-12-28 - 24-12-29/ 2 days / SOBO / RR, OH18a / Volker'''<br /> <br /> The botanic section <br /> This section has a low ranking and my main goal was to walk it quick instead of a long way by bus from the end of gpt17 to the start of gpt19. It turned out, that this section has a special charme and I liked it very much - at least on day 1. <br /> Day 1: I connected the 17 and the 18 and finished the 17 at the indicated spot on the beach at 22.2. This substantially shortened the 18. First easy and quick dirt road walking in the forest. Later many broken trees. I had that before, even on the Villarica Traversa, where the Conaf got lazy, but not for such a long distance. Nothing difficult, it just slows you down. Shortly before the pass I could move quicker, soon after the pass the tree climbing and bypassing started again. It is over after the junction to the NOBO emergency exit (if you go NOBO and take this route to Puerto Fuy, you will have it). For me, a very beautiful part started: I walked for more than two hours over meadows and a meadow-like trail, on this late december day it was like fording a white and yellow ocean of daisies and buttercups (up to my thighs/knees). Smooth walking, navigation very easy, camp spots nearly everywhere (less when you get closer to X 18, 61.1). <br /> The paradise was disturbed, when I arrived at X 61.1. Distant but rapidly approaching motor roaring. I hardly managed to hide behind a tree, when a dozen of quads and motocross bikes came up from the RR and continued on OH01a. Thanks God a huge broken tree blocks the entrance to the RR from where I came. I camped on the beautiful meadow at 64.1, hidden from the dirt road. The next morning I understood, that the qads had entered via OH01a and were on their way back from the bridge at 64.2. <br /> <br /> Day 2: The BB-day. Most important: The trail is very overgrown, but it is there. Even if you don’t see it, you feel it under your feet. On 98% of the route it is no real bush-bashing. Except from some spots, the rule is: If you are bush-bashing, you have lost the trail. The most important exceptions are at:<br /> S 40.094767° W 71.892545° (I spent more than 15 minutes of BB before I by chance found the trail again, gps-spotting is not precise enough (5m). <br /> S 40.096544° W 71.891825°<br /> S 40.128486° W 71.904211°<br /> At S 40.121519° W 71.898829° I was „walking“ like the bear under bamboo, but: on the trail! <br /> Nevertheless: You are slowed down. In the same hiking time as on the two days before, I walked 16km instead of more than 30. It took me more than 5 hours to get from the camp spot at 64.1 to the indicated ford at 72.2. If you walk SOBO and arrive at the camp spot later than 3 p.m., you should camp there. Next feasible camp close to the ford at 72.1.<br /> Very important: Do not cross Rio Curringue, but take OH18a (thanks Lilian for this hint, others mentioned it before, but I think such important Information should be repeated in every comment). I had a look at the situation on the other side of the river (easy fording a very welcome cooling down) and after 20m couldn‘t figure out how to continue. On OH18a all easy, as described by Lilian. I was really glad, when I got out of the forest and think this route should be the new RR and the actual one downgraded to „Exploration“. At the 2nd gate at 80.5 there is a house to the left, people there, I asked, if I can pass the gate - and was offered a ride to Currine. The woman was very friendly, but what she is doing there is highly questionable. She has bought much land (outside of Huilo Huilo, as she said) and looks for international investors to build up a community for „eco-social recreation“…<br /> In Currine 2 shops, in the first I was told, that there is no lodging in Currine, I have to walk/hitchhike to Maihue. In the second shop I was offered a room for 25k, very friendly family! Happy end of a demanding day.<br /> <br /> * '''Start 2024-11-22/ 4d / Hiking SOBO RR / Mo'''<br /> <br /> Resupply in Puerto Fuy, 2h Ferry to Pirihueico, after short PR, MR with many fallen logs, the long ascent to pass, snow higher than 1400m, the trail before and after the Crossing of Rio Curringue ist overgrown, 2 times I had to climb a muddy slope to bypass a part where BB was too hard. I think in some weeks a machete is advisable. The ford before Santa Rosa was hard for me, but at the exact location of the RR. The hot spring shortly after Chihuio is great. The supermarket in Currine has really nice owners but the selection is small. I did't check the smalmLr supermarkets on the way down to Currine.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-31 to 2024-Apr-1 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR 01 / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No tabanos, mosquitos, snow fields, only dry feet fordings, humans (after Pirehueico). Almost all easy hiking on MR but some really nice, remote views deep into the woods. 4km bushbashing on option 01 (OH-TL-V 18-01 (7.4+5.5)). Option 01 has a right of way dispute warning, but I did not met anyone (1st april Easter monday afternoon).<br /> <br /> I arrive around 11am, next ferry is sold out. I buy a ticket for the next one, but then later just ask the ferry guy if I can take his one. It is no problem, pleny of space on the ferry, only 1 car but quite a lot of chilean pensioners on a day trip (Easter saturday).<br /> <br /> If you need to go to the border, there is a tour bus for by ferry incoming tourist driving to the border and back showing the sights for 3k. They make a 2min break at the border so you can leave there.<br /> <br /> Gate at -40.030385,-71.716310, when leaving the main street south of Pirehueico.<br /> <br /> Fence at -40.035548,-71.723497, just follow it few m to the right, there is a big hole.<br /> <br /> Water at -40.027694,-71.749299<br /> <br /> Very nice camp at -40.008036,-71.748024 but no water except lakewater. Which was nice for swimming end of March. Table, benches, early morning sun. Great!<br /> <br /> No bridge at 37.1/1012.<br /> Bridge and water at -40.006756,-71781854<br /> Broken car bridge at -40.005866,-71.782878 but ok to use for hikers.<br /> Water at -39.996643,-71.862354<br /> Water at -40.005689,-71.868667 (hut nearby for bad weather)<br /> <br /> Option 01: Water -40.026046,-71.879994<br /> Camp without water at -40.023440,-71.935911 afterwards a few hours of BB starts with no space for tents.<br /> Water -40.030034,-71.948043 next possible camp at -40.03884,-71.95634, water at -40.039819,-71.959432 and at -40.045261,-71.963701<br /> Around -40.047497,-71.964783 small space on sand for a tent with water next to it. From here on along Rio Pillanleufú there's less busbashing, but the trail is still overgrown for a few hundreds meters. Rest of 01 is easy walking with an easy dry feet ford and two closed but easy open cattle gates.<br /> <br /> When I arrived at the mainstreet at bridge 31.6/200 at 6:30pm there was a bus picking me up to the shop in Curriñe. Shop owner is friendly Antonio who arranged a room for the night at a amazing family home nearby. 10k incl. Food and washingmashine. Curriñe has a very bad Internet connection.<br /> <br /> Variant 01F is the route of the minor road on which you walk coming from the north. The shortcuts inbetween are hiking trails in good condition. So 01F is quite useless I think.<br /> <br /> Due to bad weather I went to Valdivia. There I saw a lot of adverts for very expensive tours into the Huilo Huilo Reserve, and the dirt road on 01 is full of car and motorcycle tracks. Guess that rare deer is ok with that, just non paying hikers are a threat...but maybe by now it is ok to walk there. I meet noone and suggest to just try.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-02-29 to 2024-03/02 // 2 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Everything has already been said so I'll be short.<br /> <br /> On the road from maqueo to curriñe, there's plenty of option for camping, small minimarket too, and even some restaurants.<br /> <br /> For a bigger choice, the best option looks like to be at the junction from Ruta T559 and T557, (Shop {18} [93.3/214], called almacén de provisiones curriñe). I was there, they have quite a good choice to resupply. <br /> <br /> Then you follow the gravel road with thermals (it was a sunny Sunday so the free thermal camp was crowded), you go threw two gates who say that it's private property. Second one is the biggest. There were no one when I passed, but trust me I didn't look twice aha ! <br /> <br /> The variant A is the key for a good transition from the gravel road to the small overgrown track. Be careful to go left at the junction with variant B (don't follow the gravel, but take the little track), jump the fence, and continue on the RR. <br /> <br /> From there, it's gonna be overgrown and you'll have some nice fight with bamboos. But nothing impossible, even with the bush bashing the track is not that hard to follow, and as usual with BB, everytime you lose the track, go back to find it or you'll have some very hard time ! <br /> <br /> From PK 64,1, situation gets better. There's a puesto there (next to the Bridge {18} [64.2/652] (Rio Curringue)). It seems close and locked with two lockers, but it's open, just push the door for enter inside. I had a great night there, it was good to don't have to setup my tent for once ! ☺️<br /> <br /> Then it's a long way on a 4WD track, a bit overgrown on some parts. There were on the past old bridges to pass fords, some of them are now destroyed, but it's not an issue as the fords are easy to pass. <br /> <br /> Then, after 800m on the asphalt road, you reach Puerto Pirihuaico. A lovely stop at Mane's place to put something in my stomach and let's go for the crossing of the lake. <br /> <br /> Noticed that the nature was soooo kind with me and offered me so many fruits, like blackberries (I ate an impressive amount of them), apples, pears, plums and even strawberries ! <br /> <br /> Ah, and for information (but it can change from years to years), here's the schedule of the ferry departures (on 4th of march 2024) : <br /> <br /> Monday : <br /> <br /> Puerto Pirihueico ➡️ Puerto Fuy : 09:00 / 13:30 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:30<br /> <br /> Puerto Fuy ➡️ Puerto Pirihueico : 07:00 / 11:00 / 13:30 / 15:30 / 18:00<br /> <br /> Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday :<br /> <br /> Puerto Pirihueico ➡️ Puerto Fuy : 11:30 / 13:30 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:30 <br /> <br /> Puerto Fuy ➡️ Puerto Pirihueico : 09:00 / 11:00 / 13:30 / 15:30 / 18:00 <br /> <br /> Friday :<br /> <br /> Puerto Pirihueico ➡️ Puerto Fuy : 09:00 / 11:30 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 19:30 / 20:30 <br /> <br /> Puerto Fuy ➡️ Puerto Pirihueico : 07:00 / 09:00 / 12:30 / 13:30 / 17:00 / 18:00 <br /> <br /> Saturday/Sunday :<br /> <br /> Puerto Pirihueico ➡️ Puerto Fuy : 10:30 / 11:30 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 19:30 / 20:30 <br /> <br /> Puerto Fuy ➡️ Puerto Pirihueico : 08:00 / 09:00 / 12:30 / 13:30 / 17:00 / 18:00 <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-21 to 2024-Jan-24 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {18-A} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> About the ferry and time schedule in 2024,<br /> <br /> Tourist information center (-39.87183, -71.88962), you can buy the ferry tickets to Puerto Pirehueico at here, 1150 CLP one way. They also help me charging the power bank, super thank you to them!<br /> <br /> Ferry from Puerto Fuy to Puerto Pirehueico:<br /> Monday(07:00,13:30,18:00), Tuesday to Thursday(09:00,13:30,18:00), Friday(07:00,12:30,17:00), Saturday and Sunday(08:00,12:30,17:00)<br /> <br /> Ferry from Puerto Pirehueico to Puerto Fuy:<br /> Monday(09:00,16:00,20:30), Tuesday to Thursday(11:30,16:00,20:30), Friday(09:00,15:00,19:30), Saturday and Sunday(10:30,15:00,19:30)<br /> <br /> Resupply in Puerto Fuy,<br /> <br /> (-39.87320, -71.89134), (-39.87307, -71.89179), (-39.87373, -71.89390), (-39.87373, -71.89551), (-39.87375, -71.89775) : five tiny shops, combine together it is enough to resupply.<br /> <br /> It is a tourist town, so lot of accommodation here, cabins or campground. Also some nice restaurants too.<br /> <br /> When you are waiting the ferry, you can go for a boat tour, kayak trip, or take a nap on the beach under a big tree(-39.87178, -71.88877) like me.<br /> <br /> It is about 1.5 hour on ferry. You can charge your device on it, total eight electric outlet at each corners of passenger's room.<br /> <br /> Ferry, settlement, food[25.1/602] : lot of tourists go to (-40.02541, -71.72242) buy drinks after the ferry, maybe they are thirsty. Another tourist information center(-40.02482, -71.72216), i think you can buy tickets at here too. A tiny shop(-40.02457, -71.72167), closed on Sunday...OSM said, camping spot is here(-40.02416, -71.72151). I saw some cabins nearby too.<br /> <br /> X[26.0/628] : &quot;locked gate&quot;, locked by a wire, you can take 1 minute open it easily. Or you can climb over it directly.<br /> <br /> At here, the road is clear, easy walk and easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km26.85 : barbed wire fence, a hole at right side, go through it.<br /> <br /> Km27.1 - km27.4 : old road blocked by 2 set of blowdowns, no use anymore. But you can keep going and follow the side trail beside blowdowns go around them easily, go right and go left.<br /> <br /> Km29.3 : bridge and small stream(-40.03084, -71.74330) flowing good with clear water, after you cross the bridge about 10m, a side trail at left side leads you to the water, it is a little overgrown.<br /> <br /> Km31.4 : a tiny stream flowing very low with clear water across and flowing on the road, before it flowing on the road, there is a tiny spot like faucet, easy to collect. But I'm not sure it'll dry up or not.<br /> <br /> Km32.5 : junction, and a grassland flat spot here. Can fit 1-2 tents and surrounding by trees, good wind protection.<br /> <br /> But, better camping spot at (-40.00812, -71.74802), turn right at the junction and follow the road to beach, then turn left walking on the beach 1 minute you'll arrive there. Can fit 3-4 tents with fire ring, fire pit, benches, log seats, picnic table and a platform for lantern. The best spot is under a tree with not much sandy and excellent lake views. But this camping spot is face to Puerto Pirehueico, people at other side can see what you are doing if they have telescope.<br /> <br /> A small hut with fire ring and seats at (-40.00855, -71.74885), still in ok condition, BUT someone made it to be a toilet, toilet paper inside with some...<br /> <br /> Bridge[33.9/716] : cross El Condor on an old bridge, side trail before the crossing on left side to the water.<br /> <br /> Bridge[37.1/1012] : cross El Pescado, old bridge is broken, water up to ankle. BUT i use 2 boards from the old bridge to make a new board bridge here, so dry feet crossing now, i think it can stand at least in 23/24 season. Still some more boards left, maybe next year another sobo hiker will make his/her own one. A small camping spot can fit a very small single person tent with fire pit before the crossing, if you clear out the fire pit, it'll be much more area. This bridge also is a road condition changing point, after here, the road sometimes become a little overgrown, but still easy walk, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km37.45 : cross El Latintica on an old bridge.<br /> <br /> Km37.6 : cross El Chucao on a damaged bridge or go down to right side for wet feet crossing.<br /> <br /> Km39.15 : cross El Zorro on an old bridge. Another super old bridge is broken. A fire ring just before the crossing, but i didn't notice any camping spot, maybe camping on the road?<br /> <br /> Km41.7 : views start!<br /> <br /> Km42.9 : views of Lanín!<br /> <br /> Pass[43.0/1485] : didn't find any flat or camping spot nearby. Road is flat, but under the cliff, not recommended.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 : views of Volcán Villarrica!<br /> <br /> Km43.8 : finally, views of Volcán Mocho and Volcán Choshuenco!<br /> <br /> Km44.05 : flat sandy spot(-39.98691, -71.81043) at the sharp turning with views of Volcán Mocho (but 60% covered by trees).<br /> <br /> Km44.85 : i find a spring(-39.98563, -71.81467). Water start flowing from here. Flowing barely, but with a puddle, easy to dip bottles collect water, cold, fresh, clear and taste good!<br /> <br /> Km45.75 : cross a bridge and water flowing low. Collectable at downstream.<br /> <br /> Km48.2 : cross a bridge and water flowing good. Side trail to water at left side before the crossing.<br /> <br /> X[50.5/1090] : road junction, also the junction of RR and {18-02A}(only for emergency exit), road condition changing point, after here, the road become overgrown and grassy, sometimes with blowdowns need to go around or step over. ok to walk, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km51.15 : flat spot can fit 1-2 tents beside a big tree.<br /> <br /> Km52.45 : road junction(-39.98877, -71.85969), go straight for RR, turn right and walk 60m to stream (-39.98827, -71.86003), flowing good and clear. Camping spot(-39.98871, -71.85990) can fit 1 tent surrounded by 3 side bushes at left side, when you turn right just start walking to stream.<br /> <br /> Km53.4 : rock hopping cross a stream, flowing low with clear water.<br /> <br /> Km54.8 : barbed wire fence along the road, many of them already broken.<br /> <br /> Km55.05 : cross a stream on an old bridge, flowing nice with clear water, side dirt road after the crossing 50m on right side to the water.<br /> <br /> Km55.2 : old cabin(-40.00612, -71.86756) without door and windows, many broken beds inside, have one bed in good condition but i think you would not sleep there, because the roof look like not reliable, maybe collapse in some moments. This area is planting lot of trees by some people. Maybe they have a good way come to here?<br /> <br /> One more old cabin and hut nearby, you can walk on a bridge(-40.00634, -71.86859) to them.<br /> <br /> Old cabin(-40.00679, -71.86928) with 5 rooms, no doors no windows, looks like room no.5 still can use, floor is ok and with some rain protection.<br /> <br /> Small hut(-40.00656, -71.86934) with a door and no windows, it can be use for emergency if need. Good roof for complete rain protection, and clean floor, 1 bench and 1 chair inside too. Can fit 2-3 people sleeping on the floor.<br /> <br /> Camp[55.4/871] : it is very hot and lot of fries when i was there on 7pm, so i keep going.<br /> <br /> X[56.4/850] : i sleep at the spot(-40.01544, -71.86674) that Hermann and Coline said, it is really nice, thank you! The spot is on the road that going west, just after the junction 20m, covered by 2 sides of trees, dry flat spot can fit 2 tents. Symphony by frogs at night, but not too close, so it is a good sleeping music. Excellent!<br /> <br /> Km56.8 : super huge blowdown, climb over(use small tree for step) at left side or crawl at right side.<br /> <br /> Km57.7 : road junction, go straight(right) for RR, road condition changing point, after here, the road become much grassy, still ok to walk, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km58.3 : cross a stream on a bridge, flowing nice with clear water, a side trail after the crossing 20m on left side, looks like can go to the water.<br /> <br /> X[61.1/875] : junction of RR and {18-01A}, road condition changing point, RR south of here, when the road go through grassland it of course grassy, but when it going under trees, it is in very good condition, just like the road in national park, easy to walk, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Bridge[64.2/652] : cross Río Curringgue on an old bridge, flowing nice with clear water, i stepped a side trail on the left side before the crossing, going to the stream collect water. Bee net in the middle of the bridge, be careful when you crossing.<br /> <br /> After the crossing, you'll see a cabin at your left side, it is locked, i didn't find any camping spot but a nice lunch spot sitting on the corridor of cabin.<br /> <br /> &quot;Road&quot; is behind the wooden fence, but no need to climb, go in the fence of cabin, then go around the shelter and picnic table, you'll rejoin the &quot;road&quot;.<br /> <br /> Km64.85 : GAME START, road condition changing point, road end here and become a single track trail, no more nice road under trees, much much much overgrown, some blowdowns block the way, but all of them you can find a side trail to go around(except one you need to take off your backpack and crawl under it), also even it is overgrown, but you still can keep walking on the trail, but much slower by pushing away the plants for upper body. I didn't feel need many navigating here, trail is not clear but still visible in most part, just walking, pushing away the plants, every 5 to 10 minutes make sure you still on the trail, that's all. Ok to walk, ok to follow. Also not really hot(because at 95% of time you are covered by forest) and lot of stream across the trail at this part, not necessary to carry lot water here.<br /> <br /> A huge old machine at here, coal or wood for fuel, have two big wheel on top, looks like is vapor turbine? Does anyone know what the machine is? And why it is here? It looks so great, please tell me if you know it, thank you for advance!<br /> <br /> Km66.65 : narrow dry riverbed going down, you can follow it to the river, a camping spot(-40.09412, -71.89251) can fit 1 tent just before the crossing. Cross the river and go upstream 20m, then you'll find the trail continues going, water up to half of calf.<br /> <br /> Km70.5 : real challenge start, BAMBOO forest! And bamboo tunnel, crawl under them!<br /> <br /> Km72.1 : some spot(-40.12864, -71.90433) you can pitch your tent when you walk out from the forest, not a good spot, but at least you can stay overnight here(with water too), better just for emergency use.<br /> <br /> From the comments, i didn't cross Rio Curringgue at ford[72.2/463] to RR, better stay on the same side, continues on {18-A}. Trail conditions just like before, but start at {18-A} km0.9, you'll find some old road trace.<br /> <br /> {18-A} 40m : old gate, go around it and go down to the stream(Estero El Africano) then cross it. Steep go down and loose sandy, be careful don't drop in the stream.<br /> <br /> Km0.4 : old fence with new barbed wire. Watch out, be careful of your feet when you step over it.<br /> <br /> Km0.9 : old road trace. Some more bamboo forest, bamboo tunnel and spike plants, and i cleared out most of spike plants that block the way. Close to end of overgrown!<br /> <br /> Km1.75 : road start, easy walk, easy to follow, i think you can find a spot for camping easily until next junction.<br /> <br /> Km2.4 : join a beautiful dirt road at junction, no more overgrown. I saw the blue sky again! Smile ;)<br /> <br /> Then rejoin RR at last.<br /> <br /> Gate[78.5/354] : two dogs barking at me, but didn't see any people when i was there. Climb over a 1.8m locked gate.<br /> <br /> Km80.5 : another locked gate. Climb over it easily.<br /> <br /> Hot spring $ RR [81.4/301] : open hour: 09:30-17:30, 7000 CLP for adults.<br /> <br /> Hot spring,camp[82.3/284] : large camping area, can fit many many tents, hot spring not hot, just warm, perfect for soaking at noon. Nice spot beside the river.<br /> <br /> Km87.5 : tiny shop at junction.<br /> <br /> Km88.65 : tiny shop.<br /> <br /> Shop[93.3/214] : medium shop, good selection but not much in stock.<br /> <br /> Km93.6 : another shop(-40.22873, -72.00202), small, not much selection but better stock.<br /> <br /> Km94 : small shop.<br /> <br /> I talked with some locals, and they told me the road that go around Lago Maihue is in construction not safe to walk, better take the bus to Rupumeica Bajo, and the next bus is at 6pm, so I waited beside the road, but i didn't see any bus until 7pm.<br /> <br /> So i keep walking until shop[96.2/118] at Maihue, shop owner told me the bus is at 8pm. It is a mini shop, a lot a lot of drinks, but not much food.<br /> <br /> Finally, i take the bus at Maihue on 8:15pm. Arrive Rupumeica Bajo on 9pm, 1500 CLP. When i take off the bus, the driver told me there are some nice spots good for camping and swimming beside the lake, so i go west at GPT19 x[13.3/144].<br /> <br /> About the details, read GPT19's comment.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-08 to 11 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Argentina, completely new options, San Martín de los Andes to Villa Lago Meliquina / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> [Note 2024 November: This is not in the GPT yet at all, but it is in our suggestions in the 2024 Track files. This is a part of an alternative Argentinian route connecting GPT16 all the way to GPT21. In our opinion, for hikers it is probably better as it involes a lot less roadwalking and is very scenic (and the roadwalking there is is mostly easily hitchable). It might be slightly mode difficult than the RR. This is especially useful when coming from the Villarica traverse. What follows is roughly what corrresponds to second half of GPT18, previous log is in GPT16, next GPT19. Look also at Hannes von S report who followed us:<br /> https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1763867210785824/.<br /> <br /> Our pictures: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1757128991459646/.]<br /> <br /> The majority of this route is easy CC but when on the ridge, travel is easy. The main crux is getting off the top of Chapelco through a western gully but there is a safer and longer option if you backtrack to the valley below. The pros are the beautiful views on the ridge, interesting rock features, condors, no people, no roads (or only a short carless MR in the middle] and ending in Villa de Lago Meliquina. Water and sun exposure and/or snow may or may not be an issue depending on the time of year. It may be challenging to some but hopefully a &quot;fun&quot; type of challenge.<br /> <br /> Difficulties <br /> The ridge CC is easy, there are a little more obstacles between Laguna Kika and Chapelco, in which you will need to use your hands but virtually no obstacles on the second half of the ridge towards Meliquina. <br /> <br /> - The scramble &quot;off&quot; of Chapelco can be dangerous, especially with a big pack. There are [Tomáš: that is some Canadian versioning:-D] X2 class three sections/ high class three (Tomáš: SAC T5 or so), one solid and steep and the second is less steep but more loose. There is also a possibly slippery and exposed grass traverse if wet. Not advisable if the weather is bad. The next best option if you do not scramble, is to leave your bag at the beginning of the normal Chapelco climb, climb it, and head down into the valley that the regular Chapelco climb starts in. In this valley there should be another MR leading to the disused road the scramble takes you to. [Or one can go under the cliffs, look into aur track files.] <br /> - Obstacle #2, gaining the ridge above the puesto. Slow, steep, sun exposed and tricky navigation. Expect it to take half of the day. [But it is pretty!] <br /> - Water/wind and possibly heat could be uncomfortable. We traveled at a time when snow was not an issue for walking but there was still enough of it to supply a lot of drinking water, I do not know what this would be like when dry [Hannes managed it]. <br /> <br /> 1) San Martin to northern-most trailhead and to Laguna Kika. <br /> Although there are many different trailheads for Laguna Kika and Cerro Chapelco, we chose the northern-most access [here: 40.1381147S, 71.2258936W] in order to enjoy the ridge traverse.<br /> In the San Martin bus terminal, the local buses are blue and you will either need a SUBE card or ask someone to pay for you and pay them back. (SUBE card is availalbe at the terminal) Ask someone for the bus to Cordones del Chapelco, near the golf course. We got off near the end of town where a quarry or something similar is, it was easy then to go straight up the streets towards the trailhead. There are some pedestrian short cuts here and there and an outside water faucet on the main supermarket (closed at the time), you could also ask locals for water or come with water. <br /> It seems there may be a right of way issue at the trailhead bcs a home owner seemed to purposely point us in the wrong direction. However, this is a used trail, so it should not be a big deal, there are faint yellow-and-white markings. Nevertheless, use the GPS to help you at the start as there are many animal paths and the trail to the ridge is not always visible. [The routes are mostly in OSM now]. Many spiky plants so shorts will hurt a bit. The ridge can be very windy but navigation is straightforward. To get to Laguna Kika, you have to drop down to the southern side of it, there should be cairns. We had a lot of snow melt flowing into the lake we could drink from. Camp that night was very cold and windy. We build a wind-wall that helped a bit.<br /> <br /> 2) Laguna Kika and the Cerro Chapelco traverse and beyond.<br /> It is a simple navigation from Laguna Kika to the start of trail up Cerro Chapelco, there are only a few simple rocky features closer to Chapelco that you will have to use your hands for. Nothing really exposed there. The ridge is CC, but once you start the final climb, there is a trail of sorts. Bring your water from the lake or keep an eye out on your left-hand side for snowmelt, you will have to climb down and off the ridge to get it. Otherwise there should be snowmelt on the other side of Chapelco, below the summit tower and before the scramble, there were &quot;streams&quot; of snowmelt when we where there. <br /> For the standard Cerro Chapelco climb, it is cairned and fairly obvious where the trail is. You do not stay on the ridge the whole time, there is a traverse on the east side for a bit. From the summit, walk further south away from the old monitoring tower (actually not sure what it is) and look for a way off (west face) that works for you. The descent from there until the scramble is technically easy but slow because you are walking on loose rubble. Lots of water. You can enjoy the view of some of the steep drop offs to your left. Eventually you must get access to the narrow scramble gully -40.22660, -71.26430, when you are descending there is a short cliff right above it so you will have to stay left of the cliff and then traverse right to the scramble gully. There is a cairn. The beginning of the gully is steep but okay, it is near the end that you will have to scramble facing the wall. The holds are very good and it is not vertical - feels like a laddera bit. If you have a long rope for your backpacks, this would be a good time to use it. Do not follow the gully all the way down, after the steep but solid section, there will be a grass patch on your right (looking down) that you can traverse. It is also steep and slippery so not ideal in bad weather. Eventually after the grass traverse you have to work your way down to the base, this is where the second more loose scramble is, it is only one or two moves (and much less exposed). Once on the mountain base and off the scramble, traverse above the shrubbery to a lowlying ridge on your left. Once safely on the ridge the way is easy, there is a trail, follow the ridge and descend a bit on your right to the disused road. There is an easy-to-climb gate. There is good camping at the bottom of the disused road near a puesto that may or may not be active. At the time there were streams running down the road so you can take that water or drink the water from the river below. We camped further down the road near a jumpable ford to be a little closer to the ridge ascent the next day.<br /> 3) Disused road to simple hunting cabin and ridge (+Optional peak).<br /> Follow the disused road until here -40.26425, -71.29475. The last stream before turning into the simple hunting cabin is here,-40.26359, -71.29430. After that there is no water until quite high (once again, not sure what water is like in late season).<br /> From the cabin, surprisingly there is a trail up and through the thick shrubbery to your left November 2024 now also in OSM], it goes along and above the steep stream bed. If you cannot find the trail through the shrubbery you are in for a near impossible bushbash. Climbing along the tiny trail, it is not always visible, there is a rock outcrop -40.27048, -71.29008 that you need to stay left of in the middle of all the bamboo and bush. In the back of this rock outcrop there is a narrow passage through the shrubs, no need to scramble unless you want to (like Tomáš). After the rock outcrop there is some steep sidehilling with minor bamboo-bashing followed by a steep landside assent. Luckily after the steep landslide the terrain gets easier. After the landslide, you climb up and traverse left and then right around a ledge systém to get to the otherside of the &quot;corner&quot; -40.27260, -71.28829. Then it is another ascent on rubble followed by a rubble traverse until you get to the point you need to go straight up (on steep easy grass -40.27384, -71.28521). This steep grass ascent is not obvious, you have to keep traversing past gully systems until you get to it. Then you can follow the ridge for a while and get to the first water spot -40.27309, -71.28296. After the water spot you have to go around a small leftward corner where the water comes from and then up again to the ridge. Finally this ridge is the one you can keep walking on (mostly) until heading to the final push for the &quot;main&quot; ridge! Mostly rubble. [November 2024: if it sounds complicated, following our tracks in the suggestinos shoulw make it easier, what is important takeway that this is a walkup, if steep, no climb.] On the main ridge there is a quick and easy walk on stones and dirt to the summit that lies next to Chapelco -40.26451, -71.25841. From Chapelco it looks unwalkable (but it is!). Worth the trip, many condors there that like to fly really close to you.<br /> <br /> 4) Final Ridge Traverse to the descent to Laguna Meliquina. <br /> The rest of the ridge is truly fast without any surprises. Although getting to the ridge takes half of the day, we were still able to climb that mountain and get to a good camping spot here -40.32033, -71.25775 in one day. Views at sunset were excellent. Our camp spot had a good water source but was not completely wind protected, one can explore the area for a better spot if need be. This is the last water source until Meliquina.<br /> After the camping spot, the ridge peters out and you have to make your own way down to Meliquina, which was not as straight forward as we expected (but still good!). If you keep your eyes out, there were hundreds of small crystal-like nuggets on the ground, very neat! <br /> Navigation is not slowed until you get to around here -40.34952, -71.24666. Here you have to climb on and off the rocks and into the bush at times. GPS is handy here unless you want to make your own way. There is one last and very minor hill climb up a nursery pine slope which makes for easy walking (just hot). but unfortunately the other side is not pine, it is bamboo. Use the gps for the bamboo or try and stick to the left. Closer to the bottom there is a very faint footpath. There will be a section where the bamboo is gone but the trees are so dense and dead that you have to go far left to get around them. There will be one fence you have to jump over near the end before getting to the very dusty MR for Meliquina. Jump it early and walk up along it and or try to jump it higher up where the road should be. Before the dusty road actually starts, there is a nice view of Meliquina, makes for a nice rest unless you are dying to get to Meliquina.<br /> <br /> 5) In Meliquina <br /> Meliquina is interesting, it is a small but popular place for locals, very &quot;tranquilo&quot;. There is no cell phone reception but there is good wifi at the tourist info board here -40.38378, -71.25086. If planning to stay, you need to organize your stay here by using Whatsapp and/or the QR codes given for cabanas and hospedajes, the QR codes do not always work, it is very simple in the end, but needs some patience. We got lucky and stayed in a two-story Cabana for 40mil for the two of us (no linens, you can ask for a deal if you do not need linens) because it was late in the day. However I heard very good things about the &quot;bike hostel&quot;. Food is surprisingly good, we ate the meal of the day at Lago Refugio Meliquina (beginning of the strip) which was tasty and bought expensive yet delicious hiking treats and Nat enjoyed their whole-wheat bread loafs. For resupply we enjoyed the shop and the shopkeeper at La proveedora de Daniela. She had a strict but funny attitude, made amazing pickled eggplants and even gave Tomáš herbs out of her own hand that she was not planning to sell. If you want fancy chocolate and cheese, this is the place to go: el panal de Meliquina is across the street. Many other small shoes scattered around, you are in Argentina so the food is usually always good 🙂.<br /> For transportation I am sure it is easy to hitch back to San Martin if need be but I recommend hitching to Lago Filo Hua Hum to continue our Traverse to Lago Traful:) [see our log for GPT19].<br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-06 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / new optio + option 2 + Option 1/ Jens '''<br /> <br /> I missed the ferry because the timetable has changed. It is now 8am, 12.30pm and 5pm. With poor visibility and a ferry booked for the early afternoon, I decided to take option 2. At the bridge in Fuy, the gate was closed and the guard wouldn't let me pass, even though I showed some leg. He called his boss who forbid me to pass. He explained that it was all private property. After discussing the route with him, he suggested I try a few kilometres further down the river. <br /> <br /> I crossed the other bridge, the gate was open. After about 10km a park ranger found me having lunch. He told me that the reserve was closed to visitors. The ranger was very friendly and helpful. After a little explanation he gave me permission to cross the reserve with the request that I report on illegal hunters and fishermen. I'm now an official CONAF undercover agent. He even offered me a lift. He really made my day after the disappointment of the ferry and the closed gate. <br /> <br /> Approximately at km 19 on option 1 is an abandoned hut that I used as a shelter from the rain. The river is not far away for water. <br /> <br /> The town of Currine, between sections 18 and 19, has a small supermarket and a Frutaria, where you can buy everything you need. I haven't checked for gas checked, though.<br /> <br /> Added ferry timetables down below.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-20 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR-MR OH-MR OH-BB&amp;TL RR-MR&amp;BB RR-MR / Hermann and Coline'''<br /> <br /> As we arrived at Futrono (north of the Lago Ranco), the Scotiabank indicated on Google Maps did not exist. We walked on the paved road until Llifén, where some of the campings indicated did not exist either. Maybe, we were too soon in the season... And the next night, we slept in a bus station on the way to Arquilhue.<br /> <br /> This is at the Bridge {18-01} [31.6/200], on the river Pillanleufu, that we started the GPT18. <br /> <br /> The first day, we went south to Curriñe (where we could resupply : lens, pasta, muesli, but no mais floor) and then Chabranco (where we bought &quot;pan&quot; to a lady who kindly offered us &quot;pan con crema de leche&quot;, &quot;tortillanas?&quot; and coffee).<br /> <br /> She explained us how to reach the gratis hot spring : there's a little &quot;gate&quot; on the left on the road going to the charged hot spring. We slept in the field nearby and the dew did not help our clothes to get dry...<br /> <br /> Some police men had come to us to check our passeports and to tell us to turn back, since the road was &quot;closed&quot;. We still went to the gate and ask the owners if we could cross there propriety. They accepted with joy and advised us not to take the Regular Road of the trail (west of the river) but better the OH-MR-I {18-A} [2.4+3.3].<br /> <br /> Now, there is a second gate on the way. Either you climb it, but it's pretty tall, or there's a hole in the fence on the right side (just in front of the river).<br /> <br /> After Santa Rosa, the trail began to turn from a Minor Road to a one-person-path. At some point, we had to fight with the bamboos. A macheta would have been useful, but not absolutely necessary, since it seemed that someone had pass a little time ago.<br /> <br /> We slept at 3kms of the staring point of RR-MR-V {18} [54.6/64.1+8.1] (which is reversed on the GPT files, since we went NOBO). In the Valdivian forest, we got stick to the GPS, but also looking carefully for clues in the landscapes : bamboos or trees cutted, cans or plastic on the branches. <br /> <br /> There are enough rivers all along the way not to carry too much on your back, but they can have change places from what's indicated on the map.<br /> <br /> The next day we finally got out of this amazing but mind demanding orientation game in the middle of a luxurious forest.<br /> <br /> We meet Daniel, doing the GPT Sobo with pack-crafting, at the crossroad before the Camp {18} [55.4/871]. It was a better place to sleep than the Camp {18} [55.4/871], specially if you find The Place, a rond area inbetween the trees, on the West side (which we did ... the next morning).<br /> <br /> After that, Daniel had told us it was a 4x4 road until the end. And it was true!, but we lost our awareness on the GPS and took the wrong road, going West towards OH-MR-I {18-02} [0.0+16.0]. We don't know if it actually the optional riad of the GPT, because we turned back to the RR-MR-V {18} [40.0/50.5+5.9].<br /> <br /> The mountains are high of course, but the up-hill are not that strong, since it was made for cars. We stopped at the Camp {18} [45.6+0.2/1319], where the river is hidden in the grass.<br /> <br /> The sun was nice all along, and the climat got dry with the altitude, so that we even walked on swon at the second pass, which was beautiful.<br /> <br /> The down-hill after is strong, and we took (again) the wrong road, as we arrived at the river Hua-Hum...<br /> <br /> We camped at the lake and joined Puerto Pirehueico the next morning, where you find ferries to Puerto Fuy even on Christmas (at 4pm) !<br /> <br /> There were lot's of tourist in there, making BBQ, smoking and fishing in the gratis camp (Christmas vacation). In the night, they were replaced by horses, cows and dogs, so be careful about your leftovers. Actually, there's a nice platform, with an astonishing view on the lake, at 1km on the RH-TL&amp;MR-V {17H} [31.1+4.4] (so starting the GPT17H).<br /> <br /> We didn't find gas in Puerto Fuy, even tough a van came from Neltume with big gas bottles, but found food in the little shops everywhere in the city - even tobacco. It's just expensive.<br /> <br /> There's a charged camping on the road 203 CH, where you can charge your batteries and phones for free, by just asking the owner.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-7/ 6 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP-LK-2 + RR-MR + RR-MR&amp;BB + OH-BB&amp;TL / Lauren &amp; Sebastian'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> We were hosted by 2 friendly locals at Puerto Fuy who gave us a ride, cooked dinner and let us stay for a night. Where we launched the packraft, it‘s a quiet spot and we had no issues with authorities about entering the lake. Lago Pirihueico was scenic with strong backwind which allowed us to use our sail on a run and cross in half a day. Lunch break at the beautiful remote beach of Los Baños was splendid. We camped at Camp {18} [22.2/615] but would not recommend on hindsight as we wasted quite some time setting up the boat to get to the trail entry point and repacking. If we had known the trail head was a good campsite, we could have started hiking in the morning.<br /> <br /> The way up to the pass you will spot tarantulas and has no mentionable difficulties until 1300m where snow starts. The last 150m was still under a blanket of snow, however it was substantially less than what was reported by Tom 2 weeks ago, so walking was smooth but slow. Amazing views above the tree line greet you at the top! We camped at Camp {18} [55.4/871].<br /> <br /> We decided to stay on RR-MR&amp;BB to give the infamous bushbashing a try. After Bridge {18} [64.2/652] the path is single track with at first not much difficulty to navigate. This changes quickly, as in the dense forest there were many fallen large trees, which made wayfinding and passing through with the packrafting equipment a challenge. We camped at -40.0942, -71.8924 which was a decent flat spot next to the river.<br /> <br /> We cleared a path with our machete and gloves. They will be your best friends in the overgrown conditions. Progress was slowed down near the end of this segment as we crawled through bamboo tunnels. We forded at Ford {18} [72.2/463], demanding and unnecessary because on the other side there was no trail visible, only an impenetrable fortress of bamboo. Even the trail after the wall as mentioned by Frank is now taken over. We forded back and followed OH-BB&amp;TL which was a better choice. Horse tracks indicate frequent use by the settlers in this area. We camped at intersection of OH-BB&amp;TL-V and OH-MR-I.<br /> <br /> The reward for 2 days in the dense forest was an amazing campsite with hot springs. We stayed an extra night there and an old man told us we can buy eggs from the house with the wooden gate you have to climb over. The remaining part to Lago Maihue we mostly hitchhiked as much of the road is now asphalt. There are several well-stocked shops along the way to resupply. Campsites and restaurants further down at Lago Maihue are amazing and there are buses to Futrono and Llifen if you have time to explore the area. An enjoyable end to this section!<br /> <br /> * '''Recommendation Jan Dudeck in November 2023: Based on the STRAVA Heat Global Heatmap (https://www.strava.com/heatmap#11.72/-71.93115/-40.05048/hot/all) the route GPT18 Option 1 is more used. It remains unclear if this route gets hikers in the right-of-way dispute. Anyway, it seams worthwhile attempting this route especially when walking southbound. This should avoid demanding bush bashing and also prevents some more difficult river crossings.'''<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Nov-22 / 4 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RR / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> After section 17P I continued on that section. Had no issues with the armada de Chile. I guess you can prevent problems by inflating the packraft at the park/camping spot as indicated in the packrafting track files (some trees provide shelter, too). The crossing of the lake was amazing. I scouted a potential emergency camp site at (S 30° 53.353' W071° 50.302') with a little creek and an abandoned track that winds out into the mountains but not investigated the track further. The Camp {18} [7.9+0.4/625] is fantastic. Nice views and beach. Next day I continued to Camp {18} [22.2/615]. Some fisherman are around in the afternoon at this part of the lake. Had a nice chat with three of them - the lake is famous for its trouts. Saw also some close to the shore in shallow water. Next day I went ashore at RP-TL-V {18} [22.9+0.1] and continued regular route. The track is in good condition (only a few small trunks) despite the second Bridge {18} [37.1/1012] is collapsed. But the river can be forded easily instead. Snow starts at 1200 m a soon became a problem. As the ascent to Pass {18} [43.0/1485] lies on the southern site, snow is retained on the broad but winding track forming snow shields of 1-3 m thickness. Saying that, the ascent is possible but exhaustive. I only went to the pass and returned as up there the amount of snow gets massive an the track is covered completely under steep snowy flanks. I guess it to be better on the descent on the northern side but I did not investigated. I camped on the track for one night and continued the next day to the shore where I landed the day before. Met a group of 15 mountainbiking Chilenos who said they have to make it to Puerto Fuy over that track, but I do not know if and how they achived. You can encounter Chilean Ocelot Tarantula and Darwin's frog directly on the track close to the lake. Next day I tooked the RH-MR-V {18} [26.0+6.5] to Puerto Pirehueico and toked the ferry back to Puerto Fuy.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * Recommendation Frank in January 2023: Option OH-001 crossing Rio Corrigue: this section barely exists as large parts have been taken back by bamboo. It is now a severe &amp; sustained bamboo bash requiring huge effort to crawl, break &amp; climb through at about 1 kilometre per hour. Try RR or other options instead<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-04 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 18-A / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Ferry from Pt Fuy leaves 4 times a day (schedule posted to fb group) but in high season it seems to be sold out quickly - at 09:30 we were able to buy tickets only for the last one that day and there was a big line… some people might have a reservation, but we are not sure if its possible to book in advance. The price is a little over 1000 CLP, payment only with cc. However we asked at the 13:30 ferry if we can take it since we have just backpacks and don’t even need a seat, and there was no problem, the ferry had way more seats than people anyway. Possible to charge electronics there and buy drinks. On the other side are 2 accomodation options - cabaña and basic rooms in residence house that are for 40k CLP for 3 bed room and 30k CLP for 2 single bed room, incl. private bathroom with hot water. Basic shop is a little overpriced so better to buy in Pt Fuy. Good options for eating - huge sandwiches, empanadas and local beer in the wooden kiosks where most of the people from ferry go.<br /> <br /> We continued the next day, jumping over a gate and crawling under a barbed wire fence after. The way to the pass is a minor road through nice forrest. From X point at km 50.5 the trail becomes a little less visible for the next 4km with some fallen trees and branches here and there, but still nice walking. Fun begins at camp km 64.1 - trail becomes gradually more and more overgrown, eventhough its not so hard to follow it, we were progressing really slow. At the end its a lot of crawling close to the ground to get under all the bamboos, and very tropical conditions in our case.<br /> <br /> We were not sure which route is the best one to follow after, so we started with RR, but decided to leave it after first few meters after the ford as it was densly overgrown. Thanks to Molly and Melis comment we took the optional route on the other side and it was really close to normal trail, what a pleasent surprise for us! Someone had work on it recently, there were new barbed wires at the beginning where you have to crawl under the fence, but from there only a few little overgrown parts. After 2.5 km you join a 4x4 road and that goes all the way to the gate. We were again finishing late in the evening to reach the camp with thermas, and before the gate we met a car with english-speaking locals who looked surprised to see us at first, but showed us the way and advised us to ask the guard to open the gate for us. When we reached the gate, we saw light in the guards house, but decided to climb over the gate, that was locked at the time. After around 1.5 km we came to a house that was also secured by a wooden gate, easy to climb over. Free camp with hot springs has a lot of space and there were some locals (friday evening), even more came in the morning. Pools have warm but not hot water which is perfect for a bath with view. <br /> <br /> Unmarked small shop is at the beginning of the paved road and many more shops and places to eat on the main route to the lake. The marked shop at km 93.3 has good supplies and prices.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-04 to 2023-Jan-06 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Zach + Valentin'''<br /> <br /> After meeting in Bolivia, we met up again in Puerto Fuy. Dubious section selection for Valentin’s first multi day hike. We took the 09:00 super scenic ferry to Puerto Pirehueico. Another vote for Mané’s empanadas de pescado. After hopping over the signless fence the trail follows an old road bed with a gentle grade for a day and a half: one last dip in the lake, a nice woods vibe, big old trees, some light caressing of bushes, and flowers galore. My paddle blade made an excellent Tábano (horsefly) swatter for the open fields. Views at the pass were rewarding but brief. After the bridge and cabin at 64.2 the bamboo bumping began. A machete would have been cathartic. The regular route trail (RR-TL-V {18} [62.7/72.2+2.1]) was the whackiest. Gaps in the trees allowed sufficient sunshine for walls of bamboo to grow. It was usually possible to see the old treadway but slow goings averaging less than 1 km/hr. “Termas➡️” was written in red on a tree around (-40.1600, -71.9206) but we didn’t investigate. We didn’t see (RR-TL-V {18} [67.6/77.2+1.3]) and forded when the road reached the river, shimmying under barbed wire on the other side. Later we saw the riverside gate a bit south of the southernmost “ford?” location. No problems with guards or property owners. The termas naturales were a splendid end to Valentin’s first backpacking trip. We got a ride out from a couple at the hot springs.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-03 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; optional route between Estero El Africano and waypoint &quot;Guard&quot; / Frank '''<br /> <br /> The first 40KM are on an old jeep track. There are some fallen trees but you can generally get round them easily. At Camp 133 the ground is rough &amp; I didn't find a good camping spot. Instead a little before the camp I crossed the stream &amp; 200 metres downstream there are two huts. The smaller one is in good condition &amp; I slept on the floor. Saw wild boar nearby. You cross the river on a bridge to a hut, continuing on a trail that is partly overgrown with young bamboo. Bush bashing is mostly easy. Also some fallen trees &amp; 2 very short sections of severe bamboo bashing.<br /> <br /> Crossed Rio Curringue near Estero Africano to continue on optional trail 001. If you follow track file 001 after the river crossing you come to an impenetrable wall of bamboo. Instead I went downstream about 40 metres &amp; by a small wall I cut up onto the trail. It gets clearer as you go up but soon disappears in the bamboo forest. Micro navigation is required as if you break through on the route you may come to a partially clear section where you can walk upright but breaking off route generally leads to more bamboo. This section was the most overgrown I encountered on GPT1-40. A machete would not be very useful as the bamboo is growing in solid walls. When you get to 002 it is a clear jeep track &amp; 003 is also good. Took me 9 hours to get from camp 134 to 135. It would be best to avoid crossing Rio Curringue &amp; stay on RR. The alternative route which splits from RR at camp 134 may also be viable. Camped on a small layby above where optional route 003 descends to the river. Easy river crossing on day 3 &amp; I walked out by waypoint &quot;guard&quot; The guard was at the house near the gate but he just waved &amp; the gate was open.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-25 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> Good: You dive deep into old forests, it feels like true jungle. Many beautiful flowery meadows. Beautiful views on the last-ish part before the lake + the lake. We didn't meet anyone after crossing the gate. Nice hot springs in the beginning. The ferry trip itself<br /> Bad: Quite slow to get through a section of the forest - definitely manageable. Feels very much like breaking in as you literally climb a huge fence. Forest may be a little repetitive for some<br /> <br /> GPT18:<br /> The first part marked as a minor road is now paved. <br /> We camped at the first hot springs without the dollar sign. It's a big field where you can camp, and the hot springs are really nice. There are several holes right next to the river, and the water has a nice temperature, not too hot, though probably still best when out of the sun. We didn't go to the other hot springs (Chihuío) where you have to pay, but it seems to be a big swimming pool of a kind. They close at 17:30.<br /> When continuing on the gravel road, several signs tell you that it's private property, and finally you get to a big gate next to a house. Maybe the guard's? No one was around when we came, though, and we climbed across the gate. From there we took the optional route along the gravel road, as you had to climb yet another gate to get to the regular route. When the gravel road split up, we picked the one closest to the river. It was nice and clear all the way, whereas the other one seemed very muddy. They met again, our route was behind a little gate that could easily be opened. From there, the optional route followed a very small trail, pretty overgrown, but still definitely doable. It seemed that someone had recently been through with a machete, we didn't need one. At one point we came to a barbed wire fence, and the trail seemed to continue along it. That was wrong, you have to cross the fence immediately, and the trail continues on the other side.<br /> We met the regular route by the river at two and decided to continue to the next spot marked as camp. That gave us a long day, the trail was still overgrown, though better than the previous, and it was slow going. When we came through it wasn't muddy though. There was nowhere to camp before the bridge. Right after, there is an abandoned field to the right of the route, the grass is quite long, but it's an okay camping site.<br /> The plant with bright orange flowers and white spots on the leaves hurt to the touch, like a stinging nettle.<br /> We saw strawberry plants everywhere, a nice section when they are in season!<br /> <br /> From there, the rest of the way is on an abandoned 4x4 track, it's never difficult to see, but a little overgrown in places. It climbs above the treeline where the view is very nice, but we were attacked by hordes of flies that went away as we walked back into the forest. We camped on the lake shore, it's a great place to swim.<br /> Puerto Pirihueico has several restaurants, we had empanadas at Donde Mané, they were great. <br /> <br /> The boat leaves everyday at 4 pm from Puerto Pirihueico and arrives at Puerto Fuy around 5 - too late for any busses. It seems you should buy tickets in the big building next to the lake? bus leaves for Panguipulli the next day around 7 am and 9 am - I think the last is at around 4 pm, and from there there are many busses to Valdivia. There are a ton of accomodation options and restaurants in Puerto Fuy.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH-01 / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> Forest trail, a part technical and slow. The rest is nice and calm, easy to follow, for the ones liking the smell of fresh herbs, flowers, and the bees. <br /> <br /> -Track followed:<br /> I followed the recommendations of Martina Ivo Arnaud and Matus.<br /> Arriving on the RR, just before the waypoint &quot;Guards&quot;, there was a huge portal, closed. But not the usual portal easy to climb, the type of portal to say that you don´t want cars and walkers in. I decided to cross country straight north to the Rio Curringue and cross here to join the OH18-001. This OH is a big truck path, so no difficulties. I suspect that there are constructing a road north to Puerto Fuy on this side of the river. <br /> After the camp 135, The is a div follonwing the OH 001. There begins the little technical forest trail (good little horsetrail, well maintained by the locals, easy to follow but really muddy and a lot of up and downhill). It goes to the river Curringue againm that you have to cross, and join the RR after on the other side, until Camp 134. It personnally took me around 5 hours to go from camp 135 to Camp 134, so I would recommend not to begin this section at the end of the day. No need of the machete.<br /> After Camp 134, 4x4 road, easy to follow. Keep an eye on the GPS thow, lots of traps with other roads going everywhere, waiting for careless walke<br /> <br /> -Legality of this section ?:<br /> It seems unclear. Everything from Chihuiyo to Pirehueico/Puerto Fuy is part of the Huilo Huilo Parc. BUt the only part that you have to pay for seems to be the northern part, next to Neltume, where there is a lot of tourists. <br /> The optionnal road 001 seems free and I even crossed a chilean family at the camp 135, with their car, and they had a barbecue before around.<br /> After Camp 134, I crossed a car of Guardaparques : they just asked me where I came from and where I went, made sure that I had the GPS to not loose myself in the forest, and let me continue without discussion. So I guess that there is finally no problems with walking in this part of the parc.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-13 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH-01 + 02 + 03 between Estero El Africano and waypoint &quot;Guard&quot; / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Thanks to the previous comments of Arnaud and Matus we were prepared for the middle part of this section. At the Estero El Africano we didn't try long to find the regular route but crossed the Río Curringue to take optional route 001, 002 and 003 and got back to the regular route at the waypoint &quot;Guard&quot;.<br /> <br /> The whole stretch RR-MR-V@18-64.1+8.1 (from the waypoint &quot;Camp&quot; to the Estero El Africano) is a muddy trail, no minor road, which makes quite a difference in hiking time calculation.<br /> <br /> We didn't really look for resupply, accommodation or transportation opportunities in Curriñe or Puerto Maihue but at the moment in high season it's very easy to hitchhike to Futrono, where you find everything, plus regular busses to Valdivia.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2019-Dec-5 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / OP Lago Pirihueico only / Shaun C '''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Packrafted Lago Pirihueico only - as add-on to Section 17P. Didn’t hike any part of Section 18. At Puerto Fuy, an official of the Armada/Navy said solo kayaking on the lake was prohibited, but after a 10 minute conversation I convinced him to let me do it. Key was saying that I, not Navy, bore responsibility. Lake is stunning, especially at dawn.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-16 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Arnaud Debilly '''<br /> <br /> 4 days with one day off due to rain<br /> We started with the ferry from puerto fuy at 9am (3 or 4 boats a day - around 1000 clp). 1h30 trip to pirihueico. Then the path starts in the private property of the parque Huilo Huilo (&quot;no entrar&quot; sign but no one to check). The path is clear, looks like a minor road with ancient bridges to cross the river. After around 40km, the track follows a very little path, looks like bush bashing during 5km.<br /> Then you join a river, parallel to the track. At that point, we followed the track that went into the forest. It was so dense that we did maybe 200m in one hour. We decided to turn back to walk in the river (around 2km), or on the side, until we found a real path. That was a good and efficient solution.<br /> We found no guardaparques or private guards to discuss right of way passage so had no problems with this aspect.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Kara Davis'''<br /> <br /> Notes to consider before beginning: We were halted by rangers in a jeep on the 4WD road on the west side of Río Pillanleufu. They informed us it was illegal to be in Huilo Huilo at this time because the reserve was closed for the rehabilitation of the Pudú, the world’s smallest deer. We had no knowledge of this since we entered the reserve in a very remote location and there was not adequate signage to inform us of this closure. After explaining this to the ranger, they escorted us out of the reserve. You may want to enquire about the status of Huilo Huilo before beginning this section.<br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: This was publicly accessible land with public roads until the Petermann clan took control of this vast property during the final year of the Pinochet dictatorship. Huilo Huilo is not advertised as a “private for profit reserve” with very expensive high-end lodging but wood logging continues in parts of this property. Several hikers reported that they were stopped by guards and send or escorted out. It remains unclear to me if the right-of-way legally ended or if the new owner simply want to keep people out that don’t spend lots of money.<br /> <br /> GPT18 begins with a 23 km paddle on Lago Pirihueico, a long, remote, serpentine lake. There are almost no residences along the shoreline of Lago Pirihueico, but there are some beaches suitable for camping. A ferry also runs from Puerto Fuy to Puerto Pirihueico at the southern end of the lake several times a day. You can find more information about the ferry and make reservations here: https://barcazahuahum.com/en/schedule-and-prices/.<br /> <br /> The take-out is not obvious, and we relied on our GPS to guide us to the spot. A short walk up is a 4WD track that leads into the Reserva Biológica Huilo Huilo. The track is overgrown and littered with downed trees but becomes clearer and easier to navigate as it ascends. The views are gorgeous as the 4WD track climbs above treeline. <br /> <br /> As the route nears the roaring Río Pillanleufu, it reduces to a single track trail. The trail meanders on the east shore of the river and eventually disappears. We backtracked a bit and made our way down to the east river bank which we followed until we picked up the trail in a large meadow. A bridge is located where the GPS track is shown crossing over the Río Pillanleufu to the west side and joining a 4WD road. The vegetation on this side of the river is thick and camping is hard to come across.<br /> <br /> About 10 km from the bridge crossing, the 4WD track ends in an impenetrable bamboo forest. We backtracked and headed down to the west bank of the Río Pillanleufu where we found a horse track that eventually led back to the main route. The route follows easy grade farm roads until exiting onto T-559. T-559 is a windy gravel road which makes for an easy road walk all the way to Lago Maihue and the end of GPT18. <br /> <br /> Town: Futrono<br /> <br /> Futrono, about a 40 minute drive from where the route joins T-559, is the nearest large town. It has a variety of restaurants and lodging options and is a good place to resupply. There is no central bus station in Futrono, but there is a gas station at the east end of town where you can pick up a bus that will take you back to the trail.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> * Puerto Pirihueico<br /> Several restaurants and a small shop which has coffee, tea, pasta and flour.<br /> Cabañas and camp ground<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2024 / Quentin Clavel <br /> <br /> Puerto fuy Is a touristic place, so few restaurant and fiestas (these places with kind of street food, and lot of tables and chairs at the center, love the atmosphere there), accomodation and mini market. <br /> <br /> I FOUND GAZ IN NELTUME !! (5km on the road after Puerto Fuy (Easy to hitchhike, I did all the ferretería of this city and I found a Gaz screw bottle in the ferretería Camilo (39°50′46.12″S 71°56′39.48″W). <br /> <br /> In Puerto Pirihueico, possibility to east as well, recommandation for the empanadas and food in Mane's place, just at the ferry. <br /> <br /> On the road from maqueo to curriñe, there's plenty of option for camping, small minimarket too, and even some restaurants.<br /> <br /> Curriñe : For a bigger choice, the best option looks like to be at the junction from Ruta T559 and T557, (Shop {18} [93.3/214], called almacén de provisiones curriñe). I was there, they have quite a good choice to resupply.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> There are frequent buses from Valdivia to Pangipulli, about one an hour from 8AM to 9PM.<br /> There are 5 buses a day from Panguipulli to Puerto Fuy Monday-Friday, 4 on Saturday &amp; 2 on Sunday. The last one every day is at 7:30 PM<br /> <br /> Ferry Puerto Fuy:<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:20240106 090352.jpg|miniaturadeimagen]]<br /> <br /> Direct Bus from Curriñe to Valdivia 6:55 and 8:55. At 5pm to Futrono.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT18 - Lago Pirihueico]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_109276202.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT18]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_109276179.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|A beach at Pirihueico]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230396.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230403.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230411.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230416.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230424.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230388.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_109276229.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230384.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_12_Lago_Pirihueico_119230395.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT12_(Rio_Rahue)&diff=122466 2025-08-10T22:10:13Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> === Connecting to Section 12 ===<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 11 to 12.jpg|450px|right|Connections between GPT11 and GPT12]]<br /> <br /> November 2024 [Tomáš]: There are a number of different ways to connect Sections 11 and 12. The regular route is proven and works. Will alone and Tomáš and Natalie together found independently of each other almost identical traverse, that they liked [it is included in their suggestions in the 2024 Track files]. it is pure CC and the terain is not the easiest, but they think it is quite doable. There is one route option which appears to be unexplored, GPT11-04 (and possibly 11-03). Please edit this text on both sections 11 and 12 if you have any updates.<br /> <br /> === Optional Routes ===<br /> A popular and scenic option on GPT12 is to go via the ridge near Cerro Dedos, GPT11-02 and GPT11-02B (it is somewhat confusingly part of Section 11). This ridge hike can be extended by walking up to Cerro Dedos, via GPT11-04, where Condors may be spotted. In bad weather, avoid the ridge.<br /> <br /> === Piñones ===<br /> Along this section are many opportunities to harvest piñones (in the right season), which can extend your hiking food supply. This can be a particularily useful resource if hiking in NOBO direction: bring enough food for GPT12, and supplement your diet with piñones to extend your supplies to last for GPT11 and onward. Be sure to bring lots of gas, since piñones need to be boiled for roughly 20 minutes.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Sadly, in March 2025 the hiker Tim Atkinson disappeared while hiking GPT12 in northbound direction. Several searches were conducted in April and May 2025 but Tim was not found. He was last seen near Kilometer 63 (-38.393870°, -71.022360°) hiking northbound (towards Kilometer 0). See also the Facebook post to Tim's disappearance. <br /> <br /> Since none of the searches could locate Tim, an accident while hiking along the Regular Route seams less likely now. Possibly, Tim suffered a health issue while resting or camping in a more hidden location a bit off the trail. Therefore, all hikers that walk GPT12 are asked to keep their eyes open and scan for possible hidden camp sites a bit off the trail. Should someone spot a lone collapsed tent or other traces of Tim, then please record the precise location by GPS and report your observations to the Carabineros (Chilean Police) and Jose Herrera (+56998252577) who coordinated the search earlier in 2025.<br /> <br /> - Regular Route: Due to right-of-way conflicts in the upper valley Mitrauquen I rerouted the regular route between Kilometer 61 and 70. This bypasses several puestos.<br /> <br /> - GPT12 Option 3D and 3E (Meseta de Malonehue): It would be useful when an experienced hiker investigates this connection that is not fully visible on satellite images. The Puesto {12-03D} [7.0/1789] makes it very likely that a trail in the forest connects this puesto with the road down in the valley but the forest hides this route on satellite images. If this route is good to walk and people along the route are not bothered by hikers then I consider rerouting the Regular Route once again to completely bypass the upper valley Mitrauquen.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *''' 2025-03-31 to 2025-04-6 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Lonquimay 05G, 02, 03, 03C, RR, varA, 01 / Peggy<br /> <br /> I started in Lonquimay by taking a microbus that leaves from the bus terminal at 1:30 pm and dropped me off at the junction (km15.5), then I continued on section 02 to take the ferry. It doesn’t operate on weekends. I arrived around 2:15 pm, and a man had me cross 30 minutes later. He showed up to cross himself with others in his car. I don’t know if he’s the official operator.<br /> <br /> I stopped early and camped between the RR and section 03 (I forgot to note the exact point). There is a stream running through, and if you go up it a bit you can find good spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2, I took section 03. Water at 38.411909, 071.190373W. Easy climb through the forest to the plateau. I chose to go along the small ridge between the GPX track on the right and a track visible on Locus on the left (OSM), to the Lagunas Mezillas where I filled up on water not knowing if I’d find more lower down. With the cold, I don’t sleep next to a lake. Also, it was windy and even more was forecast for the evening. So I went down to the plateau just below and found a good spot sheltered from the wind among the Araucarias. I was also able to make a fire (I don’t have gas, I started with a wood stove but for the past few weeks I’ve been making campfires for cooking and warmth. Sometimes in the morning too). I ended up finding water (38.372273S, 071.122479W).<br /> <br /> Day 3, I went down via 03C, which is easy if you stick to the trail. Not being sure about 03C (steep and lots of bamboo), I first chose 03A but quickly switched to the right. The descent goes well mixing BB and CC, less steep and more open than 03C, except for the end with lots of shrubs. I followed cow paths and had to crawl for a few meters at one point! But it worked out!<br /> <br /> I eventually stopped at the puesto km37.7, which is in poor condition but gave me shelter from the rain. Here I got weak internet signal via Entel. Water nearby but needs filtering (between RR and the puesto). Lots of space to camp (I chose a spot sheltered in the grove to minimize cold. Temperatures below freezing).<br /> <br /> Day 4, I took the RR via the Mariñanqui lagoon. Between the water point at km37.4 and the ford at km36.6, there’s a short steep and slippery section. To avoid it, you can go higher where there are already horse and cow tracks. At the lagoon, I tried to avoid the marshes by skirting around the right side at the end of the lagoon. There’s a trail, but it becomes more and more uncertain and I ended up crossing the marsh anyway. Beautiful forest crossing, easy fords but very cold water in April. In the evening, I reached the Baños Coyucos. I found the water lukewarm but nice for a basic wash. There is a place to camp, but I preferred to cross the stream at the baños and set up a bit further away on the other side. Gorgeous view of the valley. I set up behind bamboo as the wind was already strong and was forecast to increase during the night (I check the wind with my Garmin to know the speed and direction to set up my tent properly, especially when a cold night is coming – I’ve had my tent damaged by wind before). Bad surprise that evening: I had forgotten my tent stakes at the previous camp… Fortunately, I was surrounded by bamboo which worked perfectly for the night (and thankfully I had pitched my tent well because the wind was indeed strong that night).<br /> <br /> Day 5, back to the puesto km37.7 where I had left my stakes… Same route as the day before, but with more wind! However, I was facing the right direction to charge my solar battery on my pack.<br /> <br /> Day 6, same path as the two previous days except that I chose to take variant A, which avoids the Mariñanqui lagoon and goes through the upper part. It seems to be preferred by arrieros as it is well marked by horses (and cows). The view is beautiful over the mountains, especially in the second part. Water at (38.272804S, 071.111205W). A bit after that, the trail goes up a bit along a small stream (a bit tricky). Then here (38.244753S, 071.082081W) there’s a small river to cross (so water), and a small puesto that can be used in case of problem or bad weather. Here, I again met two arrieros I had seen two days earlier. Very friendly. Arrived back on the RR, in the valley of the puestos, I followed section 01 aiming to buy food at one of the puestos but they were all already closed… Luckily, I found someone and managed to get food at the last one (which doesn’t appear on the map, to the right of the ford km22.1). Thanks to Jaime. I slept above the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 7, on the way to the Baños de Pelehue, I met a kind Chilean hiking couple (only the second time in 3 months). Then the Cerros Dedos (see section 11).<br /> <br /> At this time of year, there are lots of piñones on the ground. I cook them on the fire in water in two rounds. They usually require several hours to cook (at this time of year, as they are already hard). So I experimented and found that two rounds of cooking works. I cook on the fire, so in the evening and in the morning if I make a fire, or on two consecutive evenings. The shell should open, at least most of them. Each time 30–40 min or more after it starts boiling. A technique shared by an arriero to make them cook faster (a Mapuche technique I was told): roast them a bit before putting them into boiling water. I haven’t noticed a difference yet, but I don’t have enough experience.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-01 to 2025-03-05 / 5 days (combined GPT 12 + 11)/ Hiking / NOBO /OH 02 + RR/ Chloe and Mathieu<br /> We took the bus from Temuco to Lonquimay then we hitchhiked up to the camping Lolen (nice camping 8000p per person). We had to start from there because the ferry of option 2 is not working on weekends. <br /> <br /> Day 1: we walked along the Ruta R 893 to join the option 2 after the Rio Biobio crossing. We continued on the gravel road of the OH02 until we join RR at km 44.9. There is a ford not mentioned just before but easy to cross. <br /> The route in the valley of puesto [37.7+0.2/1367] is not always easy to follow so we kept looking at the GPS. <br /> Camped at Laguna Mariñanqui. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : we walked along the lake. Then we struggled to find our way in the wetlands at the north of the lake. Better to stick to the track on the GPS. Then we crossed 6 times the rio, no difficulties. Scenic gorges after. Many puestos wirh dogs in the valleys but we met noone.<br /> We checked the hot spring at 20.5, not really hot so we didn’t go in. We slept at camp 17.0, nice area, many cows. <br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked until pass {11-04} [5.4/2385], no difficult but very windy. Then we went down to the Pelehue Hot spring. Really nice to take a bath, really worth it!<br /> We walked up to the &quot; Hot Spring ?{11} [32.0/1428]&quot; where we camped. There is a hot spring, à bit dirty but nice anyway. Rhere is an other hotspring at S 38° 07.328', W 071° 05.140' but not possible to camp. <br /> <br /> Day 4: we climbed the pass and for that we stayed in the bed river all along of the CC part. A bit long but not difficult when you stick to this route. <br /> We went down to the Camp {11} [20.6/1317].<br /> <br /> Day 5 : went straight to Guallalli and slept at Rominàs house. Took the bus next day to Los Àngeles at 5:30PM.<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-20 to 2025-02-24 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, / Adrien, Julien et Valentin&quot;<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 7:30 pm on Wednesday <br /> We slept in the barn of Cabana Garcias for 5000 pesos (mention that you have a tent)<br /> <br /> One hour after the pass with the famous big Araucaria at the first descent you will encounter a puesto with a meadow and a fence. Instead of crossing it, go along the barrier to the end, the magnificent cliffs overlooked by the araucaria on the right. Then cross the bush until you find the RR. Very easy and very beautiful. It allows you to avoid the mean dogs on the other side of the meadow.<br /> <br /> Lots of araucaria seeds on the ground even though they were probably the last ones. 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking. oil and salt and it's perfect<br /> <br /> We had an argument with an Arriero who asked us for money to pass, well after Maximilliano, 6 kilometers before the Marinanqui lake but by telling him that we had authorization from the carabineros (which was not true) and from two other Gauchos we met beforehand, he ended up letting us pass.<br /> <br /> We didn't do the last part of the cerro dedo because of pain of one of us and we cut to Ranquil from the terms, easy to Hitchhike the weekend. but the last part is apparently not to be missed.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking to Lonquimay (only the weekend cause of the Termas)<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-14 to 2025-02-17 / 3,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, Var H, Cerro Dedos ascent / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume :<br /> - spectacular views concentrated in Cerro Dedos area and we really appreciated the section only from laguna Marinanqui <br /> - before laguna Marinanqui : views from pass 57,2 and araucarias are great but dogs, dust and valley floor long path are a little bit tiring &gt; If you don't need GPT 13 thru-hike connection, we highly recommand to consider option 2 or 4 to shorten south part of the section.<br /> - tabanos situation is currently resolved <br /> Day 1 afternoon : Liucura 104,3 &gt; Water 87,6<br /> Started at 15:30, we took variants P and S at the beginning to avoid barbed wire climbing (still one). We took water at puesto around 94,5 and we camped at the first water point (dusty and without sunset).<br /> Day 2 : Water 87,6 &gt; Pass 57,2 <br /> Doggy puesto day ! We took option H to avoid aggressive dogs which seem to be on the RR, but we had some anyway (without incident). Highlight of the day : we harvested and cooked our first pinones ! We camped at -38,360985 -71,054676 near great sunset views on Volcanos.<br /> Day 3 : Pass 57,2 &gt; Banos Cuyucos 20,5<br /> Long day to reach hot spring aperitif and dinner, following RR. Laguna Marinanqui and following gorges are very scenic, banos cuyucos are great for 3 people.<br /> Day 4 : Banos Cuyucos 20,5 &gt; Cerro Dedos ascent &gt;  Banos de Pelehue (11-02B [1.2/2113])<br /> Pleasure day with stunning views without long distance. The Pelehue hotsprings are really nice : 180° view, sunset, water temperature control (!), fumaroles,... <br /> We continued with GPT 11 RR next morning, with the desire to to follow Natalie and Tomas new connection to section 10 close to argentina border (GPT 11 option 6 + GPT 10 option 3).<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-12 to 2025-02-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1+RR+Option 2a / Chris &amp; Diana'''<br /> <br /> We had arranged with Maximiliano and Ana a pickup late at 9pm from Lonquimay, stayed at their house and were driven to the bus/police station the next morning. They offered 50kCLP for both drives, night in tent, some dinner &amp; breakfast, 70kCLP if we wanted to stay indoor. We accepted tent option but after a fun &amp; long dinner &amp; tea, they invited us to the cabana nontheless. They are a super lovely couple, we had a lot of fun together :)<br /> They operate a shop with everything a hiker needs (food, gas, even some clothes, but not too suitable but might be nice in emergencies) for fair prices. <br /> <br /> A bit more info in Lonquimay:<br /> Levanderia lonquimay <br /> +56971265059<br /> Histal Villa portales 32kCLP for 2 persons in a double bed (shared bedroom of 3 spots, cold water only)<br /> Uber lonquimay<br /> +56965791711,<br /> +56982471202,<br /> +56941761164,<br /> +56974846335<br /> Sweet little town, nice supermarkets, restaurants, even some small local giftshops at the main square/park.<br /> <br /> Bus towards trail from lonquimay: monday, wednesday, friday at 05:30 and 15:00<br /> From trail to lonquimay (via ranquil): monday, wednesday, friday 06:00/06:30, 16:00<br /> <br /> Disclaimer: check our route, we only hiked 40% of the RR, therefore only valid for that bit!<br /> <br /> Option 01: mostly rather boring MR/track, little descent into the valley. Easy and quick hike though.<br /> <br /> RR:<br /> Fords: all easy, last hour to the lake is full of fords we werent able to cross dry feet. Nothing above knee, no significant current. <br /> Water: plenty along the way.<br /> Snow: none.<br /> Hotsprings: surprisingly they werent mentioned often in here. They are fairly nice, there are two, the one under the araucaria tree is the hotter and nicer one, fresh water better taken upstream of the other &quot;first&quot; one. The hotspring is populated a lot on the weekends, friday had a few dayhikers, the nights we enjoyed alone. People in the valley were super nice, explaining us a better way through the swamp. <br /> <br /> Laguna mariñanqui was amazing to camp and bath in as well, lots of parrots swarming the skies and lots of piñones around adding a feast!<br /> <br /> Option 02a:<br /> Camped at S 38.364003 W 071.166101. Seemed like last obvious spot before Track &amp; Puestos start. Some appletrees along the way.<br /> We hitchhiked most of option 2 out to Lonquimay, it might be possible to Uber (see above) along here for NOBO folks who wanna cut it a bit short without missing the hotsprings and the pretty pass. We think we didnt see any bus houses/indication of public transport.<br /> Track until approx S 38.382561 W 071.172255 (easy with 4x4, normal car might be a bit difficult)<br /> MR until Ferry 12-02 [13.5], easy with normal car. Rather boring to walk.<br /> <br /> Summary: nice and easy walk, not crazy scenic, but some pretty views in between. Piñones made it very special, they just started to fall from the sky, enhanced our couscous alot! More than any could gather. <br /> Partly pretty dusty. Since its mostly along rivers, we always were able to get a bath.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-03 to 2025-02-07 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 01+RR+Var H+RR+VarN+VarP / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I arrived from Lonquimay by micro at 5 p.m. and started from OH 1. Night at pass 4.6/1499.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Day of fords but fortunately easy for my 1.64 height.<br /> In valley after pass a lot of cows, goats. Two dogs but only barking.<br /> Ford 7.5 - in exact point water above knee. I went a few meters upstream where water is lower.<br /> Ford 28.7 till calf.<br /> Fords Rio Pulul from 31.3 to 33.6 max to knee, but there were more than points in track.<br /> Ford 35.4 dry feet.<br /> Ford 36.6 dry feet.<br /> Ford 41.5 dry feet.<br /> Ford 45.5 above knee, current a bit strong.<br /> Camp at 47.5.<br /> <br /> Day 3 :<br /> Ascent from 52 to 53 was very exhausting.<br /> Camp at 57 before pass. Beautiful spot but strong wind. Water from lake.<br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Passes 57.2 and 57.4 free of snow. Part between 59 and 60 moody. I have met arrieros at camp 59.5 km. From km 62.4/62.9 I took varH and came back at km 68 of RR . In the next valley I have met a group of Mapuches. They were very reserved. I said hello and asked for the trail and said what I am doing here. Before puesto de Maxymiliano Lagos (71.4) the path is almost free of fallen trees after a tornado in November. I have bought fresh &quot;tortilla&quot; et Maksymiliano &quot;puesto&quot;. Camp at Laguna Escondida at 76.2. I think that a better camp is on the other side.<br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> At km 88 of RR I took varN than P till Liucura. Mostly MR. A lot of gates between puestos. At km 4.0/1314 settler (12-P) I advise taking the road not the track. I have met here one dog and need to cross under gates. After only some gates. In Liucura night at Hospedaje Normita. Very comfortable cabana for 20.000 clp. A lot of shops. I advise at point -38.64533,-71.08847. They have gas, chargers, cables and a lot of food.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-11 to 2025-JAN-13 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 12H / Alex '''<br /> Cerro Los Dedos offers the best views along this section. Many puestos along the route were occupied, often with numerous dogs.Be prepared for swampy areas throughout the section. I recommend adopting Option 12H as the regular route due to its advantages.<br /> At Camp {12-H} [1.5/1520], I arrived around 7 PM but found it unsuitable due to its location opposite a house and visibility from the road.<br /> I continued up the steep climb and discovered a short side trail to the left after 20 minutes. This led to an untouched forest with sheltered campsites just 70 meters from fresh running water.<br /> This is the best campsite in the entire section: no tabanos , no mosquitoes.<br /> I have attached a GPX file for this new campsite here<br /> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G_nxx9NlRwpGVU_mvsp5RAYcwNFEy9tL/view?usp=sharing<br /> The final 2 kilometers of Section 12 should be updated. The regular route trespasses through 3–4 private properties with barbed wire.<br /> I followed RR-TL-V {12} [100.0/100.4+2.2] directly to the highway instead.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-26 &gt; 29 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR (option est au Laguna Mariñanqui) + passage flan est a la fin / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : hors piste sur pente raide, glissement de terrain, foret détruite<br /> <br /> A 2100m a la premiere montée, ce ne sont pas des sources chaudes mais des sources de gaz qui font bouillir ce qui se trouve autour.<br /> Par contre au point (38.190017° S 71.036036° W) il y a une source chaude que les locaux ont amenagée en piscine (l'eau est ferrugineuse). Les arrieros m'en ont parlé donc elle est accessible a tout le monde.<br /> Dans la vallée du Cerro Rahue la piste n'est vraiment pas facile a suivre mais grâce a la trace GPS on la retrouve toujours. Il y a beaucoup de taons malheureusement, et sur le plateau a 2000m, c'est envahi de moustiques.<br /> La montée en hors piste n'est pas une cinécure, vraiment dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier car elle est dangereuse par mauvais temps. Premiere et seule journée nuageuse. La descente sous le Cerro Codihue se fait bien mais attention: 1) un gros éboulement a recouvert le sentier, et de la neige se trouve sous les roches. Ca forme des ponts qui sont tres dangereux. 2) une tornade a balayé la forêt. Elle est impossible a traverser mais facile a contourner en longeant le torrent.<br /> Juste apres la foret, Maximiliano Lagos m'a très bien reçu malgré mon faible niveau d'espagnol.<br /> Juste après le Laguna Escondida, Sonia Ramirez m'a bien accueilli également, j'ai pu assister a une capture de chevaux (pour castration).<br /> A Liucura j'ai pu acheter un peu de nourriture mais le magasin n'a quasiment rien.<br /> <br /> * ''' 24-12-15 - 24-12-19 / 4,5 days / SOBO / OH01, RR, OH-H\L\M\K / Volker ​​'''<br /> <br /> The Tabano section (first part only)<br /> All water markers reliable - and many other spots, fords mostly easy<br /> <br /> Day 1: Back in Ranquil after resupply in Lonquimay. The very friendly women from the Local Crafts Centre organised me a driver for 30k, which was really fair for a 1,5h ride. Started at 3 p.m., short walk on OH01 (well, I missed the hot spring on RR) over a pass, then down into the very beautiful valley. Camped after the ford OH1, 7,5, which was less easy than it seemed. The water is very deep, where it runs slowly, you have to cross the river there, where the stream is strong. <br /> <br /> Day 2: An extraordinary beautiful valley, but… a terrible Tabano situation. Not 3-4 surrounded me as sometimes on previous sections, but 10-15 at all times. Worst at the northern bank of Laguna Marinanqui. Swimming? Forget it. All those, who are into survival, will find a rich meal. Haute Cuisine: the Tabanos attacking you, while you are focused on one of the several fords (all easy). All others think twice, before taking a photo and ending up with 5 of them on each of your hand . My moskito head net was an essential gear, but I wished I had brought a beekeeper’s suit. And who wants to hike a day long veiled like a woman under Taliban rule? Camp at 17,0 completely „polluted“, I continued 1 km to the „pass“, where I found a dusty mini-spot (great view, however). <br /> <br /> Day 3: Tabano situation unchanched during the whole CC upwards. I walked at an altitude of 2100 on snowfields, surrounded by ten of them. Tried hard to have a look for the really scenic landscape. After the pass it got immediately better. It was like a water shed. What a relief! CC down easy, the following „trail“, however, was no trail, but a swamp (all indicated camp spots under water), and now I had to stick closely to the track file, otherwise I would have ended up in BB. After the swamp-trail, CC in the forest, the former trail is mostly invisible and blocked by broken trees. Got better with the MR (which is a TL). Down in the very beautiful valley, everything changed: No tabanos at all, no aggressive dogs or humans (waypoints), but a wonderful indicated camp spot at 1,5 of OH-H.<br /> <br /> Day 4: No tabanos, not a single one! Very quick on OH-H to the pass, short parts overgrown, the „CC“ down along Rio Pehuenco on RR has mostly a good trail, only short tricky sections with snow and mud in the gullies. Three aggressive dogs running in my direction at the puesto at 71,4. . Show them, who is the master! When I started to shout at them and move in their direction, their self-confidence imploded. Laguna Escondida very beautiful, marked camp spot at 76,2 under water.<br /> Very, very scenic up to the next pass and down to Laguna Verde. The marked camp spot on the north bank under water, too. Camped at the south bank close to a small puesto.<br /> <br /> Day 5: From Laguna Verde options L, M, K, highly recommended, very scenic on the plateau. Water running from a pipe close to the two houses where RR leaves the MR (OH -T) for the ridge. On the ridge again very scenic, CC easy (partly trail), but stick to the track files, otherwise BB is on the menu. Very windy in the last part. Had to climb 4 fences with barbed wire on the last 2 km to Liucura (can probably be avoided by taking OH-S to join OH-P), where I arrived at 3 p.m. (several lodges, nice hut in Calle Nueva Dos on the right side (20k), Bus to Victoria at 7 a.m. , but not on every day of the week.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''11Dec2024 - 15dec2024 / hiking SOBO / option 1 - RR - varE - RR - var H - RR - var L - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Really nice landscapes all along with mountains, volcanoes on the passes. Araucaria forests. Lakes that are nice and good spots to eat/camp. <br /> <br /> Camp : south of laguna mariñanqui 35.5. Meet a couple of GPT hikers there, good evening even if there were lots of tamaños and mosquitoes. <br /> <br /> varE (around51) camp at end : nice with good water. Mosquitoes. Looks more comfortable than the one note at 51.6 on RR. <br /> <br /> VarH camp 1.5 : not much place for a tent in dry area but was ok. <br /> <br /> 83km VarL : end of laguna verde. Nice dry spot. Mosquitoes. (Could rejoin RR directly here the next day)<br /> <br /> Fords : between 31 and 34. All went good, not much than mid thighs (I'm 1,57), low current (hot and dry during the last week). <br /> <br /> 45 : mid thighs with little current at midday<br /> <br /> Option 1 : nice and easy way up. <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> Laguna mariñanqui : var C and even some parts of RR are just under water or muddy +++. To lenght the est side of the lake I took some nice paths (there are many) that are higher up and avoid putting feet in the lake and mud between (around the middle, don't see at the beginnig and end of the lake). <br /> <br /> After varE path became less clear and it's more demanding to not loose it in high herbs but could follow one almost alle the time. <br /> <br /> CC around km53 : easy to find the route. Physical. Need to be carefull in soft sand because rocks and even the grass can detached and fall. <br /> <br /> Passes around 57 : not much snow, easy to cross and navigate. Entel coverage a bit before 1st pass (57-57.4) if need a little weather forecast point. <br /> Descending from the pass is steep but easy with little patches of snow. <br /> <br /> When CC finish around 58 : very muddy trail. Navigation a bit harder when you enter the forest and then the route is easy. <br /> <br /> VarH to avoid the dog : after the camp, steep clim but trail easy to follow. Only a bit before puesto 3.1, about 0.5km path get less clear with a bit BB. Need more GPS. <br /> <br /> Pass at 68 : easy, not much snow. Rejoin RR by varJ cause then varH was going BB. <br /> All CC until Liucura are horse (or goat) paths most of the time, easy to follow and when there is doubt, the tracks or OSM path bring to good path to go on. <br /> <br /> At the really end there are 3 or 4 fences to cross that I found difficult and really not made for crossing here. Maybe it's a bit better with varS but still 2 to cross. Or maybe it's better to go directly straight down to the road and not turning left when descending on the dirt road but I didn't try. <br /> <br /> Water : plenty except at the end. I think last on RR is water 87,6. Maybe it's possible if needed to ask some in the houses around 94 before going up to the ridge cause after there is none for sure.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-08 to 2024-Dec-13 / 6 days / Hiking NOBO / RR + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Water present at all markers and plenty more due to snow melt<br /> <br /> We took variant H to avoid the aggressive dogs, was a little overgrown and lots of different trails to choose from but was fine.<br /> <br /> Pass at 57.4km - snow present from around 1,850m and upwards but you can avoid most of it. The plateau also has snow but again is mostly avoidable. Entel signal on the pass.<br /> <br /> Camp 54.5 - horseflies started.<br /> <br /> We camped at 51.6km the ground is pretty wet at the moment so wasn't great. We would have continued to 47.5km in hindsight as the trail is decent so it wouldn't take long.<br /> <br /> Ford 45.4km crossed at 11 am about thigh deep (1.61m tall) no problem at all.<br /> <br /> Water 41.4km - Entel signal.<br /> <br /> Camped at the southern end of Lake Mariñanqui where we met Clara :) it was very beautiful, some horseflies though. Would not recommend northern end of the lake at this time. <br /> <br /> Tried to take variant C but it was too deep so went around on RR.<br /> <br /> Fords 33.6km - 31.4km we did these in the morning and were surprised how deep they were. The water is quite calm though so was all fine.<br /> <br /> Hotsprings 20.5km lower one is a nice temperature easily big enough to sit in. Worth a look. The 1st one wasn't as warm.<br /> <br /> High section between 15km and 9km. Snow patches present above 1850m ish. Was all either avoidable or manageable. Staying close to the RR worked well. This strech was very very beautiful and should t be missed.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-02B warm not hot but very nice views<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-01C buried under snow.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 11.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-abril-7 to 2024-ab-11 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 5 - option 2 - RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined this section with section 11.<br /> Day 1: Lonquimay - (-38.39301, -71.18538)<br /> We left Lonquimay on a Sunday morning, taking option 5G and then option 2b. We wanted to take the ferry, but it doesn't run on Sundays (but at the time we passed it, we thought it could be done on foot). We were picked up a few kilometers after Lonquimay and dropped off at Caracoles where there's a footbridge. We decided to explore and walk along the Rio Biobio to reach the ferry and option 2. There's a passage that connects the two points. We continued on to option 2. After crossing a bridge (in poor condition but holding), we looked for a place to pitch our tent, which we found along the river. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-38.39301, -71.18538) - laguna marinanqui<br /> Beautiful forest and valley sections with incredible views. We reached the RR in the morning. Magical trail, lots of waterholes.<br /> No particular difficulty for us on this part.<br /> When we got to the lagoon, there were plenty of places to pitch our tents on either side, which was really nice. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Laguna marinanqui - camp {12} [17.0/1794]<br /> First part of the day with lots of fords to pass without difficulty. Another beautiful day. Lots of puestos on the way. We met Walter in a valley, he is very welcoming and kind. <br /> In the afternoon we hiked through the forest past the hot springs to reach our camp for the night. Quite a windy night, but we were relatively protected. <br /> <br /> Day 4: camp {12} [17.0/1794] - puesto de Valentin <br /> Morning ascent. The view is incredible but it's extremely windy. When we passed, there were many gusts of wind, which complicated our walk. But the view is still breathtaking! There's little water on this &quot;plateau&quot;. We made our way back down to Ranquil. When we got there, there was nothing but the bus stop. We didn't meet anyone.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-20 to 2024-Mar-24 / 4 days ? / SOBO / RR/ Tobi + Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11. Not much to add, except that there's almost everyday a low-ish hanging arucaria tree en route (late-season)<br /> <br /> Pinones tips:<br /> Try piñones with nutmeg + parmesan, or merken + cumin (with salt and a bit of oil of course)<br /> Cooking these take a lot of boiling - we brought a large gas canister and it lasted us eight nights (8 quick dinners, + 4 x 1.3 L pots full of piñones) with an occasional warm breakfast/tea.<br /> Expect to spend an hour peeling each pot (two people) after cooking for 20 minutes - it's a LOT of work.<br /> This was enough food for 2 people for approx. one full day<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-14 to 2024-03-16 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // beginning of VAR A + VAR F + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Stunning section with great views and amazing rocks formation. The geology on this section really surprised me on some parts ! A lot of CC, and ups and downs threw pass, then going along valley then passing a new pass and cc a new valley etc.. <br /> <br /> RR at the beginning to the section is passing threw few fences. As other said, easy to avoid them. I met some nice people at the beginning, very friendly and we had nice talks, that was enjoyable ! <br /> <br /> Lagunas are great. At the end of Maximilian valley (that I unfortunately missed, but spoke with his employee, nice guy), I continue on the pass then took the variant H, but not sure it worth it, as there's no real track and I finished into a very steepy part It's losing rocks to reach the lower valley. So I guess RR is better. <br /> <br /> Not felt very welcoming by the pehuenche locals here (KM64,95), surprisingly because other hikers had great experienxes. They were not rude at all, but just don't really want to communicate. Anyway, no problem to pass and they confirm me the way to shortcut by the valley field.<br /> <br /> After the pass, you'll reach the lovely lagunas, with stunning views over volcanoes at the top of the pass. <br /> <br /> The way down will not be very fast as it's cc. Stay over tree/bush line, then plonge straight threw the Araucarias. The path will be more and more clear when you'll be at the balcon level, going all the way along the valley. <br /> <br /> There's a tiny wooden bridge that have been created and allow you to passe the Rio without having wet feets (Ford {12} [45.4/1039]). The bridge is a bit further the RR indicated ford, at the location 38°20′55.44″S 71°09′22.48″W. <br /> <br /> Then the path is very clear and easy to follow. I took the variant A to avoid the multiple ford crossing as it was freezing morning. I succeed and join RR with dry feets (but miss the Laguna marinanaui and the apparently very nice gorges). <br /> <br /> At that point, I was surprised by the attraction rate of this section (5/5). It was nice, but imho not deserve a 5. But I continued my way, go up to the pass, join the volcanic plateau and arrive to baños de pelehue). And this last stretch was absolutely amazing. I slept a pelehue, had a great hot bath, one has been created with rocks, it's a bit like on the bottom, but so nice after a hiking day !). <br /> <br /> Then I've been straight to GPT11, without going to Ranquil<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-13 to 2024-Mar-16 / 3 days / SOBO / RR C 02A 02 (11-05G)/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Plenty of water, no snowfields, no Tabanos or Moskitos, all fordings very easy except Rio BioBio. The ferry on option 02 does not run on weekends, so I forded the river around 200m upstream. It is a long ford, but not very hard. Water around kneedeep (i am 187cm, 100kg) and 1-2m in the middle had a bit strong current, but not difficult. The ford is probably not possible earlier in the seasion, also they had a drought for months...<br /> <br /> Banos Coyucos at 20.4 are not really nice warm springs. It is dark, no view, mildly warm, (natural) dirty, not very deep and the cold river next to it has no pool. Variant C was no problem, bit swampy but doable. The way north of Laguna Marinanqui for maybe a km or so can be tricky to find, lots of tracks in this jungle.<br /> <br /> At Laguna Marinanqui the southern camp is better, even the meadows are full of shit everywhere, the sand is a bit cleaner, there is a fresh stream and the water not as shallow. It was really cold in the morning mid March, my towel and shoes hard frozen. Maybe better to camp a bit further away from the lake then I did (20m) end of seasion.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: closed gate with very muddy surrounding at -38.354982,-71.164045 shortly after intersection with 02b start. I think 02b is blocked by a fence. Anyway, just follow some path close to the river, it leads to -38.355085,-71.164881 where the fence can be climbed easily and afterwards return (might be a bit swampy) to 02A.<br /> <br /> route blocked by difficult fence at -38.396035,-71187372 but next to it is an easy to open gate, just follow the path afterwards, leads you to a dirt road and another easy to open gate, theres is some agricultural storage and behind paths connects to regular 02A.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: Camped where 03C ends, connection to 02. There is a small stream and access to the river north of it for some bathing. I hide my tent behind some bushes around 20m away from the road, which has veeery little traffic. Still late night I woke up from some voices and torches. I guess reflectors on my tent where reflecting the car lights even through the bushes. Anyway the people moved on after their curiosity was satisfied. Next day I met the settler on the road, interrogating me a bit, but quickly turned friendly and gave his ok. Generally it is easier to camp anywhere north of settler 02A Fundo Rahue, afterwards there are lots of fences, it gets dry and dusty.<br /> <br /> Option 02: 100 to 200m north of the ferry on the eastern side of Rio Biobio side seems a nice campspot.<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 9 to 12, but run out of food so I decided to shorten GDP 12 by hiking to Lonquimay after Laguna Marinanqui. I found plenty of Piniones, but had not enough fuel, and cooking them over open fire in my tiny cooking pot is annoying (did it twice).<br /> <br /> Northern parts of GPT12 are quite nice. Option 02 is long and boring with lots of road walking. Shortly west of the ferry it is a big asphalt street, but very little traffic. Took awhile to get a ride to Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar 2nd to Mar 13th / 12 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT11 Var F, RR, Var Q, Var P / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL:DR a really beautiful and varied section. The RR up to the plateau is challenging but not terrible; we liked Laguna Escondida for camping; the ridge at the end is not a good option if the winds are strong.<br /> <br /> Day 1 March 2nd<br /> <br /> The first two days were actually on GPT11 Var F which we used to connect into GPT12. In Lonquimay a guy working for CONAF as a driver taking firefighters to and from Troyo offered us a ride. What luck! He was very friendly and pointed things out during the drive. He left us at the crossroads of the road to Troyo and Ranquil and even gave us a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade. A big thanks to him!<br /> <br /> The road to Ranquil had many, many water points along the way. It's crazy how much water is in that area. It is a dirt road and dusty, but few cars came by, so it wasn't too bad. There is barbed wire fencing along much of the road. There were some helicopters running water in the distance to fight the fires. We arrived at Ranquil and found a place to camp at (-38.24902, -71.23244) just over the bridge. Then we went to the minimarket run by Maximiliano and Anna’s shop. They were incredibly kind people. They offered for us to camp on their property, offered to let us take a shower and wash clothes. They are definitely people to stop in and say hello to. They have gas now. 3.000 for refill canisters, 7.000 for 230g stove tanks and 9.000 for 460g stove tanks. They also had canned fish, powdered soups, mate, Nescafé, cold drinks, and Anna made us delicious pan amasado in her wood fired clay oven. <br /> <br /> Day 2 March 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued on GPT11 Var F. Tons of water on the way up. We watched a helicopter pull water out of a large pond and dump it on a small fire on the hillside. At km 26.17 saw a building from the road with the word provisiones painted in large letters on the back wall. We did not need anything else, and the gate was closed, so we did not check to see if it was open. <br /> <br /> We found out first piñones of the season! We collected probably a kilo of them. We passed through Pelehue which it turns out is nothing. We camped by the river about 200 m before the turn onto GPT12 Opt 01. I walked to the Carabineros to register us, it was quick and easy. We had just finished dinner when a family stopped by and offered to let us stay with them and asked if we needed anything. They were so kind and thoughtful, it was very touching.<br /> <br /> Day 3 March 4th<br /> <br /> We finally officially started GPT12. We collected more piñones. The Carabineros passed us on horseback, so it's probably good that I took the time to register even though the path doesn't pass right by them. It was sunny all day, pleasant walking, all fords were easy. We camped at (camp 12 [31.6/1306]). It was fairly flat with grass and river access about 30 m away.<br /> <br /> Day 4 March 5th<br /> <br /> A short day. We walked to Laguna Marinanqui.<br /> When we were there, it was possible to walk the distance between (camp 12 [31.6/1306]) and (ford 32.5/1296]) without following the track up and down the dusty trail. It requires a few additional fords, but with warm weather, being in the water is very pleasant.<br /> <br /> We camped at the north side of the lake. It was windy until the sun went down but calm after.<br /> <br /> Day 5 March 6th<br /> We stayed at the lake for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 6 March 7th<br /> From the north side of the lake it was a bit tricky to find a path to connect to RR going around the lake as the ground was very muddy. Sticking closer to the big plant clumps helped. We collected more piñones at the south end of the lake. By this time we had probably 5 kg of them. Amazing views along the route that day, nothing especially difficult. There were some areas where the trail was damaged by landslides, but reroutes had already been created to get around them.<br /> We camped by the river right after the last ford at (-38.34864, -71.15528). There was a small path leading into the trees and to a small clearing. After a bit of site cleanup it made for a really nice and protected camp site.<br /> <br /> Day 7 March 8th<br /> <br /> It was a short day. We were confused as to whether Opt 3 of the current track files was the correct route up to the plateau or not. We tried finding it but had no luck so we decided to go with what showed up as RR on the GPS and Gaia. It started raining and was fairly windy. The ponchos I had bought us did not work well and we both got wet. We camped around the marked campsite at the end of Var E.<br /> <br /> Day 8 March 9th<br /> <br /> Back to a calm sunny day the next morning. It was cross-country for parts. The assent to the plateau was demanding. We could not find any true paths, though there were many things that appeared to be paths for short distances and would just end abruptly. I started referring to them as the mirages of the mountains.<br /> After reaching the plateau, the first laguna we arrived at was very pretty, deep blue water surrounded by green grass, and a few birds floating on the water. The area around was unfortunately too wet to camp on. We walked to the two larger ones but the area around was not pretty and the water was very shallow with a muddy bottom. We saw another heading back the direction of Option 3 and camped at the first one we came to (-38.36201, -71.07188). It was very cold, but fortunately there was no wind in the night. It was so silent there. <br /> <br /> Day 9 March 10th<br /> <br /> We took a long time getting to the two passes, taking a lot of photo stops. On the way down to the valley it was very windy and the ground was wet, so it was slow going until the forest. The forest areas were very beautiful sand pleasant to walk through. We camped in the valley just past the river at (-38.38830, -71.02145) in between several huge araucarias. It was very windy during the evening but that spot seemed fairly wind protected. It also had some visual screening from the road and the nearby puesto and river access without having to go to the road.<br /> <br /> Day 10 March 11th<br /> <br /> The valley was quiet and sunny in the morning. We headed up Var G. There was an unmarked puesto at (-38.38774, -71.01221). We were still fairly far off when four dogs started barking and slowly making their way out direction. We decided to go CC up the hill a bit and rejoin the path later which seemed to work at first. But after we rejoined the road we could hear them start barking again and they sounded like they were getting closer. We kept moving and eventually the barking stopped. <br /> <br /> The road diverged from the Var G track and we stayed with the road. Eventually there was a fork near a puesto. We went CC on a horse path that eventually connected to the road that I think came from the downhill fork. We followed the road and then did a bit of CC until we connected with the end bit of Var H to get to the pass. Where Var H and RR meet, we had lunch and coffee. The route down was fairly easy to follow. It was extremely windy until we reached the forest. It was a very pretty forest, I think beech mixed with araucaria. <br /> <br /> We met a woman and a child at the first puesto. We just said hello and asked if we could pass and she said of course. One of their dogs followed us for the rest of the day, but no matter what we did, it wouldn't leave. RR up to Laguna Escondida was a dirt road the whole way. It was in pretty good shape. We were surprised how many roads were in this area. There were nice views of the valley the whole way up. Laguna Escondida was also very pretty, especially in the later afternoon light. Water access is not so easy, but by breaking off the trail where it turned to the forest and heading straight for the lake, we found a small path to a beach. The water was clear. As it started getting dark, the dog finally left heading in the direction of the valley.<br /> <br /> We camped in the forest at (-38.47284, -70.97987). It was a ways away from water access, but the weather report was predicting 80 to 90 km per hour winds in the night, which turned out to be accurate. The trees overhead were blowing all night, but our tent hardly moved. We were very grateful for the wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 11 March 12th<br /> <br /> There was a bit of route finding to get to the other side of Laguna Escondida. The view from the top was great. In the valley we started following a dirt road. We weren't paying too much attention to the GPS and ended up off the route. We then really misinterpreted the map and thought we could follow the road all the way up and then just cut across at the top of the hill, but we kept getting further away from the route. We ended up going with our plan anyway and it worked in the end, though it probably added some kms. But there was an interesting wetland area, some great views of the valley, and some interesting rocks, including one that looked like a Buddha head, so a worthwhile detour on the whole. There were house trails cutting across to the pass to Laguna Verde. There were dogs at the puesto on the NE side of the laguna that started barking when we could just barely see them so we stuck to RR. There were some nice views of the lake going around it, though it was easy to see why it's called Laguna Verde, there was plant growth from the edge growing several meters into the laguna all the way around.<br /> <br /> We camped close to a stream, around (-38.53009, -71.00810). It was not very wind protected, but the wind stopped after it got dark.<br /> <br /> Day 12 March 13th<br /> <br /> We hiked up to the plateau. There were some horse trails, but it is also partially CC. After the plateau, to stay on RR we found a spot on the downhill side of the barbed wire fence where we could climb up and over rocks instead of the fence itself. The white rock structures passing along that way were really impressive. We really wanted to walk the ridge, but there was a lot of wind that day. We made it up to the beginning of the ridge, but the further we went up, the more intense the winds became. The weather report predicted gusts up to 75 kph, so we decided to take Var Q down to Var P. It was worth the climb anyway as it provided a different view on the white rock mountain. Var Q was easy to follow down and Var P is a dirt road nearly the entire way to Liucura, not particularly scenic, but not bad<br /> We Arrived in Liucura around 19:00. We stayed at Normita, going rate 15.000 pp, private room, private bath, hot water, and a small kitchen area. Norma is very nice. There are a few shops in town. The big shop closes around 19:30. They have a decent selection and the best prices generally. Donde Carlitos minimarket near aduana had gas recharges for 2600 each. They also have a decent selection of things for resupply and are reasonably priced. Across the street from the big shop there is a woman that sells bread, look for the signs in the window. She is open till around 19:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-15 to 2024-Feb-18 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH11-02B + OH11-02 + OH12-C + OH12-N / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.9-7.2]<br /> <br /> I directly continued from section 11 and just hiked up to the camp at km 7.2. There is a small wooden shed and right next to it one small flat spot (big enough for a 1-person tent)<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [7.2-9.7] + OH11-02B + OH11-02B + RR [12.9-33.9] + OH12-C + RR [34.3-37.7]<br /> <br /> There is lots of water around the two hotsprings Pelehue, but it has a sulfur taste. I can absolutly recommended OH11-02B and OH11-02. You have to scramble up some steep, rocky slopes, but the 360 ° views up there are amazing. There is Water at km 0.6 of 02-B and water provided by big melting snowfield right next to RR at km 14.0. The Banos Coyucos Hotspring (km 20.5) are nice and big enough for at least 3 people. I had no problems with flies at Laguna Marinanqui. The Puesto at the camp at km 37.7 is broken down and there are a few flat spots next to it. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [37.7-69.4]<br /> <br /> No Water at the Water ? waypoint at km 54.4. But RR passes a Laguna at km 55.9. There is also water at km 62.4 and 66.8. And at all water and ford waypoints.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69.4-88.0] + OH12-N + RR [91.5-102.2] + no official track to finish<br /> <br /> Water at km 87.7 is the last water SOBO. There is a barbed wire fence around km 102.2. There is no easy way to climb over it. Therefore I continued in south western direction until the Ruta 181.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Liucura - Section 11 on RR / RR / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really think this section is nice NOBO as it gets more and more interesting as you walk on it.<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 7:30 on a Monday in Temuco and arrived in Liucura around 13:00.<br /> <br /> After a Churrasco just next to the Border Control, we walked only until -38.443407, -71.000961 as it was really hot and the backpacks felts a bit too heavy. This place was a perfect camp with a nice stream of water and a flat and protected place to pitch a tent. So, if you arrive a bit late in Liucura, you don't have to cover nearly 20km to get water.<br /> <br /> We also camped at Camp {12} [35.5/1279] and it was really nice and the lake was beautiful and at the perfect temperature to swim.<br /> <br /> Another campspot we picked was Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). It was really nice but after passing the Hot Spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] (Banos de Pelehue, Poorly Maintained), we would had preferred to stay there. The view is incredible and there is some grass patches to pitch a tent. The hot springs need maybe 1 or 2 hours to be digged properly but it should totally worth it.<br /> <br /> Another thing to mention was that, because we didn't really know if we wanted to choose an option to connect section 11, we took option 4 until Pass {11-04} [5.4/2385]. The view there it just magnificent and there was some condors flying just over our head. I would really recommend taking this small detour, especially if going NOBO as the path is quite easy. (Maybe more demanding SOBO).<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 22 to 2024 Jan 27 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH11-02B+OH11-02 / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Start in Ranquil/Pelehue at Carabineros late afternoon, camped below ascent to the baños Pelehue. Reccomend the ascent in the early morning, as always much easier to climb before the heat comes in. Actually I figured out only fumaroles and no real baños up there, but I didn't look very carefully, wanted to head on. Took detour over OH11-02B and 02 along the ridge, which I reccomend strongly! Amazing views from this border-ridge and some interesting rock formations along there. Went down to the next valley and to baños Coyucos, loved this place, for me best termas so far. Even a nice camp place there. But it was still early afternoon, so I went on and camped at -38.203837 -71.077937. Next day I went to Laguna Marinanqui, nice lake, access to water muddy at north shore, south shore better to go in. Went on along this long next valley on a west slope trail, super hot! Camped at km 47,5, loved this place, flat area with special rock hill, mosquito zone, they take over when tábanos finish the day. Third day I went up the pass, super views all over from there! Down to the next valley, had to stick accurately to the GPS, as the TL is easy to loose where the bushes start and then you end up in some swampy zones, as it happens to me a few times. Lot of water around there. Crossed the valley, went up the other side. Passed puesto around km 64, no life there, no dogs. Seems abandoned this season, as I am not the first this year to pass by without seeing anybody. Walked on to the next pass, afternoon, again super hot, west-slope. Camped soon after the pass at -38.429390 -71.001130. 4th day I met Maximiliano in the early morning, little small talk, then I went on. Seems a nice guy. Went on to the two lagunas, wanted to do OH 12K, but looking to the access of the ridge I thought it can not be done, at least not with a heavy backpack...so I went on RR. Took water at km 87,6, no more running water till km 92. Nice views from the plateau to the southern volcanoes! Goats and horses up there. Camped at -38.578315 -W71.038569, around km 92, last water on RR till around Liucura! Next day over the ridge enjoying very much the views! Descending to Liucura on RR you have to cross around three to four barbed wire fences. <br /> Overall the most tábanos I ever had on a GPT section, but GPT12 still one of my favourite sections so far!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-13/22 / 7 + 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR (sections 12 &amp; 11) / Coline'''<br /> <br /> I hiked GPT12 and 11 in a raw, so to reach the Pelehue hotsprings instead of going to Troyo for resupplying. This ten-days trail was really a great experience ! Sometimes terrifying, but not dangerous – as said in another post.<br /> <br /> My &quot;goal&quot; was to reach each hotspring marked on the map (4). My favourite was the one at the end (near Guallalí), because I meet a chilian family on vacacion there and they had dig the spring large enough for them six !<br /> The baños Coyucos &quot;moved&quot; : there are just below the Camp {12} [20.4/1625], where one's finds a bench, a table and a place for firecamps. <br /> The termas Pelehue definitly disappeared, but the view there is very scenic.<br /> The Hot Spring {11} [32.0/1428] are a bit dirty, sibce ciws like to lie in them, but one's can easily &quot;clean&quot; them a bit and enjoy a warm bath : I choosed the uppermost, and therefore warmer (Yes, there are two).<br /> <br /> The sections 11 &amp; 12 were beautiful to me because of the passes... and difficult for the same reason. First Pass {12} [68.0+0.2/1909] was actually Ok, because the way (northbound) goes slowly up. <br /> The second Pass {12} [57.4/2180] was more difficult, due to the mud, and particularly on the way down for me, since I lost the trail and found myself stuck in a forest of small trees. <br /> <br /> The real DIFFICULTY for me was the last Pass {11} [27.6/2174]. After nine days, my body and mind were really tired. I forgot the advice of previous walkers and tried to go up through the forest (because of the sun exposure in the valley). I lost an hour and had to go down to the river. Moreover, the last 100m, with the snow and rocks, were doable, but the idea of sliding really scarred me.<br /> <br /> Something else scarred me at the beginning of my journey (and it shouln'd have...) : it was the attitud of some &quot;caballeros&quot; towards me, a solo female hiker. Most of the &quot;caballeros&quot; are nice and will help you, but some can be really insisting. (I had to yell at a man asking me for five minutes if I wanted a compagnon for the night... It was 3 a.m. and he had wake me up with his light and dog). But he was not threatening, &quot;just&quot; asking over and over.<br /> <br /> Actually Laguna Verde and Laguna Escondida (where I met those insisting men) are still nice memories to me ! By the way, I recommend the beach on the south side of Laguna Escondida ; the north one is skinny, inhabited by mosquitos and very &quot;escondida&quot; (hidden) in the bushes.<br /> <br /> What else ?<br /> I avoid the Pehuenche Extortioner taking CC road, and it went all good.<br /> There is a bridge some 120m west of the Ford {12} [45.4/1039],... whereas there is no more bridge at Bridge ? {11-C} [0.3/1109], but it seems very easier to cross the Estero Quillaylemu there, rather than on the RR.<br /> The river crossing is Ok, and there is plenty of water all along the way.<br /> As for the resupplying, I don't know about Troyo, but the only shop in Guallalí is very small (no bottle of gas or tobacco for sure). The woman who manages it is very nice though : she indicated me that a bus (with more food) would pass at 8 p.m, she invited me to charge my bateries at her place, let me have a nap, while she prepared me a delicious dish ! I had nice time with the younger kid, and even spend the night there at the end.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-10 to 2024-Jan-11 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / {12-01} - RR - {12-C} - RR - {12-H} - RR - {12-N} - {12-P} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 and GPT12, so i start at {12-01}.<br /> <br /> {12-01} from km0 to pass[4.6/1499] is dirt road walking.<br /> <br /> Pass[4.6/1499] : huge flat area, look like is a car camping spot, i saw 5 fire ring here. Lot of spots for camping, some spots are beside trees, with weather protection. Road is damaged after the pass, no more cars running.<br /> <br /> Km5.1 : welcome to a beautiful valley!<br /> <br /> Ford[7.5/1403] : crossing of Rio Pulul, rock bar underwater, flowing slow and up to knee, easy. Later you will cross this river some more times.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : join RR.<br /> <br /> Ford RR [31.4/1301] : start crossing Rio Pulul several times until [33.6/1285], all are easy crossing as now, the deepest is around knee only.<br /> <br /> Camp[31.6/1306] : a beautiful spot.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[33.9/1281] : Laguna Marinanqui. I never saw so many fries in my life, OMG. The lake shore is muddy, I think the south shore is a better camping spot.<br /> <br /> I take {12-C} here, because too many fries, after i take some photos beside the shore, i don't want to go back to find RR, i just want left this area.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.1 : cross a warm stream, some logs for crossing, but they are all underwater, also muddy around it, maybe better after some weeks. Crossing is easy, step on logs then just above ankle.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.2 : rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR Km34.3 - km35.4 : trail beside the lake. Most of them are muddy, with hundreds of fries, OMG. I'm so disappointed i can't have some relax time here.<br /> <br /> Camp[35.5/1279] : beautiful camping spot with 2 big trees. Less fries here, also is a dry area for camping. Estero Rucausey(a stream) is flowing nice with clear water just beside it.<br /> <br /> Km35.75 : excellent view point of Laguna Marinanqui!<br /> <br /> Water[41.4/1173] : upstream 40m, you can step over the stream.<br /> <br /> Km41.1 : grassland can fit 1-3 tents, but a little steep.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 - km43.65 : cross 3 small stream, all look like need a muddy crossing, but not. All of them, you can find a spot for step over, or a log help you for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 : after the crossing, flat spot with grassland can fit 2 tents under trees.<br /> <br /> Km43.65 : before the crossing, large flat area can fit lot of tents, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km43.85 : junction of RR and {12-D}, also dirt road start to south.<br /> <br /> Ford[45.4/1039] : before you go down the river for crossing, compass West 100m is a large, nice flat area beside some big trees, wind protection provided by some brushes. River is up to knee but flowing slow at early morning.<br /> <br /> Easy walking until km51.3.<br /> <br /> Km47 : look at left side, a beautiful hilltop with rock column!<br /> <br /> Km48.25 : pass, a steep side trail at left side(north) leads you to viewpoint. Steep for climbing up, be careful. After enjoying the view, don't go down with the same trail, go to the east ridge for go down, then CC back to trail, it is gentle, easier and safer. Before you left, look up the top of huge rock, there is a branch pressed by stone. Maybe some crazy people bouldering to the top?<br /> <br /> Km51.3 : junction of RR and {12-E}, RR after here just like CC, very overgrown, most of the time long grass coverd the trail, i just can use my feet to feel is it a trail i step on. Sometimes you'll step on some old cow path, then follow it walking to some wrong direction, be careful, check GPS more frequently.<br /> <br /> Km52.8 : junction of trail and CC climbing up. From here to km53.7 is steep climbing up on loose sand on RR or the trail shown on OSM. You need to find some grass foot spot and step on, tired and take long time. After i climb up a while, i cut to south side and join the spur, it is much easier and faster because lot of trees surrounding this spur. Hard leaves and sticks on the ground, also the soil is stable. I just need to step by step climb up on the stable ground, no need to find where is my next step, is it too loose or too steep to walk on.<br /> <br /> I also find a clear path at (-38.34710, -71.07574), look like climbing up on &quot;zig zag&quot;, but i lost it after about 20-30m.<br /> <br /> Km53.7 : tree line end. Climbing up on some rocks, much easier now.<br /> <br /> Water? [54.4/1930] : flowing low with warm water, maybe dry up later. Lot of tadpole and frogs swimming in it.<br /> <br /> Km55 : going in the plateau. Very beautiful area, blue lakes, green meadows, curved streams, small snow patches and some big birds, just like a aquarelle hanging on the wall.<br /> <br /> (-38.35842, -71.06810) : excellent view point, 360° beautiful views on a tiny rock hill! Climb up just 2 min!<br /> <br /> Km55.5 : look like it is possible to find a flat spot for camping beside the lake at east shore, beautiful but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km56.3 - km56.65 : flowing good with clear water by snow melt, when you climbing up this stream, don't forget to turn back take a look, beautiful plateau is behind you, also VIEWS of (from left to right) Volcán Llaima, Sierra Nevada, Volcán Lonquimay and Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Pass[57.2/2177] - pass[57.4/2180] : after you climb up to the pass, go down a little to east at 2160m is better, you can walk on a flat ground going south, much easier. Also when it is close to the second pass, a clear path and some rock cairns shown up.<br /> <br /> Pass[57.4/2180] : no snow at north side, just a little snow remain at south side as now. You can go around it on left side (east), or take 20sec to 1 min go down the snow patch directly. Easy.<br /> <br /> Km57.7 - km58.5 : walk your own way going down, sometimes you'll find some cairns and a clear path about 10m, then disappear.<br /> <br /> Km58.75 - km58.85 : steep snow slope, DON'T slide down at here, big hard rocks at bottom waiting for you. You can kick step going down but steep, or like me, go around at left side(NE), then go down a steep rocky slope.<br /> <br /> Km58.85 : wet, muddy, slippery trail starts, until km59.5 going under tree line. I think it is a pretty place in dry season.<br /> <br /> Km59.6 : blowdowns maze starts, tons of blowdowns cut the way, then lot of cow paths and dry riverbeds mix together. Sometimes the trail shown up and disappear for blowdowns. Need pay more attention here. Until km59.9, the trail becomes easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Road end[60.4/1745] : Dirt road start. Junction of another old dirt road on right side(west) after here 100m, it looks flat and no cars running on it, you can camp if need, also this old dirt road leads you to a small stream after 100m.<br /> <br /> Km61.5 : junction of RR and {12-F}, before this junction 20m, there is a clear trail going down, i followed it, and it is easy walk to Puesto[61.8/1550].<br /> <br /> Puesto[62.9/1523] : no people no dogs here.<br /> <br /> Then i joined {12-H} for climbing up.<br /> <br /> {12-H} km2.6 : i would like to said, here is covered by some heavy brushes already, just like BB and CC mixture. I saw the ground have some horse prints, looks like have a better reroute, but I don't know the way and it is difficult to follow so i lost it, lastly BB CC to Puesto[3.1/1822].<br /> <br /> After puesto[3.1/1822], trail conditions become better, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> Pass RR[68.0+0.2/1909] : still a tiny snow patch beside the pass, but nothing at pass. A beautiful area.<br /> <br /> Km70.7 : Dirt road start, until Laguna Escondida(RR km76.4).<br /> <br /> Ford[73.6/1517] : if you follow RR, no need follow cross this one, turn left and cross the small one.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[76.2/1750] : covered by many trees, but no views.<br /> <br /> Km76.4 : dirt road end, if this grassland is dry, it'll be a very beautiful camping spot with excellent lake view.<br /> <br /> Km80.7 : junction of RR and {12-K}, beautiful views here! The valley towards Laguna Verde is so nice. Flat area here, wild views but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Remark, {12-K} is an impossible route, the mountain top at (-38.50732,-70.98472) is some vertical rock column, i think about 40-80m, can't climb up to walk, also can't go around, mostly is 70-80° vertical wall.<br /> <br /> Water[81.9/1889] : flowing good with a flat spot can fit 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Camp[83.0/1767] : wet, also a puesto at (-38.51828, -70.98893). When I fill some water at stream, 2 dogs running out and barking at me, they follow/chase me until km83.3, I'm not sure they are curious, or aggressive.<br /> <br /> Some puesto at west shore of lake. So i camped on a little hill at (-38.52293, -70.99734). Good location for privacy and views but no wind protection, also not easy to find a spot because of rocky ground.<br /> <br /> Km86.8 : dirt road start.<br /> <br /> Because it is a crazy windy day, so i decided stay in valley by {12-N}+{12-P}, not climb up to plateau by RR.<br /> <br /> Dirt road walking 2km {12-N} then join {12-P}. {12-P} leads you all the way to Liucura. First 400m of {12-P} is dirt road, leads you to puesto[0.4/1526], then the road damaged becomes a trail, until puesto[1.9/1415].<br /> <br /> Water {12-P} [1.7/1400] : last good water until Liucura.<br /> <br /> Puesto[1.9/1415] : dirt road start again. Road go through a beautiful valley. You can look at other side of valley, some landslide trail there.<br /> <br /> Km5.0 : Left side, Volcán Batea Mahuida!<br /> <br /> Km10 : a beautiful meadow, horse trail start.<br /> <br /> Water[11.7/1289] : look clear, but I'm not sure is it flowing from cows and horse meadow.<br /> <br /> Puesto[12.1/1239] : dirt road start again, til Liucura.<br /> <br /> Shop[104.1/1036] : chocolate, biscuits, chips, drinks and ice cream, not much for resupply, but they make hot sandwiches and breakfast, yummy yummy!!!! They also do &quot;printing&quot;, if you need some documents in paper.<br /> <br /> Also 1 restaurant, 1 cafe and 4 shops nearby, i think you can have a full resupply here.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 12-27 to 2024 1-03 / 7 short days and one hour/ hiking / mainly RR / Sobo / Edwin'''<br /> <br /> Took the easy option from Ranquil to baños de Coyuco by Oh-12-01. The baños are really nice. After that the regular route until Laguna Verde after which a suspect knee made me stick to trails and minor roads. An enjoyable trek! Some snow at higher altitudes. <br /> The river crossings before Laguna Marinanqui were not too difficult except for the second one, which whas up to my crotch (I'm 1.90 meters) and fast flowing. <br /> Plenty of water around. Only took more than half a litre once when crossing the plateau and that wasn't needed. Days were generally hot.<br /> Met few people in the puestos but the ones I met were all friendly. <br /> If you want to skip section 13... The bus to Icalma passes through Liucura around 12:30 - 13:00 Monday/Wednesday/Friday<br /> <br /> * '''2023 17 - 20 dec / 4 days / hiking / option 12-04, H, RR / SOBO / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Started on a Sunday and it wasn't clear to me if the ferry (12-02G) would be up and running. No one in Lonquimay could guarantee me this. Because of Sunday and also because this day Chileans had to vote for the constitution. So I decided to walk the 181 and join the GPT12 on 12-04End. Nice walk, plenty of traffic to hitchhike, although I decided to walk. The minimarket at camping Lolén (100m before 12-04End) was closed, Sunday or voting? Was there around 11am. It looked up and running and not abonded or something. Just a closed sign. First house after the bridge sold eggs and honey, I bought some honey from Luis, super friendly guy. The walk was nice after that, although the road was fenced on both sides until km 16-ish. No campsites or minimarkets. I ended up campung at 12-03End, pretty long stretch so next time I would definitely hitchhike the 181. <br /> <br /> Climb to the pass was steep, pass was easy, no issues with snow. Beautiful views on both sides. Going down on some patches of snow you could see and/or hear the water flowing below. Might become tricky in the next days to walk over so a little caution is recommended. Met Maxi and his father down below at his puesto. Super friendly! Continued my way to camp at laguna Escondida (North side).<br /> <br /> Next day a bit iffy weather (as expected) cloudy, windy and a bit of rain. Decided to do a short one and camped at laguna Verde. Really good camping spots on the option 12L, at the end of the lake. And I could cross here the next day to join RR, there where some planks over the small stream.<br /> <br /> This last day I really enjoyed! Walking the plateau and the ridgeline was amazing. Perfect weather also. For sure worth it, easy to follow trail and all the CC options are 90% horse trails which are good to spot. <br /> <br /> Coming close to Liucura, it didn't feel good to me to climb those fences. Guess that's just a personal thing. There was a lot of cattle, fences looked new, so I decided to not climb over them and annoy the locals. Just followed the trail down to end up at the main road, take a left to Liucara. Maybe 1km extra in total. <br /> <br /> Stayed at Normita, couple of shops to resupply all the basics. <br /> <br /> All combined, really nice section especially the final part. Water not a problem, until you go up the plateau and ridge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Jens (together with Nolwenn and Yannick)'''<br /> <br /> To get to Liucura, take a bus from the Rural Terminal in Temuco to Lonquimay (departure 10 am) and from there another bus (3 pm). <br /> <br /> It is better to do your shopping in Liucura beforehand, the market and supermarkets are right next to the terminal. There are also some smaller supermarkets in Lonquimay. You are sure to get everything you need there. <br /> <br /> Crossing the pass at KM 57 was very strenuous and steep. There was still snow, which you could either hike around or through. The descent on the other side was very steep. It took two hours. You can camp well on both sides, even at the top if necessary, but it is very windy. <br /> <br /> From kilometre 26 north of the Marinanqui lagoon, we had to cross the river several times. We had some difficulties. The water was up to our hips. We couldn't have coped with any more water. The lake is beautiful, I would rather camp at the southern end as it is rather muddy and full of mosquitoes in the north. We fled from them. <br /> <br /> It had snowed overnight and so we decided not to make the crossing over the pass on RR, but to take the alternative route to the start of Section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present <br /> <br /> - Snow : (1) snow on pass at km 68 ( easy to walk on it ) / (2) from km 58,4 to km 54,9 : at this point we didn't follow the RR and went on the right side to reach the ridgeline and then continue on it - the plateau still had a lot of snow but we found it was not a problem to find our own safe way / (3) we didn't do the last pass between km 15,8 and km 9,5 because it has snowed in the night and the mountain was still covered by a thick layer of snow<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find <br /> <br /> - River crossing : (1) at 45,5 km we crossed in the morning and the current was strong but we are used to river crossings so this one was easily passable for us / (2) Laguna Marinanqui between km 35,4 and km 33,9 : was higher than usual and therefore the trail was under water, we walked in the lake from time to time and it was sometimes up until our thighs / (3) the river between km 33,9 and km 31,3 is really high and need multiple crossings that sometimes goes up until the waist with a strong current, we had to improvise and do some bushbahing to find places where it was crossable <br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny, snowy, cloudy, ( overall really good weather but can be cold )<br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant P + Q : easy track, it's a dirt road, there is water on the track / variant H : to avoid the dogs / option 1 : to avoid the snow on the pass, the trail is easy and beautiful<br /> <br /> - Warning : river crossings between km 33,8 and km 31,3 was really hard but manageable if you have skills and not too small<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section, still a lot of snow from 1700m<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-23 to 2023-Nov-27 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / Regular Route and Option 3 to return to Lonquimay / Ana &amp; William'''<br /> <br /> We just finished part of 12 and overall it is a lovely hike though we might potentially be a bit too early in the season depending on your risk threshold.<br /> <br /> Heading NOBO the small pass after laguna verde is fine. Little snow but not bad. Next pass is a bit tough, lots of snow walking and lots of risky parts where there are hidden rivers/water ways under the snow and where cliffs of snow had broken off but we managed by being careful and taking time to judge. RR-CC-A {12} [68.1/68.5+2.9] is not passable we went on the route to the left of it. Scary but fine, you have to make your own route since it’s completely snowed over. Downhill is fine, snow is only on the south face of the mountain. Next day we skipped the pass and did a plateau crossing based on advice from a local, it was lovely, the trail is east to follow most of the way then getting across the plateau you can take any possible direction, no wrong way and it connects to the 12-03c. Coming down on though there are two tracks at 12-03c marker. OH-TL-I {12-03A} [0.9+3.4] is not a route. At least not now. It’s basically a river gorge and it’s not possible unless you can surf down waterfalls, so we scaled up almost completely vertical to meet the CC route that runs parallel. Might be possible when there is less snow melt though. The CC route we took was almost a completely verticals decent for 800 meters and I must say a bit terrifying. Clambering down on your butt/downhill rock climbing is not the hard part but if you are not careful and you don’t judge your path every few meters you can find yourself looking down a minimum 30-200 meter drop, so it’s mentally scary not knowing if you will get to the bottom. But we did. I would not advise it, instead I’d advise continuing on 12-03 past the lakes back to the normal route. Took us almost 3 hours of being very careful though. We then got to the first river. Many locals we met before told us the only way to ranquil is the balsa, but we didn’t fully understand what they meant till we got to the river. They meant Bulsa Rahue which is on the way to lonquimay. The first main crossing at Ford {12} [45.4/1039] is very deep and very fast. For us as beginners a big no go, but I honestly think for advanced that would be tough as well if not only very dangerous. We then moved back to lonquimay where for the first part of the trail the river had flowed over so much that there was no trail but then eventually the trail gains significant elevation over the river and it’s fine. We asked others we ran into on the way and they confirmed that it’s too early to pass the rivers, but again depends on the hiker I’m sure.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck December 2023: The best route to ascent from the Plateau is the trail in the South-West of the Plateau. That's the trail on which the horses are probably moved up and down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 the normal route up and down the Plateau will be OH-TL-V {12-03} [0.0+14.4]. I have cleaned up the routes on the North-Western edge of the Plateau. These exploration routes are best taken up and not down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 these exploration options are {12-03A}, {12-03B} and {12-03C} and all classified as Exploration Routes. There pieces of trails visible on satellite images but these trail disappear into a forest and it is unclear who maintained these routes are and if these are part of an alternative access to the Plateau.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / Martin&amp;Helena'''<br /> <br /> On regular route (SOBO) after puesto at 62.9, there is another puesto after approx 1km. It’s situated right on the road, soon after start of CC and before Gpt12-G End and it’s guarded by 4 or 5 agressive dogs. It was impossible to go around, so we were continuing with our trekking poles in front of us but dogs started to attack us and in the end I was bitten by one of them. The owner was there too but basically did nothing and dogs were absolutely out of her control.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-01 to 2023-Mar-05 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Arrived in Liucura late in the 28th Feb afternoon by hitchhiking our way from Lonquimay. There is also a bus that leaves at 7:30 PM. We shared our plans with the carabineros and asked for a place to pitch and he sent us near the river, after the truck &quot;parking&quot; (-38.64806, -71.08856 - really nixe and private spot). There are 3 shops in Liucura with supplies and we even had a nice diner for 6k each at the Hospedaje. <br /> Started early the next day with 12-P until 12-R. This way we avoided to climb any fence. There are plenty of paths going upward so we ended up not following the one from the tracks but something that joined the top quite directly. Then we enjoyed our walk on the ridge. We continued for a while and camped at Laguna Escondida. The marked point is in the wood, a bit far away from the water but wind protected. We decided to go much closer to the water and met our two first GPT hikers going southbound on the trail! <br /> <br /> The next day we took 12-H to avoid the aggressive dogs and then sticked to the RR until Camp {12} [51.6/1293]. The descent in the forest (RR-CC-A {12} [52.3/52.8+2.2]) was a bit painful as it is steep and without path. Following the OSM route is not better.<br /> <br /> Day 3, we followed the RR until Laguna Marinanqui (Lake, Camp {12} [33.9/1281]) where we camped. Then we met Reyes, a local from Peluhue who was waiting a group of &quot;gringo&quot; since the previous day. We spent the night here with him, tasting our first cooked pinones. <br /> <br /> On day 4, we hiked to Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). All the fords of Rio Pulul were easy. On the trail we crossed a group of horseriders (Reyes' gringo) that got lost in the mountains and were on their way to the lake. Then we had our first pinata moment : we found an araucania and hit a ball with a branch for a rain of pinones. At the bayos, we met two persons preparing an asado for the group of riders and an other group of people just staying for a bath. Both pools are great, the second one (the smallest and a bit more down) is a bit warmer. We got invited and fed by the riders (smoked cerdo, tortillas al rescaldo, goat asado...)! They eventually left and we were alone in the bayos for the night. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we hiked until the junction with GPT11 but without taking options 1 or 2 following the advices of the previous hikers. Then we directly continued to GPT11.<br /> On a side note, on most of the section, you will walk on well marked trails that are easy to follow. It contains multiple extremely scenics moments, at least one highlight per day (several for the last one). Definitely worth it to hike! There are no more tabanos at this period of the year, but indeed many wasps ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-12 to 2023-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Natalie+Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> Combined 10+11+12, continued mid-day from 11.<br /> Started mid-day at Banos de Pelehue, Tomáš explored the banos, there was a pool that had some cold water flowing to it, which is diverted, so the temperature should be nicely warm. However, it resulted in smelly hands for two days despite soap. The first hot springs waypoint is wrong but the location is very scenic. We continued to Banos Coyucos for the night and luckily arrived just before a storm hit.<br /> The Banos Coyucos were not &quot;great&quot;. The first one with the A-frame roof is not that warm, more like stale bathwater, but the second further down with only a partial roof is much better. We spent the stormy night in the second one, so more heat would have been nice, but I am sure it's a good temperature for day time bathing.<br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Late start but great trail from the Banos to the marshy flats. I met Rosè from the puesto right at the beginning of the flats, she was very easy to get along with and had a good sense of humor. I would recommend looking for her if you were in need of help. She also helped show me how to avoid the marsh by sticking slightly high on the side of the hill, there was a little bit of a trail. The next plateau up was forgettable, accidentally walked along variant A for too long before dropping down to the RR. The RR is much faster than the side hill that hops from one puesto to the next on variant A. The rest of the way to Laguna Marinanque was enjoyable, definitely leave your sandals on at the bottom for the multiple river crossings. <br /> At this time of year Marinanque was still boggy but caused no problem's. However, I would be careful at the Northside not to get stuck in the bog, it looked very deep. We slept at the abandoned puesto 37.7 (No Water).<br /> <br /> Day3<br /> Fast and lovely trail to camp51.6. After then and up the steep grass hill it is CC. I wouldn't rely on the GPX here as it is basically just straight up. The last water source before the hill 52.2 makes a nice rest. Just to clarify once again, there is no water at the first plateau; camp54.5. However, the water at the small lakes on the main plateau did not look awful, just goose poo around.<br /> Up and over the main/last pass is straightforward but the other side is still boggy. The first camp was not good but if you walked up the bog directly on top of it there was a source of clean water. We slept at the second camp; 59.5, which felt the best of all three, there was water, a little muddy but the third camp looked dry. <br /> <br /> Day4. <br /> You can make a small short cut on a wide &quot;road-trail&quot; just before the RR turns off from the main trail towards puesto 61.8 [Nov 2024: included in our suggestions]. Crossing the bottom valley here is still very boggy. The lady at puesto 62.9 was very welcoming, offering food/chocolate/coffee. She had some angry dogs but they behaved well once she called them. The next puesto up from her had the dogs that bit a past GPT hiker. They were indeed the aggressive type but the lady tied the worst one up in order to let us pass. If she hadn't we were going to skirt around on the right into the forest to hopefully avoid them or you could descend back down the hill and go far left.<br /> Like Veronica said there is some water at -38.41178, -70.99125, not tasty but not filtering it had no consequences. At the intersection of RR and J, I met some friendly carabinieros that were going into Argentina to fetch some Chilean horses, they were taking on a good trail. From the water source I just described and towards Maximiliano's puesto I did not enjoy the trail, didn't make much sense and felt I was zig zaging in the valley for no good reason. <br /> Day got better once meeting &quot;Maxi&quot; and his son. Jan, if you are reading this Maximiliano says hi and has only good things to say about you. I told him you were off in the mountains somewhere but hopefully will come back to visit again. He wanted to make sure people were good to us and luckily we told him we only had pleasant encounters. His neighbor down the road (Seguro?) was also extremely friendly. The rest of the way to Laguna Verde was fast, a mixture of old roads and easy trails and a CC bit. The first puesto at Laguna Verde was abandoned and we slept in the grass beside it. It was very windy and the water in the lake was very dirty but luckily we found a small dribble of flowing water near the puesto. In the morning everything was covered in frost and slightly frozen, our first freeze.<br /> <br /> Day5<br /> Our final day was easy, the ridge got a little tedious (but was surprisingly beautiful in parts) and I was very happy it wasn't a hot day because otherwise it would have been very dry and uncomfortable. We managed to avoid all barbed wire fences (even though they could be jumped because 3/4 of the fence is cow panels and just the top two lines are barbed). When you are walking down from the trail from the ridge, instead of turning left and jumping over your first fence we just went straight down towards the main road (aim for this open gate -38.63510, -71.09298), it is on the first dirt road marked on OSM branching from the main road when going into Chile from the border after Liucura [Nov 2024: now included in our suggestions]. There were a couple big dogs at the end but they were locked up. Only 1km of road walking back to Liucura, past a nice looking restaurant, and or you could just start hitching to Lonquimay if desired. <br /> We agree that you could technically resupply in Liucura, it was a very happening border stop with fruit and vegetables, sold out bread and then all the other basics - but no canister fuel obviously. <br /> The bus situation from here is confusing as the shop owners and locals all say different things. What I gathered was that there was a bus going to Lonquimay at ~7, ~12 and ~4pm but I don't think it runs every day. Hitching to Lonquimay looked easy but we hitched to Icalma (more difficult, but we got a car in about 40 minutes or so) even though supposedly there was a bus to Icalma at 730/8/830?pm. Once again I don't think the bus runs everyday or weekends, possibly only Mon- Wed- Friday.<br /> In Icalma that was the case, if going to Lonquimay or Melipeuco there was only a bus Mon,Wed &amp; Friday. Sadly I forget the exact times but I remember the first bus was very early, leaving ~6am and then a bus to lonquimay at 3pm. Icalma had lots of little minimarkets and cheap accomodation, slept in cabana for 20mil/night (10mil each).<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> -If I was to do this trip again I wish I had more time to spend at the puestos.<br /> <br /> -The piñones are falling, also wish I doubled up on fuel in order to cook them. We tried mashed piñones in Icalma and they were delicious!<br /> <br /> -The wasps have replaced horseflies, never got sting but got bit. <br /> <br /> -Many of the trails this time of year were &quot;dirt-dust&quot; but on the bright side most bogs were avoidable. <br /> <br /> -No problems with water, only had to carry extra water on the last day after the final water stop at 87.6. <br /> <br /> -Luckily only had a few bad days of smoke, mainly when we were close to Trapa Trapa. <br /> <br /> - The road walk around Guallalí is annoying and best avoided through our new option.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR starting from the termas de pelehue / Will '''<br /> <br /> I merged onto section 12 at the termas de pelehue, where I was immediately greeted by a group of 20ish condors taking off from a patch of grass in the valley. My pace got even slower, watching them fly low around me.<br /> <br /> I went on to camp at the Banos Coyucos, easily my favorite hot springs so far. Perfect temperature, clean, but still felt natural. There were two groups of Chilean hikers there, all super friendly and generous.<br /> <br /> The next day of walking through the valleys was beautiful and pretty fast. A bit before the big climb I had my first unpleasant encounter, with a group heading down the road by ATV. The leader stopped and asked if I had authorization to hike there, I said that I didn't know that I needed it. He seemed to think that was obviously a lie. He became somewhat friendly once I explained my plans and after discovering that I was foreign. He gave me some direction advice then set off. In hindsight I figure he must have been a landowner. I did see quite a few littered beer cans afterwords, maybe he was trying to prevent that.<br /> <br /> The steep climb was tough, and I ended up camping pretty late up top. In terms of water I only saw a few muddy puddles though I didn't look very hard. There were a few ponds the next morning just over the hill. <br /> <br /> The rest of the section was easier than I expected, and not so interesting to me. I should have carried more water on the final 20km. If you want to skip the barbed wire fences you'd have to take variant R at the end of the ridge walk. I thought I could skip them with variant S but most of them were before the turnoff so I ended up following the regular route the whole way. Thankfully they were solid and pretty easy to climb.<br /> <br /> No luck hitching out of Liucura so I spent the night. There were no buses on Sunday but someone at my hostel gave me a ride to Lonquimay the next day. If you're continuing on then Liucura could work for a basic resupply, but I'm planning on relaxing a bit then skipping ahead. See busesbiobio.cl for the bus schedule out of Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> I'm still one day behind the same set of footprints I've been following all the way since section 7. I guess I'll never catch up.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-15 to 2023-Jan-18 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Termas de Pelehue (junction GPT 11, option 1 and GPT 12) - Liucura / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We connected section 11 and 12 and started at Termas de Pelehue around km 9.<br /> The first day the path was easy to find most of the time and the views were great. The canyon to Laguna Marinanqui is very beautiful. We camped after the last rivercrossing before the Laguna.<br /> <br /> To path around the Laguna involved some bushbashing and muddy ground.<br /> Until the CC ascent the path was good. The ascent itself is pretty tiring. We could not find water at the point indicated by Véronica so we continued until the first small Laguna on the plateau. That was a great spot to camp and the Laguna has clear water.<br /> <br /> The following part is not hard to navigate and continues with spectacular views.<br /> Ascending the next hill at appr. km 67 we followed a good animal path on towards the west of the hill (instead of the CC part of the RR), next to an accesible creek.<br /> Easy trails the rest of the day. We camped at the water waypoint [78.4/1775] between Laguna Escondida and Laguna verde.<br /> <br /> The next part is great and easy until towards the end of the ridge after the last ascent, where the path finding gets harder with some bush bashing parts. On the last kilometers we descended until the main road to avoid climbing barbed wire fences.<br /> The shopowner of the resupply in Liucura offered us to camp in his garden.<br /> The next morning we hitchhiked to Lonquimay. The buses from Lonquimay to Temuco leave at 8 am and 12:30 pm, not sure if there is also a later bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-25 to 2022-Dec-30 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (combined with GPT11 via GPT11-02) / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Junction at km 12.9 where GPT11-02 meets with GPT12 - Baños Coyucos - Laguna Marinanqui - Pehuenche Extortioner valley - Laguna Escondida - Liucura <br /> <br /> Absolutely beautiful section. Really loved the cross-country bits on high plateaus and ridges, amazing views. I did not have any navigation issues. I met no one 4 days in a row. <br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 Option 2 with GPT12, so I missed the Pelehue hot springs. I did find a good creek at the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 15.9 km, not dry like what Veronika and Jo found last year. I really enjoyed the camp at Baños Coyucos in an araucaria forest, and the hot springs there were great too! Perfect temperature, and not as dirty as I thought they might be. <br /> <br /> Lots of boggy cow pastures along RR-TL-V {12} [25.6+07], had trouble finding any sort of trail there. Enjoyed the trail along Río Pulul in the canyon with all the fords. All the river crossings were easy, and I found many lovely potential camp spots on that stretch. <br /> <br /> Just north of Laguna Marinanqui (where you have the option to take 12-C), there is a large marsh to contour like others have mentioned. I managed to cross without getting all muddy by closely following the regular route. <br /> The trail kind of disappears after the junction with 12-E, but following the GPS it's not too hard to reach the base of the big CC climb to the high plateau. This climb is steep, but not dangerous - you climb on grass and dirt (no scree). There was no water at the &quot;Water ?&quot; waypoint, but I found a hidden spring nearby at S 38° 21.247', W 071° 04.140'. There are also shallow lagunas up on the plateau you could get water from. After the passes coming downhill into the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, the three campsites in a row there were quite waterlogged from snowmelt. The trail was a river in a couple places there too. Lots of squishy walking, wouldn't be ideal to camp there right now. <br /> <br /> The next CC stretch after the Extortioner valley is awesome on a rounded ridgetop. There is a nice meadow and good water source shortly before reaching the next pass. From this pass all the way to Maximiliano's puesto is a good horse trail, not cross-country. <br /> <br /> After the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 87.6 km, after Laguna Verde, there is no more water until Liucura, so I filled up in order to dry camp on the ridge further along. All the subsequent CC stretches until Liucura have paths running along most of them, makes walking easier :) The final ridge walk starting at km 95.3 is fantastic, and there's lots of sheltered areas up there too where you could camp if you have enough water. <br /> <br /> I followed the regular route all the way to Liucura (ended up climbing over 4 different barbed wire fences once I was off the ridge). Hitched into Lonquimay and will be skipping down to Section 16.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-14 to 2022-Feb-15 + 2022-Mar-07 to 2022-Mar-10 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> The first day we continued from GPT11, starting at Termas de Pelehue (where you can camp, though you have to search around for non-sulfury water pushing up through the meadows). We continued along the border with Argentina. Great all-around views, decent trail instead of CC most of the time, no water at S 38° 09.380', W 071° 01.300' &lt;- in agreement with Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> We escaped to Ranquil in the south to resupply, and got back three weeks later, taking the afternoon bus from Lonquimay (mon-wed-fri, bus early the morning and in the afternoon). Slept in the refugio in the valley east of Ranquil. The road between Ranquil and this eastern valley is almost fully MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> Continued RR until the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, but took optionals 12-H and 12-5 to arrive at Pehuenco in time to take the bus Friday morning at 08:00 (also mon-wed-fri) to make sure we made it to our plane in Puerto Montt on Sunday. We skipped Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde with pain in our hearts :(<br /> <br /> We saw the camp site at 12-H and asked around in the roundabout way (&quot;do you know a camp site?&quot;) standing next to it, but no positive answer came. We camped at the pass before Maximiliano's puesto instead, where there is a little water turning into the usual cow meadow. Met Maximiliano there :)<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-21 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH 02 / Romain '''<br /> <br /> Regular Hiking Path :<br /> - There are a lot of Araucaria trees. I managed to save 2 days of food just by harvesting piñones on the floor following the path. I would recommend to not rely on it because it depends on the period, but there was plenty.<br /> <br /> - the path after Laguna Marinanqui wasn't easy to follow because it was like a swamp but once I manage to cross this humid part it was all good<br /> <br /> - Camp on Ford {12} [32.6/1299] (Rio Pulul), great place with lot of space, grass, dry wood, almost no wind when I camped there, I really appreciated this place <br /> <br /> - I did the multiple fords without removing my water shoes because there are close and it worth it<br /> <br /> - Camp {12} [17.0/1794] : I had to stay one day there due to raining conditions. Looking at the places after, it's to my mind the last place to camp before starting going uphill, it would be too windy and too cold to camp farther. During the rainy day the temperature dropped to less than 10° I think, I had to stay in my duvet. And during the night I got ice on my tent, it wasn't extreme but it was good to be well equipped. <br /> <br /> - Option 11-02 and 11-02B to reach back the regular route was the best part I did of my entire trek, with a condor flying 10-15m above me, spectacular landscapes, ... I really recommend it but only in stable good conditions because it was really really windy, and going northbound otherwise 11-02B would be very demanding because of the sand.<br /> <br /> - the hot spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] and more generally the place with vapors and boiling water at some places and many condors flying around you is very impressive<br /> <br /> - Nobo : Demanding clampering, in good weather only : everything is in the title and the other commentaries well describe it. I hadn't felt really in danger following the track but I was much tense and aware of everything. It's definitely not a good idea to be there not in good conditions. And you need to have time to do it in one time, there is no place adapted to camp until the pass {11} [27.6/2174] and event just after it's still much wind, and at some point the earth/sand soil make you hike very slowly. I thank the people who wants through before me, their tracks were much helpful to see the way and to not slip in the sand. Except these points the place is beautiful and I appreciated it a lot in the continuity of the part before.<br /> <br /> Option 12-02 :<br /> <br /> - 11-05G : the road from Lonquimay start with concrete and become gravel at a certain point, but lot of people use it and without hitchhiking many proposed me to take me<br /> <br /> - transition 11-05G to 12-02 : the road leading to the ferry is really smaller than the main one, I missed it because I wasn't enough attentive to that<br /> <br /> - Ferry : the indicated opening time are : 8:30-17:30 from Monday to Friday, 8:00-10:00/16:00-18:00 on saturday ; I arrived there at 13:30 on the Monday and there was nobody to move it, fishermen told me to wait for a car but they seem to say there should be one until 1 or 2 hours so I crossed the river going up, water reached my hips and I arrived in a farmer property, people were very friendly, but should I do it again I would cross going down (easier to reach + no problem with entering a property)<br /> <br /> - 12-02 continues by crossing the river on a beautiful wood hanging bridge (12-02A continues straight), I appreciated this path with plenty of rabbits, aracauria trees and beautiful landscapes. I slept close to the river in a flat field with apple and peach trees. It seemed people are used to camp there with lot of campfire marks, really windy the day I camp there<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / Molly og Melissa'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section with great views. Definitely don't skip the two high parts unless the weather is bad. We didn't find it to be dangerously steep except for a few metres on the descent before Laguna Marinanqui, which were uncomfortable.<br /> Tábanos were better than expected, it was pretty windy. We also brought a fly swatter. It was very effective for killing those who sticked around during breaks, and gave a lot of satisfaction<br /> <br /> We took the alternative route to the east right out of Liucura due to the notes of other people. Shortly after, we saw a path climbing the mountain, and took that. Big mistake - the path disappeared quickly and left us to climb steeply through dense bamboo. We learned the lesson of staying close to the route, and this payed off. Often, when the route is marked as CC, a path exists that follows the route closely.<br /> On one of the CC sections we met a man with his animals, who wanted to know what we were doing. He said that we needed a permission from someone in Liucura to be there, and that many people came by and disturbed the animals. When we apologized and said we didn't know and that we'd go on to Laguna Verde he didn't pursue the subject and seemed friendly enough.<br /> We ended up camping on the beach by Laguna Escondida.<br /> On the descent from there to the Pehuenche Extortioner valley we passed a puesto not marked on the GPS. It seemed empty, and the gravel road was right next to it. There were some very aggressive dogs that we gave a shock, though, they quickly surrounded us. The owner got them calmed down a bit, but one of them to still took a bite of my sleeping mat on the bottom of my bag while we were calmly talking to the owner. <br /> After the Pehuenche Extortioner valley you climb a pretty tall mountain pass to an amazing high plain. The descent from here is, as others have written, very steep, not too difficult but definitely better down than up. From there you have a very nice easy trail with good views almost all the way to Laguna Marinanqui, but at the river crossing and every time there is a puesto of trail the trail diverges, and you often have to follow the less obvious trail, so it pays off to look at the GPS often.<br /> After Laguna Marinanqui we just kept our wading shoes on for the six river crossings, it worked very well. None of the crossings were difficult in any way.<br /> We camped at the Coyuco hot springs. It's a nice enough camp site with a little bench and table under the Aucaria trees, but not too many big sites for the tent. The hot springs are a little bellow, covered by some planks. They are pretty dirty but a perfect temperature, no views either.<br /> <br /> The last big ascent nearing the Argentine border was amazing and should definitely not be skipped unless the weather is bad! There is a small CC section, but most of the way through the pass there is a nice trail - stick to the route and you will find it! It lasts all the way to the gravel road to Ranquil. There is a boarder post, and a pretty flat grassy area where it would be possible to camp on the Argentinian side of the border, next to a stream. In general, plenty of water all the way to the second hot springs. From there, nothing until you reach the river in the bottom. The hot springs are in an amazing area, and would be a beautiful campsite with great views, bit requires clear and calm water. We didn't see the hot springs ourselves, but we met some Chilean tourists who liked them. <br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Generally, water is plentiful, but with some comments. We started from Liucura on midday on a very hot day, and having read about plentiful water we brought a liter each. However, there was nothing until the first waypoint, which we couldn't reach, so we ended up going down to the river in the eastern valley and camping there.<br /> Furthermore, on the ascent from the Pehuenche Extortioner valley where there are three campsites on a row, the first didn't have water and the second only very little.<br /> On the high plain where it's marked water? there was water, but very still and dirty. Would only drink it if very desperate. Shortly after joining the path after the descent there are very nice streams.<br /> We arrived in Ranquil in the afternoon on a Sunday, and hitched to Lonquimay - very challenging though, with three rides and some walking in between<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-23 / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> After i finished GPT 3 i headed down south to GPT 12 in order to hike the next couple of groups in a northbound direction since it’s more suitable to hike from down here this time of year compared to the more northern sections<br /> <br /> It was love at first sight! I was so thrilled to escape the exposed terrain of the north and come down here to this beautiful part of the country, where you can enjoy the nice shade from the Arucania trees. Got the bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 14:00 and started my trip on the optional route east of the RR to avoid previously mentioned barbed wire fence.<br /> Later I climbed up to the mountain ridge and followed the RR.<br /> <br /> After my first night I was woken up by the sound of a bunch of cows running around my tent, and a stuck my head out to find a Pehuenche man on a horse wearing a balaclava, looking at me. Was very surprised at first but he was a nice guy who was just curious about me. We took some photos of each other and I got to ride around on his horse.<br /> I general I found water to be plenty, the weather good and the trail in good condition. There are although some very steep sections every now and then where you have to be careful. I was also hit by a hail storm during a mountain pass but luckily it quickly passed.<br /> <br /> At laguna Marinanqui towards the end of the section I met a group of Chileans from Victoria who were out on a weekend fishing trip. We drank a few beers together while catching some salmon in the Laguna and after i joined on the walk back to Ranquil. We took GPT option 1 to skip the nothern hump. And on arrival at Ranquil they gave me a ride back to Lonquimay. Great fun!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / Lauric'''<br /> <br /> Took optional #002 east of regular trail to avoid climbing over barbed wire. It is an easy road. Then we climbed up on the ridge with optional #003. Not exactly on the track but we found a trail going up. On the ridge it's amazing with 360 views. Easy walking too. Optional down in the valley would be easier but less rewarding. Continued our way to the pass 1920m (after taking mate at Maximiliano's puesto). At the pass we left the regular trail to end up on a descending road. Easy descent to optional 12-04-#001 and easy walk in the valley. From there we avoided the extortioner and up to the second pass (2120m). The views are amazing. Very steep and CC descent. Wouldn't have liked to go up this part. From the pass to laguna Marinanqui is pretty boring but easy part. Laguna is very beautiful and a great place to camp. North of laguna is ankle deep in cowshit. We got up by the river to the termas. There are 2 pools. Then we headed town to Ranquil to finish the section. Carabineros let us camp on their field. Bus to Lonquimay Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6AM and 5PM in front of the police station.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-24 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR mostly / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At the high lakes I continued on RR-CC-I@12-57.1+7.5, a spectacular traverse but at the end there is a very steep &amp; slow descent on rock, scree &amp; sand. I would consider this descent to be dangerous &amp; best avoided by taking the Pehuenche Extortioner variant. After Maximilian's Puesto I took OH-MR-V@12-03-#001out to the road then into Liucura. At least 2 places to stay there, they both have a restaurant. Also a cafe &amp; 3 shops, you can resupply easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Ending at ranquil carabineros / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Just hiked to The hot spring from the top of section 11. Not much to report. Hot springs were luke warm. There’s some sort of makeshift hut covering them. Nice camp there though. We got a hitch when nearing the carabineros to Lonquimay. Wouldn’t usually count on this though. Definitely middle of nowhere. Apparently the bus comes at 5.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 03 / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Start: Termas de Pelehue, End: Primary road towards Lonquimay<br /> Amazing section. The Termas de Pelehue are gone due to the lack of maintenance. The second hot springs the same, but the fumaroles above are quite impressive! The third hot springs down in the valley are great, there are several pools just below the camp. After the second pass (2'180) we decided not to do the investigation route as it looked pretty uncomfortable to us. The descent after the third pass (1'920) to Maximiliano's puesto was a nice trail, not at all CC. There our longing for a beer was so huge that we took the optional route 12-03-#001 through the beautiful araucaria valley. Believe it or not, shortly before arriving at the primary road there came a bus, taking us to the junction, from where a connecting bus to Lonquimay was leaving, everything within 10 minutes :-) Excellent resupply and accommodation in Lonquimay, funny town.<br /> <br /> * '''15-Jan-2020 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Spectacular section, some of the best scenery we have seen so far! Some of the ascents and descents are quite steep and technical. There is lots of loose rock and no easy track to follow. It was quite windy and all the high passes are dangerous in poor weather. The trail is also overgrown and difficult to follow in some sections. This makes it slower than you might expect, however it is perfectly doable. Good resupply in Licura at the end of the section, as well as nice places to stay (around 20000 pesos for a double). <br /> <br /> * '''9-Jan-2020 / 5 days (GPT11 + GPT12) / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 2 Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 11 and 12. It took us 5 days including one zero because of weather. Patagonia showed us bit of it's potential in these two sections. <br /> All walked trails were in good condition and CC sections pretty easy to navigate. In the sadle of section 11, because of strong wind, poor visibility and fresh snow and ice we were forced to take optional to the valley. There is a big snowfield, I don't recomend sliding on it all the way. It the lower parts there were big holes into the stream. <br /> From Ranquil we took optional #002 because we didn't want to climb back up. Uphill is more a minor road, downhill nice trail. <br /> After a laguna we took a optional to the Pass 2180 and road around the Pehuenche Extortioner. We needed to get down from elevation ASAP bacause of wind. We passed puesto early in the morning and no one was around. After rainy day everything above 2000m was white. We took trail to pass 1920m which was just with bit of fresh snow and then took minor road #001 down to valley. So I have no idea about the rest of the trail.<br /> Edit: adding a picture from the last sadle 1920m, we did after &quot;rainy&quot; day.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR from Liucura without the northern slope, so we went directly to Ranquil from S38°12.723' W71°05.208'/ Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 11days on the trail, of which we spend 1.5 in the tent due to bad weather. The route is free except for one fort, but there is a workaround. Also we had a couple of navigation problems, which cost us several hours. See recent alerts and suggestions.<br /> <br /> We liked: The quickly chang landscape and its huge variety, beautiful cinematic views, funny animals, that water was always available, bathing in the rivers, beautifully blooming plants.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The problems we encountered due to navigation mistakes, the hailstorm on the mountain ridge, beercans that people drop on the paths.<br /> <br /> We bluntly hated: The amount of horse flies. In the northern part we were not able to make one step without having at least five buzzing arround our faces. This army of blood suckers was sent by a source of pure evil to annoy hikers.<br /> <br /> The following is a chronological accumulation of all our observations made in the last 11 days. Note for navigation difficulties that we walked northbound.<br /> <br /> - The most southern CC part direclty north of Liucura is now bordered by fences. You have to follow the path and then go left through a gate. The gate on the western fence is some 80m further south than you would expect. It was locked and we had to carefully (barbed wire) climb over it. It might be a lot easier to take the optional route in the east to get up the ridge.<br /> <br /> -We were unable to find and follow the path at S38°24.881' W71°00.281' down to the valley. We endet up on a path a little further south. However, this path starts to lead further and further south, so that at some point we startet to ge back to the original path through the woods, which did cost several hours.<br /> <br /> - Getting up the mountain at S38°24.450 W71°01.871' we startet ca 300m further north than indicated by the CC route due to fences and rivercrossing opportunities in the valley. (We thought CC means come up with your own route anyway.) At ca 1720m of altitude, still 300m north of the indicated route we found a good looking path leading up the mountain and followed it. At its end we assumed it would not be a bad idea to continue from here on in north west direction up the mountain. We now know it was a very bad idea. We ended up in a very uncomfortable and seriously dangerous climbing situation in which we really did not want to be. So our advice: stick to the route here!<br /> <br /> - The Ford-125 (S38°20.908 W71°09.294') looks impassable right now. You can avoid it by using an improvised bridge about 120m further west.<br /> <br /> - At roughly S38°17.091' W71°01.354' the path broke away into a very steep descent. It is passable, but also slippery and includes a certain risk of which you should be aware.<br /> <br /> - The daily bus out of Ranquil does not stop at the busstation because it is too large to reverse there. You have to walk down the street ca. 2km to where a bridge crosses the river. The bus reverses here and does not go up further up the road. Right now it stops there at 6 in the morning.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> 2023- 2023-Dec / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn<br /> <br /> Accomodation : in Troyo there are some cabanas, just ask in the little shops <br /> <br /> - Resupply : big supermarket in Lonquemay / at the end of section 12, 30km down the road there is a village ' Troyo' where there a few small shops where you can find resupply<br /> <br /> ------------------<br /> Ranquil - no shop but there are families who sold us sopaipillas<br /> <br /> Lonquimay - Supermercado Espinoza next to the bus stop has most things. A little shop on the left hand shortly after the bus terminal when walking from the bus terminal towards the center has gas. The shop has different air mattresses, clothes and some outdoorsy things in the windows. There's also a ferretería that might have. Several accommodation options. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Ferry Option 02: no service on weekends (March 2024), no timetable at the ferry port<br /> <br /> *To Liucura<br /> Updated Jan 2022:<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Liucura (goes all the way to Icalma) Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:30am (+ 15:55?), 5 hours of travel. Leaves Liucura at the bus terminal next to COPEC at 12.<br /> Also busses from Lonquimay to Liucura Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15 and Tuesday+Thursday at 14<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Lonquimay every day - Monday-Saturday 15:55, Sunday 17:30<br /> There may even be busses from Santiago to Lonquimay<br /> <br /> *Ranquil<br /> Updated 2022, Jan<br /> Bus from Ranquil to Lonquimay (on Mon, Wed and Fri at 7:30am from the village<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Ranquil Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15:00 - bus terminal next to COPEC<br /> Buses to Troyo leave every day and can drop you off at the crossing to Ranquil, about 30-40 km, but hitching might still be difficult from here<br /> <br /> *If skipping section 13-15:<br /> We went from Pucón to Temuco, but it seems to be the long way around. It might be worth it to ask around in Pucón whether there is a rural bus to Curacautin, and from there to Lonquimay, as that seems way faster on the map - alternatively it could be possible hitching this route.<br /> <br /> *Lonquimay<br /> <br /> March 2024:<br /> Lonquimay to Icalma Mo, We, Fr at 12:00 and 19:30. Bus company Erbuc, 3200 Peso. 2h ride.<br /> <br /> Update 2022, Feb<br /> <br /> Bus from Santiago - Terminal Sur to Lonquimay leaving at 21:40 and arriving around 8:00<br /> <br /> Company : Jet Sur<br /> <br /> $26.000 for semi-cama<br /> <br /> Commentaries : really comfortable, nice and professional people, USB-plugs, I took it on Sunday night, it was the only one on Sunday, I don't know if there are some on the other days<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT12 - Río Rahue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664133.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Araucarias on GPT12]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664142.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664125.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664136.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664138.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT39_(Monte_Fitzroy)&diff=122465 2025-08-10T19:01:12Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-MAR-21 to 2025-MAR-23 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (Var. 02) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A simple section where you won’t avoid the crowds of tourists from El Chaltén, but the absolutely stunning views make up for it.<br /> <br /> We chose variant 02, which seemed more attractive to us, and we didn’t regret the detour at all. Laguna Piedras Blancas is beautiful and wild. From the junction at km 1.2, we didn’t follow the trackfiles but took a trail along the creek instead. Initially, it’s a well-trodden, marked trail, which you eventually need to leave. Then, you follow a weakly marked trail, where navigation depends on cairns, making it more CC than TL. The detour to Laguna Piedras Blancas involves scrambling over large boulders.<br /> <br /> On the entire variant 02, we didn’t meet anyone until we reconnected with the trail from Lago de los Tres. From that point, the trail becomes heavily frequented. Similarly, expect crowds at Laguna Torre during the day. We, however, timed our arrival for just after sunset. By then, apart from one passing group, there was no one else, and we had the lake to ourselves. It was truly magnificent.<br /> <br /> FEES<br /> At the start of variant 02, there’s a booth with a sign stating that the entry fee for one day is 45,000 ARS. In our case (late March), there was no one there.<br /> <br /> CHALLENGES<br /> The trail is easy except for the section around Laguna Piedras Blancas on variant 02, which involves challenging scrambling over large boulders. There’s even a sign along the trail warning that it’s a dangerous area and that entry is at your own risk.<br /> <br /> BIVOUACING<br /> You can camp for free right at the start near the Argentine border control.<br /> <br /> We camped at a spot under trees at the coordinates -49.08736, -72.89699 (km 12.3). It’s a great spot, and we highly recommend it.<br /> <br /> Near Piedras Blancas, there’s a small flat area suitable for one tent at the coordinates -49.26553, -72.95429.<br /> <br /> The campsites near Laguna Torre looked decent, though we didn’t use them.<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> There’s plenty of water along the trail, though it’s often with glacier flour. Your filter will suffer!<br /> <br /> RESUPPLY<br /> As far as we know, there’s no resupply option near the border control at the beginning of the section. However, on the other side of the lake (km 11.6), there’s a restaurant.<br /> <br /> At the end of the section, in the tourist trap of El Chaltén, everything is incredibly expensive, and the selection is fairly limited, but you can resupply well enough. We combined resupplies from the supermarkets Lo de Lourdes (-49.3254052, -72.8916425) and Supermercado Chaltén (-49.3307613, -72.8857952), which seemed to us the best-stocked.<br /> <br /> We also briefly visited Supermercado Pachamama on the main square (-49.33318, -72.88383), which we found to be the worst option.<br /> <br /> Most outdoor shops in El Chaltén sell gas canisters.<br /> <br /> '''2025-MAR-10 to 2025-MAR-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Laguna Sucia/ Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> Nothing much to add. We hiked RR and did not meet any rangers.<br /> It took us a full day taking a taxi from Candelario Mancilla, hiking to the border and along Laguna Desierto.<br /> We hitchhiked from Laguna Desierto at 18:00.<br /> We hiked on the RR and camped at (-49.153433,-72.567564).<br /> Next day we hiked to Laguna Sucia and camped by Laguna Torre. Sunrise in Torre was amazing.<br /> Next day we hiked to El Chalten, resupplied and went on to section 40.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-10 &gt; 12 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 39-02 &gt; 39-B &gt; RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;39-E&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : péages, touristes, torrent impassable<br /> <br /> Le sentier le long du lac est un peu humide mais il est très bien entretenu. J'ai marché 4 km sur la gravel road puis un couple d'argentin super gentil m'ont emmené directement au km 31,7 au départ du sentier. Le péage était désert alors je suis passé sans payer direction le glacier Marconi 39-02. Après le camp du km 6,7 il faut passer au nord de la colline, le long du torrent. Globalement il faut utiliser son GPS, il y a des cairns et un marquage mais ça ne suffit pas. J'ai campé ici (-49.2126854, -73.06602) ça protège du vent dominant mais attention il y a des courants d'air. Le point de vue est ici maintenant (-49.2127844, -73.0944228) car le glacier a bien reculé. La glace tombe même sous nos yeux. Les sentiers 39-B (El Chaltén - Lago de los Tres) et RR (El Chaltén - Laguna Torre) sont saturés de touristes, ça ralenti vraiment le rythme. J'ai essayé de faire le sentier 39-E mais le torrent est totalement infranchissable près du lac. Il faut soit utiliser la tyrolienne au début du torrent, soit le franchir 1km plus bas puis passer dans le bois (bush-bashing). Le courant est très rapide, l'eau est totalement trouble, il y a des blocs de glace qui passent. Comme il fallait revenir par le même chemin je n'ai pas essayé, estimant le risque beaucoup trop important. Je ne comprend pas comment ce trail a pu être validé sans pont ni ford alors que même moi je n'arrive pas à traverser en fin de saison. J'ai continué vers El Chaltén. Attention ils ont un vrai probleme avec la CB et veulent tout le temps du liquide, et pas de liquide Chilien... Cependant j'ai pu faire mes courses avec ma CB.<br /> <br /> '''28Fev2025 - 1Mar2025 / hiking NOBO / RR - varB OH1 - RR / 2 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> No park ranger at begining of RR trail to Laguna Torre. <br /> Easy trail overrun ++, we decided to skip laguna torre. <br /> We went to laguna sucia and loved it, very majestic. <br /> <br /> Camp at laguna piedras blancas, nice view on the glaciar and fitz roy at the end of the trail but crazy wind. Some good wind sheltered spots for tent under huge rocks (one very good and even rain protected). <br /> <br /> Trail on OH1 is close but still easy to follow, no one there and really nice. <br /> No park ranger at rio electrico around 11am. <br /> It took us 30sec to get a ride to the lake at the end of the morning. <br /> There you have 1h free wifi that is good. Several solutions to eat (foodtruck and restaurant, minimarket with mostly drinks and sweats). possibility to pay by card. <br /> Boat going to north side of the lake several time per day (except no boat on monday), 40k ARG. <br /> <br /> Trail to north side along the lake is easy. <br /> <br /> Camp at the Argentinian border campsite : water, toilets and awsome view on lake + fitzroy. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-21 to 2025-Feb-22 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 2 + variant B + Laguna Sucia + variant C / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Trail along Lago Desierto is nice and straight forward. We hitched the road to the start of Option 2. There's a ticket booth with the new park fees near the start however it was closed in the afternoon. We found somewhere hidden in the forest to camp.<br /> <br /> The rest was all straight forward. Didn't see anybody at Laguna Piedra Blancas, Lago De Los Tres was very busy as expected, Laguna Sucia was much quieter but still a few people. We took variant C to El Chalten as the weather looked bad the following day, very easy trail lots of tourists.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Feb-04 to 2025-Feb-05 / 1.5 days Hiking / SOBO/ RR/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: The trail along Lago del Desierto is nice and easy, sometimes a bit wet. When i reached the gravel road it took more than 1h to get a hitch. A friendly couple from Buenos Aires took me. Wanted to continue with the RR, but a sign said &quot;access only for guests of Hotel El Pilar&quot;. Was confused and continued some meters on the road and tried to bypass on a gravelroad. But it ended nowhere. Was frustrated and had to backtrack. Found a possibility to bypass Hotel El Pilar on this 4x4 track: -49.235541, -72.932263. It continues to the trail. From there it was easy hiking and at 8pm i pitched my tent hidden in the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 2: The official campsites like Poincenot now charge 15.000 ARS (~15US$). In my opinion it's pricey for what you get: a flat spot in the forest and access to a vault toilet without toilet paper. <br /> <br /> Went up to Laguna Sucia. Really beautiful, but the trail was suprinsingly technical with a short &amp; very steep ascent and a stretch on big boulders. <br /> <br /> It was very easy hiking until El Chaltén. Met tons of people. Missed Laguna Torre, want to do it later with Arno.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-22 to 2025-Jan-23 / 2 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RP + RR + Variant: C + B + new Option/ Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Started the section directly from GPT38. Started packrafting at Lake, Ferry {39} [0.1/507] (Lago del Desierto) to the other side of the ferry. Hitchhiked from there to El Chaiten. Went on a short one day hike to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) via a new Option (Laguna Sucia).<br /> <br /> Weather: Day one was cloudy with little wind. Day two was clear and sunny until noon after that cloudy.<br /> <br /> Details: Started Packrafting at ~14:00 PM. There was a guard who wanted me to put in a helmet (which doesn't make sense for a lake crossing. I had full Packrafting gear (drysuit, life jacket, leash, etc.). Luckily a friend had a helmet i could use. After the guard verified that the weather was good i was allows to go. As pointed out earlier this isn't a official rule it depends on the guard. After starting i experienced the &quot;topical&quot; condiciones on the lake. Basically no wind at the shores (north/south shore) and strongish winds in the middle 20-30 km/h N. All of this can be read in the comments here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D38JiiEhq/ . After 2.25 hours and a average speed of 4.2 km/h. I After i reached the south shore i walked for 5km before I got a lift directly to El Chaiten. It's a busy, touristy and expensive place and I didn't not really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> I went on a fast morning hike the next day to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres). There are 3 entry point where you have to buy a ticket for the national park. They also sometimes check if you have a ticket when you are exiting. The entrance fee can be avoided by 1) enter early in the morning 2) walk around the entry point. The same goes for the way out. You can download the 3 checkpoints at the end. I started in El Chaiten at 03:15 AM and followed variant C from the city center to GPT39-C start and followed the RR north up to GPT39-B end until this point: X {39-B} [0.6/736]. From there I went to Laguna Sucia - i didn't registered/notified anyone for taking this trail even though there was a sign. After that i scrambled my way up to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) and backtracked the same way via Variant B back to El Chaiten. The route can be downloaded at the end.<br /> <br /> Overall: Packrafting Laguna del Desierto was really nice. After that i got way to touristy and crowded for me. I would reccomend continuing as fast as possible and not spending time at El Chaiten or the National Park. The hike to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) was nice - as I was the only person at Laguna Sucia and I have only met a few people that early in the morning and I was already back around 09:30 AM.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Track &amp;Additional Markers):<br /> - Checkpoints of the national park &amp; New option: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tJYWBnZnqqOJStEPxQ<br /> <br /> Source: https://xn--sealcalafate-bhb.com/contenido/12931/el-lunes-comienza-el-cobro-de-acceso-a-turistas-en-la-zona-de-el-chalten<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''Dec 22-23 / OH 39-02 + RR SOBO / wiiiim'''<br /> <br /> GPT39 was busy as expected, I hitched a ride from Lago Desierto &amp; entered the park in the afternoon from Rio Electrico on the OH, it has a park toll booth at the start about 200m in, it was closed that rainy afternoon. I camped in some very windy weather at -49.26410, -72.95542 there are several nice well protected rock bivvies, Laguna piedras blancas is a short/nice side trip, I wanted to avoid Poincenot which seems to get absolutely hammered, I was told they will start charging camp fees here very soon? I couldn’t verify this. <br /> Laguna Sucia was a highlight for me, if you’re short on time I would personally pick this over Laguna de los tres<br /> For what it’s worth the new park entry fee system is pretty poorly implemented, it’s currently a sport among back packers to avoid park control booths by starting the trails before 7am. Laguna Torre is still free, so technically you can enter from -49.33148, -72.89532 at any time and hike the RR NOBO without check points, they dont seem to validate inside or at park exits.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''GPT39 / 14-17/12/2024 / NOBO / Hiking / Sopho, Adrien /El Chalten - L. Torre - L. de Los Tres - L. Piedras Blancas - Glaciar Marconi '''<br /> <br /> <br /> Highlights of this first hike with Sopho Ph were the surprisingly adventurous hikes to Glaciar Marconi and marvellous Piedras Blancas.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 1 we departed from el Chalten following the regular route Senda a Laguna Torre. There was no checkpoint at the trailhead. The way to the lake is very touristy and the lake itself is also quite busy. This part could have been skipped in hindsight, in favor of the alternative 39-C for example. Then we took the RR to the north and passed by the more tranquil L. Madre, then set camp at Camp Poincenot. Many other campers and mosquitoes there, but pleasant nonetheless. <br /> <br /> <br /> Day 2 We woke up at 4am to get to the L. De Los Tres during the sunrise. We got there just after 5am, the sun was already up but the cloudy sky made it hidden and its rays weren't lighting the Fitz Roy directly, which seemed to upset some other tourists who had almost all left by 6am. But for us the real spectacle was residing in the beautiful and fastly changing light reflexions on the valley and how it enphasised different parts of it. For instance the lakes and rivers all appeared to be shining like drops of silver liquid metal. <br /> After this unexpectedly calm and poetic moment we went back to Poincenot for a nice little nap. We then headed to Laguna Piedras Blancas following OH 39-02. The more rock hopping nature of the paths to this lake seem to repel the crowd and by the time we got there there was only us, having lunch in front of a magnificent lake and glacier in the middle of white rocks. <br /> In the evening we walked towards the Lago eléctrico through the forest then a rather large trail to finally set camp on a free space near Refugio Piedra del Fraile. You can also camp at the Refugio for 20.000 ARS per person, and they serve pizza and pasta for a price ranging from 18.000 to 25.000.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 3 the weather was clear and we bathed in Lago eléctrico just before fording the river Arroyo pollone near the lake shore. The river is rather large and we had very cold water up to our knees but was passible. We set camp at la playita at noon on the northern tip of the Lago eléctrico and went exploring the Laguna del Marconi until its glacier. The way leading to the vicinity of the glacier is very rocky and steep, so better stay away from the actual ice if you're not prepared. The views of the icebergs from the other end of the lake Marconi is already a very beautiful show. <br /> <br /> <br /> Day 4 we walked back the way by hopping the numerous boulders along the Lago eléctrico and had lunch at the Refugio Piedra del Fraile, enjoying its laid back mountain chalet atmosphere. We arrived at the Rio eléctrico bus station on the PR to El chalten after passing by a close by unmanned park ranger checkpoint at around 3pm. The bus was scheduled at 4.30 pm but we ended up being able to hitch our way back to the city despite the low traffic.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-03 to 2024-Apr-05 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 1 + B + OSM Trail to Laguna Sucia / Joscha '''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-31.8] + OH39-01 + OH39-B [0.6-0.2]<br /> <br /> I arrived at the southern end of lago de desierto at noon. I hiked for about 2 hours on the primary road until I got a hitch to the start of OH39-01. Its probably easier to get a hitch in the afternoon. At Laguna Piedras Blancas is a sign that the area around the Laguna is dangerous and it's forbidden to go to the Laguna. The sidetrail to the Laguna is a rock scramble. Because of wind and rain I did not went to the Laguna. But its possible to see the glacier without scrambling up to the Laguna (its also possible to see the glacier from the RR) and the rest of the trail is in good condition as well. I camped at the campsite Poincenot [39.4+0.2].<br /> <br /> Day 2: OH39-B [0.2-2.6] + OSM Trail to Laguna Sucia + RR [39.4-49.4]<br /> <br /> I went up to the Laguna de los Tres for sunrise with about 50 other hikers. The trail is officially closed for the season, but nobody cares. It was a little icy, but doable without spikes. I returned to the campsite Poincenot and went to the Laguna Sucia on the OSM trail. This trail is also officially closed, because it is suposed to be to dangerous. The last few hundred meters to the Laguna is a rock scramble, but in good conditions pretty easy. During the rock scramble you can go on both sides of the river. I liked the southern side a little more, even though the OSM trail is on the northern side. I can really recommend Laguna Sucia. Only few people and in my opinion more impressive than Laguna de los Tres. After that I returned to the RR and went to Laguna Torre. I camped at the Campsite D' Agostini at km 49.4.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [49.4-59.4]<br /> <br /> Easy walk to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Ma 20 to 22 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Argentinian gendarmeria - Punta Sur <br /> <br /> A small day with only a walk along the lago Desierto. Approximatly 5 hours of walk. Nice points of view on the fitz Roy. We sleeped at the « Hosteria y restaurante Punta sur »… It’s 48 000 argentinian pesos for a two people room with a breakfast included (and it’s allowed us to dry our stuff). There is a camping on the side with a small refuge inside in case of rain for 14 000 pesos per people.<br /> <br /> Day 2 : Punta Sur - Camp Poincenot <br /> <br /> We hitchhiked to skip the road to hike less (because of a foot pain). The detour to the Laguna Piedras Blancas worth it, but the ascenption to the lake on huge rock took us à long time, despite the low distance. Camping poincenot was crowded, but we didn’t heard of any mice. <br /> <br /> Day 3 : camp Poincenot - El Chalten <br /> <br /> Wake up early to contemplate to sun rise from the Lago los Tres. The ascenption from the camp is an hour long, easy beaucause overrun and the trail is maitained. A lot of people do the same (almost 20 or 30 I would say). It’s really beautiful, espacially if you have a good weather. Walking on the most famous trail around the fitz roy is really différent from the GPT. The trailed arouned Cerro Torre is really easy and overrun. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-08 to 2024-Mar-09/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Opt 01 + Var B+D / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Argentine Border Control – near Rio Electrico:<br /> <br /> Started at the Argentine Border Control at 14:00. (I stayed the night before in Candelario Mancilla, GPT38). It took me 3:45h of straight walking to reach the road on the southern end of the lake. Got a ride from there at 18:15 to the bridge over Rio Electrico. On OSM there was a camping indicated there, which does not exist. Due to the beginning darkness, I camped near the path of Option01 2km from the bridge – very windy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: near Rio Electrico - Laguna Piedras Blancas - Laguna de Los Tres - Laguna Torre - El Chalten<br /> <br /> A very (too) long day due to a bad weather forecast for the following days. Option 1 is very nice though officially closed because in one season there had ocurred 18 accidents and one person dying. (Information of park ranger Miguel at whose house I stayed in ElChalten). Was lucky to see Fitz Roy from Laguna Piedras Blancas!<br /> It is very interesting to see how the tourists concentrate to certain hot spots all over the world. On the path to Laguna de Los Tres I “met” probably more people (hundreds) than on my whole 60 day GPT hike before!<br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-03 to 2024-Mar-05 / 48 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR, option 1, new option from Laguna Sucio to Laguna Torre / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I started at 1300 from the carabinieros. The trail to road took me 3 hours (with one 5 minute stop), it is not that horrible with ups and downs but it has its share, with the small ones at the end more unexpected. I wanted to catch a bus that supposedly leaves at 4 as previously noted. I met only one couple hiking one km from the road. How surprised was I by the full carpark (30 cars). The bus apparently leaves at five. I hitched a car instead after 15 minutes. The road seemed busy, maybe it was the Sunday afternoon but one car passed every 3-5 minutes (and there were cars going north too). Got off at start of option 1 - there is enormous parking lot there with maybe 50 cars.<br /> <br /> I took the option 1 which is supposed to be peopleless. It is, once you reach the X at 2.4. Or earlier, if you take the OSM trail after 1 km signposted to camping Poincenot. Follow that for 500 m and then turn right on a barely used trail. Shortcut the detour by CCing (roughly here:49.2387039S, 72.9553397W) to the left through open forest after cca 400 m on this trail. Once again on the GPT, you will come across a fence - I guess that is why this trail is not much used, it is probably not official. Viewpoint at 6.2 is really worth it - for me it was also the first time I saw Fitz Roy, as it was in the clouds previously. I camped at the turnoff to the viewpoint here: 49.2640959S, 72.9554167W. There is a place for tent but I used a cave-like space under a boulder 15 m upstream - it was big enough to allow me to use the inner part of my tent against the few mosquitoes around. Too small for two though. Not sure what the legal situation is, I heard when caught camping without a permit in the park, they take your gear and you must pay a fine in town. This trail is however rarely used (only signed by cairns), so probably they would not check here [also, sleeping under the lagoon might be dangerous as it could technically collapse at anytime).<br /> <br /> The next day I did not take variant B to Lago de los Tres. By the way the OSM trail there to Cerro Madsen in reality does not seem to go over glacier but in between them, the glaciars are shrinking (it is marked as SAC 4 which seems about right, looks easily walkable/lightly scramblable), you could also probably cut it from the Lago to Laguna Sucia going through this seemingly waterless valley/gulley: 49.2825930S, 72.9843467W. How do I know these? I went from Laguna Sucia (not on GPT yet, but it is on OSM partly) to Laguna Torre. This is a demanding but very fun and extremely beautiful scramble (at most SAC 5 but I did not exactly always aim for the easiest route), hopefully it will make it to the GPX files for the next season. For now, pictures and GPX link [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1761957234310155/ here]. It goes like this: follow the OSM trail that goes from camping Poincenot to Laguna Sucia and then to Swiss Bivy/la Cueva. Once there, follow the trail a bit more (150 m) to get on top of the cliffy-like part of the slope, where it will be a bit flatter. Scramble horizontally to SE and then to E. The glacier is smaller than on the map - I got to its very end and crossed one of the small gullies near it. Then you traverse for some time on a less steep terrain, until you are roughly under a nameless lake. From there, go up. I took a ridge, which was fun, but easier would be to go up a slope. I got to about 1550 on the ridge that is above the lake from NW. Going down to the lake is a bit less slopy from there. There would be other ways, either going higher over this ridge, or even lower. One could also probably go straight up from the lake, or even with a bit bushbashing approach the lake from NE.<br /> <br /> At the lake, I met a Swiss couple who slept there. They built a very nice tent space there. This was a coincidence, this does not seem like popular traverse (though I saw a paraglider launch from Loma de las Pizzaras, which had a trail to it on OSM; that is what the Swiss took saying the trail stops 500 m before the peak; from there they went down to a valley south of the peak and over a pass). I went through the pass cca 200 m from Loma de las Pizzaras (which had usable if a bit spotty 4G Claro internet), down a valley and then over a miniscule pass to SW to a lake that is not even on OSM [2024: I since added it to OSM] yet here: 49.3051327S, 72.9861450W - a good camping spot, so I stayed (it was a very sunny calm and reasonably warm day/night), but the place seems more sheltered than the other lake where I met the Swiss. Did not bother to build a windwall, sorry. I met 12 people all day, 7 out of which were climbers lolling about their tents, they camped both just before Laguna Sucio and at the Swiss bivy. Not sure if this is tolerated or you need a permit (or possibly climbing gear). Took me about 4 hours from Swiss bivy to Loma de las Pizzaras. Incredible views, ice kept falling from the glaciers, once even to the lake. Usually the ice is down by the time you hear the rumbling, but I was close enough to watch two falls. Also saw Condors again after a long time. A perfect day and I am out of superlatives describing it; I guess this is what makes some people crazy about Patagonia. Fitz Roy is actually the only place I knew about before coming to Chile after googling &quot;long distance hike in South America&quot; 16 months earlier.<br /> <br /> The next day I went over a small pass to the west of the lake and then down, roughly aiming for end of variant D. Around 1050 m I crossed a stream (take water from it, there won't be much more) and kept it to my left, graduallly distancing myself from it to maybe 50-100m. There is a way between the greenery that does not involve BBing. Then you reach the forrest, which is open and you end up on the trail.<br /> <br /> From there to El Chalten, it is a highway (200 people met?), very easy and pretty (autumn is coming), but annoying with people. I do not like El Chalten, going on to GPT40 before the weather turns horrible.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 + Laguna Pollone + variant b + variant d / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : easy path to follow<br /> - Water : easy to find<br /> - Camping spot : poincenot is a nice campsite, camping piedra del fraile doesn't accept card so you need cash<br /> - Weather : sunny and cloudy<br /> - Resupply : from villa O'Higgins<br /> - Overall : amazing section, the views are amazing, really worth it to do the Fitz Roy for the sunrise and leave the tent and bags at the Poincenot campsite<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 / 4 day / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Charlie Gardner'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add, super straightforward hiking area. Only addition I’d recommend is hiking through Poincenot camp (or staying there) and taking western route that connects with the trail to Lago Piedra Blancas. This section was empty and georgeous. The short hike up the boulder field to the lake is absolutely worth. Piedra del Fraile is an awesome little campsite and Refugio as well. We didn’t go any further North by hiking on this route. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Option 2A / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add. The free camping at gendarmeria argentina was indeed my most favourite 'official' camping spot of the entire GPT. Amazing view on Mt Fitz Roy in the evening! Talk to the gendarmeria. They might help organize boat transfer with a local farmer even outside the official hours. Tooked the motorboat in the morning, as wind was too strong to cross by packraft. Packrafting Rio de las vueltas was fun. Swift blue river which might a perfect packrafting river for beginners as there are no major obstacles. After every bend new stunning views on Mt Fitz Roy. Bring fishing equipment - a lot of trouts in there. I did not went for the lower part, but easily catched a ride via option 2A.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-03 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We camped by the border control. It was raining all night and still in the morning but we decided to do the hike along Laguna Desierto. Surprisingly it wasn't as muddy and slippery as we expected but of course the streams were pretty big and everything got absolutely soaked during the rain. We reached the other end of the lake in less than three hours and there were lots of cars and tourists there. No phone signal. We started hiking along the road and after 5km got a ride to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> The ferry doesn't go on Wednesdays, on Thursday it went at 11am from the side of the border control. Not sure of the price.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-16 to 2023-Dec-19 / 3.5 days / NOBO / El Chaltén - Lago del desierto / RR/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a well marked section with amazing views. You nearly don't need your gps during the entire section and can enjoy the beautiful landscape. It felt like an easy first section for us. <br /> <br /> The trail to Laguna torre was full of people but once we turned out of it, it was really ok.<br /> <br /> The road walking between puente del río electrico and lago del desierto wasn't the most interesting but everything is better with a nice view!<br /> <br /> *2023 Anh OH-TL-V + RH-TL-V (Lago del Desierto)<br /> OH-TL-V is easy for Gpt hikers. The trails are easy to find. Just for the left trail of Laguna Torre you have to rent Harness to cross river via Tyrolean traverse.<br /> <br /> RH-TL-V along Lago del Desierto is easy to hike, official you should plan 6 hours. I just needed 4.5 hours (slow-normal speed) with heavy backpack (10 days food). Alternatively you can pay 55 USD (one way) for the ferry.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-19 to 2023-Mar-20 / 2 days / NOBO / El Chalten to Paso Fronterizo del Lago del desierto / Jess&amp;Paco'''<br /> <br /> Easy and wonderfull section especially the trail from lago Torre to Poincenot Camp passing by Lagos Madre e Hija. <br /> <br /> Be carefull after leaving the national park camping El pilar and Laguna Condor are quite expensive. Laguna Condor even refused a group of 5 mochileros without reservation we met the day after. Also the camping Ricanor seems definively closed and the land is to sale. Pitching your tent in the nearby forest is possible but not really authorised. It can be tolerated. But like in the National park and the majority of campsite indicated on the GPT tracks absolutly no fires is allowed.<br /> <br /> You can by snacks at the camping on the southern shore of Lago del desierto but it is not a good resuply spot.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23 to 2023-Mar-26 / 4 days / SOBO / Lago del Desierto - El Chaltén / RR + option 1 + variant B / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> What a contrast arriving from the last section without meeting anybody. At the southern end of Lago del Desierto there are lots of tourists. We continued from there around 3 p.m., when people slowly started to come back from their day trips. Our timing proved to be pretty good, because we got a ride after walking for a couple of minutes. There is also a bus to El Chaltén leaving atound 4 p.m. for 3.500 pesos.<br /> <br /> The car dropped us at the bridge at km 31.8 where option 1 starts. That night we camped somewhere between the rocks next to the trail around km 8. Camping at Piedra del Fraile is 3.000 pesos.<br /> <br /> The next day we knew it would rain in the afternoon so we got up early at sunrise, left our backpacks behind and went up to km 12.3 to get a nice view of the glacier. When the rain started, we fled to the hut at Piedra del Fraile to wait until it passes. <br /> <br /> If one is short in time, we would recommend to skip this glacier, because the other options of GPT 39 are definitely more spectacular.<br /> <br /> We loved the detour to Laguna Piedra blanca. <br /> <br /> Due to the horror stories of mice at the official campgrounds, we decided to stay away and camped approx. 1km away from the campsite <br /> &quot;Poincenot&quot; that night.<br /> <br /> The next day we got up early to see the sunrise at Lago de los Tres, which was beautiful, even though there were way more people than expected for sunrise ;) <br /> <br /> Up there we saw one possible camping spot surrounded by a stone wall. With strong wind it's probably not the best shelter though.<br /> <br /> The stretch to Laguna Torre is amazing. When we arrived there we could enjoy the spectacular view with sunny, windless weather for a while, before it suddenly got extremly windy and everyone looked for a shelter behind some rocks. We decided to return to the woods, camped there and wanted to continue with the options around Laguna Torre the next day. <br /> <br /> When we went up to Laguna Torre the wind still was extremely strong and unfortunately all mountains were covered by clouds, so we quickly continued to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-7 to 2023-Mar-14 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Lago Desierto - El Chaltén / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> This section offers lot of impressive views of snowy peaks, turquoise rivers and glaciers - if one has the luck of a good weather. If you are going SOBO and want to do the weather-sensitive GPT40 afterwards, one way to reduce potential waiting days is to pause GPT39 once you get across Lago Desierto and hitchhike to El Chalten. This allows you to consult rangers in El Chalten about a good weather window for The Huemul Circuit (GPT40). You can complete the remainder of GPT39 while waiting for the weather window or after you have finished GPT40. I was on a relatively tight schedule and this strategy has worked well for me.<br /> <br /> Starting from the Argentinian checkpoint at Lago Desierto around midday, I did the lake stretch in the afternoon (took me around 5 hours) and camped at the official campsite at the other side of the lake. The rates were 3,000 Argentinian pesos per person. They have hot water but the pressure is really really bad. They also have a new common room (more like a big refugio) where you can cook and recharge devices (if you have the argentian plug, which I didn’t). The campsite also sels some biscuits, chips etc. There was also a big restaurant bulding, however, it closed at 6pm so I didn’t have a chance to check it out. <br /> <br /> On the second day I walked the road to the point where the trail branches off the road (km38.0). The road was quite scenic but in a hindsight the trail after km38.0 felt much more beautiful. Once you get closer to the trailhead you can observe the monumental Fitz Roy peak, weather permiting. In my case the forecast predicted rain all day. However, at noon the sky suddenly opened and after five gray days granted me beautiful views. This made me to change my strategy and hitch to El Chaltén from the crossroad (km38) hoping that I will be able to use this good weather window for the Huemul circuit (GPT40). This has indeed worked out. <br /> <br /> I hitched back to the crossroad (km38.0) few days later and continued with Option 1 (Laguna Piedras Blancas - L. De Los Tres - L. Torre - El Chaltén) with light backpack in a single day as I was short on time. I would prefer to spend at least two days on this portiom, exploring the lagunas further away. Very scenic and mantained trails in general. Easy to jog some parts for those who enjoy trail running.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-17 to 2023-Feb-20 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / also all the optional routes to the various lagunas on the way to El Chaltén / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Route: Lago Del Desierto - Río Las Vueltas - resupply in El Chaltén - Lagos Eléctrico y Marconi - Lago Piedras Blancas - Lago de los Tres - Lago Torre <br /> <br /> If packrafting Lago Desierto, consult the Gendarmaria for advice about current wind conditions. We can't speak about the trail or paddling along most of Lago del Desierto, thanks to a special encounter with a trail magician with a motorboat. We camped that night in a sheltered cove with a fantastic view of Monte Fitz Roy. The next morning, I walked ~3km to the south side of the lake while Zach packrafted down with a tailwind. We learned the ferry crosses the lake from south to north on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10 a.m., and returns from north to south those same days at 11 a.m. <br /> <br /> We walked a scenic dirt road to the put-in for Río de las Vueltas. From there, Zach packrafted and I walked the road. There were no signs along the river prohibiting paddling, but we heard you need a permit to go all the way into El Chaltén. <br /> <br /> We resupplied in El Chaltén that evening, then the next morning hitched back up to Bridge, X {39} [31.7/449], where Option 1 starts. For the next three days, we walked beautiful, well-maintained trails to the lagunas and viewpoints in the vicinity of Monte Fitz Roy. Most of them are out-and-back, and you can easily stash your backpack and walk unencumbered to the glaciers and lakes. Note: Option 39-E requires a harness to cross on a Tyrolean cable, or a burly ford.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-29 to 2023-Jan-01 / Helen and Craig /'''<br /> <br /> &gt;Well marked trails. Very busy on sunny days, Incredibly dusty camp sites in high winds (but nicely sheltered)<br /> <br /> &gt;Really sad amount of rubbish around the trail. Maybe because of this reason mice are a real proplem around the camp sites. *Secure food* (we have taken to sleeping with all food in the main compartment of our tent and don't trust drysacks and backpacks alone to protect). We picked up the bits we could carry but sad to see. Worst littering we have seen anywhere in Patagonia. Wished I had a bigger trash bag to pick up.<br /> <br /> &gt;We walked a very leisurely 3 night loop with side trails in high winds whilst waiting for a weather window for GPT40. Then hitchhiked up to rejoin the trail at Lago Desertio.<br /> <br /> &gt;To avoid the crowds, the popular miadors we walked to at odd times of day, sunset for the 'sunrise' veiw. Very much Worth it.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-09 to 2022-Dec-11 / 2 half days &amp; 1 full day walking / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I came from Candelario Mansilla &amp; continued on the trail round Laguna del Desierto the same day. It was slow going around the lake with lots of up &amp; down over bluffs. At the end of the lake I crossed over a bridge (inflow stream for the lake) Just after the bridge there is a restaurant, (closed in the evening), campsite &amp; hut. I stayed in the hut (no beds but in good condition, slept on the wooden floor) From the campsite a trail goes up to Laguna Huemul, about 1 hour up. A worthwhile detour with good views of Glaciar Huemul. Next day I continued on the road then on the trail towards Laguna de los Tres. The high campsite was very busy &amp; noisy so I continued down to Laguna Capri &amp; camped there, better but still noisy. Lots of people on the trail also, a big change to the previous sections. From Laguna Capri I continued easily down to El Chalten. 2 half days &amp; 1 full day walking.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 / NOBO / Oreste'''<br /> <br /> The campground Ricanor near to Laguna Azul was close for maintenance when I passed there.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-16 / NOBO / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> Two first day were on the regular route. Could not see the Fotz Roy from close because of the cloud but still enjoyable route. I hitchike at the end of the second day and did not walk on the road to Lago del desierto because the camping Ricanor nesr to Laguna Azul was close for maintenance so I camp at the one close to the Lago.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / 2 days / NOBO / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Trail easy to follow for the parts in the wood before the road. Long road to The Lago Desierto, and a possibility to take a boat on the Lago to join the post of Gendarmeria. The walk by the lake is beautiful though, worth it.<br /> <br /> No special difficulties. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-14 / Arnaud et Adriane /xfg'''<br /> <br /> It was a very rainy, windy and cold day so we walked to the road 12km (along the lago del desierto) and after 6 km on the road, we finished hitchhiking directly to El Chalten. Everything was covered with clouds so we sadly saw nothing.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-9 / 2 days / Regular hiking route / NOBO / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> The highlight of this section for us was visiting all the lagunas in the national park! We cheated and hitch hiked along the road when we hit it after El Pilar. It was not difficult to get a car in the morning when tourists are heading out to Lago Desierto; it might be harder to find one northbound in the evening would be my guess. It's necessary to pay to camp at Desierto, 800 Argentinian Pesos each, and it is not allowed to camp along the road.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18 / fgh:'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> Section GPT39 begins on the northern bank of Lago del Desierto. According to the Gendarmería, the Argentine Border Control, the wind patterns on the lake are unpredictable and shift frequently. There is also no good access to the trail on the east side if bailing becomes a necessity, so have caution when deciding whether to packraft or not.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''20Comment by Jan Dudeck: Lago del Desierto is an innocent looking beast. While very calm at the put in heavy wind at the middle of the lake can make a traverse demanding and dangerous.'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> There is a well-established trail that runs along the east side of the lake. However, it isn’t flat, and the 11 or so kilometers takes longer than expected. There is an option to take a ferry across the lake which is popular with Carretera Austral bicyclers. More information regarding times and prices can be found at the Argentine border control station on the north side of Lago del Desierto.<br /> <br /> Hungry hikers are rewarded when they reach the south end of the lake. A burger stand with some snack options is located here along with an established campground with showers, flush toilets, and a communal kitchen.<br /> <br /> Walk along RP23, a gravel road, for several kilometers until reaching the put-in for the packrafting section of Río de las Vueltas, which is a sloped rocky beach. The serpentine river section before Lago Condor is fairly swift with no rapids, only some wooden snags. After Lago Condor, the river widens and forms many braided channels.<br /> <br /> Alternate: Instead of exiting Río de las Vueltas onto RP23 as shown by the GPS track, we floated the river al the way to El Chaltén and took out just after the bridge crossing east of the town.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Comment by Jan Dudeck:'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> To my knowledge packrafting the Rio de las Vueltas all the way to El Chalten requires a permit by the park rangers. Without this permit park rangers might get very nasty and may even confiscate your packraft. So better leave the river before this river enters the national park. Packraft track OP-RI-1@39-02-# only if you have a permit.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *El Chaltén is a medium sized town with several hostels, restaurants, and decent resupply options. There were also a few outdoor gear outfitters which offered rentals for the famous Huemul Circuit (GPT40).<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2023 / Jess&amp;Paco<br /> You can by snacks at the camping on the southern shore of Lago del desierto but it is not a good resuply spot.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> 2023: There is a bus every evening at 8PM from El Chalten to Los Antiguos, arriving at about 7AM. The bus continues to Esquel, El Bolson &amp; Bariloche. From Los Antiguos you can go by local taxi or hitch to the border &amp; Chile Chico (there is no longer a bus across the border) There is also a bus once a day from Los Antiguos to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT39 - Monte Fitz Roy]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT12_(Rio_Rahue)&diff=122452 2025-08-09T23:21:19Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> === Connecting to Section 12 ===<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 11 to 12.jpg|450px|right|Connections between GPT11 and GPT12]]<br /> <br /> November 2024 [Tomáš]: There are a number of different ways to connect Sections 11 and 12. The regular route is proven and works. Will alone and Tomáš and Natalie together found independently of each other almost identical traverse, that they liked [it is included in their suggestions in the 2024 Track files]. it is pure CC and the terain is not the easiest, but they think it is quite doable. There is one route option which appears to be unexplored, GPT11-04 (and possibly 11-03). Please edit this text on both sections 11 and 12 if you have any updates.<br /> <br /> === Optional Routes ===<br /> A popular and scenic option on GPT12 is to go via the ridge near Cerro Dedos, GPT11-02 and GPT11-02B (it is somewhat confusingly part of Section 11). This ridge hike can be extended by walking up to Cerro Dedos, via GPT11-04, where Condors may be spotted. In bad weather, avoid the ridge.<br /> <br /> === Piñones ===<br /> Along this section are many opportunities to harvest piñones (in the right season), which can extend your hiking food supply. This can be a particularily useful resource if hiking in NOBO direction: bring enough food for GPT12, and supplement your diet with piñones to extend your supplies to last for GPT11 and onward. Be sure to bring lots of gas, since piñones need to be boiled for roughly 20 minutes.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Sadly, in March 2025 the hiker Tim Atkinson disappeared while hiking GPT12 in northbound direction. Several searches were conducted in April and May 2025 but Tim was not found. He was last seen near Kilometer 63 (-38.393870°, -71.022360°) hiking northbound (towards Kilometer 0). See also the Facebook post to Tim disappearance. <br /> <br /> Since none of the searches could locate Tim, an accident along the Regular Route seams less likely now. It can not be ruled out, that Tim suffered a severe health issue while resting or camping in a more hidden location a bit of the trail. Therefore, all hikers that walk GPT12 are asked to keep their eyes open and scan for possible hidden camp sites a bit off the trail. Should someone spot a lone collapsed tent, please record the location with GPS and report your observations.<br /> <br /> - Regular Route: Due to right-of-way conflicts in the upper valley Mitrauquen I rerouted the regular route between Kilometer 61 and 70. This bypasses several puestos.<br /> <br /> - GPT12 Option 3D and 3E (Meseta de Malonehue): It would be useful when an experienced hiker investigates this connection that is not fully visible on satellite images. The Puesto {12-03D} [7.0/1789] makes it very likely that a trail in the forest connects this puesto with the road down in the valley but the forest hides this route on satellite images. If this route is good to walk and people along the route are not bothered by hikers then I consider rerouting the Regular Route once again to completely bypass the upper valley Mitrauquen.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *''' 2025-03-31 to 2025-04-6 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Lonquimay 05G, 02, 03, 03C, RR, varA, 01 / Peggy<br /> <br /> I started in Lonquimay by taking a microbus that leaves from the bus terminal at 1:30 pm and dropped me off at the junction (km15.5), then I continued on section 02 to take the ferry. It doesn’t operate on weekends. I arrived around 2:15 pm, and a man had me cross 30 minutes later. He showed up to cross himself with others in his car. I don’t know if he’s the official operator.<br /> <br /> I stopped early and camped between the RR and section 03 (I forgot to note the exact point). There is a stream running through, and if you go up it a bit you can find good spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2, I took section 03. Water at 38.411909, 071.190373W. Easy climb through the forest to the plateau. I chose to go along the small ridge between the GPX track on the right and a track visible on Locus on the left (OSM), to the Lagunas Mezillas where I filled up on water not knowing if I’d find more lower down. With the cold, I don’t sleep next to a lake. Also, it was windy and even more was forecast for the evening. So I went down to the plateau just below and found a good spot sheltered from the wind among the Araucarias. I was also able to make a fire (I don’t have gas, I started with a wood stove but for the past few weeks I’ve been making campfires for cooking and warmth. Sometimes in the morning too). I ended up finding water (38.372273S, 071.122479W).<br /> <br /> Day 3, I went down via 03C, which is easy if you stick to the trail. Not being sure about 03C (steep and lots of bamboo), I first chose 03A but quickly switched to the right. The descent goes well mixing BB and CC, less steep and more open than 03C, except for the end with lots of shrubs. I followed cow paths and had to crawl for a few meters at one point! But it worked out!<br /> <br /> I eventually stopped at the puesto km37.7, which is in poor condition but gave me shelter from the rain. Here I got weak internet signal via Entel. Water nearby but needs filtering (between RR and the puesto). Lots of space to camp (I chose a spot sheltered in the grove to minimize cold. Temperatures below freezing).<br /> <br /> Day 4, I took the RR via the Mariñanqui lagoon. Between the water point at km37.4 and the ford at km36.6, there’s a short steep and slippery section. To avoid it, you can go higher where there are already horse and cow tracks. At the lagoon, I tried to avoid the marshes by skirting around the right side at the end of the lagoon. There’s a trail, but it becomes more and more uncertain and I ended up crossing the marsh anyway. Beautiful forest crossing, easy fords but very cold water in April. In the evening, I reached the Baños Coyucos. I found the water lukewarm but nice for a basic wash. There is a place to camp, but I preferred to cross the stream at the baños and set up a bit further away on the other side. Gorgeous view of the valley. I set up behind bamboo as the wind was already strong and was forecast to increase during the night (I check the wind with my Garmin to know the speed and direction to set up my tent properly, especially when a cold night is coming – I’ve had my tent damaged by wind before). Bad surprise that evening: I had forgotten my tent stakes at the previous camp… Fortunately, I was surrounded by bamboo which worked perfectly for the night (and thankfully I had pitched my tent well because the wind was indeed strong that night).<br /> <br /> Day 5, back to the puesto km37.7 where I had left my stakes… Same route as the day before, but with more wind! However, I was facing the right direction to charge my solar battery on my pack.<br /> <br /> Day 6, same path as the two previous days except that I chose to take variant A, which avoids the Mariñanqui lagoon and goes through the upper part. It seems to be preferred by arrieros as it is well marked by horses (and cows). The view is beautiful over the mountains, especially in the second part. Water at (38.272804S, 071.111205W). A bit after that, the trail goes up a bit along a small stream (a bit tricky). Then here (38.244753S, 071.082081W) there’s a small river to cross (so water), and a small puesto that can be used in case of problem or bad weather. Here, I again met two arrieros I had seen two days earlier. Very friendly. Arrived back on the RR, in the valley of the puestos, I followed section 01 aiming to buy food at one of the puestos but they were all already closed… Luckily, I found someone and managed to get food at the last one (which doesn’t appear on the map, to the right of the ford km22.1). Thanks to Jaime. I slept above the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 7, on the way to the Baños de Pelehue, I met a kind Chilean hiking couple (only the second time in 3 months). Then the Cerros Dedos (see section 11).<br /> <br /> At this time of year, there are lots of piñones on the ground. I cook them on the fire in water in two rounds. They usually require several hours to cook (at this time of year, as they are already hard). So I experimented and found that two rounds of cooking works. I cook on the fire, so in the evening and in the morning if I make a fire, or on two consecutive evenings. The shell should open, at least most of them. Each time 30–40 min or more after it starts boiling. A technique shared by an arriero to make them cook faster (a Mapuche technique I was told): roast them a bit before putting them into boiling water. I haven’t noticed a difference yet, but I don’t have enough experience.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-01 to 2025-03-05 / 5 days (combined GPT 12 + 11)/ Hiking / NOBO /OH 02 + RR/ Chloe and Mathieu<br /> We took the bus from Temuco to Lonquimay then we hitchhiked up to the camping Lolen (nice camping 8000p per person). We had to start from there because the ferry of option 2 is not working on weekends. <br /> <br /> Day 1: we walked along the Ruta R 893 to join the option 2 after the Rio Biobio crossing. We continued on the gravel road of the OH02 until we join RR at km 44.9. There is a ford not mentioned just before but easy to cross. <br /> The route in the valley of puesto [37.7+0.2/1367] is not always easy to follow so we kept looking at the GPS. <br /> Camped at Laguna Mariñanqui. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : we walked along the lake. Then we struggled to find our way in the wetlands at the north of the lake. Better to stick to the track on the GPS. Then we crossed 6 times the rio, no difficulties. Scenic gorges after. Many puestos wirh dogs in the valleys but we met noone.<br /> We checked the hot spring at 20.5, not really hot so we didn’t go in. We slept at camp 17.0, nice area, many cows. <br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked until pass {11-04} [5.4/2385], no difficult but very windy. Then we went down to the Pelehue Hot spring. Really nice to take a bath, really worth it!<br /> We walked up to the &quot; Hot Spring ?{11} [32.0/1428]&quot; where we camped. There is a hot spring, à bit dirty but nice anyway. Rhere is an other hotspring at S 38° 07.328', W 071° 05.140' but not possible to camp. <br /> <br /> Day 4: we climbed the pass and for that we stayed in the bed river all along of the CC part. A bit long but not difficult when you stick to this route. <br /> We went down to the Camp {11} [20.6/1317].<br /> <br /> Day 5 : went straight to Guallalli and slept at Rominàs house. Took the bus next day to Los Àngeles at 5:30PM.<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-20 to 2025-02-24 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, / Adrien, Julien et Valentin&quot;<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 7:30 pm on Wednesday <br /> We slept in the barn of Cabana Garcias for 5000 pesos (mention that you have a tent)<br /> <br /> One hour after the pass with the famous big Araucaria at the first descent you will encounter a puesto with a meadow and a fence. Instead of crossing it, go along the barrier to the end, the magnificent cliffs overlooked by the araucaria on the right. Then cross the bush until you find the RR. Very easy and very beautiful. It allows you to avoid the mean dogs on the other side of the meadow.<br /> <br /> Lots of araucaria seeds on the ground even though they were probably the last ones. 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking. oil and salt and it's perfect<br /> <br /> We had an argument with an Arriero who asked us for money to pass, well after Maximilliano, 6 kilometers before the Marinanqui lake but by telling him that we had authorization from the carabineros (which was not true) and from two other Gauchos we met beforehand, he ended up letting us pass.<br /> <br /> We didn't do the last part of the cerro dedo because of pain of one of us and we cut to Ranquil from the terms, easy to Hitchhike the weekend. but the last part is apparently not to be missed.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking to Lonquimay (only the weekend cause of the Termas)<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-14 to 2025-02-17 / 3,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, Var H, Cerro Dedos ascent / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume :<br /> - spectacular views concentrated in Cerro Dedos area and we really appreciated the section only from laguna Marinanqui <br /> - before laguna Marinanqui : views from pass 57,2 and araucarias are great but dogs, dust and valley floor long path are a little bit tiring &gt; If you don't need GPT 13 thru-hike connection, we highly recommand to consider option 2 or 4 to shorten south part of the section.<br /> - tabanos situation is currently resolved <br /> Day 1 afternoon : Liucura 104,3 &gt; Water 87,6<br /> Started at 15:30, we took variants P and S at the beginning to avoid barbed wire climbing (still one). We took water at puesto around 94,5 and we camped at the first water point (dusty and without sunset).<br /> Day 2 : Water 87,6 &gt; Pass 57,2 <br /> Doggy puesto day ! We took option H to avoid aggressive dogs which seem to be on the RR, but we had some anyway (without incident). Highlight of the day : we harvested and cooked our first pinones ! We camped at -38,360985 -71,054676 near great sunset views on Volcanos.<br /> Day 3 : Pass 57,2 &gt; Banos Cuyucos 20,5<br /> Long day to reach hot spring aperitif and dinner, following RR. Laguna Marinanqui and following gorges are very scenic, banos cuyucos are great for 3 people.<br /> Day 4 : Banos Cuyucos 20,5 &gt; Cerro Dedos ascent &gt;  Banos de Pelehue (11-02B [1.2/2113])<br /> Pleasure day with stunning views without long distance. The Pelehue hotsprings are really nice : 180° view, sunset, water temperature control (!), fumaroles,... <br /> We continued with GPT 11 RR next morning, with the desire to to follow Natalie and Tomas new connection to section 10 close to argentina border (GPT 11 option 6 + GPT 10 option 3).<br /> <br /> '''2025-02-12 to 2025-02-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1+RR+Option 2a / Chris &amp; Diana'''<br /> <br /> We had arranged with Maximiliano and Ana a pickup late at 9pm from Lonquimay, stayed at their house and were driven to the bus/police station the next morning. They offered 50kCLP for both drives, night in tent, some dinner &amp; breakfast, 70kCLP if we wanted to stay indoor. We accepted tent option but after a fun &amp; long dinner &amp; tea, they invited us to the cabana nontheless. They are a super lovely couple, we had a lot of fun together :)<br /> They operate a shop with everything a hiker needs (food, gas, even some clothes, but not too suitable but might be nice in emergencies) for fair prices. <br /> <br /> A bit more info in Lonquimay:<br /> Levanderia lonquimay <br /> +56971265059<br /> Histal Villa portales 32kCLP for 2 persons in a double bed (shared bedroom of 3 spots, cold water only)<br /> Uber lonquimay<br /> +56965791711,<br /> +56982471202,<br /> +56941761164,<br /> +56974846335<br /> Sweet little town, nice supermarkets, restaurants, even some small local giftshops at the main square/park.<br /> <br /> Bus towards trail from lonquimay: monday, wednesday, friday at 05:30 and 15:00<br /> From trail to lonquimay (via ranquil): monday, wednesday, friday 06:00/06:30, 16:00<br /> <br /> Disclaimer: check our route, we only hiked 40% of the RR, therefore only valid for that bit!<br /> <br /> Option 01: mostly rather boring MR/track, little descent into the valley. Easy and quick hike though.<br /> <br /> RR:<br /> Fords: all easy, last hour to the lake is full of fords we werent able to cross dry feet. Nothing above knee, no significant current. <br /> Water: plenty along the way.<br /> Snow: none.<br /> Hotsprings: surprisingly they werent mentioned often in here. They are fairly nice, there are two, the one under the araucaria tree is the hotter and nicer one, fresh water better taken upstream of the other &quot;first&quot; one. The hotspring is populated a lot on the weekends, friday had a few dayhikers, the nights we enjoyed alone. People in the valley were super nice, explaining us a better way through the swamp. <br /> <br /> Laguna mariñanqui was amazing to camp and bath in as well, lots of parrots swarming the skies and lots of piñones around adding a feast!<br /> <br /> Option 02a:<br /> Camped at S 38.364003 W 071.166101. Seemed like last obvious spot before Track &amp; Puestos start. Some appletrees along the way.<br /> We hitchhiked most of option 2 out to Lonquimay, it might be possible to Uber (see above) along here for NOBO folks who wanna cut it a bit short without missing the hotsprings and the pretty pass. We think we didnt see any bus houses/indication of public transport.<br /> Track until approx S 38.382561 W 071.172255 (easy with 4x4, normal car might be a bit difficult)<br /> MR until Ferry 12-02 [13.5], easy with normal car. Rather boring to walk.<br /> <br /> Summary: nice and easy walk, not crazy scenic, but some pretty views in between. Piñones made it very special, they just started to fall from the sky, enhanced our couscous alot! More than any could gather. <br /> Partly pretty dusty. Since its mostly along rivers, we always were able to get a bath.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-02-03 to 2025-02-07 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 01+RR+Var H+RR+VarN+VarP / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I arrived from Lonquimay by micro at 5 p.m. and started from OH 1. Night at pass 4.6/1499.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Day of fords but fortunately easy for my 1.64 height.<br /> In valley after pass a lot of cows, goats. Two dogs but only barking.<br /> Ford 7.5 - in exact point water above knee. I went a few meters upstream where water is lower.<br /> Ford 28.7 till calf.<br /> Fords Rio Pulul from 31.3 to 33.6 max to knee, but there were more than points in track.<br /> Ford 35.4 dry feet.<br /> Ford 36.6 dry feet.<br /> Ford 41.5 dry feet.<br /> Ford 45.5 above knee, current a bit strong.<br /> Camp at 47.5.<br /> <br /> Day 3 :<br /> Ascent from 52 to 53 was very exhausting.<br /> Camp at 57 before pass. Beautiful spot but strong wind. Water from lake.<br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Passes 57.2 and 57.4 free of snow. Part between 59 and 60 moody. I have met arrieros at camp 59.5 km. From km 62.4/62.9 I took varH and came back at km 68 of RR . In the next valley I have met a group of Mapuches. They were very reserved. I said hello and asked for the trail and said what I am doing here. Before puesto de Maxymiliano Lagos (71.4) the path is almost free of fallen trees after a tornado in November. I have bought fresh &quot;tortilla&quot; et Maksymiliano &quot;puesto&quot;. Camp at Laguna Escondida at 76.2. I think that a better camp is on the other side.<br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> At km 88 of RR I took varN than P till Liucura. Mostly MR. A lot of gates between puestos. At km 4.0/1314 settler (12-P) I advise taking the road not the track. I have met here one dog and need to cross under gates. After only some gates. In Liucura night at Hospedaje Normita. Very comfortable cabana for 20.000 clp. A lot of shops. I advise at point -38.64533,-71.08847. They have gas, chargers, cables and a lot of food.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-11 to 2025-JAN-13 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 12H / Alex '''<br /> Cerro Los Dedos offers the best views along this section. Many puestos along the route were occupied, often with numerous dogs.Be prepared for swampy areas throughout the section. I recommend adopting Option 12H as the regular route due to its advantages.<br /> At Camp {12-H} [1.5/1520], I arrived around 7 PM but found it unsuitable due to its location opposite a house and visibility from the road.<br /> I continued up the steep climb and discovered a short side trail to the left after 20 minutes. This led to an untouched forest with sheltered campsites just 70 meters from fresh running water.<br /> This is the best campsite in the entire section: no tabanos , no mosquitoes.<br /> I have attached a GPX file for this new campsite here<br /> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G_nxx9NlRwpGVU_mvsp5RAYcwNFEy9tL/view?usp=sharing<br /> The final 2 kilometers of Section 12 should be updated. The regular route trespasses through 3–4 private properties with barbed wire.<br /> I followed RR-TL-V {12} [100.0/100.4+2.2] directly to the highway instead.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-26 &gt; 29 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR (option est au Laguna Mariñanqui) + passage flan est a la fin / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : hors piste sur pente raide, glissement de terrain, foret détruite<br /> <br /> A 2100m a la premiere montée, ce ne sont pas des sources chaudes mais des sources de gaz qui font bouillir ce qui se trouve autour.<br /> Par contre au point (38.190017° S 71.036036° W) il y a une source chaude que les locaux ont amenagée en piscine (l'eau est ferrugineuse). Les arrieros m'en ont parlé donc elle est accessible a tout le monde.<br /> Dans la vallée du Cerro Rahue la piste n'est vraiment pas facile a suivre mais grâce a la trace GPS on la retrouve toujours. Il y a beaucoup de taons malheureusement, et sur le plateau a 2000m, c'est envahi de moustiques.<br /> La montée en hors piste n'est pas une cinécure, vraiment dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier car elle est dangereuse par mauvais temps. Premiere et seule journée nuageuse. La descente sous le Cerro Codihue se fait bien mais attention: 1) un gros éboulement a recouvert le sentier, et de la neige se trouve sous les roches. Ca forme des ponts qui sont tres dangereux. 2) une tornade a balayé la forêt. Elle est impossible a traverser mais facile a contourner en longeant le torrent.<br /> Juste apres la foret, Maximiliano Lagos m'a très bien reçu malgré mon faible niveau d'espagnol.<br /> Juste après le Laguna Escondida, Sonia Ramirez m'a bien accueilli également, j'ai pu assister a une capture de chevaux (pour castration).<br /> A Liucura j'ai pu acheter un peu de nourriture mais le magasin n'a quasiment rien.<br /> <br /> * ''' 24-12-15 - 24-12-19 / 4,5 days / SOBO / OH01, RR, OH-H\L\M\K / Volker ​​'''<br /> <br /> The Tabano section (first part only)<br /> All water markers reliable - and many other spots, fords mostly easy<br /> <br /> Day 1: Back in Ranquil after resupply in Lonquimay. The very friendly women from the Local Crafts Centre organised me a driver for 30k, which was really fair for a 1,5h ride. Started at 3 p.m., short walk on OH01 (well, I missed the hot spring on RR) over a pass, then down into the very beautiful valley. Camped after the ford OH1, 7,5, which was less easy than it seemed. The water is very deep, where it runs slowly, you have to cross the river there, where the stream is strong. <br /> <br /> Day 2: An extraordinary beautiful valley, but… a terrible Tabano situation. Not 3-4 surrounded me as sometimes on previous sections, but 10-15 at all times. Worst at the northern bank of Laguna Marinanqui. Swimming? Forget it. All those, who are into survival, will find a rich meal. Haute Cuisine: the Tabanos attacking you, while you are focused on one of the several fords (all easy). All others think twice, before taking a photo and ending up with 5 of them on each of your hand . My moskito head net was an essential gear, but I wished I had brought a beekeeper’s suit. And who wants to hike a day long veiled like a woman under Taliban rule? Camp at 17,0 completely „polluted“, I continued 1 km to the „pass“, where I found a dusty mini-spot (great view, however). <br /> <br /> Day 3: Tabano situation unchanched during the whole CC upwards. I walked at an altitude of 2100 on snowfields, surrounded by ten of them. Tried hard to have a look for the really scenic landscape. After the pass it got immediately better. It was like a water shed. What a relief! CC down easy, the following „trail“, however, was no trail, but a swamp (all indicated camp spots under water), and now I had to stick closely to the track file, otherwise I would have ended up in BB. After the swamp-trail, CC in the forest, the former trail is mostly invisible and blocked by broken trees. Got better with the MR (which is a TL). Down in the very beautiful valley, everything changed: No tabanos at all, no aggressive dogs or humans (waypoints), but a wonderful indicated camp spot at 1,5 of OH-H.<br /> <br /> Day 4: No tabanos, not a single one! Very quick on OH-H to the pass, short parts overgrown, the „CC“ down along Rio Pehuenco on RR has mostly a good trail, only short tricky sections with snow and mud in the gullies. Three aggressive dogs running in my direction at the puesto at 71,4. . Show them, who is the master! When I started to shout at them and move in their direction, their self-confidence imploded. Laguna Escondida very beautiful, marked camp spot at 76,2 under water.<br /> Very, very scenic up to the next pass and down to Laguna Verde. The marked camp spot on the north bank under water, too. Camped at the south bank close to a small puesto.<br /> <br /> Day 5: From Laguna Verde options L, M, K, highly recommended, very scenic on the plateau. Water running from a pipe close to the two houses where RR leaves the MR (OH -T) for the ridge. On the ridge again very scenic, CC easy (partly trail), but stick to the track files, otherwise BB is on the menu. Very windy in the last part. Had to climb 4 fences with barbed wire on the last 2 km to Liucura (can probably be avoided by taking OH-S to join OH-P), where I arrived at 3 p.m. (several lodges, nice hut in Calle Nueva Dos on the right side (20k), Bus to Victoria at 7 a.m. , but not on every day of the week.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''11Dec2024 - 15dec2024 / hiking SOBO / option 1 - RR - varE - RR - var H - RR - var L - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Really nice landscapes all along with mountains, volcanoes on the passes. Araucaria forests. Lakes that are nice and good spots to eat/camp. <br /> <br /> Camp : south of laguna mariñanqui 35.5. Meet a couple of GPT hikers there, good evening even if there were lots of tamaños and mosquitoes. <br /> <br /> varE (around51) camp at end : nice with good water. Mosquitoes. Looks more comfortable than the one note at 51.6 on RR. <br /> <br /> VarH camp 1.5 : not much place for a tent in dry area but was ok. <br /> <br /> 83km VarL : end of laguna verde. Nice dry spot. Mosquitoes. (Could rejoin RR directly here the next day)<br /> <br /> Fords : between 31 and 34. All went good, not much than mid thighs (I'm 1,57), low current (hot and dry during the last week). <br /> <br /> 45 : mid thighs with little current at midday<br /> <br /> Option 1 : nice and easy way up. <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> Laguna mariñanqui : var C and even some parts of RR are just under water or muddy +++. To lenght the est side of the lake I took some nice paths (there are many) that are higher up and avoid putting feet in the lake and mud between (around the middle, don't see at the beginnig and end of the lake). <br /> <br /> After varE path became less clear and it's more demanding to not loose it in high herbs but could follow one almost alle the time. <br /> <br /> CC around km53 : easy to find the route. Physical. Need to be carefull in soft sand because rocks and even the grass can detached and fall. <br /> <br /> Passes around 57 : not much snow, easy to cross and navigate. Entel coverage a bit before 1st pass (57-57.4) if need a little weather forecast point. <br /> Descending from the pass is steep but easy with little patches of snow. <br /> <br /> When CC finish around 58 : very muddy trail. Navigation a bit harder when you enter the forest and then the route is easy. <br /> <br /> VarH to avoid the dog : after the camp, steep clim but trail easy to follow. Only a bit before puesto 3.1, about 0.5km path get less clear with a bit BB. Need more GPS. <br /> <br /> Pass at 68 : easy, not much snow. Rejoin RR by varJ cause then varH was going BB. <br /> All CC until Liucura are horse (or goat) paths most of the time, easy to follow and when there is doubt, the tracks or OSM path bring to good path to go on. <br /> <br /> At the really end there are 3 or 4 fences to cross that I found difficult and really not made for crossing here. Maybe it's a bit better with varS but still 2 to cross. Or maybe it's better to go directly straight down to the road and not turning left when descending on the dirt road but I didn't try. <br /> <br /> Water : plenty except at the end. I think last on RR is water 87,6. Maybe it's possible if needed to ask some in the houses around 94 before going up to the ridge cause after there is none for sure.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-08 to 2024-Dec-13 / 6 days / Hiking NOBO / RR + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Water present at all markers and plenty more due to snow melt<br /> <br /> We took variant H to avoid the aggressive dogs, was a little overgrown and lots of different trails to choose from but was fine.<br /> <br /> Pass at 57.4km - snow present from around 1,850m and upwards but you can avoid most of it. The plateau also has snow but again is mostly avoidable. Entel signal on the pass.<br /> <br /> Camp 54.5 - horseflies started.<br /> <br /> We camped at 51.6km the ground is pretty wet at the moment so wasn't great. We would have continued to 47.5km in hindsight as the trail is decent so it wouldn't take long.<br /> <br /> Ford 45.4km crossed at 11 am about thigh deep (1.61m tall) no problem at all.<br /> <br /> Water 41.4km - Entel signal.<br /> <br /> Camped at the southern end of Lake Mariñanqui where we met Clara :) it was very beautiful, some horseflies though. Would not recommend northern end of the lake at this time. <br /> <br /> Tried to take variant C but it was too deep so went around on RR.<br /> <br /> Fords 33.6km - 31.4km we did these in the morning and were surprised how deep they were. The water is quite calm though so was all fine.<br /> <br /> Hotsprings 20.5km lower one is a nice temperature easily big enough to sit in. Worth a look. The 1st one wasn't as warm.<br /> <br /> High section between 15km and 9km. Snow patches present above 1850m ish. Was all either avoidable or manageable. Staying close to the RR worked well. This strech was very very beautiful and should t be missed.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-02B warm not hot but very nice views<br /> <br /> Hot spring 11-01C buried under snow.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 11.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-abril-7 to 2024-ab-11 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 5 - option 2 - RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined this section with section 11.<br /> Day 1: Lonquimay - (-38.39301, -71.18538)<br /> We left Lonquimay on a Sunday morning, taking option 5G and then option 2b. We wanted to take the ferry, but it doesn't run on Sundays (but at the time we passed it, we thought it could be done on foot). We were picked up a few kilometers after Lonquimay and dropped off at Caracoles where there's a footbridge. We decided to explore and walk along the Rio Biobio to reach the ferry and option 2. There's a passage that connects the two points. We continued on to option 2. After crossing a bridge (in poor condition but holding), we looked for a place to pitch our tent, which we found along the river. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-38.39301, -71.18538) - laguna marinanqui<br /> Beautiful forest and valley sections with incredible views. We reached the RR in the morning. Magical trail, lots of waterholes.<br /> No particular difficulty for us on this part.<br /> When we got to the lagoon, there were plenty of places to pitch our tents on either side, which was really nice. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Laguna marinanqui - camp {12} [17.0/1794]<br /> First part of the day with lots of fords to pass without difficulty. Another beautiful day. Lots of puestos on the way. We met Walter in a valley, he is very welcoming and kind. <br /> In the afternoon we hiked through the forest past the hot springs to reach our camp for the night. Quite a windy night, but we were relatively protected. <br /> <br /> Day 4: camp {12} [17.0/1794] - puesto de Valentin <br /> Morning ascent. The view is incredible but it's extremely windy. When we passed, there were many gusts of wind, which complicated our walk. But the view is still breathtaking! There's little water on this &quot;plateau&quot;. We made our way back down to Ranquil. When we got there, there was nothing but the bus stop. We didn't meet anyone.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-20 to 2024-Mar-24 / 4 days ? / SOBO / RR/ Tobi + Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11. Not much to add, except that there's almost everyday a low-ish hanging arucaria tree en route (late-season)<br /> <br /> Pinones tips:<br /> Try piñones with nutmeg + parmesan, or merken + cumin (with salt and a bit of oil of course)<br /> Cooking these take a lot of boiling - we brought a large gas canister and it lasted us eight nights (8 quick dinners, + 4 x 1.3 L pots full of piñones) with an occasional warm breakfast/tea.<br /> Expect to spend an hour peeling each pot (two people) after cooking for 20 minutes - it's a LOT of work.<br /> This was enough food for 2 people for approx. one full day<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-14 to 2024-03-16 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // beginning of VAR A + VAR F + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Stunning section with great views and amazing rocks formation. The geology on this section really surprised me on some parts ! A lot of CC, and ups and downs threw pass, then going along valley then passing a new pass and cc a new valley etc.. <br /> <br /> RR at the beginning to the section is passing threw few fences. As other said, easy to avoid them. I met some nice people at the beginning, very friendly and we had nice talks, that was enjoyable ! <br /> <br /> Lagunas are great. At the end of Maximilian valley (that I unfortunately missed, but spoke with his employee, nice guy), I continue on the pass then took the variant H, but not sure it worth it, as there's no real track and I finished into a very steepy part It's losing rocks to reach the lower valley. So I guess RR is better. <br /> <br /> Not felt very welcoming by the pehuenche locals here (KM64,95), surprisingly because other hikers had great experienxes. They were not rude at all, but just don't really want to communicate. Anyway, no problem to pass and they confirm me the way to shortcut by the valley field.<br /> <br /> After the pass, you'll reach the lovely lagunas, with stunning views over volcanoes at the top of the pass. <br /> <br /> The way down will not be very fast as it's cc. Stay over tree/bush line, then plonge straight threw the Araucarias. The path will be more and more clear when you'll be at the balcon level, going all the way along the valley. <br /> <br /> There's a tiny wooden bridge that have been created and allow you to passe the Rio without having wet feets (Ford {12} [45.4/1039]). The bridge is a bit further the RR indicated ford, at the location 38°20′55.44″S 71°09′22.48″W. <br /> <br /> Then the path is very clear and easy to follow. I took the variant A to avoid the multiple ford crossing as it was freezing morning. I succeed and join RR with dry feets (but miss the Laguna marinanaui and the apparently very nice gorges). <br /> <br /> At that point, I was surprised by the attraction rate of this section (5/5). It was nice, but imho not deserve a 5. But I continued my way, go up to the pass, join the volcanic plateau and arrive to baños de pelehue). And this last stretch was absolutely amazing. I slept a pelehue, had a great hot bath, one has been created with rocks, it's a bit like on the bottom, but so nice after a hiking day !). <br /> <br /> Then I've been straight to GPT11, without going to Ranquil<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-13 to 2024-Mar-16 / 3 days / SOBO / RR C 02A 02 (11-05G)/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Plenty of water, no snowfields, no Tabanos or Moskitos, all fordings very easy except Rio BioBio. The ferry on option 02 does not run on weekends, so I forded the river around 200m upstream. It is a long ford, but not very hard. Water around kneedeep (i am 187cm, 100kg) and 1-2m in the middle had a bit strong current, but not difficult. The ford is probably not possible earlier in the seasion, also they had a drought for months...<br /> <br /> Banos Coyucos at 20.4 are not really nice warm springs. It is dark, no view, mildly warm, (natural) dirty, not very deep and the cold river next to it has no pool. Variant C was no problem, bit swampy but doable. The way north of Laguna Marinanqui for maybe a km or so can be tricky to find, lots of tracks in this jungle.<br /> <br /> At Laguna Marinanqui the southern camp is better, even the meadows are full of shit everywhere, the sand is a bit cleaner, there is a fresh stream and the water not as shallow. It was really cold in the morning mid March, my towel and shoes hard frozen. Maybe better to camp a bit further away from the lake then I did (20m) end of seasion.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: closed gate with very muddy surrounding at -38.354982,-71.164045 shortly after intersection with 02b start. I think 02b is blocked by a fence. Anyway, just follow some path close to the river, it leads to -38.355085,-71.164881 where the fence can be climbed easily and afterwards return (might be a bit swampy) to 02A.<br /> <br /> route blocked by difficult fence at -38.396035,-71187372 but next to it is an easy to open gate, just follow the path afterwards, leads you to a dirt road and another easy to open gate, theres is some agricultural storage and behind paths connects to regular 02A.<br /> <br /> Option 02A: Camped where 03C ends, connection to 02. There is a small stream and access to the river north of it for some bathing. I hide my tent behind some bushes around 20m away from the road, which has veeery little traffic. Still late night I woke up from some voices and torches. I guess reflectors on my tent where reflecting the car lights even through the bushes. Anyway the people moved on after their curiosity was satisfied. Next day I met the settler on the road, interrogating me a bit, but quickly turned friendly and gave his ok. Generally it is easier to camp anywhere north of settler 02A Fundo Rahue, afterwards there are lots of fences, it gets dry and dusty.<br /> <br /> Option 02: 100 to 200m north of the ferry on the eastern side of Rio Biobio side seems a nice campspot.<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 9 to 12, but run out of food so I decided to shorten GDP 12 by hiking to Lonquimay after Laguna Marinanqui. I found plenty of Piniones, but had not enough fuel, and cooking them over open fire in my tiny cooking pot is annoying (did it twice).<br /> <br /> Northern parts of GPT12 are quite nice. Option 02 is long and boring with lots of road walking. Shortly west of the ferry it is a big asphalt street, but very little traffic. Took awhile to get a ride to Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar 2nd to Mar 13th / 12 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT11 Var F, RR, Var Q, Var P / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL:DR a really beautiful and varied section. The RR up to the plateau is challenging but not terrible; we liked Laguna Escondida for camping; the ridge at the end is not a good option if the winds are strong.<br /> <br /> Day 1 March 2nd<br /> <br /> The first two days were actually on GPT11 Var F which we used to connect into GPT12. In Lonquimay a guy working for CONAF as a driver taking firefighters to and from Troyo offered us a ride. What luck! He was very friendly and pointed things out during the drive. He left us at the crossroads of the road to Troyo and Ranquil and even gave us a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade. A big thanks to him!<br /> <br /> The road to Ranquil had many, many water points along the way. It's crazy how much water is in that area. It is a dirt road and dusty, but few cars came by, so it wasn't too bad. There is barbed wire fencing along much of the road. There were some helicopters running water in the distance to fight the fires. We arrived at Ranquil and found a place to camp at (-38.24902, -71.23244) just over the bridge. Then we went to the minimarket run by Maximiliano and Anna’s shop. They were incredibly kind people. They offered for us to camp on their property, offered to let us take a shower and wash clothes. They are definitely people to stop in and say hello to. They have gas now. 3.000 for refill canisters, 7.000 for 230g stove tanks and 9.000 for 460g stove tanks. They also had canned fish, powdered soups, mate, Nescafé, cold drinks, and Anna made us delicious pan amasado in her wood fired clay oven. <br /> <br /> Day 2 March 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued on GPT11 Var F. Tons of water on the way up. We watched a helicopter pull water out of a large pond and dump it on a small fire on the hillside. At km 26.17 saw a building from the road with the word provisiones painted in large letters on the back wall. We did not need anything else, and the gate was closed, so we did not check to see if it was open. <br /> <br /> We found out first piñones of the season! We collected probably a kilo of them. We passed through Pelehue which it turns out is nothing. We camped by the river about 200 m before the turn onto GPT12 Opt 01. I walked to the Carabineros to register us, it was quick and easy. We had just finished dinner when a family stopped by and offered to let us stay with them and asked if we needed anything. They were so kind and thoughtful, it was very touching.<br /> <br /> Day 3 March 4th<br /> <br /> We finally officially started GPT12. We collected more piñones. The Carabineros passed us on horseback, so it's probably good that I took the time to register even though the path doesn't pass right by them. It was sunny all day, pleasant walking, all fords were easy. We camped at (camp 12 [31.6/1306]). It was fairly flat with grass and river access about 30 m away.<br /> <br /> Day 4 March 5th<br /> <br /> A short day. We walked to Laguna Marinanqui.<br /> When we were there, it was possible to walk the distance between (camp 12 [31.6/1306]) and (ford 32.5/1296]) without following the track up and down the dusty trail. It requires a few additional fords, but with warm weather, being in the water is very pleasant.<br /> <br /> We camped at the north side of the lake. It was windy until the sun went down but calm after.<br /> <br /> Day 5 March 6th<br /> We stayed at the lake for a rest day.<br /> <br /> Day 6 March 7th<br /> From the north side of the lake it was a bit tricky to find a path to connect to RR going around the lake as the ground was very muddy. Sticking closer to the big plant clumps helped. We collected more piñones at the south end of the lake. By this time we had probably 5 kg of them. Amazing views along the route that day, nothing especially difficult. There were some areas where the trail was damaged by landslides, but reroutes had already been created to get around them.<br /> We camped by the river right after the last ford at (-38.34864, -71.15528). There was a small path leading into the trees and to a small clearing. After a bit of site cleanup it made for a really nice and protected camp site.<br /> <br /> Day 7 March 8th<br /> <br /> It was a short day. We were confused as to whether Opt 3 of the current track files was the correct route up to the plateau or not. We tried finding it but had no luck so we decided to go with what showed up as RR on the GPS and Gaia. It started raining and was fairly windy. The ponchos I had bought us did not work well and we both got wet. We camped around the marked campsite at the end of Var E.<br /> <br /> Day 8 March 9th<br /> <br /> Back to a calm sunny day the next morning. It was cross-country for parts. The assent to the plateau was demanding. We could not find any true paths, though there were many things that appeared to be paths for short distances and would just end abruptly. I started referring to them as the mirages of the mountains.<br /> After reaching the plateau, the first laguna we arrived at was very pretty, deep blue water surrounded by green grass, and a few birds floating on the water. The area around was unfortunately too wet to camp on. We walked to the two larger ones but the area around was not pretty and the water was very shallow with a muddy bottom. We saw another heading back the direction of Option 3 and camped at the first one we came to (-38.36201, -71.07188). It was very cold, but fortunately there was no wind in the night. It was so silent there. <br /> <br /> Day 9 March 10th<br /> <br /> We took a long time getting to the two passes, taking a lot of photo stops. On the way down to the valley it was very windy and the ground was wet, so it was slow going until the forest. The forest areas were very beautiful sand pleasant to walk through. We camped in the valley just past the river at (-38.38830, -71.02145) in between several huge araucarias. It was very windy during the evening but that spot seemed fairly wind protected. It also had some visual screening from the road and the nearby puesto and river access without having to go to the road.<br /> <br /> Day 10 March 11th<br /> <br /> The valley was quiet and sunny in the morning. We headed up Var G. There was an unmarked puesto at (-38.38774, -71.01221). We were still fairly far off when four dogs started barking and slowly making their way out direction. We decided to go CC up the hill a bit and rejoin the path later which seemed to work at first. But after we rejoined the road we could hear them start barking again and they sounded like they were getting closer. We kept moving and eventually the barking stopped. <br /> <br /> The road diverged from the Var G track and we stayed with the road. Eventually there was a fork near a puesto. We went CC on a horse path that eventually connected to the road that I think came from the downhill fork. We followed the road and then did a bit of CC until we connected with the end bit of Var H to get to the pass. Where Var H and RR meet, we had lunch and coffee. The route down was fairly easy to follow. It was extremely windy until we reached the forest. It was a very pretty forest, I think beech mixed with araucaria. <br /> <br /> We met a woman and a child at the first puesto. We just said hello and asked if we could pass and she said of course. One of their dogs followed us for the rest of the day, but no matter what we did, it wouldn't leave. RR up to Laguna Escondida was a dirt road the whole way. It was in pretty good shape. We were surprised how many roads were in this area. There were nice views of the valley the whole way up. Laguna Escondida was also very pretty, especially in the later afternoon light. Water access is not so easy, but by breaking off the trail where it turned to the forest and heading straight for the lake, we found a small path to a beach. The water was clear. As it started getting dark, the dog finally left heading in the direction of the valley.<br /> <br /> We camped in the forest at (-38.47284, -70.97987). It was a ways away from water access, but the weather report was predicting 80 to 90 km per hour winds in the night, which turned out to be accurate. The trees overhead were blowing all night, but our tent hardly moved. We were very grateful for the wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 11 March 12th<br /> <br /> There was a bit of route finding to get to the other side of Laguna Escondida. The view from the top was great. In the valley we started following a dirt road. We weren't paying too much attention to the GPS and ended up off the route. We then really misinterpreted the map and thought we could follow the road all the way up and then just cut across at the top of the hill, but we kept getting further away from the route. We ended up going with our plan anyway and it worked in the end, though it probably added some kms. But there was an interesting wetland area, some great views of the valley, and some interesting rocks, including one that looked like a Buddha head, so a worthwhile detour on the whole. There were house trails cutting across to the pass to Laguna Verde. There were dogs at the puesto on the NE side of the laguna that started barking when we could just barely see them so we stuck to RR. There were some nice views of the lake going around it, though it was easy to see why it's called Laguna Verde, there was plant growth from the edge growing several meters into the laguna all the way around.<br /> <br /> We camped close to a stream, around (-38.53009, -71.00810). It was not very wind protected, but the wind stopped after it got dark.<br /> <br /> Day 12 March 13th<br /> <br /> We hiked up to the plateau. There were some horse trails, but it is also partially CC. After the plateau, to stay on RR we found a spot on the downhill side of the barbed wire fence where we could climb up and over rocks instead of the fence itself. The white rock structures passing along that way were really impressive. We really wanted to walk the ridge, but there was a lot of wind that day. We made it up to the beginning of the ridge, but the further we went up, the more intense the winds became. The weather report predicted gusts up to 75 kph, so we decided to take Var Q down to Var P. It was worth the climb anyway as it provided a different view on the white rock mountain. Var Q was easy to follow down and Var P is a dirt road nearly the entire way to Liucura, not particularly scenic, but not bad<br /> We Arrived in Liucura around 19:00. We stayed at Normita, going rate 15.000 pp, private room, private bath, hot water, and a small kitchen area. Norma is very nice. There are a few shops in town. The big shop closes around 19:30. They have a decent selection and the best prices generally. Donde Carlitos minimarket near aduana had gas recharges for 2600 each. They also have a decent selection of things for resupply and are reasonably priced. Across the street from the big shop there is a woman that sells bread, look for the signs in the window. She is open till around 19:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-15 to 2024-Feb-18 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH11-02B + OH11-02 + OH12-C + OH12-N / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.9-7.2]<br /> <br /> I directly continued from section 11 and just hiked up to the camp at km 7.2. There is a small wooden shed and right next to it one small flat spot (big enough for a 1-person tent)<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [7.2-9.7] + OH11-02B + OH11-02B + RR [12.9-33.9] + OH12-C + RR [34.3-37.7]<br /> <br /> There is lots of water around the two hotsprings Pelehue, but it has a sulfur taste. I can absolutly recommended OH11-02B and OH11-02. You have to scramble up some steep, rocky slopes, but the 360 ° views up there are amazing. There is Water at km 0.6 of 02-B and water provided by big melting snowfield right next to RR at km 14.0. The Banos Coyucos Hotspring (km 20.5) are nice and big enough for at least 3 people. I had no problems with flies at Laguna Marinanqui. The Puesto at the camp at km 37.7 is broken down and there are a few flat spots next to it. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [37.7-69.4]<br /> <br /> No Water at the Water ? waypoint at km 54.4. But RR passes a Laguna at km 55.9. There is also water at km 62.4 and 66.8. And at all water and ford waypoints.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69.4-88.0] + OH12-N + RR [91.5-102.2] + no official track to finish<br /> <br /> Water at km 87.7 is the last water SOBO. There is a barbed wire fence around km 102.2. There is no easy way to climb over it. Therefore I continued in south western direction until the Ruta 181.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Liucura - Section 11 on RR / RR / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really think this section is nice NOBO as it gets more and more interesting as you walk on it.<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 7:30 on a Monday in Temuco and arrived in Liucura around 13:00.<br /> <br /> After a Churrasco just next to the Border Control, we walked only until -38.443407, -71.000961 as it was really hot and the backpacks felts a bit too heavy. This place was a perfect camp with a nice stream of water and a flat and protected place to pitch a tent. So, if you arrive a bit late in Liucura, you don't have to cover nearly 20km to get water.<br /> <br /> We also camped at Camp {12} [35.5/1279] and it was really nice and the lake was beautiful and at the perfect temperature to swim.<br /> <br /> Another campspot we picked was Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). It was really nice but after passing the Hot Spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] (Banos de Pelehue, Poorly Maintained), we would had preferred to stay there. The view is incredible and there is some grass patches to pitch a tent. The hot springs need maybe 1 or 2 hours to be digged properly but it should totally worth it.<br /> <br /> Another thing to mention was that, because we didn't really know if we wanted to choose an option to connect section 11, we took option 4 until Pass {11-04} [5.4/2385]. The view there it just magnificent and there was some condors flying just over our head. I would really recommend taking this small detour, especially if going NOBO as the path is quite easy. (Maybe more demanding SOBO).<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 22 to 2024 Jan 27 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH11-02B+OH11-02 / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Start in Ranquil/Pelehue at Carabineros late afternoon, camped below ascent to the baños Pelehue. Reccomend the ascent in the early morning, as always much easier to climb before the heat comes in. Actually I figured out only fumaroles and no real baños up there, but I didn't look very carefully, wanted to head on. Took detour over OH11-02B and 02 along the ridge, which I reccomend strongly! Amazing views from this border-ridge and some interesting rock formations along there. Went down to the next valley and to baños Coyucos, loved this place, for me best termas so far. Even a nice camp place there. But it was still early afternoon, so I went on and camped at -38.203837 -71.077937. Next day I went to Laguna Marinanqui, nice lake, access to water muddy at north shore, south shore better to go in. Went on along this long next valley on a west slope trail, super hot! Camped at km 47,5, loved this place, flat area with special rock hill, mosquito zone, they take over when tábanos finish the day. Third day I went up the pass, super views all over from there! Down to the next valley, had to stick accurately to the GPS, as the TL is easy to loose where the bushes start and then you end up in some swampy zones, as it happens to me a few times. Lot of water around there. Crossed the valley, went up the other side. Passed puesto around km 64, no life there, no dogs. Seems abandoned this season, as I am not the first this year to pass by without seeing anybody. Walked on to the next pass, afternoon, again super hot, west-slope. Camped soon after the pass at -38.429390 -71.001130. 4th day I met Maximiliano in the early morning, little small talk, then I went on. Seems a nice guy. Went on to the two lagunas, wanted to do OH 12K, but looking to the access of the ridge I thought it can not be done, at least not with a heavy backpack...so I went on RR. Took water at km 87,6, no more running water till km 92. Nice views from the plateau to the southern volcanoes! Goats and horses up there. Camped at -38.578315 -W71.038569, around km 92, last water on RR till around Liucura! Next day over the ridge enjoying very much the views! Descending to Liucura on RR you have to cross around three to four barbed wire fences. <br /> Overall the most tábanos I ever had on a GPT section, but GPT12 still one of my favourite sections so far!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-13/22 / 7 + 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR (sections 12 &amp; 11) / Coline'''<br /> <br /> I hiked GPT12 and 11 in a raw, so to reach the Pelehue hotsprings instead of going to Troyo for resupplying. This ten-days trail was really a great experience ! Sometimes terrifying, but not dangerous – as said in another post.<br /> <br /> My &quot;goal&quot; was to reach each hotspring marked on the map (4). My favourite was the one at the end (near Guallalí), because I meet a chilian family on vacacion there and they had dig the spring large enough for them six !<br /> The baños Coyucos &quot;moved&quot; : there are just below the Camp {12} [20.4/1625], where one's finds a bench, a table and a place for firecamps. <br /> The termas Pelehue definitly disappeared, but the view there is very scenic.<br /> The Hot Spring {11} [32.0/1428] are a bit dirty, sibce ciws like to lie in them, but one's can easily &quot;clean&quot; them a bit and enjoy a warm bath : I choosed the uppermost, and therefore warmer (Yes, there are two).<br /> <br /> The sections 11 &amp; 12 were beautiful to me because of the passes... and difficult for the same reason. First Pass {12} [68.0+0.2/1909] was actually Ok, because the way (northbound) goes slowly up. <br /> The second Pass {12} [57.4/2180] was more difficult, due to the mud, and particularly on the way down for me, since I lost the trail and found myself stuck in a forest of small trees. <br /> <br /> The real DIFFICULTY for me was the last Pass {11} [27.6/2174]. After nine days, my body and mind were really tired. I forgot the advice of previous walkers and tried to go up through the forest (because of the sun exposure in the valley). I lost an hour and had to go down to the river. Moreover, the last 100m, with the snow and rocks, were doable, but the idea of sliding really scarred me.<br /> <br /> Something else scarred me at the beginning of my journey (and it shouln'd have...) : it was the attitud of some &quot;caballeros&quot; towards me, a solo female hiker. Most of the &quot;caballeros&quot; are nice and will help you, but some can be really insisting. (I had to yell at a man asking me for five minutes if I wanted a compagnon for the night... It was 3 a.m. and he had wake me up with his light and dog). But he was not threatening, &quot;just&quot; asking over and over.<br /> <br /> Actually Laguna Verde and Laguna Escondida (where I met those insisting men) are still nice memories to me ! By the way, I recommend the beach on the south side of Laguna Escondida ; the north one is skinny, inhabited by mosquitos and very &quot;escondida&quot; (hidden) in the bushes.<br /> <br /> What else ?<br /> I avoid the Pehuenche Extortioner taking CC road, and it went all good.<br /> There is a bridge some 120m west of the Ford {12} [45.4/1039],... whereas there is no more bridge at Bridge ? {11-C} [0.3/1109], but it seems very easier to cross the Estero Quillaylemu there, rather than on the RR.<br /> The river crossing is Ok, and there is plenty of water all along the way.<br /> As for the resupplying, I don't know about Troyo, but the only shop in Guallalí is very small (no bottle of gas or tobacco for sure). The woman who manages it is very nice though : she indicated me that a bus (with more food) would pass at 8 p.m, she invited me to charge my bateries at her place, let me have a nap, while she prepared me a delicious dish ! I had nice time with the younger kid, and even spend the night there at the end.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-10 to 2024-Jan-11 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / {12-01} - RR - {12-C} - RR - {12-H} - RR - {12-N} - {12-P} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 and GPT12, so i start at {12-01}.<br /> <br /> {12-01} from km0 to pass[4.6/1499] is dirt road walking.<br /> <br /> Pass[4.6/1499] : huge flat area, look like is a car camping spot, i saw 5 fire ring here. Lot of spots for camping, some spots are beside trees, with weather protection. Road is damaged after the pass, no more cars running.<br /> <br /> Km5.1 : welcome to a beautiful valley!<br /> <br /> Ford[7.5/1403] : crossing of Rio Pulul, rock bar underwater, flowing slow and up to knee, easy. Later you will cross this river some more times.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : join RR.<br /> <br /> Ford RR [31.4/1301] : start crossing Rio Pulul several times until [33.6/1285], all are easy crossing as now, the deepest is around knee only.<br /> <br /> Camp[31.6/1306] : a beautiful spot.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[33.9/1281] : Laguna Marinanqui. I never saw so many fries in my life, OMG. The lake shore is muddy, I think the south shore is a better camping spot.<br /> <br /> I take {12-C} here, because too many fries, after i take some photos beside the shore, i don't want to go back to find RR, i just want left this area.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.1 : cross a warm stream, some logs for crossing, but they are all underwater, also muddy around it, maybe better after some weeks. Crossing is easy, step on logs then just above ankle.<br /> <br /> {12-C} km0.2 : rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR Km34.3 - km35.4 : trail beside the lake. Most of them are muddy, with hundreds of fries, OMG. I'm so disappointed i can't have some relax time here.<br /> <br /> Camp[35.5/1279] : beautiful camping spot with 2 big trees. Less fries here, also is a dry area for camping. Estero Rucausey(a stream) is flowing nice with clear water just beside it.<br /> <br /> Km35.75 : excellent view point of Laguna Marinanqui!<br /> <br /> Water[41.4/1173] : upstream 40m, you can step over the stream.<br /> <br /> Km41.1 : grassland can fit 1-3 tents, but a little steep.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 - km43.65 : cross 3 small stream, all look like need a muddy crossing, but not. All of them, you can find a spot for step over, or a log help you for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km43.4 : after the crossing, flat spot with grassland can fit 2 tents under trees.<br /> <br /> Km43.65 : before the crossing, large flat area can fit lot of tents, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km43.85 : junction of RR and {12-D}, also dirt road start to south.<br /> <br /> Ford[45.4/1039] : before you go down the river for crossing, compass West 100m is a large, nice flat area beside some big trees, wind protection provided by some brushes. River is up to knee but flowing slow at early morning.<br /> <br /> Easy walking until km51.3.<br /> <br /> Km47 : look at left side, a beautiful hilltop with rock column!<br /> <br /> Km48.25 : pass, a steep side trail at left side(north) leads you to viewpoint. Steep for climbing up, be careful. After enjoying the view, don't go down with the same trail, go to the east ridge for go down, then CC back to trail, it is gentle, easier and safer. Before you left, look up the top of huge rock, there is a branch pressed by stone. Maybe some crazy people bouldering to the top?<br /> <br /> Km51.3 : junction of RR and {12-E}, RR after here just like CC, very overgrown, most of the time long grass coverd the trail, i just can use my feet to feel is it a trail i step on. Sometimes you'll step on some old cow path, then follow it walking to some wrong direction, be careful, check GPS more frequently.<br /> <br /> Km52.8 : junction of trail and CC climbing up. From here to km53.7 is steep climbing up on loose sand on RR or the trail shown on OSM. You need to find some grass foot spot and step on, tired and take long time. After i climb up a while, i cut to south side and join the spur, it is much easier and faster because lot of trees surrounding this spur. Hard leaves and sticks on the ground, also the soil is stable. I just need to step by step climb up on the stable ground, no need to find where is my next step, is it too loose or too steep to walk on.<br /> <br /> I also find a clear path at (-38.34710, -71.07574), look like climbing up on &quot;zig zag&quot;, but i lost it after about 20-30m.<br /> <br /> Km53.7 : tree line end. Climbing up on some rocks, much easier now.<br /> <br /> Water? [54.4/1930] : flowing low with warm water, maybe dry up later. Lot of tadpole and frogs swimming in it.<br /> <br /> Km55 : going in the plateau. Very beautiful area, blue lakes, green meadows, curved streams, small snow patches and some big birds, just like a aquarelle hanging on the wall.<br /> <br /> (-38.35842, -71.06810) : excellent view point, 360° beautiful views on a tiny rock hill! Climb up just 2 min!<br /> <br /> Km55.5 : look like it is possible to find a flat spot for camping beside the lake at east shore, beautiful but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km56.3 - km56.65 : flowing good with clear water by snow melt, when you climbing up this stream, don't forget to turn back take a look, beautiful plateau is behind you, also VIEWS of (from left to right) Volcán Llaima, Sierra Nevada, Volcán Lonquimay and Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Pass[57.2/2177] - pass[57.4/2180] : after you climb up to the pass, go down a little to east at 2160m is better, you can walk on a flat ground going south, much easier. Also when it is close to the second pass, a clear path and some rock cairns shown up.<br /> <br /> Pass[57.4/2180] : no snow at north side, just a little snow remain at south side as now. You can go around it on left side (east), or take 20sec to 1 min go down the snow patch directly. Easy.<br /> <br /> Km57.7 - km58.5 : walk your own way going down, sometimes you'll find some cairns and a clear path about 10m, then disappear.<br /> <br /> Km58.75 - km58.85 : steep snow slope, DON'T slide down at here, big hard rocks at bottom waiting for you. You can kick step going down but steep, or like me, go around at left side(NE), then go down a steep rocky slope.<br /> <br /> Km58.85 : wet, muddy, slippery trail starts, until km59.5 going under tree line. I think it is a pretty place in dry season.<br /> <br /> Km59.6 : blowdowns maze starts, tons of blowdowns cut the way, then lot of cow paths and dry riverbeds mix together. Sometimes the trail shown up and disappear for blowdowns. Need pay more attention here. Until km59.9, the trail becomes easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Road end[60.4/1745] : Dirt road start. Junction of another old dirt road on right side(west) after here 100m, it looks flat and no cars running on it, you can camp if need, also this old dirt road leads you to a small stream after 100m.<br /> <br /> Km61.5 : junction of RR and {12-F}, before this junction 20m, there is a clear trail going down, i followed it, and it is easy walk to Puesto[61.8/1550].<br /> <br /> Puesto[62.9/1523] : no people no dogs here.<br /> <br /> Then i joined {12-H} for climbing up.<br /> <br /> {12-H} km2.6 : i would like to said, here is covered by some heavy brushes already, just like BB and CC mixture. I saw the ground have some horse prints, looks like have a better reroute, but I don't know the way and it is difficult to follow so i lost it, lastly BB CC to Puesto[3.1/1822].<br /> <br /> After puesto[3.1/1822], trail conditions become better, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> Pass RR[68.0+0.2/1909] : still a tiny snow patch beside the pass, but nothing at pass. A beautiful area.<br /> <br /> Km70.7 : Dirt road start, until Laguna Escondida(RR km76.4).<br /> <br /> Ford[73.6/1517] : if you follow RR, no need follow cross this one, turn left and cross the small one.<br /> <br /> Lake,camp[76.2/1750] : covered by many trees, but no views.<br /> <br /> Km76.4 : dirt road end, if this grassland is dry, it'll be a very beautiful camping spot with excellent lake view.<br /> <br /> Km80.7 : junction of RR and {12-K}, beautiful views here! The valley towards Laguna Verde is so nice. Flat area here, wild views but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Remark, {12-K} is an impossible route, the mountain top at (-38.50732,-70.98472) is some vertical rock column, i think about 40-80m, can't climb up to walk, also can't go around, mostly is 70-80° vertical wall.<br /> <br /> Water[81.9/1889] : flowing good with a flat spot can fit 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Camp[83.0/1767] : wet, also a puesto at (-38.51828, -70.98893). When I fill some water at stream, 2 dogs running out and barking at me, they follow/chase me until km83.3, I'm not sure they are curious, or aggressive.<br /> <br /> Some puesto at west shore of lake. So i camped on a little hill at (-38.52293, -70.99734). Good location for privacy and views but no wind protection, also not easy to find a spot because of rocky ground.<br /> <br /> Km86.8 : dirt road start.<br /> <br /> Because it is a crazy windy day, so i decided stay in valley by {12-N}+{12-P}, not climb up to plateau by RR.<br /> <br /> Dirt road walking 2km {12-N} then join {12-P}. {12-P} leads you all the way to Liucura. First 400m of {12-P} is dirt road, leads you to puesto[0.4/1526], then the road damaged becomes a trail, until puesto[1.9/1415].<br /> <br /> Water {12-P} [1.7/1400] : last good water until Liucura.<br /> <br /> Puesto[1.9/1415] : dirt road start again. Road go through a beautiful valley. You can look at other side of valley, some landslide trail there.<br /> <br /> Km5.0 : Left side, Volcán Batea Mahuida!<br /> <br /> Km10 : a beautiful meadow, horse trail start.<br /> <br /> Water[11.7/1289] : look clear, but I'm not sure is it flowing from cows and horse meadow.<br /> <br /> Puesto[12.1/1239] : dirt road start again, til Liucura.<br /> <br /> Shop[104.1/1036] : chocolate, biscuits, chips, drinks and ice cream, not much for resupply, but they make hot sandwiches and breakfast, yummy yummy!!!! They also do &quot;printing&quot;, if you need some documents in paper.<br /> <br /> Also 1 restaurant, 1 cafe and 4 shops nearby, i think you can have a full resupply here.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 12-27 to 2024 1-03 / 7 short days and one hour/ hiking / mainly RR / Sobo / Edwin'''<br /> <br /> Took the easy option from Ranquil to baños de Coyuco by Oh-12-01. The baños are really nice. After that the regular route until Laguna Verde after which a suspect knee made me stick to trails and minor roads. An enjoyable trek! Some snow at higher altitudes. <br /> The river crossings before Laguna Marinanqui were not too difficult except for the second one, which whas up to my crotch (I'm 1.90 meters) and fast flowing. <br /> Plenty of water around. Only took more than half a litre once when crossing the plateau and that wasn't needed. Days were generally hot.<br /> Met few people in the puestos but the ones I met were all friendly. <br /> If you want to skip section 13... The bus to Icalma passes through Liucura around 12:30 - 13:00 Monday/Wednesday/Friday<br /> <br /> * '''2023 17 - 20 dec / 4 days / hiking / option 12-04, H, RR / SOBO / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Started on a Sunday and it wasn't clear to me if the ferry (12-02G) would be up and running. No one in Lonquimay could guarantee me this. Because of Sunday and also because this day Chileans had to vote for the constitution. So I decided to walk the 181 and join the GPT12 on 12-04End. Nice walk, plenty of traffic to hitchhike, although I decided to walk. The minimarket at camping Lolén (100m before 12-04End) was closed, Sunday or voting? Was there around 11am. It looked up and running and not abonded or something. Just a closed sign. First house after the bridge sold eggs and honey, I bought some honey from Luis, super friendly guy. The walk was nice after that, although the road was fenced on both sides until km 16-ish. No campsites or minimarkets. I ended up campung at 12-03End, pretty long stretch so next time I would definitely hitchhike the 181. <br /> <br /> Climb to the pass was steep, pass was easy, no issues with snow. Beautiful views on both sides. Going down on some patches of snow you could see and/or hear the water flowing below. Might become tricky in the next days to walk over so a little caution is recommended. Met Maxi and his father down below at his puesto. Super friendly! Continued my way to camp at laguna Escondida (North side).<br /> <br /> Next day a bit iffy weather (as expected) cloudy, windy and a bit of rain. Decided to do a short one and camped at laguna Verde. Really good camping spots on the option 12L, at the end of the lake. And I could cross here the next day to join RR, there where some planks over the small stream.<br /> <br /> This last day I really enjoyed! Walking the plateau and the ridgeline was amazing. Perfect weather also. For sure worth it, easy to follow trail and all the CC options are 90% horse trails which are good to spot. <br /> <br /> Coming close to Liucura, it didn't feel good to me to climb those fences. Guess that's just a personal thing. There was a lot of cattle, fences looked new, so I decided to not climb over them and annoy the locals. Just followed the trail down to end up at the main road, take a left to Liucara. Maybe 1km extra in total. <br /> <br /> Stayed at Normita, couple of shops to resupply all the basics. <br /> <br /> All combined, really nice section especially the final part. Water not a problem, until you go up the plateau and ridge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Jens (together with Nolwenn and Yannick)'''<br /> <br /> To get to Liucura, take a bus from the Rural Terminal in Temuco to Lonquimay (departure 10 am) and from there another bus (3 pm). <br /> <br /> It is better to do your shopping in Liucura beforehand, the market and supermarkets are right next to the terminal. There are also some smaller supermarkets in Lonquimay. You are sure to get everything you need there. <br /> <br /> Crossing the pass at KM 57 was very strenuous and steep. There was still snow, which you could either hike around or through. The descent on the other side was very steep. It took two hours. You can camp well on both sides, even at the top if necessary, but it is very windy. <br /> <br /> From kilometre 26 north of the Marinanqui lagoon, we had to cross the river several times. We had some difficulties. The water was up to our hips. We couldn't have coped with any more water. The lake is beautiful, I would rather camp at the southern end as it is rather muddy and full of mosquitoes in the north. We fled from them. <br /> <br /> It had snowed overnight and so we decided not to make the crossing over the pass on RR, but to take the alternative route to the start of Section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-28 to 2023-Dec -02 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant P + variant Q + variant H + option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present <br /> <br /> - Snow : (1) snow on pass at km 68 ( easy to walk on it ) / (2) from km 58,4 to km 54,9 : at this point we didn't follow the RR and went on the right side to reach the ridgeline and then continue on it - the plateau still had a lot of snow but we found it was not a problem to find our own safe way / (3) we didn't do the last pass between km 15,8 and km 9,5 because it has snowed in the night and the mountain was still covered by a thick layer of snow<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find <br /> <br /> - River crossing : (1) at 45,5 km we crossed in the morning and the current was strong but we are used to river crossings so this one was easily passable for us / (2) Laguna Marinanqui between km 35,4 and km 33,9 : was higher than usual and therefore the trail was under water, we walked in the lake from time to time and it was sometimes up until our thighs / (3) the river between km 33,9 and km 31,3 is really high and need multiple crossings that sometimes goes up until the waist with a strong current, we had to improvise and do some bushbahing to find places where it was crossable <br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny, snowy, cloudy, ( overall really good weather but can be cold )<br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant P + Q : easy track, it's a dirt road, there is water on the track / variant H : to avoid the dogs / option 1 : to avoid the snow on the pass, the trail is easy and beautiful<br /> <br /> - Warning : river crossings between km 33,8 and km 31,3 was really hard but manageable if you have skills and not too small<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section, still a lot of snow from 1700m<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-23 to 2023-Nov-27 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / Regular Route and Option 3 to return to Lonquimay / Ana &amp; William'''<br /> <br /> We just finished part of 12 and overall it is a lovely hike though we might potentially be a bit too early in the season depending on your risk threshold.<br /> <br /> Heading NOBO the small pass after laguna verde is fine. Little snow but not bad. Next pass is a bit tough, lots of snow walking and lots of risky parts where there are hidden rivers/water ways under the snow and where cliffs of snow had broken off but we managed by being careful and taking time to judge. RR-CC-A {12} [68.1/68.5+2.9] is not passable we went on the route to the left of it. Scary but fine, you have to make your own route since it’s completely snowed over. Downhill is fine, snow is only on the south face of the mountain. Next day we skipped the pass and did a plateau crossing based on advice from a local, it was lovely, the trail is east to follow most of the way then getting across the plateau you can take any possible direction, no wrong way and it connects to the 12-03c. Coming down on though there are two tracks at 12-03c marker. OH-TL-I {12-03A} [0.9+3.4] is not a route. At least not now. It’s basically a river gorge and it’s not possible unless you can surf down waterfalls, so we scaled up almost completely vertical to meet the CC route that runs parallel. Might be possible when there is less snow melt though. The CC route we took was almost a completely verticals decent for 800 meters and I must say a bit terrifying. Clambering down on your butt/downhill rock climbing is not the hard part but if you are not careful and you don’t judge your path every few meters you can find yourself looking down a minimum 30-200 meter drop, so it’s mentally scary not knowing if you will get to the bottom. But we did. I would not advise it, instead I’d advise continuing on 12-03 past the lakes back to the normal route. Took us almost 3 hours of being very careful though. We then got to the first river. Many locals we met before told us the only way to ranquil is the balsa, but we didn’t fully understand what they meant till we got to the river. They meant Bulsa Rahue which is on the way to lonquimay. The first main crossing at Ford {12} [45.4/1039] is very deep and very fast. For us as beginners a big no go, but I honestly think for advanced that would be tough as well if not only very dangerous. We then moved back to lonquimay where for the first part of the trail the river had flowed over so much that there was no trail but then eventually the trail gains significant elevation over the river and it’s fine. We asked others we ran into on the way and they confirmed that it’s too early to pass the rivers, but again depends on the hiker I’m sure.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck December 2023: The best route to ascent from the Plateau is the trail in the South-West of the Plateau. That's the trail on which the horses are probably moved up and down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 the normal route up and down the Plateau will be OH-TL-V {12-03} [0.0+14.4]. I have cleaned up the routes on the North-Western edge of the Plateau. These exploration routes are best taken up and not down. Starting with the Track Files 2024 these exploration options are {12-03A}, {12-03B} and {12-03C} and all classified as Exploration Routes. There pieces of trails visible on satellite images but these trail disappear into a forest and it is unclear who maintained these routes are and if these are part of an alternative access to the Plateau.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / Martin&amp;Helena'''<br /> <br /> On regular route (SOBO) after puesto at 62.9, there is another puesto after approx 1km. It’s situated right on the road, soon after start of CC and before Gpt12-G End and it’s guarded by 4 or 5 agressive dogs. It was impossible to go around, so we were continuing with our trekking poles in front of us but dogs started to attack us and in the end I was bitten by one of them. The owner was there too but basically did nothing and dogs were absolutely out of her control.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-01 to 2023-Mar-05 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Arrived in Liucura late in the 28th Feb afternoon by hitchhiking our way from Lonquimay. There is also a bus that leaves at 7:30 PM. We shared our plans with the carabineros and asked for a place to pitch and he sent us near the river, after the truck &quot;parking&quot; (-38.64806, -71.08856 - really nixe and private spot). There are 3 shops in Liucura with supplies and we even had a nice diner for 6k each at the Hospedaje. <br /> Started early the next day with 12-P until 12-R. This way we avoided to climb any fence. There are plenty of paths going upward so we ended up not following the one from the tracks but something that joined the top quite directly. Then we enjoyed our walk on the ridge. We continued for a while and camped at Laguna Escondida. The marked point is in the wood, a bit far away from the water but wind protected. We decided to go much closer to the water and met our two first GPT hikers going southbound on the trail! <br /> <br /> The next day we took 12-H to avoid the aggressive dogs and then sticked to the RR until Camp {12} [51.6/1293]. The descent in the forest (RR-CC-A {12} [52.3/52.8+2.2]) was a bit painful as it is steep and without path. Following the OSM route is not better.<br /> <br /> Day 3, we followed the RR until Laguna Marinanqui (Lake, Camp {12} [33.9/1281]) where we camped. Then we met Reyes, a local from Peluhue who was waiting a group of &quot;gringo&quot; since the previous day. We spent the night here with him, tasting our first cooked pinones. <br /> <br /> On day 4, we hiked to Camp {12} [20.4/1625] (Banos Coyucos). All the fords of Rio Pulul were easy. On the trail we crossed a group of horseriders (Reyes' gringo) that got lost in the mountains and were on their way to the lake. Then we had our first pinata moment : we found an araucania and hit a ball with a branch for a rain of pinones. At the bayos, we met two persons preparing an asado for the group of riders and an other group of people just staying for a bath. Both pools are great, the second one (the smallest and a bit more down) is a bit warmer. We got invited and fed by the riders (smoked cerdo, tortillas al rescaldo, goat asado...)! They eventually left and we were alone in the bayos for the night. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we hiked until the junction with GPT11 but without taking options 1 or 2 following the advices of the previous hikers. Then we directly continued to GPT11.<br /> On a side note, on most of the section, you will walk on well marked trails that are easy to follow. It contains multiple extremely scenics moments, at least one highlight per day (several for the last one). Definitely worth it to hike! There are no more tabanos at this period of the year, but indeed many wasps ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-12 to 2023-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Natalie+Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> Combined 10+11+12, continued mid-day from 11.<br /> Started mid-day at Banos de Pelehue, Tomáš explored the banos, there was a pool that had some cold water flowing to it, which is diverted, so the temperature should be nicely warm. However, it resulted in smelly hands for two days despite soap. The first hot springs waypoint is wrong but the location is very scenic. We continued to Banos Coyucos for the night and luckily arrived just before a storm hit.<br /> The Banos Coyucos were not &quot;great&quot;. The first one with the A-frame roof is not that warm, more like stale bathwater, but the second further down with only a partial roof is much better. We spent the stormy night in the second one, so more heat would have been nice, but I am sure it's a good temperature for day time bathing.<br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Late start but great trail from the Banos to the marshy flats. I met Rosè from the puesto right at the beginning of the flats, she was very easy to get along with and had a good sense of humor. I would recommend looking for her if you were in need of help. She also helped show me how to avoid the marsh by sticking slightly high on the side of the hill, there was a little bit of a trail. The next plateau up was forgettable, accidentally walked along variant A for too long before dropping down to the RR. The RR is much faster than the side hill that hops from one puesto to the next on variant A. The rest of the way to Laguna Marinanque was enjoyable, definitely leave your sandals on at the bottom for the multiple river crossings. <br /> At this time of year Marinanque was still boggy but caused no problem's. However, I would be careful at the Northside not to get stuck in the bog, it looked very deep. We slept at the abandoned puesto 37.7 (No Water).<br /> <br /> Day3<br /> Fast and lovely trail to camp51.6. After then and up the steep grass hill it is CC. I wouldn't rely on the GPX here as it is basically just straight up. The last water source before the hill 52.2 makes a nice rest. Just to clarify once again, there is no water at the first plateau; camp54.5. However, the water at the small lakes on the main plateau did not look awful, just goose poo around.<br /> Up and over the main/last pass is straightforward but the other side is still boggy. The first camp was not good but if you walked up the bog directly on top of it there was a source of clean water. We slept at the second camp; 59.5, which felt the best of all three, there was water, a little muddy but the third camp looked dry. <br /> <br /> Day4. <br /> You can make a small short cut on a wide &quot;road-trail&quot; just before the RR turns off from the main trail towards puesto 61.8 [Nov 2024: included in our suggestions]. Crossing the bottom valley here is still very boggy. The lady at puesto 62.9 was very welcoming, offering food/chocolate/coffee. She had some angry dogs but they behaved well once she called them. The next puesto up from her had the dogs that bit a past GPT hiker. They were indeed the aggressive type but the lady tied the worst one up in order to let us pass. If she hadn't we were going to skirt around on the right into the forest to hopefully avoid them or you could descend back down the hill and go far left.<br /> Like Veronica said there is some water at -38.41178, -70.99125, not tasty but not filtering it had no consequences. At the intersection of RR and J, I met some friendly carabinieros that were going into Argentina to fetch some Chilean horses, they were taking on a good trail. From the water source I just described and towards Maximiliano's puesto I did not enjoy the trail, didn't make much sense and felt I was zig zaging in the valley for no good reason. <br /> Day got better once meeting &quot;Maxi&quot; and his son. Jan, if you are reading this Maximiliano says hi and has only good things to say about you. I told him you were off in the mountains somewhere but hopefully will come back to visit again. He wanted to make sure people were good to us and luckily we told him we only had pleasant encounters. His neighbor down the road (Seguro?) was also extremely friendly. The rest of the way to Laguna Verde was fast, a mixture of old roads and easy trails and a CC bit. The first puesto at Laguna Verde was abandoned and we slept in the grass beside it. It was very windy and the water in the lake was very dirty but luckily we found a small dribble of flowing water near the puesto. In the morning everything was covered in frost and slightly frozen, our first freeze.<br /> <br /> Day5<br /> Our final day was easy, the ridge got a little tedious (but was surprisingly beautiful in parts) and I was very happy it wasn't a hot day because otherwise it would have been very dry and uncomfortable. We managed to avoid all barbed wire fences (even though they could be jumped because 3/4 of the fence is cow panels and just the top two lines are barbed). When you are walking down from the trail from the ridge, instead of turning left and jumping over your first fence we just went straight down towards the main road (aim for this open gate -38.63510, -71.09298), it is on the first dirt road marked on OSM branching from the main road when going into Chile from the border after Liucura [Nov 2024: now included in our suggestions]. There were a couple big dogs at the end but they were locked up. Only 1km of road walking back to Liucura, past a nice looking restaurant, and or you could just start hitching to Lonquimay if desired. <br /> We agree that you could technically resupply in Liucura, it was a very happening border stop with fruit and vegetables, sold out bread and then all the other basics - but no canister fuel obviously. <br /> The bus situation from here is confusing as the shop owners and locals all say different things. What I gathered was that there was a bus going to Lonquimay at ~7, ~12 and ~4pm but I don't think it runs every day. Hitching to Lonquimay looked easy but we hitched to Icalma (more difficult, but we got a car in about 40 minutes or so) even though supposedly there was a bus to Icalma at 730/8/830?pm. Once again I don't think the bus runs everyday or weekends, possibly only Mon- Wed- Friday.<br /> In Icalma that was the case, if going to Lonquimay or Melipeuco there was only a bus Mon,Wed &amp; Friday. Sadly I forget the exact times but I remember the first bus was very early, leaving ~6am and then a bus to lonquimay at 3pm. Icalma had lots of little minimarkets and cheap accomodation, slept in cabana for 20mil/night (10mil each).<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> -If I was to do this trip again I wish I had more time to spend at the puestos.<br /> <br /> -The piñones are falling, also wish I doubled up on fuel in order to cook them. We tried mashed piñones in Icalma and they were delicious!<br /> <br /> -The wasps have replaced horseflies, never got sting but got bit. <br /> <br /> -Many of the trails this time of year were &quot;dirt-dust&quot; but on the bright side most bogs were avoidable. <br /> <br /> -No problems with water, only had to carry extra water on the last day after the final water stop at 87.6. <br /> <br /> -Luckily only had a few bad days of smoke, mainly when we were close to Trapa Trapa. <br /> <br /> - The road walk around Guallalí is annoying and best avoided through our new option.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR starting from the termas de pelehue / Will '''<br /> <br /> I merged onto section 12 at the termas de pelehue, where I was immediately greeted by a group of 20ish condors taking off from a patch of grass in the valley. My pace got even slower, watching them fly low around me.<br /> <br /> I went on to camp at the Banos Coyucos, easily my favorite hot springs so far. Perfect temperature, clean, but still felt natural. There were two groups of Chilean hikers there, all super friendly and generous.<br /> <br /> The next day of walking through the valleys was beautiful and pretty fast. A bit before the big climb I had my first unpleasant encounter, with a group heading down the road by ATV. The leader stopped and asked if I had authorization to hike there, I said that I didn't know that I needed it. He seemed to think that was obviously a lie. He became somewhat friendly once I explained my plans and after discovering that I was foreign. He gave me some direction advice then set off. In hindsight I figure he must have been a landowner. I did see quite a few littered beer cans afterwords, maybe he was trying to prevent that.<br /> <br /> The steep climb was tough, and I ended up camping pretty late up top. In terms of water I only saw a few muddy puddles though I didn't look very hard. There were a few ponds the next morning just over the hill. <br /> <br /> The rest of the section was easier than I expected, and not so interesting to me. I should have carried more water on the final 20km. If you want to skip the barbed wire fences you'd have to take variant R at the end of the ridge walk. I thought I could skip them with variant S but most of them were before the turnoff so I ended up following the regular route the whole way. Thankfully they were solid and pretty easy to climb.<br /> <br /> No luck hitching out of Liucura so I spent the night. There were no buses on Sunday but someone at my hostel gave me a ride to Lonquimay the next day. If you're continuing on then Liucura could work for a basic resupply, but I'm planning on relaxing a bit then skipping ahead. See busesbiobio.cl for the bus schedule out of Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> I'm still one day behind the same set of footprints I've been following all the way since section 7. I guess I'll never catch up.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-15 to 2023-Jan-18 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Termas de Pelehue (junction GPT 11, option 1 and GPT 12) - Liucura / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We connected section 11 and 12 and started at Termas de Pelehue around km 9.<br /> The first day the path was easy to find most of the time and the views were great. The canyon to Laguna Marinanqui is very beautiful. We camped after the last rivercrossing before the Laguna.<br /> <br /> To path around the Laguna involved some bushbashing and muddy ground.<br /> Until the CC ascent the path was good. The ascent itself is pretty tiring. We could not find water at the point indicated by Véronica so we continued until the first small Laguna on the plateau. That was a great spot to camp and the Laguna has clear water.<br /> <br /> The following part is not hard to navigate and continues with spectacular views.<br /> Ascending the next hill at appr. km 67 we followed a good animal path on towards the west of the hill (instead of the CC part of the RR), next to an accesible creek.<br /> Easy trails the rest of the day. We camped at the water waypoint [78.4/1775] between Laguna Escondida and Laguna verde.<br /> <br /> The next part is great and easy until towards the end of the ridge after the last ascent, where the path finding gets harder with some bush bashing parts. On the last kilometers we descended until the main road to avoid climbing barbed wire fences.<br /> The shopowner of the resupply in Liucura offered us to camp in his garden.<br /> The next morning we hitchhiked to Lonquimay. The buses from Lonquimay to Temuco leave at 8 am and 12:30 pm, not sure if there is also a later bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-25 to 2022-Dec-30 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (combined with GPT11 via GPT11-02) / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Junction at km 12.9 where GPT11-02 meets with GPT12 - Baños Coyucos - Laguna Marinanqui - Pehuenche Extortioner valley - Laguna Escondida - Liucura <br /> <br /> Absolutely beautiful section. Really loved the cross-country bits on high plateaus and ridges, amazing views. I did not have any navigation issues. I met no one 4 days in a row. <br /> <br /> I connected GPT11 Option 2 with GPT12, so I missed the Pelehue hot springs. I did find a good creek at the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 15.9 km, not dry like what Veronika and Jo found last year. I really enjoyed the camp at Baños Coyucos in an araucaria forest, and the hot springs there were great too! Perfect temperature, and not as dirty as I thought they might be. <br /> <br /> Lots of boggy cow pastures along RR-TL-V {12} [25.6+07], had trouble finding any sort of trail there. Enjoyed the trail along Río Pulul in the canyon with all the fords. All the river crossings were easy, and I found many lovely potential camp spots on that stretch. <br /> <br /> Just north of Laguna Marinanqui (where you have the option to take 12-C), there is a large marsh to contour like others have mentioned. I managed to cross without getting all muddy by closely following the regular route. <br /> The trail kind of disappears after the junction with 12-E, but following the GPS it's not too hard to reach the base of the big CC climb to the high plateau. This climb is steep, but not dangerous - you climb on grass and dirt (no scree). There was no water at the &quot;Water ?&quot; waypoint, but I found a hidden spring nearby at S 38° 21.247', W 071° 04.140'. There are also shallow lagunas up on the plateau you could get water from. After the passes coming downhill into the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, the three campsites in a row there were quite waterlogged from snowmelt. The trail was a river in a couple places there too. Lots of squishy walking, wouldn't be ideal to camp there right now. <br /> <br /> The next CC stretch after the Extortioner valley is awesome on a rounded ridgetop. There is a nice meadow and good water source shortly before reaching the next pass. From this pass all the way to Maximiliano's puesto is a good horse trail, not cross-country. <br /> <br /> After the &quot;water&quot; waypoint at 87.6 km, after Laguna Verde, there is no more water until Liucura, so I filled up in order to dry camp on the ridge further along. All the subsequent CC stretches until Liucura have paths running along most of them, makes walking easier :) The final ridge walk starting at km 95.3 is fantastic, and there's lots of sheltered areas up there too where you could camp if you have enough water. <br /> <br /> I followed the regular route all the way to Liucura (ended up climbing over 4 different barbed wire fences once I was off the ridge). Hitched into Lonquimay and will be skipping down to Section 16.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-14 to 2022-Feb-15 + 2022-Mar-07 to 2022-Mar-10 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> The first day we continued from GPT11, starting at Termas de Pelehue (where you can camp, though you have to search around for non-sulfury water pushing up through the meadows). We continued along the border with Argentina. Great all-around views, decent trail instead of CC most of the time, no water at S 38° 09.380', W 071° 01.300' &lt;- in agreement with Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> We escaped to Ranquil in the south to resupply, and got back three weeks later, taking the afternoon bus from Lonquimay (mon-wed-fri, bus early the morning and in the afternoon). Slept in the refugio in the valley east of Ranquil. The road between Ranquil and this eastern valley is almost fully MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> Continued RR until the Pehuenche Extortioner valley, but took optionals 12-H and 12-5 to arrive at Pehuenco in time to take the bus Friday morning at 08:00 (also mon-wed-fri) to make sure we made it to our plane in Puerto Montt on Sunday. We skipped Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde with pain in our hearts :(<br /> <br /> We saw the camp site at 12-H and asked around in the roundabout way (&quot;do you know a camp site?&quot;) standing next to it, but no positive answer came. We camped at the pass before Maximiliano's puesto instead, where there is a little water turning into the usual cow meadow. Met Maximiliano there :)<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-21 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH 02 / Romain '''<br /> <br /> Regular Hiking Path :<br /> - There are a lot of Araucaria trees. I managed to save 2 days of food just by harvesting piñones on the floor following the path. I would recommend to not rely on it because it depends on the period, but there was plenty.<br /> <br /> - the path after Laguna Marinanqui wasn't easy to follow because it was like a swamp but once I manage to cross this humid part it was all good<br /> <br /> - Camp on Ford {12} [32.6/1299] (Rio Pulul), great place with lot of space, grass, dry wood, almost no wind when I camped there, I really appreciated this place <br /> <br /> - I did the multiple fords without removing my water shoes because there are close and it worth it<br /> <br /> - Camp {12} [17.0/1794] : I had to stay one day there due to raining conditions. Looking at the places after, it's to my mind the last place to camp before starting going uphill, it would be too windy and too cold to camp farther. During the rainy day the temperature dropped to less than 10° I think, I had to stay in my duvet. And during the night I got ice on my tent, it wasn't extreme but it was good to be well equipped. <br /> <br /> - Option 11-02 and 11-02B to reach back the regular route was the best part I did of my entire trek, with a condor flying 10-15m above me, spectacular landscapes, ... I really recommend it but only in stable good conditions because it was really really windy, and going northbound otherwise 11-02B would be very demanding because of the sand.<br /> <br /> - the hot spring {11-02B} [1.2/2113] and more generally the place with vapors and boiling water at some places and many condors flying around you is very impressive<br /> <br /> - Nobo : Demanding clampering, in good weather only : everything is in the title and the other commentaries well describe it. I hadn't felt really in danger following the track but I was much tense and aware of everything. It's definitely not a good idea to be there not in good conditions. And you need to have time to do it in one time, there is no place adapted to camp until the pass {11} [27.6/2174] and event just after it's still much wind, and at some point the earth/sand soil make you hike very slowly. I thank the people who wants through before me, their tracks were much helpful to see the way and to not slip in the sand. Except these points the place is beautiful and I appreciated it a lot in the continuity of the part before.<br /> <br /> Option 12-02 :<br /> <br /> - 11-05G : the road from Lonquimay start with concrete and become gravel at a certain point, but lot of people use it and without hitchhiking many proposed me to take me<br /> <br /> - transition 11-05G to 12-02 : the road leading to the ferry is really smaller than the main one, I missed it because I wasn't enough attentive to that<br /> <br /> - Ferry : the indicated opening time are : 8:30-17:30 from Monday to Friday, 8:00-10:00/16:00-18:00 on saturday ; I arrived there at 13:30 on the Monday and there was nobody to move it, fishermen told me to wait for a car but they seem to say there should be one until 1 or 2 hours so I crossed the river going up, water reached my hips and I arrived in a farmer property, people were very friendly, but should I do it again I would cross going down (easier to reach + no problem with entering a property)<br /> <br /> - 12-02 continues by crossing the river on a beautiful wood hanging bridge (12-02A continues straight), I appreciated this path with plenty of rabbits, aracauria trees and beautiful landscapes. I slept close to the river in a flat field with apple and peach trees. It seemed people are used to camp there with lot of campfire marks, really windy the day I camp there<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / Molly og Melissa'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section with great views. Definitely don't skip the two high parts unless the weather is bad. We didn't find it to be dangerously steep except for a few metres on the descent before Laguna Marinanqui, which were uncomfortable.<br /> Tábanos were better than expected, it was pretty windy. We also brought a fly swatter. It was very effective for killing those who sticked around during breaks, and gave a lot of satisfaction<br /> <br /> We took the alternative route to the east right out of Liucura due to the notes of other people. Shortly after, we saw a path climbing the mountain, and took that. Big mistake - the path disappeared quickly and left us to climb steeply through dense bamboo. We learned the lesson of staying close to the route, and this payed off. Often, when the route is marked as CC, a path exists that follows the route closely.<br /> On one of the CC sections we met a man with his animals, who wanted to know what we were doing. He said that we needed a permission from someone in Liucura to be there, and that many people came by and disturbed the animals. When we apologized and said we didn't know and that we'd go on to Laguna Verde he didn't pursue the subject and seemed friendly enough.<br /> We ended up camping on the beach by Laguna Escondida.<br /> On the descent from there to the Pehuenche Extortioner valley we passed a puesto not marked on the GPS. It seemed empty, and the gravel road was right next to it. There were some very aggressive dogs that we gave a shock, though, they quickly surrounded us. The owner got them calmed down a bit, but one of them to still took a bite of my sleeping mat on the bottom of my bag while we were calmly talking to the owner. <br /> After the Pehuenche Extortioner valley you climb a pretty tall mountain pass to an amazing high plain. The descent from here is, as others have written, very steep, not too difficult but definitely better down than up. From there you have a very nice easy trail with good views almost all the way to Laguna Marinanqui, but at the river crossing and every time there is a puesto of trail the trail diverges, and you often have to follow the less obvious trail, so it pays off to look at the GPS often.<br /> After Laguna Marinanqui we just kept our wading shoes on for the six river crossings, it worked very well. None of the crossings were difficult in any way.<br /> We camped at the Coyuco hot springs. It's a nice enough camp site with a little bench and table under the Aucaria trees, but not too many big sites for the tent. The hot springs are a little bellow, covered by some planks. They are pretty dirty but a perfect temperature, no views either.<br /> <br /> The last big ascent nearing the Argentine border was amazing and should definitely not be skipped unless the weather is bad! There is a small CC section, but most of the way through the pass there is a nice trail - stick to the route and you will find it! It lasts all the way to the gravel road to Ranquil. There is a boarder post, and a pretty flat grassy area where it would be possible to camp on the Argentinian side of the border, next to a stream. In general, plenty of water all the way to the second hot springs. From there, nothing until you reach the river in the bottom. The hot springs are in an amazing area, and would be a beautiful campsite with great views, bit requires clear and calm water. We didn't see the hot springs ourselves, but we met some Chilean tourists who liked them. <br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Generally, water is plentiful, but with some comments. We started from Liucura on midday on a very hot day, and having read about plentiful water we brought a liter each. However, there was nothing until the first waypoint, which we couldn't reach, so we ended up going down to the river in the eastern valley and camping there.<br /> Furthermore, on the ascent from the Pehuenche Extortioner valley where there are three campsites on a row, the first didn't have water and the second only very little.<br /> On the high plain where it's marked water? there was water, but very still and dirty. Would only drink it if very desperate. Shortly after joining the path after the descent there are very nice streams.<br /> We arrived in Ranquil in the afternoon on a Sunday, and hitched to Lonquimay - very challenging though, with three rides and some walking in between<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-23 / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> After i finished GPT 3 i headed down south to GPT 12 in order to hike the next couple of groups in a northbound direction since it’s more suitable to hike from down here this time of year compared to the more northern sections<br /> <br /> It was love at first sight! I was so thrilled to escape the exposed terrain of the north and come down here to this beautiful part of the country, where you can enjoy the nice shade from the Arucania trees. Got the bus from Lonquimay to Liucura at 14:00 and started my trip on the optional route east of the RR to avoid previously mentioned barbed wire fence.<br /> Later I climbed up to the mountain ridge and followed the RR.<br /> <br /> After my first night I was woken up by the sound of a bunch of cows running around my tent, and a stuck my head out to find a Pehuenche man on a horse wearing a balaclava, looking at me. Was very surprised at first but he was a nice guy who was just curious about me. We took some photos of each other and I got to ride around on his horse.<br /> I general I found water to be plenty, the weather good and the trail in good condition. There are although some very steep sections every now and then where you have to be careful. I was also hit by a hail storm during a mountain pass but luckily it quickly passed.<br /> <br /> At laguna Marinanqui towards the end of the section I met a group of Chileans from Victoria who were out on a weekend fishing trip. We drank a few beers together while catching some salmon in the Laguna and after i joined on the walk back to Ranquil. We took GPT option 1 to skip the nothern hump. And on arrival at Ranquil they gave me a ride back to Lonquimay. Great fun!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 2020-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / Lauric'''<br /> <br /> Took optional #002 east of regular trail to avoid climbing over barbed wire. It is an easy road. Then we climbed up on the ridge with optional #003. Not exactly on the track but we found a trail going up. On the ridge it's amazing with 360 views. Easy walking too. Optional down in the valley would be easier but less rewarding. Continued our way to the pass 1920m (after taking mate at Maximiliano's puesto). At the pass we left the regular trail to end up on a descending road. Easy descent to optional 12-04-#001 and easy walk in the valley. From there we avoided the extortioner and up to the second pass (2120m). The views are amazing. Very steep and CC descent. Wouldn't have liked to go up this part. From the pass to laguna Marinanqui is pretty boring but easy part. Laguna is very beautiful and a great place to camp. North of laguna is ankle deep in cowshit. We got up by the river to the termas. There are 2 pools. Then we headed town to Ranquil to finish the section. Carabineros let us camp on their field. Bus to Lonquimay Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6AM and 5PM in front of the police station.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-24 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR mostly / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At the high lakes I continued on RR-CC-I@12-57.1+7.5, a spectacular traverse but at the end there is a very steep &amp; slow descent on rock, scree &amp; sand. I would consider this descent to be dangerous &amp; best avoided by taking the Pehuenche Extortioner variant. After Maximilian's Puesto I took OH-MR-V@12-03-#001out to the road then into Liucura. At least 2 places to stay there, they both have a restaurant. Also a cafe &amp; 3 shops, you can resupply easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Ending at ranquil carabineros / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Just hiked to The hot spring from the top of section 11. Not much to report. Hot springs were luke warm. There’s some sort of makeshift hut covering them. Nice camp there though. We got a hitch when nearing the carabineros to Lonquimay. Wouldn’t usually count on this though. Definitely middle of nowhere. Apparently the bus comes at 5.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 03 / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Start: Termas de Pelehue, End: Primary road towards Lonquimay<br /> Amazing section. The Termas de Pelehue are gone due to the lack of maintenance. The second hot springs the same, but the fumaroles above are quite impressive! The third hot springs down in the valley are great, there are several pools just below the camp. After the second pass (2'180) we decided not to do the investigation route as it looked pretty uncomfortable to us. The descent after the third pass (1'920) to Maximiliano's puesto was a nice trail, not at all CC. There our longing for a beer was so huge that we took the optional route 12-03-#001 through the beautiful araucaria valley. Believe it or not, shortly before arriving at the primary road there came a bus, taking us to the junction, from where a connecting bus to Lonquimay was leaving, everything within 10 minutes :-) Excellent resupply and accommodation in Lonquimay, funny town.<br /> <br /> * '''15-Jan-2020 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Spectacular section, some of the best scenery we have seen so far! Some of the ascents and descents are quite steep and technical. There is lots of loose rock and no easy track to follow. It was quite windy and all the high passes are dangerous in poor weather. The trail is also overgrown and difficult to follow in some sections. This makes it slower than you might expect, however it is perfectly doable. Good resupply in Licura at the end of the section, as well as nice places to stay (around 20000 pesos for a double). <br /> <br /> * '''9-Jan-2020 / 5 days (GPT11 + GPT12) / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 2 Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 11 and 12. It took us 5 days including one zero because of weather. Patagonia showed us bit of it's potential in these two sections. <br /> All walked trails were in good condition and CC sections pretty easy to navigate. In the sadle of section 11, because of strong wind, poor visibility and fresh snow and ice we were forced to take optional to the valley. There is a big snowfield, I don't recomend sliding on it all the way. It the lower parts there were big holes into the stream. <br /> From Ranquil we took optional #002 because we didn't want to climb back up. Uphill is more a minor road, downhill nice trail. <br /> After a laguna we took a optional to the Pass 2180 and road around the Pehuenche Extortioner. We needed to get down from elevation ASAP bacause of wind. We passed puesto early in the morning and no one was around. After rainy day everything above 2000m was white. We took trail to pass 1920m which was just with bit of fresh snow and then took minor road #001 down to valley. So I have no idea about the rest of the trail.<br /> Edit: adding a picture from the last sadle 1920m, we did after &quot;rainy&quot; day.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR from Liucura without the northern slope, so we went directly to Ranquil from S38°12.723' W71°05.208'/ Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 11days on the trail, of which we spend 1.5 in the tent due to bad weather. The route is free except for one fort, but there is a workaround. Also we had a couple of navigation problems, which cost us several hours. See recent alerts and suggestions.<br /> <br /> We liked: The quickly chang landscape and its huge variety, beautiful cinematic views, funny animals, that water was always available, bathing in the rivers, beautifully blooming plants.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The problems we encountered due to navigation mistakes, the hailstorm on the mountain ridge, beercans that people drop on the paths.<br /> <br /> We bluntly hated: The amount of horse flies. In the northern part we were not able to make one step without having at least five buzzing arround our faces. This army of blood suckers was sent by a source of pure evil to annoy hikers.<br /> <br /> The following is a chronological accumulation of all our observations made in the last 11 days. Note for navigation difficulties that we walked northbound.<br /> <br /> - The most southern CC part direclty north of Liucura is now bordered by fences. You have to follow the path and then go left through a gate. The gate on the western fence is some 80m further south than you would expect. It was locked and we had to carefully (barbed wire) climb over it. It might be a lot easier to take the optional route in the east to get up the ridge.<br /> <br /> -We were unable to find and follow the path at S38°24.881' W71°00.281' down to the valley. We endet up on a path a little further south. However, this path starts to lead further and further south, so that at some point we startet to ge back to the original path through the woods, which did cost several hours.<br /> <br /> - Getting up the mountain at S38°24.450 W71°01.871' we startet ca 300m further north than indicated by the CC route due to fences and rivercrossing opportunities in the valley. (We thought CC means come up with your own route anyway.) At ca 1720m of altitude, still 300m north of the indicated route we found a good looking path leading up the mountain and followed it. At its end we assumed it would not be a bad idea to continue from here on in north west direction up the mountain. We now know it was a very bad idea. We ended up in a very uncomfortable and seriously dangerous climbing situation in which we really did not want to be. So our advice: stick to the route here!<br /> <br /> - The Ford-125 (S38°20.908 W71°09.294') looks impassable right now. You can avoid it by using an improvised bridge about 120m further west.<br /> <br /> - At roughly S38°17.091' W71°01.354' the path broke away into a very steep descent. It is passable, but also slippery and includes a certain risk of which you should be aware.<br /> <br /> - The daily bus out of Ranquil does not stop at the busstation because it is too large to reverse there. You have to walk down the street ca. 2km to where a bridge crosses the river. The bus reverses here and does not go up further up the road. Right now it stops there at 6 in the morning.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> 2023- 2023-Dec / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn<br /> <br /> Accomodation : in Troyo there are some cabanas, just ask in the little shops <br /> <br /> - Resupply : big supermarket in Lonquemay / at the end of section 12, 30km down the road there is a village ' Troyo' where there a few small shops where you can find resupply<br /> <br /> ------------------<br /> Ranquil - no shop but there are families who sold us sopaipillas<br /> <br /> Lonquimay - Supermercado Espinoza next to the bus stop has most things. A little shop on the left hand shortly after the bus terminal when walking from the bus terminal towards the center has gas. The shop has different air mattresses, clothes and some outdoorsy things in the windows. There's also a ferretería that might have. Several accommodation options. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Ferry Option 02: no service on weekends (March 2024), no timetable at the ferry port<br /> <br /> *To Liucura<br /> Updated Jan 2022:<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Liucura (goes all the way to Icalma) Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:30am (+ 15:55?), 5 hours of travel. Leaves Liucura at the bus terminal next to COPEC at 12.<br /> Also busses from Lonquimay to Liucura Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15 and Tuesday+Thursday at 14<br /> <br /> Bus from Temuco to Lonquimay every day - Monday-Saturday 15:55, Sunday 17:30<br /> There may even be busses from Santiago to Lonquimay<br /> <br /> *Ranquil<br /> Updated 2022, Jan<br /> Bus from Ranquil to Lonquimay (on Mon, Wed and Fri at 7:30am from the village<br /> <br /> Bus from Lonquimay to Ranquil Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15:00 - bus terminal next to COPEC<br /> Buses to Troyo leave every day and can drop you off at the crossing to Ranquil, about 30-40 km, but hitching might still be difficult from here<br /> <br /> *If skipping section 13-15:<br /> We went from Pucón to Temuco, but it seems to be the long way around. It might be worth it to ask around in Pucón whether there is a rural bus to Curacautin, and from there to Lonquimay, as that seems way faster on the map - alternatively it could be possible hitching this route.<br /> <br /> *Lonquimay<br /> <br /> March 2024:<br /> Lonquimay to Icalma Mo, We, Fr at 12:00 and 19:30. Bus company Erbuc, 3200 Peso. 2h ride.<br /> <br /> Update 2022, Feb<br /> <br /> Bus from Santiago - Terminal Sur to Lonquimay leaving at 21:40 and arriving around 8:00<br /> <br /> Company : Jet Sur<br /> <br /> $26.000 for semi-cama<br /> <br /> Commentaries : really comfortable, nice and professional people, USB-plugs, I took it on Sunday night, it was the only one on Sunday, I don't know if there are some on the other days<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT12 - Río Rahue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664133.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Araucarias on GPT12]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664142.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664125.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664136.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664138.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT11_(Cerro_Dedos)&diff=122451 2025-08-09T22:45:32Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> == Connecting to Section 12 ==<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 11 to 12.jpg|450px|right|Connections between GPT11 and GPT12]]<br /> <br /> November 2024 [Tomáš]: There are a number of different ways to connect Sections 11 and 12. The regular route is proven and works. Will alone and Tomáš and Natalie together found independently of each other almost identical traverse, that they liked [it is included in their suggestions in the 2024 Track files]. it is pure CC and the terain is not the easiest, but they think it is quite doable. There is one route option which appears to be unexplored, GPT11-04 (and possibly 11-03). Please edit this text on both sections 11 and 12 if you have any updates.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - GPT11 Option 5 (Lonquimay): The area around Cerro Dedos is demanding. Hikers that feel uncomfortable when scrambling should therefore consider Option 5.<br /> <br /> - Regular Route and updated GPT11 Option 1 (Ladera Oeste Cerro Dedos): As the map above indicates (Thanks Tomas!), none of these routes is easy walking. Based on feedbacks from hikers I removed particular difficult options and several investigation suggestions that turned out unfeasible. So some of the descriptions from other hikers from past seasons are not conclusive when using the 2025 GPT Track Files as reference.<br /> <br /> - GPT11 Option 1D (Ladera Oeste Cerro Dedos): This new investigation suggestion is based on animal tracks that are visible on satellite images. It would be worthwhile if an experienced hikers investigates this route in good weather.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *'''2025-04-7 to 2025-04-10 / 3.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / 02, 04, 02B, 01C, 01, RR, 06, 06B, 04B, 06, RR / Peggy<br /> <br /> Day 1: continuation of section 12 via the Cerros Dedos. To reach the Baños de Pelehue, I went through 02, 04, and 02B. Beautiful! The views are incredible, especially on the Argentinian side. Cerros Dedos is easy to hike. I left my pack at the pass km5.4 and picked it up again to descend to the baños. That evening, I got caught off guard by the time change. My phone had automatically switched to the new time (one hour earlier), and I only realized it when night started to fall around 6:30 pm instead of 7:30 pm…<br /> That night, I experimented with using dried cow dung for the fire. I managed to get hot water, but I still need to improve… I found the hot spring basin in the night, searching for hot water for my hot water bottle (even though the dung fire works, it’s quite slow and doesn’t warm like a wood fire, at least the way I did it for a first try). I found boiling water for my hot water bottle, but the water in the basin is much too lukewarm for me to bathe in at this time of year.<br /> <br /> Day 2: even though I had decided to continue via the RR, my steps led me onto the 01 (starting with C and D). I had studied the map, it seems, the night before, but luckily I didn’t understand it because in the end it went well. At one point, around the trailhead? Km3.5, I had some doubt—there’s a short, slippery, semi-scrambling section. I didn’t feel comfortable and was afraid it would be like that the whole time. I first thought about turning back and descending via the 01, but rereading reports on the wiki, I found the one from Mathias from Austria, who (I think) is the only one to mention this part, and it gave me the confidence to keep going, slowly. The weather was good and it was still early.<br /> In the end, I passed just above the small section that had bothered me (even though I had already done it both ways!). The rest is doable, sometimes physically demanding, but I didn’t encounter the difficulties I had expected. There’s a whole section that climbs up through a stream bed that goes well. The last part on the ridge isn’t hard if you like ridges. Slept at km25.1, a bit up high, sheltered by trees from wind and river humidity.<br /> <br /> Day 3: I made a mistake and didn’t cross at the ford km18. I only realized later, and crossed where it seemed possible. There’s a path on that side of the river that is fairly easy to follow, but since I didn’t follow it all the way, I’m not sure if it’s reliable.<br /> Wanting to rejoin the 06, I followed what Manon, Robin, and Thomas did and bushwhacked via CC from the ford at km15.7. At a certain point (38.014041S, 071.138786W), I joined a trail that led me to the 06. I camped here (-37.978400, -71.141083), an old dilapidated puesto, lovely little river, beautiful spot (seen in the report by Manon, Robin, and Thomas).<br /> <br /> Day 4: my initial plan was to link sections 11 and 10 by reaching Volcán Copahue via the ridges following the same route as Manon, Robin, and Thomas using the new itineraries proposed by Tomáš and Natalie (06 and 03), but rain (and thus snow) was forecast for the next day, so I didn’t want to risk being up there.<br /> My second plan was to go up via 06B along the ridges and descend via 04A toward Laguna el Barco and then down to Guallali to wait out the bad weather. So I started with 06B, which is a beautiful climb, manageable in the morning and at your own pace.<br /> However, the first part of the ridge is quite challenging: physically demanding and exposed. I loved it but it was quite exhausting. I felt that after more than 3 months of hiking, my legs were strong enough to lift my body and big pack, but I also felt the fatigue from those 3 months and from the 10 days without coming down. In short, I loved it, but it’s the hardest thing I’ve done on this trail this season.<br /> Stay on the ridge to avoid, like I did, having to climb back up the steep, unstable slope full of thorny plants! I posted some photos from the other side on FB to give a preview. Awesome for climbers, others: skip it!<br /> So, at the end of this section, I revised my plans: considering my fatigue, the time it took to climb (2.5 hours I think?), the planned descent via EXP-I (04A), the season (night and cold come earlier), and the bad weather expected the next day, I chose to change my route and not do that option. A bit regretfully, but knowing it was the only wise choice.<br /> But clearly, I want to come back and do the whole ridge loop. Another season maybe, with a bit more vitality. This place is very attractive. And also to do Copahue, which I skipped due to weather. Definitely a place to return to. Thank you Tomáš and Natalie for these options! And Jan siempre!<br /> So eventually, I wanted to go through part of 04A and 04C on the ridges before descending via 06 (and pass by the place I had slept after eliminating 04 because I still thought I had time to reach the hot springs at km6.6!), but my body’s fatigue decided otherwise.<br /> I descended via 04B, easy, you quickly find a trail. Then the descent via 06 in TL and BB, which I found sometimes a bit difficult or at least not easy, occasionally losing the trail and fighting with bamboo. The part before the river crossing is a bit tricky because it’s steep and often overgrown. Especially if, like me, you’re foolish enough to want to go fast!<br /> On the descent via 06, you pass by the puesto of Jimena and Javier, a lovely young couple. Watch out for the dog guarding the goats! They offered me bread and coffee, and a thermos of hot water to take with me. Perfect, as it was already late.<br /> I couldn’t reach the hot springs or Guallali, but I found a good campsite, hidden from the road and sheltered from the wind. Too late to make a fire (I don’t have gas) but I had a thermos of hot water and some bread. Thank you Jimena and Javier. Thank you, Life!<br /> <br /> Day 5: arrival in Guallali at Romina’s place. The updated price for the 2024–2025 season is 40k for 3 meals and a night with hot water and access to a washing machine. If you arrive in the evening and leave early in the morning, it will be less because there won’t be lunch included.<br /> Wonderful family. A big heartwarming connection with Romina and her bond with animals. A great opportunity for me to come back to this family and hike the ridges again.<br /> <br /> At this time of year, there are lots of piñones on the ground. I cook them on the fire in water in two rounds. Normally, they require several hours to cook (at this time of year because they’re already hard). So I experimented and found that two rounds of cooking works. I cook on the fire in the evening and in the morning if I make a fire in the morning, or on two consecutive evenings. The shell should open, at least on most of them. Each time 30–40 min or more after it starts boiling.<br /> A technique shared by an arriero to make them cook faster (a Mapuche technique I was told): roast them a bit before putting them into boiling water. I haven’t noticed a difference yet, but I don’t have enough experience.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-04 to 2025-03-05 / 2 days / hiking / NOBO / RR / Chloe and Mathieu <br /> <br /> After section 12, we went straight for the GPT without going to Ranquil.<br /> <br /> Day 1: we climbed the pass[27.6/1974] and for that we stayed in the bed river all along of the CC part. A bit long but not difficult when you stick to this route. We went down to the Camp {11} [20.6/1317].<br /> <br /> Day 2: we went straight to Guallalli and slept at Rominàs house. Took the bus next day to Los Àngeles at 5:30PM.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-18 / 1 day / Hiking / NOBO / RR from Banos Pelehue, Natalie&amp;Tomas option 6 to connect GPT10 on the border ridge / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> After sandy and borring GPT12 south part, we were looking for path to avoid valley floor minor road &amp; puestos and we found just in time Natalie&amp;Tomas report and tracks about the new border ridge option to connect sections 10 and 11 (thanks!). We followed the route NOBO until Ford 15.7 where we cut CC to join ascending MR at about -38.012762, -71.141337. We followed MR and good TL to easily reach abandonned puesto at -37.978400, -71.141083 where we spent night (very good camp spot : peasible, water pool, beautiful araucarias with pinones supply). <br /> Next morning we climbed the ridge dividing the valley in into two following Natalie&amp;Tomas tracks to the north (&gt; GPT 10 logs). <br /> <br /> *'''2025-01-31 to 2025-02-02 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Easy MR to 14 km. Here I have met 3 arrieros. Rivers easy for me (1.64 km). Camp at 21.6 km<br /> <br /> Day2: Till pass at 27.6 trail easy. Only a little BB between 16 and 17 km. Descending of 3.3 km tricky. And the beginnig there is no snow. Then I chose combination of snow and river. Water cold and strong wind. Camp at 29km at a little moody place.<br /> <br /> Day3: Continued descending river. Still cold. After joining trail at 30.8 really easy. I talked to carabineros, but there was no obligación to registratión. I followed Ana’s house in Ranquil at km 14.3 of variant F. I talked to her. Now she has proteínas and gas. Finally, one family took me to their house in Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-Jan-26 to 2025-Jan-28 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Janboro '''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 09, 10 and 11 and took 6,5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Stunning views on the ascent to and the pass itself.<br /> <br /> Challenges: Physically exhausting and dangerous descent on steep, loose terrain. Clambering in and around the river end the gorge on the descent.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> Started in the evening at the shop in Guallalí and camped at the Hot Springs at [6.6/991].<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Took a warm bath in the hot spring. There was still a little bit left of the cow manure mentioned in previous logs, but I just washed myself right afterwards in the river. The hot spring had a perfect hot bath temperature.<br /> <br /> Met lots of cow herds with calves and overprotective fathers: massive bulls that clearly signal you their willingness to defend their kin if you get too close. Walking detours to keep distance as described in the manual worked well.<br /> <br /> Camped close to [21.2/1349].<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> Continued the ascent. It got pretty steep but the ways were good. The CC part uphill is also easy to walk. The views on the pass are breathtaking. Took a long food and coffee break there.<br /> <br /> As expected after doing my research here and in the manual, I found the first couple of hundred meters of the CC descent after the pass quite challenging. It was still safe to slide down the snow field for the first hundred meters or so, but doing it this time of the year or later, choose your route and your exit point wisely. I took a snow bridge I could see from atop and hints for possible other snow bridges (water entering the snow field from the side) into consideration and only slid down the first hundred meters or so. From there on downwards, the gorge was full of snow which was unsafe to walk or slide, so I had to walk on the steep scree around it. This is the kind of terrain where you’ll want to check your hiking poles and shoelaces before. It’s still safe to walk down, but only if you choose your route carefully and walk with full focus. As soon as the snow was gone I continued my descent in the gorge right next to the river, which was easy. Then a long way clambering around the river and crossing it countless times. Again very exhausting and partly dangerous.<br /> <br /> Once the CC part is over the path follows a an horse track that’s comfortable to walk. The last 6 km or so are a MR with almost no inclination.<br /> <br /> Arrived at the carabineros around sunset. Ricardo, the police chief, offered me to camp on their property and to use their kitchen. Had a very nice conversation over dinner with him.<br /> <br /> The next morning I took the bus to Lonquimay, which came over an hour later that the carabineros had told me (7 instead of 5:45).<br /> <br /> * '''2025-JAN-10 to 2025-JAN-11 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Alex '''<br /> The designated camp {11} [26.1/1957] has a swamp nearby with significant mosquito activity. I camped about 70 meters higher at S38° 05.114' W71° 05.379', which provided better conditions.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-25 &gt; 26 / 1 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Sentier dans le torrent<br /> <br /> Le Rio Chaviquin n'est pas tres large mais il est assez profond. En fin de journée le debit etait élevé et l'eau trouble, difficile de voir le fond.<br /> Le sentier n'est pas toujours facile a suivre mais le terrain est degagé.<br /> La premiere partie de la descente etait facile car couverte de neige. Impossible si neige glacée. Par contre après il faut suivre le torrent comme on peut. C'est dangereux surtout si grosse fonte ou pluie.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-24 to 2024-DEC-25 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> This is a short section featuring river crossings, Araucaria forests, and stunning views as you ascend to the pass. From Guallalí to the ford [14.3/1100], follow the MR instead of the TL as indicated in the track files. The hot springs [6.6/991] are in the middle of a pasture and unfortunately were full of cow manure, so there was no Christmas bath. The ford at [10.6/1059] could be crossed with dry feet. The ford at [24.3/1688] could also be bypassed a few meters upstream by jumping from stone to stone, again keeping feet dry. Other fords were crossed in the usual manner.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the highest point of this section was steep but comfortable. We spent the night on the left bank of a creek at Camp [26.1/1967] under the final elevation to the pass. It's a beautiful spot with a great view.<br /> <br /> On the second day, we climbed into the pass [27.6/1974]. The southern side still had significant snow, but the slope was not too steep, and the surface was smooth, allowing for a safe slide down 420 vertical meters to where the snow ended.<br /> <br /> The next part followed a riverbed bordered by steep slopes. For a while, we hopped back and forth between the banks before deciding to wade through the stream. We rejoined the TL, which transitioned into MR near approximately (-38.1333167, -71.0920333), even though it’s still marked as TL in the track files.<br /> <br /> From the police station [38.8/1194], we continued along OH-05F. We tried hitchhiking, but the first car was heading in the opposite direction. The family in the car was on their way to a Christmas barbecue. The driver, who owns a small shop in Ranquil, showed incredible trust by giving us the keys to his house so we could wait there until he returned. So we decided to walk the 13 km along MR.<br /> <br /> Once we arrived, Maximiliano and his wife Ana welcomed us warmly. They provided us with a shower, a bed, laundry service, and cooked us dinner and breakfast. They also allowed us to restock our supplies at their shop, which they try to keep stocked with items suitable for hikers. The shop is located here: (-38.2499555, -71.2323042). <br /> <br /> The next day, they drove us back to the police station [38.8/1194], where we continued at GPT12. For all these services for two hungry hikers, they charged 35,000 CLP.<br /> <br /> Maximiliano and Ana have hosted several GPT hikers before and are making an effort to support the hiking community in this remote area. Their kindness and hospitality were truly remarkable! Ana's phone number: +56984926867<br /> <br /> *'''2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-15 / 2 days / Hiking NOBO / RR + variant C / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Pass 27.6km - snow from 1,700m to the pass on the south side. North side just has a few patches. Following RR worked for us.<br /> <br /> Ford 18km - crossed around 6pm was waist deep (1.61m tall) and strong but manageable.<br /> <br /> We accidentally took variant C - we were pleased about this as the RR looked very boggy. Bridge? 11-C 0.3 doesn't seem to exist though.<br /> <br /> From about 14km to 0km is dirt road, a bit boring but also very fast.<br /> <br /> Water everywhere.<br /> <br /> In Guallali we stayed at Shop 11 0.1 - 30k pp for a bed, lunch, dinner and breakfast. They also sell a few basics; pastas, ramen, tuna, cookies, toilet paper. <br /> <br /> * '''24-12-13 - 24-12-14/ 2 days/ SOBO / RR/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> From the valley of the cows to the canyon of the lezards <br /> I started a Guallali a 7 a.m. for the long MR (indicated as TL) walk into the valley of the cows - they were everywhere. Met 6 arrieros at different places. All indicated water reliable, fords no major problem. Camped some 500 m before the last indicated spot before the pass, great view there. <br /> Day 2: started at 7 p.m. and arrived at 9 at the pass. By then, the snow on the southern side had just begun to become a bit softer on the surface. An hour earlier you need crampons to get down, now I could move very quick.<br /> The second part of the CC section is not difficult if you stay in the river bed. I crossed the river like ten times, when I saw a path (also on OSM) on the left. I tried to get there, but this was a mistake. Just 20 meters, but very steep rubble. It was at that moment, when I probably looked very silly trying to get up this slope, when 2 gpt hikers passed by. I got back down to them, after a short gpt-small-talk they continued NOBO and I SOBO, now staying in the river bed. Arrived at Ranquil at 2. p.m. I had combined sections 08-11 and really ran out of food after the deplorable resupply situation in Trapa Trapa and Guallali. But nobody at the police station in Ranquil and an arriero told me, that buses go only on mondays, wednesdays and fridays. But that in 30 min an animal transporter will arrive. So it was, only that the driver’s cabin was full and the mochilero had to join the cows. 1,5 hours later the cattle and I arrived in Lonquimay.<br /> <br /> * '''6Dec2024 - 9dec2024 / hiking SOBO / RR / 3 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful landscapes all along the way up and down. <br /> <br /> Ford at 15 : went few meters upstream, not upper than knee. <br /> Ford at 18 : cross at the exact point where RR arrive. Water until mid thighs (I'm 1,57) Not strong current even in afternoon. <br /> <br /> Navigation : path is less clear between 16-17 with vegetation a bit overgrown. Same between 22-23.<br /> <br /> Snow : going up to the pass 27 was absolutely not a problem, some patches of snow at the end but easy to cross. <br /> I didn't know at this time if I could go to the over side of the pass and I was prepared to maybe backtrack since it snowed few days before. But arriving there, saw that it could be manageable passing upper to the track on the left side, where the snow is way more thin and you can see ground between patches of snow. Still was a bit steep to traverse like this and I think it could be harder in the opposite way (physically and navigation to avoid dangerous places). <br /> Careful when joining the river down, the snow melt because of the water so sometimes there is only a thin layer that could break if crossing there + difficult to see when arriving from up. <br /> Descending the river after the pass was harder for me. Lots of river crossing, easy at the begining but more and more demanding as the current went harder. Careful when going up because it could lead to really steep face to go down to the river, better stay in the riverbed most of the time. At the end, any crossing was upper than the knee except last one that was mid thigs but I think it's possible to do better. <br /> Then you go back to the trail and it's really easy. <br /> <br /> Water : a lot. <br /> <br /> Camp : 6.6 (the hotspring seems more used by cows by than humans but still a good place to camp). 21.6 nice. <br /> 32 : at the point hot spring. Easy to find from RR, multiple paths. <br /> Hot spring 32 : should be around 40° degrees, just perfect for the used hiking feet.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-17 // 1 day // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After the baños of oelehue, it was a bit like a mess for me aha, I just switched from RR, to option 1, 3 and finally reach the pass with the option 2. That was pure CC, on a volcanic plateau and I just follow my instinct more than a GPX file, than I reached horse track from option 2 and continude on it until joining the RR. <br /> <br /> On the descent you just find again a animal track that looks so easy to follow after all this CC. You go easily Ans smoothly down, following the valley and finally found a jeep path for the last 15km. <br /> <br /> Then you hit the road until arriving to the tiny tiny guallalli. I knew it's gonna be tricky to ressuply there, but I kind of gambled and needed some food from this place. <br /> <br /> There 5 houses so it's not hard to have the information. I enter in like a private property parrallele to the escuela. There, I met Pedro, that escorted me to the &quot;mini-tiny-micro shop&quot;, just a door ahead. <br /> <br /> When I passed there, he had biscuits, chips, lot of sodas, pasta, tomato sauce, tuna, and most important : Dulce de leche !<br /> <br /> I was quite happy about that ! I continued my way a bit further and found a place to camp in the bush. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-24 to 2024-03-26 / 2 days? / NOBO / RR, Options 02, 04, 02B, 01 / Fangwen + Tobi'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11 (~8 days, relaxed). See section 12 for tips on cooking pinones<br /> <br /> Worth the short detour up to Cerro Dados. A flock (?) of condors make their home on the rock spires, amazing to see them flying up close.<br /> <br /> Initially, we intended on taking the gully scramble route (option 01), but quickly realized this would be a lot slower. We took the CC way (option 01 as well?) down instead, which was very steep and inconsistently rocky/loose, making slow progress. We conclude that probably the RR would be the fastest of all, despite the extra elevation loss.<br /> <br /> There's a great swimming hole around KM25 (?) as the stream turns into a gorge below the burnt down forest.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-11 to 2024-Mar-13 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR A 01 01B 01C 01D 02 (only the ridge part southeast of pass 11-04 5.4km) 02B 04/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfields, plenty of (unmarked) water, however at X26.8km last water for a while (not far in distance but time consuming terrain). No Tabanos, all fordings very easy.<br /> <br /> Hot Spring 6.6km. Some cowshit next to it and shallow water, but still nice almost hot water and with the cold river next to it to clean and bath. Campside is full of shit, I put my tent in the sand right next to the firepit, there is also a table!<br /> Camp 25.1 and 26.1 very windy and hardly any protection. At 25.1 I followed the stream up a bit until its only bushes on both sides. Shortly before there is a big bush with a one tent flat spot next to it almost directly at the stream. I cleaned this spot from the shit, it is a bit protected but was still very windy.<br /> <br /> RR route around Puesto 10km seems not accurate anymore. The road goes between RR and A and then turns to and follows A.<br /> <br /> Around -38.01624,-71.15993 dont follow the road, check GPS for RR along the river. After ford 14.3 it can get quite swampy for a few hundred meters.<br /> <br /> Beginning of section is a lot of boring walk on very dusty road.<br /> I loved 01, that CC was demanding and time consuming navigation in steep terrain, but a lot of fun. Most of RR was easy hiking in the sections before, so this was welcome difference. The clambering on the ridge is short and not hard (difficult level UIAA 1) but lots of lose rocks, so need to be careful. Some clambering in gullys, it often looked harder from above as it then actually was. Still you need to be really careful and it's going slowly. Very strong and cold winds. First water NOBO at -38,10299,-71.07628. It rained the night before, so I waited until noon, giving wind and sun time to dry the area, as I would only recommend 01 in good weather conditions! <br /> <br /> There is no hotspring at 11-01C 1.7km. The spring is at 11-02B 1.2km. It is warm and with an amazing view, but quite shallow and muddy, still nice to sit in. A small narrow stream of clean cold water nearby but no pool.<br /> I camped next to the spring, there is a stonewalled campside, but no other protection. Next day I went up to Cerro Dedos and hiked the ridge to the southeast. Well worth it, but the winds were very strong and cold. Shortly before the peak of Dedos it is easy walking, the last few meters is light climbing. There are 2 peaks, the higher one is a bit harder and very exposed on top, the lower one is easier and has plenty of flat space and a stoneguy on it. Coming from the east first you will see only the higher peak, but you can easily hike around it.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 19 to Feb 26 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / Opt 5A, Opt 5B, Opt 5, detour to Laguna Blanca / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 9, 10, and 11 together.<br /> <br /> TLDR : with easy navigation, a well maintained trail, and impressive views, Opt 5 is both a relaxing and impressive route. Comunidad Chenqenco has a good store for resupply. Fundo Guindo charges people to pass through if they are around, but they may not be. Laguna Blanca is apparently a private lake, and while it is possible to camp there, there are complications.<br /> <br /> Day 0 - Feb 18<br /> <br /> We arrived in Comunidad Chenqueco around 19:30. There was one hospedaje in Chenqueco, but it was full. I talked to Luis who runs a small shop next to the big shop and he said there was camping about 2 km on down by the river. We headed down towards the driving bridge. Just before it there was a fence and a gate that was dummy locked. We went through the gate and found a spot a little ways in. There was no river access, and that specific river is not a good quality for drinking or filtering in any case, but there was a small stream cutting across the path that had clear water.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Feb 19<br /> <br /> We stayed in the same place we camped the night before and walked up to the shop in town to resupply. It was a well stocked store with quite a few options and easy for us to do a good resupply there. Prices were very reasonable. They had instant coffee (Gold, our favorite!), pasta, instant noodles (only in the cups), powdered sauces/cremas and bouillon cubes, crackers, cookies, eggs, canned fish and canned paté, powdered milk, 8 flavors of Zuko, a few types of packaged cheeses, queso crema, peanuts (no other nuts and no raisins though), and even apples, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. They did not have camping gas but they said sometimes they do have it in stock. We also chatted with them about the toma at Fundó Guindo across the river. The owner, Juan, said there was no issue to pass, we would just need to pay at the gate.<br /> We went back to camp to repack the food. Later two people came by. It turned out that we were camping on private property and the woman was the granddaughter of the owner. We talked to them for a bit and she said that it was okay if we stayed and just asked that we be careful to take all our trash and not start a fire. I asked who could someone in the future go to in order to request permission and she said her father, Jose Luis Benítez. He lives in a house at (-38.06389, -71.35347). If you are walking the main road toward the driving bridge there is a road that goes off to the right down to the school, a large building at the end of that street and easy to spot. Start down that street and his house is the first gate on the left hand side. They also told us that if you keep going across the river on the driving bridge and then go right over the hill and down a path, you can get to a public access beach with a good pozo for swimming in the other river (-38.06677, -71.34947). That may also have been the place Luis was thinking of when he told me about the camping 2 km on.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Feb 20th<br /> <br /> We left early and took Opt 5B to connect with Opt 5A down to a new looking metal footbridge. (This is a better option as staying on 5A requires jumping a barbed wire fence but 5B goes around it). We followed the most used looking path. The whole path was a dirt road, but in good condition and half shaded in the forest. We passed through Fundo Guindo (I think, there were never any signs). We did not see anyone the whole time, only a few cows. Most of the puestos along the way were padlocked shut on the outside or falling down. We arrived at an intersection with a sign for Lonquimay going up the hill. We never came to a gate. I think the gate is actually back on Opt 5 about 240 m before 5A connects into it based on other reports and a gate icon on Gaia. It was almost entirely silent the whole way up to the pass. We didn't see anyone until the bridge over the embalsa.<br /> <br /> Once we got past the bridge, the road had barbed wire fencing on both sides nearly the entire way. It was very challenging to find camping. We found one spot with water and another without, but we wanted to make some distance so we kept going. It started to get dark and we ended up climbing under the fence of Fundo Lolco just after the sign, going across a small field and camping on the far side just out of sight of the road. There was a creek running below.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Feb 21st<br /> <br /> We packed up and got back on the road just before sunrise. Where the road crossed the estero it was fenced on both sides, but the lower side was secured with just two pieces of barbed wire twisted around each other. We undid the wire and sat by the water to have coffee and filter water, then closed the fence on the way out. The entire road runs through Fundo Lolco until you reach RN Nalcas. We saw only two spots where one could reasonably camp along the way without trespassing. Both were right on the side of the road, but the road seems to get very little use. <br /> <br /> When we got to the reserva the guardaparque told us that the reserva was closed as a preventative measure due to the first fires. We told him we had read online that it had reopened and that we had been walking for days to reach the reserva and he finally said it was okay for us to go, just not to have any fires. We did not have to pay and he did not register us. We camped a little ways past the guardaparque residence.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Feb 22nd<br /> <br /> The trail was easy to follow and well maintained. The first few km have a barbed wire fence running along one side of the path with takes away from the beauty a bit, but it ends eventually. The forest was amazing and we had the luck to have an almost completely overcast day, so a slow walk through everything was very pleasant. It was a bit difficult to find camping as much of the trail is on a slope and there is a 4 km section with no water. We camped at (-38.28562, -71.56485). Water was 300 m back down the trail just after the gate.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Feb 23rd<br /> <br /> We woke up to an absolutely beautiful view of sunrise hitting a cloudless Volcan Tolhuaca in the morning, and to our tent frozen stiff in the night. It was our first frost of the season. We found the trail up easy to follow and not particularly demanding. There were several springs cutting across the path so water was not an issue. We had a consistent view of Volcan Tolhuaca for the first few hours with Volcan Callaqui rising up behind us just before the turn, then Volcan Lonquimay after the turn. The entire route is very scenic and beautiful. It was a cloudless, windless day, but there was a slight cool in the air, so very comfortable hiking weather.<br /> <br /> We took a detour down towards Laguna Blanca. The views on the way down are absolutely spectacular, especially in the afternoon. It looks like something out of a fantasy movie or an illustration of the dinosaur era. The forest on the way there is also beautiful.<br /> This is where the problems started. Since this is a longer story and not actually on the GPT route, I'll put the full account at the end of the report for those interested, but the short version is that a very irritable and inhospitable Swiss German woman named Beatrice claims ownership of the entire lake and surrounding area, and if you are not entering via the “normal way” as she referred to it, meaning through her lodge, she gets very, very, very angry. <br /> <br /> Day 6 - Feb 23rd<br /> <br /> We spent the morning talking with the guardaparque at Laguna Blanca and exploring the park, then headed back to a spot we had scouted the day before (-38.35580, -71.61209). It was an amazing camping spot at the bottom of the road down from Volcan Lonquimay inside a ring of oak trees. There was a small stream about 40 m up the hill that had good clean water. It was very peaceful with views of the whole valley and probably one of our favorite campsites so far.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - Feb 24th<br /> <br /> We took a rest day in the same spot. It was very quiet most of the day. We observed some small burrowing mammal, a ground hog or gopher, digging holes. In the afternoon a car drove past on the way to Laguna Verde and returned about 2 hours later, and towards sunset a group of dirt bikers passed through. Other than that we were alone and it was very relaxing.<br /> <br /> Day 8 - Feb 25th<br /> <br /> We got an early start going around the volcano. In a few places we went cross country. It shaved off some distance, but the volcanic rock was challenging to walk on so I think there wasn't much of a time savings. We walked out of the reserva after closing time so we did not have any interactions with CONAF on that end. There was one hostal on the way down the hill, 10.000 pp with a kitchen. It is above a ski gear shop shortly after leaving the reserva. We hitched a ride with a very nice Mapuche couple all the way to Lonquimay. If walking, there was camping around (-38.44185, -71.51361) next to the river. The road up had some beautiful views and I was glad to have seen it, but also grateful to not have to walk it as it was very dusty. There were several people selling tortillas, sopaipillas and cooked piñones along the way. In Lonquimay we stayed at Hostal Rusitko Lonquimay a half block from the square, 35.000 for a private room with private bathroom and hot water. The owner, Hector, was very friendly and helpful. If looking for something cheaper there was another Hostería Follil Pewenche next to the AhorraMás grocery store, 10.000 pp for a bed in a dorm, shared bathroom. <br /> <br /> After resupplying we continued to section 12<br /> <br /> Laguna Blanca detailed account: We walked down the road to the lake. There is no water starting from (-38.35578, -71.61120) on. We arrived at a locked gate with walking passages on either side and 4 signs on 1 wooden board. The uppermost is a wood sign that says “Area Silvestre Protegía” and looks like something in a park. The second is a fairly lengthy laminated paper sign in good condition that says it is private property and there is access with paid ticket, and to go 500 m on to meet their personnel for more information and to pay if you didn't already in the lodge, along with icons for swimming, fishing, canoeing, etc. Below that was another laminated paper sign that was badly water stained and looked old saying “Advertencia Propiedad privada con vigilancia continual No entrar! Solamente autorizados”, and finally a third laminated sign indicating no cars and no motorcycles. We took this to mean, I think understandably, that people can enter, but it is paid. The human sized gaps on either side of the gate looked like they were designed to let hikers through while preventing the cars and motorcycles that were prohibited as per the sign. We walked to reception, passing along the way a few hand painted wood signs for native animals and one with the elements. At the reception area there was a large carved wooden sign with the trails to three beaches and a CONAF insignia at the bottom. There were a few smaller signs, one saying Laguna Blanca Zona Protegía and claiming UNESCO status (it is not), another showing the horario (something not shown at the entrance a half km back), another saying to announce your arrival and departure with the guardaparque, another warning to disinfect fishing gear due to didymo, and another pointing to a cabin indicating reception. There was also a badly water stained paper sign saying no fishing, no hunting and no collecting fruit. The cabin had a window and a sign for a kiosco and there was also an unnecessary wooden sign near the cabin indicating again kiosco. There was also a bathroom with men's and women's signs attached to the respective doors. (There is a reason for the exhaustive detail I am providing here). We called out buenas tardes and a boy, probably around 12 years old came to the window. We asked him about camping and he asked about a ticket. We said we wanted to buy a ticket and he said if we didn't have one that we had entered illegally. We were confused about this, but assumed it was just a misunderstanding on his part. We explained that we came from the gate and were looking for a camping spot and asked how much. He said it was 8.000 pp, but he couldn't take money. No one else was around because his parents had gone to get food. On the door to the cabin was a sign in Spanish, English and German saying if no one was there, they were working elsewhere on the property and to go to one of the beaches and they would find you later. We told him our names and which countries we were from. He told us which beach was best for camping and we told him we would come back in the morning to pay and register, because at this point it was around 20:30. He said okay and we headed to the beach. The trail down was nearly a kilometer even though it could have been less than half that. We set up the tent and started dinner. At the beach there was a sign saying catch and release fishing. About an hour later the guardaparque canning running down to the beach shouting that we were on private property and we had entered illegally. He was very worked up, but we explained our situation and he calmed down. He had a walkie talkie with him that kept interrupting with two other people on the other end. We managed to explain where we were coming from and that Matias had mentioned the place on Facebook and suddenly he lit up, saying oh, yes Matias, you were referred by Matias. The Chilena woman also remembered him, and apparently he was fondly remembered. That changed the dynamic with the guardaparque entirely. Then another woman, speaking Spanish but with a German accent, came over the radio. She made it very clear that she did not care at all who referred us or why we were there, we were on her private property, illegally, and she was very, very angry about it. This went back and forth a bit, the guardaparque sort of trying to help, the radio not working well. Eventually he and I went up to reception (another kilometer back up the hill) to register us. She was on the radio and I actually talked to her directly in English. I explained that we were walking two weeks from Antuco, we had read a nice review from another member of our hiking group, and that we didn't understand that we needed to register at the lodge. She was very disinterested in anything other than the fact that we were on her private property (despite the fact that it is clearly a business) and should not be. She said she didn't want to discuss where we were coming from or how we got into her land over the radio. She also said a number of things that made no sense. First she said that they close the gate at 19:00 “which is quite normal here”. We left the next day and at 16:00 the gate was still closed and locked, because of course it was, there are pedestrian passes on both sides, and the gate is there for cars, ATVs and motorcycles. She said there was a number posted to call to make a reservation for the next day, but that was not true, there were no phone numbers on any of the signs. Furthermore, the guardaparque gave me a flier for the lodge which did have numbers (but you'd have to enter illegally to get it) that clearly stated on the bottom that there was very poor cell signal at the lake. In the end she said we had two choices, pay the entrance fee, which we were going to pay anyway, and a multa of 3.000 pp for “illegal entry” (they were all very fond of that specific wording), or leave immediately (at this point it was 22:00, and as previously mentioned the was no water for several kilometers). I said we would pay, really what choice did we have, and gave the radio back to Carlos, the guardaparque. He was very nice, said it was his fault, he's normally always there and just left for awhile because they were out of food. We talked to him and his partner more the next day. He explained that the fees were 5.000 pp for entry to the lake and another 5.000 pp for camping if you first registered at the lodge. For anyone who doesn't register at the lodge first, regardless of the time they enter, it constitutes “illegal entry” and there is a 3.000 pp multa. Keep in mind that the sign at the front gate says “welcome” “access with ticket” and “you can pay the guardaparque 500 m on if you didn't pay in the lodge”. There is absolutely no mention at the gate of the prices, the hours of entry, how far away the lodge is (it is 7 km further down the highway), or that a multa is issued for “illegal entry”. The whole situation was incredibly frustrating and it's our first truly unpleasant interaction here in Chile. It is also a very suspicious situation. On the OSM map on the GPS the lake is within the reserva, though on Gaia it is outside the reserva. She has a CONAF marked trail sign with her property, but she's claiming it's private, and a sign claiming UNESCO status, which it simply isn't. Bottom line, if you go, be prepared to walk an additional 14 km round trip to register the “normal way”, or to pay a 3.000 pp fine and be yelled at by Beatrice for “illegal entry”. But also maybe just don't go. It's really not that nice and there are better places to camp in the reserva.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-14 to 2024-Feb-15 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-13.7]<br /> <br /> Water at all Water and Ford Waypoints I passed today. But at km 3.1 it's not much more than a trickle. The hotspring at km 6.6 is a little dirty and has some cow poo around. But still worth a little bath. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [13.7-32.9]<br /> <br /> Water at all Water and Ford Waypoints I passed today. There is still some snow on the southern side of the Pass (km 27.6), but you can walk around it on the eastern side on a step gravel slope. Be carfull walking down. There are a lot of lose bolders. I didn't take the trail out of the gulch at km 31.1 as Hannes suggested. Its possible to continue in the gulch but I had to get rid of my hiking poles at one point to use both my hands to climb down a mini waterfall. The Hotspring at km 32.0 was pretty dirty and rather warm than hot. I did not went to Ranquil and continued directly with section 12 at km 32.9.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-12 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Section 12 on RR - Guallali / RR + Option 4 until the pass / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We directly went on this section after section 12. The way up to the pass in the river wasn't easy and took us more time than we thought. There was only one time were we had to go out of the river to find another way as Hannes as already explained.<br /> <br /> Once, the pass was behind us, all was easy and we really enjoyed Hot Spring, Camp {11} [6.6/991] (Poorly Maintained). It was clean, maybe recently digged and nice after a dusty day on the trail.<br /> <br /> We also ended this section with a light resupply in Guayali and a perfect almuerzo before going on section 10 in Shop {11} [0.1/951] (Mini Shop).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-16 to 2024-Jan-18 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Nothing worth to mention, which has not already been mentioned before…except the gulch after the pass. At around -38.110511, -71.087826 it gets pretty straight, with fast water flow and river gets deeper and you are not able to figure out what comes after the next 50m because you do not see…I went out there from the river bed and took a trail on the left side (with some BB for the first 20m), you will see this trail…at around -38.111291, -71.087135 I entered the gulch again. Choose yourself.<br /> Afterwards I went out to Ranquil and then to Maximilianos and Anna’s minishop at -38.24995, -71.23238. They let me sleep there. So nice people! Convinced Max to sell Gas in his shop, so should be available soon there.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-13/22 / 7 + 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR (sections 12 &amp; 11) / Coline'''<br /> <br /> I hiked GPT12 and 11 in a raw, so to reach the Pelehue hotsprings instead of going to Troyo for resupplying. This ten-days trail was really a great experience ! Sometimes terrifying, but not dangerous – as said in another post.<br /> <br /> My &quot;goal&quot; was to reach each hotspring marked on the map (4). My favourite was the one at the end (near Guallalí), because I meet a chilian family on vacacion there and they had dig the spring large enough for them six !<br /> The baños Coyucos &quot;moved&quot; : there are just below the Camp {12} [20.4/1625], where one's finds a bench, a table and a place for firecamps. <br /> The termas Pelehue definitly disappeared, but the view there is very scenic.<br /> The Hot Spring {11} [32.0/1428] are a bit dirty, sibce ciws like to lie in them, but one's can easily &quot;clean&quot; them a bit and enjoy a warm bath : I choosed the uppermost, and therefore warmer (Yes, there are two).<br /> <br /> The sections 11 &amp; 12 were beautiful to me because of the passes... and difficult for the same reason. First Pass {12} [68.0+0.2/1909] was actually Ok, because the way (northbound) goes slowly up. <br /> The second Pass {12} [57.4/2180] was more difficult, due to the mud, and particularly on the way down for me, since I lost the trail and found myself stuck in a forest of small trees. <br /> <br /> The real DIFFICULTY for me was the last Pass {11} [27.6/2174]. After nine days, my body and mind were really tired. I forgot the advice of previous walkers and tried to go up through the forest (because of the sun exposure in the valley). I lost an hour and had to go down to the river. Moreover, the last 100m, with the snow and rocks, were doable, but the idea of sliding really scarred me.<br /> <br /> Something else scarred me at the beginning of my journey (and it shouln'd have...) : it was the attitud of some &quot;caballeros&quot; towards me, a solo female hiker. Most of the &quot;caballeros&quot; are nice and will help you, but some can be really insisting. (I had to yell at a man asking me for five minutes if I wanted a compagnon for the night... It was 3 a.m. and he had wake me up with his light and dog). But he was not threatening, &quot;just&quot; asking over and over.<br /> <br /> Actually Laguna Verde and Laguna Escondida (where I met those insisting men) are still nice memories to me ! By the way, I recommend the beach on the south side of Laguna Escondida ; the north one is skinny, inhabited by mosquitos and very &quot;escondida&quot; (hidden) in the bushes.<br /> <br /> What else ?<br /> I avoid the Pehuenche Extortioner taking CC road, and it went all good.<br /> There is a bridge some 120m west of the Ford {12} [45.4/1039],... whereas there is no more bridge at Bridge ? {11-C} [0.3/1109], but it seems very easier to cross the Estero Quillaylemu there, rather than on the RR.<br /> The river crossing is Ok, and there is plenty of water all along the way.<br /> As for the resupplying, I don't know about Troyo, but the only shop in Guallalí is very small (no bottle of gas or tobacco for sure). The woman who manages it is very nice though : she indicated me that a bus (with more food) would pass at 8 p.m, she invited me to charge my bateries at her place, let me have a nap, while she prepared me a delicious dish ! I had nice time with the younger kid, and even spend the night there at the end.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-06 to 2024-Jan-07 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {11-C} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Dirt road walking from RR km0 to &quot;Bridge? {11-C} [0.3/1109].<br /> <br /> Lot of nice water flowing across the road.<br /> <br /> Hot spring,camp RR[6.6/991] : i didn't go to check the hot spring, i saw it from high at road, there are lot of cows surrounded and standing in the spring, look like they are enjoying it. And a beautiful grassland is good for camping just beside it. A dirt road just before water[6.8/1035] will lead you to there.<br /> <br /> RR Km11.7 : beautiful view begin!<br /> <br /> If you follow the dirt road walking, it will lead you to Bridge? {11-C} [0.3/1109]. <br /> <br /> Bridge? {11-C} [0.3/1109] : no more bridge here, cross the stream just above ankle. After you cross it, CC back to RR.<br /> <br /> Ford RR [18.0/1199] : Crossing of Río Chaviquin, when you arrive the river, upstream 5m and look at the riverbed underwater, a rock bar there, about 45° downstream to the other side. Water is above half of thighs at noon, luckily flowing not fast and not strong.<br /> <br /> After the crossing, sometimes the trail easily mix with cow paths.<br /> <br /> Water, gate[19.9,136] : locked. Not a friendly gate, not easy climbing.<br /> <br /> Km22 : go into a wildfire dead trees area, for now the trail conditions still ok, but after some years they all fall down, i think it'll be difficult to follow between blowdowns.<br /> <br /> Km23.2 - km23.8 : blowdowns area, RR become difficult to follow, look like some reroute here.<br /> <br /> Ford[24.3/1688] : flowing fast and above half of calf at late afternoon. Flat spot can fit 1 tent after the crossing, surrounded by forest.<br /> <br /> Camp[25.1/1846] , Camp[26.1/1957] : both are beautiful camping spots, but no wind protection, also very wet as now, lot of tiny streams flowing nearby.<br /> <br /> X[26.8/2036] : if you don't look at the GPS, it is a &quot;must&quot; miss junction.<br /> <br /> Pass[27.6/2174] : no need to step on any snow at north side. Still covered by lot of snow at south until km28.6(1850m). You can sit down then slide down, but some rocks appear at 2060m, better control the sliding direction otherwise your butt will cut off. I keep skiing down(with my trail runner) until almost the end of snow. You can walk on some stable ground start at km28.4(1910m). I think this part is difficult for NOBO if in heavy snow conditions. <br /> <br /> Mostly there are no trail, all walk by your own way in the valley. Maybe you'll find some nice trail like the one at km29.15, but all of them will disappear in 5min.<br /> <br /> You will cross the same river 21 times until you met a beautiful trail at km30.8. All the crossing is easy, mostly just calf, all under knee.<br /> <br /> Except km30.15, it is a small waterfall, valley become narrow, no shore for go around or stepping on, I don't know the way to go down. So i turn back to km30.1, follow the trail shown in OSM, climb up on the east side of valley. But when i going down back to the valley, look like a short part of the trail is landslide away, it becomes very steep to go down, be careful.<br /> <br /> km30.8 : trail, easy walk start.<br /> <br /> Km31.3 : locked gate with wire fence, you can go around it at right side.<br /> <br /> Hot spring? [32.0/1428] : nice spot! 2m x 2m pool with good temperature water(about 50°c), although it's not deep also grey colour, but it surprised me, just like a reward after so many cold feet crossing! Some flat spots nearby. I met a friendly family here too!<br /> <br /> Ford[33.2/1403] : crossing of Rio Ranquil, looks like up to thighs and flowing strong. Log crossing at upstream 40m, but not easy. I saw some footprints for locals crossing it, so i crossed here. After the crossing about 100m is a big fire ring and a camping spot can fit 1 tent under a tree. 80m more is a roundabout for dirt road, you can camping here if need, because the dirt road is damaged so no cars coming.<br /> <br /> And then dirt road walking all the way down. Maybe possible for hitching out on weekend if you are lucky, i saw some people driving to here for picnic when i was walking down the road on Sunday.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-23/ 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR / Lukas en Tess'''<br /> <br /> Section 11 went fairly smooth. We followed the advice of the wiki to avoid option 1. RR was perfect, coming through some awesome forrest on the way up, we found wild cilantro and some other stuff. We camped just across the ford on K24,3 for the pools. The pools are good, but I think the next campspot on the map at K25,1 is definitely the most beautiful on the route. With awesome waterfalls not too far to venture into. The pass was no problem, lots of snow on the other side but never to steep. We sat down and went for one of our fastest decends jet :p <br /> Then the pickle began, we needed to restock for section 12, but the busses are only monday, wednesday, and Fridays. And not on public holidays like monday the 25th of dec!!! We tried hitchhiking, but there was no one passing except horses. <br /> In the end, we found a new minishop on the way to Troyo {11-5f} 14.3 k from the end of GPT11. The owners just moved here from Santiago. Maximilian and Anna are probably the nicest people we have met on the trail so far. The shop has everything you need to resupply except gas (maybe in the future). They took us in and we ended up staying with them for 2 days and celibrating Christmas together with some of their friends. It was great!<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 15 / 1 day / hiking / SOBO / option 05 + 05F + hitchhike / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Reading all the stories and in combination with the upcoming bad weather made me skip the pass and decide to go to Troyo or even Lonquimay and rejoin GPT 12 later. Beautiful walk through the valley tho! Really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> First rivercrossing after 1.5km, water was pretty strong and for me (194cm) reached my waist even before I was halfway. So decided to turn back and look for a better spot. About 150m downstream the water splits in 2 streams. Much easier, didn't came any higher than my knees. So easy to cross here.<br /> <br /> About 200m before GPT11-05A End there was a gate and a man sitting in front of it. His wife joined immediately. My western interpretation of their verbal and non-verbal communication was they were grumpy and annoyed. But I could understand probably less than 5% of the words they said. I tried to smile and wave, thank them and say how beautiful the area was but it made no impression at all. After taking pictures of my driver license and paying 10k CLP they let me through and continue (and I knew this would happen because it's written here before). <br /> <br /> Got a ride to Lonquimay after joining the main road to Troyo (11-05F) by the first vehicle that passed by. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dex-02 to 2023-Dec-04 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Jens'''<br /> <br /> We combined the two stages 12 and 11. The hot springs after about 7 kilometres gave our weary bones a little rest.<br /> <br /> I had tried the ascent to the pass along the left-hand side. I followed a trail for a few kilometres, but at some point it ended in bush bashing. The better route is probably through and along the river. <br /> <br /> As there was still a lot of snow at the beginning of December, crossing the pass was not easy. The last 100 metres in altitude were particularly steep. I can imagine that the melting of the snow could lead to avalanches in the coming weeks. <br /> <br /> On the other side, I had no further problems. There was still some snow, but I could either avoid it or walk right over it. <br /> <br /> Water: Many options<br /> <br /> Camping: Many options from two kilometres before and after the pass.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-3 to 2023-Dec-5 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option 5F + option 5 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> We started section 11 and turned around just before the pass because there was too much snow for us and we felt it was dangerous. So we then took the option road to go to Troyo ( rest day) then to Guallali.<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present<br /> <br /> - Snow : lots of snow on pass, from km 29,14 to km 27,57.<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find, the natural hot spring matked on the map is present and it's easy to camp next to it<br /> <br /> - River crossing : on RR, following the river is easy from km 30,8 to km 29,12, stay in the river bed. It's not worth it to get out of the river and try to found a way around it. We did it and regretted it. | Rio Chaquilvin on option 5 was easy to cross. (The cable car is locked) <br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> <br /> - Option roads : option 5F | (1) gravel road, for us on a Sunday, we didn't encounter a car for the first 12 km then got lucky and got a ride to Troyo - we also got an easy hitch from Toro to Puente qcontraco. Option 5 | (2) easy track. From km 7,15 ( fundo los Guindos) to km 1,2 you are in Mapuche territory. At km 7,15 , two guys with some big knifes hanging on their belt asked us to stop. They were a bit cold and not really welcoming. They explained to us that they were retaking their land and therefore needed to register everyone who was entering.They took a picture of our passport and let us go after saying that we should go to the house at km 2,45 so someone there could help us cross the river ( Rio Chaquilvin) where there is a cable car. Once we arrived to the house, a woman ( really not nice) blackmailed us in order to give her money because we were on her land. When we asked how much for the fee she just said &quot; what do you got ? &quot;. So then we negotiated a little bit but quickly gave her some money ( 7000 pesos), but she was asking more.... There was a big dog behind her and we were feeling really uncomfortable and just wanted to get out of the situation. She didn't help us cross the river and just said &quot; if you die it's your responsibility '. <br /> <br /> - Warning : Mapuche land - read section ' option roads' | A lot of snow at the pass on RR.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-05 to 2023-Mar-05 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Continued directly from GPT12 so we started at the end of RR-TL-V {11} [31.3+1.5] . We followed the RR for the whole section. <br /> <br /> On day 1, for RR-CC-A {11} [27.6+3.3], you have to stay in the river stream for the whole duration. You will find plenty of water because you walk in it, and nice pools and little cascade if you want to take a bath. Leaving the stream for higher up is not a good choice : every time we tried it was a mistake. We camped at Camp {11} [26.1/1957]. It was not protected and the night was very windy... Not our best choice.<br /> <br /> On day 2, we continued until Guallali following the RR. The trail around Km15 transforms in a MR that leads you to the village without even checking the GPS. <br /> There, we found the minishop that had limited resupply options (we bought lentils, cookies, snacks and cola). We checked in with the carabineros that were friendly and sayed we could camp wherever was wind protected. We opted for the football field which is a nice flat and grassy place.<br /> <br /> Not much to say about this section, we found the end on the dirt road relatively dull but the beginning in the mountain is awesome <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-11 to 2023-Feb-12 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (option 01+ off route) / Natalie&amp;Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Combined GPT 10(01)+11+12<br /> Day1<br /> Slept in Guallalí in the growth as others have described, but still asked the shop owner first for permission. Carabineros were nice and told us we did not need to check in although the sign says &quot;obligatory check&quot;. Pedro at the mini shop is also kind and willing to help hikers although there is only a handful of items in his shop: bought some sweets. Pedro also told me that option05 to lLnquimay would require you to pay 10mil to the locals. We took RR. At this time of the year the road is the &quot;dirt-dust type&quot; but still fast until Estero Quillaylemu (14km) which makes for a nice rest. Tomáš checked out the hotsprings at 6.6. There is a table and a pool of nicely hot muddy water directly next to a river. Better camping site than in Guallali. After the Estero Quillaylemu, the track gets harder to follow, but becomes beautiful after the ford and bend towards the pass. Lost the trail a couple of times, but found lots of wild quinoa. Camped at 25.1 behind a boulder by the river to cut the wind, camp at 26.1 looked nicer.<br /> <br /> For the pass we followed the ridge for as long as we could (option 01) and it was fun and straightforward. Luckily, although the winds were strong that day the ridge was almost windless. Made our way down similar to Will. Got off the ridge here; -38.10270, -71.07250 (later than indicated by the GPX), headed to a small dry gully next to and below the &quot;greyish&quot; dirt here; -38.10359, -71.07282, you had to use your edges as the ground was hard&quot;grit&quot;. Entered a small creek bed here;-38.10604, -71.07538 and followed it (some water) until it turned into a scramble. At that point we climbed back up to our left (East), moved south until we went down and up our final gully, just underneath 01B. This last gully was easy as Tomáš found a soft spot, somewhere around here;-38.11039, -71.07474. After this point it was easy to connect to the main route [2024: The track is in our suggestions]. Just the section up to here from the ridge is problematic - maybe two km. Probably fastest would be to go down the regular route and take the first option left, which is probably a trail and only means about 300 m of additional climbing. The route as mapped by the GPX files (option01; second half of the traverse) looks quite steep and exposed and does not save much elevation. It might or might not be possible but to us from below it does not look worth it.<br /> <br /> Lastly there are water sources on the other side of the ridge (SW, the hard side) before the hotsprings if needed.<br /> <br /> Continued onto Section 12 towards Banos Coyucos for the night.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-27 to 2023-Jan-28 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> We camped near the ford on the 18th kilometre (just about 20 metres upstream is a great place to take a bath in). The next day we made it all the way to the end; however, it was an ordeal. The view from the pass was jaw-dropping and parts of the path leading up to it were shaded by beautiful trees, but we feel like the horrible descent (we were doing the regular route) made it not worth it for us. Despite the fact that we were lucky enough to have the best conditions for the descent (only some snowpatches at the top, sunny weather), the terrain felt ankle-spraining. The wobbly stones kept sliding down and it required a lot of focus. We went down through the canyon and after the point where you need to go above it when it becomes too narrow we went down the wrong way and I fell down clutching at straws (literally) not to fall down. So it might be better to go through the river..? To be optimistic, the last part of the path was beautiful again. We hitched a ride and stayed with a really nice family that took us to Lonquimay the next day. It's a nice bigger town with a lot of possibilities to resupply. There are really buses only Mo-We-Fri from Ranquil. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-17 to 2023-Jan-18 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 to the Termas del Pelehue / Will '''<br /> <br /> I took the bus to Guallali, which took me past the Carabineros and directly into town where I set up in the standard grove. A bit after dark two carabineros showed up at my tent. Intimidating at first, they were very friendly after I explained my plans. They just said that next time I should make sure to stop and report to them on my way by.<br /> <br /> The section starts out with a not very interesting road walk, but suddenly became super beautiful 15ish km in. I camped at 25.1, a somewhat sheltered spot by a stream, where the wind rattling my tent made it hard to sleep. A few arrieros came by during the evening. The 26.1 campsite looked similar.<br /> <br /> The horse flies reappeared as I got up closer to the pass. Had flashbacks of sections 7 and 8, trying to determine whether each stab was a horse fly or a burr or a paranoid hallucination. My theory is that they've migrated up to the higher altitudes, now that it's later in the season.<br /> <br /> I took option 1 (diverging a decent amount) to join up with section 12 at the termas de pelehue. It was tough and slow going, taking around 3 hours, but I really enjoyed it. I planned my route to avoid horizontal slope traversals so I never really felt in danger of a serious fall. I did still slip a few times, cutting up my hand a bit.<br /> <br /> I started out with the ridge walk from the pass. Would have been great walking if not for the absurd winds, I spent most of it slightly to the south below the ridge. The slope was pretty gradual there and not slippery. I then went down past the two grass patches following the route on openstreetmap. I descended to the south all the way down to around 1875m, along a stream around 50m to the east of the openstreetmap route. It was easy rock walking at first, but turned into some tricky hands on scrambling as the stream got bigger.<br /> <br /> I wouldn't recommend it if the flow rate is high. Then I climbed back up to the final stretch of the main option route. The climb was steep at first but with enough vegetation and solid rock in the slope to get up. Everything after that was easy, more or less.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-14 to 2023-Jan-16 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> From Guallalí there’s a gravel road for first few kms, easy walking. We didn’t check the hot springs in a hot day, but someone mentioned it is fine. All the fords were easy. We camped around km 21 in a little forrest. The ascent to the pass is pretty gradual and we enjoyed it really. Based on previous comments we chose to stick to the RR which turned out to be a good decision. There was still quite a lot of snow and the terrain is more technical, but it just requires focus. We walked on the right edge of the snowfield and slided down in some parts. When we reached the river we didn’t walk at all on the snow but rather on river banks or even in the river itself. Closer to the junction we once or twice followed the alternative dotted line that is marked in our maps - it just goes higher up from the canyon and back. After the junction we continued to GPT12.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 to 2023-Jan-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Guallalí - Termas de Pelehue (junction GPT 11, option 1 and GPT 12) / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> In Guallalí we camped at the same spot as Veronica after arriving around 20:30.<br /> The first day there is a lot of walking on dirt roads and good paths, so the km went by quickly. We camped at the ford waypoint [24.3/1688], where the way passes a small creek. It has some natural pools, which are amazing to take a bath.<br /> <br /> The next day after arriving on the plateau there is a CC part, so keep an eye on your navigation device. When we reached the pass we accidently went the wrong way and ended up taking option 1 to decrease the detour. Bad idea! Better don't take option 1. There is almost no path, its very steep, a lot of scrambling and there was one very stupidly dangerous descent across some gravel/rock part. It took us around 3,5 hours to cross option 1. We would definetly not do it again. We directly continued to section 12.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-25 to 2022-Dec-30 / 5.5 days (GPT11 + GPT12) / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH 2 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Guallalí - Junction to Section 11, Option 2 - Ridge Las Monjas - Junction with GPT12, RR-CC-A {12} [12.9+3.5]<br /> <br /> Ralco is a good resupply town, the smaller supermarket had camping gas. Took the bus back to Guallalí at 5 p.m. for 1,000 clp, arrived around 8:30 p.m. I camped in the same araucaria grove as the night before (via the wooden gate next to the escuela). Good and clear path in a pleasant valley, river fords easy. Found some ripe berries/brambles along the trail that were delicious. <br /> <br /> I decided to opt for Option 2 that goes east of Cerro Dedos. I was worried about the likelihood of snow on the steep south side of the pass (2174 m) on the regular route. I didn't need to stop in Ranquil, so figured it was best to stay high on the mountain and take either Option 1 or Option 2 to connect with GTP12. After reading the comments from other hikers, I knew I didn't want to take Option 1. A scree traverse on a south-facing slope didn't sound appealing, especially if you factor in lingering snowbanks this year. So I thought Option 2 would be best. A detailed description of my experience along that route is posted under &quot;Optional Routes&quot; (&quot;its directly under this post - modified by Joscha97&quot;) . The gist of it is - it was very technical, not much solid footing, lots of exposed scrambling. In a couple spots I genuinely feared for my life. Would not do it again. Please stay safe if going that route, and I would definitely not attempt it NOBO!<br /> <br /> Took 1.5 days to meet up with GPT12 at km 12.9<br /> <br /> OH 2:<br /> The trail is good and easy to follow in the initial valley once it splits from the RR. There was no puesto at the second &quot;puesto&quot; waypoint, just remnants of old fences and corrals. Good place to camp, sheltered from the wind. The start of the CC section is an annoying but thankfully short bushwhack to the treeline. Afterwards it's straight up to the top of the ridge, grass turning to scree/rocks higher up. Steep, but quite doable. <br /> Once at the top of the ridge, this is where my troubles started. The ridge is not nice and rounded, but very narrow and jagged, with vertical, rock outcrops/spires blocking the way frequently. You have to go around most of these obstacles (impossible to climb over), and this is the most dangerous part. To go around you need to descend back onto the nearly vertical scree slope, traverse around the rockface, then climb back up to the ridge. All on the most slippery scree/gravel I've ever experienced. It was all extremely precarious. Climbing back up around the very first obstacle, the scree was so loose I was on my hands and knees scrambling upward, trying to climb faster than the rocks falling under my body. One of the most frightening situations of my life honestly, I felt like I could have gone down with the rocks like an avalanche. After miraculously getting back up on the ridge, I couldn't stop shaking and was almost in tears. Couldn't believe what I'd gotten myself into honestly. And then came more scrambling and clambering. Poles were useless, I was using my hands the whole time. I can't stress enough how loose and unreliable most of the rocks were. Very, very difficult. Would not attempt this northbound, ever. And thank goodness the weather was good and calm too. The views were spectacular, out of this world, but not worth risking my life for, and I wouldn't ever do that section again. Don't know if Option 1 would have been better. At least snow wasn't an issue with Option 2. If I had to do it again I would stick to the regular route, go down to Ranquil and climb back up GPT12 via the RR. <br /> Anyway, south of S 38° 06.903', W 071° 02.205', the ridge becomes less steep and more rounded, easy to walk on. You reach the pass {11-04} [5.4/2385], and make a sharp left to go along the Argentina border. Go across a few easy snowfields. Amazing views of snow-capped volcanoes all around. Condors swooping near my head. Felt like I was the only human on earth. Still lots of snow on Cerro Dedos. Once GPT11-02 meets with GPT12, you pick up a faint path and navigation is easier.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-25 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Romain '''<br /> <br /> - If you cook on campfire or on wood burning stove you have better stay discrete because everything burnt some years ago and the landscapes are still marked.<br /> <br /> - There are a lot of Araucaria trees. You can easily save food just by harvesting piñones on the floor following the path. I would recommend to not rely on it because it depends on the period, but there was plenty.<br /> <br /> - Camp {11} [22.6/1461] : I loved this place. It was very comfortable with grass on the soil, almost flat, protected from the wind even if there is some in the valley, discrete, and I spent much time looking at the stars thanks to a good and warm (or at least not cold as it was the previous days) weather. To get water you have to walk 3 minutes following the point on the GPS which is precise<br /> <br /> - Ford {11} [18.0/1199] : I had good time there, the weather was very good, the place is calm and good to rest, water is still cold but there is enough to wash if you want to<br /> <br /> - From GPT-11C Start to Guallali it's now a Minor Road so it's very easy to follow and you meet a lot cars going in both directions, they just waved me.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-13 to 2022-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 11-01 (ABCDE) from the pass to Termas Pelehue on GPT12 / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> The MR out of Guallalí continues until about km 12 on RR-TL-V (another trail that's been jeep-tracked recently) where it veers off to the north. We found out two kilometers too late, but got back to optional route 11-C by CCing through some araucaria forest. This turned out to be a happy little accident, as, this way, we saw a family collecting things from the ground, which turned out to be piñones. Here is where we learned that the ripe cones are &quot;café&quot;, and that the piñones just fall down when the cone is hit with a stick or a rock. It's basically nature's piñata (no etymological relation though!). Before getting back to the track, we found some low-hanging ripe cones, which sprinkled more piñones than we wished to carry. Got a nice free meal out of those we did pick up :)<br /> <br /> Camped in one of the many camp sites deeper in the mountains.<br /> <br /> The next day, we decided to skip the descent to Ranquil after the pass, instead taking the optional route 11-01 (ABCDE). 11-01 stays above 2000m on the slopes of the peaks to get to Termas de Pelehue on GPT12. We had food for three more days and the weather was excellent.<br /> <br /> We regretted this decision. 11-01 is CC without a clear path. Initially you're walking diagonally on a 45° incline of scree and sand, which is technical and requires constant concentration to find the scree-free spots. Later on, you're going from lower-incline slope to slope with little high-incline &quot;gulleys&quot; in between (as usual on a mountain flank). At some point, we did not see how to cross such a gulley at the spot suggested by the track files. We decided to descend to the point where the gulley seemed to have a passable incline, to ascend back on the next slope. This turned out to be a mistake, as the slope became more inclined before the gulley became passable. In the end, we did a lot of clambering, I got some fresh cuts from sliding down high-incline scree, and we narrowly avoided some scary looking cliff edges at the low end of our slope. This was the most dangerous situation we got in so far, and we were not really prepared to handle it well.<br /> <br /> I'm not blaming the track files: it was clear that it was high-altitude CC, and there was a waypoint warning of &quot;demanding clambering&quot; (though it should not be limited to &quot;nobo&quot;). Maybe going up the problematic slope instead of down would have been the better decision. Just be aware of the challenges this optional route brings. Definitely not doable in bad weather (you would just slide down to your death in some spots).<br /> Note that OSM shows a trail a little to the west (a little lower on the slopes) of 11-01, which connects at the beginning and end. We think we saw this path at some points during our traverse. This may be the easier route to follow instead of sticking to the CC points (which was the superior strategy on all other CC sections so far ;)<br /> There's a water spring at S 38° 06.178', W 071° 04.579'.<br /> <br /> Anyway, we were happy to reach the Termas de Pelehue. Sub-par hot spring, but great scenery all around. You can camp there, we went for a small spot protected on most sides by mountain slopes: S 38° 07.407', W 071° 03.775'. There are some non-sulfur water springs as well as a warm river to wash up in the surroundings.<br /> <br /> We continued on GPT12 for one day, getting back to Ranquil via the southern optional route 12-01. This way, we could catch the bus to Lonquimay the morning after (left at 07:55, there's a second one at ~17:00 Mo-We-Fr). Camped opposite the carabineros (on their suggestion) a bit behind the bus stop, close to the river.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-17 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> We arrived in Ranquil with the bus at 17, and walked about two hours to the hot springs where we camped. They are not very deep, but you can probably lie in them comfortably. Nicely warm. <br /> The ascent towards the pass next to Cerro Moncol follows the riverbed, and as previously noted, it's necessary to cross it multiple times. We were able to cross without getting our feet wet every time, though. The terrain before the pass is difficult, but after it immediately gets easier and the trail is easy to find. We were in a snowstorm and found it easily.<br /> The trail to Guallalí is pretty easy, a long way before Guallalí it becomes a gravel road.<br /> <br /> As described by others, there is a shop in Guallalí with VERY limited supply. It's next to the brown house of big planks, but you enter in front of the little red house to the right. <br /> Romina normally still offers accomodation, but when we were there she was leaving for an appointment in the evening and couldn't have us. She pointed us to the carabineros to camp, but they didn't want us there and told us to go to the camping ground &quot;3 km&quot; down the road. It turned out to be more like 12, and we ended up camping on a field some km from Guallalí<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03/ 1.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Lonquimay to Ranquil friday at 15:00 (leaves Monday, Wednesday and Friday). On arrival I met two fellow GPT-hikers. Started off in some pretty bad weather with hail and thunder, but it luckily passed after a few hours.<br /> The first challenge I encountered was walking up the small river towards the first mountain pass (NoBo). To make my way up this section I had to cross the river countless times because of the difficult terrain by the river banks. Getting wet feet was inevitable. Afterwards I encountered a snowfield that leads up to the pass. Definitely possible to avoid the snow by walking along the edge, but I found it easier to just make my way up through the snowfield.<br /> Continued on to guallalí where there is a mini-shop with very limited supplies. (There are no flags or signs that indicate there’s a shop but it’s by the brown house made of rustic wooden planks.)<br /> Went directly on to GPT10 and made camp at the camping ground by el barco lake (5000 pesos) you can ask them to charge your electronics by the house where you pay. They didn’t sell any food.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec / Hiking / NOBO / OH 5 / Franck &amp; Damien '''<br /> <br /> Be aware there are only 2 water spots on the road around the volcano<br /> One at the start (tap by the conaf barrack) and a very small one at the camp before entering the scoria field (not sure if water flows after december).<br /> Make sure you load liters of water, esp. in summer (heat + exposure to sun)<br /> Plenty of water (snow melt) once you passed the volcanoe.<br /> The TL from Contracto bridge to Communidad Chenqueco is now a kind of MR, we crossed several 4WD there (? !!). There is plenty of water there.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-28 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH5 / Martin '''<br /> <br /> 4 days. 120 km. Because of bad weather forecast in the high parts of the cordillera, with strong winds, rain and even snow, we opted to take Alternative route 5 from Chenqueco to Lonquimay Volcanoe. A lot of road walking at the begining but the scenery and trail in the National Park were really amazing and worth it. Beware that in the traverse through the volcanoe to Corralco Ski Resort, there is no water and also difficult to camp. High winds and a lot of rain at the end. We checked many hostels in Lonquimay and the most convenient for us, was Hostal Nativo close to the main square.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (mostly) / Frank'''<br /> <br /> 2 days &amp; continued to GPT12<br /> At Pass 2180 wind &amp; rain came in, I diverted onto OH-CC-A@11-03-#001 as described by Linda. Snowfields were old &amp; undercut by stream leaving tunnels 5M deep, definitely not safe to slide on. Walked on edge of snowfields or a little above them on right. Then you enter a gorge, it is best to stay close to the stream &amp; only leave the gorge if you must. In to Ranquil, nothing there apart from Carabineros &amp; no traffic. From Ranquil I continued on OH-TL-V@12-01-#001 to GPT12<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Guayali - Termas de Pelehue<br /> Short &amp; Beautiful. 4:00 Bus Ralco - Guallali. Arrived at carabineros after 8. Luckily they let us camp outside. TONS OF FLIES, so be ready for that. The thermal pools at Pelehue are up by the fumarole. The traverse over there is gnarly, steep, slippery, all the good stuff. Quite small, but with an AMAZING view. The lower one seemed fine to get in, we didn’t as we wanted to make it to the next hot springs on section 12.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Start: Guallalí, End: Termas de Pelehue<br /> 2.5 days. We went from Ralco to Guallalí by Fletes (see section &quot;To section start&quot;). It's a bit expensive but we didn't want to take the bus at 16:30, arriving late. Beautiful section. The first hot springs are worth the detour if you have time to clean them and dig a bigger pot (would take you approx. 2h), otherwise you just have a warm foot bath. After the pass we took the optional route #002 leading back to the regular route, then we switched some times between optional and regular route and finally took the optional route directly to the Termas de Pelehue. This part is quite demanding as there are some landslides where you have to find your way through somehow. The hot springs are gone due to lack of maintenance. <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 5 / Maddie &amp; Tom'''<br /> <br /> 3 days, 120km walking around Volcán Lonquimay. Given section 11 was not feasible due to high levels of snow we took Optional Route 5. For us it was 5 star scenery. It is beautiful and the trail is very easy to follow with trail markings in the CONAF park. We found it to be quite a quick section as a result of the easy navigation and good trail quality. Good resupply options in Lonquimay (we stocked up on food as well as bought some new socks and more 95% alcohol for our stove).<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-09 / 5 days (GPT11+12) / Hiking / SOBO / OH / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 11 and 12. It took us 5 days including one zero because of weather. Patagonia showed us bit of it's potential in these two sections. <br /> All walked trails were in good condition and CC sections pretty easy to navigate. In the sadle of section 11, because of strong wind, poor visibility and fresh snow and ice we were forced to take optional to the valley. There is a big snowfield, I don't recomend sliding on it all the way. It the lower parts there were big holes into the stream. <br /> From Ranquil we took optional #002 because we didn't want to climb back up. Uphill is more a minor road, downhill nice trail. <br /> After a laguna we took a optional to the Pass 2180 and road around the Pehuenche Extortioner. We needed to get down from elevation ASAP bacause of wind. We passed puesto early in the morning and no one was around. After rainy day everything above 2000m was white. We took trail to pass 1920m which was just with bit of fresh snow and then took minor road #001 down to valley. So I have no idea about the rest of the trail.<br /> Edit: adding a picture from the last sadle 1920m, we did after &quot;rainy&quot; day.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-27 to 2019-Dec-28 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 3 / Linda'''<br /> <br /> Regular hiking route until the pass 2180 meters and then Option 3<br /> Nice section ! After the pass, I decided to go down along Option 3 that goes into the canyon. Lot of snow at the beginning, but that was fun cause the slope was not very steep and I could use my bag raincover as a sledge to go down!<br /> Then, I ended up into the canyon, crossing the river at least 20 times but no problem cause the water level is low and the river is tight (compared to GPT07 for instance).<br /> The only difficulty was once the canyon becomes too tight and I had to find a way up and had to face a landslide. Just one part of 5 meters wide but quite dangerous cause very sleepy with the rocks falling down.<br /> After, back into the canyon until I could join the Regular Hiking route. No difficulties until Ranquil.<br /> Was lucky to find people with a car who dropped me in Lonquimai cause I had to resupply. Otherwise, only 3 Buses a week from Ranquil (no tiendas to resupply) to Lonquimai = Monday, Wednesday, Friday<br /> Supermercado with everything to resupply and accommodations in Lonquimai<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-12 / 4.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 5.5 days on the trail, of which we spend 1 in the tent due to bad weather. On Cerro Moncol there was still some snow, which made us very slow, as we either had the options to walk on steep snow or walk higher up in more difficult terrain. Rivercrossings were no problem.<br /> We liked: The amazing views, the condors we met at the northern part of the pass (they came very close to us), the mountain crystals of which there are plenty on the northern side of Cerro Moncol.<br /> We did not like so much: The higher difficulty due to the snow in some parts (Snow on top of Cerro Moncol made the regular route more difficult)<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> Accommodation in Guallali:<br /> Brown house, ask for Romira; bed, dinner and breakfast for 30k<br /> <br /> Supplies:<br /> Hitchhiked to Chenqueco, 10 km, shop with small selection, some veggies, pasta, the essentials<br /> <br /> Bus to Ralco with more options every day at 5.30 am takes 3,5 h<br /> <br /> Same bus to Los Angeles <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> Ranquil:<br /> new minishop on the way to Troyo {11-5f} 14.3 k from the end of GPT11. The owners just moved here from Santiago. Maximilian and Anna are probably the nicest people we have met on the trail so far. The shop has everything you need to resupply except gas (maybe in the future).<br /> <br /> Resupply on optional road : in Troyo there are 3 small shops enought to resupply for section 10 and 9 ( vegetables, pasta, rice, semoula, galletas, mayonnaise, bread.. ) <br /> <br /> - Accomodation on optional road : in Troyo, we stayed in a cabana for 30000 a night for 2 people. Wood for fire included and kitchen. Just ask at one of the little shop | In Guallali, we stayed with a lovely family in front of the school (wooden house ). 30 000 pesos per person per night - dinner and breakfast included<br /> <br /> *Lonquimay (from Ranquil) <br /> - Supermercado Espinoza next to the bus terminal has most things. A little shop on the left hand shortly after the bus terminal when walking from the bus terminal towards the center has gas. The shop has different air mattresses, clothes and some outdoorsy things in the windows. There's also a ferretería that might have.<br /> Several accommodation options<br /> <br /> (Hannes, JAN2024): Try Camping Lolen, around 16kms from Lonquimay, at entrance/exit OH-MR-12-04, very clean, nice Lady who attends, at river, weekends a bit crowded. 7000 pesos/night...hitchhike or take a bus, station in front.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> * Ana and Maximiliano's house - https://maps.google.com/?q=-38.249920,-71.232513. Available: accommodation, meal, protein, gas<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Guallali<br /> (2020-Jan)<br /> <br /> Bus Ralco-Guallalí 16:30 Mon-Sat, 9PM Sun. (~2.5h) The bus leaves Los Angeles terminal rural around 2PM Mon-Sat, 7:30PM Sun, continuing to Ralco &amp; Guallali<br /> <br /> Fletes: 4x4 Cars in front of the supermercado. They drive you everywhere. CLP 80'000 to Guallalí, but if you find one going there anyway the price is much lower ;-)<br /> <br /> *Ranquil<br /> (2022 Jan)<br /> Bus from Lonquimay Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15<br /> Other days bus to Troyo can take you most of the way, but hitching the rest might be difficult<br /> <br /> Dec 2024 :<br /> Bus ranquil --&gt; lonquimay : monday, wednesday and friday 2 times/day. Leaving ranquil around 7am or 5pm (and leaving lonquimay around two hours before to go up to ranquil)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT11 - Cerro Moncol]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830032.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Marinaqui]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830130.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[file:Guayali.jpeg|thumb|1100px|center|Guallalí, Por Norberto Seebach, 1100px|center|[http://www.recorriendochile.cl/ Recorriendo Chile].]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830046.jpg|1100px|center|Laguna Marinanqui]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830051.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Marinanqui]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830070.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Marinanqui]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830082.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Marinanqui]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830115.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Marinanqui]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664147.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664155.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664163.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664167.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_6_Guallali_108664189.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108829980.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108829987.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830002.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_7_Laguna_Marinanqui_108830021.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT10_(Laguna_El_Barco)&diff=122450 2025-08-09T22:27:08Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - GPT10 Option 1 (Termas Pucon Mahuida) and Option 2 (Cumbre Copahue): I added in 2025 additional routes east of the regular route. In good weather and with the vulcano being calm, these more remote routes are more adventurous but might require some exploration.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *'''2025-04-11 to 2025-04-13 / 2.5 days / NOBO / Hiking / RR, 10C and 10D (Laguna Liay) / Peggy<br /> <br /> Day 1: I left late after having a long conversation with Romina at Guallali. I found a good spot before the camping at Laguna el Barco, on the heights above the lake, sheltered from the lake's humidity where I could make my evening and morning fire.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Crossing the camping area was deserted at this time. I climbed up to the plateau where I met some motorcyclists (Saturday). At first, I grumbled to myself because of the noise, but they also have the right to enjoy the place in their own way! Come on, Peggy! And in truth, I just followed their tracks all day until I reached Laguna Liay, where I arrived at the right time to take a photo of them! The descent to the lake was a bit tricky. I tried 10C, but I couldn’t find the trail and it seemed very steep. I went back to 10D, which I had tried initially. I got half-lost in the bamboo, losing then finding the cow trail. Once down, I just got some water and then went back up. No way I was going to sleep by the lake in the cold and humidity (autumn, of course!). Once at the top, I took some time to find the right spot (humidity, wind, flat if possible, and maybe a view...). It was late, but I found it, collected some wood, made my fire, and enjoyed the view with the full moon. I slept well!<br /> <br /> Day 3: Descent to Trapa Trapa. All the puestos were closed at this time. I didn’t meet anyone. I went straight to the lodging point km0.3 at Mireya’s place and stayed there for 2 nights knowing it would rain all day (and snow at higher altitudes). Be careful, in Trapa Trapa, there’s only network with Wom and maybe Claro. Otherwise, there’s Wi-Fi at the health center (Posta de Salud, at the center – didn’t need to enter a password, connection accessible from the outside).<br /> <br /> <br /> *&quot;2025-02-17 to 18/ 2 days, SOBO, RR, Henry and Emilie:&quot;<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> After waking up at a beautiful campsite just outside Trapa Trapa we went down to the store where we bought some more sugary snacks as well as half a kilo of fresh honey! (Possibly too much?) We continued South through Trapa and before leaving were also able to buy some fresh eggs. The trail is well troden through the valley and it is very beautiful though dusty. We came across two very easy fjords through the day and camped at (S 37.812384° O 71.274833°). Throughout the day there were a few aggressive puesto dogs, it seemed to me though that they were smart enough to back off when I raised my stick at them.<br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> After waking up we made our way up to Laguna Liey. A steep but short climb. Getting down to the lake though was another matter. It's steep and for us confusing, we lost the trail on the way down and ended up doing some bush bashing. Made it eventually though, filled up water for the last time until Laguna del Barco (there is no water on the plateau). The way OUT of Laguna Liey was very rough for us. The tracks seemed to lead us straight up a cliff, eventually we made it out my following horse tracks around the cliff to the left. Rest of the day was moderatly easy but long, made it to El Barco after dark and were able to pay for a very slanted campsite (S 37.941382° O 71.284620°) (8000 each). Lots of people selling snacks and bread there and we managed to score some cold beers. The next day we hitch hiked from El Barco back to Los Angeles not completing the section to instead head down South.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-19 to 2025-02-20 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Natalie&amp;Tomas option 3 from GPT11 (border ridge), option 1&amp;2 (Cupahue ascent), RR / Manon, Robin and Thomas'''<br /> <br /> Resume : both Volcan Cupahue option (1&amp;2) and Natalie&amp;Thomas option (3) to connect GPT11 near argentinian border are really amazing and made to be combined if you can do without Guallali food supply. We highly recommand it if the weather is good. (Thanks a lot Natalie&amp;Tomas !)<br /> Coming from GPT11 we camped at the abandonned puesto at -37.978400, -71.141083 (very good camp spot : peasible, water pool, beautiful araucarias with pinones supply).  <br /> Day 1 : Abandonned puesto from GPT 11 &gt; Camp at 2170 under Cupahue <br /> We climbed the ridge dividing the valley in into two following Natalie&amp;Tomas tracks to the north. With the trail slope before the ford, the ascending BB&amp;TL ridge is truely easy. Then easy CC to join the main ridge at about -37.958580, -71.142415 and then following the ridge to the east until the summit/plateau (on the north side sometimes). Really good views on Cupahue and Collaqui following the ridge to the north. We joined and went down the Paso Pucon Mahuida non-used MR until to reach option 1. Passing by the hotsprings which seem ok, we went up until a camp at 2170 under Cupahue glacier at -37.87753, -71.19874. Volcanic ground was pretty easy to hike finally. <br /> Day 2 : Camp at 2170 &gt; Cupahue ascent &gt; Trapa Trapa<br /> Easy CC to the summit (beautiful crater and view) and way down to highest puesto, with also spectacular views to the north. From there, we followed a path with only 100 meters of easy BB (between option 1 and option 1A) and then Option 1 and RR to Trapa Trapa. <br /> We conclued then 6,5 days of GPT 12, 11 and 10 and slept at welcoming Mapuche family home at &quot;Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956]&quot;.<br /> Manon and Robin continued NOBO and I (Thomas) took the daily 6am bus to Los Angeles. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-05 - 2024-02-06/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Elijah and Michael'''<br /> No water on plateau after Laguna Liay as previous notes.<br /> <br /> Camping at Laguna Barco 8000 CLP per person. Hot food such as sopapaillas, tortillas, completos, etc available. Minishop has snacks, cookies and drinks.<br /> <br /> Shop at Guallil had sufficient options for a limited resupply - soups, ramen, pasta, biscuits, etc. Shop also provided accommodation for 30,000CLP including cena and desayuno. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2024-01-31 to 2024-02-03 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Chris &amp; Julia'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful araucarias (and yummi piñones), pretty easy trail, Laguna El Barco less romantic and more overcrowded than expected but nice food! No snow, no fords worth mentioning. Also possible in less time.<br /> <br /> Day 1: started after resupplying in Trapa Trapa (only cookies) in the afternoon. Camped at [S 37° 45' 18.08&quot; W 071° 17' 01.75&quot;] ~6km (first possible camping spot with water and flat ground). A lot of arieros passing. <br /> <br /> Day 2: A lot of puestos. Last water at 14.5km. Trail to the pass is very beautiful, stunning araucarias. We also harvested some low hanging piñones. We reached two by hand (twisting, not pulling, worked for us). For another we used a rope stretched between two long branches. A bit tricky, but it worked. They are not ripe yet, but they taste good raw and even better roasted. We camped at Camp {10-d} [0.1/1658] to avoid walking 19km without water. The Laguna there is really just a dirty pond, we spend hours (!) filtering water for two people with our befree, would not recommend sleeping there.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Nice and easy trail. We followed a wrong trail at [S 37° 56' 01.04&quot; W 071° 18' 15.57&quot;] for ~2.5 km. At Laguna El Barco we had to pay 8000 CPL per person for camping (has bathrooms + showers). It was pretty crowded (guess because of weekend?). But there were 3 small stands with nice food (Tortillas, Sopaipillas, Completos, some meet stuff, <br /> Softdrinks, &amp; Mote con huesillo -&gt; you should try, super nice chilean summerdrink).<br /> <br /> Day 4: Following the trail there is a nice Camp at the Laguna after the official campsite if you prefere a more private spot (we would have camped there if we had known). Met Tobi + Mara from Germany (Viele Grüße :D!). Hitched directly to Ralco from the road. From Ralco there are buses to Los Angeles (at least every 2hours). <br /> <br /> *''' 2024-01-29 to 2024-01-30 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 10E+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Day1: A lot of puestos on part till 14.5 km of RR. I had some really interesting talks about the Mapuche conflict and war between Russia and Ukraine. All people were friendly. Camp at Laguna Liay taking OH 10C - easy to find. After that, one woman said to me that near Laguna there is a path where crossed thieves with stolen cows from Guallalli. Very nice and quiet place.<br /> <br /> Day2: I came back to the trail tracking back and found a shortcut. Took water from the lake for the whole day. I had a strange case near Laguna in the forest. A big bird tried to attack me. The plateau is amazing. Descending to Laguna Barco at 32.1/1296 there is a puesto and a gate. I decided not to go through camping at Laguna Barco, as there were a lot of people there. Took variant 10E on MR. At km 6.0 of this variant it is possible to buy soft drinks and ice creams. Night at Guallalli at minishop 11 (0.1/951) fideos, sweets, soft drinks. Bed, breakfast,dinner 30000 CLP. Very nice place. In the evening I had a really interesting talk about the Mapuche and animals. This family is not Mapuche. There is a good net here, Entel.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-Jan-23 to 2025-Jan-26 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, 10-C, 10-E / Janboro '''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 09, 10 and 11 and took 6,5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Stunning Araucaria forests, encounters with the Pehuenche people living there, Laguna de Liay, puma tracks and puma stories.<br /> <br /> Challenges: No water on the plateau. The creek at S 37°54.077' W 71°18.470' has dried out already by this time of the year.<br /> <br /> I had lots of friendly encounters with the native Pehuenche and some not so friendly ones with their dogs. I’ve made it a habit to greet people in their language (mari mari), then approach them and introduce myself in Spanish with my name and a handshake. This led to a couple of interesting, informative and friendly conversations with lots of mutual learning.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> Started in the evening in Trapa Trapa and camped at [7.1/1181], where I met Elias, the owner of this land. He told me a lot about Pehuenche history, his hard but also beautiful and tranquil life in the mountains and about other mochileros who camped on his land.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Started late because of hip pain. Higher up the valley two people independently from each other told me that they frequently see pumas (“leones”) on the edge of the plateau, one told me he has sheep “cuando no los comen los leones”, asked me if I had a revolver to defend myself, then reassured me pumas don’t attack people unless feeling cornered or protecting their offspring. One Pehuenche asked me how I know the way. I showed him my GPS device and showed him the track. He was a bit astonished but didn’t suspect any commercial exploitation as had happened previously according to the manual.<br /> <br /> I shared Volkers feeling of awe when I saw the group of Araucarias right before the ascent to the plateau. It’s simply beautiful. Took a long food and coffee break there and ascended to Laguna Liay. On the way up, the path is partly heavily overgrown and at times difficult to find between other paths.<br /> <br /> Up there I found myself in a fairytale forest in the evening light. I hashed my first glimpse of Laguna Liay shortly before sunset and it was mesmerizing. When looking for the way down to the laguna I lost the path and did some heavy CC BB but after a couple of minutes decided this can’t be the right way, double checked my location using the GPS and found the correct path. Still overgrown, but recognizable and easy to walk.<br /> <br /> Camped close to the spot indicated by Nimrod &amp; Tamar. Pure beauty and tranquility!<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> Purified and packed enough water for the day and then continued my ascent to the and way over the plateau. Shortly before the intersection X {10} [17.7/1676] I discovered my first puma tracks.<br /> <br /> Checked the little creek at S 37°54.077' W 71°18.470': It has dried out, so the last chance to fill up water before the plateau is at Laguna de Liay (as described in the manual).<br /> <br /> At a rock close by I took a siesta/food/coffee break. Lorenzo, a Pehuenche in his sixties, came up from the valley in his horse with three dogs, and had them drive his cattle downhill. He then turned around, rode towards me and offered to carry my backpack on his horse all the way down to Laguna del Barco. I was amazed by this generous offer, but still wanted to carry it myself, so I thanked him many times but declined. Later met him next to his house at X {10} [32.1/1296], where we took photos together and exchanged numbers.<br /> <br /> Camped at Laguna de Barco and filled my hungry stomach with a churrasco, a huge serving of French fries, a fruit shake and a Coca Cola. The restaurant closes around 21 opens at 8 in the morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> Bought a sopaipilla (similar to the hungarian lángos) and two tortilla breads and took the variant 10-E to Guallalí. Bad decision because 10-E seems to be the only way to get from and to Laguna de Barco by car, so I got to eat a lot of dust. Good decision, because I got offered a ride a couple of times (politely declined) and one passing driver gifted me cookies and fruits (gratefully accepted). There’s also a house where they sell ice cream. I asked a couple of people with chicken on their yards, if they sell eggs. None had any because most hens don’t lay that time of the year due to the heat as I learned later at the Guallalí shop. In Guallalí, shortly before the police station, I got invited for a coffee, soft drink, tortilla bread with butter and a friendly and very interested conversation with the elder couple who lives there and their family from Los Ángeles. When I left, they also gifted me cookies.<br /> <br /> Bought a can of tuna and a pack of tomato sauce at the shop in Guallalí and continued to GPT11.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-18 to 2025-Jan-20 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH10C+D (Laguna Liay) / Nimrod &amp; Tamar'''<br /> <br /> 1st day:<br /> After buying some supplies from a family we started hiking up the valley.<br /> There were some unmarked puestos and tons of nice places for camp.<br /> We asked permission from the family in a puesto to camp in their area and camped at (). <br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> Last water point is near puesto [14.5/1297]. Next water point is near Laguna El Barco on RR or Laguna Liay.<br /> <br /> There was a trail crossing at approx (-37.83314, -71.27040). We didn't notice it because the trail which is not on the files is much more clear, and walked on it for 200 meters until we felt something is wrong, and turned back. It might be easier trail up.<br /> <br /> OH (10-C) until approx 1 km is partly easy CC because of the fire. From 1 km to 2.1 the trail has changed but it was easy to follow.<br /> <br /> TL(10-D) does not exist and was hard BB so we skipped it. There might be another trail going down to the Laguna but we didn't look for it.<br /> <br /> Camp {10-d} [0.1/1658] is really poor in comparison to the lagoon beach. It was a dirty pond with a lot of cows around. So we hiked back and camped on the beach at (-37.83347, -71.28245).<br /> Had afternoon swim and really nice view!<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> Easy trails until laguna El Barco. We harvested low hanging piñones we found at (-37.84210, -71.27454).<br /> We recommend bringing a 15 meters cord. We had only 4 meters. The piñones were not ripe yet but were sweet, and could be eaten fresh without roasting.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Barco we had to pay 1000 clp per person only for entrance. There was a small stand which sold fresh tortillas and some junk food. We had a Churrasca, coke, and ice cream 😋.<br /> <br /> We discovered that the bus to Los Angeles departs Gulalli at 5:30 so we put an effort to get there before darkness.<br /> When it was completely dark we saw a bus parking in a yard, 1 km before Gulalli! Happy and excited we discovered it was the driver's house, which let us camp in his garden and take a hot shower in his home.<br /> <br /> The first bus stop is at the police station and the ride takes approx 5 hours and cost us 3500 clp per person.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-09 to 2025-JAN-10 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Alex '''<br /> Found an excellent campsite: S37° 46.967' W71° 16.896', right on the riverbank and free of cow manure. The river pocket was teeming with trout during the evening feed. A small fly or tenkara gear is recommended for fishing.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-24 &gt; 25 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Il restait un peu de neige alors j'ai trouvé de l'eau facilement.<br /> Juste avant le Laguna El Barco il y a un camping 5000CLP/nuit pour emplacement, douche glacée, eau potable, électricité et poubelle. J'y suis allé car c'etait marqué qu'il etait interdit de camper près du lac...<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-22 to 2024-DEC-23 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A straightforward stage dominated by a relatively flat plateau with araucarias. A highlight of the journey was swimming in Laguna El Barco. We set off from Trapa Trapa in the late afternoon along a pleasant gravel road, carrying food for two days. After the ford [9.5/1171], the trail continues through a beautiful and wide river valley, where several puestos are located. We camped at a nice spot, Camp [14.1/1269], under the araucarias. There, we each collected 3 liters of water, as there was none on the plateau, except for one location (-37.90128, -71.30783), where there was a small stream that was not marked in the track files. It’s possible that this stream could be dry during peak summer.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the plateau was taken via a more well-trodden and gradual path (approximately 300 meters longer than in the track files, but more frequently used). The plateau itself is a paradise of araucarias with views of Volcán Callaqui. After descending to Laguna El Barco, we first paid 1000 CLP per person for entry at point Lake, Camp [32.9/1292], and then enjoyed a pleasant picnic by the lake while swimming. It’s a beautiful lake. <br /> <br /> The route to Guallalí mostly follows a pleasant MR, although it can be somewhat monotonous at times. Upon arriving in Guallalí, we stocked up on supplies for two days for the GPT11 stage at a small shop, Shop {11} [0.1/951] (Mini Shop). They had pasta, rice, tuna, jurel, cookies, and soft drinks.<br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-16 to 2024-Dec-18 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Not much to say for this section it's pretty straight forward. We did it in a relaxed 2.5 days to avoid spending the night in Trapa Trapa but its easily doable in 2.<br /> <br /> 25.2km water - there was a small stream flowing well here. Could have saved us carrying so much water to camp up on the plateau.<br /> <br /> Resupplied at the red shop (S 37.42745, W 71.15386) in trapa trapa, they had ramen cookies, chocolate etc. She also sold us a big loaf of bread. Not great for a full resupply but enough for us to top up for a few days.<br /> <br /> Continued on to 9<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''24-12-11 - 24-12-12/ 2 days/ SOBO / RR/ Volker'''<br /> A section of beauty and peace <br /> There are few technical things to say about this section, perhaps this: on the way from the valley up to the pass use your device more often than you might feel it is necessary. There are many trails and yours is often not the one you see in front of you, but the overgrown or blocked by a broken tree to your right or left. <br /> The moment you arrive at the first Araucaria trees (though some on the way down to Trapa Trapa on gpt09) is just overwhelming. Camped at Laguna Liay, when I arrived there, I just didn’t want to leave this place. <br /> Day 2: After the short first day, this one promised to become a long one. The plateau is just breathtaking, even after 08+09 the days before. At Laguna El Barco no food, no wifi, but a great opportunity to cool down in the lake. Some km later on RR the MR (good to walk, few rubble, shadow) passes a house, the sheep ran away from me, a lamb left behind, I draw the attention of a woman to the lamb - and was invited for lunch with that very nice „spanish“ (not Pehuenche) family. <br /> Arrived at Guallali at 6.30 p.m., presented at the carabineros (very friendly!), the officer brought me to the „shop“, which is hidden in a garden house (don‘t expect any meaningful resupply). <br /> Camped not far, to the right of RR11, in a small valley beyond some Eucalyptus and Araucaria trees (river not far, but deep down). Two women passed by, first sceptical, then offered to join them and get some bred (declined).<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''3Dec2024 - 5dec2024 / hiking SOBO / RR -varC - RR / 2 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> The ascent and descent of the plateau are awesome, full of araucaria trees and beautiful landscapes of the montains around. Sad that I've to hurry because of bad weather comming. <br /> Fords : easy <br /> Snow : big snow fields from about 1700m alt but easy to cross. <br /> Water : still full on the plateau at this period. <br /> Navigation : often many paths but easy to find the good one with the GPS. A bit more difficult to follow on the ascent after puesto at 14.5. And also around the pass cause the path often goes under the snow fields so needed more gps to stay in the good direction. <br /> Var C : the lake is really nice. Made it with not so much bushbashing by staying closest as possible to the tracks, gps in hand at least at the begining. <br /> Camp : around 8km (water) and camping at laguna el barco was open (5000 CLP/pers/night) <br /> <br /> Arrive in Guallali before the rain : <br /> Eat and sleep at the point mini-market with Romina and her family. <br /> 30kCLP for bed + lunch + dinner + breakfast. <br /> Mini market : pasta, soups. <br /> <br /> Entel phone coverage. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 2024-Nov-26 to 2024-Nov-28 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - C, D / Karin<br /> <br /> Camp: camp near laguna Liay (km0.1 var D) / Campamento Laguna El Barque (km32.9)<br /> <br /> The MR/trail is easy to follow, except for the ascent after puesto km14.5, where the trail is no well visible. All along the valley from Trapa Trapa to the late puesto were a lot of small streams running over the road. Some were easy to cross without getting wet feet, others were a bit bigger, but never more than mid-calf.<br /> <br /> From an altitude of 1760m was still snow. The snow on the pass and the plateau was managable, but slows down quite a bit and makes navigation more challenging. This on a distance of about 8km. <br /> <br /> As there is still snow, there is a lot of water. Even on the plateau were a few streams, which will probably dry out during summer. <br /> <br /> The camping at the Laguna El Barque was still closed. I asked two men how were working on the cabañas if I could pit up the tent anyways. This was not a problem and they did not charge me for this. At the camping were sanitary instalations, tables...<br /> <br /> I arrived Guallalí at 12hrs. Because of the snow, I decided to go to Los Angeles. The carabineros station was empty, so I went to the minishop (gpt 11 km0.1) and asked when the buses leave. The owner told me that there is only one bus everyday at 5.30 am. But I could try to hichhike. While waiting, two locals came by and told me that in the next community (Chenqueco) are more cars going to/in direction of Ralco and that from there I would be more lucky. <br /> About 5min later a car drove by and took me to this community. From there I hichhiked again.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-19 // 1,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I was a bit anxious on that section because of a big fire on the valley of the vokcan Copahue. Everything was under the steam all around, and with a big smell of fire. Few helicopters passed, and I was seriously questioning myself to continue or not. <br /> <br /> Fortunately for me the track change of the valley to reach the beautiful Laguna El Barco. <br /> <br /> It was late on the season so there were absolutely no one there. But In season that would be a great camp spot (event if it's probably popular and not so quiet as there's a lot of camping places). <br /> <br /> Fill your water at the bottom of the valley because when you'll reach the plateau you'll have no water at all, until you go down to the valley. <br /> <br /> Plateau is pretty nice, met a lot of people up there harvesting piñones. Easy horse track to follow. Ground is sandy and very steamy on the way down. Then you arrive on a valley with lot of water and lor of arrieros, great to chat with some of those that are leaving around there. <br /> <br /> I crossed the Ford {10} [9.5/1171] then camo just after that. Had a great and quiet night there, happy to clean myself after a very dusty day, but I reckon it's gonna be like that for few sections further north aha ! <br /> <br /> Then easy track, gravel and road. No more ford to cross. Until the tiny trapa trapa. <br /> <br /> Locals sent me to a kiosco, who Is situated very close to the point X {10} [0.0+0.3/937]. There's a ringtone, then a girl came to open the kiosco for a small resupply (tuna, fideos, chips and sweetness like candies, biscuits, and other stuff with a packaging of 90's that seems to be very bad for your body aha, but took it anyway). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-25 to 2024-03-29 / 5 days / SOBO / RR + new route + Copahue summit opt 2. + opt 1 down Copahue + Nathalie/Tomas new route + gpt11 nobo back to Guallalí / Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Started in Trapa Trapa around 15:30 and walked to right before camp 7.1. Hid in the forest to camp instead of using the nice grassy area as a lot of people on horses were using the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Felt worried about the multiple puesto dogs and the aggressive person along the RR and option 1 so decided to try a new route to eventually rejoin GPT option 2, the trail to the summit of Copahue (pronounced Copaway). Went cross country going South from my 7.1 camp for a while until I started climbing East. Eventually joined a trail that seemed to get good use. There is probably no need to go cross country if you find the start of that trail… Left the trail at -37.78784, -71.25114 and went CC again on the plateau. Met a couple harvesting piñones and chatted with them. As I was leaving, their dog nipped my ankle… so much for avoiding dogs. Stopped by Laguna Negra (-37.81527, -71.21972) for lunch and water. Camped by a small lake at -37.83042, -71.20250. Beautiful views around that area. There were patches of old (last year’s) and new (last week’s) snow. In the evening, I went to investigate a direct route to Copahue up the peak at -37.83807, -71.20001, but felt that it was a little too exposed for me and my big backpack.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Took a slightly lower route on the West side of previously mentioned peak to Copahue from my campsite which worked great. Water at -37.83722, -71.20762 and also further depending on the snow quantity. Rejoined the marked OSM trail up to Copahue at around 2,750 meters of elevation, where I left most of my gear and went to the summit. The hike down from the volcano was very slow going, I followed the OSM route mostly but at times I was in between the GPT line and the OSM line. Went to check out the hot springs, which looked gross to me. Camped at -37.89625, -71.16599, on the road leading to Argentina.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - I wanted to try the new option that Nathalie and Tomas have posted below for this section, so I followed the road to Argentina up to the valley that parallels the border and made my way to the ridge. Views from the ridge are spectacular and I enjoyed that part very much, following the border at first and ending up here: -37.95833, -71.11928. Difficulties came when I tried to come down the ridge following the route posted on FB. I backed out of the proposed “best route” as it was too exposed and scrambling-like for my liking. I ended up going down the steep talus slope for a while, traversing as Natalie described and ended up doing a fair amount of unpleasant bush-bashing to reach the trail at the bottom of the valley. There are probably better routes than the one I took though, I didn’t have the opportunity to study the satellite imagery very well before going :-). Looking back I should have walked in the creek bed earlier rather than fight with all the bamboo. Ended up with a fair amount of scratches and ripped pants. Camped shortly after I found the trail in the valley.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Used GPT11 NOBO to reach Guallalí. Stopped at the hot springs (6.6km/991) on the way to clean up a little. It was a holiday in Chile, Good Friday, and I met two groups of people from the city that were driving around this remote road for fun. Reached Guallalí and went to the carabineros station to ask about camp possibilities. They mentioned a metal bridge about 3 kilometers away but not in the direction that I wanted to go (Ralco). I hung out close to the bus stop thinking about what I would do and eventually two of them came out to talk to me again. They said that they have to be careful with strangers as they are the police and never know people’s intentions but that they’d like to invite me to have some of the lunch they had made. They also let me camp next to the station to catch the 5.30am bus the next morning after checking my passport. I think that the fact that I was a solo woman helped. As I learned from our discussion, new police officers get assigned to this station every month and stay there for the full month, so this might not be offered again in the future.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-26 to 2024-03-28 / 2 days? / NOBO / RR / Fangwen + Tobi'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Sections 10/11 (~8 days, relaxed). See section 12 for our tips on pinones<br /> <br /> Nothing to add that's not described below, except we found the native Pehuenche people friendly. We think it helps to great them in their language (Mari mari - hello; Chaltu may - thank you). This you can find with a bit of digging online. Would love to have interacted with them more - they seem friendlier up the valley at the puestos (not in trappa trappa).<br /> <br /> No luck finding asado in this time of year due to touristic things shutting down (including campsite at Lago El Barco, completely deserted).<br /> <br /> There is no bus out of Trappa on holidays, and didn't find anything but 2 types of cookies and ice cream at resupply point there. You can ask the locals to drive you (for a fee) - they referred to it as &quot;Fleeta&quot;(?)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-8 to 2024-Mar-11 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR B / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfields, all fordings very easy, plenty of (unmarked) water except from Puesto RR 14.5km (one stream a few hundred meters afterwards last water) to shortly before Laguna El Barco. Tabanos: 2<br /> <br /> The valley south of Trapa-Trapa is first narrow but the open ups to a wide valley with a lot of puestos, mostly inhabited, which means a lot of dogs and cows, horses, sheep around. All marked campsites are completely full of animal feces, every single decimeter is covered. I camped around -37.78551,-71.27975 on sand next to the river, sandy and stony places are the only one without extrem amounts of shit. Stayed there another day just sleeping in the tent bc of all day raining. Next camp was a nice weather camp with great views but no water at -37.89069,-71.30189. Flat spot, no shit, very quiet, some boulders and bushes.<br /> <br /> RR out of the valley up to thea area of Laguna Liay was a bit tricky. Seems part of RR are not in use anymore and overgrown ( -37.83346,-71.2705 ). I just followed the horse tracks which later went back to RR. it seems there are different paths going up.<br /> <br /> Lake, camp 32.9km: camping 8000, picknick 5000. But nobody at the gate, so I just walk in, swimm a little and try to open my first Araucaria seed cone I harvested an hour before. Shortly before I leave someone asks if I paid the entry. Sorry bro, not going to pay 5000 for sitting 30min on a bench, so I just don't understand spanish at all until he gives up.<br /> Next to Laguna El Barco a wildfire puts a lot of smoke on the water, but no fire in the sky. 2 helicopters pour water on it the whole day. RR southeast of the Laguna was not affected, the fire (actually only lots of smoke) was on the other side of the valley about 1km away.<br /> <br /> Rio Lomin had very brown-yellow water, but there are a few small clean unmarked streams further south RR.<br /> <br /> Guallali tiny shop, no sign, just go over the little wooden bridge after the police and shortly before the school. Dog alarms child, child alarms mother. Mother opens shop. Mostly cola and chips, ice cream, some cookies, 3 packs of noodles and (worst quality) toilet paper.<br /> <br /> Some really nice views at the waterless part, first massive amount of Araucaria trees, Laguna El Barco is kinda nice too, finally a lake with trees around! Lots of boring road walking at the beginnig and more so at the end of section with basically no traffic.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 28 to Feb 29 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 09 and 10 into 5 days of hiking. Beautiful sections with a diversity of landscapes: volcano, meadows, puestos...<br /> <br /> Day 0: Trapa Trapa- Camp -37.76398, -71.28171<br /> <br /> On our last day of the previous section, we hiked the first 7 km to this camp. Great bivouac spot not to be missed, next to a puesto with grass, water, horses and welcoming vegetation. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Camp -37.76398, -71.28171 - Laguna El Barco: <br /> <br /> Truly magnificent scenery and lots of puestos. The climb is pleasant and in the shade. As soon as you cross a river, it's easy (maximum knee-deep). <br /> From laguna Liay to laguna el barco, NO WATER. We initially wanted to camp between the two, but were forced to push on to laguna el barco to get water. The scenery is really beautiful and easy to walk on the plateau, and the aracaunia trees give it a unique atmosphere. <br /> Pay camping at el barco (8,000 pesos per person) with beach and friendly staff.)<br /> <br /> Day 2: Laguna el barco - Guallali <br /> <br /> A short day's descent. We stop at the bus stop indicated in the waypoints at 3pm. Only one bus a day from Guallali to Los Angeles at 5:30 am. <br /> We were lucky and hitchhiked to Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 13 to Feb 18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Var C, Var D, some off GPT track / Michael and Kasia '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 9, 10, and 11 together.<br /> <br /> TLDR: beautiful section with some very impressive araucaria forests. Technically easy but navigationally a little challenging due to so many trails branching everywhere. Laguna Liay is definitely worth visiting.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Feb 13<br /> <br /> After finishing our resupply in Trappa Trappa, we started on RR. The road was fully exposed until we got up a ways into the forest. After that I had to watch the GPS fairly closely. As has been noted previously, the horse trails fork off in different directions, sometimes rejoining and sometimes not. The trail was pretty dusty, but the forest was beautiful. There was very little water access for quite awhile. We arrived at the camp point at km 7.1 with the Mapuche family. No one was at the house so we started looking around. I found Elías in another part of the property. He was very kind and said we were welcome to camp. He showed us a nice spot near a creek set away from the road. We had initially thought to camp more in the open area but he said that the road gets a lot of traffic in the night and the are some “mala gente” that pass through, so the spot he showed us was safer.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Feb 14<br /> <br /> We started hiking early and the morning light on the landscape was absolutely beautiful. We stopped after the first ford, mid calf with little current, to have coffee and enjoy the area. We continued on passing a lot of puestos. Many seemed abandoned or falling apart, though there were people at several of them. We waved and they waved back, but they were fairly far from the road so we didn't go over to talk. We met our first other GPT hikers, Christof and Alex (hi guys! We hope you got the roasted chicken in Antuco!) We crossed the second ford, just under the knee, and had lunch and a nap and then started up to the pass. The path was mostly in forest, and though steep, we didn't find it difficult. We started on Var C to Laguna Liay sticking more to the OSM track than the GPT track. We got down to the lake and wanted to go all the way around to the north side, but part way up the trail started heading up to the plateau. We returned to the bottom and tried to walk in the water counterclockwise around the lake, but after only about 50 m there was a section where I was sinking deep into mud. We walked back to the south side beach and then walked the beach clockwise to get to the north side. There were a few fallen trees to climb over, but otherwise we had no issues going that way. On the north side there was a fairly sizable sand beach with a fire ring. We camped there.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Feb 15<br /> <br /> We took a rest day at the lake. The atmosphere at the lake was so peaceful and the scenery was so beautiful. Not one person passed through that day, and it felt really amazing to have such a quiet, serene and beautiful place all to ourselves. It got hot during the afternoon so we retreated up into the woods a bit to get some shade. In the late afternoon I went to scout Var D for the next day. There isn't a full trail there really, but from the beach looking uphill I could see a brown stripe going up. It was a short BB to get to it and then a steep up. The trail forked after maybe 50 m. I first went left, but after a while it was all dead ends and started to lose elevation. I went back and tried the right fork with a combination BB/CC and was finally able to connect to a path. From there it was easy to get up to the plateau and then to the other marked campsite which was near a pond that had mostly evaporated for the season.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Feb 16<br /> <br /> We started early to get over the pass before it got hot. We took the scouted approximate Var D up and then connected in with RR. The pass was easy and on the far side there was an incredible monkey puzzle forest. As noted there was no water. We took the OSM track up just before the descent to Laguna El Barco for the lookout. The trail down to Laguna El Barco was somewhat steep but easy to follow. At the bottom it passes through a puesto on the way to the road. The guy there also rents camping sites. The El Barco campground is somewhat chaotically managed. We arrived on a Friday and it was packed with vacationing Chilenos. Posted price was 5.000 pp for the picnic area day use and 8.000 pp for camping. They offered 6.000 pp without a table, which we took. It turns out that that is for essentially an unused parking spot next to the road. We would have left, but it was too late to go anywhere else. A very nice couple happened by as we were setting up and said they were about to leave and we could have their spot which had a table and was away from the road. We thanked them and moved up. The shop seems not to be operating this year. The small building it was in was empty and the door was just hanging open. There were two groups selling food, one at the entrance selling tortillla, a fairly large and dense bread cooked directly in the ash in the fire for 2.000 each, some smaller pan amasado, sopaipillas 500 each, a fried dessert bread dusted in powdered sugar 3 for 1.000, and churasco for 4.000. They also had sodas, 1.200 for a 591 ml bottle. The other group was at a camp just past the lower bathrooms, and two of them walked around the campground periodically as well. They had tortilla 2.000 each, sopaipillas 2 for 1.000, and some kind of tea. The second place had our favorite tortillas, we ate several of them. The churrasco was a disappointment. I was thinking Bolivian churasco which is just grilled meat. These were sandwiches with a couple thin strips of meat simmered in liquid in a frying pan and then put on huge breads with a slice of tomato, a bit of lettuce and some mayo. They were okay, but not what I had expected.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Feb 17<br /> <br /> We left late and hiked RR. On the other side is another much smaller and more laid back campground. It is run by the couple that lives there. Price was 6.000 pp with a table. They had a toilet and sinks, no shower. They sold tortillas on request, 2.000 each, but the woman, Clementina, makes them when she's making their food, so it can be awhile. We bought 5 of them and they were larger than the ones in the campground. Wrapped in paper towels and kept in plastic bags, these lasted us almost 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Feb 18<br /> <br /> We continued on RR with the intention to head to Guallalí. Along the way we meet a Mapuche arriero, Hector, at his pesto (-37.95912, -71.26119). If you pass by there and he is around, definitely make some time to talk with him. He was incredibly kind and generous, offered us coffee, took us to his animal corral to pet the goats, told us about the political structure in the Mapuche comunidades, and even showed us some of the medicinal plants in the area. He also sells goats and sheep and does asados, but we didn't ask the price. We were about to leave when a friend of his arrived to pick something up for a really important Mapuche ceremony that was finishing that day. His friend gave us a ride, which took us off the GPT track a bit, but dropped us very near a shop at (-38.01007, -71.30695) run by a woman named Maria that actually had a good selection of stuff. We bought pasta, a queso mantecoso from the region that lasted 3 days, her last can of Nescafé, some tomatoes and cucumbers, Zukos, and cookies. She also had eggs, frozen meat, sodas, beer, yogurt, a few other types of cheese, and various other things. Prices were very reasonable. She had a small table and a bench outside the shop and let us stay there to have lunch and repack. More than a dozen cars stopped by to buy things while we were there, so it seems like a pretty popular spot. From there we walked on the highway towards Comunidad Vilcuncura and on towards Comunidad Chenqueco. We passed one other shop at (-38.01473, -71.31626) that looked sizable and had a range of things, though we didn't buy anything there. In Comunidad Chenqenco we connected with GPT11 Opt 5A.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH E / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-21.9]<br /> <br /> Both Fords are easy below knee + the RR crosses a few more streams during the first 14 km. There is no water on RR after the Ford at km 14.1 until km 32.1.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [21.9-32.1] + OH10-E + RR [45.1-47.5]<br /> <br /> At km 32.1 (right before the start of OH10-E is a creek and some tables around. I think it belongs to a campsite there, but nobody cared that I did a break there. OH10-E is a big dirtroad with no water until km 8.4. I bought some cookies in the mini shop in Guallali + they allowed me to charge my power bank. After that I continued with section 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-12 to 2024-Feb-14 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Guallali - Trapa-Trapa / RR + Option D/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a nice and easy section. For us, the Laguna Liay would deserve to be on RR. It was one of the most beautiful and peaceful campspot we had this season.<br /> <br /> We also camped on the official campground at Laguna El barco. It was still 8000 CLP pp and the place was crowded with all the Chileans on holiday. The beach is nice but the campground is really dusty (as most of the section). There were also two families selling food (tortillas, sopaipillas and some other things).<br /> <br /> By the way, there is no more snow on the plateau so take plenty of water to cover the distance between Lago El Barco and Laguna Liay.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-14 to 2024-Jan-16 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes'''<br /> <br /> From Trapa Trapa I went in this long valley, it is pretty packed with puestos. Had to check a few times the GPS in there, was quite often on a wrong trail. Many puestos create their own trail network…Went up to Laguna Liay and camped directly at the shore. I figured out two reachable beaches where you can put on one or two tents, one beach at the NW-shore, the other SE-shore. I camped at the second. Option 10D brings you down to it, but actually I could not find a real trail. This Laguna is just an amazing place, for me there was not just silence but peace! The special echo in this place has an effect. Next day I went to Laguna El Barco, for camping you have to pay. A huge laguna, beautiful, but with a check in and all the rules which apply. I do not like this. I went further and a few km before Guallalí I asked a Settler if I could sleep on his Eukalyptus plantation. The 3rd day I walked to Guallalí and stocked up for GPT 11 in the minimarket. For cigarettes I went to a house at -38.050512, -71,272100. There is a woman who sells tobacco and if you kindly ask her she might sell you one of her homemade bread loafs. Ask for the house of Cololo.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-04 to 2024-Jan-05 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {10-C} - RR - {10-E} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> After have a nice breakfast with the lovely family, i keep going south.<br /> <br /> Km0 - km13.6 : easy walking, easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km13.6 : junction of RR and {10-01}.<br /> <br /> Ford[14.1/1269] : if you are not decided go to {10-C} or visit Laguna Liay (lake), it is the last water until km33 Laguna El Barco ( or a stream just before this lake ).<br /> <br /> Km14.47 : climb up start, the entrance is beside the corner of wooden fence.<br /> <br /> Km15.65 : a sharp turning, after here trail become very overgrown, until km15.9. At km15.65 and km15.9, i both saw a clear path going to east, I'm not sure is it a new reroute by local and are they connect or not.<br /> <br /> Km16.1 : junction of RR and {10-C} , I don't decide go for walk around the whole lake, but just want to visit it take a look, and collect some water.<br /> <br /> {10-C} km0.33 : (-37.83379, -71.27817) a sandy slope steep going down, the trail to Laguna Liay (lake) is here, you can see some trail trace on the sandy slope. A little overgrown and sometimes fallen tree block your way, but mostly you can step over them. About 10min you will arrive a sandy beach (-37.83326, -71.28031) at km0.5. Not a camping spot, but here have some big trees fell in the lake, easy walking on them go to the lake for collecting better water. Good view point of Laguna Liay with Volcán Callaqui, i also saw some beautiful ducks with red brown body and blue beak swimming here! <br /> <br /> After collecting water and a long nap, i decided back to RR, i took another trail on the sandy slope that closer to lake side (not shown on map), it is easy to follow and easy walk, lastly join RR at km16.5.<br /> <br /> RR Km16.9 : what a beautiful grassland! Easy trail start, enjoy the land scape changing and Araucaria forest. I love this area!<br /> <br /> Pass RR [20.6/1850] : large flat area ( Most of the section10 is flat area), nice view point of Volcán Callaqui! Also the first view ( for SOBO) of Volcán Tolhuaca!<br /> <br /> Km26.6 : left side, Volcán Copahue!<br /> <br /> Km31.4 : pass, from dirt road to trail going down, but before going down, there is a side trail to south for climbing up a small hill, just distance 500m and climb up 70m, go for it! Excellent view point of Laguna El Barco, Volcán Callaqui, Volcán Copahue and Volcán Lonquimay( Sierra Nevada behind it?) !<br /> <br /> X[31.2/1469] : a campground with picnic table ( i think it is a paid area because a sign at front gate but didn't see anyone when i passed there) and a stream flowing nice with clear water just before it. If you don't decide go to Laguna El Barco for collecting water, it is the only water until Guallalí.<br /> <br /> Because the weather becomes worse, very windy and cloudy, also the forecast said it maybe rain at afternoon, so i took {10-E}, shorter the distance rush to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> Bus {10-E} [8.4/938] didn't find the shop that Martin &amp; Helena said (close to Bus 10-E mark.) I asked the house owner beside the bus stop, and she said no shop there. I saw a sign beside the bus stop is erased away, also a banner looks like said &quot;selling thing&quot; already being discarded on the ground, so maybe the shop is closed no more? ( I'm not sure).<br /> <br /> {10-E} km10.0 rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> RR km46.05 : look like a very old shop, I saw a sign for candy and cigarettes, but the house is broken and no people there any more.<br /> <br /> Shop {11} [0.1/951] : No sign for shop, it is a beautiful looking wooden house, cross a tiny wooden bridge to their front gate. A little better stock than i think before, more than the shop at Trapa Trapa and almost the same as Los Álamos. Pastas, rice, some canned food, biscuits, drinks and chips. Not picky and i resupply for 3 days food here. I asked for accommodation, and the female owner said can stay in their house, 30000 CLP for a single room(4 beds) with light, quilt and electric charger, shower(cold) with shampoo, dinner and breakfast, maybe can use their washer for laundry, but finally i use my hand for washing them, because my clothes are too dusty and don't want to pollut their machine. It has a feeling look like guesthouse at some tourist routes in Nepal, but of course the one in Nepal are much commercial.<br /> <br /> Dinner is delicious for goat and rice! Although not much enough for hiker hunger (never enough), but it is one of the best meal i eaten in Chile so far. They are super friendly, i'm very happy staying here with them!<br /> <br /> I saw a bus arrive Shop {11} [0.1/951] on friday 6pm, but I don't know where it come from.<br /> <br /> (-38.04741, -71.27506) look like is the church that Maks&amp; Gabi said. A tree with beautiful grassland, but no good water resources nearby, the river beside it is flowing brown water, also farming and people living at upstream.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 30 to Dec 31 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: beautiful secluded camping on plateau but no water. be cognizant of tensions between Pehuenche and non Indigenous people <br /> <br /> Day 1: Trail was beautiful and mostly easy to navigate. Camped that night at around 11 km on the right side of the river, pushed back into the trees quite a bit. Chose not to camp at one of the marked campsites near the puestos because I became a bit worried about the large number of beer cans I was seeing along the way, and I didn’t meet any women at any of the puestos. Though I’m sure there’s mostly very kind people in this valley and I had no encounters that made me feel otherwise, I didn’t feel like taking my chances as a young solo woman given a few past reports on this section. However, it was a challenge to find a camping spot that felt both safely hidden and like I wasn’t on someone’s land without permission (though I probably still was) - there’s many more puestos in this valley now than appear on the waypoints, and there’s also loads of cows and horses grazing! If you find yourself in a similar position to me, I highly recommend just mustering up the energy to hike up to the plateau and camp about a kilometer in. Very nice and secluded spots up there. You would just need to bring a lot of water because there’s none until Laguna El Barco. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Plateau was beautiful, but keep an eye on the GPS. As others have said, you have to pass through what is now a campsite with a gate just before the main road to Laguna El Barco, but no one was there so I didn’t get charged. Laguna El Barco camping was nice and lively on New Year’s eve. The store is still not set up yet, but the staff charged my devices for me. If you continue on the RR for about a km you will find the wooden sign for Entel service which did work for me. Just be aware that you have to walk by what is demarcated as a “dangerous zone” on Pehuenche land. I’m not quite sure what this means, but when I was walking to get service someone I passed warned me of it as well… <br /> <br /> Next day I got a ride from someone leaving the campground to Ralco (2 hour drive!). Bigger market was open even when nothing else was on a national holiday (January 1) and had good options. Camped at Camping Nativo about a 30 min walk outside of town, which is close to a great river spot and has sinks, outlets and even a shower! <br /> <br /> Given the tensions between the Pehuenche and non Indigenous people on the lands that this trail crosses, I’m curious if we, as non Indigenous hikers, should think about having a broader conversation to understand what kind of place we have (if any) in using these lands. Ideally with direct input from Pehuenche people themselves. Both for the sake of respecting the people of these lands and feeling safe as hikers. <br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 22 to Dec 26 / 4,5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; part Option 1 &amp; Completely new option / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> Note: Our path was of course convoluted. We walked the optional route 10-01 to Volcán Copahue last year. It is splendid and recommended for our option, but this time we opted for the RR, as we have not walked it previously. We came back to the area to find a new connection that would avoid almost 25 km of unpleasant roadwalking after Laguna El Barco. We suceeded, see below.<br /> <br /> We followed the regular route to Laguna el Barco. The route and the Laguna are indeed very pleasant. We paid 1000 each to be able to pass through (?) and use the camping tables for lunch. The store was closed even on Saturday (Dec 23). About 300m from the lagoon, there is a sign about Entel coverage and 4g indeed works decently there. We then took the minor road to the hot spring under Volcan Copahue (elevation 1812, name Pucon Mahuida).<br /> <br /> No cars seem to be using the road, especially the second part is quite eroded and after the hot spring it is bordering on impassable for cars. The hot spring is still nice. We then followed the road to an incredibly beautiful valley under Copahue. Few hundred metres before reaching Argentina, we left the road and shortly found a path that traversed into the valley in the south next to the border. The path petered out once we got above the bushes. It was really easy to reach the ridge and folow it (and the Argentinian border) to 37.9575000S, 71.1211474W. With snow all around on the slopes and with condors circling us, it was stunning (the ridge is mostly snow free). Made camp under the summit next to a 10m-high wall of ice for wind protection. There was no path but walking was easy, the ridge is rather flat and wide.<br /> <br /> There are three options we explored from there on. The recommended one is the last one we explored, but here they follow in chronological order. Continuing on the ridge towards Cerro Dedo would require climbing or exposed traversing (if one dropped to Argentina, one could probably find a path to reconnect to GPT after Cerro Dedos if there ius no police in the area). Instead we went down side of the mountain roughly to here: 37.9650794S, 71.1206588W (it was steep but full of stones, so not slippery and we did not think it was dangerous). Then we started traversing (it did not feel exposed, but was a bit strenuous) until about here: 37.9792148S, 71.1245764W, from where we started going down a narrow ridge that was flanked by creeks on both sides. Again it was not dangerous and first half was good CC (like all the previous traverse), the second half was part cow trail (with cow poop), part bush bashing, but surprisingly easy and painless with long sleeeves.<br /> <br /> At the bottom of the valley, we came out on a clearly visible trail. We went up it further into the valley, where there was a deserted puesto on a meadow under enormous araucaria trees with a magnificent views on snowy slopes full of huge waterfalls. We made camp.<br /> <br /> In the evening, Tomáš then went to explore a scary looking ridge to reach this peak: <br /> 37.9767704S, 71.1623784W. It turned out not to be scary. The sidehill up the ridge is mostly without trees or bushes, so it is steep but good CC. Once up the ridge, one can go around the pinacles from the southern side (left facing up), occasionally using the tree branches as support - there is a little of easy climbing, but with no exposure. Then the ridge is steep and somewhat narrow but one can mostly go up only using poles and not hands. Altogether SAC 5. It was fun and pretty, but caution needs to apply. From the top, one could easily traverse north towards here: 37.9611427S, 71.1539942W.<br /> <br /> The next day, we went up a ridge dividing the valley we slept in into two (this one: 37.9714484S, 71.1414231W). There is a trail up that branches off the main valley trail about 300 m downstream of the abandoned puesto. One goes up a slope for about 400m and then down to a ford and then up. There are a variety of cow trails with bamboo cut some time ago. It is partly bush bashing, but very easy and just a few hundred metres. Once up the steep slope, the trail is much clearer. Above the tree line, it is easy CC. Once you get up the main ridge, you can either go right to the peak we slept the days before (a walk up - no need to use hands, the rocky features can be easily skirted, SAC 3-4) or left to the coordinates that end the previous paragraph. From there one could go down to the valley in the north and either CC and ford (probably possible, but unceartain) or follow the road/path that is mapped in OSM (look it online, it was only added in late November) toward El Barco. Navigating this SOBO is much easier, we posted the GPX route of the most tricky part and a rough overall route painted over satellite image in the Facebook group and hopefully it will be included in the GPT next year [November 2024: it is in our suggstions together with a lot of exploratory options].<br /> <br /> Going down the valley to reconnect to the GPT leading from Gaulali is easy 5 km on a clear trail. Once you hit car tracks (almost in the main valley) that will soon turn left, you can probably follow one of the trails going straight and save yourself maybe a 0.5 km detour to a puesto here: 38.0095590S, 71.1391237W. From the puesto, there is a very ugly road that was enlarged this year all the way to Guallali. Going NOBO, you reconnect to the trail going to Cerro Dedos very soon and thus almost entirely eclipsing the roadwalk. Plus our proposed new route is really pretty.<br /> <br /> From Gaullali, there seems to be a daily bus leaving at 5.30 AM from in-front-of-the-turnoff-to-the-carabinieros-station. It goes to Ralco and then to Los Angeles. By mistake we first bought tickets to Ralco for 1300 and then to Los Angeles for 1500. It arrives in Ralco at 8:00 and stops there for 10 or so minutes. Next bigger stop is in Santa Barbara around 9:30. It arrives to Los Angels after 10:30. I think it goes back in the afternoon, possibly at 14:00, but ask at the station.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 dec 12 - dec 14 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / RR + B + C + F / Frans'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Ralco to Trapa Trapa, start of GPT10. 2 busses a day, 4.30 and 16.30. I was at the busstop at 4.10, but the driver probably didn't expect anyone and took a shortcut and therefore didn't pass the busstop. So if you want to take that one, walk 100m further to the crossing of the main road.<br /> 16.30 no problems, plenty of people taking that bus. Total of 2.5hrs to get to Trapa Trapa.<br /> <br /> Missing the bus gave me time to explore Ralco a bit, plenty of shops, turist information center and a Museum about the Pewenche. Small, but worth a visit (1000 CLP).<br /> <br /> Didn't explore anything in Trapa Trapa since I wanted to cover some gound before darkness. Did see some signs of shops tho.<br /> Easy trail, no issues here. Ended up to camp at: Camp 10 [7.1/1181]. Got woken up by some cows and horses in the morning. <br /> <br /> Took the route (C) along the lake, also with the intention to get some extra water for the plateau. Although there was plenty at the plateau (for now), at least 5 good streams and more small ones. All because of the melting snow, so I don't know for how long that will be in the upcoming weeks. <br /> <br /> Walk was easy, pass is easy, some snow/ice walking but all stable. You might be taking a little caution when it starts melting more but walk around the snow is also an easy option.<br /> <br /> I camped at the plateau, almost at the end just before you walk into the greenzone again. On the right side is a flat spot next to some trees and bushes. <br /> <br /> Next day via Laguna el Barco, some people camping there, no one at the entry so didn't had to pay anything. Easy walk again. Took option (F) and first house on the left after crossing the bridge had a sign that they sold ice cream. Stopped there, friendly people and as they told me they will sell more stuff in the future. It also looked like that, they were constructing a store, shelves, counter everything. Just no inventory yet. Unclear when they will, at least to me with my limited Spanish.<br /> <br /> Reached Guillali easily, had a chat with the local Cabaniero. He gave me a Entell Sim-card so I could have cell service. Stayed at Romina. Bed, dinner, breakfast 30.000 CLP. <br /> <br /> Really nice walk all along. Easy navigation, nice views and not really demanding terrain. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec- to 2023-Dec-8 / 2,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + variant G + variant E + variant C / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Jens'''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present<br /> <br /> - Snow : a little bit of snow around the pass, super easy to navigate <br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find<br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> <br /> - Resupply : there is a small 'negocio' in Trapa Trapa, and you can have breakfast with a really nice family at the 'lodging and food' <br /> <br /> - Option roads : Variant C - really nice lake, just a little bit of bushbashing to rejoin the RR<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-07 to 2023-Mar-09 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> After a night in Guallali, we continued on GPT10. This section is short and awesome, definitely worth hiking! <br /> <br /> On Day 1, we decided to reach the camping of Laguna El Barco (Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292]). We managed to get two rides that shorten the day, and enjoyed an afternoon of rest in the campground (we cooked some pinones). As other as noted, the price is 8pp and the water in the shower ice cold. We were hungry for sopapillas but sadly, this late in the season, the shop was closed. Because we asked, we were able to buy tortillas (2k each) directly from the owners for the next morning. Expect heavy bread - one half is enough for a meal.<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we hiked through the plateau. Of note, X {10} [32.1/1296] is now a gate (and a camp) and we were asked to pay 1pp for the right of way. <br /> The plateau is easy walking with a clear trail while filled with beautiful views. Better pack some water before because we did not find any before reaching the end of the descent in the forest (RR-TL-V {10} [13.6+2.5]). We camped at Camp {10} [9.6/1175], which is in a bosquet and wind sheltered.<br /> <br /> * '''On Day 3, we finished the section until Trapa Trapa and asked for lodging at Mirellas (Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956]). It costs 20k pp for room / dinner / breakfast (no hot water). We were told there are some &quot;thermas&quot; close to -37.69656, -71.29006 but when asking our way, we were told it costs 4pp to use them. It did not seem worth it so we backtracked.'''<br /> The three shops in Trapa Trapa are located at -37.71004, -71.26861 (closed when we passed by), -37.71040, -71.26661 (had various sweets, ice cream) and -37.71234, -71.25523 (the biggest of them). However, expect limited supplies (we could not find batterias nor sunscreen for the next sections).<br /> <br /> Not much more to say on this section. We initially planned to go on 10-01 for the Volcan, but were told it would be a day of heavy rain and thus stayed on the RR (finally, not a single drop, just a little cloudy and windy). <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-07 to 2023-Feb-10 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + option 01 Volcán Copahue / Natalie&amp;Tomàš'''<br /> <br /> The forest fire situation made planning for this extremely difficult. We packed for GPT 09-12 with volcano side trips but we had to skip 09 because of park closure and gamble on starting directly in Trapa Trapa. We took the direct bus to Trapa Trapa from Los Angeles, it was long... 5+hours and it leaves once a day at 2:15pm (Feb,2023). Although it was memorable, we think it would have been faster to bus to Ralco and try to hitch as there are &quot;some&quot; cars. The road condition looked as if it has been recently fixed and is being improved even more.<br /> Arrived in Trapa Trapa at ~7:30pm and started hiking right away. Beautiful town and valley. We were going to camp at km07 but there were people staying there with dogs so we moved on to the next river crossing not great for camping (there are nicer spots just a bit further). <br /> <br /> Day2<br /> Easy walk towards the junction for option 01 to volcán Copahue with a long conversation and piñone testing with &quot;Pedro&quot; from puesto 13.7. We were lucky to hike during the season that the piñones were dropping but sadly we did not find Laureline's cellphone:(. Our plan was to summit Copahue but my stomach bug came back and we stopped very early to camp, we had a few days of excess food so this was no problem. We camped near the large creek separating 01&amp;01a -37.83511, -71.24072. The smoke was also getting us down. There is water here obviously, but there is also a nice water source earlier here: -37.83542, -71.24258. This trail (01) is slightly overgrown and the &quot;aggressive puesto&quot; @ 1.2 was locked up with no one there. <br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> We took option 01a (BB) to the pass. Tomáš had tested it the day before to see if it was BB but there was a path. Although we found the path the day before, we both got lost in the bamboo for the first bit but luckily once you get under the canopy of the Araucarias, the trail is clear and non-bushy, actually it is really pleasant! In the forest there is water here; -37.83520, -71.23177 and a small broken down puesto here; -37.83893, -71.22434. <br /> Out of the forest there is a beautiful grassy (and boggy) plateau with two puestos (one occupied) and lots of water (-37.84756, -71.22044). We spoke with the lady of the puesto and her 5yr old son: genuinely nice people! There is a trail from her puesto (-37.84760, -71.22095) that goes straight up East. The trail exists until you hit a waterfall-fed creek and the rocks start; -37.85161, -71.21874. from there on it is CC on grippy rocks, dirt and boulders. Last water source before the pass is not far; -37.85768, -71.21610 and would make a nice camp. Getting to this pass, although beautiful, took a long time! <br /> At the pass we dropped our bags and followed the osm route for volcán Copahue. The osm route was better than the GPT bcs it followed a firm snow patch for a good while making walking fast. There was a good stream of snow melt on the approach (-37.86132, -71.19051) and the walk to the summit was easy, some loose little boulders. The summit was well worth it as the crater of Copahue is very impressive; a large broken glacier with a beautiful glacier lake. We think apart from our climb of Azul it was the nicest volcano so far. <br /> The way down to Termas de Pucon Mahuida was very slow going. Followed the osm route rather than GPT bcs it seemed more accurate.However it was still CC on rocks almost the whole way. Up high there is water here; -37.87362, -71.20509 and &quot;some&quot; spots for camping. Later there is a scenic valley good for water and camping, nice views of Copahue's glacier; -37.87753, -71.19874. We followed this valley down until we had to cross out of it, once leaving this valley there is no drinking water until the hot springs.<br /> We camped at the hot springs which are a good temperature, one small pool but I think there are more higher up. The area around is not good for camping and very boggy, we found one half decent spot. Unfortunately Tomáš had his turn with the stomach bug and the smoke crept in strongly overnight. We rested late until the next day. <br /> <br /> Day4<br /> We rested until late morning as Tomáš was still barely recovered from his stomach bug and walked the long road to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> The beginning of the road could have been some of my favorite scenery so far, The Araucaria trees surpassed my expectations and especially when they are backdropped with mountains and at one time an orange river (glacier water flowing through sulphur like sediment?), it feels like the era of the dinosaurs. The road for option01 had plenty of good water sources (~5x). Friendliest dogs at this puesto; -37.95898, -71.26155 and a teeny tiny amount of water.<br /> Luckily got a hitch with a local to the bus stop shortly after the intersection with 01 and RR. From there we walked about 3 km to Guallalí.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-25 to 2023-Jan-27 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maks&amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Really quick section. We started about 2 pm on 25.01 and finished about 2 pm on the 27.01.<br /> Nice and easy with visible trail and no problems from the locals (all of them really nice). There is no water between 14 and 33km even after rain. <br /> We stayed at Camping by Laguna el Barco and paid 8 000 for the both of us. The water in the shower is ice cold, but there are few ladies selling fresh, warm bread. <br /> The public transport from the end of the section is the bus at 5.30 (Guallali) or bus point 5.45. We tried to hitchhike but with no luck. We camped in Guallali by the river (next to the church.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-25 to 2023-Jan-27 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> We found this section surprisingly attractive - mainly the plateau was breathtaking. We spent the first night at a property of a Mapuche family (waypoint Camp - 7,1 km). Right before the ascent to Laguna Liay, there was a Mapuche family whose father approached us, he acted rather reserved from the start towards tourists (as he told us that they bring litter into the mountains) but we ended up drinking harina tostada with the family which also sold us some bread. We took the optional route which goes around the Laguna Liay and couldn't find the path so we somehow slid down the hill and went around the beach. Laguna Liay was really great to take a swim in and felt private (until a helicopter started hovering above our heads, taking water from the lake). There really seemed to be no water on the plateau - we took it from the Laguna and spent the night on the plateau - lots of space for camping there. The next day we arrived at Laguna El Barco, we didn't have to pay for the entry to the lake. The tienda there was open until 8 p.m. and had tuna, rice, pasta, biscuits, beverages, toilet paper, instant soups. There was a stand that made sopaipillas, churascos, french fries, salad, tortillas. Then there were some ladies going around the beach offering almost the same. We hitchhiked some of the last kilometres of the road to Guallalí. There's a shop as others indicated and a bus going only in the morning as written below. The chances of hitch hiking from there are rather scarce, as our Polish fellow travelers found out. There's a quite nice camping spot by the river further down the road (it's a few metres into the start of the section 11); it's not very private but people that were passing by didn't mind us camping there. Continued to section 11 thereafter. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-12 to 2023-Jan-15 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / detour past Laguna las Totoras / Will '''<br /> <br /> Another quick section, with some super unique Araucaria forests. I decided to try and find the trail to Laguna las Totoras that Jo and Veronica mentioned. The route wasn't exactly traditionally scenic, but I had a good time. The lake was more of a shallow grassy pond surrounded by thick Araucaria forest. To me it was a nice change from all the classic alpine lakes. Flat grassy bank that seemed perfect for camping. The water itself was warm and a bit muddy. I didn't see anyone along the detour, other than a few bulls at the lake.<br /> <br /> I turned off the main trail at -37.90827, -71.30880. I followed some horse tracks curving to the south along the edge of the woods. The tracks went through some sandy clearings before I eventually lost them in the woods. The woods were pretty easy travel, before too long I was out on a grassy plateau where I found tracks leading to the mirador marked on openstreetmap. Went up the road through some inspiring woods to the lake. I then walked south along the not very scenic road back to the main route.<br /> <br /> Could be a nice option to take if you're in the mood for a change from the open alpine trail.<br /> <br /> Other than that I missed the turnoff to the Laguna liay and decided to try bushwhacking straight through. Had a good time going off trail due west to the bottom right corner of the lake, open woods with a few pretty easy scrambles up/down rocky cliffs. Had a worse time trying to head southeast back to the main trail, encountering some thicker woods.<br /> <br /> The bus to Ralco comes at 2pm on Sunday, so I spent two nights at Laguna El Barco with a quick walk Sunday morning to catch the bus. For 15000 I rented a kayak to circle the lake in a bit under two hours, super nice. The campsite was crowded for the weekend. There were some nice ladies selling simple food. The trail to the right of the campsite along the lake is beautiful.<br /> <br /> Had a hard time finding accommodation in Ralco, the first five places I tried were full. Eventually found a spot at Cabañas Nehuen Antu for 30k.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-11 to 2023-Jan-13 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We continued from Trapa Trapa in the late afternoon to the camp at km 7. Trail is easy to navigate from the beginning. We set the camp actually a few meters before the puesto, in the forrest on the right side that seemed to be more quiet and hidden place. There is a nice spot with water around km 8, before entering the valley. We have seen just a few people around the puestos. Ascent to the pass is not bad, we enjoyed again very different landscape all around. Continuing to laguna, we decided to camp below arucaria trees a little before the official camp (cca 2 km) since we would get there pretty late. Based on comments from other hikers we went through the camp the next morning to check if there is opportunity to buy some food and eventhough the shop was closed, there were two ladies selling tortillas and sopapillas, churrasco and a few other things. The trail after laguna is mostly a dirt road passing around puestos. There was a community festival in Guallalí (1st edition) which was really nice to see, we tried grilled goat and bought some local products, great experience. One of the guys from the festival took us to Ralco in the evening and arranged a cabaña for us (35k CLP). There are 2-3 bigger shops with basically everything, gas is in the one next to the biggest market on the plaza. On the other hand, minishop in Guallalí is very limited, but they have some drinks, ice cream, cookies etc. There is also one small shop on the way to Guallalí, close to Bus 10-E mark.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-09 to 2023-Jan-10 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Trapa Trapa - Laguna El Barco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We started from Trapa Trapa around 11 am after finishing section 9. The first part nearly until Laguna Liay is an easy walk on dirt roads/nice paths with several water sources.<br /> We met some pehuenche people who greated us friendly, only one man mumbled if we had a 'permiso' to pass there (we couldn't understand him very well). But then his friends told him to let us pass, he went away and we continued walking.<br /> On the last km to Laguna Liay there is a lot of bush bashing. But it's definitely worth it, a very nice camping spot up there.<br /> The next day we took option C around the lake, which was a mistake because at some point we couldn't find a path and ended up on a sketchy climb to the top of the plateau. The rest of the way to Laguna el Barco is easy with good paths.There is no water between Laguna Liay and Laguna el Barco.<br /> At the Laguna they charge 5000 CLP p.p. for the picnic/beach and 8000 CLP p.p. for camping. From there we hitchhiked to Ralco to resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-23 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / Option C / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Trapa Trapa - Laguna Liay - Laguna El Barco - Guallalí<br /> <br /> Two days from Trapa Trapa to Guallalí. Easy trail up the valley towards Laguna Liay. Didn't see anyone, most of the puestos appeared unoccupied. Lovely araucaria grove at the base of the big climb to Laguna Liay. The trail during the climb was overgrown/hard to distinguish in some places, and had a few areas of blowdowns too, which made the going slow during that bit.<br /> <br /> I took Option C around Laguna Liay, which I found to be a frustrating maze of cow paths. One minute it's nice and clear and then it disappears, leaving me to bushwhack my way along until I stumble upon it again. The lake is beautiful though, and it's the last water before Laguna El Barco, so I filled up a couple litres. Met my first other GPT hikers in 3 weeks there too, they were going NOBO. Really beautiful up on the plateau of araucarias. <br /> There was no one at Laguna El Barco when I got there around lunchtime, no one selling food either. Spent over an hour there enjoying the shady picnic tables and the beach. <br /> <br /> Easy trails/4×4 tracks the rest of the way to Guallalí. The two NOBO GPT hikers I met yesterday got charged 10,000 pesos by some local Mapuche folks to pass through this area, but I (again) didn't meet anyone. <br /> The shop in Guallalí is very limited. When I saw the selection, I decided to take the bus the next morning to Ralco, it leaves at 5:30 am. The shop owner was also not offering accommodation, but pointed me to the lovely araucaria grove across the street to camp. There is Entel cell service here :)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-27 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Romain '''<br /> <br /> - Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292] : the place is nice, as mentioned there are lot of bins, the camping is also very nice and the showers still very cold. They charged me $5.000 for the night. It was written &quot;with no (something I didn't manage to read)&quot; on the bill so if they charge you $8.000 you can try to specify you don't have car, or I don't know... They removed the panel for the grocery just after I asked for it so it's now fixed, there is no grocery. The family selling cooked food wasn't selling food when I visited them around 11:00, maybe because it was monday morning, maybe because it was the end of summer, I don't know<br /> <br /> - Close to GPT10-C Start there is a point of view on the whole valley, it's beautiful and you can see all the puestos <br /> <br /> - Just after it there are many paths to go down, I haven't taken the one from the GPS but it's very easy to reach it then<br /> <br /> - Around Puesto {10} [14.5/1297] an arriero told me there are 2 paths going down the valley, one on each side of the river, I've followed the GPT to try to reach Trapa Trapa before the night so I didn't go further about them but if someone try<br /> <br /> - Around fords there are often a &quot;bridge&quot; made of one massive plank, the same arriero told me about some so they probably check each year they are usable. You just have to look for it, but it can not be the case at some points<br /> <br /> - The number of puestos in this Valley is impressive, I only had good contacts with the people I met<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-11 to 2022-Feb-12 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional section 10-E straight from Laguna El Barco to Guallalí / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> In one day from Trapa Trapa to Laguna Liay, camping at the north side. There are many cow trails leading down to the laguna. The one we took seemed suitable for hikers too. Going back up the next day we got lost in the cow maze though, and only by searching for our own footprints from the previous day did we get back on the RR. It may be worth having a look at our GPS tracking data to figure out our initial path.<br /> <br /> The next day continued to Guallalí. Beatiful plateau! Got to harvest our first piñones as well! However, we hurt the araucaria tree by breaking off a small but not insignificant branch when trying to get the green &quot;pinecone&quot; to break off, using the &quot;strong rope&quot; method described in the hiker's manual. Only later we learned you should go for the brownish, &quot;café&quot;-colored cones. Just hit these with your walking stick and the piñones will fall right off. You then collect them from the ground. The threatened araucaria will be much happier not being hurt :)<br /> <br /> When in need of water at the plateau, there should be a path to Laguna Totora from S 37° 54.510', W 071° 18.580', according to an arriero who passed by. Maybe a future optional route?<br /> <br /> The optional routes 10-E and 10-G have become MR instead of TL.<br /> <br /> The lodging at the shop in Guallalí was not avaible, but the shop owner pointed us to an araucaria grove closeby (you can enter via a wooden gate next to the escuela). We camped there: S 38° 02.647', W 071° 16.441'. There were some villagers passing by, so it seems to be public land. There's a small stream to the east with quite clear water. Maybe it's possible to camp more upstream to the north, where there are bridges and where the stream has passed fewer houses.<br /> <br /> Continued to GPT11 immediately after.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-19 /3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> Between Guallalí and Laguna el Barco is mainly gravel road, but sometimes there are small, discrete paths that connect them, so keep an eye on the GPS.<br /> The camping at Laguna el barco is now 8000 per person. There are toilets, very cold showers and many garbage bins. There is also a family selling tortillas (bread baked in the ash) and sopaipillas, as well as some other people who come down in the evening and morning selling tortillas. There's a shop advertising ice cream, bread, sodas and other stuff, but it's closed. The people at the camping told us that it would open at 13, and then at 20, and then next day. A lady who had stayed there for a week said it had been like that the whole week, so I wouldn't count on it being open. As noted, you can ask the campground people to charge your phone. All in all, it was a nice campsite.<br /> Shortly after, the big climb starts. You have to pass through a fence and by some houses - again keep an eye on the GPS. We were charged 1000 per person, probably wouldn't happen for people going southbound. <br /> As warned, there was no water on the plateau until Laguna Liay. At the camp-waypoint, there is a very small lake, it doesn't look like the best drinking water, and the path directly to the lake seems very overgrown. Instead, we continued around the lake and found a decent campsite on the far side. The path around the lake is faint at best, and we ended up doing some serious scrambling down a cliff, however when we got down we found a path coming more from the right, so maybe there's a better way. The walk around is pretty, though.<br /> After the descent, the rest is easy walking past many puestos.<br /> In Trapa Trapa, we stayed at the house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot;. They charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. Very nice family, they might be away in their puesto sometimes though. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. They were building a cabaña when we were there. Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there. Apart from that there are two other minishops, one in each direction, which we didn't check out.<br /> <br /> The bus apparently leaves for Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option D / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> After finishing GPT9 I went directly on to GPT10 and made camp at the camping ground by el barco lake (5000 pesos) you can ask them to charge your electronics by the house where you pay. They didn’t sell any food.<br /> Like already mentioned by others, remember to bring a lot of water for the following section. The plateau you climb up on after El Barco lake was very dry. Next water source with good clean water was at Laguna Liay. I was getting desperate for water, so I took variant D directly down to the laguna. The trail was very overgrown and requires some bush bashing. Frustrating amounts of mosquitos and horseflies in this part of the section, might be worth bringing some mosquito spray!<br /> <br /> Next section towards trapa trapa was nice and easy with perfect weather and plenty of water.<br /> Found two mini-shops in Trapa Trapa with only limited supplies. A bus to Ralco, leaves weekdays 6:00 in the morning. Therefore I spent the night in a room that a local Mapuche family were renting out. Was served a very big plate of grilled sheep meat and really enjoyed talking with the family. Later in the evening the father returned home very drunk. He was nice and talkative but I was getting at bit of a bad vibe from him, so thanked them for the food and went off to bed. Later at night I was awaken by someone vigorously trying to open the door which I thankfully locked. Rest of the family woke up and I heard a mans voice shouting something about “extranjero” and soon after the abuela kicked this guy out of the house.<br /> <br /> Instantly thought I was gonna get robbed, but might just have been a drunk family member or the father who had forgot I was sleeping in their room. Hard to say… Apart from this I really enjoyed interacting with the locals in this region and I’ve had a lot of nice and memorable experiences.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / Incident on GPT10 at Puesto-55 Location S 37* 49‘ 31.79‘‘ / W 71* 16‘ 23.38‘‘ / Published on behalf of Trevor Mattson'''<br /> <br /> &quot;Sad to report that i had a very negative experience about 15km into section 10 on sunday (2/2). I was offered food and a place to camp by a very nice pehuenche lady (miriam, goes by &quot;mila&quot;, the puesto after puesto 55 marked as &quot;puesto, food&quot; at the beginning of the OH route right after it splits from RR) only to have her husband come home later an try to rob me. She was extremely friendly. Although he was noticeably intoxicated, he was also nice at first as we joked, drank maté an collected firewood together. After a couple hours, as the sun was almost completely gone (~10pm), he went inside his puesto, grabbed a knife, an approached me from behind as i sat around the fire with his wife. He marched me to my tent with the knife pressed againt my neck. I allowed him to search it (he kept saying &quot;plata, plata, plata&quot; an his Spanish wasn't very good) which gave me the opportunity to pick up a rock an intimidate him a bit. I had a lot of money an wasn't just gonna let him take it and all of my stuff up in the mountains at night. His wife then came an tried to get between us / protect me (she was pleading him to stop). He was shoving her around, but this gave me just enough time to rip my tent out of the ground, which had all my stuff in it, an quickly drag it to the nearest puesto (~100metres). He followed me on horseback after a minute or two an the family there armed themselves with sticks an told him to f**k off. <br /> <br /> I hiked for a few hours through the night an met an incredible family at around 1700metres on the optional route (papa named exequel). They told me that he (bernardino from &quot;puesto, food&quot;) has robbed a &quot;chino&quot; (means anyone that looks even remotely asian in my latin American experiences) in the past an that &quot;se vuelve loco&quot; when he drinks vine. I bought more cheese from bernardino an his wife than i wanted/needed as a nice gesture an we seemed to get along, so this was reassuring that he was just crazy an it was nothing that i did to provoke him. In other words, i behave according to the manual provided by Jan an it is not at fault.<br /> All in all, the pehuenches an mapuches i've met are all amazing except this guy. I definitely had to inform you all but don't want you to think that they are some uncivilized savages by any means. Bernardino kept telling his wife that i was &quot;solo&quot; as his justification for robbing me as they argued. Therefore i don't recommend passing through there alone, especially not later in the evening. I think if you stick to the regular you will narrowly avoid the puesto entirely. Or definitely worth the extra few KMs to continue to exequel's puesto further up the OH route. Also, i had a few extra pesos in a separate pocket that i was able to pretend like was all the money i had which was clutch. An from now on, I'm not staking anything into the ground until i know the father of the family well. <br /> Anyway, happy trekking, stay safe, an if anyone knows a good place to try an fix tent poles in concepción by chance then that would be awesome!&quot;<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank '''<br /> <br /> Came in from Trapa Trapa in evening &amp; camped @ Camp 81. There is a Mapuche family living there, talked to them &amp; they were OK with me camping nearby. I was caught out by the sudden transition from river valley to dry plateau, had very little water &amp; was as dry as dirt when I got to stream 1KM before Laguna Barco, drank 3 litres there. 3000CLP camping for 1 person @ Laguna. There is a Mapuche family with a food stall there, they have chips, sopaipillas &amp; tortilla. The tortilla is like a small bread loaf. Next morning as I was leaving around 8:30 the Mapuche woman came round the campsite with fresh sopaipillas &amp; tortilla. Walked in to Guallali from Laguna Barco in about 3 hours. Shop in Guallali is small but Romina who runs the shop provides beds &amp; meals. 20,000 CLP for evening meal (usually goat &amp; rice), bed &amp; breakfast. Walked out 9KM to Comunidad Chanqueco, there is a good shop there. From Chanqueco it's easier to hitch, traffic coming from Laguna Barco but very little from Guallali. Hitched into Ralco, stayed @ Hosteria Montana there, about 15000CLP single.<br /> 2 supermarkets in Ralco, they sometimes have camping gas.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-12 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> This section was well marked/distinguished relative to all the other sections on thus far. There were many Puestos along the way as well. This was also the first section where the araucaria tree is very prevalent across the landscape. This section was my final section on the GPT and the araucaria trees and the lush green landscape provided good contrast to the semi-desert climate south of Santiago de Chile. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: <br /> There was a small 12km ish section without water close to the pass. <br /> <br /> Highlights: <br /> Change in landscape. Great views of the many volcanoes in the area.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 9 &amp; 10. 4 days. Sierra Velluda and Antuco Volcanoe were amazing. In Trapa Trapa the two small shops were out of stock, so we couldn't buy anything. Pehuenche settlers in &quot;veranadas&quot; were really welcoming and friendly to us. We asked anyway for permission to camp close to their settlements. We were invited by familia Crespo Manquepi for tortillas, tea and some other food and stayed there for a few hours. They are welcome to recieve gpt hikers and in the future sell some food and lodging. Really kind family. Just before the last big climb in section 10. No water for a long stretch after it. Recomend the detour to Laguna Liay, amazing. Resupplied in Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> The trail was in good condition and we didn’t experience any issues. Possible to resupply at Guallalí but the selection isn’t huge (pasta, dry soups, crackers, tuna etc). If you are looking to bus into Lonquimay, it was leaving at 5:30AM the next morning for us (but we didn’t take it). <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Easy trail and navigation. We got in this really bad weather too. Storm and ice at the pass. In Guallali we had coffee and sopapillas at the carabinieros and spent the night at the same place as Matus, Anna and Linda. We took the bus at 05:30 towards Los Angeles and are staying in Ralco for resupply and drying. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-25 to 2019-Dec-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Linda'''<br /> <br /> - Nice hike with no major difficulties. The plateau with the araucarias after the pass is amazing!!!<br /> <br /> - No river when you leave the valley toward the pass and then down to the other valley BUT, as I wanted to sleep on this plateau (25 km after the start of the section) I found a small river 300 meters on the right from the regular track and camped at this place : S37,895511° O71,308919° Wonderful sunset!!! <br /> <br /> - In Guallali, end of the section, lodging, food and mini shop. Lodging at the way point Minishop very nice = guesthouse with diner and breakfast for 20000 CLP. Very nice family!!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 3.5 days (11 walking hours) / Hiking / NOBO / RR with hitch hiking between Guallali and Laguna el Barco / Sophie &amp; Hendrik '''<br /> <br /> In total we were 3.5 days on the trail, of which we spend 1 in the tent due to bad weather. The 0.5 day we had left from arriving in Guallali we spend buying food and hitch hiking to the campground at Laguna el Barco. We did so because we expected rain soon and wanted to camp it out. Also we were not too keen for the gravel road part.<br /> <br /> We liked: Nice araucaria trees, an amazing sunset we saw a tad south of Laguna Llai and after section 11 and 12 the easy terrain.<br /> <br /> We did not like so much: The horsflies.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-04 / 3.5 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> GPT09 and GPT10 Season section log. <br /> We combined these two sections. It took us 3.5 days via regular trail SOBO.<br /> Trail in both section is in good condition. There is snowfield in first pass as was mentioned. We went left, but it would be worth to check is it's possible to go through rocks on the right as it seems much shorter. <br /> Water is not marked on a map but there is a stream before the pass. <br /> Resuply in Trapa Trapa is very limited. They had few tunas, other caned fish, some pasta, flour, cola, crisps... We didn't check for accomodation. <br /> We stayed in a paid campsite at Laguna el Barco for 5000 both. Around 8 there was a woman selling bread and sweet pastry, but mind that it was weekend. <br /> Resuply in Guallali again very limited. They have tunas, caned fish, pasta, oil, crackers and bit more. We are staying in a house next to the shop.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Trapa Trapa<br /> - Accommodation: The house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot; charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. <br /> <br /> - Shopping: Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there. There is a panel just before the street going to the grocery indicating that the mini-market is 100m away. There are two other minishops.<br /> <br /> - Bus: The bus apparently leaves for Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends.<br /> <br /> *Guallalí<br /> Lodging at the way point Minishop very nice = guesthouse with dinner and breakfast for 20000 CLP. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Laguna El Barco :<br /> Updated Mar 22<br /> <br /> -The family selling cooked food close to Lake, Camp $ {10} [32.9/1292] wasn't selling food when I visited them around 11:00, maybe because it was monday morning, maybe because it was the end of summer, I don't know<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Bus Guallali - Ralco - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles 05:30<br /> <br /> Updated January 2022:<br /> Bus from Trapa Trapa to Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends<br /> <br /> &lt;u&gt;Updated February 2025:&lt;/u&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;Bus from Butalelbún/Trapa Trapa to Los Angeles:&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 5:30 am from Monday to Saturday&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 14:00 on Sunday&lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;Bus from Los Angeles to Butalelbún/Trapa Trapa:&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 14:00 am from Monday to Saturday&lt;br /&gt;<br /> - at 19:15 on Sunday&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108664113.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603529.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603527.jpg|thumb|Araucarias at GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603530.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_108603538.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]<br /> [[File:GPT_5_Laguna_El_Barco_1086641189.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT10 - Laguna El Barco]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT09_(Volcan_Antuco)&diff=122449 2025-08-09T22:22:54Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - GPT09 Option 3 (Filo Las Torres): This scenic high route is in most parts clearly visible on satellite images but was recorded only once. It steeper and more exposed but certainly the more interesting option.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> *'''2025-04-15 to 2025-04-18 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Peggy<br /> <br /> After staying 2 nights at Mireya and her family’s place in Trapa Trapa (lodging point km0.3) due to the rain, I left re-stocked with food bought from the family (noodles, jam, boiled eggs, bread, and sopapillas).<br /> Note: in Trapa Trapa, mobile network only with Wom and maybe Claro. Otherwise, Wi-Fi at the health center (posta de salud, in the center – no password needed, connection accessible from outside).<br /> <br /> The day I left, Belissario, the man of the family and an arriero, was also heading back up to his puesto to fetch his cows. He invited me to his puesto by the estero for the evening. I ended up staying until the day after that, letting a day of light rain and wind pass. Quiet moments of sharing and mutual respect. Chaltumay 🙏<br /> <br /> As with the other sections (12, 11, and 10) done in April, all the puestos I passed were closed.<br /> <br /> Once past the ruta Q-45, it’s easier to cross the river (first ford not marked as such on the map in April 2025, with a puesto on the other side – 37.516956, 071.250529) by following vehicle tracks and thus going through the “bao” (river crossing for vehicles and animals); rather than following the GPS track.<br /> <br /> It’s really worth taking the RR and not variant C unless you’re in a hurry and want to hitchhike...<br /> <br /> I slept not far from the araucaria solitaria, a bit set back from the river to avoid the humidity on top of the cold. My tent and sleeping bag were still frozen in the morning, but I felt less humidity than I would have if I had camped closer to the water.<br /> <br /> The next day, descent to Antuco via the pass, between Volcán Velluda and Volcán Antuco. Beautiful area (cold and windy at this time of year), then an impressive lava field. Upon reaching the amphitheater, I met a few people who had come as far as the waterfall at its end.<br /> I hesitated to stay the night there but it was still early, and although I’m happy that people come to see one of the beauties of their country, I tend to enjoy solitude and avoid crowded places.<br /> <br /> So I descended to Antuco that evening and spent the night for 15k at Hostal Puelche in Antuco (there are also cabañas, but I don’t know the price – 985776984).<br /> <br /> For me, that marked the end of 3.5 months on the GPT for this season…<br /> Thank you to Jan and everyone, present and past, who have walked this path and shared their experiences, those I met – especially Dorota for her friendship and shared journey – and Tomáš and Natalie for the few options I followed (and for those I didn’t get to follow but that still remain in my mind).<br /> <br /> ''' 2025-FEB- 13 to FEB 17 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Optional / Emilie and Henry'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I slept close to the park ranger station the day prior, camping on the side of the road, a little bit hidden close to a stream to be able to get an early start. I disclosed my plans to go to trapa trapa to conaf and after filling out a paper and showing my day pass bought online I started on the road. A few kms in a car stopped next to me with someone asking me if I was the Canadian that registered to go to trapa trapa, I said yes; a fellow Canadian GPT hiker! I hopped in the Uber he took to the trail head with him and we decided to hike together. Henry (that’s his name) and I decided to start the hike together, and see if our rhythm matched and asses if we would continue. We hiked all day and camped at (S 37.458403° O 71.346766°). <br /> <br /> Day 2: Henry wanted to hike to volcan antuco summit, which I had considered but discarded because I didn’t want to do it alone, but I was keen on doing it together. It took us 12 hours total, with 2x 20 mins break uphill and a 30 min break on the summit. We got back at camp around 8:30pm as the sun was setting. We took the track / footway that starts at (S 37.460320° O 71.313438° ) The hike up is long, especially after the first plateau, a lot of scrambling and a few 100ms on snowy ice which we did without ice gear but should not be attempted alone as it is relatively steep and dangerous. We went very slowly and we made it to the top. We admitted to each other that this was not the safest way we could’ve done this and went equally as slow to go down. Crampons would’ve helped A LOT. We came down via Oh-cc-a 09-01 (0.0+4.3) and camped at the same spot as the night before, where we had left our tents. <br /> <br /> Day 3 : we continued passed the Refugio/military base and stayed on Ruta Q-45 hoping to get picked up (Which eventually happened) and driven until (S 37.526480° O 71.244377°) where we went back on the RR. We slept at (S 37.599160° O 71.243858°) near a puesto. We asked permission to the family on site to sleep next to the rio near them and they accepted. They were so so kind and we chatted and asked if we could buy some eggs and flour from them, and they proceeded to give us a bag with 8 eggs, flour, a tuna can and cookies. We paid them but they refused, shoving the money back into our bags. The next morning we wrote them a note with a drawing, heart-fully thanking them again . In retrospect we wish we had put money in the letter because they didn’t open it until we walked away, and next time that’s what we’ll do. <br /> <br /> Day 4: after leaving the puesto we finished walking to trapa trapa, where we went to the store (S 37.712410° O 71.256369° ) to buy a few snacks and a ramen and hiked back a km or two to camp at (S 37.710964° O 71.249438°). We ended up being on private property (our mistake) and were confronted by the owner but he didn’t mind at all. We had a small fire going and he said something along the lines of “it’s to cold for such a small fire” and proceeded to throw a huge bundle of wood on. So all in all a good hearted exchange.<br /> <br /> The next day we continued on gpt 10, together! <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-19 &gt; 21 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Optional / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : no issues<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 5/5<br /> | Difficulty : 3/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> Started the hike from Antuco then the bus took me after 8km to the starting point of the section.<br /> <br /> The first kilometers on the road are not interesting so I hitched. A super friendly arrieros family took me all the way in the park. It’s too bad my Spanish was not better so I could joke with them. The man is called Marco and knows everyone around.<br /> <br /> They drove me past the park entrance which was useful as there was a guard probably checking for entry tickets. He let us through.<br /> <br /> I took the option variant around the volcan following the road.<br /> <br /> There are insane camp spots all around the laguna.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> Followed the path on the dirt road. Rather nice and easy walk. Camped along the road not far from puestos.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> The descent in the forest is very much enjoyable.<br /> From Trapatrapa I hitched to Alto bobio.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-03 - 2024-02-04/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and option 1 / Elijah and Michael '''<br /> <br /> Option 1 Volcan Antuco entails relatively moderate angle perennial snowfield. Option 1A has no snow, ascent is direct and on lava rock.<br /> <br /> Red shop in Trapa Trapa currently has biscuits, snacks and drinks, no pasta, ramen, etc.<br /> <br /> Accomodation in Trapa Trapa at waypointed lodging was 65000 CLP for two persons including dinner, breakfast and 500g of harina tostada. Highly recommended.<br /> <br /> *&lt;b&gt;2025-02-12 to 2025-02-15 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Laguna Laja National Park - Sendero Sierra Velluda - ruta Q45 - Trapa Trapa / Paula &amp; Ramon 🇧🇷&lt;/b&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Day 1 (7 km): Entrance of Laguna Laja National Park - Amphitheatre Campsite (1540 msnm)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> As we passed through the national park control, we bought the entrance to the Park online at www.pasesparques.cl/ (it is not possible to buy on the spot). Great views of Volcan Antuco and Sierra Velluda. Camping at (-37.426734, -71.414157): the water point is a little far from the camping area.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Day 2 (16 km): Amphitheatre (1540 msnm) - ruta Q45 (1460 msmm)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> Great views of Volcan Antuco and Sierra Velluda. Camping at (-37.491905, -71.292664)&lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Day 3 (23 km): ruta Q45 (1460 msmm) - Paso near Trapa Trapa (1880 msnm)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> Nice and easy path. We hitchhiked for about 7 km. Camping at (-37.652843, -71.233232) on a beautiful lawn with some water flowing in a streams. &lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Day 4 (12 km): Paso Trapa Trapa (1880 msnm) - Trapa Trapa (950 msnm).&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> Easy path. At the health center in Trapa Trapa there was open Wi-Fi and a bathroom. We hitchhiked to the Nitrao Hot Springs (-37.692406, -71.295236), and the next day we took a bus from Malla Malla (-37.697741, -71.317649) to Los Angeles.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> *'''2024-01-29 to 2024-01-31 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 09A / Chris &amp; Julia'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: stayed in Antuco (Details in Log of section 8), took bus in the morning at 8:20 to Abanico and hitched from there a bit further until the track starts (off the MR). At the parque national checkpoint we had to explain a bit. It seems you should buy some ticket beforehand online. Since there was no internet reception, this was not possible on the spot. As we left for Trapa Trapa, they let us pass anyhow (we couldn't just pay in cash). The pass is really beautiful, last chance to get water is in the river one is loosely following, flowing on the right. Once it deviates, it becomes a bit dry until descending after the pass into the valley. The pass is super exciting and beautiful. There we aimed for the marked campspot, that little cave next to the police, but were surprised to find a construction site short before. We talked to the owners, they are building a restaurant with campsite and are offering tours up vulcan antuco. They were super friendly, let us stay somewhere in the bush for free and were even allowed to use their cantine-bus for our meals, which was super nice to sit upright and less exposed :) we enjoyed that a lot. In the future they want to also rent ice gear to climb antuco from the southern side which is way less demanding. <br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked along the MR, border control post manned, but not operating as a control post anymore. We weren't able to catch a ride for some time, but finally hitched the last 6km until the path splits off to the right. From there its mostly boring MR, some puestos, many not marked. Wanted to camp at marked Camp [47.1], but there is a puesto now. We went a few hundred meter down the road and found a spot there, closer to the river. <br /> <br /> Day 3: it gets more scenic towards the pass (also nice for camping, water at both sides of the pass), after the pass it gets really beautiful all the way down to trapa trapa. Last bit is a bit tricky to navigate in the river bed. <br /> In Trapa Trapa we had lunch at the food &amp; lodge location. They were really nice, almost same meal as described before but we had to pay 27kCLP for two people. <br /> After that we went to the red house marked. Only sweets, nothing &quot;good&quot;. We got 1.2kg of cookies, but decided to continue anyways and went into 10.<br /> <br /> Beautiful &amp; boring bits. Resupply and getting out bit tricky. No snow, no fords worth mentioning. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2024-01-27 to 2024-01-28 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 01B+OH02+09C+RR / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> Day1: After very good breakfast with owners of Camping Antuco I started at 12.00. I have decided take lower variant I was afraid of snow at pass. Var OH1B+OH2 leads on comfortable MR with views on Laguna Laja and Volcanos. Near the trail there are a lot of monuments. In 2005 was tragedy. A.lot od young soldiers dead in snow storm. At point OH02 (9.2/1409) there is now refugio, only signs. I took water in refugio of Police OH09C (1.1/1475). At border control nobody was interested in me. I joined RR at km 34.9/1495. Camp after Ford 37.0/1512. Water level very low. <br /> <br /> Day2: It was very hot but not problem with water. In puesto 47.1/1709 women made me fresh tortilla in fire for 5000 CLP. In Trapa Trapa in Shop (Red House) near point lodging Almonte nothing : only software drinks, sweets. Night at Lodging, Food with Mapuche family. Total 35000 clp for bed, breakfast and dinner. They were polite and very Quick prepare me place for night in spite of the fact that I arrived at 19.00. A girl of 12 years old talk to me a lot.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-Jan-22 to 2025-Jan-23 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Janboro '''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT 09, 10 and 11 and took 6,5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> Spent the night before my departure at the cabaña that belongs to Roca Café right next to the last bus stop and is run by Checo.<br /> <br /> Tried to hitchhike to the place where Farah and I stopped the day before, but wasn’t successful. So I took an “Uber”: a local guy who offered to drive me to Piedra del Indio for 50 luca. There, I started my hike in the late afternoon.<br /> <br /> The walk up the valley was straightforward, lots of water and easy terrain.<br /> <br /> I had plenty of encounters with puesto dogs that weren’t all too happy about my uninvited visit on their territory, with one being scary: At the puesto at [46.9/1709], two dogs aggressively barked and approached me while I was still more than a hundred meters away. No owners in sight and nobody reacted to my “holas”. Picking up stones as recommended in the manual didn’t keep the dogs from coming closer, so I decided to turn around, walked back around a hundred meters, crossed the river and made a big detour around the Puesto. I camped one or two kilometers upstream next to the river. Later in the evening, I saw the dueños coming back to their puesto on horses.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> The next morning I ascended the rest of the valley, had another two dogs barking aggressively and approaching me at Puesto at [49.3/1820]. This time picking up stones kept them at a distance of two meters. Also, their dueños were at home and eventually got their dogs to calm down and turn around.<br /> <br /> Shortly after the pass at [50.4/1878], I met a Pehuenche arriero who was on his way to his cattle in Antuco. Had a brief, nice chat with him and continued my descent.<br /> <br /> Way down also with easy terrain and a lot of water. At times the way is pretty steep though and I slipped two times in the sandy underground and fell on my butt.<br /> <br /> At the outskirts of Trapa Trapa I accidentally took the wrong way, walked through a gate and one to two hundred meters later found myself in a fenced-off private property, with two aggressively barking dogs approaching me, one from the front, one from the back. I yelled: “hola?” and a Pehuenche lady came and dot the dogs to leave me alone. Thanked her and apologized a couple of times. Her son opened the exit gate for me, I asked him if I was going the wrong way, he confirmed and pointed towards the correct way.<br /> <br /> In Trapa Trapa I searched for the shop and found it at the location, Ivan, Jakub and Daniel indicated. The selection of products was very limited, but I stilll had plenty of food so I only bought an ice cream and a pack of chicky bum. Continued through Trapa Trapa towards GPT10.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-19 to 2025-Jan-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / 09-01A, 09-02 / Farah &amp; Jan '''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> Started at Park Ranger [8.4/1110]. Decided to avoid the CC on the RR as Farah’s knee was still not fully recovered from GPT06 and took the MR (09-02) instead. Took the 09-01A detour, then a pizza break at the Antuco Basecamp. Lots of traffic on the MR, so we ate a lot of dust. Camped around 2 km behind the Monument of the Tragedy of Antuco {09-02} [3.4/1416] right next Laguna Laja.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Continued on the MR, still lots of dust, and camped at S 37°27.977' W 71°18.332' in the river bed.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> The next morning Farahs knee pain got so bad she couldn’t continue, so we decided to tramp back to El Abanico. Close to the camp at {09-C} [1.0/1440], we found a building made of shipping containers and told the people who live there about our problem. Don Leonel, the owner, plans to open a restaurant at that spot within the next 1-2 months. They already have a camping ground with toilets and showers. Ignacio, mountain guide by trade, who works for Leonel, drove us to El Abanico and recommended us to stay at the cabaña of Checo, who also runs Roca Café right next to the last bus stop.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-18 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR/ Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> <br /> ''''<br /> We got a ride from our sweet cabaña owner to the entrance to the park. The ranger took our info but we didn't need to pay because we hiked SOBO.<br /> <br /> It was rainy and we decided to camp near the waterfall and climb to the pass tomorrow.<br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> All trails were clear and easy.<br /> Camped at (-37.51122, -71.25437).<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> At approx (-37.51590, -71.25192) there was a puesto, and Maurizio invited us to have breakfast with him (eggs, bread, goat meat leftovers).<br /> We camped near ford [54.9/1423].<br /> <br /> 4rth day:<br /> Nothing at the resupply waypoint. We asked a teenager (the only person we saw) where is the store. He told us there is no store in Trapa Trapa, but that he might be able to sell us some stuff. He took us to his home, and his parents fed us and sold us some basic food (flour, harina tostada, pasta, honey).<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-JAN-08 to 2025-JAN-09 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 09C / Alex '''<br /> The pass {09} [16.8/2043] is now open for safe and direct access in both directions. The regular route (RR) still has a challenging ford at Río de los Piños. Instead, I followed 09C.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-22 &gt; 23 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; route &gt; RR &gt; Crête / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT09+GPT10+GPT11+GPT12+GPT13<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup au col du volcan<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 2/5<br /> | Danger : neige sur pente raide<br /> <br /> Bus de 11h (dimanche) puis auto-stop immédiat jusqu'au depart du sentier.<br /> La seconde moitié de la montée est plus compliquée mais se fait bien. Il y a des cairns dans tous les sens. Enorme congère au col, impossible a faire si la neige est gelée.<br /> J'ai pris la route au pied du volcan car le sentier est faisait un détours non justifié. Au col j'ai pris le sentier de crête. A Trapa Trapa je pensais trouver un resto ou une epicerie mais il n'y a rien a proximité du sentier.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-21 to 2024-DEC-22 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. B, C, 03B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> From the bus stop at the end of section 08 var. 06-B [2.9/734], we set out with supplies for two days. We walked 6 km along the main road Q-45 to the start of section 09. At coordinates -37.3983, -71.43998, we reported at the park gate, filled out a form, and paid the entrance fee to the national park, which was 5,700 CLP per person.<br /> <br /> While ascending to the first pass, we crossed a hardened lava field (aprox. 500m), full of sharp rocks. The views of Volcán Antuco and Sierra Velluda were breathtaking there.<br /> <br /> At the pass at km 16.8, there was still a significant amount of snow on the southeastern side. We used our siesta pads to slide down about 100 meters of elevation. Since the trail was buried under the snow, we continued cross-country on the snow. From there, we chose variants B and C.<br /> <br /> We spent the night after the river crossing at km 37.0. After sunset, a local arriero on horseback came to check on us from a nearby puesto.<br /> <br /> The next day, we reached the end of the minor road and, from the pass, opted for variants {09-03} and {09-03B}. In Trapa Trapa, we resupplied with only sweets and instant noodles, as the selection was very limited. However, a kind lady sold us some eggs as well. The small shop is located at coordinates -37.7124106, -71.2564517<br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-18 to 2024-Dec-19 / 1.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR (Partly) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Resupplied at the red shop (S 37.42745, W 71.15386) in trapa trapa, they had ramen cookies, chocolate etc. She also sold us a big loaf of bread. Not great for a full resupply but enough for us to top up for a few days.<br /> <br /> Ford 54.9km - would be possible to camp around here if you wanted a short day in or out of trapa trapa. Water is a available from here all the way up and over the pass at the moment.<br /> <br /> Ford 33.5km (approx) Crossing Rio de Los pinos on the RR was deep and strong for us at 1pm so we decided to hitch the road instead. Not much traffic but we got picked up by the police.<br /> <br /> Pass 16.8km - lots of snow still we decided it was too much for us so hitched to Antuco.<br /> <br /> Antuco has plenty of options to resupply. We found one screw top gas canister in the hardware store opposite the plaza. Big supermarket and other hardware stores had the cartridge type.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''24-12-06 - 24-12-09 / 3 days / SOBO / RR, OHa / Volker<br /> <br /> A wonderful spring hike!<br /> I hitchhiked from Pelluca (close to Antuco) to the camp site Lagunillas. Conaf registration is now on the road. 10K for day visitors, no fee for those, who continue SOBO. The Conaf guy at the spot indicated in the track files already knew from his colleague, that I am coming. Started there at 2.30 p.m. After the first slope very scenic landscape. The pass was completely under snow, so I walked back a bit to the yellow spot (close to the big red spot), found a spot, that fits for one tent. Very windy and cold - but superscenic with Sierra Velluda so close. <br /> Day 2: Volcan Antuco summit. I didn‘t start earlier than 7:15 as I wanted the sun to melt the surface of the snow before I arrive at the steep slope to the summit. If it‘s frozen, mini-spikes don‘t help. Arrived at the summit at 10:30 and met two guys from Antuco. Great view up there! Back to my tent at 13:30h, took a long siesta in the afternoon sun, but decided not to spend another night on the cold pass. The access to the RR down was blocked by a vertical snow-wall, even cleavages there. I bypassed both by walking 200m to the right and went down CC on steep snowfields (in the afternoon: no problem). RR under snow until it gets less steep down in the valley. I wanted to spend another night close to the impressive Sierra Velluda, so I went CC to OH09a, found water and a nice spot to camp there.<br /> Day 3: A lazy day. I started late and spent much time just enjoying the landscape. More fords than indicated, all easy, but none with dry feet. A none-indicated ford on RR shortly before gpt08-04 end I found to risky, so I crossed only the right river and followed the river bank to a path on the OSM leading to OH09C. Once on the plain, I went CC to join OH09C at the bridge. Camp close to the puesto at 39.6. <br /> Day 4: Very nice walk on RR in a rapidly changing landscape. First moved very quick, in the forest zone I was slowed down, the trail is partly destroyed by water, later quite steep on unpleasant rubble. All river-crossings (6, including the indicated ford): dry feet. Arrived at Trapa Trapa at 4 p.m. and stayed at the indicated spot on 09-03e, simple accomodation (very, very friendly Mapuche hosts).<br /> <br /> * '''2Dec2024 - 3dec2024 / hiking SOBO / OH2 - varC - RH - varD / 1,5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking from antuco to camping parque national.<br /> <br /> Didn't go at pass 16.8km, seems dangerous as karin said + owner of the camping told me there's too much snow. <br /> Hitchhike to km35. Not many cars but first one took me. <br /> <br /> Camp at 47. <br /> <br /> Pass at 50.4 : still snow but easy to cross. <br /> <br /> Fords : still some thick snow fields melting on the top of some rivers on the way, but easy to cross for now. <br /> <br /> Water : plenty at this period<br /> <br /> Arrive at Trapa Trapa for lunch. Eat at point food, lodging. Kind and delicious. 10k CLP for harina tostada + soup with vegetables and pastas + tomatoes + lots of bread + tea. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-22 to 2024-Nov-24 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - option 1, 2 / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Camp: campamento amfiteatro / km47<br /> <br /> The pass km16 looked doable. And the rangers at the entrance of the parc told me that there is only a small amount of snow. So I decided to take the RR. Snow fields started to appear from about 1860m altitude, but were easily crossable. But the other side of the pass (facing eastwards) is just one big snow field. On the ridge were cracks in the snow, big snow blocks broke out and fell down, and combined with the steepnes of the slope, the risk of avalanches is high. Therefore, I decided to backtrack. <br /> <br /> Next day, two guys from the Departamento de obras offered me a ride and drove me to the landmark km35. From there the road is easy to follow with many small streams crossing it. So plenty of water. <br /> <br /> At the pass km50, there was still some snow. The streams are sometimes covered by the snow. As I had to cross them, it was either possible to walk around and cross the stream a bit up or down stream, or the snow was still hard and thick enough for me to walk on it. Which was risky, because I could not know if this was the case before doing it. It might become dangerous to cross the snow fields over the streams when the snow melts more and therefore becomes less strong. <br /> <br /> The valley to Trapa Trapa is very beautiful. It has a few more fords than indicated, mainly around S 37°40.6835' W071°14.1790' (altitude 1585m). <br /> <br /> I stayed in the home of the very nice family, indicated in Trapa Trapa as &quot;Food, lodging&quot;, for 2 days because of bad weather.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-19 to 2024-03-21 // 2 days (one day off due to the horrible weather) // Hiking // NOBO // RR + VARIANT C + VARIANT B // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I then continue my way threw GPT 09 (went from GPT 12 to 09 straight). <br /> <br /> Easy track to follow all along, until the volcanic plateau. It's kind of an highway of arieros! I met a lot, all very nice, some of them quite curious of what my itinerary looks like. <br /> <br /> Pass after trapa trapa was a bit hard because of the heat, and because I began to be a tired, I had to do few breaks. <br /> <br /> Then arriving on a plateau, going down and pretty flat after, very well marques, on some part very sandy. After that you arrive on the big straight lines part, that was so exciting for me, the scenery are so nice that I was even a bit happy to walk on gravel roads aha. Weather begun to be very windy on the plateau that reminds me some hard times on the bloody tierra del fuego ! <br /> <br /> I was absolutely so happy to find an abandoned puesto that was a perfect shelter for an extremely windy, cold and rainy night. This shelter is located few meters on the right after the Ford {09} [37.0/1512]. <br /> <br /> As the weather was terrible the day after (snow on all the summits around and still heavy rain) I stopped for one day. One local, that live in a puesto around was curious and came by, we discuss and asked for the authorisation to stay there, and he said it was not a problem at all. <br /> <br /> Day after was stunning, I was so happy to skip the rain to have this lovely weather for the end of this amazing section ! <br /> <br /> Took variant C, had nice talks with carabineros, no problem at all to pass there now as long as you explain the situation. This option si very scenic, again, I was amazed from the volcan and the nice geometry of it, and the gravel road who's going on the way. <br /> <br /> Then CC on variant B, straight after the big house and the bus that sell food at the middle of nowhere ! <br /> <br /> I was amazed from the landscapes, antuco volcan for sure, but the amazing siella velluda también ! <br /> <br /> Teaching the pass, then continuing CC until reaching PK 11,89, and fond a well marked track until the road. <br /> <br /> I strongly hesitated to go up to the summit, but as there were a lot of fresh snow and it was pretty windy, I decide to continue my way, still very happy of the scenery I saw there ! <br /> <br /> Reaching the road, then hitchhiking to antuco + bus to Los Angeles (7pm) for a porper break, before coming back on this point and going to GPT08. <br /> <br /> AGAIN, I loved this section ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-24 to 2024-03-25 / 2 days / SOBO / RR + var D / Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - It was Sunday and few buses were running so I took a “taxi” from Antuco to the start of the trail up the pass. (Owner of my lodging called up one of his friends who sometimes drives Uber around town). 15k to go to the National Park. Park rangers told me that I didn’t have to pay entrance fees since I was crossing the park and not coming back the same way.<br /> Many other hikers were there on a Sunday on the first part of the trail. Enjoyed the day very much and thought the scenery was beautiful. People at the puesto next to second ford of Rio de los Pinos offered me to stay with them but I declined as I was hoping to do this section in 2 days and wanted to hike a little further. Camped shortly after Ford {09} [37.0/1512].<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Kept going on the RR until Trapa Trapa. Stopped at the kiosco to buy cookies and chocolate (melted as that little hut in the sun gets hot!). Kept going right away on GPT10.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-7 to 2024-Mar-8 / 1.5 days / SOBO / RR 2 C D/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Antuco to Abanico at 8:30am (tell driver you want out at the junction to Abanico). Partly hiked but mostly hitched up to the lake (very little traffic, I was lucky). I choose Variant 2 (an easy road) as my rucksack was so heavy (plan doing Section 9 to 12). Lots of small memorials spreaded out for the soldiers died in a blizzard a few years ago. There was a military training going on, so I passed a lot of small groups of soldiers. All friendly. Later a local familiy asked if I want a ride, sure! We pass the bordercontrol on C2.5km, police just waives us through from a distance. Soon they reach their picknickspot and I continue walking on that long and empty road.<br /> <br /> No snowfields, plenty of (unmarked) water, fordings very easy, almost no Tabanos.<br /> <br /> Did not see the shop in Trapa-Trapa, but had plenty of food anyway, so put no efford in searching. No cellphone connection in Trapa-Trapa with Movistar.<br /> Nice views of Vulcan Antuco and Laguna de La Laya, otherwise not much to see. Nice, short and easy section (though I did not hiked the pass and had 2 long hitchhikes).<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Feb 25 to Feb 28 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 09 and 10 into 5 days of hiking. Beautiful sections with a diversity of landscapes: volcano, meadows, puestos...<br /> <br /> Transport to start of section: Albanico <br /> Bus Los Angeles - Albanico at 5 p.m. from rural bus terminal <br /> Hitch-hike to Lagunillas campsite (10,000 pesos pp per night, they also sell empanadas, which are very good, plus there's hot water). <br /> <br /> Day 1: Lagunillas campsite - Bridge (-37.46204, -71.31305)<br /> <br /> Lovely day and beautiful volcanic scenery. Not much shade on the climb. Rather pleasant bivouac spot, along the water, with grass and shade, rather cold night as our wet clothes froze at night. Water nearby (estero del volcano)<br /> <br /> Day 2: Bridge (-37.46204, -71.31305)- Camp -37.62833, -71.24444<br /> <br /> Beautiful day, with a few easy river crossings (maximum knee-deep). There's plenty of vegetation and shade, which is great for breaks. <br /> The camp spot is just a few meters from a puesto, and they offered to let us pitch our tent. Night still cold (frost). <br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp -37.62833, -71.24444 - Trapa Trapa <br /> <br /> Easier and shorter day than the others, but we followed it up with the start of section 10 so as not to sleep in Trapa Trapa. Not much choice in the mini-shops in Trapa Trapa. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb 09 to Feb 13 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Var C, Var D / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 9, 10, and 11 together.<br /> <br /> Day 0 - Feb 8th<br /> <br /> We left Antuco around 13:00. It took two hitches to get us to Lagunillas campground (also called Parque Antuco camping). We were lucky that the second car was actually going to the campground and took us right to reception. Posted price was 10.000 CLP pp. There are about 20 campsites. Each had a picnic table and an electrical plugin, and one of the two bathrooms had showers with hot water. We were not blown away by the campground, however we were just coming from a hostel rather than coming out of the mountains, and perspective counts for a lot. They ask you to pack your trash out. They have a small tienda where they sell prepared food, but nothing for resupply.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Feb 9th<br /> <br /> From Lagunillas we took an OSM track directly across the road. The trail is clearly marked and maintained. It goes through native forest with nice views of the mountains and lava fields.<br /> There are at least two waterpoints along the way. The OSM trail connects in with RR.<br /> <br /> The trail up is fairly well maintained, no brush overgrowth in the path and no places where the trail has collapsed. The path through the lava field was amazing, and the views of Sierra Velluda were spectacular. It is a fairly popular path. On a Friday about 15 other people were on the trail.<br /> <br /> We had already decided we wanted to break the pass into two days if possible. We set up camp at the Campamento Anfiteatro or Amphitheatre Camping (-37.42427, -71.41517). It has a nice view of the glacier on Sierra Velluda and some shade in the afternoon. <br /> <br /> If deciding to stay at the amphitheater camping area, there is water on the opposite side of the plane. There is a very large waterfall that is visible from a long distance. Walking toward it, a little to the east (left side) is a smaller waterfall that becomes visible about halfway across. It had very clear water and a pool that is easy to access. There was also a stream that appeared in the late evening about 50 m from the campsite but disappeared again overnight.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Feb 10th<br /> <br /> There was water shortly after beginning up RR from Anfiteatro for some distance. The path is on the right side of the dry river bed as you are going up. We got confused and walked part way up the left side before realizing and had to backtrack to get to the correct side. There was still one very small snow field on the other side of the pass, but the trail curved around the right side of it so there was no need to walk on it. Expansive views of the valley on the way down. The trail was easy to see and follow most of the way. At the bottom we just went cross country. We camped at the larger of the two araucarias (-37.46186, -71.32047) in what looked like a arriero campground. The campsite at the smaller araucaria shortly before it looked a little nicer but required crossing the river and looked less wind protected.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Feb 11th<br /> <br /> We got a late start. It was a Sunday and there was a fair amount of traffic on the road so we decided to go crosscountry from the bridge and cut the loop to connect in with Var C. It was dry in some places, swampy in others, and we eventually had to switch to water shoes to cross the river. It probably didn't save any time, but it was definitely more interesting and avoided getting blasted by dust with every passing car. We rejoined the road on the far side. The afternoon had a cloud cover and actually got fairly cool which made the road walk much more enjoyable. Once we got onto the spur road just before the BCP we didn't see any more cars or people for the rest of the day. We camped on the uphill side of the road around (-37.57617, -71.24087) which looked to be an arriero campground. Very dusty but there was a reasonably flat spot and a small stream nearby.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Feb 12th<br /> <br /> We continued on RR. The valley was pretty, not too much happening. There were a lot of puestos but we saw only a couple of people and not too many animals. We stopped at the estero just before heading up to refill water and have lunch. We were initially going to take Opt 3B because it was shorter, but after seeing how exposed it was and some sketchy parts early on, we turned back and opted for RR. The path was easy to follow and actually in pretty good condition. It went through some beautiful forest which also provided some much needed shade. We took Var D down and did not encounter any dangerous scree. This section is also a little shorter than RR and passed by the river so one can refill if necessary. We were glad we took Var D. We decided to camp about 1km before Trappa Trappa along the river around (-37.70803, -71.24448). It was right next to the road, so far from optimal, but it worked.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Feb 13th<br /> <br /> We walked into Trappa Trappa around 11:00. It was very windy the entire time we were there, and almost no one around. We first went to the shop with the Kiosko sign, but no one was there. A neighbor came out and told us that the guy works in the school till around 14:00, but would be around later. We then went to the shop indicated by the Provisiones sign. She didn't have a lot. She said the food truck was coming that day around 18:00, so I guess we just got unlucky with the timing. We bought some pasta, cookies, yogurts, Zukos, canned fish, crackers, and she made us sopaipillas for 300 each. They were really good but a very different style from the ones we had had with the arrieros, more pastry-like, fried crispy on the outside but still doughy on the inside and more oily. Very filling but I don't think they would work well to carry. We went back to the Kiosko shop and the guy came when we rang the timbre. He had even less stuff, mostly cookies. We bought a few more things there. Finally we went to the shop just at the beginning of Section 10. It is on the left just as you start down the hill, a corrugated metal wall with a large square cut out of the side that acts like a window and the word “Hola” scratched into the side. She had the least amount of things, but she did have fresh onions and carrots, no cheese (she said she makes it in December and when it's gone that's it for the year). Initially she said she didn't have any bread, but as we were talking with her she offered to sell us a bread, a pan amasado that was huge and dense and served us for three meals. From here we continued into GPT10.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-11 to 2024-Feb-13 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH B + C + D / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined section 9 to 12. It took me 7.5 days in total.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.8-9.6]<br /> <br /> I hitched in the afternoon from Los Angeles to the entrance of the Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja (around km 5.8). From there I hiked to km 9.6. Here are some nice flat spots to camp + you have a nice view over the Rio Laja valley. But there is no water at the spot.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [9.6-20.7] + OH09-B + OH09-C + RR [34.9-47.4]<br /> <br /> Big flat, sandy area around km 11.9 is a good campingspot. There is also a creek flowing not more than 50 meters south of the RR-CC [11.9+4.9]. The RR over the Pass (km 16.8) is completely snow free now. The RR and OH-B cross a creek at km 20.8. There is lots of water on OH B + C + RR [34.9-47.4].<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [47.4-54.6] + OH09-D + RR [56.4-61.5]<br /> <br /> Ford at km 52.3 is dry. But the RR cross a bunch of streams around the Pass (km 50.4) and it runs along the river of the valley at km 53.2 for a few 100 meters. I just went through Trapa Trapa and continued directly with section 10.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-15 to 2024-Feb-18 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Trapa-Trapa - El Abanaico / RR + Option 01 + Option B + Option C +Option D / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section even if it wasn't really fast to walk in the sand and lava field.<br /> <br /> We didn't have much to add to what has already been written.<br /> <br /> We tried to summit the Antuco Volcano bit didn't success because it was too steep and too lose so we stopped at 2700m. I would recommend to take crampons if you want to summit, so you can go in the snow (wich was quite hard, even at 2pm) and it should be easier. What I would however recommend to everyone is to go up to 2300m. It is easy to go from the pass and the panorama is incredible.<br /> <br /> We camped after the try on the Volcano at the Amphitheatre Campsite. It was a nice place but I wouldn't recommend it. First, you have to walk a kilometer just to wash yourself and to take some water and second, we had strong wind gusts all night long. The camp is not wind protected.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-12 to 2024-Jan-13 / 2 days / SOBO / RR, OH C, OH 03B and OH 03/ Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Started in Camping Las Lagunillas at around 7 am. Took me about 4 to 5 hours to the pass. On the way up I found water starting from -37.423109 -71.404405 onwards, followed along. Big stream, should not dry out soon or never(?) during summer. At the pass still to much snow to drop in directly to the path on the other side. Instead of walking upwards to the left towards volcano I took short detour to the right, to come around the snowfield, for me worked out well. Slided then down on the lower and not so steep snowfields to get to a basin. Reached from there the RR…Thought could be tough to ford estero Petronquines on the RR, so took the road (OH C)…Two police stations there, nobody checked me, although cars were at each spot… somehow an annoying road to walk on…you could hitchhike a part of it, there is some traffic, but not to much. I did not. Camped at a beautiful spot at the river -37.511560, -71.259157 a few kms before the landmark. There is life here all along the road, lots of puestos, cows, sheep, goats. Next day again along this endless seeming road up to the pass above Trapa Trapa, water all along, even at the pass…From there I took OH 03B, which is the shorter way to the village, OH03 from <br /> -37.69671, -71.25027 was in some parts a light BB till I got on a good trail which brought me down to Trapa. Descending down the pass to the village you’ll get an other version of Chile. Araucania trees are showing up and you are now in Mapuche region, no more chilean flags at every house down there. End of this sector was for me the biggest change on the GPT so far (having done the sections before from Santiago)…other people, language, culture, other flora…a kind of a very welcoming change. Arriving in Trapa Trapa you could give a try at owner of house at -37.71056, -71.26569, junction OH03 and main road. He offered me camping and food if I couldn’t find something in town. If not there is the usual family who takes guests. Miniminishop is at<br /> -37.71240, -71.26355<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-01 to 2024-Jan-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {09-B} - {09-C} - RR - {09-D} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT09+10+11+12, first resupply 6 days food in Antuco, then take 2.5 days for 09, stay in Trapa Trapa(save 2 meals), resupply in Trapa Trapa for 1.5 days food(low stock and limited selection). Then take 2 days for 10, stay in Guallalí(save 2 meals), resupply in Guallalí for 2 days food(low stock and limited selection but better than Trapa Trapa). Lastly 2 days for 11, 4 days for 12)<br /> <br /> Nice resupply in Antuco, but most of them are closed because i visit here on the first day of 2024.<br /> <br /> A friendly local give me a ride to the entrance of national park, thank you so much to him! There are some beautiful waterfalls start at RR km2.3 to km4.7, remember to take a look, they are at the mountain side(right side)! Lot of families come to here for enjoy their holidays.<br /> <br /> RR km5.7 : ranger station for vehicles and people control for entering the park. Super nice and let me go in after i told them my route, no need to pay any fee or show any permits.<br /> <br /> Park ranger[8.4/1110] : look like is a ranger station, didn't see anyone when I passed here on 5.30pm.<br /> <br /> Km9.7 : flat area, you can camp here if need, but no water.<br /> <br /> Km11.25 - km11.9 : lava trail, there are some rock cairn for you to follow, not difficult.<br /> <br /> Km11.9 : if you continue going south at the RR sharp turning, about 200m you will met a stream, flowing good with cold and clear water, flat spots nearby too, but I'm not sure it will dry up or not.<br /> <br /> Follow rock cairn to the pass, mostly you'll lost the trail and cairn at km15.6, look at the right side, go down the dry riverbed then climb up to the other side, you'll find cairn again. Don't walk in riverbed, they'll block your way at the end.<br /> <br /> Still lot of snow after the pass, follow Véronica's comment, climb up the ridge to compass NE ( I walk on the top of snow slope, because it is flat and gentle, also i think it is easier than walking on loose sand.)<br /> <br /> At about 2150m, there is a break without snow, a sandy slope that you can walk down. ( -37.43215, -71.36002 )<br /> <br /> Not steep, i think is easy go down but slow, so when i go down a little, i go back to south side to join the snow slope for fast moving, snow slope becomes more gentle when it gets lower.<br /> <br /> By the way, you can climb up and go down the pass without stepping on any snow now.<br /> <br /> Km20.7 : you'll find car track here, you can follow it to dirt road, i take {09-B} here, avoid crossing Petronquines(RR km28.9) at downstream. {09-B} is something look like a very old car track on the ground, no cars running on it anymore, easy walking but not easy to follow.<br /> <br /> {09-B} km1.15 : crossing of Estero El Aguada o El Volcán ( a long name), a stream. A very good crossing point, stream break to 6 parts here, all below half of calf at afternoon. Flowing nice with clear water.<br /> <br /> After the crossing, i can't find any trail or car track on the other side, but after i keep going CC about 400m, a dirt road in good condition at mountain side, it'll lead you to the main dirt road and join {09-C}.<br /> <br /> Bridge {09-C} [1.7/1417] : milky water.<br /> <br /> Border control CL[2.5/1420] : gate for vehicles but not for people. Didn't see anyone when I passed here at 5pm.<br /> <br /> Km3.7: excellent view point of Volcán Antuco and meadows.<br /> <br /> Bridge[5.3/1444] : crossing Petronquines on a bridge, beautiful view and lot of clear water, maybe it is difficult to cross it at downstream (RR) as now. Look like you can camp beside, or under the bridge. But every 0.5 - 1 hour have a border control vehicle patroling the road, I don't know camping beside this road is it a good idea.<br /> <br /> Bridge[7.3/1470] : clear water but no flat spots.<br /> <br /> X RR[34.9/1495] : rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> Ford[37.0/1512] : below half of calf at late afternoon.<br /> <br /> Km39.4 - pass[50.4/1878] : lot of stream crossing the road, have 1-2 need wet feet crossing, just beside the pass is a stream flowing too.<br /> <br /> Pass[50.4/1878] : beautiful grassland, flat and nice for camping, but 20+cows when I passed here.<br /> <br /> RR-TL-V{09} [50.4+9.6] is a nice and maintained trail ,easy to follow, sometimes you'll find orange ribbon leads where you go.<br /> <br /> Ford[52.3/1648] : no river crossing here.<br /> <br /> Km53.15 - km53.65 : you need to cross the stream 4 times, then walk in the stream about 50m, but all dry feet crossing, rock hopping or log bridge will help you.<br /> <br /> Km54.55 : junction of RR and {09-D}, but i miss the turning to RR, so i go for {09-D}.<br /> <br /> {09-D} km0.4: river crossing, rock hopping for dry feet. Also a small grassland can fit 1-3 tents after the crossing 150m.<br /> <br /> Km0.6 : a stream flowing good crossing the trail with a tiny waterfall, you can sit under it to enjoy a cool shower in a hot day. Look like the other side of river have a nice grassland for camping can fit 2-4 tents, but wet feet crossing.<br /> <br /> Km1.1 : rejoin RR.<br /> <br /> Viewpoint RR [57.4/1338] : if you are SOBO, it is the first view of Volcán Callaqui. Also nice view of Trapa Trapa.<br /> <br /> Km58.6 : CAUTION, if you see a red ribbon, DON'T keep going, you are not on the trail, turn back immediately and check your GPS. RR trail is a sharp turning then go down, you are walking away from the trail and towards a very steep slope now.<br /> <br /> Km58.95 : RR have some reroute at here, but mostly you can follow the only trail to main road.<br /> <br /> I stayed at Trapa Trapa with the lovely family at (Lodging,food) waypoint. Simple single room with bed, quilt, chair, light and electric charger, also dinner and breakfast. I buy some sausage from the shop nearby and share with all people here. They are very exciting where i come from, what I'm doing, and what interesting things happened when I'm hiking, it is a warm night, i love them! And they invited me to watch their sterilization of horse, OMG OMG OMG, so shock to me, OMG.<br /> <br /> Shop (-37.71249,-71.25642) : at compass West of (Lodging,food) waypoint, very close just 2 min walking. Two red house here, the small one is shop. Selling drinks, ice cream, biscuits, pasta, coffee, tea and some frozen meat( mostly is sausage). This shop have a sign on the main road, no sign at the front gate and the gate is opened.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 28 to Dec 29 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / Option 2 + RR+ 09-C/ Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: no issue at border control. don’t count on Lagunillas Camping cafeteria or the Lodging, Food waypoint in Trapa Trapa<br /> <br /> Bussed from Los Angeles to Abanico - make sure to go to the terminal for rural busses which will be different from where you might get off an intercity bus. Hitched from there to Lagunillas Camping. Campground was nice and spacious. The host is really kind and helpful. The cafeteria was not open for food when I was there, just coffee and tea. <br /> Day 1: Due to a stormy forecast, I chose to avoid the already sketchy-seeming pass and head for the route around the lake (option 2). To get there, I took the small trails around the main road heading east from the campground, which were scenic for a cloudy day with no mountain view - enjoyed the volcanic landscape and the waterfall Salto Las Chilcas. I then was able to hitch a ride on the road beside the lake to the other side of the Volcano, which was good because there didn’t appear to be many streams or campsite options. I continued on by foot on Variant C. I went through border control and the officer was very thorough, but didn’t try to give me an exit stamp when I explained I wasn’t going to cross the border. He mostly seemed concerned that I was alone and tried to offer food and a bathroom! I camped a few kilometers further along that road by one of the streams that crosses it. Beware of aggressive bulls in the area. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Easy walking all the way to the pass. Water is still available about every kilometer or two along this route. After the pass there are a few points with a bit of landslide risk where you’re walking on very unstable skree. In retrospect it seems Variant D may exist to avoid some of this but I can’t be sure because I didn’t take it. When I got to Trapa Trapa I was dismayed to find no one at the lodging and food point that others had raved about. The small market just beside this point (sign for “provisions” is only on the main road. looks like a small house with the front painted red next to a larger house) was indeed open at 6pm on a Friday after I called out. There were many types of biscuits and cold drinks, pasta sauce (no pasta), coffee, and maybe even some type of meat in the freezer that I wasn’t quite daring enough to buy. Highly recommend the calorific Chiky Bum biscuits for avoiding mental collapse after a nearly 30km day. I asked the owner about the lodging option next door and she said the family was away for a few days, so guess I just got unlucky. Further down the road towards GPT 10 where there is sign “Kiosco”, there’s also a small ice cream shop/market that was closed when I arrived. I didn’t find another market. Went back up the GPT 09 trail just a bit to get out of town and found a nice camping spot along the river for the night. Visits from goats and a baby horse were a welcome occurrence. No Entel service in Trapa Trapa.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Dec 20 to Dec 22 / 2,5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; 09-C/ Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We took a bus at 19:00 from Los Angeles (which has a great system of shared taxis with fixed routes, number eight goes from the big bus station to Jumbo and back to rural bus station for 1000 per person) to Albanico and upon arriving there after five minutes, the first passing car took us to the border of the national park. We pitched our tent in the delta of the river not far from the road but not visible from it. Without the smoke of last year and with the yellow of brooms everywhere and Antuco under snow, the valley was extremely pretty.<br /> <br /> The next day we talked to a CONAF ranger, he said an Argentinian hiker told him there was ice in the pass. We did not pay anything. [Including a nice trail that is on OSM in our suggestions to avoid roadwalking from the Rangers office to the RR up].<br /> <br /> The climb is pretty, in the pass there was a lot of snow. We followed Véronica's suggestion from last year and climbed about 100 m of elevation to the east and then ran down on the snow (see picture here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1720553588450520/ ). The path in the valley was rather invisible. Two lone araucaria trees guard the road. We thought Rio de los Pines would be impossible to ford now with all the thawing (others seem to have passed though) so we took variant C along the main road to Argentina. Carabinieros just looked at our passports and let us go. A car passed about every half an hour. The valley is stunning yet the roadwalk is a drudge. The following minor road seems virtually never to be driven by cars and is in places badly damaged by water. The valley up is nice.<br /> <br /> Going down to Trapa-Trapa, about 1 km after the pass, the path is eroded and new one was created going down to the water. The walk down through the forrest was quite pleasant. We met several groups of arrieros on both side of the pass, they were nice.<br /> <br /> In Trapa-Trapa, we had lunch at &quot;Lodging, Food&quot; waypoint. We could not see any sign. We got tomatoes, cheese, bread, pasta, a piece of down fried in oil (tasty) and maté. We paid them a good price for it, we hope it was not too much. From March 2024, there should be (probably) Entel coverage in the valley, the telecomunication tower is already up. We did not see any shops but did not look for them. Altogether, GPT 09 is quite nice, especially now with the snow.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-18/ 2,5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; 09-A/ Lukas en Tess'''<br /> <br /> As of now the pass on K16,8 is imposible to cross. Going around and taking 09-A is posible but the rock scrambling is a pain. But I would argue the awesome lava field is worth it. <br /> Otherwise the trail was nice and easy, I realy enjoyed the wide open landscape. Arriving in Trapa Trapa we where offered some Harina tostada drink after starting a conversation with some old ladies. We got some cheese at a minishop that is not on the track files. Z37,712542° W71,266816°, something like haloumi, so try roasing it!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-8 to 2023-Dec- 10 / 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option 2 + cross country for the volcano / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Jens'''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present<br /> <br /> - Snow : on RR on km 16,8 seems impassable because there was still a lot of snow. Yannick wanted to summit the volcano, he went on the East part and went until 2700m of altitude. The North face had less snow.<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find<br /> <br /> - River crossing : easy between km 57,9 and km 52,3<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> <br /> - Resupply : in Abanico a little shop and some cabanas, more options in Antuco, everything you need to resupply there - even gaz canister in the ferreteria<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-10 to 2023-Mar-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH-1 / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> After a rest in Trapa Trapa at Lodging, Food {09-03E} [0.3/956], we started GPT09 in the morning. The ascent following RR-TL-V {09} [57.4/50.4+9.6] is a well marked horse trail that clims slowly, perfect for a start. Then, the RR-MR-V {09} [41.8/34.9+13.3] is flat and passes through a nice valley, a bit above the river but multiple streams crosses it. Like others, we took 09-C, but had no luck with hitchhiking and ended up walking the 11km. No problem at the border control. We finally ended up camping close to -37.46277, -71.31864 (aim for the big tree, and you will find some camp spot with firepits) after a pretty long day. <br /> <br /> On Day 2, we followed the RR and took Option 09-01 to climb the summit. We left most of our gear at the Pass {09} [16.8/2043]. It's better to follow the track for the first part, until the conic shape because it goes along a ridge and avoid pointless ups and down. Then, on the conic shape, you are on your own. We followed a trail made by a group of 8 hikers that were a bit ahead when we found it. It definitely helped as the parts without were really clambering. The views on the top and the small crater made it definitely worthwhile for us. Going down is much more easy and fun, you slide on the sand! As it was late in the season, we did not had any snow on our way but it sill took about 4h to go up (and 1 to go down).<br /> We ended up camping at Campamento Anfiteatro (-37.42427, -71.41517) pretty exhausted. The river here is really chalky but clean water is available from the ice cave.<br /> <br /> On Day 3, we took a small detour to see the tunnel of ice (worthy!) and headed down towards Chacay. Then we tried to hitchhike until Abanico with poor luck (on a Sunday morning). Took us 4 rides, but the last one went until Antuco. As there are also limited buses on Sundays, we then did more hitchhike to Los Angeles to ressuply. <br /> <br /> A short section but filled with great landscapes and stunning views. Plus you walk in a lava field! Definitely worth it, we really loved it! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-14 to 2023-Jan-16 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + volcan Antuco / Martial / '''<br /> <br /> Combined with Section 10.<br /> Laja national Parc was reopened after fire preventive closure on 13/02. Took the bus from LA to Abanico at 4:30PM arriving late at Campamiento viejo (7000$/n) after walking cause poor hitchhiking at this hour (parc closes 17:30). Next morning much more efficient and someone droped me at the start after giving pre-order entry number to CONAF staff (was not important that my ticket was for the previous day).<br /> The ascent to Amphiteatro camping is quick and really well maintained trail. Then i strongly recommend visiting detour to the waterfall for a unique glaciar tunnel walking experience.<br /> Next CC on Antuco’s lava fields was real fun in perfect cloudy weather. Don’t miss the impressive lava bridge !<br /> After reaching the pass early, legs were feeling like summiting Antuco the same day so i decided to search for a high camp. Mission completed here at 2300m : -37.42532, -71.35615 with flat sand next to fresh clean water ponds from the snow. Summiting 2h after setting camp, sunset rewarded me with unique views on laguna Laja and massive Sierra Veluda. Just don’t get caught by the night or bad weather !!<br /> RR descent is sandy and hot traversing a sand deserted bareland so I strongly recommand the O9-C to avoid struggle like I did before shortening to reach the road. Had a meal from a generous family staying at the next Puesto + a hike to piedra del Indio. Then Vegas de Trapa is quick walking MR with lots of puesto and camping option so personally stoped here : -37.57620, -71.24127. Arrived in Trappa next early afternoon for sweet delights in the only shop fenced and garded by 3 dogs. Directly continued to section 10 for reaching puesto at 7.1 wich i also recommand for it’s comfy grassy camping and amable Mapuche family.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-23 to 2023-Jan-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 9c / Maks &amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Combined with Section 10.<br /> The road is nice and visible. There is no snow on the pass. <br /> At the entrance to the national park, the guards asked for permission, but when we told them that we were going to Trapa Trapa, they let us go. We slept at the camping inside the park (10000/person).<br /> We took a detour to see a waterfall by the glacier. It was about 4 km go and back. <br /> We camped right outside the national park, by the river. There were a lot of cows but none of them aggressive. We the took the optional route 9c and walked by the carabineros station.No problems there. Just explained that we are going to Trapa Trapa, without crossing the border. They checked out passports and let us go. <br /> There were no further surprises, and the road is really well maintained. Just be careful when going down to Trapa Trapa after rain. It's quite slippery. <br /> There is plenty of water along all the trail. <br /> The shop in Trapa Trapa is marked with a sign on the main road. They have some sweetest and noodles but not much more. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-21 to 2023-Jan-23 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Johana &amp; Matouš'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section. We took a bus from Los Angeles to Abanico at 3 o'clock and then hitchhiked to the end of the main road. We arrived at the CONAF control point with no one there (7 p.m.). We slept at the Lagunillas camping, which was for 10000 per person, they had beers, jugos, empanadas, tortillas..We teamed up with Gabi and Max from Poland and enjoyed their company throughout the section (hello! :⁠-⁠)). The ascent to the volcano was amazing, looked like Mordor. Near the point &quot;Campamento Anfiteatro&quot; there's a waterfall that ends in a snowpatch whereby it creates a cave of ice. It's amazing. You can see it from the distance. There's clean water as well, the next clean water is on the other side of the volcano in the valley. We confirm that there's no need to stay away from the carabineros anymore, they only took down our passport numbers. Then it was easy walking until after the pass. We camped at a nice spot in the forest next to the river (S 37° 40.6391' W 071°14.1985). We somehow didn't manage to find the food/lodging point, but were approached by an older lady who fed us cookies and seemed to know a lot about other hikers. There are said to be three shops in Trapa Trapa, we only found the one next to the school which had only biscuits. Continued to GPT10 straight after.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-10 to 2023-Jan-12 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Combined with section 10<br /> Nice easy section, loved crossing the fresh crunchy volcanic wasteland at the start. Everything after that was fast trail. Mild temperatures, no horse flies.<br /> I had some trouble getting back from Antuco to the trail. I got told a couple wrong times for the bus, and had no luck during my quick hitchhiking attempt. Eventually caught a bus to abanico at 2, and then two rides got me into the park. The couple driving me spoke for me at the park entrance, and I ended up having to pay 4500 for the entrance. I probably should have gotten out and talked my way through separately.<br /> I stayed at openstreetmap's amphitheater campsite night 1. Nice sheltered spot at the base of sierra velluda, soft sand.<br /> The camp/puesto markers at km 47 seem a bit out of date. There wasn't much at the puesto maker, and there was a puesto right at the campsite marker. The family at the puesto happily let me camp there.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-06 to 2023-Jan-08 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> Antuco - Trapa Trapa<br /> We hitchhiked from Camping Rucue back to the national park. The landscape was really magnificent the first day. There was almost no snow left after the pass.<br /> After the descent walking gets tougher due to the sand and the path is partially hard to find.<br /> But after the second roadcrossing there is a lot of easy walking on dirt roads. <br /> Atfter leaving the river at around km 47, there is still accessible water in the first part of the small ascent. On the plateau there are no watersources until the descent. We carried some water and camped on the plateau, a very nice spot.<br /> Walking down to Trapa Trapa was really nice. We followed the main route. In retrospective we would have taken option 3, because it is shorter.<br /> We met a couple of locals along the way and they all greated us very nicely. Trapa Trapa was pretty empty when we arrived at around 11 am. We continued right to section 10.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-23 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> combined GPT09 and GPT10<br /> Route: CONAF waypoint - shoulder of Volcán Antuco - road through border control checkpoint - Trapa Trapa <br /> <br /> Two days from national park to Trapa Trapa. From Antuco, I hitched back to the national park and got there around noon. Didn't get charged an entry fee, I just told the entrance staff what trail I planned to take. Nice path most of the way up the volcano, even the CC section has occasional cairns marking the way. You go along a creek as you go up, so lots of accessible water. <br /> <br /> Lots of snow on the southeast side of the pass. Tried to go around on the right along/through the rocks, but it's mostly siltstone, very crumbly, and very steep. Got really precarious there so I backtracked to the pass and went around the snow on the left. This involved climbing an additional 150m through volcanic sand, but it felt much safer. The rest of the way down is pretty much all cross-country, couldn't really find a path, but navigation was simple. There were some water sources on the way down too, courtesy of the melting snow. <br /> <br /> The next morning, I took Option C that goes along the dirt road. There was no one at the border control checkpoint, probably because I went through before 7 a.m. <br /> <br /> Rest of the way to Trapa Trapa is easy, no issues whatsoever. It's nice and forested on the south side of the pass. I didn't investigate resupply or bus options in Trapa Trapa as I went straight through to GPT10. <br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Mar-01 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Romain '''<br /> <br /> - Camp {09} [47.1/1709] : I slept around 47.5, the place was calm, flat, with grass and close to the water (that was finally not usable because there was too much sand in, but you can easily find drinkable water when going down the valley), many people from the puestos came to talk as it seemed to be the end of the season, it was really pleasant. One offered me to come by him but it was late and I was too tired to move by him, I tried to meet him back the day after but I didn't find his puesto with its indications<br /> <br /> - The valley from Puesto {09} [49.3/1820] to Puesto {09} [39.8/1558] : very pleasant, with nice people in, I really liked this place. The water in the middle isn't usable but you can find fresh drinkable water going down from the hills at some points<br /> <br /> - There is a Puesto around {09} [37.0/1512], people were nice and asked me if I needed anything<br /> <br /> - The way on RR-TL-V {09} just after GPT09-C end isn't easy to find, just stick to the GPS until meeting a road leading to a Puesto close to the river at the Ford on Rio de los Pinos, then it's much easy to follow<br /> <br /> - I got an excellent bath when crossing the river close to GPT08-04 end, the water coming from one river was warm and there was enough depth <br /> <br /> - the CC from GPT08-04 end to GPT09-02 end was beautiful but demanding because of the soil made of earth and sand, it took me more time than I thought. After having cross the river I got close to an other one with many cows next to it, following it at one point a source of clear drinkable water was running on 3-4m to reach the river<br /> <br /> - There is a Campbase with many places cleaned to set up tents and do campfires close to the river following up the road around Bridge {09} [23.3/1409]. It's located at the base of a huge araucaria tree, you can't miss it<br /> <br /> - After the RH-CC-A {09} the RH-TL-V {09} is easily findable just by looking at the GPS and is marked with many cairns<br /> <br /> - National Park : when leaving it I went to see the guards at the entrance and they were ok with that, didn't ask for any information or fee<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-09 to 2022-Feb-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Antuco to Abanico, got a ride by a friendly Chilean to the national park (no camping allowed). Had to pay entry to the park. Took the CC route avoiding the carabineros to camp in the meadows just beyond the park (S 37° 27.927', W 07). There was a spring emptying in the meadows there. Finished after a long hiking day at Elvira's &quot;lodging, food&quot;. Very friendly family, took us in even after 21:00. Understandably there was no goat stew, but we also only payed half price (20.000). Great homemade bread in the morning though :) Continued to GPT10 immediately after.<br /> <br /> In the first morning when breaking down camp, we were greeted by two carabineros on horseback, who may have been surprised at the sight of our tent out of sight next to a sand slope. They asked who we were, where we're from and where we're going too, and didn't mind us camping there. No questions about the border with Argentina after. I guess there's no need to stay away from the carabineros here any longer.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-21 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + Antuco summit / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> In Trapa Trapa, we stayed at the house marked &quot;lodging, food&quot;. They charge 20,000 per person for a room, dinner and breakfast. There's also the option to take a bath in their inflatable swimming pool with shampoo, and they sell some honey. We were served cazuela and loads of sopaipillas for dinner. Right next to them in a little red house behind a black gate there is a minishop, which according to them is the biggest in Trapa Trapa. They had pasta, rice, tuna, sodas, chocolate covered nuts, matches, toilet paper. They were open Saturday when we were there.<br /> <br /> The path up from Trapa Trapa starts next to the river. Nice path all the way, that transitions to a long gravel road, very easy to follow and many little streams. We camped at the beginning of the next valley at the waypoint &quot;ford&quot;. The second to last puesto, on the right hand, belongs to Felizario whose family has the lodging option in Trapa Trapa. He is open to people camping nearby.<br /> <br /> The cc section is easy navigation-wise, but the sand is tough to walk in, and it is very exposed. There's little water apart from the fords, but enough. The water coming down from the valley next to Volcan Antuco is very chalky though, and at the waypoint &quot;camp&quot; the stream is all dried up. Further in the valley the water is fine, and it might be possible to find a campsite just before leaving the stream on the optional route.<br /> The building at the &quot;police&quot; waypoint is abandoned. We ended up camping by the carabineros at the &quot;boarder control&quot; waypoint.<br /> While walking on the primary road we were stopped by a boarder control car who wanted to see our passports and pase de movilidad (covid-19) and hear about our route. There were no problems with that. He was very convinced we couldn't cross to Abanico through the pass on the regular route because there wasn't a trail on the other side, but he let us try. Absolutely no snow in the pass on Volcán Antuco's shoulder - apparently it's a very low snow year<br /> <br /> Volcán Antuco summit:<br /> We followed the route up, it leads along the ridge to avoid the very strong stream in the valley. This part is not too difficult. The summit itself is very hard, though. It's very steep through loose, big lava rocks that slide everywhere. Tough and a little dangerous. On the other side, the terrain is made of the same kind of rocks for over half of the descent, which makes for a very slow going. Maybe there is a nicer path under the ski lifts, we found one almost in the end. Definitely not worth it for everyone.<br /> The place marked &quot;restaurant, lodging&quot; was closed - apparently they are open only during the ski season. Not too difficult to hitch from there if not too late<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> This section has you cross over a volcanic lava field and over a pass at first and then follows trails south thru and area with many puestos and ranches. The first part of this section involves some route finding and cross country while the second half follows well established dirt roads and dirt trails thru grass Valley.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: <br /> WARNING: Huge snow field at the top of the pass that is untraversable. It is very steep and must be avoided if not yet melted. Must go around so please be safe. My biggest difficult was the sections across the lava rocks. My shoes were almost destroyed by this point and the sharp, jagged and uneven surface of the lava rock caused so much pain in my feet and completely took out what ever life was left in my trail runners. Also, lots of route finding and cross country in this area. <br /> <br /> Highlights: Amazing mountain pass with many views of waterfalls. Glaciers.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 / 4 days (GPT9 + GPT19) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 9 &amp; 10. 4 days. Sierra Velluda and Antuco Volcanoe were amazing. In Trapa Trapa the two small shops were out of stock, so we couldn't buy anything. Pehuenche settlers in &quot;veranadas&quot; were really welcoming and friendly to us. We asked anyway for permission to camp close to their settlements. We were invited by familia Crespo Manquepi for tortillas, tea and some other food and stayed there for a few hours. They are welcome to recieve gpt hikers and in the future sell some food and lodging. Really kind family. Just before the last big climb in section 10. No water for a long stretch after it. Recomend the detour to Laguna Liay, amazing. Resupplied in Ralco.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (mostly) / Frank '''<br /> <br /> 2 days &amp; continued to GPT10 on 2nd day.<br /> There is at least one place to stay in Abanico &amp; as you go on the road past Abanico towards the park there are a few cabins &amp; one campsite. In the park @ small lake 2K before Conaf1 there is a campsite with cabins. You pay 4000CLP entry @ Conaf but I went in before 8AM, no one there. At the pass, around 2050M on the shoulder of Antuco, I was able to slide down the lowest part of the snowfield. Northbound or earlier in the season you may need to go around it. <br /> Virtually no shade on this route. 3 small shops in Trapa Trapa. Last one, Provisiones Bety, has a rest area, she sometimes has bread. <br /> <br /> Went on OH-PR-V@09-B-#002, talked to Carabineros @ Border Control &amp; told them I would stay in Chile &amp; continue to Trapa Trapa. They were OK with that &amp; didn't ask to see my passport, so I would say there is no need to divert around the border post any more.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Easy hitch from Abanico to the start of the National Park (~10km into the section). The CONAF station at the park entrance took us longer than expected to pass through and explain what we were doing (they appeared to be unsure as to whether we were crossing the border into Argentina or not). However after explaining our route to them they let us pass without paying the entrance fee to the national park. The cross country sections were easy to navigate and overall the trail was of good quality.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> We passed the big snowfield at the right side through the rocks, as Matus suggested. It was steep but ok and definitively the shorter way around the snow. Nothing to add to the previous comments. In Trapa Trapa we continued straight to Section 10.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-04 / 3.5 days (GPT9 + GPT10) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> GPT09 and GPT10 Season section log. <br /> We combined these two sections. <br /> Trail in both section is in good condition. There is snowfield in first pass as was mentioned. We went left, but it would be worth to check is it's possible to go through rocks on the right as it seems much shorter. <br /> Water is not marked on a map but there is a stream before the pass. <br /> Resuply in Trapa Trapa is very limited. They had few tunas, other caned fish, some pasta, flour, cola, crisps... We didn't check for accomodation. <br /> We stayed in a paid campsite at Laguna el Barco for 5000 both. Around 8 there was a woman selling bread and sweet pastry, but mind that it was weekend. <br /> Resuply in Guallali again very limited. They have tunas, caned fish, pasta, oil, crackers and bit more. We are staying in a house next to the shop.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Antuco<br /> Many smaller supermarkets, which have most things - easy enough to resupply here.<br /> One of the two ferreterías has gas (the one furthest from Abanico).<br /> Many accommodation options and some restaurants.<br /> There is an ATM at the town square which even gives some smaller notes<br /> <br /> Also panaderias (one selling good sopaipillas for $300 if you haven't tried yet), restaurants but also food truck, brewery<br /> <br /> *Abanico<br /> At least one shop. A pizzeria<br /> Bus to Antuco/Los Angeles<br /> <br /> *Parque antuco :<br /> Camping for 10kCLP/pers/night. <br /> Also cabañas for 2 and 4 pers. <br /> Shower almost hot. <br /> No or very bad phone coverage (entel)<br /> Website : https://www.parqueantuco.cl/<br /> The owner is really nice. Possible to give him a call in antuco (when still phone coverage) to know if open. <br /> <br /> *Trapa Trapa<br /> 3 shops but they are all small. They all have biscuits &amp; soft drinks. First one has ice cream &amp; flour. Second one has pasta, matches, chocolate, canned fish. Third one ( Provisiones Bety) sometimes has bread.<br /> <br /> Accomodation in a small room at the waypoint &quot;lodging, food&quot; - 20,000 pesos for dinner, breakfast and accommodation. <br /> 10,000 for lunch (soup, tomatoes, harina tostada, tea)<br /> <br /> Bus to Ralco<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Bus from Los Angeles to Antuco about once an hour in daytime. A few of them continue to Abanico or you can hitch fairly easily (also see here: [[Volc%C3%A1n_Antuco#Acceso_en_transporte_p.C3.BAblico_y_autostop]].<br /> <br /> Updated January 2022: Bus from Trapa Trapa to Ralco at 6 and 18 every day including weekends<br /> <br /> - Many people going and coming from the National Park, it hadn't been easy to hitchhike to reach Antuco but it worked<br /> <br /> - Bus from Antuco to Santiago - Terminal Sur leaving at 21:30 and arriving at 6:30<br /> <br /> Company : Nilahue<br /> <br /> $26.300 for semi-cama<br /> <br /> Commentaries : &quot;cheap&quot; company, no USB-plugs, not much space for the legs, the bus stop is at the entrance of Antuco coming from the Andes, it's a shelter made of bricks just next to a food truck selling fries and hamburgers<br /> <br /> Update nov2024 : <br /> <br /> Night bus santiago --&gt; antuco 16k CLP ( not every day but multiple/week). Seets confortables, 2 plugs (TranSantin)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> Update November 2023: The Chilean Border Control had be relocated and is now closer to the border and not any more on the GPT route. Therefore it is not any more required to sneak around the Chilean Border Control.<br /> <br /> This is the only place where it is strongly recommended to sneak around a police station. This recommendation applies in particular to all non-Chileans going southbound.<br /> The reason: The forward border control Pichachen is located about 20 km before the actual border. And only here the regional superiors of the PDI (Policia de Investigation) came up with the silly rule that everyone that passes the border control post towards Argentina gets stamped out of the country regardless if he leaves Chile or not. They simply ignore the fact that a few kilometers down the main road at Piedra del Indio long before reaching Argentina a horse trail diverts towards the next village in Chile called Trapa Trapa. Should you get an exit stamp into your passport but continue to hike in Chile you will be an illegal alien without a valid tourist visa. This may not instantly cause you a problem but the next time you want to leave Chile orderly i.e. from an airport the immigration system will show that you illegally in Chile and the police will assume that you trespassed into Chile. And that’s taken pretty serious. Forget about your flight and your further travel plans.<br /> Every hikers that passed this border control got into some kind of trouble and caused these officers a headache. Some hikers could convince them after long discussions to pass without an exit stamp. Some hikers got and exit stamp and run into problems later. Some hikers pretended to walk back and took a partly overgrown route to walk around the border control. When we hiked this section in January 2014 I got unasked an exit stamp while they “just checked my documents” but luckily after a long talk I could convince them to give me a new entry stamp.<br /> You can’t blame these poor officials at the border control for this situation; they understand these occasional hikers but their regional superiors gave them strict orders. In short: this place is a potential disaster for hikers and hikers are a disturbance for these officials.<br /> Therefore, to avoid this issue I simply rerouted the regular hiking route to bypass the border control post Pichachen. It’s easier for everyone: for the hikers and for the poor police officer that have to comply with this silly order. The re-routed track leads cross country through the normally dry lake bed of the Laguna de Las Lajas and just crosses the main road at the diversion to Trapa Trapa. Walking around the border control may be suspicious but is not illegal and saves everyone nerves and endless discussions. It actually prevents you from getting into an illegal migration status while staying in Chile.<br /> The Regular Packrafting Route anyway bypasses the border control.<br /> Luckily this is the only border control post I’m aware off where such a stupid rule is applied. In many other forward border controls you need to proactively approach the police and request your exit stamp if you plan to leave Chile. Should you just visit the area between the border control and the actual border you can normally just pass or explain your intentions.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT09 - Volcán Antuco]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT09-Laguna_de_las_Lajas.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT07_(Laguna_Dial)&diff=122448 2025-08-09T22:05:51Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - The southern terminus of the regular route was updated in 2025 to minimize road walking. The regular route now suggest the trail on the eastern side of the of the valley adds a 600 m climb. Exhausted hikers might take Variant L (previous regular route) which is the gravel road to El Ingles.<br /> <br /> - GPT07 Option 3 (Camino Valle Melado) and Option 4 (Termas Las Zorras): At the beginning or the end of the season, the options 3 and 4 offer a lower and shorter route with presumably more feasible river crossing. It's a lot more road walking but certainly faster.<br /> <br /> - GPT07 Option 6 (Las Truchas) and Option 7 (Cordillera la Mortandad): Southbound hikers that have enough food left might take these options. Option 7 was updated in 2025.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-14 to 2025-02-23 / 9 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 3 (Atajo Camino Melado), RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route:<br /> We chose to start with the Option 3 (Atajo Camino Melado) because we wanted to have more options to resupply so we can reduce the weight in our backpacks. We hitchhiked from the shop in Los Alamos to the start of the option, which saved us some kilometres on a pretty big and busy street. The option is not very pretty since it simply is a very long gravel road. Many people stopped and asked us if they could give us a lift. Would probably save around two days when taking a lift instead of walking the whole street. In Carrizales we went back to the main route. <br /> <br /> Permissions: <br /> No Permissions needed.<br /> <br /> Resupply:<br /> Resupplying on this section is easier than on GPT06. On the Option we had a couple of small shops which allowed us to stretch our food supplies for another couple of days. The shop in Carrisales owned by Dagoberto also sold pasta. We also came across another Irma which is on the optional route (S 35 59.577 W 070 57.394). She owns a shop and was really nice. She allowed us to camp in her garden, cooked dinner as well as breakfast for us and provided us with a bathroom. At the marked point at km 86.4 “Irma” we bought six pieces of bread for 2000 Pesos. She also sold cheese which we didn’t buy. After the second Irma there is no other possibility to resupply. When finishing GPT07 we went to the Shop at Puente el Ingles but it didn’t provide enough food for us to resupply for the next Section. So we asked the owner of the shop (Rigo) if he could drive us to a supermarket in San Fabian which he did for 60 euros. Normally one could also take a bus to San Fabian but since we arrived on a Sunday no buses were travelling to San Fabian. <br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 2-3/5<br /> Difficulty: 2/5<br /> <br /> * '''GPT07 / 2025-02-27 to 2025-03-03/ 4.5 days / NOBO / RR until Carrizales / Mara &amp; Tobias* '''<br /> <br /> We did the 100 km stretch from Puente Inglés to Carrizales. In Carrizales we got a lift to Talca after 2 hours of waiting. At Irma’s Puesto we bought goat cheese and meat. It has been a beautiful section without difficulty’s or right of way conflicts.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-FEB-19 to 2025-FEB-22 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / 01K + RR / Martin'''<br /> <br /> I went exploring Cascada Invertida in the morning and then started from there around noon. At first I wanted to hitchhike to Maule and start from there, but there were very few cars and nobody stopped. So I started from 01K. There is a gate and a guard as it’s some kind of construction site. It was difficult to explain to the guard what I want from him (I don’t speak Spanish), but eventually he got it and let me enter. This option is actually quite nice, gradually going up to a pass. And then down to a valley that was full of cows.<br /> <br /> The rest was mostly straightforward, but as usual, you always need to focus on what is the right path. First day I camped a 100 m before Camp [44.6/1604].<br /> <br /> Second day I got to Carizales. The shop was empty, but I went to the nice holiday house next to it and the lady was there, sweeping. So she went to sell me stuff. I had enough food, so just bought Coke and a chocolate bar. I camped around km 81, right after the ford, next to the “road”. Good spot.<br /> <br /> Third day, I arrived at Irma’s in an hour. There were quite a lot of people. I bought cheese and bread. The section along Laguna del Dial was exhausting with constant up and downs. I camped a but up from the lake, at Camp [114.9/1727].<br /> <br /> On the final day, I was hoping the trail would get better and better. And it did. Apparently people walk here, many foot steps. But only met a few people despite it being weekend.<br /> <br /> I got to El Ingles at 18:30, so decided to stay there and take the 7:30 bus all the way to San Carlos. The camp was 5000. The guy running the place was friendly and showed me a nice quite place in the camp.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-JAN-24 to 2025-JAN-28 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Elijah &amp; Michael'''<br /> <br /> The section went quickly with lots of 4x4 roads &amp; moderate grades. The police in Carrizales guided us to a shop with limited but sufficient resupply, and heavily fruited plum trees lined the road into &amp; out of the village. Irma sold us magnificent goat's cheese. Camping at Laguna Dial was a highlight. <br /> The bus was not running from Puente Ingles on a Tuesday morning; however, we were able to hitch into San Fabian and return to Puente Ingles on the bus the following day at 2 pm (1,000 CLP). The shop at Puente Ingles sells a limited resupply as well as snacks and drinks. <br /> <br /> * '''January 9 to January 15, 2025 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / from Border Control: 01C, 01B, 01, 02, RR, 06C, RR, 06H, 07 / Peggy'''<br /> <br /> Interesting stage, sometimes monotonous, but with pleasant surprises as well. A few encounters with arrieros and lots of animals, but fairly isolated due to the chosen options. Challenge: the heat.<br /> <br /> River crossings went well, except for the Río Guaquivilo on option 02 (42.1/1284). I arrived there around 5 PM, found it too strong for me, and decided to wait until the next day. That evening, there was a storm, so the next day the river was even higher, more turbulent, and less clear. I tried to find a better crossing point and regretted not taking the trail on the other side, which avoids crossing the river (I assumed it wasn’t listed as an alternative—perhaps because sections of the bank had collapsed into the river?).<br /> <br /> In the morning, I spotted an arriero with his horse and dogs on the opposite bank, regretted my decision even more, and initially planned to either find a crossing point upstream or backtrack all the way to the ford (35.2/1382) to take the trail on the other side. After some wandering and observing, I noticed fresh horse and dog tracks that showed they had crossed upstream of the ford (42.1/1284). Following these tracks (thank you, rain, for making the tracks fresh and visible), I found a perfect crossing spot.<br /> <br /> I’m sharing this because it was a valuable learning experience for me. Unfortunately, in my excitement at successfully crossing, I forgot to note the GPS point—but I estimate it was about 200 meters upstream.<br /> <br /> I wonder if the trail on the opposite bank near the ford (35.2/1382) is passable?<br /> <br /> Laguna del Dial: No one was there (probably due to the previous night’s storm). Lovely campsite (104.5/1607). Great swimming spot.<br /> <br /> Option 06C: Stunning view at the pass and the valley on the other side. For me, this option is absolutely worth it. Start the climb before the pass (118.2/2013), unlike the GPS track, which descends, then climbs back up. Still, it’s doable either way!<br /> <br /> At the start of the season, the campsite (6.0/1714) was flooded. I arrived late and didn’t go further but found a spot across the river where I cleared rocks and plants to pitch my tent.<br /> <br /> Pleasant trail along the Río González on the RR.<br /> <br /> Option 06 and 06H: Campsite (3.9/1282) with plenty of bivouac options. A beautiful and enjoyable spot amidst trees. Lovely waterfalls. I followed the path that stays on the right side of the river, avoiding the ford, and descended after an hour to see the marmitas.<br /> <br /> Up to km 33 (intersection with the trail to the lakes), the path is easy to follow. After that, it gets a bit tricky but is still manageable. At this intersection, there was a cairn, which I assumed (from the map) led to the lakes. I turned left, following the GPS track. There was no trail or even a hint of one. Later, I crossed a trail with cairns, then lost it again, and so on.<br /> <br /> I wondered if the cairned trail at the intersection with the riverside path might be the one to follow for 06H. Does it perhaps branch off left a bit further? It seems that on one side of the pass, there’s the GPS track for 06H, and on the other, a trail with cairns. For me, using a combination of the GPS track, the cairned trail, and my own reading of the terrain worked well. It was even fun, and the area is stunningly mineral.<br /> <br /> However, the descent on the other side was an entirely different story.<br /> <br /> At first, I followed a marked trail with cairns and animal tracks. After a while, I realized I was far off the GPS track, which was now higher up and behind a ridge. The trail I was on wasn’t on any map, the cairns became sparse, and I wasn’t confident in the animal tracks. So, I cut across the mountain to rejoin the GPS track without climbing back up.<br /> <br /> This off-trail section was initially relatively easy: downhill on sandy, rocky terrain with shrubs and bamboo, which was manageable. But after that, it became much harder. The easiest route (or not?) was through the riverbed—first dry, steep, rocky, and slippery. Then the final section had water, tall plants, and thorny bushes. It was challenging and exhausting. I must have fallen about twenty times! I ended up experimenting with different ways of falling!<br /> <br /> I was so relieved to reach the bottom—and absolutely exhausted!<br /> <br /> It was a good first off-trail (CC) experience on the GPT for me, but I wonder if the trail I initially followed up high might be a better option. Worth trying?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''25-01-19 - 25-01-20 / 2 days / SOBO / 01C-01D-01E-RR / Volker'''<br /> <br /> Laguna Maule to Corrizales<br /> <br /> Day 1: I combined gpt06 and gpt07 and hitchhiked from La Mina to Laguna Maule. First car - chilean hikers, heading for a waterfall on Rio Campanario, interesting area for further exploration around gpt06 OH2; second: carabineros; they took me to the CL Border Control, their colleagues noted my passport data. Then I went to the Laguna, took a bath and walked these options: 01C-01D-01E. Great views on the Laguna Maule and Cerro Confluencia, then amazing mixture of volcanic landscape and pastures. Chatted a while with an arriero at his Puesto, later the trail crosses 3 times Rio Saso (water only to ankles). Camped 1km before X Camp, 44,6 on a green spot some 100m after a non-indicated puesto, where I took water. After some very scenic, but dusty camp spots on gpt06 a luxury camp.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR to Corrizales. On the MR one of my shoes suffered a sudden death. MR walking was still possible, but any remote mountain trail too high a risk. Close to the settler at 54.2 I met a group of three Chilean day-hikers, who tried to get down to the huge waterfall on Rio de la Puente. I decided to join them and instead of at least 2 days of MR walking (with uncertain perspectives for hitchhiking) to accept the offer for a ride to Talca. It turned out to be impossible to get down to the waterfall. The attempt on two very steep slopes (and in even steeper and densely overgrown creeks) ended at vertical walls. Result of the exploration: there is a path starting (on the orographically right side) at the bridge at 07-03, 38,4. It brings you at least very close to the bottom of the waterfall, the last 100m seemed easy (as far as it was possible to see from the slope on the opposite side of the river - fording perhaps an alternative). After the failed attempt, we walked to the carabineros and were offered coca-cola and sandwiches. Very nice guys (and not the same, that other gpt-hikers met earlier this year, as they rotate every four weeks). Then 40km on a dirt road, more than 2 hours by car on OH 03 to Ruta Pehuenche (Talca-Laguna Maule-Argentina). This is definitively not an option you would like to walk - and one with few chances for hitchhiking (probably better on saturdays or sundays).<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-09 to 2024-12-14 / 5,5 day / Hiking / SOBO / OH 01B+OH 01+RR+OH 03A+OH 03+RR+OH 04+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> <br /> I started from Laguna de Maule using variant 01B and then 01. Nice views from the passes on Laguna de Maule. I have joined RR at km 29.8. And followed to Carisales. Between km 42.2 and 44.6 grass with water and plants which made me allergic on my legs. In Carisales I spent about 1.5 hours with carabineros. I have registered and they prepared me lunch and gave me some food. There was un arriero who recommended me to cross the river passing bridge Melado (OH 03 km 38.4) through Rio Melado. In that way I did not have to cross the river Guaiquivilo. It was a really good decision. This option uses good MR. It was Friday so a lot of cars went for fishing or Laguna de Maule. With one of them I have crossed the river near hot springs ( km 58.8 of OH03 ). At km 80.9 RR I have joined the regular route. I have also registered at carabineros El Dial. Because I am walking alone all carabineros told me that for my safety it is better to register. Here I have spent a nice time talking with them. They offered me dinner also. When I have spent a night at the pass at km 102 it was a storm. The last days temperature is above 30 degrees. Near Laguna Dial I have met only arrieros. From the km 118.9 RR where I spent the night I took variant 04E - a nice place for camp with water from the lake before the pass Cordillera González (OH 04E 2.5/2029). Then I took OH04 from Termas La Zorra (38.6/1306). I passed the river Zorra four times - water above the knee (height 164 cm). From km 38.6 to 48.5 there is a good path but very often it is not accurate with the track. After crossing the river Zorra last time at km 48.6 it should be MR. But in fact it is km 52.5 which is a combination of CC+V with some BB. From km 52.5 starts good MR. I have met arrieros. And visited one man who invited me for a café near the carabineros. We had a good talk. I have reached El Inglés at 14. Finally I have put my tent near the shop. And the next day went to Chillán. I sent a deposit there with Starken.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-23 to 2024-DEC-30 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH option 5/ Tamar &amp; Nimrod'''<br /> <br /> 1st day- heading from El Medano (after a rest day when finishing section 6). Started walking and after 10 minutes took a ride to X[11.3/1241]. There was a gate and a house, but we didn't see anybody, we passed through the hole in the fence to the right of the gate. Towards the pass got our feet wet in the grass. Saw 8 condors together flying very close to us - incredible!! Camped in camp [32.4/2030]<br /> <br /> 2nd- There were a lot of cows and arrieros on the way, our feet got very wet and muddy from walking in the grass. Ford at Rio Las yeguas at 3pm was ok. Camped in a place with a view to a big waterfall (-36.044667,-70.531381) with water 2 minute walk away from a small stream. We wanted to camp before but there were a lot of fences saying it's private property around the route. <br /> <br /> 3rd- in Carizales we hoped to buy fresh bread and cheese but it was Christmas eve, and no one at home in the the shop waypoint in the morning. Camped in waypoint water [56.8/1117]. <br /> <br /> 4th- crossed Rio Guaiquevilo at 12pm. The current was pretty strong and got up to our waist (our height is 1.70 meter), but when walking together and up stream and to the side we made it. At Irma's puesto we bought coke, cheese and 3 pieces of bread (she didn't have more). She did have a lot of dogs (&quot;they areonly dogs, not lions&quot; in her words). They bark but are friendly after calming down. We slept next to the carabineros. They gave us juice, password to the wifi, and let us use their cold shower. <br /> <br /> 5th- climbed to Laguna del dial, took a dip in the water (highly recommended! The water is great) slept in the southern side of Laguna dial after descending (-70.99933,-36.45309). There was a group of chillian tourists that came fishing, and their guide gave us some remaining of fried fish and fries bread (which was awesome because it was Hanukka and us Jews love eating fried food in this holiday =))<br /> <br /> 6th- Climbed the pass, camped near the river (-36.319514, -071.064414). <br /> <br /> 7th- There were a lot of river crossing even in places where it wasn't marked ford. crossed Rio Gonzales in the morning- last ford before the bridge- The current wasn't strong but the water was deep up to our chests. Maybe if crossing a few meters near by it would have been less deep. Bridge [137.6/1041] - is currently broken but we crossed the river with no problem. There was a place with a lot of cherry trees and plum trees an hour walk from the broken bridge. After the bridge [143.1/909] the trail is an MR and there were some vehicles, so hitchhiking is possible. Camped in (-36.354990/ -71154314) no water. <br /> <br /> 8th- started walking towards Puente Ingles, and got a ride to San Fabian after half an hour. <br /> The driver told us that there's a bus to San Fabian once a day at 10am. And from San Fabian to Puente Ingles at 2 pm.<br /> <br /> San Fabian accommodation - <br /> Cabañas Nativa San Fabian - looks like a really good place with pool, jacuzzy, kitchen, privet bath, garden, a path to near by river, coffee shop (the only one we found which serves real coffee) near by, for a price of 42,000 clp for a night for 2 people. We already booked a place with laundry on Airbnb so didn't get to stay there ourselfs.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-13 &gt; 17 / 5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / lac coté ouest &gt; frontiere argentine &gt; RR &gt; frontiere argentine / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT07+GPT08<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 2/5<br /> | Danger : attaque d'oiseaux, plantes urticantes<br /> <br /> Bus de 15h (le seul) Talca&gt;El Medano, puis stop vers laguna del maule. Route peu frequentée le soir car douane fermée de 19h à 9h.<br /> La rando est tres facile. Il y a des taons et des attaques d'oiseaux les 10 premiers km apres le col de 2560m. L'option est est en hors piste sauf la derniere descente. A la fin de la vallée, il faut escalader plusieurs fois la falaise.<br /> Plantes urticantes que je n'avais pas encore vu jusque là. Elle sont entre 1500 et 2200, dans les zones semi ombragées type ravins et sous bois.<br /> Il y a 2 clotures facile a passer a Termas los Moscos.<br /> Malgré son immense bassin versant, le rio Salitre etait tres facile a franchir.<br /> Depuis le col, j'ai marché sur la crete jusqu'au sommet principala a 1,5km au sud. Puis j'ai rejoins la trace gps. Le sentier est difficile a suivre avant le col que j'ai monté en hors piste, mais c'est bien pire apres le col ou une epaisse vegetation complique la progression. J'ai pris mon temps et ai bien suivi les traces d'animaux. Le bush-bashing est impossible car il y a du bambous. Ensuite le chemin est vraiment facile (malgré quelques portes et clotures), avec meme des ponts pour franchir deux rivieres.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024 - DEC-10 to 2024-DEC-17 / 7 days / hiking / NOBO / RR / Michal a Anna'''<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from San Fabian to El Ingles and started the hike around 2pm - at that time the shop at El Ingles was closed with no one around to ask. The shop at Carizalles [58,2/1117] was also closed as the owners left that day (we walked around around 5pm).<br /> <br /> The trail was very pleasant, no steep up&amp;downs. We found the section very charming, it was interesting to meet all the locals and arrieros, most of them were up for a little small talk.<br /> <br /> All fords were fordable, the highest at Río Gonzalez [133,3/1226] was to Anna’s hips (she is 1,65 m). We forded in the morning and Eduardo living nearby warned us that in the evening it wouldn’t be crossable on foot.<br /> <br /> No problems with agressive dogs (even at Irma’s puesto [86,4/1212].<br /> We met a lot of cows (couple of times the herds had bulls).<br /> A lot of wetlands and plenty of water everywhere.<br /> <br /> Carabinieros [92,7/1322] were very kind and hospitable. Very pleasant stop at their puesto.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-DEC-07 to 2024-DEC-12 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> The main road section on the beginning we did with head-torches in the night. After leaving the main road, it seems that part of the minor road was washed away by water. This short section must be bypassed by walking on stones along the riverbed to avoid the fenced-off area. At the end of the valley, we choose variant A. At CC [33.3+1.8], the ground was extremely waterlogged. From the ford [47.7-60.5], the trail transitions into a minor road. After 2 days we resuplied in a little store in Carrizales [58.2/1117]. Nice lady prepared some lunch for us too. We recommend to ask the locals, it's easy to miss it, but the position in track files fits perfectly. The water level in the Río Guaiquivilo was elevated, so we had to traverse some sections along the rocky slopes above. Camp 103.2 is completely waterlogged due to melting snow. The ford at km 120.4 we crossed without getting wet. However, at km 137.6, there is no bridge, so wading is necessary. At the intersection of RR and OH [143.4/942], a really good minor road begins, which is marked as a trail in the track files.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-29 to 2024-04-02 // 4,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + Variant A // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Best section so far in terms of meeting people. Only nice souls are in this area, a lot of great talks with arrieros, carabineros, or just people passing threw. <br /> <br /> But in terms of landscapes and hiking, it's pretty much always passing threw looooong valley, that could be a bit annoying because not so diverse. <br /> <br /> I had great time anyway, passing these valleys, the Laguna dial is very nice and I was happy it was Easter, <br /> <br /> I have been invited for an overnight party with locals, drinking mate, eating cordero, cazuella, had an amazing desajuno before leaving for the rest of the section<br /> <br /> I met Dona Irma, after dealing with her crazy aggressive dogs, and spent some time with her, she's definitely a local legend ! Bought cheese and bread for feeding me the rest of the section (10K CLP/kg)<br /> <br /> I arrived in the carabineros of carrizales who are the best carabineros of Chile no doubt ! Giving me sopaipillas and cola, then we discuss a lot, took dinner together, turning into an overnight stay here, they make some space for me to sleep inside, we took some <br /> Pisco then going to bed. Best experience with carabineros so far ! <br /> <br /> No trouble in the junction with the road, a local living in a puesto 1kl earlier invite me to have mate, then the guard at the end of the gravel roads gently opened me the gate and I continued on the long and boring 11klm of road until El Medano.<br /> <br /> There's few options to sleep in El medano, but as I was out of the season everything was closed, I have been invited for stay with a local and quite happy about that because it was a very bad weather night ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-09 to 2024-03-15 / 7 days / SOBO / Started at border control close to Lagula Del Maule —&gt; 1C, 1B, 1, 2, RR, 6C, 6D, RR, 6F, 6E, 6, 6H, 6I, 7B, 7 - Puente El Ingles / Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> I planned this route to avoid the aggressive dogs that have been mentioned a couple times now as it is my main fear along the GPT! I also wanted to explore some alternative routes as some people mentioned that the road walking was not very interesting. That meant that I didn’t get to visit Irma’s place or Carrizales.<br /> <br /> Day 1 ~22km<br /> The timing of my errands in Talca meant that I was ready to start on a Saturday, which is unfortunate as the buses to Termas El Medano don’t run on weekends. After evaluating my options, I decided to just take Uber to right before the border control (75K + big tip). I made sure the driver was ok with it and he seemed quite happy, we chatted the whole way.<br /> <br /> Went into the border control building just to make sure that no check was needed since I was not crossing the border and went on my way to Laguna Del Maule where a lot of people were fishing.<br /> Later that day on option 2 slipped twice in wet muddy grassy fields. Fun times :-) Camped close to a gate at -36.15739, -70.61193, before the puestos down the valley on option 2.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> Long day in a valley with a couple puestos. Dogs around puestos were not aggressive but barked at me as can be expected. Chatted with a couple different arrieros. I feel like Rio Guaiquivilo would make a nice class 3/4 packraft option early in the season, but there would be some required portages.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> Ended option 2 and rejoined the RR to climb up to Laguna del Dial. Enjoyed the view and the surroundings. Meet a lovely Chilean couple that were camped by the Laguna and invited me to stay with them. They ended up being clients of Don Hector, Irma’s husband. They shared their dinner with me. I got to taste Irma’s cheese that I hadn’t been able to purchase and they gave me a lot of food to take with me. Don Hector told me that the 3 agressive dogs people have been mentioning on the RR and that I was afraid of don’t usually bite… More people on horses showed up at the camp later. <br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> Finished the walk along Laguna del Dial and took the 6C/6D option. The trail on that pass is hard to follow at times but sticking to the gps line really helped as in some spots you need to be exactly where it is. After that pass I rejoined the main trail which is at a lower elevation and has trees and shrubbery. Camped close to some puestos, however I did not make my presence known and crossed the river to hide to camp - I’m a woman traveling alone. (-36.52496, -71.10122).<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> Decided to take the 6F route despite few comments on this page about the route and the extra elevation gain and loss. 6E starts at a puesto and I had to duck under a couple fences to make it to the gps line. No one was there when I crossed, I’m unsure if it would have been a problem. The cross country section was somewhat hard and steep. Camped close to the end of 6E<br /> <br /> Day 6<br /> I initially intended to take option 6 the rest of the way but somehow missed the warnings about the right of way issue until I got there. Since I’m traveling alone and uninterested in arguing with anyone, I went for option 6 but northbound from the end of 6E to continue on option 6H. 6H was hard to follow but a beautiful valley, not much water up there so plan accordingly. The rest of 6H going down on the other side seemed treacherous to me so I opted for 6I instead. Felt really exhausted at the end of the day. Camped at the 7B/7 junction. I was very dirty and dusty by the end of that day and the lack of water at camp did not help.<br /> <br /> Day 7<br /> Did the short 6km walk to Puente El Ingles in the morning. Nothing was opened. Started walking the road towards San Fabian de Alico and got picked up about an hour later by three guys who had gone on a fishing trip to Argentina. They gave me a ride all the way to a village outside of Chillán and from there I quickly caught a bus to Chillán (I had a Starken box to pickup there). Realized when I got to my Airbnb that I had a bunch of dirt on my face :-D.<br /> <br /> Once again the little solar panel on my pack kept everything fully charged. This section is not as beautiful as section 6 but I still quite liked it.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-29 to 2024-Mar-06 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / Puente El Inglés - Control Fronterizo Laguna del Maule/ RR + Option 06C + Option H (half) + Option F + Option B +Option 01A, B and C / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> This section is nice but not our favorite. There is some long dirt road walking in some big valley. But sometimes you can find some fresh fruits in the trees (especially near Carrizales) and the road walk feels a bit less boring. Our favorite part was Pass {07-06C} [1.7/2187] where the view is incredible. Maybe not the most used or maintained path but nothing dangerous and it totally worth the extra hiking hour. The trail and the camps near Laguna Dial were also really nice. And finally, as everybody, we found the Hot Spring {07-F} [0.7/1357] really pleasant after a long, dusty and hot day in the valley.<br /> <br /> Here are our points needed to be mentioned :<br /> <br /> We started this section after a resupply in San Fabián De Alico. Since there is no more bus to Puente El Inglés, we hitchhiked and got a lift after maybe 30min to 3 km before El Puente Inglés.<br /> <br /> When we passed Puesto {07} [86.4/1212] (Irma), we tried to buy some cheese but nobody was here (maybe because it was Sunday). We only found some aggressive dogs on the property. We also encountered 2 or 3 other dogs who where barking and coming to us in this valley. I think they where the most agressives dogs we saw during nearly 3 month on the GPT. Hopefully, we weren't bitten.<br /> <br /> The carabineros in Carizales are the nicest we met. They gave us water with harina tostada and even 2 packs of jam when we left.<br /> <br /> The fords were all really easy to cross but it is not possible to cross the river at Ford {07} [80.6/1149]. The river bank is too high and you can't go near the water at this place. We just wen't a little bit further and found a place where 4x4 cross the river and it was really easy (maybe at the half of option H).<br /> <br /> We finished this section at Control Fronterizo Laguna del Maule at 2pm. We hitchhiked for 45min before being taken. The car drove us directly to Talca to resupply before section 6.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-13 to 2024-feb-19/ 7 days / hiking / NOBO / RR + 0H 1C, part of 1B, 1D, 1E, G / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We set off from Thermas del Medano after taking the bus from Talca (no bus at weekends, bus from Monday to Friday). We walked for about 1 hour along route 115 before being picked up and given a lift to the border post. We opted for option 1C, which runs along the laguna del Maule, and to take option 1D we used part of option 1B to reach the RR the next day. We camped near Hector's puesto after his agreement. We encountered several puestos along the way. Several watering holes<br /> <br /> Day 2. We rejoined the RR to go to carrizales. The little store was open. We were able to get something to eat and drink, in addition to a warm welcome. We went a little further to sleep. We met Danilo, who helped Jan along the way. It was great. Great bivouac spot with water and above all shade! Camp {7} [62,5-1322]. Recommended. <br /> <br /> Day 3. On Danilo's advice, we took variant 9 for a few km. <br /> We passed many puestos and were even invited to taste a harissa tostada. We went to buy cheese at Irma's puesto and bivouacked not far away (with her agreement). <br /> Regular water spots. No difficulty in crossing the various rivers. <br /> <br /> Day 4. In the morning, we passed through a carabinieros station. They were very kind and gave us internet access as we were worried about the weather based on information given by locals. After being reassured, we climbed up to the laguna del dial. No particular difficulty. We bivouacked a little later at the first camp.<br /> <br /> Day 5. A short day along the laguna. It goes up and down, but it's really beautiful. We pass a lot of herds. Less water on this day, but enough not to carry too much. <br /> <br /> Day 6. Another short day as we were early and seduced by the Ford camp some 23km before the end of GPT07. Several water spots. Lots of easy downhill. <br /> <br /> Day 7. Last day's walk to puente Inglès. Arriving at puente Inglès, we ask at the small store. Apparently, there is no longer a bus running between puente Inglès and san fabian. We were picked up hitchhiking all the way to san fabian. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-16 to 2024-Feb-24 / 8.5 days / SOBO / / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Talca to El Medano 12:30. Hitchhike up to Laguna del Maule with 3 cars, reach lake at 16:00.<br /> Water: plenty, lots of unmarked sources, never carried more then 1 or 2 liters. Low amount of Tabanos.<br /> No snowfields, all fordings very easy. Weather warm and sunny, except 1 day of rain and cold temperature.<br /> <br /> Quite a few closed gates, all easy to open.<br /> Camp at 44.6 is bad, small stream nearby along a cowshitmeadow. Rabbit holes in camp and all full of rabbit poo.<br /> Don't follow the RR at -36.063395, -70.834222 but instead the road. RR leads to a new massive fence with no gate and hard to climb at around Gpt07-01h End.<br /> Shop in Carrizales, 58.2, was open at early sunday afternoon. Tiny room with a few mostly empty shelfs. Got some sugary stuff and a beer. They have WiFi. Local police guy was there too, very friendly, name is Matias, greet him from me when your there or at the local police station you will walk by earlier on RR.<br /> Ford 60.3 has a small log bridge. Warm spring F was totally worth it for me and I spent a few hours there, however if you come from the south you might be disappointed - the hot spring in Gpt 8 is way better. Camp 62.5 was good beside the usuall cow/horseshit. Mid February Rio Guaiquivilo had nice swimming options around -36.20990,-70.90613 and a bit further south. The fording for cars and horses is at -36.271860,-70.923030. Water levels where mostly low and current tame, lots of options to cross. <br /> <br /> 1kg goat cheese at Irmas for 13500 peso, very delicious, no bred. 3 big white aggressive barking shepperd dogs few hundred meters before Irmas surrounding me and come very close, keep them at distance with my hiking poles.<br /> Around -36.30252,-70.91928 it was very swampy. Friendly police at 92.7, water to refill and got a soda. Laguna Dial was nice for swimming, but very windy from noon to nightfall. Water at 116.3 was dry, but shortly after theres enough water. Rio Cisternas was partly dry, but at camps 116,5 and 114.9 had plenty of water - just not inbetween. No pools though. Warm spring 124.6 isn't worth it, way too tiny. Bridge 137.6 is gone, but dry feet crossing was possible by jumping ovee the rocks under the destroyed Bridge. Little shop in Puente El Inglés was open in the evening and had eggs, noodles, beer, icecream, lots of sugarystuff (don't buy that white packaged and the black packaged chocolate stuff in the backwall of the shop, big package but almost empty inside. Total scam. They had no bred in the evening nor in the next morning, but said in the afternoon bred would be available.<br /> Nice section, best for me was the warm spring and laguna Dial. Spent a lot of time bathing and swimming and just enjoy the view. No difficulties.<br /> Work in progress.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-1-2024 to Feb-6-2024 / 5 days / SOBO / Oh3, RR, Var H, RR / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Long section with a lot of nice meetings on the way, espacially at the beginning in the pueblitos. Laguna Dial is magnificient and the water of good temperature. First part of MR a little bit boring though, but plenty of cars to hitch. No particular difficulties except the sun in the part from Rio Guaiquivilo to the pass after the laguna, no trees for shadow. The way may be slippery in this part to, on steep slopes, sometimes have to really take your time. <br /> <br /> River crossing : I crossed Rio Guaiquivilo where begin variant H. Lots of division that you can see from the pass before, this way easy to adapt the strategy. Thigh deep with weak current, knee deep with stronger current but nothing hard. No other strong rivers. <br /> <br /> Water : plenty on the way, no need to carry liters in the pack, with minor streams not marked on the GPT waypoints. <br /> <br /> Camps : everywhere. Special regards to camp 62.5 with the thermas nearby where you can enjoy a good hot bath before sleeping, and camp 104.5 where you can hide from the wind with the big wall of lava. <br /> <br /> Variant H : at the beginning, you have the choice to follow GPT tracks (steep slope) or go up the hill on a well marked trail. I recommend to go up the hill, following the steep slope is dangerous at times. The rest of the variant is easy.<br /> <br /> Hitched to san fabian before puento Ingles on the minor road. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-31 to 2024-Feb-03 / 4 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 01 / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1:0H07-01C + OH07-01B [5,6-8,4] + 0H07-01D + 0H07-01E + RR [44,6-49,3]<br /> <br /> I hitched from El Medano to the Laguna del Maule. The guards at the border control north of Laguna de Maule let me pass without controlling me. At km 6,4 of OH07-01B is a locked gate, but its possible to climb around. You have to ford Rio Saso multiple times, but water is max. ankle high. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [49,3-62,4] + OH07-F to Hotspring and back + RR [62,4-77,9] <br /> <br /> OH07-F is a short detour to a Hotspring. It's big enough for 1 person to lie in. There is a cold stream next to it and a tree offers some shade. Nice break spot. Ford 76,9 was below Knee high in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [77,9-107,5] <br /> <br /> I forded Rio Guaiquivilo at 9 am at the gpx tracks (km 80,6), but came out a little further downstream. Water went around knee high (I am 191 cm tall).The police at the station km 92,7 took a picture from my passport and wanted my phone number. They were friendly. I forded Rio Paralelo at 2 pm at the gpx tracks (km 95,3). Water went around knee high. <br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [107,5-145] <br /> <br /> Rio Gonzales is an easy ford. RR [143,2 to 155,3] is a dirtroad. I got a hitch for the last 10 km to puente ingles on a saturday evening.<br /> <br /> GPT07 is mostly walking along rivers in different valleys. I really liked Laguna Dial and Laguna de Maule, otherwise its nice but not very spectacular. You will meet a lot of Arrieros on this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-10 to Jan-23 / 14 days / SOBO (mostly) / Opt 1B, 3, 4, 4C, 4D, 8 / Kasia and Michael'''<br /> <br /> Day 0<br /> From Molina we took the bus to Talca. The bus from Talca to El Medano still only leaves early in the morning, at 3:00 in the afternoon, and sometime in the evening. We took a bus to San Clemente hoping to catch different transportation, but no luck. The town itself is not particularly charming, however the square is nice and has places to sit and you can find some shade. There is also a coffee shop half a block off the plaza that has decent espresso at a good price. The bus from Talca passes through San Clemente at the bus stop in front of the Unimarc on the main road. We caught the bus to El Medano and arrived there around 5:30. From there we began to walk the road towards Laguna Maule hoping to catch a hitch. After about an hour of walking a couple picked us up and we rode in the back of the truck as far as Cascada Invertida. It is an interesting spot with a waterfall that has a constant wind blowing some of the water back up the waterfall. Worth a stop if you have time. From there we road-walked another two kilometers to a camp site that is popular with local rock climbers. There are plenty of campsites and a pozo for water and washing.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> From the campsite we walked back to the road and quickly caught a hitch as far as the border control point. No issues getting through border control; there is a separate line for people just going to the lake. We didn't talk to anyone, no one took our documents and we just walked right through one door and out the other. The road up to the lake is a road-walk but not that long. At the lake we started up Option 1B. We hiked up a ways, but there was a tongue of snow that was on a steep angle, extremely slick, and large pieces easily broke off. It seemed dangerous to try to pass, so we opted to hike back down and onto the road. Option 1K is a path that avoids going back through border control and ends on the highway. (If going SOBO and wanting to avoid BCP, look for a broken gate a little less than a half km before BCP and follow the road up.) From there we caught a hitch fairly quickly all the way to the beginning of Opt 3. We walked Opt 3 up for about six kilometers to a campsite marked Puente Enemigo on Gaia. Free public camping with river access. About a half km further on is a similar site.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> We started walking up the road early. The road is very dusty and the tabanos were pretty unbearable. We caught a hitch with a group of hunters and fishers going out for the weekend. They ended up taking us all the way to the end of Opt 3 and to where Opt 4 begins. We walked to the beginning of Opt 4B, but the water was too high and the current to strong, so we camped near Rio Guaiquivilo for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> We took Opt 4A up and over the hill, an easy walk. The ford in the river was about crotch height with fairly strong current, however we passed where the cars drive through to get to the other side. We continued on Opt 4 which goes through farmland, a lot of which is swampy. If going through, choose footing carefully. We noticed that where the little white flowers grow is usually more stable ground than where the yellow flowers or just grass are. We went down to the river and camped under a tree just where the path drops to the river level, a little before the marked camping site.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> We continued on Opt 4 hiking along the river bed. It was slow going and we had to ford many times throughout the day as the river braids back and forth across the valley. All fords were easy, knee height at most but generally lower. It was actually easier crossing rivers than walking along the river bed since there are so many large rocks. We followed the path where it goes up the hill for about a kilometer and a half and then ran into an area where the trail had collapsed. It may have been passable but we felt that it seemed too dangerous so we turned back. When we returned to the river bed we started hiking further up the river bed to see if it was possible to go on a lower route. We camped in the river bed for the night. <br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> We got a late start that morning. We walked up the Rio Gonzales spending the entire day in our water shoes. We probably crossed the river two dozen times, excellent training in river fording. Some fords at crotch height, most at knee or lower. The water was a beautiful color, an excellent temperature, and there were plenty of places to go swimming. By 17:00 we had only made it half way to the marked ford point below the pass, so we turned around. We were not able to determine if it would be possible to go all the way to the final river ford before the pass. However, even if it is not possible to get to the pass, if one has time this is worth a day trip. Every bend in the river had interesting things to look at, it was exceptionally beautiful, and just very pleasant to spend a hot day half submerged in the water. Obviously this is only feasible when the water level has dropped for the season. We camped in the same spot as the night before.<br /> <br /> Day 6 <br /> We decided to try Opt 8. We walked down the river taking Opt 4C until Opt 4D, then crossing the river there and reconnecting with Opt 4. The path up the hill on Opt 4D was a little tricky to find, but it was there; head to the left. We followed Opt 4 NOBO for a bit, then cut across the valley toward a puesto we had noticed on the way up. This is easily visible in the valley as it is marked by several very tall trees (poplars I think) that stand out against the landscape. We passed by there and chatted with the arrieros for a short while who confirmed that the pass to Achibueno was passable and that we could continue on the south side of the river. It was getting late at that point so we camped near the river.<br /> <br /> Day 7<br /> We continued parallel to Opt 8 on the south side of the river. First the land is swampy, then dry. Look for an OSM track that is about 2.3 km long. Stay below the canal that the arrieros built until the OSM track begins, then cross over the canal and follow it. When it drops back down to the river, there was a small section of very mucky swamp. We had to build a rock bridge to cross it. After that, cross the river and reconnect with the GPT track. We went up and over the pass, it is a bit difficult but easy to follow. I will heavily caveat this by saying many groups of arrieros had been through this season. I think doing it in a season prior to the arrieros passing through would be challenging. The view at the top of the pass over Laguna Achibueno was absolutely stunning; it looked like something out of a movie. We dropped down to the first camp site marked. It was a grassy plain with relatively little wind, some mosquitoes, and lots of little black bugs that did not seem to bite. Camped there for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> We got a late start again, being tired since we had not taken a rest day. We went down the other side of the pass. Same as the day before, tricky but absolutely passable, but probably much more challenging prior to arrieros passing through. The valley below was beautiful and green, a lot of Andean oak. We found a camp site a little past the first marked camping. At the bottom past the sign for the Laguna and the sendero, there is a small hill with several large oak trees. Nice views on three sides of mountains and the waterfall, a stream close by.<br /> <br /> Day 9-11<br /> We stayed camped in the same spot for a rest day. We got invited to join the festival of San Sebastian that a large group of arrieros and local farmers were holding. We met a lot of really nice people and ate a ton of really amazing asado. Everyone was so incredibly welcoming, kind, and generous. This will absolutely be one of our most enduring memories of the GPT.<br /> <br /> Day 12<br /> Refreshed from the rest and all the meat, we continued on Opt 8. The trail out was really enjoyable, lots of Andean oak, very fantasy-like landscape. The bridge over Rio Achibueno was destroyed. We found a ford point about 50 m upstream from the mark on the track. Waist deep and a little tricky, but we managed. Camped at La Gloria down near where the estero meets the river.<br /> <br /> Day 13<br /> Continued on Opt 8. Wood plank “bridges” on the esteros from La Gloria on. This is a popular hiking trail, we started seeing lots of day hikers and casual hikers. We took Opt 8 instead of switching to Opt 8A, which we regretted. Opt 8 up is through a very green, but very dry and dusty forest. From the last crossing of the estero there was no water until after the pass. We also hiked it during a heat wave which made it extra challenging. It would be possible to camp on the pass which is low and has a lot of trees and flat space. There is a waterfall a ways down the far side for water. The road down to Estero Los Guayes was not difficult, but half way down you are just waking through a commercial pine plantation. The road is dusty and is mostly fenced in both sides with very infrequent access to the estero. There is also no camping officially allowed according to a resident; they said the Carabineros will come and tell you to leave. We found a spot to stealth camp in front of a small abandoned corral that was not visible from the road. Didn't have any issues. Opt 8A has camping marks on Gaia and is the main access for people driving in to hike, so this seems a better option for either hiking or hitching.<br /> <br /> Day 14<br /> Continued to walk out on Opt 8. Hot, dusty, tons of tábanos. After about 3 hours we caught a hitch all the way to Linares.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tanja '''<br /> <br /> Easy hitch from El Medano to the RR trailhead in the morning. No right of way issues. There’s a big gate that was closed but 15 meters to the right the fence is broken. No one there at a Friday morning at 8h30. Even the local guy that gave me a ride knew that there was a trail. Further up where the trail turns at the first river crossing there’s a big landslide of rocks covering the road. Doesn’t look like any/many cars would come through here these days. <br /> <br /> Crossed Rio Guaiquivilo on midday further upstream of where the gpx track suggests (-36.27219, -70.92341 is where I came out). River has two arms there and is pretty wide. I’m 1,65m, water up to mid thighs at deepest spot. <br /> <br /> I had a first attempt where I felt water was flowing slowly and river had just one arm but way too deep for me. Choose your spot wisely, stay focused and be patient. <br /> <br /> Did not meet any other hikers but had several really nice encounters including an asado in one of the puestos. <br /> <br /> Heaps of water. Never carried more than a liter. Campsites everywhere. <br /> <br /> Lagoon doesn’t have trees but on that little beach in the middle there is an old wooden structure. You could tie a groundsheet or tent fly on top of it to create some shade. <br /> <br /> Crossed bridge at km145 over Rio Los Sauces as I wanted to get a ride into San Fabian which worked after a bit of roadwalking. Stayed at Cabanas Nativas. Paid 30.000 CLP for a two person cabin after asking for a discount as I was solo. Was last cabin available. Laundry service is 8.000CLP.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-22 to 2023-Dec-27 / 5.5days / Hiking / SOBO / {07-03}-{07-04A}-{07-04}-{07-04C}-{07-04}- RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Avoid of right of way dipute and crossing Rio Guaiquivilo, so i go for {07-03}.<br /> <br /> {07-03} Km6.1 - km7.2 : Lot of campong spot beside the road.<br /> <br /> Pass[11.8/1175] : not a camping place<br /> <br /> Shop,camp[16.3/801] : the shop is not at GPS marked, it is at km16.1. When you come down from pass when get close, you can see your left side have a red roof house, with some ice cream+drinks sign at front gate. When i get to there, shop is open but nobody, only a black dog watching me, take me about 10min to figure out the shop owner is working in farm behind the house.<br /> I called him loudly and he noticed me. He is a nice and very friendly guy. I ate canned fish, bread, ice cream and coke in the shop for lunch, yummy yummy!<br /> The shop mostly for alcohol, but you still can buy some small items for chill.<br /> <br /> Km17.4 : start from here, lot of possible camping spots beside the dirt road in this valley<br /> <br /> Km17.4 - km40 : good cell service.<br /> <br /> Bridge[33.1/763]: dont cross it, it is impossible to cross Río Melado come back to this side by {07-08G}<br /> <br /> Police[20.5/775] : they'll mark down your basic information, destination and the reason why go in this area. Friendly, they give me some ice cold water to drink!<br /> <br /> Shop,camp[25.7/813] : look like is closed, sign for private area<br /> <br /> Km29.5 : look like a small shop for drinks and ice cream here, with a sign&quot;BEBDIAS HELADAS CIGARROS&quot; at the front gate. But no luck, nobody home when i was there.<br /> <br /> Bridge[38.4/936] : i love this bridge.<br /> <br /> Ford[41.9/1031] : look like up tp thighs at road crossing, log bridge for dry feet crossing upstream 50m.<br /> <br /> I forget to mark the location, 1 more stream flowing up to knee, also a log bridge upstream 20m for crossing.<br /> <br /> Settlter[51.6/1138] : a small stream crossing, bridge downstream 15m.<br /> <br /> Water[56.8/1117] : two dirt road crossing the river here, downstream one is deeper like up to waist and much stronger. Upstream one is easier, it break to 2 part by an island, first part go downstream 5m, rock bar underwater, flowing strong and just above knee at late afternoon. After arrive the island, go upstream back to road crossing point, easy crossing there for second part.<br /> <br /> OH-MR-V{07-03}[56.8+1.5] : the middle part is washed away by huge flood, you can walk, but no more dirt road.<br /> <br /> {07-03} Km59.0 : just like Lukas en Tess said, the river is impossible to cross at this moment. So i turn to {07-04A} then {07-04} to keep going south. Also {07-04B} is impossible to hike too, because it need to cross 2 times of that river.<br /> <br /> {07-04} km6.8 : river breaks into 2 parts by an island. There are 2 bridges for crossing, cross the first one, then walk downstream 200m on the island to cross the second bridge.<br /> <br /> First bridge : -36.24670, -70.95043<br /> <br /> Second bridge: -36.24481, -70.94877<br /> <br /> Mostly you can follow a trail on {07-04C} easily until {07-04C} km7.0, then the trail become hard to find and follow, so i walk on the riverbed by my own way. If you want, you can cross the river to join {07-04}, but just remian a little part of trail (others maybe wash away by flood).<br /> <br /> Walk to the end of riverbed at {07-04} km18.8, the trail shows you need to cross the river and climb up to the west. Dont cross the river at RR, it is flowing fast and strong, and look like up to waist at afternoon. At downstream 60m, river breaks into 2 parts, just before the breaking, the river becomes wider, cross at the wide point, it is fast too, but just above knee. When you arrive the west side and meet RR, you'll walk on a trail again.<br /> <br /> {07-04} Km21.1 : Pass, some flat spots at this area.<br /> <br /> Follow the trail in a beautiful valley until km28.7.<br /> <br /> Pass[28.7/1959] : excellent view point of Nevado de Chillán! Still lot of snow of the north side! Beautiful!<br /> <br /> Hot spring[38.6/1306] : i hope you don't have any expectations on it and the one beside it. It is just a warm spring at the GPS point, maybe 30°C, a little hotter small pool at upstream, but it is surrounded by tons of cow poops. You wouldn't smell sulfur, because the smell all covered by ....... And i saw one of them is floating inside.<br /> <br /> Hot spring[38.7/1312] : it is much hotter, like boiled water, but very spread, flowing very weak and no pool.<br /> <br /> Puesto[38.8/1304] : after here, you need to cross Rio La Zorra 4 times immediately. Up to knee at morning.<br /> <br /> Ford[41.1/1236] : after this river crossing, from here to Puesto[48.5/1102], is overgrown with thorny plants, more up and down and distance than GPX said. Leave more time for it.<br /> <br /> Ford[48.6/1109] : RR crossing is impossible for this moment, flowing strong and look like need to swim to cross because too deep my feet can't touch the riverbed.<br /> <br /> But there are better crossing point, when you stand at RR crossing, look at upstream, river breaks into 2 parts, go to there. Get to upstream even 50m more than the break. You'll see a huge white rock, cross before it, it is the widest point of the first part, just half of calf, easy.<br /> <br /> After you get on the island, continue going upstream a little about 30m, it is the widest point of the second part, also half of calf, easy. You can walk on the rock bar of second part, back to RR, a camping spot with fire ring and log seats there.<br /> <br /> OH-MR-V {07-04} [48.7+13.4] : please don't have any expectations on it, it is an overgrown with thorny plants, loose rocks, old and damaged dirt road, you wouldn't enjoy it. Look like no cars running on it for some years.<br /> <br /> {07-04} km53.3 : finally!! The road go under tree line, road conditions become nice, easy walking start!<br /> <br /> No luck, there was no bus on Wednesday 10am to San Fabián. So i walk a little further to see hitch hike possibilities.<br /> <br /> FYI : bridge{07} [155.3+1.7/703](cable car crossing) is chain locked. Look like can't use in some moments. But i find another cable car is at 600m before it.<br /> <br /> OH-TL-V {08-A} [1.2], -36.66468, -71.27290<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-17 / 6 days / hiking / NOBO / O7 + O4 + O8 + O8C / Jens'''<br /> <br /> It was all pretty straightforward. The only hard part was on option 8C between the lagoon and where it joins option 3. Rough terrain. No trails. All cross country. <br /> <br /> I really enjoyed Option 8. Many huge waterfalls and lush forests. <br /> <br /> Done the supply in Talca. At that time buses only ran once a day from La Mina. <br /> <br /> Very limited supply in La Mina and El Medano. <br /> <br /> 7.30 from La Mina to Talca<br /> 15.00 from Talca to La Mina<br /> <br /> Buses to and from Armadillo are more frequent.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-9/ 7 days / hiking / SOBO /7-1B, RR, 7-3, 7-4 / Lukas en Tess'''<br /> <br /> We stayed a night at el Medano coming from Talca to resupply. Next day we hichhiked to Laguna del Maule to start hiking 7 option 1 B to join RR at K30. We did this to avoid the right of way dipute and the steep climb in the snow. A guy called Arturo gave us a lift and he was in charge of the clearing of the road to Argentina. He told us that what they are doing now they usually do in August!!! Following 7 option1B was no problem exept for a strange snowlake we had to cross we tried to stay at the edge as much as possible. Breaking through the top layer of snow just gave you really wetand icy cold feet but you didnt fall in completely.<br /> From there we had no issues folowing RR until Rio Las Yeguas. The river was the toughest ford we did but we managed, Tess clamping on to my backpack and moving together. The best place was just where RR crosses, we tried moving up and down the river a couple 100 meters to no avail. We continued al the way down to the termas, the minishop on the way was not open. Termas are great! We met a lot of<br /> Awesome caballeros at the camp and we shared food and drink and they gave us a lot of advice. Some offered to help us cross Rio Guaiquivillo but others argued that is was not possible. One guy crossed with his horse and the water came over the back of the horse!! So turning back and following 7 option 3 seamed the best option. That soon turned into 7 option 4 as we were unable to cross the River at 7-3, K59. We where able to cross with a small bridge at a puesto where we met some great people, they told us a guy passed 3 days before and we were able to track his footprints al the way to the end of section 7. The route option 4 is great at times, horrible at others but the perfect alternative. We didn't get to see Laguna Del Dial but the amazing mountain forests we passed made up for it.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-17 to 2023-Dec- 22 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option 4 + option 3 + option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present<br /> <br /> - Snow : a little bit of snow left on the pass and around Laguna del Maule but nothing important.<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : easy to find<br /> <br /> - River crossing : (1) option 4 at km 7,8 - the water was really high in the afternoon and the current really strong, Nolwenn thankfully got helped by some caballeros to cross it | (2) on RR at km 47,7 Rio Las Yeguas was crossable in the morning, take your time to find a good spot to cross | the other river crossings were easy<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> <br /> - Resupply : (1) in Carizales at km 58,2, you can ask for Dagoberto he has a little ' negocio where he sells some beverages and he will try to have some food as well to sell | (2) the mini market at El Medano is not enough, (3) we went to Talca because we had to buy new shoes (lot of good hiking shop)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-03 to 2023-Jan-09 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / David and Erika'''<br /> <br /> We shortened this route by 25 km with a resupply at the restaurant in Los Alamos (past the ghost town of Los Ciprese) Great peeps there, who served us breakfast, recharged batteries, sold us enough ramen and soup to keep us going. For another 5 days. Also gave us a lift to a road above the border crossing at Laguna del Maule, avoiding an unnecessary conversation with boarder guards. It intersects OH-CC-A{07-01C} and starts at where the lake begins, also know as GPT section 2 alts Laguna Dial. This is a great at and plenty of water in Jan. Eliminated also the 500 meter climb and avoids some locked gaits and right of passage issues. Pretty straight forward from there till the end. One Pyrenes puppy trailed us after passing a Puesto. Owners said the puppy didn’t come back. If that happens again, they suggest to deter the puppy from following by using a stick. We found that the settlers at the first water source after the English bridge (marked Water, Settlement {07} [150.6/834]-36.61455, -71.2763) is a delightful family who offered us refuge, a lift in the morning to San Carlos, and lively entertainment. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23 to 2023-Mar-30 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes, Luisa and Noemi '''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from San Clemente to Laguna del Maule (there are some buses to El Colorado). First night up the valley, second night we slept in Carizales. Little before we were welcomed at the puesto de Carabineros who gave us harina tostada, warm bread, marmelade and juice and showed us the way to the mini shop; Friendly owner there who let us sleep close to the shop. Next day we slept in the middle of this amazing huge and warm valley where Irma and Co. make their cheese...the following day we stood at her puesto and had a great evening with some local arrieros. The day after we went up to the Laguna and camped at the first lake fed by the Laguna, was a great option, nearly no wind and warm water to swim in....Next days (2,5 more) all along to get out at Los Sauces. A section which impressed by the people we met, not so much because of the trail, which has been rather annoying sometimes because of entire valleys to be walked through....Laguna Dial was a highlight but the rest just walking to get in and out with no super special highlights. This is a section where you get loads of contact with arrieros and this makes this section so unique. Value is more on the people than on the panorama.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-24 to 2023-Jan-29 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 7/ Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> El Medano - Puente Inglés<br /> Overall, GPT07 has many different faces which I really enjoyed - alpine-like pastures, mighty rivers, an impressive laguna, and even forests for the last 25km. Most of the trail goes through long valleys. There is minimum of steep descents and ascents. However, the length and the afternoon heat still make this section challenging. Occassional fruit trees, mini-shops, arrieros, and friendly carabineros make this trail even nicer. <br /> <br /> Details:<br /> <br /> On the 1st day, I started hitchhiking from El Medano at 8am Tuesday, no luck after 20 min so I decided walking, hitched a car in the middle (after 6km). As I got to the fence at the trailhead, there were two cars but no one outside, so I just walked around it and all was ok. Path up the first valey was nice, there is a beautiful green plateau afterwards (what a pleasant change after gpt06!). Cows sometimes camp at the “camp” waypoints. Better not to 100% rely on the marked spots and look for other places. In general there are many good spots for camping. <br /> <br /> The 2nd day marked a slow descent to Carrizales, easy trail and nice views, water pastures can be avoided by following the cliffs alongside the valey. Just be careful, some rocks are unstable - I fell once and scratched myself. On a sidenote, I was quite impressed by the birds that start screaming like an old alarm clock as soon as they spot you, so every being in the valey knows you’re there. Carabineros in Carizales are the best guys ever. They served me a chilled cola and taught me how to prepare harina tostada (i also got some from them). I showed them how the satellite comm device works in return. I camped at the amazing hotsprings after Carozzales. I met two arrieros there who were just leaving. No one else showed up, so I rolled out my mat just next to the hotsprings (there is not enough space for a full tent, but a mat fits quite nicely) and spent a night there.<br /> <br /> 3rd to 5th days are again slow descents/ascents through valleys. Fords are very easy at this time, not above knees. Cheese from Irma is great (10k CLP per kilo) but pack it at least in two ziplock bags otherwise you’ll have the excess liquid all in your backpack like I had. Irma also had beer, cookies, chips and tuna. Laguna Dial is beautiful but indeed no shade. I camped in the middle at one of the camping spots on the shore. <br /> <br /> On the 6th day I was walking along Rio Gonzáles. From km 130 the section is full of forests and extremely beautiful. The fords are fun. Once the route reached the bridge (km 143.1), I decided to follow the advice of other folks and took the alterative option 7 (i.e. staying at the left bank of the river). The climb is significant for the first 6km of the optional route (about 500m in altitude) and without a proper shade. Fortunately there are multiple streams around during the climb. Once you get to about 1200m in altitude, an oak forest starts, another face of gpt07, very beautiful. At about there the trail forks into two paths. I took the option 07-B (the southeastern path of the fork) and it was a bad choice. The trail was hard to find and there were overgrown parts. After some trying I decided to turn back to the fork and continue with the north-west route. The trail there was very well marked and easy to follow. So my advice is once you reach the fork, take the path to your right.<br /> <br /> Buses from Puente Inglés to San Fabian go at 7am and 10am. San Fabian has cabanas that tend to be overbooked. Here is my advice: try to book Cabanas Nativas in advance (they are on whatsapp). If not possible, visit them and check on the day. The owner called about 4 other cabana sites for me and tried to find me a spot. He then offered me to stay with them in the last free cabana (for 12 people) for 35,000 CLP (i.e. a price of a small cabana) which was amazing. There are also two camping sites which have always a spot for a tent. The first one is located at (-36.5650377, -71.5525476) and is just next to a river. It is called Camping Jahuel. Price is 6,000 CLP per person. The second one is at (-36.5541935, -71.5406932) and is called Camping Luciernagas. The price is 15,000 per a tent slot. I liked the first camping more. In terms of resupply, La Montana supermarket has gas canisters. There is also a good supermarket on the main road (approximately -36.5579937, -71.5514614). San Fabian is overall a lovely city worth spending some time in. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-31 to 2023-Jan-05 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 07 / Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> This has so far going SOBO been the easiest but also the worst part. Apart from the last 45 km and a few spots, there is a lot of road walking and the long flat valleys are not very spectacular. I wonder how the alternatives compare. Laguna del Dial is not that attractive, there are no trees around it. What is good are fruit trees, from the shop in Carizales there are plume-like trees that probably ripen in late January, at the Laguna there are probably-edible bushes of wild currant (probably ripe in January) and at the end at the penultimate bridge (137.6/1041), there are lots of cherries at a puesto and then 1 km further in a former puesto - these ripen in December.<br /> <br /> By this time of the year, all the fords were easy, not above my knees.<br /> <br /> I ressuplied in Talca, where I got using two cars, it took me about five drivers and about 4 hours to go to the place where GPT branches off the main road. I missed the hot springs in El Medano. The trackfiles want to you to keep walking far to the West of the hut in the fenced compound, but there is a trail close to the fence that can be followed to the minor road behind. There is no cell phone coverage on the major road after the hot springs.<br /> <br /> The first pass is nice, soon after there are lot of puestos and this was the first section where I actually met people-arrieros every day. The descent to the valley is uneventful, once you reach Rio Saso, there is a minor road with very little cars. Carabinieros at Carizales took my details, asked where I went, I said Laguna del Dial and that was that. There was nobody at the shop (and they have very little supply from what I could see from the window) around 1830. They seemed to have wifi in case somebody badly needs it, it is password protected, but you could ask. A few km before the Hot Spring {07-F} [0.7/1357], a trail branches off the main road - then it is about 10 km of trail before you reach the road again. This stretch and a few km around the shop are quite nice despite the road.<br /> <br /> The hot springs are nice, perfect temperature. Right next to them, there is place for a single person for sleeping (no tent) otherwise you need to camp further downstream or at the camp waypoint. They can easily be reached in two days, the trail is easy. I managed to miss the second carabinieros befora the Laguna sw Si without really wanting to. The road only ends less then 10 km from the Laguna.<br /> <br /> The first waypoint &quot;hot springs?&quot; is in the middle of the river, not sure what it is supposed to mean.<br /> <br /> The section from the second pass (the one after the laguna) is really nice, first with some trees, at the end with lots of trees. <br /> <br /> The second &quot;hot spring? (Hot Spring ? {07} [124.6/1404])&quot; waypoint is real, you need to ford through the canyon a bit (which is fun on its own, there are places where you can leave the canyon about 200 m downstream from the hot spring) to reach it. The water is too hot, it springs not much above the level of the river. I tried to make a pool where the water could cool down but have not finished it. I encourage you to build upon it.<br /> <br /> Then there is a stretch with a lot of fording (there it is gorgeous), one last ford is missing from the waypoints - you need to ford about 20 m along a steep rock face that falls directly to the river. Do not try to go around it.<br /> <br /> Once you reach the last bridge where the minor road to the end of section begins (in the files it is mislabeled as trail), I encourage you to stay on the left bank and climb a bit on option 07. It goes through really nice oak (I think) forrest and it is a trail almost to the end of the section. I think this part is almost the nicest of all GPT 07 and I think RR should be routed through this option. The trail is in good condition. From Los Sauces, there are not many cars (congratulations to other people having been lucky). Luckily there are buses at 7 and 10 in the morning to San Fabian. The second bus goes back at two. I think on Sundays it is all shifted by one hour (so it leaves an hour later) but I am not sure. There is signal from the last bridge but there is no cell signal in Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-25 to 2022-Dec-31 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 3 / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> After some good time spent at El Medano (there was a small shop and kiosk with basic food and drinks) we followed the road for first few kms. At the end at km 11.3 going right to join the trail to the mountains, we went around the security house, greeting the guard from distance and further following the gps. But after joining the minor road we got into a little right of way conflict - there were 2 cars going down the road from the mountains and they stopped to tell us its a private property and its not possible to get through without permission. We tried to explain everything, showing maps and garmin device, no intention to set up fire, ziplock for trash etc, but we got the same answer all over again - its private, not possible to pass and that the way is dangerous anyway. For some time it looked like we would be able to obtain the permission from the guard, so we agreed to go with them back to the security house, but at the time it was getting dark already, the guard didnt seem to worry about us, but we understood they will not let us go through - we were told that the permission is not possible to get now and that there is another way around which turned out to be the option 3 going through the next valley. The family offered us to take us to their house and to the other road (start of 07-03) the next day which we accepted, eventhough it would be probably possible to refuse and somehow sneak into there, we decided to respect their will and it turned out to be really nice evening with this family, we learned a lot about the place.

Option 3 was not that intersting, basically a dirt road all the time. Shop at km 16.3 is actually on the opposite side than what shows the gps, just a few meters back, you cant miss that. There is a wide selection of drinks, beer and wine (probably locals favorites) and some basic things like canned fish, biscuits etc. Possibly even some food that we have seen on the sign, but didn’t ask. A lot of annoying tabanos everywhere in this part. Shop in Carrisales is really small but still something to look forward, it has even beer and ice cream. It is run by a friendly man who’s looking after the property.<br /> <br /> We really liked the whole stretch in the valley and around all the puestos. We forded the river in its wider part after marked hot spring and walked on the other side. Some parts were a little more exposed on the trail we took but otherwise easy to follow. We have seen even some people camping and fishing there. The way to Irma’s puesto is well described below. Stopping there is a must, they invited us to sit with them for a while in the evening and let us camp on their yard (honestly not the best place with all the animals 😄). But we bought some drinks, beer (!) and even pan + goat cheese in the morning. 1 kg of cheese was for 16k CLP i believe. At police station we had no problem.<br /> <br /> The next few kms were quite exhausting for us in the hot weather, but we made it to Laguna Dial in the afternoon. Good place to have some rest in the beginning where is a rock on the other side. On that day we made it aprox. half way around the lake where we met some Argentinian fishermen still celebrating their World Cup win, what a nice encounter. We didn’t have any problem on the rest of the trail and it took us 2 more days to El Ingles. Last ~20km on the road are fast, but its still up and down quite a lot. We finished this section on 31st Dec in the afternoon. With no hope of any bus going to the town we bought some snacks and beer in a small shop in some construction site by the main road and continued in the direction to the south. After less than 15m waiting in a bus station by the cable car a car arrived and took us all the way to San Fabian.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-26 to 2022-Dec-31 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> El Médano - Puente Inglés <br /> I had a tougher time than expected on this section, but overall still a good experience. My pace ended up similar to section 6, at times slower but with the occasional fast road to make up for it. I spent a lot of time trying to keep my feet dry but they always just ended up getting wet anyway, I had a bunch of blisters by the end of day two. My main advice just be to accept it and just trudge straight through the waterlogged pastures.<br /> <br /> Meeting the arrieros/settlers along the way was one of the highlights. No one seemed to mind me passing through their country. Most of the time we'd just wave, and sometimes they'd call out and chat for a bit. They had some amazing yells. There was no one at the shop in Carrizales when I passed through at 4:30, but I did manage to get a fanta and some great goat cheese later from Irma. The cheese lasted well through a day and a half of hiking in the heat. 500g was the least she'd sell, so I just ate a bunch of it with chips for my last few meals.<br /> <br /> Everyone I passed told me about another pair of hikers doing the same route, but a day ahead of me. I never caught up with them, but I know their footprints well.<br /> <br /> The horseflies were really swarming on some stretches, they made a few nights and lunch breaks pretty uncomfortable. But I found that if I just kept walking I'd normally find a bug free spot within an hour or so. I never figured out how to predict where I'd find them. There were generally more at lower altitude and sheltered places, with lots of exceptions.<br /> <br /> The fords were all easy for me, the highest came up to my thighs (I'm 5'11/180cm).<br /> <br /> I spent the first night at El Médano. They didn't have a midday bus from Talca, the earliest I could go was at 3pm. The vapores were great, but a little hard to find. Pretty much empty at 6pm. The next morning I hitched easily to the start. I decided to start hiking on the other side of the river where I got dropped off, and then ford further down after the building.<br /> <br /> I luckily caught a ride from some carabineros pretty early along the road walk at the end, who took me straight to San Fabián.<br /> <br /> Overall a great hike. Doing it in five walking days was reasonable, but felt a bit rushed for me. The second half was definitely more enjoyable for me. If I could go back in time I'd probably hitch a bit further to the Laguna del Maule and do one of the options starting from there.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-17 to 2022-Dec-23 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> El Médano - Puente Inglés <br /> We started by hitchhiking to the beginning of the dirtroad (11 km from El Médano). At about 7:30 am on a saturday we got a ride within a minute :)<br /> As Veronica wrote there is a closed gate, but you can walk around it. We met a local living there and he greeted us niceley, so it seems to be no problem.<br /> The next day we arrived in Carrizales around 4 pm. We resupplied there (the shop has a modest selection). The almacén is basically at the owners house, so one can propably buy sth there pretty late or early in the day. Plus the owner is super nice. She even offered us some fruits and vegetables for free and allowed us to camp opposite her house.<br /> <br /> The first river crossing was the hardest for us. Anna is 1,63 m and the water reached above her hips. The other two rivers were pretty easy to cross.<br /> <br /> From Puente Inglés we hitchhiked to San Fabián. There is also a bus once a day which leaves at 10 am.<br /> <br /> Section 7 is really nice with beautiful views and a very diverse landscape. It gets really hot in the afternoon though.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-07 to 2022-Dec-12 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: El Médano - Carrizales - Río Guaiquivillo - Laguna Dial - Río González - Puente Inglés <br /> <br /> A wonderful stretch of the GPT, I especially enjoyed the second half of it. Decent trails, except when they go into cow pastures or traverse some sandy/scree cliffs where erosion has taken place. Lots of great swimming opportunities, which is good because the midday/afternoon heat gets quite oppresive. <br /> <br /> Some demanding river fords this time of year. The ones that stand out as being particularly difficult are 1: the one after the first pass after Carrizales, 2: Río Guaiquivillo (downright scary), 3: Río Paralelo before Laguna Dial (although not so bad after experiencing Guaiquivillo) <br /> <br /> Took the bus from Talca back to El Médano at 3 pm. The &quot;vapores&quot; at El Médano are awesome, and free if you stay at the nearby campground. When I went three next morning at 9 a.m. there was nobody there and I got to try out and enjoy the three different saunas. <br /> <br /> Hitching the 11km along the paved road is pretty easy, but few cars go by. There was no one at the gate/fence when I arrived, easy to go around by following the river a few hundred meters. <br /> <br /> At the last cross-country section before Carrizales, I recommend taking the northern Option D route, as the RR takes you straight into a muddy, flooded cow pasture, and the drier mountainside is covered in pesky, sharp/thorny yellow flowers which will tear through your legs. The northern route has to be better than that! <br /> <br /> The fences before Carrizales start near the junction where Option H ends, but I found lots of accessible water sources and decent campsites even along the fenced section. The best one was less than a km after the last &quot;settler&quot; waypoint before Carrizales, with lots of shade, grass, and mature trees to the right of the trail. <br /> <br /> The hot springs after Carrizales are definitely worth the detour! They are properly hot, and right next to a beautiful, cool creek. <br /> <br /> I'm 165 cm and Río Guaiquivillo was one of, if not the most, demanding ford I've ever done. I went upstream a couple hundred meters from where the RR crosses it, where the river braids into two channels and is wider. The current was fast in the first channel, making little rapids over the rocks, but the water only went midway up my thighs. The second channel the water went up to my hips and nearly swept me downstream. Maybe look for a better place downstream to cross the second channel once you reach the island after the first channel. <br /> <br /> After the river crossing, follow the 4×4 path, not necessarily the GPS RR track. The GPS will try to lead you into knee-deep boggy pastures, but if you follow the 4×4 trail it should (mostly) stay dry. <br /> <br /> The carabineros at the police puesto took down my passport info and asked when I'd be returning from Laguna Dial. I explained I was continuing onward to Puente Inglés and wouldn't be coming back. <br /> <br /> Between the police puesto and Río Los Sauces, I only saw 2 people (arrieros), and not a soul at Laguna Dial. Must be a quieter time of year. Laguna Dial is amazing - clear, cold, deep waters perfect for swimming. The trail from the west end of Laguna Dial all the way to the last bridge before Puente Inglés is awesome - clear and easy to follow. The stretch along Río González was probably my favorite part, as you are in frequent forests going along a steep-walled canyon. Plus the fords along that river were not difficult :) <br /> <br /> I got offered a ride once I was midway through the hot, dusty road walk to Puente Inglés, and they took me straight through to San Fabian. So I can't comment on the bus schedule.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-28 to 2022-Mar-06 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Carlos '''<br /> <br /> There is now a locked gate to acces the dirt road from/to Road 115 CH at the power station building. I was told it wasn't allowed to enter and was asked how I had got in (going Northbound it was the end of my hike). I explained I was coming from Carrizales on a trail and they opened the gate for me.<br /> <br /> It was a Sunday and oddly enough the guards just happened to be crossing the gate in a pick up just at the very moment I arrived, so couldn't find out if the station is manned during the week.<br /> <br /> As It was quite obvious they were not happy at all me being there I couldn't scout the place to find a way around but it looked quite possible to walk around the fence, either towards the slope or next to the river. Although if you want to enter (hiking Southbound) and there is a guard at the gate you might be turn around.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-06 / 8 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Molly and Melissa '''<br /> <br /> Generally an easy trail, but tough due to the heat and the heavy pack. Plenty of water despite the dry landscape. Not many panoramic views - instead the attraction consists of meeting the many arrieros and walking through the land where they live. <br /> We arrived by bus at El Inglés at 3:30 pm and started walking down the very hot, dry gravel road. Lots of places along the river seems great for camping/swimming. After walking a little, a car offered us a ride and dropped us off right before the first bridge. We wanted to camp at the first &quot;hot spring?&quot; waypoint, but there seemed to be no hot springs. From there, a nice path all the way to Laguna Dial. We ended up camping at the second camp waypoint, very nice place for a swim - which was very needed after a very hot day. The first camp waypoint has a puesto as well.<br /> We passed the police, they were very excited to have visitors and served us soda and biscuits. We camped at the next ford near a big willow. There is a campsite that seems to be used by the arrieros, but not while we were there. <br /> Irma's daughter sold us some of their cheese. They had goat and cow cheese, 1.5 L colas, beer, wine and sopaipillas. Irma wasn't home. Initially we were chased off by a pretty scary dog, but we were able to approach once some horseback riders appeared and people in the puesto came out and could shout at the dogs. <br /> After her puesto, we had some trouble finding the right path - the route kept leading off the gravel road with no path in sight. In the end, we just followed the gravel road, returning to the regular route just before the climb at the second &quot;hot springs?&quot; waypoint. This required a river crossing that was a little difficult even in this dry year.<br /> Pretty easy walk the rest of the way to Carrizales on a gravel road. We found many delicious brambles along the road. <br /> <br /> The shop in Carrizales had pasta, canned tuna, cakes, many different biscuits, popsicles, chips, bread, sodas, marmelade, harina tostada, batteries, caramels. The town itself consisted of a few houses and an avanzada de carabineros. As mentioned, some fences after the town. We camped at the next &quot;ford&quot; waypoint, on a nice meadow next to the river.<br /> <br /> On the next cross country section, better stick to the route along the mountain side - the whole valley is very wet, and there's often a path to follow along the route. Many animals and puestos all the way up the mountain.<br /> We camped at the camp/ford waypoint after reaching the last gravel road. A lot of garbage, but we found a nice little place and even caught a trout.<br /> The main road is pretty big, probably easy to hitch, but goes through some pretty mountains as well. <br /> <br /> Termas el Medano is a nice place as well, there is a big hot pool (with some cold currents in-between) and some smaller lukewarm ones, and you can swim in the river. The entrance is 1000 pesos, but if you camp at the nearby campground (3000 pesos per person), acces is free. There is also a minishop with sodas, chocolate, chips, sunscreen and a few other things, and a restaurant with typical Chilean food. The bus leaves for Talca at 7:10 in front of the parking lot, but you have to call in advance as it only goes that far if they know someone is going - +56994741961.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-17 to 2022-Jan-24 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo'''<br /> <br /> Termas El Médano -&gt; Carrizales (2 days) -&gt; Rio Maule -&gt; Laguna del Dial -&gt; El Inglés (3 days)<br /> <br /> Greatly enjoyed this section, which took us seven proper hiking days to complete.<br /> <br /> We started at 19:00 at Termas El Médano because the only bus at Talca left at 15:00. Hiked the 11 km of tarmac and camped on the river bank next to 115, about 1 km beyond section 1 (S 35° 52.736', W 070° 40.119', courtesy of iOverlander).<br /> <br /> At the end of the third section (around S 35° 57.665', W 070° 38.836') we could not find the path on the northern scree and rock slopes. Instead, we switched to the southern valley flank about a hundred meters before the actual switch, fording the small stream easily and following cow trails until we were back on the path. Found a decent camp site (S 35° 52.736', W 070° 40.119') after the first puesto on the mountain plains.<br /> <br /> From about 10 km before Carrizales, all water and accompanying meadows are fenced in. If you plan to camp before Carrizales, turn back the moment you see fences appear on the side of the road. At the end of a long day, we asked the shop owner in Carrizales if she knew a good spot, and she let us camp on one of their fields (with accompanying barking dogs ;). Still, muchas gracias!<br /> <br /> The hot springs after Carrizales were the best so far and definitely worth the detour. Señora Irma sold us fresh cheese, tomatoes, bread and coke, even though we happened upon her puesto in the middle of celebrating January 20th - either in the honor of San Sebastian or a victory in the war between Chile and Peru-Bolivia - with friends and family. Thanks again!<br /> <br /> Laguna del Dial was gorgeous and great to swim in. We camped right at the start of the lake (S 36° 25.533', W 070° 55.101') where the water had sufficiently retreated to leave room for one tent. After the lake, we had the impression of taking an arriero highway, encountering plenty of horseback riders, most of them arrieros. For us, it was often hard to understand their dialect, given that we're very novice Spanish speakers. Still, got to see a glimpse of the way these modern day cowboys live.<br /> <br /> The first bridge you encounter (sobo, around S 36° 33.547', W 071° 10.798') is rickety and unusable. Hence the second smaller bridge a bit further upstream, which I only found out about after fording the river :D<br /> <br /> The bus at El Inglés to San Fabián left at 7:00 and 10:00 in the morning. At the bridge, the river bank opposite to the shop has some smaller streams pouring into the river, making this the relatively nicer side to camp (though there's plenty of garbage on both sides, despite the signs requesting not to litter). Some Chilean campers showed us the streams, thanks once again!<br /> <br /> In San Fabián, stayed at Cabañas Anfer Domos for 35.000 CLP per night for two. Cabañas Nativas and Hostal El Molino were both full.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-26 to 2022-Jan-04 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option to Reserva Achibueno / '''<br /> <br /> From Parque Inglés to the entrance of Reserva Achibueno<br /> Buy your ticket online for “El Bolsón” on the CONAF website and get to the trailhead before 3pm<br /> 4hrs hike to El Bolsón, a great place with waterfall, great views, nice camping spots, hikers<br /> TO CHECK: Bus from Molina to Parque Ingles leaves at 9 am (not positive) on week-ends and holidays <br /> Easy hitch from Radal to Parque Ingles coz lots of campers going there on week-ends<br /> Be careful a ranger told me the park closes on Mondays <br /> It took me around 4 days from Parque Siete Tazas Park entrance to the road Q115 (Central Cipreses)<br /> From Road 115 I hitched to a village by Colbún lake where I resupplied : good supermarkets (a little on the expensive side), food truck , pastry shop <br /> I didn't like Altos de Lircay NP : after El Bolson (4 hrs in) no fucking shade for 3 days and an half except that of a shelter a little off trail, blazing sun all day, sand sand sand, I found the place so inhospitable, monotonous sights : sand dunes for ever, quite some struggling pedalling in the soft sand, plus I had no gaiters (stupid me) and low heels shoes so that was a bummer. However the place is super special, feels like on the moon (beautiful pictures) and I can understand why many love it<br /> Some “hot springs” are actually just luke and others just a hole or boiling hot (I added these informations to the track and waypoints I sent to Jan Dudek) so don't be like me fantasizing all day on that fantastic bath you will get or wait for Jan's update (thanks so so much for all you do mate).<br /> After resupplying I hitched on option 7 XXX all the way the Mellado cañon (really nice, by the river all the time), communities. After hiking South from Carizales (which has a very limited “store”) I was short on time and food and realized bare landscapes over the tree line were not my cup of tea (I prefer hiking below 1700 m in this part of Patagonia) so I left RR and took another option all the way to the West to Reserva Achibueno which I really enjoyed : great landscapes, lakes, rivers and met some cool hikers and fishermen<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview:<br /> Just want to say quick that the termas vapaors in Mèdano are worth checking out, I highly recommend them. Please consider checking them out, they are only ½ km off the trail and absolutely worth it. They are sauna boxes built around a few hot rocks emitting hot steam. The result is a steam room/ sauna experience. I personally spend over 4 hours chilling out in the steam rooms.<br /> After a 2-hour road walk on the side of the highway you make your way back on trial. This section takes you thru many areas used for grazing livestock with puestos in sight almost all the time. Carizales a small settlement right on trail has a small store and the family also sells bread. There was also a puesto that sold us fresh goat cheese and Coca Cola. It is marked as a waypoint on the GPX file about 20km south of Carizales. Much of the trail is very dry and exposed and the landscape is void of trees and vegetation. There are many great places to jump into the river and cool off. The section up and around the lake offers great views of the mountains, volcanoes nearby and Laguna Dial. The trail itself is well established and never had any real trouble navigation. There were also quite a few hot springs on trail or close by.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Hot and Exposed (especially in summertime). Resupply Distance.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot springs. Great sweeping views. Pools of cool water to jump into in the middle of the day.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-17 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Bruno and Martin '''<br /> <br /> 7.5 days for this great section. We resupplied in el Médano and continued with the section. Just enough variety. Highly recomend eating harina tostada, a vital meal for the arrieros, nutritious and practical. Be minded tha in our camping ground in El Médano there were only three hours of electricity a day, may be hard to recharge. Regular trail was easy to follow, except on mountain pastures where is also likely to get your feet wet. Bought some food in Carrizales. Passed through the welcoming puesto of señora Irma for some eggs, bread and cheese. Irma te manda saludos Jan! Laguna Dial is amazing and we stayed one day fishing, resting and swiming in Lake Camp -2. We were invited for some mate and tortas by a local arriero.The Rio Gonzalez valley is a complete change of scenery, with forests which we enjoyed very much. Resupplying in San Fabián. <br /> <br /> After talking with the carabineros in San Fabián, we were told that we would not be allowed to pass through the RR near Volcán Chillán, in the last comisaria in El Roble, due to current volcanic risk. Trying instead an optional start further south, in Termas de Chillán. Maybe for next hikers it would be ok, but better to ask anyway.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-3 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Starting at El Medano, hiking the regular route southbound towards El Ingles. <br /> 11km in we encountered a gate to get onto the trail with private property signs. However no one was there so we walked in without difficulty by walking around the fence (it was late Christmas Day however so it could have been quiter than normal). In general a nice route however when the track descends into cow pastures it gets very boggy and the track sometimes disappears. We did not think there were any dangerous spots. <br /> To resupply at the end of the section we took a bus in the morning from Los Sauces (10am) to San Fabian. We caught the same bus back at 1pm. Great selection of cheap food in the local ‘mountain’ supermarket and overall a good town for resupply options. It had methylated spirits for cooking but the bottle did not state the concentration. I suspect around 70%.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-29/ 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR with optional start at Cruze de Melano / Tyler &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> We took our sweet time through this section. The optional start helped...as we were able to hitch all the way up to the RR at Carizales. (Bus from Talca @3, 2000 CP each) Hot springs near Carizales were warm &amp; awesome. Two nice little tubs. We took our time and had a great time with all the arrieros along the way. Irma sells beer, wine, and delicious cheese. Other arrieros will welcome you in and treat you like family as well...so be sure to leave them with whatever you feel fit in return. All river crossings good, be diligent on filtering throughout this entire section. Dog at El Ingles shop bit me, so be careful with that. We camped down by the river for free. Bus leaves at 7:00 and 10:00 to San Fabian, and amazingly friendly town. We got a 1 bed Cabin at Cabanas Nativa for 30,000/N total. Pool, private bath &amp; kitchen, ok WiFi, welcoming people. Fine town for re supply. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 4 days / Hiking / Optional/Exploration Route around Laguna del Maule / Lea Geibel &amp; Kevin Moe '''<br /> <br /> After finishing section 5 we only had 4 days left before the end of our hiking time, so we decided to do some exploring in the area instead of following the regular route of section 7. We followed the main road to the Laguna del Maule where we roughly went in a loop around the Laguna (~60km) starting at the Chilean Border Control. We checked in with the border control and informed them about our plans (that involved to not cross into Argentina but stay in Chile, just behind the Border Control). It was no problem for them, we just had to go through the Border Control again on our way back to have our backpacks checked for food. The water level of the laguna is very low and walking along the shore is mostly easy travel on sand/pumice, however, sometimes can be rather rocky and tedious. We climbed up some of the 3000 meter peaks around the Laguna (that mark the border with Argentina), each of them offering beautiful views on the area. There are several beautiful hidden lagunas higher up in glaciers that are well worth exploring. We never followed any particular route but just headed cross country to whichever place we fancied, which is very easy in the open, sandy terrain. The Southern end of the Laguna has many flamingos living in it, the East shore is mostly untouched by humans and the east side has some puestos and fishermen (mostly on weekends and close to the roads) but we didn't see anyone around. Around the Laguna there is a very strong thermal wind that picks up during the day but dies down/weakens a lot during the nights.<br /> Highlights: all the views, swimming in laguna, lava fields flowing into the laguna, flamingos, numerous obsidian fields, empanadas de queso at the bistro right next to the border control (only open on weekends)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> 7 days for this awesome section. Absolutely agree with all of Matus &amp; Anna's remarks :-) We went to San Fabian (excellent resupply place) for some days off.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> Trail was in good conditon. <br /> River crossings were not a problem but plenty of water everywhere. <br /> In tienda in Carizales you can buy pasta, tuna, cola, beer some cookies. <br /> We bought huge chunk of cheese and some bread from Irma. It was amazing. <br /> Tienda in El Ingles is not best for resupply. We saw some tunas and pasta, but it was not enough for us to buy for next section. There is one more tienda down the road in Los Sauces but it was closed with no one around. <br /> We took bus to San Carlos which is leaving at 7am. <br /> We didn't find accomodation in El Ingles but it's possible to camp just before the bridge on the right side of the road.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Arnaud '''<br /> <br /> Great section, easy to walk, nice people met on the way.<br /> After 11km, we leave the road with a minor road in a private property (zona geotermica). After discussion with the guard, he let us pass by the rio, and not by the porton (to join the road 400m further) because the access on the road is prohibited... ;-)<br /> Then the uphill is easy until the top.<br /> Possible resupply in Carizales with elia, whose welcome with half a sandia was perfect (pasta, atun, frutas y verduras, harina tostada but no gas).<br /> Laguna del Dial is great to have some rest. Don't hesitate to plan to spend some time there. It seems to be a good spot to fish.<br /> With the state of the volcan chillan, we decided to skip the section 8 and have some rest in San Fabian.<br /> From los Sauces to San Fabian, the micro leaves at 11pm only.<br /> We stayed by the Anfer Domos of Edgardo Lopez (+56 9 630 91 627), which is a great place to have some rest (a little far from the centre (1km), but he lends bikes if necessary), cabañas Nativa were full.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-12 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank '''<br /> <br /> No access problem as you leave main road @ KM11, just go left around the fenced area &amp; you will find a small track that leads up to the dirt road. Termas El Medano is last stop for bus but you can hitch first 11K. Don't expect much from shop in Carizales, contents listed by Matus are all she has. Irma, about a 1 day walk beyond Carizales has cheese, drinks in 2L bottles &amp; sometimes bread. At Puesto 9 before Puesto Irma, fresh cold water comes up from the ground into a small pool, safe to drink without filtering. There is an arreiro living there so talk to him first. Very hot in Guaiquivilo Valley &amp; as you go round Laguna Dial. Little shade in the valley &amp; virtually none @ Laguna Dial. Spectacular trail down canyon on last day. You cross the river 8 times. Dogs @ Puente Ingles shop attacked me &amp; if I didn't have a stick would have been bitten also. Camped down by Puente Ingles bridge but it's noisy on weekends &amp; lots of horseflies. 2 buses out from Puente Ingles around 7 &amp; 7:50AM<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *El Médano<br /> <br /> Termas el Medano is a nice place as well, there is a big hot pool (with some cold currents in-between) and some smaller lukewarm ones, and you can swim in the river. The entrance is 1000 pesos, but if you camp at the nearby campground (3000 pesos per person), acces is free. There is also a minishop with sodas, chocolate, chips, sunscreen and a few other things - maybe some bread and flour, but nothing else for resupplying. There's also a restaurant with typical Chilean food, it was very busy when we were there but they do take away as well. The bus leaves for Talca at 7:10 in front of the parking lot, but you have to call in advance as it only goes that far if they know someone is going - +56994741961 - many others went when we were there, though. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus Talca - Termas El Medano <br /> <br /> 07:00, 12:30,15:00, 18:45<br /> <br /> from Terminal Talca<br /> <br /> *Bus Termas el Médano - Talca<br /> <br /> The bus leaves for Talca at 7:10 am at the bus shed in front of the parking lot, but you have to call in advance as it only goes that far if they know someone is going - +56994741961. Otherwise it leaves from La Mina at 7 am <br /> <br /> Annotation (Jan-24):<br /> A handwriten scedule at the Minishop in El Medano indicated that there is another bus at 3:30 pm from El Medano a Talca.<br /> <br /> *Bus from Puente Ingles around 7 &amp; 10AM. Confirm times @ the shop. Bus back from San Fabián at 2 and 6 pm<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * Tanja: No right of way issue RR trailhead for me on January 12, 2024. There’s a big gate that was closed but 15 meters to the right the fence is broken. No one at gate on Friday morning. Further up where the trail turns at the first river crossing there’s a big landslide of rocks covering the road. Doesn’t look like any/many cars would come through here these days.<br /> <br /> * Martin &amp; Helena: We got into a right of way conflict on 25th of Dec 2022 - for detailed description see our section log from that time. Short version is that we met 2 cars going down the minor road to the security house at km 11. They refused to let us pass, but we believe it was just their good intention and fear of a possible accident. We tried to convince them in every possible way, but with no success, maybe someone with better Spanish could talk his way through. The guard saw us before and didn't care, so it was just a bad luck for us to meet these cars.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT07 - Laguna Dial]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 13 Laguna Dial.PNG|center|1100px|thumb|Laguna Dial]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 21.jpg|center|1100px|thumb|Laguna Dial]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_118949889.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_73779722.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_108320977.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_108320982.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_108320989.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_108321002.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 01.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 02.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 03.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 04.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 05.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 06 Puesto.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 06.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 07.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 08.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 09.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 10.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 11.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 12.PNG|thumb|center|1100px|Laguna Dial]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 14 Laguna Dial 2.PNG|thumb|center|1100px|Laguna Dial]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 15.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 16.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 17.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 18.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 19.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 20.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 22.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 23.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 25.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 26.PNG|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 27.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:Laguna Dial, Greater Patagonian Trail 28.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_108321024.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_108321027.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_118949851.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_2_Laguna_Dial_118949853.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT05_(Rio_Colorado)&diff=122447 2025-08-09T21:31:49Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT05 Regular Route: The updated regular route now follows the upper Rio Colorado and avoids the demanding Cuesta Las Perdices where some hikers struggled. The updated regular route also eliminates the need to cross the bridge of Rio Colorado that get disassembled in autumn and reassembled in late spring or early summer. The updated regular route seems also more attractive with plenty of camp sites and two hot springs. Fording Rio Colorado high up seams feasible during most of the hiking season. <br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Variant B and Option 3 (Paso El Campanario): Fording Rio Negro is often very challenging and dangerous especially in spring and summer. Based on accounts from locals the route Paso El Campanario was used to move animals until about 2 decades ago. This route crosses Rio Negro higher up in a sediment area where fording should be somewhat easier. The 1000 m ascent to Paso El Campanario looks demanding but not impossible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> - GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno): This option is clearly more scenic when compared with the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): See comments and recommendation at GPT06 [https://wikiexplora.com/GPT06_(Descabezado)].<br /> <br /> - It is unclear how tolerant Argentine border police treats hikers that sneak through Argentine territory east of vulcano Planchon-Peteroa. There is a special arrangement between Chile and Argentina that permits the Chilean arrieros of Valle Grande to cross at Paso Vergara by car from Chile to Argentina and drive 15 or 20 km though Argentina before re-entering Chile at an informal border crossing just north of Valle Grande. But I'm unsure if this applies also to &quot;lost hikers&quot;. Anyway, in case of an emergency crossing into Argentina from Valle Grande is probably an option. In this case &quot;lost hikers&quot; are probably returned via Paso Vergara to Chile. Also, climbers from Chile and Argentina get from both sides of the border up to the summit of Volcano Planchon and there seams little dispute over this. Trails crossing the border are clearly visible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 / 1 day / Hiking / Sobo / RR + Var H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Hiked GPT 6 and also did the GPT 5 part from Laguna las Animas to Laguna Mondaca. Good trail, very steep in deep sand. Hiked Var H to reach Termas de Azufre. It goes CC through a big boulderfield. Slow progression, but not really difficult. Rivercrossing was knee deep and had a strong current. But it's very hard to reach the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre. The lower part is badly eroded. Followed the suggestion of the GPT track. The mountainside is extremely steep with loose ground. Due to very few vegetation in combined with loose ground it was dangerous to climb up, slipped sometimes. Don't recommend it - maybe there is a better opportunity?<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-21 to 2024-12-25 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Ford [68.9/2340] (Rio San Pedro) / Dorota'''<br /> Generally, very extreme stage, especially for women alone of 1.64 cm height. <br /> I started in Quénes, which in this period was very empty. I passed the night in the restaurant in front of the pizzeria, but I could not recommend it. 20.000 clp with cold water. First, for MR, it was very easy, but you needed to take water. But then difficulties started. First, passing Río Colorado [33.1/1455]. I tried to cross it in the evening. I crossed one bank, but the other was not. So I put my tent between the banks, which was not safe. In the morning, I went upstream and I found a better place for crossing the river using mainly rocks. But still, it was exhausting. All operations took me one hour. And after that, I was so tired that I slept for one hour. Other fords [45.2/1919] (Río Baroso) and [51.2/1940] (Río Negro) were also difficult for me - the water was to knee level. There was a very good bridge on Río Colorado (55.0). But the descent to the valley of Rio Colorado was very demanding. At point -35.32681, -70.65340, it starts downhill to Río. At the start, I could not find a safe way of going down because the track leads you into hell. But after that, at a point below, I found a sign of the route (acouple of rocks). The ascent after it is also demanding because of navigation. All the time, I was checking the route on GPS. Finally, my adventure with stage 5 finished at km 68.9/2340 Río San Pedro. I tried to cross it in the afternoon, but I fell into the river because of the strong current. The level was only to the knee. I put up my tent. Very early in the morning, I tried again. After two steps, I fell into the river and started going down. I thought that it was my end. Trying to catch any rock, I lost my sticks. Finally, I was rescued. I was frightened, wet, and felt very cold. I put up my tent and for the whole day thought about what to do. Without sticks, I could not cross any river, and I still had 13 km to join stage 6 and cross the river. Each option had rivers. The next day, in the morning, I put a signal SOS on my reach. After two hours, a helicopter with three soldiers came. They took me to the hospital in Curicó. Despite the fact that I did not have any injuries. It is a procedure. In the hospital, they took me to the emergency room, made an examination, and gave me electrolytes. In this hospital, it was the first rescue . Everybody was interested in me, which was really embarrassing. Then, the carabineros went to make a report. In the hospital, they were very polite, also the carabineros. After that, they took me to a hostel. After the accident, I did not know what to do and for a month had something like a type of trauma that something could happen again. Finally, I decided to continue stage 6 from the start. But I registered at the point of the carabineros, the same carabineros which were in the hospital. They took my data and each day I sent them information that everything was okay. They said to me that if they did not have a signal, they would start a rescue. I made stage 6 to Termas but again I could not cross the river near Termas because of trauma de rios. I came back and I met Peggy at Laguna Animas. We continued together and step by step I started to think that I still could continue the trail.<br /> After 2 months (25.02.2025) from this accident, I know why it happened. And it is not easy to share such a type of accident. But I hope that this description could help other persons.<br /> I did not have any experience with crossing rivers. I made it wrong. Now I can cross this river without any problem. Also, this stage is very exhaustive because of the terrain. So after a few days on this stage, my muscles were not strong enough to confront the strong current. My recommendation especially for women solo: try to find anybody who teaches you but practically not theoretically how to cross rivers. Now I am on stage 21 and I am really happy that I have decided to continue the trail.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 to 2025-FEB-15 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Martin '''<br /> <br /> Inspired fellow Czechs in December, I combined GPT05 and GPT06 and took food for 6 days. <br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> Started 3 pm from Los Queñes, hiked around 23 km. Camped a km or two after a puesto. When it was getting dark, a group of people on horses appeared. Around 15 of them including kids. I asked if it’s ok to camp there. The owner arrived a but later (he was with the group) and was friendly and sure I can camp. It felt good to have permission. Their trip would be 9 days, including crossing over to Argentina. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> Still quite easy until the last puesto. Then it got harder. Eventually got down to Rio Negro which seemed pretty wild. Hopefully it would be better in the morning. I camped on the only patch of semi-flat ground clear of vegetation I could find. <br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> Crossed Rio Negro in the morning. Much more tame compared to the previous evening. Then began one of the hardest parts. When going down towards Rio Colorado, at one point I reached dense vegetation. So I thought what if I go all the way down and go along the river. Well, there is a reason it goes how it goes - at the river bed soon I was blocked by a cliff. So I had to scramble up again and carry on. <br /> <br /> Around Rio Colorado, the first 1 km was terrible. But then it was mostly quite a good trail. With some exceptions. The most difficult parts are the dry river beds you need to cross. <br /> <br /> Then the ascend to the lake - the first 1 km was hard, just straight up, no trail. But then there is trail and it’s easy (but hard because of gravitation of course). I camped at the lake. I was worried about wind. There are no stones, but the ground is pretty solid to hole stakes. Also, the wind tends to die down in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> I thought now it would be easy, but no such luck. Some parts were ok, others were harder - either plain full of rocks, or wide river beds. When I got to the puesto with right of way dispute (after km 83), I saw a guy and almost passed unnoticed, but then his dogs gave me away. He was friendly, but we didn’t share a common language. No issue. <br /> <br /> Then a bit later, there are some huts. There were two flags - one Chilean and one “Trump”. I was glad I didn’t see anybody there. <br /> <br /> Around 5 I got to option H to connect to GPT06. One hour later I got to the GPT06 Trailhead point. That part is a bit sketchy as you need to scramble up.<br /> <br /> Overall I found it very challenging, so no complaints about the classification of 6/5 from me. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-16 to 2024-01-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR &amp; variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> GPT05 was tough but not as challenging as expected. <br /> <br /> Much more water available than waypoints. <br /> <br /> Little trail available between Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, but decent, improving trail after Rio Colorado.<br /> <br /> Upper puesto along Estero San Jose wasn't yet built for the season. Didn't have issues at lower puesto with indicated right of way issues, met arriero who was very nice.<br /> <br /> Variant H connecting GPT05 to GPT06 has one very steep section with clambering.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-06 &gt; 09 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR&gt;Variante Volcan Colorado / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : riviere puissante<br /> <br /> Les 30 premiers km sont monotone. Mais c'est de plus en plus sauvage et jolie. J'ai dormi avant le rio Negro qui etait trop violent en fin de journee. Les descentes avant et apres le rio Negro sont très dangereuses.<br /> Il y a un pont sur le rio Colorado, heureusement car le torrent est infranchissable a pied.<br /> La variante etait magnifique, beaucoup de neige et le col a 3000 etait tres enneigé. La fonte de la neige crée des trou qui complique la marche, mais il faut juste ralentir le rythme et ca se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-1 to 2024-DEC-5 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined stages GPT05 + GPT06, taking food for 6 days. GPT05 was a beautiful and challenging stage, where fords were a daily routine. We started with a two-hour evening hike from Los Queñes. We bivouacked here [-35.0616712, -70.8124902]. We continued along a minor road to the intersection [32.1/1509]. At the originally marked ford [17.1/1075], there is now a bridge - we did not ford. We managed the marked ford [23.5+1.7] with dry feet. However, we waded through a rather challenging ford [33.1/1455] at Rio Claro. The water reached waist level for my height of 178 cm. It is definitely better to walk 200 m upstream and wade twice - across the main river and then its tributary. A little past the pass [40.7/2354], where there was only a bit of snow, there is another ford [45.2/1919] (Rio Barroso) and then [51.2/1940] (Rio Negro). Both were not particularly difficult. There is a nice grassy bivouac at the puesto [37.0/1927] (Vacas Gordas). One of the most challenging parts of this stage is the CC descent into the Río Colorado valley. This is a very steep slope, where moving down is essentially sliding on gravel. Be careful. Fortunately, the key bridge over the roaring and absolutely uncrossable Río Colorado [55.0/1468] (Puente Las Yeguas) was there, allowing us to cross the river safely. The ascent from the river valley is not as difficult as the descent into it. The plateau around lake [16.3+0.2/2499] was completely covered in snow, and we were once again grateful for our microspikes. From this plateau, there is also a magnificent view of the mountain Descabezado Grande (3953 m above sea level), which is passed in GPT06. As we descended toward Laguna Mondaca, the landscape is dominated by basalt columns on the surrounding hills. Under one such rock, there is a beautiful bivouac at -35.43769, -70.66022. In this valley, there are a total of three fords [68.8/2340] (Rio San Pedro), [81.0/1604] (Estero San Jose), and then [83.0/1465]. All three were knee-deep at most for my height, making them safely fordable. After Laguna Mondaca, we first safely waded the low ford [24.6+2.6/1480] (Estero Volcan) and then disconnected from the main route at the intersection [87.9/1632] to connect to GPT06 via variant H. We managed the ford [23.5+1.7/1613] with dry feet. In the Estero Volcan river valley, we went CC over several fords until we reached the Trailhead {06} [25.1+0.8/1725]. These fords recorded in the track files did not correspond to reality. The river in the wide riverbed was braiding in its sediments and often flowed differently. However, there were a total of four fords over almost two kilometers, with the highest being just above knee level. At the thermal springs [27.4/1986] (Hot Spring del Azufre), we took a dip in the warm water and then continued south on GPT06.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-05 to 2024-04-08 // 3,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // variant H + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I combined the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> After reaching the thermals del Azufre, I took the variant H to link these two sections. On this variant the path is less visible, you somehow can follow cow track then it goes very down on a pretty steep ridge to the valley. CC on the valley then leaving the river bed to go a little bit higher and reach the GPT 5. This variant is a bit annoying, but doable. <br /> <br /> When you reach the GPT5, there's a better marked track, still very sandy, you'll follow it until reaching the private property near Lago Mondaca. I conturned it around the fences and haven't seen anyone around. Later one you reach the puesto with a right of way. <br /> <br /> Same method, I conturned it, but there was a lot of movement at this place, with lot of horses and people around. I saluate them nicely, and the right of way turning into an unexpected hospitable invitation ! <br /> <br /> 6 arierros were there, in the puesto of Ricardo, doing a break of few days before guiding a big group of cows (470 animals !) down the valley. They gave me juice, cazuella, mate, bread, harina tostada, and I had to stop them because my bag begun to be too heavy aha ! Amazing stop, great discussions, but I'm quite sure that if Ricardo were alone he wouldn't invited me like that ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, that was a very good surprise of this section ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw valleys and pass and was absolutely amazed by the geological formations up there ! I had the feeling to be in Game of Thrones ! <br /> <br /> Until the lake KM 66,65, you'll find a track, sometimes you'll lose it, but find it again. You'll have wet feets on this stretch ! Lots of river and wetland to pass, but no-one were bad at this time of the season. <br /> <br /> Then, from this lake, the track will be harder to find, it's a combination of CC, your own judgement of following what looks like a trail, and an horse trail that is sometimes appearing. <br /> <br /> After the second lake at 2300m, there's a clear trail and then you'll reach some gullies that are a bit annoying and where track disappear. Just go slowly and be careful where you put your feets as it move quite easily, lot of falling rocks and quite unstable ground. I didn't followed exactly the RR but more my instinct and what looks like more safely there. <br /> <br /> All the way along Rio Colorado is slow and you have to be a bit careful as it's slippery, but a cow track is there. It's only the 500 last meters that are a bit annoying, but I was expecting worse. Going from higher helps you to see where to pass, should be harder SOBO. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the puente Las Yeguas, and another surprise : there were no more puente ahaha ! All the planks were retired from the bridge and putted nicely and the side of the riverbank. Some people worked on it apparently, and will rebuild it when the winter will be over I guess. I just arrived too late on the season at this stretch. <br /> <br /> After long time of reflexion of what I should do, I walk a bit higher to check how looked like the Rio Colorado. It was very powerful, but 300m upstream there were a small island and the current where divided into 3 branches. I backtracked at that point and tried to cross this monster. <br /> <br /> I managed to do it, but it was savage, strong current, water going on me by waves, and big adrenaline moment. No doubt the hardest river of this GPT by far ! <br /> <br /> I continued on what was the hardest part of the section, all in CC, with big gullies to pass threw followed by a tuff and very steep ascent. Some people mentionned cairns here. I haven't seen any and was hiking straight to the top on a very demanding effort ! <br /> <br /> From there it's easier imo. Still on CC but following the RR and everything is gonna be alright, especially on the last big gully to pass before Rio negro, follow as close as possible the RR, that's where you'll passed it. <br /> <br /> I camped next to Rio negro and passed it the day after without any troubles. Then it's new ascent on CC, and when you'll arrive at the top KM48, the track is appearing again. You've made the hardest part of this section. From there, it's gonna be from better to better. <br /> <br /> Going on a little track, then on a more marked one (KM40), and finally on a large one that turns into gravel road for the last kilometers until Los Quienes. <br /> <br /> Ar los Quienes, I had a proper rest, well needed after this exhausting but beautiful section (GPT6 + 5). At this tiny city you'll find accomodation (from the end of the section, turn right on the road in front of the carabineros, at the end of the curve you'll find a place with kind of a food truck, there is accomodation for 15K CLP for a room. In front you have supermercado. Going back to carabineros and continuing on the road you'll find other mercados, pizzería, restaurant, there's a feria with few food trucks and a cafe. Perfect place to spend some time. It's been a while that I haven't passed threw a &quot;city&quot; that big and with that choice for food and rest ahaha. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-March-26 to 2023-April-02 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + C + D + F / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> My plan was to follow Alex and Andreys footsteps, but i had to descent rather quickly because of coming bad weather (snow, strong wind etc) at Laguna aquas calientes.<br /> Until Rio Negro it's kinda &quot;easy&quot; cause you will find yourself mostly on a trail. Gully wasn't that bad, but finding an alternative way through the landslide later was tough. I almost turned back after a failed scary first attempt. I would say it's dangerous, cause it's steep and everywhere super loose sand. Rocks/stones won't stay in place and it's tough to get out once you enter the steep sandy part. Choose your spot wisely!! Cross country was a lot more demanding than I thought. It will drain your battery also a lot faster cause you have to check super frequently. Once you reach the volcanic landscape expect strong wind. Sand on steep slopes will make it difficult to go as fast as you may want to. Because of the weather i had to go through Laguna Mondaca. I explained my situation to the guys there, they didn't really seem to care and gave me the permission to cross their property. Do not walk next to the dried out lake (check map) if the sand is still wet. You will sink in up to your hips. Pain in the ass to get out. The 1k elevation gain out of the valley is slooooow. Too much sand. The park around El bolson was closed. CONAF Guards called me a fanatic after they figured out my route. In April there are no buses going to park Ingles, so you have to walk and try to hitchhike your way out.<br /> It was a beautiful hike, especially the valley around Rio Colorado was great. But i am not sure if i have ever done such an demanding hike. I would recommend to do it in a team of 2 and not alone. I will appreciate proper trails from now on a lot more :)<br /> <br /> * SOBO 13.03 -19.03.2024<br /> 6 days, 167 km, Ascent 7.619m<br /> Alex + Andrey<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Very Difficult (mostly due the long CC sections, would give 4 from 5 for this variant, not 6 (if you are not going to kill yourself attempting to ford rio Colorado down the valley).<br /> <br /> GPT05:<br /> <br /> RR until the bridge<br /> <br /> Variant C<br /> <br /> Variant D<br /> <br /> Variant F<br /> <br /> GPT06:<br /> <br /> Option 02<br /> <br /> “Natalie - Thomas” traverse<br /> <br /> Option 03 (exploration and suggestions)<br /> <br /> RR from approx X {06} [57.3/2073]<br /> <br /> I published a detailed track on wikiloc with many photos and explanations:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/desolation-traverse-los-quenes-rio-colorado-descabezado-plateau-central-los-cipreses-164709363<br /> <br /> Summary:<br /> The famous gully “Cuesta La Hormiga” is not very difficult and pretty safe, the subsequent CC traverse is annoying.<br /> Part of the path is now destroyed due to the 2023 winter storms, detours are required.<br /> The bridge (Rio Colorado) is gone. And it is not clear whether it will be restored in the future. The Colorado River Valley looks abandoned and partially overgrown up to wp Hot Springs1.<br /> Even if the bridge were in place, I think that our option (Variant C, Variant, Variant F/Variant D) is easier, more spectacular, safer and overall better than RR<br /> Fording the Rio Colorado was very easy, less than knee deep.<br /> At the farthest point of the Colorado River Valley, the trail crosses a remote but fully operable (we met a fly-fishing team in a Toyota Prado) 4x4 road from Argentina, which is worth keeping in mind in case of emergency or rescue (marked in the track)<br /> We completed the “Avoid Don Victor” option for GPT06 without visiting Banos del Blanquillo, combining the “Natalie - Thomas” traverse with Option03. I can recommend after waypoint “Pass in the rock belt. Easy descent to Laguna Caracol” just descend west about 5-6 km to the lagoon not to miss this magnificent place.<br /> Thanks to all folks who shared their information and suggestions!❤️<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 to 2023-Jan-14 / 7 days / Hiking / Roundtrip via Planchon and back to Los Quenes / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We hitched easily all the way to Lagunas del Teno from Los Quenes with three cars. Buses from Curico to Los Quenes run as stated below, it was 2200 per person. The pizzeria in Los Quenes is not very good - premanufactured dough. Met two Germans doing hiking trips on GPT without knowing the acronym &quot;GPT&quot; - they were just using the OSM data. It was Saturday afternoon. Planchon seems to be a popular climbing spot, there was about 25 people around the lagoon who have mostly climbed Planchon that day (including a club of 15). Some people drive up just to have a look or barbecue. So Friday and likely Sunday would probably work well for hitchhiking, but there were people there also on weekdays. There are probably around 5 cars a day going to Argentina, we were told. The refuge seemed to be open but the people at the lagoon knew nothing about it. We slept in an old building probably used by the workers when constructing the dam. Despite an evening storm, it was very warm.<br /> <br /> Next day we walked towards Planchon - there is an easy trail skirting the lagoon, no need to go back to Refugio. The trail can probably be flooded when the lagoon is at its maximum level. There is an easy to follow trail all the way to the top where there is a logbook. There were lots of streams flowing to the lake and one not far from the trail at over 3000. Without backpack it took us about 3 hours to go up from there and back. The mountain has a tendency to cloud up early (2-5 pm). This section was easy so GPT difficulty probably at 4.<br /> <br /> A storm again came, we hid in a volcanic cave and then camped on the sand.<br /> <br /> The next day we went around Planchon to reach the caldera with crater lakes. We followed the old trail in OSM which is imprecise [2024: Tomáš since rerouted the OSM trail, it is more sensible now]. Only up until a volcanological measuring station, it was easy. From there it is pure cross-country. We side-hilled this traverse at about 3200 metres but it was a bad choice, too high. While traversing, it got steep with a number of hard to cross gulleys (with water and snow). We would advise to keep lower, especially given that going up the glacier stream needs to be on your left and we only found a suitable crossing at 2800 m. We would recommend to traverse the slopes of Planchon at about this altitude, it looked much less steep, so lower is more safe and faster despite the altitude loss. <br /> <br /> Once finished traversing and the ascent towards the crater began, we struggled finding the correct way because the osm trail was awful (it was pathless) and we had very low visibility due to clouds. We lost a lot of time so this section of about 3 km took us all day. We ended up taking a moraine ridge on the opposite side of the osm trail (other side of the glacier stream there) and made camp in the moraine at ~3200m before going up the final climb to the craters because of weather. Weather was worse the next day so we stayed in the tent, explored options of getting to the proper ridge of the caldera and finished the route the following day. In short the ridge you should aim for is; -35.22600, -70.58600. and the top of the caldera you should aim for is -35.22779, -70.58231. The rest of the ridge top of the caldera towards the crater lakes is slightly a knife ridge and the scramble down is loose.<br /> <br /> With good visibility and direction, one could probably reach the caldera within a half day if camping at the crossroads of the trail to the top and the round-trail.<br /> <br /> The caldera is beautiful, the lakes are lovely, you can pick your way through. We crossed the rim to Argentina and we went again to the south of the OSM trail as the pass was less steep. A side trip to the higher of Peteroa summits is easy, but you cannot get to the very top from this side or traverse, there is a vertical rock (about 20 m high) on the top that cannot be climbed easily nor can it be skirted around. Our original plan was to try and cross to Azufre but that is not possible through Peteroea, it is far too rocky. It might be possible going from the Chilian side directly to Azufre but frankly, it probably is not a walk up, the ridge from north looked rocky, the ridge from west looked much better but was steep, is hard to get to and we only saw it from afar. So best way to Azufre still looks like from Argentina.<br /> <br /> It clouded up at around 3 pm again. We descended via a trail from the rim to the Argentina border checkpoint. They sent us back to Chile when we said we came from the craters. I wonder if they would let us through if we said we came through the border crossing. They said they did not care how we would exit Argentina if we first cross to it via a an official crossing from Chile (we were mulling continuing the backroute on GPT05, which can be accessed about 10 km south of the checkpoint - there is no official crossing there). Chileans seemed unconcerned about the border, some even drive to the no-man's land between the crossings (police is ok with that apparently) and climb Planchon from there. Difficulty of the round-crossing via the route we took according to GPT scale is 7. With the proper trail, it would probably be 6.<br /> <br /> We used the road (no cars, super windy) and then a track on OSM just before the border to go back to the lagoon where we camped.<br /> <br /> Next day (The first nice day in 4 days), we started towards Los Quenes. The ascent to the pass from the lagoon is quite hard and involves either going up a very loose scree slope with lots of boulders or easy but vertical scramble of about 10 m. In all cases, the way seems to be so that you keep the creek to you left going uphill. Possibly keeping higher on the right slope would make it easier but we ended up climbing the rocks next to the small waterfall. The holds are green and firm, but it is ten vertical meters (difficulty 6 or seven probably). The valley has a small green patch though and is quite beautiful. Going the upper route as if climbing Planchon and then traversing would have been much easier (not as nice though). Once up the pass, a trail appears at 2900 and can be followed to about 1600 (the last three hundred vertical metres are a bit overgrown with meadow/hard to follow). The descent crossed a few streams. At roughly 1800, there is a man made canal that follows the trail. At 1600, the GPT track seems to be CC, we followed the trail which turns sharply to right to a puesto and then joins the first X waypoint on the RR going SOBO.<br /> <br /> Next day, the walk down to Los Quenes was uneventful. Met a family on horses who wanted to go to the Lagoonas del Teno (we told them it is probably possible but are not sure) and hitched the last 4 km (deeper in the valley, there was no traffic our direction). Then we took bus at 1400 to Curico.<br /> <br /> *'''2023-Jan-10 5 days RR SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Stayed at hut on the ridge above Rio Claro (after ford) reached in 1 very long day. It's used by arrieros but there was no one there. The descent to Rio Negro was a bit sketchy in places, hardly any trail &amp; eroded but it improves as you go down. Rio Claro ford was OK. Forded Rio Negro in afternoon, it was pretty far from OK. The water was waist deep &amp; breaking over me in a wave, nearly knocking me over but I hung onto a submerged boulder in midstream. The most difficult crossing I had on GPT1-40. Cross early in the morning if you can. After Rio Negro you traverse through a small gully, it looks sketchy but is OK if you cross on RR. On the ridge after &amp; above the small gully look for cairns which mark where you descend into the big gully. You can't continue along the ridge as it cliffs out. I don't think the descent is really difficult or dangerous (others may disagree) but it's very slow &amp; awkward going. When you are low in the gully be sure to stay on RR which traverses out left. If you continue directly down to Rio Colorado there are a few gullys perpendicular to the Rio Colorado valley. They are very steep sided &amp; you can only cross them by staying on RR. Stayed at hut before Rio Colorado bridge, it's 1 KM off the RR. Again it is used by arrieros but there was no one there. As I was leaving in the morning I saw them coming in.<br /> <br /> Followed Tomas's suggestion &amp; found a good track all the way to Lake 2300M. After the lake don't ascend by the waterfall which is steep &amp; nasty. Instead, at the lake looking towards the waterfall go up a small ridge on the RHS of lake, then traverse left to come in above the waterfall on its right. Cross the stream above the waterfall &amp; find a small horse trail which goes through a breach in the cliff &amp; leads to open ground on the way to the pass. This option bypasses all the nasty &amp; loose scree &amp; is much easier. Saw about 30 condors feasting on a carcass near the pass. Met the guards @ Laguna Mondaca, they were very hospitable as detailed by Kris &amp; Stiina. The 1000M climb to the pass after Laguna Mondaca is steep, sandy &amp; without shade or water, best tackled early in the morning. I continued out to Parque Ingles in 1 long day from Laguna Mondaca. Although I walked GPT5 &amp; 6 separately it was no drama as the section from Parque Ingles to/from El Bolson is very quick &amp; easy. The last bus was gone but it was easy to hitch out. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-23 to 2022-Dec-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I combined with GPT 06 (info for that section there).<br /> <br /> First about 30 km is basicaly a minor dirt road (with no traffic), there is plenty of water (but from the last bridge almost to first ford, there is no water - you are in a valley but on a ridge), a cherry tree 15 km in. After 10.km or so it starts to be scenic (and the road more trail-like and less-road like). Cell coverage for about 5 km until a big hazelnut orchard. This can be walked in one day, it is really easy and straightforward so a speed of 4 km/hour is easily maintained. Then it starts :-). Until above Rio Negro, the trail is mostly there. And it is quite doable to reach Rio Negro in two (long) days. In the morning (9AM), the water is just knee deep, I crossed where Martin and Helena did. I agree the descent is quite ok (during daylight!).<br /> <br /> From there, the traverse to Rio Colorado is annoying, slow and fully CC. One really needs to go down that gulley. I would not say it is very dangerous but care is certainly needed and slips could result in broken limbs. The bridge is there, with nice tress to have lunch under. The bridge looks quite solid and there is a puesto nearby, so I guess it is maintained. Rio Colorado could be forded in the morning I guess if needed (especially more upstream), but I am glad the bridge was there. From the bridge about 500 metres are annoying, one needs to get on top of the plateau across from the puesto. From there on, there is a fairly decent horse trail all the way to about 2300 where there is a lake with a beach. I am not sure I understand my predecesors, I think they must have missed it, the first half of the trail is accurate with the GPX though. The second half (when it goes from the river to the lake and to the pass), one needs to go lower than the GPX.<br /> <br /> Just after the crossroads where one trail goes to the litle Descabezado, there is a warm slow stream. I could not tell if it was thermal or sun-warmed.<br /> <br /> The descent to Mondaca is quite long and the trail is not always clear, but no climbing is needed, there is always a way. There is a signpost saying it is private in the middle of the valley. The fords are all manageable. I waved at an arriero before the private huts (the huts are by the lake). In the huts, I have not met anybody but it seemed someone might have been inside.<br /> <br /> I agree that the comnecting trail to Thermas Azufre is annoying. It involves two fords that are not nice in the evening. I avoided them by going up on the slope on west side of the valley, but I do not recommend it, better to ford and stay in the valley. I do not think there is a trail as such: just CC.<br /> <br /> Took me five days to get to Thermas Azufre, met nobody apart from the ariero mentioned above. I recommend to time it so that you can sleep at the Thermas, there are about five or six places for a tent. Being in the pool and looking at the stars is really nice.<br /> <br /> I would argue this section is not that extraordinarily hard now that there is a bridge, but it is more demanding than the others so far.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-12 to 2022-Dec-17 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Just like many others we chose to combine sections 5 and 6 with expected 8 days on the way, in reality it was about a half day longer. We have to agree with previous comments about the difficulty, eventhough we were prepared for it and expected the worst really which helped a lot after all.<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Quenes we followed the RR and after the gate next to the camp we run into a barbed wire fence that is restricting access to the RR, probably new construction site based on a sign we saw there. Its no problem, just follow the main car road the whole time. Its really nice walking for quite a long time, all the marked gates were opened. First river crossing was no problem in the evening, nice camp place a few minutes later with amazing views. First pass also ok, no one at the puesto.<br /> <br /> Second ford also ok at km 45, than CC section and descent to Rio Negro which was not so bad as expected, it gets steep but still ok. The river seemed to be pretty fast in the evening so there was no point in trying it, we waited until the morning and found actually a few nice places to cross (one with a small island in the middle where the river gets wider). The descent to valley of Rio Colorado took us a loong time, you have to be really careful and go slowly. We went through the gully most of the time. Its a long way until the bridge, but its there, safe to cross.<br /> <br /> The worst part for us was the traverse after the bridge and climb up where we lost the trail a few times and got into some steep sections with all the falling rocks and scree, not so safe in some places but there are probably better ways to find. On the way up you have to cross multiple river basins which is really exhausting, it worked for us to go more up the hill where it wasn’t so steep but still necessary to be careful. It hapenned to us more than once that really big rocks fell down under our legs or solid looking rocks we were holding onto just fell away - not much you can do after it.<br /> <br /> After the valley it gets much more interesting and trail is in good condition. Regarding the Mondaca valley - we were seen by an arriero close to the river but with no reaction, we havent met anyone near the guards houses as well so overall no problem with the right of way. Good camp place at the end of the valley.<br /> <br /> One last unpleasant part was the connection between the sections 5 and 6 - after multiple river crossings we were following the RR to connect to the climb up but got into a really steep section, again nothing funny. It might be better to follow the other trail that we saw in both garmin and our smartphone apps. These two go all the time next to each other but in this specific case it might be better to follow the other one as it connects to the climb earlier.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either. <br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 5 + 6) / Hiking / SOBO/ Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Six (hard) days for this section. After the first pass there was a tiny snowfield to cross, nothing to worry about. River crossings didn't cause any problems. The bridge Puente Las Yeguas was in excellent condition. The navigation through the cross country parts was quite demanding and took us a lot of time. Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Transport to and from Route&quot;).<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 / 8 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH to the Hot Springs / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> 7 nights 8 days for us. Super tough section. The entire area around Rio Colorado is extremely challenging; down &amp; up. We went the alternate route to the Hot Springs. (OH-CC-A@05-C-#001). I was tough with multiple steep gullies, then we got there to see the hot springs were COLD. Then the optional hike to<br /> Re connect with the RR from the hot springs (OH-CC-A@05-E-#002) was completely impassable. I didn’t go all the way up to the canyon wall. All I could see were route that would take some serious climbing. We had to down climb and take the lower route to climb up again. Property dispute near Volcan Mondaco had no problems. Quiet and didn’t seem like anybody was there for us. Parque Inglés - Molina Bus leaves at 7 am on the weekdays, we hitchhiked.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional to meet optional start of GPT06/ Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> It took us 5 days including 1 zero due to bad weather. <br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates for GPT05. Cross country sections were difficult, but in some of them we managed to find old unused trails which worked for us. <br /> River crossings - Rio Claro in the afternoon was ok. Rio Negro in the afternoon was REALLY challenging, almost not doable. After hour of trying we managed to find one spot we could cross. I wouldn't want to cross Rio Colorado without that bridge at any time. <br /> Optional trail to meet optional start of section 6 was fine in the valley. Problem was to connect it to the climb. We had to climb very steep slope to get there. From that point trail was in good condition.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-19 / 8,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Melissa'''<br /> <br /> It took me 6 full days (5-9 hrs hiking) and 1 1/2 day (3 hrs.) not including 1 day of 0 hiking due to weather-rain and needing rest. Route finding, the three inclines of over 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile was insane, terrain-gotta love sand. The entire incline up Las Animas white crumbly/soft sand and make sure you have plenty of water here because the white reflecting sand and sun can easily dehydrate you and there is nowhere to get water except this flat section near the top that has very little stream from snow melt. Crumbling rock/scree that is barely able to be hiked up with a waterfall in between after think it was called Laguna Grande tracks #61.7-67.2 end of that track. Take the route up to the left where the rock is tan don’t hike up the black it’s dangerously eroding. The gps was not helpful in that section because all three directions seemed correct (right,left or up the waterfall). I had no issues with right of way dispute. I agree with all that is stated above. Very hard and challenging section.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Quentin Clavel (2024-apr-09) <br /> Los Quienes : at least two supermercados with good resupplies (enough for me, almost everything you need). <br /> Few cabanas, I've been at the cabanas Tia Ely, just next to the supermercado Claudia (when you face the carabineros, on the right side, 50m after the curve). <br /> 40K for cabana, 15k for a room. +5k for breakfast. Lovely people. They didn't charged me for cleaning my clothes in their washing machine. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat, in the restaurant, that is mostly used by the workers, it seems like a cafeteria and it's quite ok. Pizzeria is not perfect but doing the job. There's a Feria as well with few food trucks, but everything was closed when I was there. <br /> <br /> * 2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina<br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks.<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus timetable Curico to Los Queñes obtained in January 2020<br /> [[:File:CuricoQuenes.jpg]]<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-8 <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Access to route&quot;).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT05 - Río Colorado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt 05.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Volcán Planchón]] from GPT05, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/6-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse]]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT05_(Rio_Colorado)&diff=122446 2025-08-09T21:31:17Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT05 Regular Route: The updated regular route now follows the upper Rio Colorado and avoids the demanding Cuesta Las Perdices where some hikers struggled. The updated regular route also eliminates the need to cross the bridge of Rio Colorado that get disassembled in autumn and reassembled in late spring or early summer. The updated regular route seems also more attractive with plenty of camp sites and two hot springs. Fording Rio Colorado high up seams feasible during most of the hiking season. <br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Variant B and Option 3 (Paso El Campanario): Fording Rio Negro is often very challenging and dangerous especially in spring and summer. Based on accounts from locals the route Paso El Campanario was used to move animals until about 2 decades ago. This route crosses Rio Negro higher up in a sediment area where fording should be somewhat easier. The 1000 m ascent to Paso El Campanario looks demanding but not impossible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> - GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno): This option is clearly more scenic when compared with the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): See comments and recommendation at [[GPT06 https://wikiexplora.com/GPT06_(Descabezado)]].<br /> <br /> - It is unclear how tolerant Argentine border police treats hikers that sneak through Argentine territory east of vulcano Planchon-Peteroa. There is a special arrangement between Chile and Argentina that permits the Chilean arrieros of Valle Grande to cross at Paso Vergara by car from Chile to Argentina and drive 15 or 20 km though Argentina before re-entering Chile at an informal border crossing just north of Valle Grande. But I'm unsure if this applies also to &quot;lost hikers&quot;. Anyway, in case of an emergency crossing into Argentina from Valle Grande is probably an option. In this case &quot;lost hikers&quot; are probably returned via Paso Vergara to Chile. Also, climbers from Chile and Argentina get from both sides of the border up to the summit of Volcano Planchon and there seams little dispute over this. Trails crossing the border are clearly visible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 / 1 day / Hiking / Sobo / RR + Var H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Hiked GPT 6 and also did the GPT 5 part from Laguna las Animas to Laguna Mondaca. Good trail, very steep in deep sand. Hiked Var H to reach Termas de Azufre. It goes CC through a big boulderfield. Slow progression, but not really difficult. Rivercrossing was knee deep and had a strong current. But it's very hard to reach the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre. The lower part is badly eroded. Followed the suggestion of the GPT track. The mountainside is extremely steep with loose ground. Due to very few vegetation in combined with loose ground it was dangerous to climb up, slipped sometimes. Don't recommend it - maybe there is a better opportunity?<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-21 to 2024-12-25 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Ford [68.9/2340] (Rio San Pedro) / Dorota'''<br /> Generally, very extreme stage, especially for women alone of 1.64 cm height. <br /> I started in Quénes, which in this period was very empty. I passed the night in the restaurant in front of the pizzeria, but I could not recommend it. 20.000 clp with cold water. First, for MR, it was very easy, but you needed to take water. But then difficulties started. First, passing Río Colorado [33.1/1455]. I tried to cross it in the evening. I crossed one bank, but the other was not. So I put my tent between the banks, which was not safe. In the morning, I went upstream and I found a better place for crossing the river using mainly rocks. But still, it was exhausting. All operations took me one hour. And after that, I was so tired that I slept for one hour. Other fords [45.2/1919] (Río Baroso) and [51.2/1940] (Río Negro) were also difficult for me - the water was to knee level. There was a very good bridge on Río Colorado (55.0). But the descent to the valley of Rio Colorado was very demanding. At point -35.32681, -70.65340, it starts downhill to Río. At the start, I could not find a safe way of going down because the track leads you into hell. But after that, at a point below, I found a sign of the route (acouple of rocks). The ascent after it is also demanding because of navigation. All the time, I was checking the route on GPS. Finally, my adventure with stage 5 finished at km 68.9/2340 Río San Pedro. I tried to cross it in the afternoon, but I fell into the river because of the strong current. The level was only to the knee. I put up my tent. Very early in the morning, I tried again. After two steps, I fell into the river and started going down. I thought that it was my end. Trying to catch any rock, I lost my sticks. Finally, I was rescued. I was frightened, wet, and felt very cold. I put up my tent and for the whole day thought about what to do. Without sticks, I could not cross any river, and I still had 13 km to join stage 6 and cross the river. Each option had rivers. The next day, in the morning, I put a signal SOS on my reach. After two hours, a helicopter with three soldiers came. They took me to the hospital in Curicó. Despite the fact that I did not have any injuries. It is a procedure. In the hospital, they took me to the emergency room, made an examination, and gave me electrolytes. In this hospital, it was the first rescue . Everybody was interested in me, which was really embarrassing. Then, the carabineros went to make a report. In the hospital, they were very polite, also the carabineros. After that, they took me to a hostel. After the accident, I did not know what to do and for a month had something like a type of trauma that something could happen again. Finally, I decided to continue stage 6 from the start. But I registered at the point of the carabineros, the same carabineros which were in the hospital. They took my data and each day I sent them information that everything was okay. They said to me that if they did not have a signal, they would start a rescue. I made stage 6 to Termas but again I could not cross the river near Termas because of trauma de rios. I came back and I met Peggy at Laguna Animas. We continued together and step by step I started to think that I still could continue the trail.<br /> After 2 months (25.02.2025) from this accident, I know why it happened. And it is not easy to share such a type of accident. But I hope that this description could help other persons.<br /> I did not have any experience with crossing rivers. I made it wrong. Now I can cross this river without any problem. Also, this stage is very exhaustive because of the terrain. So after a few days on this stage, my muscles were not strong enough to confront the strong current. My recommendation especially for women solo: try to find anybody who teaches you but practically not theoretically how to cross rivers. Now I am on stage 21 and I am really happy that I have decided to continue the trail.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 to 2025-FEB-15 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Martin '''<br /> <br /> Inspired fellow Czechs in December, I combined GPT05 and GPT06 and took food for 6 days. <br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> Started 3 pm from Los Queñes, hiked around 23 km. Camped a km or two after a puesto. When it was getting dark, a group of people on horses appeared. Around 15 of them including kids. I asked if it’s ok to camp there. The owner arrived a but later (he was with the group) and was friendly and sure I can camp. It felt good to have permission. Their trip would be 9 days, including crossing over to Argentina. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> Still quite easy until the last puesto. Then it got harder. Eventually got down to Rio Negro which seemed pretty wild. Hopefully it would be better in the morning. I camped on the only patch of semi-flat ground clear of vegetation I could find. <br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> Crossed Rio Negro in the morning. Much more tame compared to the previous evening. Then began one of the hardest parts. When going down towards Rio Colorado, at one point I reached dense vegetation. So I thought what if I go all the way down and go along the river. Well, there is a reason it goes how it goes - at the river bed soon I was blocked by a cliff. So I had to scramble up again and carry on. <br /> <br /> Around Rio Colorado, the first 1 km was terrible. But then it was mostly quite a good trail. With some exceptions. The most difficult parts are the dry river beds you need to cross. <br /> <br /> Then the ascend to the lake - the first 1 km was hard, just straight up, no trail. But then there is trail and it’s easy (but hard because of gravitation of course). I camped at the lake. I was worried about wind. There are no stones, but the ground is pretty solid to hole stakes. Also, the wind tends to die down in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> I thought now it would be easy, but no such luck. Some parts were ok, others were harder - either plain full of rocks, or wide river beds. When I got to the puesto with right of way dispute (after km 83), I saw a guy and almost passed unnoticed, but then his dogs gave me away. He was friendly, but we didn’t share a common language. No issue. <br /> <br /> Then a bit later, there are some huts. There were two flags - one Chilean and one “Trump”. I was glad I didn’t see anybody there. <br /> <br /> Around 5 I got to option H to connect to GPT06. One hour later I got to the GPT06 Trailhead point. That part is a bit sketchy as you need to scramble up.<br /> <br /> Overall I found it very challenging, so no complaints about the classification of 6/5 from me. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-16 to 2024-01-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR &amp; variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> GPT05 was tough but not as challenging as expected. <br /> <br /> Much more water available than waypoints. <br /> <br /> Little trail available between Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, but decent, improving trail after Rio Colorado.<br /> <br /> Upper puesto along Estero San Jose wasn't yet built for the season. Didn't have issues at lower puesto with indicated right of way issues, met arriero who was very nice.<br /> <br /> Variant H connecting GPT05 to GPT06 has one very steep section with clambering.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-06 &gt; 09 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR&gt;Variante Volcan Colorado / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : riviere puissante<br /> <br /> Les 30 premiers km sont monotone. Mais c'est de plus en plus sauvage et jolie. J'ai dormi avant le rio Negro qui etait trop violent en fin de journee. Les descentes avant et apres le rio Negro sont très dangereuses.<br /> Il y a un pont sur le rio Colorado, heureusement car le torrent est infranchissable a pied.<br /> La variante etait magnifique, beaucoup de neige et le col a 3000 etait tres enneigé. La fonte de la neige crée des trou qui complique la marche, mais il faut juste ralentir le rythme et ca se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-1 to 2024-DEC-5 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined stages GPT05 + GPT06, taking food for 6 days. GPT05 was a beautiful and challenging stage, where fords were a daily routine. We started with a two-hour evening hike from Los Queñes. We bivouacked here [-35.0616712, -70.8124902]. We continued along a minor road to the intersection [32.1/1509]. At the originally marked ford [17.1/1075], there is now a bridge - we did not ford. We managed the marked ford [23.5+1.7] with dry feet. However, we waded through a rather challenging ford [33.1/1455] at Rio Claro. The water reached waist level for my height of 178 cm. It is definitely better to walk 200 m upstream and wade twice - across the main river and then its tributary. A little past the pass [40.7/2354], where there was only a bit of snow, there is another ford [45.2/1919] (Rio Barroso) and then [51.2/1940] (Rio Negro). Both were not particularly difficult. There is a nice grassy bivouac at the puesto [37.0/1927] (Vacas Gordas). One of the most challenging parts of this stage is the CC descent into the Río Colorado valley. This is a very steep slope, where moving down is essentially sliding on gravel. Be careful. Fortunately, the key bridge over the roaring and absolutely uncrossable Río Colorado [55.0/1468] (Puente Las Yeguas) was there, allowing us to cross the river safely. The ascent from the river valley is not as difficult as the descent into it. The plateau around lake [16.3+0.2/2499] was completely covered in snow, and we were once again grateful for our microspikes. From this plateau, there is also a magnificent view of the mountain Descabezado Grande (3953 m above sea level), which is passed in GPT06. As we descended toward Laguna Mondaca, the landscape is dominated by basalt columns on the surrounding hills. Under one such rock, there is a beautiful bivouac at -35.43769, -70.66022. In this valley, there are a total of three fords [68.8/2340] (Rio San Pedro), [81.0/1604] (Estero San Jose), and then [83.0/1465]. All three were knee-deep at most for my height, making them safely fordable. After Laguna Mondaca, we first safely waded the low ford [24.6+2.6/1480] (Estero Volcan) and then disconnected from the main route at the intersection [87.9/1632] to connect to GPT06 via variant H. We managed the ford [23.5+1.7/1613] with dry feet. In the Estero Volcan river valley, we went CC over several fords until we reached the Trailhead {06} [25.1+0.8/1725]. These fords recorded in the track files did not correspond to reality. The river in the wide riverbed was braiding in its sediments and often flowed differently. However, there were a total of four fords over almost two kilometers, with the highest being just above knee level. At the thermal springs [27.4/1986] (Hot Spring del Azufre), we took a dip in the warm water and then continued south on GPT06.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-05 to 2024-04-08 // 3,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // variant H + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I combined the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> After reaching the thermals del Azufre, I took the variant H to link these two sections. On this variant the path is less visible, you somehow can follow cow track then it goes very down on a pretty steep ridge to the valley. CC on the valley then leaving the river bed to go a little bit higher and reach the GPT 5. This variant is a bit annoying, but doable. <br /> <br /> When you reach the GPT5, there's a better marked track, still very sandy, you'll follow it until reaching the private property near Lago Mondaca. I conturned it around the fences and haven't seen anyone around. Later one you reach the puesto with a right of way. <br /> <br /> Same method, I conturned it, but there was a lot of movement at this place, with lot of horses and people around. I saluate them nicely, and the right of way turning into an unexpected hospitable invitation ! <br /> <br /> 6 arierros were there, in the puesto of Ricardo, doing a break of few days before guiding a big group of cows (470 animals !) down the valley. They gave me juice, cazuella, mate, bread, harina tostada, and I had to stop them because my bag begun to be too heavy aha ! Amazing stop, great discussions, but I'm quite sure that if Ricardo were alone he wouldn't invited me like that ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, that was a very good surprise of this section ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw valleys and pass and was absolutely amazed by the geological formations up there ! I had the feeling to be in Game of Thrones ! <br /> <br /> Until the lake KM 66,65, you'll find a track, sometimes you'll lose it, but find it again. You'll have wet feets on this stretch ! Lots of river and wetland to pass, but no-one were bad at this time of the season. <br /> <br /> Then, from this lake, the track will be harder to find, it's a combination of CC, your own judgement of following what looks like a trail, and an horse trail that is sometimes appearing. <br /> <br /> After the second lake at 2300m, there's a clear trail and then you'll reach some gullies that are a bit annoying and where track disappear. Just go slowly and be careful where you put your feets as it move quite easily, lot of falling rocks and quite unstable ground. I didn't followed exactly the RR but more my instinct and what looks like more safely there. <br /> <br /> All the way along Rio Colorado is slow and you have to be a bit careful as it's slippery, but a cow track is there. It's only the 500 last meters that are a bit annoying, but I was expecting worse. Going from higher helps you to see where to pass, should be harder SOBO. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the puente Las Yeguas, and another surprise : there were no more puente ahaha ! All the planks were retired from the bridge and putted nicely and the side of the riverbank. Some people worked on it apparently, and will rebuild it when the winter will be over I guess. I just arrived too late on the season at this stretch. <br /> <br /> After long time of reflexion of what I should do, I walk a bit higher to check how looked like the Rio Colorado. It was very powerful, but 300m upstream there were a small island and the current where divided into 3 branches. I backtracked at that point and tried to cross this monster. <br /> <br /> I managed to do it, but it was savage, strong current, water going on me by waves, and big adrenaline moment. No doubt the hardest river of this GPT by far ! <br /> <br /> I continued on what was the hardest part of the section, all in CC, with big gullies to pass threw followed by a tuff and very steep ascent. Some people mentionned cairns here. I haven't seen any and was hiking straight to the top on a very demanding effort ! <br /> <br /> From there it's easier imo. Still on CC but following the RR and everything is gonna be alright, especially on the last big gully to pass before Rio negro, follow as close as possible the RR, that's where you'll passed it. <br /> <br /> I camped next to Rio negro and passed it the day after without any troubles. Then it's new ascent on CC, and when you'll arrive at the top KM48, the track is appearing again. You've made the hardest part of this section. From there, it's gonna be from better to better. <br /> <br /> Going on a little track, then on a more marked one (KM40), and finally on a large one that turns into gravel road for the last kilometers until Los Quienes. <br /> <br /> Ar los Quienes, I had a proper rest, well needed after this exhausting but beautiful section (GPT6 + 5). At this tiny city you'll find accomodation (from the end of the section, turn right on the road in front of the carabineros, at the end of the curve you'll find a place with kind of a food truck, there is accomodation for 15K CLP for a room. In front you have supermercado. Going back to carabineros and continuing on the road you'll find other mercados, pizzería, restaurant, there's a feria with few food trucks and a cafe. Perfect place to spend some time. It's been a while that I haven't passed threw a &quot;city&quot; that big and with that choice for food and rest ahaha. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-March-26 to 2023-April-02 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + C + D + F / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> My plan was to follow Alex and Andreys footsteps, but i had to descent rather quickly because of coming bad weather (snow, strong wind etc) at Laguna aquas calientes.<br /> Until Rio Negro it's kinda &quot;easy&quot; cause you will find yourself mostly on a trail. Gully wasn't that bad, but finding an alternative way through the landslide later was tough. I almost turned back after a failed scary first attempt. I would say it's dangerous, cause it's steep and everywhere super loose sand. Rocks/stones won't stay in place and it's tough to get out once you enter the steep sandy part. Choose your spot wisely!! Cross country was a lot more demanding than I thought. It will drain your battery also a lot faster cause you have to check super frequently. Once you reach the volcanic landscape expect strong wind. Sand on steep slopes will make it difficult to go as fast as you may want to. Because of the weather i had to go through Laguna Mondaca. I explained my situation to the guys there, they didn't really seem to care and gave me the permission to cross their property. Do not walk next to the dried out lake (check map) if the sand is still wet. You will sink in up to your hips. Pain in the ass to get out. The 1k elevation gain out of the valley is slooooow. Too much sand. The park around El bolson was closed. CONAF Guards called me a fanatic after they figured out my route. In April there are no buses going to park Ingles, so you have to walk and try to hitchhike your way out.<br /> It was a beautiful hike, especially the valley around Rio Colorado was great. But i am not sure if i have ever done such an demanding hike. I would recommend to do it in a team of 2 and not alone. I will appreciate proper trails from now on a lot more :)<br /> <br /> * SOBO 13.03 -19.03.2024<br /> 6 days, 167 km, Ascent 7.619m<br /> Alex + Andrey<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Very Difficult (mostly due the long CC sections, would give 4 from 5 for this variant, not 6 (if you are not going to kill yourself attempting to ford rio Colorado down the valley).<br /> <br /> GPT05:<br /> <br /> RR until the bridge<br /> <br /> Variant C<br /> <br /> Variant D<br /> <br /> Variant F<br /> <br /> GPT06:<br /> <br /> Option 02<br /> <br /> “Natalie - Thomas” traverse<br /> <br /> Option 03 (exploration and suggestions)<br /> <br /> RR from approx X {06} [57.3/2073]<br /> <br /> I published a detailed track on wikiloc with many photos and explanations:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/desolation-traverse-los-quenes-rio-colorado-descabezado-plateau-central-los-cipreses-164709363<br /> <br /> Summary:<br /> The famous gully “Cuesta La Hormiga” is not very difficult and pretty safe, the subsequent CC traverse is annoying.<br /> Part of the path is now destroyed due to the 2023 winter storms, detours are required.<br /> The bridge (Rio Colorado) is gone. And it is not clear whether it will be restored in the future. The Colorado River Valley looks abandoned and partially overgrown up to wp Hot Springs1.<br /> Even if the bridge were in place, I think that our option (Variant C, Variant, Variant F/Variant D) is easier, more spectacular, safer and overall better than RR<br /> Fording the Rio Colorado was very easy, less than knee deep.<br /> At the farthest point of the Colorado River Valley, the trail crosses a remote but fully operable (we met a fly-fishing team in a Toyota Prado) 4x4 road from Argentina, which is worth keeping in mind in case of emergency or rescue (marked in the track)<br /> We completed the “Avoid Don Victor” option for GPT06 without visiting Banos del Blanquillo, combining the “Natalie - Thomas” traverse with Option03. I can recommend after waypoint “Pass in the rock belt. Easy descent to Laguna Caracol” just descend west about 5-6 km to the lagoon not to miss this magnificent place.<br /> Thanks to all folks who shared their information and suggestions!❤️<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 to 2023-Jan-14 / 7 days / Hiking / Roundtrip via Planchon and back to Los Quenes / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We hitched easily all the way to Lagunas del Teno from Los Quenes with three cars. Buses from Curico to Los Quenes run as stated below, it was 2200 per person. The pizzeria in Los Quenes is not very good - premanufactured dough. Met two Germans doing hiking trips on GPT without knowing the acronym &quot;GPT&quot; - they were just using the OSM data. It was Saturday afternoon. Planchon seems to be a popular climbing spot, there was about 25 people around the lagoon who have mostly climbed Planchon that day (including a club of 15). Some people drive up just to have a look or barbecue. So Friday and likely Sunday would probably work well for hitchhiking, but there were people there also on weekdays. There are probably around 5 cars a day going to Argentina, we were told. The refuge seemed to be open but the people at the lagoon knew nothing about it. We slept in an old building probably used by the workers when constructing the dam. Despite an evening storm, it was very warm.<br /> <br /> Next day we walked towards Planchon - there is an easy trail skirting the lagoon, no need to go back to Refugio. The trail can probably be flooded when the lagoon is at its maximum level. There is an easy to follow trail all the way to the top where there is a logbook. There were lots of streams flowing to the lake and one not far from the trail at over 3000. Without backpack it took us about 3 hours to go up from there and back. The mountain has a tendency to cloud up early (2-5 pm). This section was easy so GPT difficulty probably at 4.<br /> <br /> A storm again came, we hid in a volcanic cave and then camped on the sand.<br /> <br /> The next day we went around Planchon to reach the caldera with crater lakes. We followed the old trail in OSM which is imprecise [2024: Tomáš since rerouted the OSM trail, it is more sensible now]. Only up until a volcanological measuring station, it was easy. From there it is pure cross-country. We side-hilled this traverse at about 3200 metres but it was a bad choice, too high. While traversing, it got steep with a number of hard to cross gulleys (with water and snow). We would advise to keep lower, especially given that going up the glacier stream needs to be on your left and we only found a suitable crossing at 2800 m. We would recommend to traverse the slopes of Planchon at about this altitude, it looked much less steep, so lower is more safe and faster despite the altitude loss. <br /> <br /> Once finished traversing and the ascent towards the crater began, we struggled finding the correct way because the osm trail was awful (it was pathless) and we had very low visibility due to clouds. We lost a lot of time so this section of about 3 km took us all day. We ended up taking a moraine ridge on the opposite side of the osm trail (other side of the glacier stream there) and made camp in the moraine at ~3200m before going up the final climb to the craters because of weather. Weather was worse the next day so we stayed in the tent, explored options of getting to the proper ridge of the caldera and finished the route the following day. In short the ridge you should aim for is; -35.22600, -70.58600. and the top of the caldera you should aim for is -35.22779, -70.58231. The rest of the ridge top of the caldera towards the crater lakes is slightly a knife ridge and the scramble down is loose.<br /> <br /> With good visibility and direction, one could probably reach the caldera within a half day if camping at the crossroads of the trail to the top and the round-trail.<br /> <br /> The caldera is beautiful, the lakes are lovely, you can pick your way through. We crossed the rim to Argentina and we went again to the south of the OSM trail as the pass was less steep. A side trip to the higher of Peteroa summits is easy, but you cannot get to the very top from this side or traverse, there is a vertical rock (about 20 m high) on the top that cannot be climbed easily nor can it be skirted around. Our original plan was to try and cross to Azufre but that is not possible through Peteroea, it is far too rocky. It might be possible going from the Chilian side directly to Azufre but frankly, it probably is not a walk up, the ridge from north looked rocky, the ridge from west looked much better but was steep, is hard to get to and we only saw it from afar. So best way to Azufre still looks like from Argentina.<br /> <br /> It clouded up at around 3 pm again. We descended via a trail from the rim to the Argentina border checkpoint. They sent us back to Chile when we said we came from the craters. I wonder if they would let us through if we said we came through the border crossing. They said they did not care how we would exit Argentina if we first cross to it via a an official crossing from Chile (we were mulling continuing the backroute on GPT05, which can be accessed about 10 km south of the checkpoint - there is no official crossing there). Chileans seemed unconcerned about the border, some even drive to the no-man's land between the crossings (police is ok with that apparently) and climb Planchon from there. Difficulty of the round-crossing via the route we took according to GPT scale is 7. With the proper trail, it would probably be 6.<br /> <br /> We used the road (no cars, super windy) and then a track on OSM just before the border to go back to the lagoon where we camped.<br /> <br /> Next day (The first nice day in 4 days), we started towards Los Quenes. The ascent to the pass from the lagoon is quite hard and involves either going up a very loose scree slope with lots of boulders or easy but vertical scramble of about 10 m. In all cases, the way seems to be so that you keep the creek to you left going uphill. Possibly keeping higher on the right slope would make it easier but we ended up climbing the rocks next to the small waterfall. The holds are green and firm, but it is ten vertical meters (difficulty 6 or seven probably). The valley has a small green patch though and is quite beautiful. Going the upper route as if climbing Planchon and then traversing would have been much easier (not as nice though). Once up the pass, a trail appears at 2900 and can be followed to about 1600 (the last three hundred vertical metres are a bit overgrown with meadow/hard to follow). The descent crossed a few streams. At roughly 1800, there is a man made canal that follows the trail. At 1600, the GPT track seems to be CC, we followed the trail which turns sharply to right to a puesto and then joins the first X waypoint on the RR going SOBO.<br /> <br /> Next day, the walk down to Los Quenes was uneventful. Met a family on horses who wanted to go to the Lagoonas del Teno (we told them it is probably possible but are not sure) and hitched the last 4 km (deeper in the valley, there was no traffic our direction). Then we took bus at 1400 to Curico.<br /> <br /> *'''2023-Jan-10 5 days RR SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Stayed at hut on the ridge above Rio Claro (after ford) reached in 1 very long day. It's used by arrieros but there was no one there. The descent to Rio Negro was a bit sketchy in places, hardly any trail &amp; eroded but it improves as you go down. Rio Claro ford was OK. Forded Rio Negro in afternoon, it was pretty far from OK. The water was waist deep &amp; breaking over me in a wave, nearly knocking me over but I hung onto a submerged boulder in midstream. The most difficult crossing I had on GPT1-40. Cross early in the morning if you can. After Rio Negro you traverse through a small gully, it looks sketchy but is OK if you cross on RR. On the ridge after &amp; above the small gully look for cairns which mark where you descend into the big gully. You can't continue along the ridge as it cliffs out. I don't think the descent is really difficult or dangerous (others may disagree) but it's very slow &amp; awkward going. When you are low in the gully be sure to stay on RR which traverses out left. If you continue directly down to Rio Colorado there are a few gullys perpendicular to the Rio Colorado valley. They are very steep sided &amp; you can only cross them by staying on RR. Stayed at hut before Rio Colorado bridge, it's 1 KM off the RR. Again it is used by arrieros but there was no one there. As I was leaving in the morning I saw them coming in.<br /> <br /> Followed Tomas's suggestion &amp; found a good track all the way to Lake 2300M. After the lake don't ascend by the waterfall which is steep &amp; nasty. Instead, at the lake looking towards the waterfall go up a small ridge on the RHS of lake, then traverse left to come in above the waterfall on its right. Cross the stream above the waterfall &amp; find a small horse trail which goes through a breach in the cliff &amp; leads to open ground on the way to the pass. This option bypasses all the nasty &amp; loose scree &amp; is much easier. Saw about 30 condors feasting on a carcass near the pass. Met the guards @ Laguna Mondaca, they were very hospitable as detailed by Kris &amp; Stiina. The 1000M climb to the pass after Laguna Mondaca is steep, sandy &amp; without shade or water, best tackled early in the morning. I continued out to Parque Ingles in 1 long day from Laguna Mondaca. Although I walked GPT5 &amp; 6 separately it was no drama as the section from Parque Ingles to/from El Bolson is very quick &amp; easy. The last bus was gone but it was easy to hitch out. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-23 to 2022-Dec-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I combined with GPT 06 (info for that section there).<br /> <br /> First about 30 km is basicaly a minor dirt road (with no traffic), there is plenty of water (but from the last bridge almost to first ford, there is no water - you are in a valley but on a ridge), a cherry tree 15 km in. After 10.km or so it starts to be scenic (and the road more trail-like and less-road like). Cell coverage for about 5 km until a big hazelnut orchard. This can be walked in one day, it is really easy and straightforward so a speed of 4 km/hour is easily maintained. Then it starts :-). Until above Rio Negro, the trail is mostly there. And it is quite doable to reach Rio Negro in two (long) days. In the morning (9AM), the water is just knee deep, I crossed where Martin and Helena did. I agree the descent is quite ok (during daylight!).<br /> <br /> From there, the traverse to Rio Colorado is annoying, slow and fully CC. One really needs to go down that gulley. I would not say it is very dangerous but care is certainly needed and slips could result in broken limbs. The bridge is there, with nice tress to have lunch under. The bridge looks quite solid and there is a puesto nearby, so I guess it is maintained. Rio Colorado could be forded in the morning I guess if needed (especially more upstream), but I am glad the bridge was there. From the bridge about 500 metres are annoying, one needs to get on top of the plateau across from the puesto. From there on, there is a fairly decent horse trail all the way to about 2300 where there is a lake with a beach. I am not sure I understand my predecesors, I think they must have missed it, the first half of the trail is accurate with the GPX though. The second half (when it goes from the river to the lake and to the pass), one needs to go lower than the GPX.<br /> <br /> Just after the crossroads where one trail goes to the litle Descabezado, there is a warm slow stream. I could not tell if it was thermal or sun-warmed.<br /> <br /> The descent to Mondaca is quite long and the trail is not always clear, but no climbing is needed, there is always a way. There is a signpost saying it is private in the middle of the valley. The fords are all manageable. I waved at an arriero before the private huts (the huts are by the lake). In the huts, I have not met anybody but it seemed someone might have been inside.<br /> <br /> I agree that the comnecting trail to Thermas Azufre is annoying. It involves two fords that are not nice in the evening. I avoided them by going up on the slope on west side of the valley, but I do not recommend it, better to ford and stay in the valley. I do not think there is a trail as such: just CC.<br /> <br /> Took me five days to get to Thermas Azufre, met nobody apart from the ariero mentioned above. I recommend to time it so that you can sleep at the Thermas, there are about five or six places for a tent. Being in the pool and looking at the stars is really nice.<br /> <br /> I would argue this section is not that extraordinarily hard now that there is a bridge, but it is more demanding than the others so far.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-12 to 2022-Dec-17 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Just like many others we chose to combine sections 5 and 6 with expected 8 days on the way, in reality it was about a half day longer. We have to agree with previous comments about the difficulty, eventhough we were prepared for it and expected the worst really which helped a lot after all.<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Quenes we followed the RR and after the gate next to the camp we run into a barbed wire fence that is restricting access to the RR, probably new construction site based on a sign we saw there. Its no problem, just follow the main car road the whole time. Its really nice walking for quite a long time, all the marked gates were opened. First river crossing was no problem in the evening, nice camp place a few minutes later with amazing views. First pass also ok, no one at the puesto.<br /> <br /> Second ford also ok at km 45, than CC section and descent to Rio Negro which was not so bad as expected, it gets steep but still ok. The river seemed to be pretty fast in the evening so there was no point in trying it, we waited until the morning and found actually a few nice places to cross (one with a small island in the middle where the river gets wider). The descent to valley of Rio Colorado took us a loong time, you have to be really careful and go slowly. We went through the gully most of the time. Its a long way until the bridge, but its there, safe to cross.<br /> <br /> The worst part for us was the traverse after the bridge and climb up where we lost the trail a few times and got into some steep sections with all the falling rocks and scree, not so safe in some places but there are probably better ways to find. On the way up you have to cross multiple river basins which is really exhausting, it worked for us to go more up the hill where it wasn’t so steep but still necessary to be careful. It hapenned to us more than once that really big rocks fell down under our legs or solid looking rocks we were holding onto just fell away - not much you can do after it.<br /> <br /> After the valley it gets much more interesting and trail is in good condition. Regarding the Mondaca valley - we were seen by an arriero close to the river but with no reaction, we havent met anyone near the guards houses as well so overall no problem with the right of way. Good camp place at the end of the valley.<br /> <br /> One last unpleasant part was the connection between the sections 5 and 6 - after multiple river crossings we were following the RR to connect to the climb up but got into a really steep section, again nothing funny. It might be better to follow the other trail that we saw in both garmin and our smartphone apps. These two go all the time next to each other but in this specific case it might be better to follow the other one as it connects to the climb earlier.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either. <br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 5 + 6) / Hiking / SOBO/ Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Six (hard) days for this section. After the first pass there was a tiny snowfield to cross, nothing to worry about. River crossings didn't cause any problems. The bridge Puente Las Yeguas was in excellent condition. The navigation through the cross country parts was quite demanding and took us a lot of time. Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Transport to and from Route&quot;).<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 / 8 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH to the Hot Springs / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> 7 nights 8 days for us. Super tough section. The entire area around Rio Colorado is extremely challenging; down &amp; up. We went the alternate route to the Hot Springs. (OH-CC-A@05-C-#001). I was tough with multiple steep gullies, then we got there to see the hot springs were COLD. Then the optional hike to<br /> Re connect with the RR from the hot springs (OH-CC-A@05-E-#002) was completely impassable. I didn’t go all the way up to the canyon wall. All I could see were route that would take some serious climbing. We had to down climb and take the lower route to climb up again. Property dispute near Volcan Mondaco had no problems. Quiet and didn’t seem like anybody was there for us. Parque Inglés - Molina Bus leaves at 7 am on the weekdays, we hitchhiked.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional to meet optional start of GPT06/ Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> It took us 5 days including 1 zero due to bad weather. <br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates for GPT05. Cross country sections were difficult, but in some of them we managed to find old unused trails which worked for us. <br /> River crossings - Rio Claro in the afternoon was ok. Rio Negro in the afternoon was REALLY challenging, almost not doable. After hour of trying we managed to find one spot we could cross. I wouldn't want to cross Rio Colorado without that bridge at any time. <br /> Optional trail to meet optional start of section 6 was fine in the valley. Problem was to connect it to the climb. We had to climb very steep slope to get there. From that point trail was in good condition.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-19 / 8,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Melissa'''<br /> <br /> It took me 6 full days (5-9 hrs hiking) and 1 1/2 day (3 hrs.) not including 1 day of 0 hiking due to weather-rain and needing rest. Route finding, the three inclines of over 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile was insane, terrain-gotta love sand. The entire incline up Las Animas white crumbly/soft sand and make sure you have plenty of water here because the white reflecting sand and sun can easily dehydrate you and there is nowhere to get water except this flat section near the top that has very little stream from snow melt. Crumbling rock/scree that is barely able to be hiked up with a waterfall in between after think it was called Laguna Grande tracks #61.7-67.2 end of that track. Take the route up to the left where the rock is tan don’t hike up the black it’s dangerously eroding. The gps was not helpful in that section because all three directions seemed correct (right,left or up the waterfall). I had no issues with right of way dispute. I agree with all that is stated above. Very hard and challenging section.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Quentin Clavel (2024-apr-09) <br /> Los Quienes : at least two supermercados with good resupplies (enough for me, almost everything you need). <br /> Few cabanas, I've been at the cabanas Tia Ely, just next to the supermercado Claudia (when you face the carabineros, on the right side, 50m after the curve). <br /> 40K for cabana, 15k for a room. +5k for breakfast. Lovely people. They didn't charged me for cleaning my clothes in their washing machine. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat, in the restaurant, that is mostly used by the workers, it seems like a cafeteria and it's quite ok. Pizzeria is not perfect but doing the job. There's a Feria as well with few food trucks, but everything was closed when I was there. <br /> <br /> * 2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina<br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks.<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus timetable Curico to Los Queñes obtained in January 2020<br /> [[:File:CuricoQuenes.jpg]]<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-8 <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Access to route&quot;).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT05 - Río Colorado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt 05.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Volcán Planchón]] from GPT05, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/6-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse]]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT05_(Rio_Colorado)&diff=122445 2025-08-09T21:30:24Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT05 Regular Route: The updated regular route now follows the upper Rio Colorado and avoids the demanding Cuesta Las Perdices where some hikers struggled. The updated regular route also eliminates the need to cross the bridge of Rio Colorado that get disassembled in autumn and reassembled in late spring or early summer. The updated regular route seems also more attractive with plenty of camp sites and two hot springs. Fording Rio Colorado high up seams feasible during most of the hiking season. <br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Variant B and Option 3 (Paso El Campanario): Fording Rio Negro is often very challenging and dangerous especially in spring and summer. Based on accounts from locals the route Paso El Campanario was used to move animals until about 2 decades ago. This route crosses Rio Negro higher up in a sediment area where fording should be somewhat easier. The 1000 m ascent to Paso El Campanario looks demanding but not impossible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> - GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno): This option is clearly more scenic when compared with the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): See comments and recommendation at [[https://wikiexplora.com/GPT06_(Descabezado)]].<br /> <br /> - It is unclear how tolerant Argentine border police treats hikers that sneak through Argentine territory east of vulcano Planchon-Peteroa. There is a special arrangement between Chile and Argentina that permits the Chilean arrieros of Valle Grande to cross at Paso Vergara by car from Chile to Argentina and drive 15 or 20 km though Argentina before re-entering Chile at an informal border crossing just north of Valle Grande. But I'm unsure if this applies also to &quot;lost hikers&quot;. Anyway, in case of an emergency crossing into Argentina from Valle Grande is probably an option. In this case &quot;lost hikers&quot; are probably returned via Paso Vergara to Chile. Also, climbers from Chile and Argentina get from both sides of the border up to the summit of Volcano Planchon and there seams little dispute over this. Trails crossing the border are clearly visible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 / 1 day / Hiking / Sobo / RR + Var H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Hiked GPT 6 and also did the GPT 5 part from Laguna las Animas to Laguna Mondaca. Good trail, very steep in deep sand. Hiked Var H to reach Termas de Azufre. It goes CC through a big boulderfield. Slow progression, but not really difficult. Rivercrossing was knee deep and had a strong current. But it's very hard to reach the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre. The lower part is badly eroded. Followed the suggestion of the GPT track. The mountainside is extremely steep with loose ground. Due to very few vegetation in combined with loose ground it was dangerous to climb up, slipped sometimes. Don't recommend it - maybe there is a better opportunity?<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-21 to 2024-12-25 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Ford [68.9/2340] (Rio San Pedro) / Dorota'''<br /> Generally, very extreme stage, especially for women alone of 1.64 cm height. <br /> I started in Quénes, which in this period was very empty. I passed the night in the restaurant in front of the pizzeria, but I could not recommend it. 20.000 clp with cold water. First, for MR, it was very easy, but you needed to take water. But then difficulties started. First, passing Río Colorado [33.1/1455]. I tried to cross it in the evening. I crossed one bank, but the other was not. So I put my tent between the banks, which was not safe. In the morning, I went upstream and I found a better place for crossing the river using mainly rocks. But still, it was exhausting. All operations took me one hour. And after that, I was so tired that I slept for one hour. Other fords [45.2/1919] (Río Baroso) and [51.2/1940] (Río Negro) were also difficult for me - the water was to knee level. There was a very good bridge on Río Colorado (55.0). But the descent to the valley of Rio Colorado was very demanding. At point -35.32681, -70.65340, it starts downhill to Río. At the start, I could not find a safe way of going down because the track leads you into hell. But after that, at a point below, I found a sign of the route (acouple of rocks). The ascent after it is also demanding because of navigation. All the time, I was checking the route on GPS. Finally, my adventure with stage 5 finished at km 68.9/2340 Río San Pedro. I tried to cross it in the afternoon, but I fell into the river because of the strong current. The level was only to the knee. I put up my tent. Very early in the morning, I tried again. After two steps, I fell into the river and started going down. I thought that it was my end. Trying to catch any rock, I lost my sticks. Finally, I was rescued. I was frightened, wet, and felt very cold. I put up my tent and for the whole day thought about what to do. Without sticks, I could not cross any river, and I still had 13 km to join stage 6 and cross the river. Each option had rivers. The next day, in the morning, I put a signal SOS on my reach. After two hours, a helicopter with three soldiers came. They took me to the hospital in Curicó. Despite the fact that I did not have any injuries. It is a procedure. In the hospital, they took me to the emergency room, made an examination, and gave me electrolytes. In this hospital, it was the first rescue . Everybody was interested in me, which was really embarrassing. Then, the carabineros went to make a report. In the hospital, they were very polite, also the carabineros. After that, they took me to a hostel. After the accident, I did not know what to do and for a month had something like a type of trauma that something could happen again. Finally, I decided to continue stage 6 from the start. But I registered at the point of the carabineros, the same carabineros which were in the hospital. They took my data and each day I sent them information that everything was okay. They said to me that if they did not have a signal, they would start a rescue. I made stage 6 to Termas but again I could not cross the river near Termas because of trauma de rios. I came back and I met Peggy at Laguna Animas. We continued together and step by step I started to think that I still could continue the trail.<br /> After 2 months (25.02.2025) from this accident, I know why it happened. And it is not easy to share such a type of accident. But I hope that this description could help other persons.<br /> I did not have any experience with crossing rivers. I made it wrong. Now I can cross this river without any problem. Also, this stage is very exhaustive because of the terrain. So after a few days on this stage, my muscles were not strong enough to confront the strong current. My recommendation especially for women solo: try to find anybody who teaches you but practically not theoretically how to cross rivers. Now I am on stage 21 and I am really happy that I have decided to continue the trail.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 to 2025-FEB-15 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Martin '''<br /> <br /> Inspired fellow Czechs in December, I combined GPT05 and GPT06 and took food for 6 days. <br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> Started 3 pm from Los Queñes, hiked around 23 km. Camped a km or two after a puesto. When it was getting dark, a group of people on horses appeared. Around 15 of them including kids. I asked if it’s ok to camp there. The owner arrived a but later (he was with the group) and was friendly and sure I can camp. It felt good to have permission. Their trip would be 9 days, including crossing over to Argentina. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> Still quite easy until the last puesto. Then it got harder. Eventually got down to Rio Negro which seemed pretty wild. Hopefully it would be better in the morning. I camped on the only patch of semi-flat ground clear of vegetation I could find. <br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> Crossed Rio Negro in the morning. Much more tame compared to the previous evening. Then began one of the hardest parts. When going down towards Rio Colorado, at one point I reached dense vegetation. So I thought what if I go all the way down and go along the river. Well, there is a reason it goes how it goes - at the river bed soon I was blocked by a cliff. So I had to scramble up again and carry on. <br /> <br /> Around Rio Colorado, the first 1 km was terrible. But then it was mostly quite a good trail. With some exceptions. The most difficult parts are the dry river beds you need to cross. <br /> <br /> Then the ascend to the lake - the first 1 km was hard, just straight up, no trail. But then there is trail and it’s easy (but hard because of gravitation of course). I camped at the lake. I was worried about wind. There are no stones, but the ground is pretty solid to hole stakes. Also, the wind tends to die down in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> I thought now it would be easy, but no such luck. Some parts were ok, others were harder - either plain full of rocks, or wide river beds. When I got to the puesto with right of way dispute (after km 83), I saw a guy and almost passed unnoticed, but then his dogs gave me away. He was friendly, but we didn’t share a common language. No issue. <br /> <br /> Then a bit later, there are some huts. There were two flags - one Chilean and one “Trump”. I was glad I didn’t see anybody there. <br /> <br /> Around 5 I got to option H to connect to GPT06. One hour later I got to the GPT06 Trailhead point. That part is a bit sketchy as you need to scramble up.<br /> <br /> Overall I found it very challenging, so no complaints about the classification of 6/5 from me. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-16 to 2024-01-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR &amp; variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> GPT05 was tough but not as challenging as expected. <br /> <br /> Much more water available than waypoints. <br /> <br /> Little trail available between Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, but decent, improving trail after Rio Colorado.<br /> <br /> Upper puesto along Estero San Jose wasn't yet built for the season. Didn't have issues at lower puesto with indicated right of way issues, met arriero who was very nice.<br /> <br /> Variant H connecting GPT05 to GPT06 has one very steep section with clambering.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-06 &gt; 09 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR&gt;Variante Volcan Colorado / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : riviere puissante<br /> <br /> Les 30 premiers km sont monotone. Mais c'est de plus en plus sauvage et jolie. J'ai dormi avant le rio Negro qui etait trop violent en fin de journee. Les descentes avant et apres le rio Negro sont très dangereuses.<br /> Il y a un pont sur le rio Colorado, heureusement car le torrent est infranchissable a pied.<br /> La variante etait magnifique, beaucoup de neige et le col a 3000 etait tres enneigé. La fonte de la neige crée des trou qui complique la marche, mais il faut juste ralentir le rythme et ca se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-1 to 2024-DEC-5 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined stages GPT05 + GPT06, taking food for 6 days. GPT05 was a beautiful and challenging stage, where fords were a daily routine. We started with a two-hour evening hike from Los Queñes. We bivouacked here [-35.0616712, -70.8124902]. We continued along a minor road to the intersection [32.1/1509]. At the originally marked ford [17.1/1075], there is now a bridge - we did not ford. We managed the marked ford [23.5+1.7] with dry feet. However, we waded through a rather challenging ford [33.1/1455] at Rio Claro. The water reached waist level for my height of 178 cm. It is definitely better to walk 200 m upstream and wade twice - across the main river and then its tributary. A little past the pass [40.7/2354], where there was only a bit of snow, there is another ford [45.2/1919] (Rio Barroso) and then [51.2/1940] (Rio Negro). Both were not particularly difficult. There is a nice grassy bivouac at the puesto [37.0/1927] (Vacas Gordas). One of the most challenging parts of this stage is the CC descent into the Río Colorado valley. This is a very steep slope, where moving down is essentially sliding on gravel. Be careful. Fortunately, the key bridge over the roaring and absolutely uncrossable Río Colorado [55.0/1468] (Puente Las Yeguas) was there, allowing us to cross the river safely. The ascent from the river valley is not as difficult as the descent into it. The plateau around lake [16.3+0.2/2499] was completely covered in snow, and we were once again grateful for our microspikes. From this plateau, there is also a magnificent view of the mountain Descabezado Grande (3953 m above sea level), which is passed in GPT06. As we descended toward Laguna Mondaca, the landscape is dominated by basalt columns on the surrounding hills. Under one such rock, there is a beautiful bivouac at -35.43769, -70.66022. In this valley, there are a total of three fords [68.8/2340] (Rio San Pedro), [81.0/1604] (Estero San Jose), and then [83.0/1465]. All three were knee-deep at most for my height, making them safely fordable. After Laguna Mondaca, we first safely waded the low ford [24.6+2.6/1480] (Estero Volcan) and then disconnected from the main route at the intersection [87.9/1632] to connect to GPT06 via variant H. We managed the ford [23.5+1.7/1613] with dry feet. In the Estero Volcan river valley, we went CC over several fords until we reached the Trailhead {06} [25.1+0.8/1725]. These fords recorded in the track files did not correspond to reality. The river in the wide riverbed was braiding in its sediments and often flowed differently. However, there were a total of four fords over almost two kilometers, with the highest being just above knee level. At the thermal springs [27.4/1986] (Hot Spring del Azufre), we took a dip in the warm water and then continued south on GPT06.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-05 to 2024-04-08 // 3,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // variant H + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I combined the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> After reaching the thermals del Azufre, I took the variant H to link these two sections. On this variant the path is less visible, you somehow can follow cow track then it goes very down on a pretty steep ridge to the valley. CC on the valley then leaving the river bed to go a little bit higher and reach the GPT 5. This variant is a bit annoying, but doable. <br /> <br /> When you reach the GPT5, there's a better marked track, still very sandy, you'll follow it until reaching the private property near Lago Mondaca. I conturned it around the fences and haven't seen anyone around. Later one you reach the puesto with a right of way. <br /> <br /> Same method, I conturned it, but there was a lot of movement at this place, with lot of horses and people around. I saluate them nicely, and the right of way turning into an unexpected hospitable invitation ! <br /> <br /> 6 arierros were there, in the puesto of Ricardo, doing a break of few days before guiding a big group of cows (470 animals !) down the valley. They gave me juice, cazuella, mate, bread, harina tostada, and I had to stop them because my bag begun to be too heavy aha ! Amazing stop, great discussions, but I'm quite sure that if Ricardo were alone he wouldn't invited me like that ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, that was a very good surprise of this section ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw valleys and pass and was absolutely amazed by the geological formations up there ! I had the feeling to be in Game of Thrones ! <br /> <br /> Until the lake KM 66,65, you'll find a track, sometimes you'll lose it, but find it again. You'll have wet feets on this stretch ! Lots of river and wetland to pass, but no-one were bad at this time of the season. <br /> <br /> Then, from this lake, the track will be harder to find, it's a combination of CC, your own judgement of following what looks like a trail, and an horse trail that is sometimes appearing. <br /> <br /> After the second lake at 2300m, there's a clear trail and then you'll reach some gullies that are a bit annoying and where track disappear. Just go slowly and be careful where you put your feets as it move quite easily, lot of falling rocks and quite unstable ground. I didn't followed exactly the RR but more my instinct and what looks like more safely there. <br /> <br /> All the way along Rio Colorado is slow and you have to be a bit careful as it's slippery, but a cow track is there. It's only the 500 last meters that are a bit annoying, but I was expecting worse. Going from higher helps you to see where to pass, should be harder SOBO. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the puente Las Yeguas, and another surprise : there were no more puente ahaha ! All the planks were retired from the bridge and putted nicely and the side of the riverbank. Some people worked on it apparently, and will rebuild it when the winter will be over I guess. I just arrived too late on the season at this stretch. <br /> <br /> After long time of reflexion of what I should do, I walk a bit higher to check how looked like the Rio Colorado. It was very powerful, but 300m upstream there were a small island and the current where divided into 3 branches. I backtracked at that point and tried to cross this monster. <br /> <br /> I managed to do it, but it was savage, strong current, water going on me by waves, and big adrenaline moment. No doubt the hardest river of this GPT by far ! <br /> <br /> I continued on what was the hardest part of the section, all in CC, with big gullies to pass threw followed by a tuff and very steep ascent. Some people mentionned cairns here. I haven't seen any and was hiking straight to the top on a very demanding effort ! <br /> <br /> From there it's easier imo. Still on CC but following the RR and everything is gonna be alright, especially on the last big gully to pass before Rio negro, follow as close as possible the RR, that's where you'll passed it. <br /> <br /> I camped next to Rio negro and passed it the day after without any troubles. Then it's new ascent on CC, and when you'll arrive at the top KM48, the track is appearing again. You've made the hardest part of this section. From there, it's gonna be from better to better. <br /> <br /> Going on a little track, then on a more marked one (KM40), and finally on a large one that turns into gravel road for the last kilometers until Los Quienes. <br /> <br /> Ar los Quienes, I had a proper rest, well needed after this exhausting but beautiful section (GPT6 + 5). At this tiny city you'll find accomodation (from the end of the section, turn right on the road in front of the carabineros, at the end of the curve you'll find a place with kind of a food truck, there is accomodation for 15K CLP for a room. In front you have supermercado. Going back to carabineros and continuing on the road you'll find other mercados, pizzería, restaurant, there's a feria with few food trucks and a cafe. Perfect place to spend some time. It's been a while that I haven't passed threw a &quot;city&quot; that big and with that choice for food and rest ahaha. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-March-26 to 2023-April-02 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + C + D + F / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> My plan was to follow Alex and Andreys footsteps, but i had to descent rather quickly because of coming bad weather (snow, strong wind etc) at Laguna aquas calientes.<br /> Until Rio Negro it's kinda &quot;easy&quot; cause you will find yourself mostly on a trail. Gully wasn't that bad, but finding an alternative way through the landslide later was tough. I almost turned back after a failed scary first attempt. I would say it's dangerous, cause it's steep and everywhere super loose sand. Rocks/stones won't stay in place and it's tough to get out once you enter the steep sandy part. Choose your spot wisely!! Cross country was a lot more demanding than I thought. It will drain your battery also a lot faster cause you have to check super frequently. Once you reach the volcanic landscape expect strong wind. Sand on steep slopes will make it difficult to go as fast as you may want to. Because of the weather i had to go through Laguna Mondaca. I explained my situation to the guys there, they didn't really seem to care and gave me the permission to cross their property. Do not walk next to the dried out lake (check map) if the sand is still wet. You will sink in up to your hips. Pain in the ass to get out. The 1k elevation gain out of the valley is slooooow. Too much sand. The park around El bolson was closed. CONAF Guards called me a fanatic after they figured out my route. In April there are no buses going to park Ingles, so you have to walk and try to hitchhike your way out.<br /> It was a beautiful hike, especially the valley around Rio Colorado was great. But i am not sure if i have ever done such an demanding hike. I would recommend to do it in a team of 2 and not alone. I will appreciate proper trails from now on a lot more :)<br /> <br /> * SOBO 13.03 -19.03.2024<br /> 6 days, 167 km, Ascent 7.619m<br /> Alex + Andrey<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Very Difficult (mostly due the long CC sections, would give 4 from 5 for this variant, not 6 (if you are not going to kill yourself attempting to ford rio Colorado down the valley).<br /> <br /> GPT05:<br /> <br /> RR until the bridge<br /> <br /> Variant C<br /> <br /> Variant D<br /> <br /> Variant F<br /> <br /> GPT06:<br /> <br /> Option 02<br /> <br /> “Natalie - Thomas” traverse<br /> <br /> Option 03 (exploration and suggestions)<br /> <br /> RR from approx X {06} [57.3/2073]<br /> <br /> I published a detailed track on wikiloc with many photos and explanations:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/desolation-traverse-los-quenes-rio-colorado-descabezado-plateau-central-los-cipreses-164709363<br /> <br /> Summary:<br /> The famous gully “Cuesta La Hormiga” is not very difficult and pretty safe, the subsequent CC traverse is annoying.<br /> Part of the path is now destroyed due to the 2023 winter storms, detours are required.<br /> The bridge (Rio Colorado) is gone. And it is not clear whether it will be restored in the future. The Colorado River Valley looks abandoned and partially overgrown up to wp Hot Springs1.<br /> Even if the bridge were in place, I think that our option (Variant C, Variant, Variant F/Variant D) is easier, more spectacular, safer and overall better than RR<br /> Fording the Rio Colorado was very easy, less than knee deep.<br /> At the farthest point of the Colorado River Valley, the trail crosses a remote but fully operable (we met a fly-fishing team in a Toyota Prado) 4x4 road from Argentina, which is worth keeping in mind in case of emergency or rescue (marked in the track)<br /> We completed the “Avoid Don Victor” option for GPT06 without visiting Banos del Blanquillo, combining the “Natalie - Thomas” traverse with Option03. I can recommend after waypoint “Pass in the rock belt. Easy descent to Laguna Caracol” just descend west about 5-6 km to the lagoon not to miss this magnificent place.<br /> Thanks to all folks who shared their information and suggestions!❤️<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 to 2023-Jan-14 / 7 days / Hiking / Roundtrip via Planchon and back to Los Quenes / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We hitched easily all the way to Lagunas del Teno from Los Quenes with three cars. Buses from Curico to Los Quenes run as stated below, it was 2200 per person. The pizzeria in Los Quenes is not very good - premanufactured dough. Met two Germans doing hiking trips on GPT without knowing the acronym &quot;GPT&quot; - they were just using the OSM data. It was Saturday afternoon. Planchon seems to be a popular climbing spot, there was about 25 people around the lagoon who have mostly climbed Planchon that day (including a club of 15). Some people drive up just to have a look or barbecue. So Friday and likely Sunday would probably work well for hitchhiking, but there were people there also on weekdays. There are probably around 5 cars a day going to Argentina, we were told. The refuge seemed to be open but the people at the lagoon knew nothing about it. We slept in an old building probably used by the workers when constructing the dam. Despite an evening storm, it was very warm.<br /> <br /> Next day we walked towards Planchon - there is an easy trail skirting the lagoon, no need to go back to Refugio. The trail can probably be flooded when the lagoon is at its maximum level. There is an easy to follow trail all the way to the top where there is a logbook. There were lots of streams flowing to the lake and one not far from the trail at over 3000. Without backpack it took us about 3 hours to go up from there and back. The mountain has a tendency to cloud up early (2-5 pm). This section was easy so GPT difficulty probably at 4.<br /> <br /> A storm again came, we hid in a volcanic cave and then camped on the sand.<br /> <br /> The next day we went around Planchon to reach the caldera with crater lakes. We followed the old trail in OSM which is imprecise [2024: Tomáš since rerouted the OSM trail, it is more sensible now]. Only up until a volcanological measuring station, it was easy. From there it is pure cross-country. We side-hilled this traverse at about 3200 metres but it was a bad choice, too high. While traversing, it got steep with a number of hard to cross gulleys (with water and snow). We would advise to keep lower, especially given that going up the glacier stream needs to be on your left and we only found a suitable crossing at 2800 m. We would recommend to traverse the slopes of Planchon at about this altitude, it looked much less steep, so lower is more safe and faster despite the altitude loss. <br /> <br /> Once finished traversing and the ascent towards the crater began, we struggled finding the correct way because the osm trail was awful (it was pathless) and we had very low visibility due to clouds. We lost a lot of time so this section of about 3 km took us all day. We ended up taking a moraine ridge on the opposite side of the osm trail (other side of the glacier stream there) and made camp in the moraine at ~3200m before going up the final climb to the craters because of weather. Weather was worse the next day so we stayed in the tent, explored options of getting to the proper ridge of the caldera and finished the route the following day. In short the ridge you should aim for is; -35.22600, -70.58600. and the top of the caldera you should aim for is -35.22779, -70.58231. The rest of the ridge top of the caldera towards the crater lakes is slightly a knife ridge and the scramble down is loose.<br /> <br /> With good visibility and direction, one could probably reach the caldera within a half day if camping at the crossroads of the trail to the top and the round-trail.<br /> <br /> The caldera is beautiful, the lakes are lovely, you can pick your way through. We crossed the rim to Argentina and we went again to the south of the OSM trail as the pass was less steep. A side trip to the higher of Peteroa summits is easy, but you cannot get to the very top from this side or traverse, there is a vertical rock (about 20 m high) on the top that cannot be climbed easily nor can it be skirted around. Our original plan was to try and cross to Azufre but that is not possible through Peteroea, it is far too rocky. It might be possible going from the Chilian side directly to Azufre but frankly, it probably is not a walk up, the ridge from north looked rocky, the ridge from west looked much better but was steep, is hard to get to and we only saw it from afar. So best way to Azufre still looks like from Argentina.<br /> <br /> It clouded up at around 3 pm again. We descended via a trail from the rim to the Argentina border checkpoint. They sent us back to Chile when we said we came from the craters. I wonder if they would let us through if we said we came through the border crossing. They said they did not care how we would exit Argentina if we first cross to it via a an official crossing from Chile (we were mulling continuing the backroute on GPT05, which can be accessed about 10 km south of the checkpoint - there is no official crossing there). Chileans seemed unconcerned about the border, some even drive to the no-man's land between the crossings (police is ok with that apparently) and climb Planchon from there. Difficulty of the round-crossing via the route we took according to GPT scale is 7. With the proper trail, it would probably be 6.<br /> <br /> We used the road (no cars, super windy) and then a track on OSM just before the border to go back to the lagoon where we camped.<br /> <br /> Next day (The first nice day in 4 days), we started towards Los Quenes. The ascent to the pass from the lagoon is quite hard and involves either going up a very loose scree slope with lots of boulders or easy but vertical scramble of about 10 m. In all cases, the way seems to be so that you keep the creek to you left going uphill. Possibly keeping higher on the right slope would make it easier but we ended up climbing the rocks next to the small waterfall. The holds are green and firm, but it is ten vertical meters (difficulty 6 or seven probably). The valley has a small green patch though and is quite beautiful. Going the upper route as if climbing Planchon and then traversing would have been much easier (not as nice though). Once up the pass, a trail appears at 2900 and can be followed to about 1600 (the last three hundred vertical metres are a bit overgrown with meadow/hard to follow). The descent crossed a few streams. At roughly 1800, there is a man made canal that follows the trail. At 1600, the GPT track seems to be CC, we followed the trail which turns sharply to right to a puesto and then joins the first X waypoint on the RR going SOBO.<br /> <br /> Next day, the walk down to Los Quenes was uneventful. Met a family on horses who wanted to go to the Lagoonas del Teno (we told them it is probably possible but are not sure) and hitched the last 4 km (deeper in the valley, there was no traffic our direction). Then we took bus at 1400 to Curico.<br /> <br /> *'''2023-Jan-10 5 days RR SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Stayed at hut on the ridge above Rio Claro (after ford) reached in 1 very long day. It's used by arrieros but there was no one there. The descent to Rio Negro was a bit sketchy in places, hardly any trail &amp; eroded but it improves as you go down. Rio Claro ford was OK. Forded Rio Negro in afternoon, it was pretty far from OK. The water was waist deep &amp; breaking over me in a wave, nearly knocking me over but I hung onto a submerged boulder in midstream. The most difficult crossing I had on GPT1-40. Cross early in the morning if you can. After Rio Negro you traverse through a small gully, it looks sketchy but is OK if you cross on RR. On the ridge after &amp; above the small gully look for cairns which mark where you descend into the big gully. You can't continue along the ridge as it cliffs out. I don't think the descent is really difficult or dangerous (others may disagree) but it's very slow &amp; awkward going. When you are low in the gully be sure to stay on RR which traverses out left. If you continue directly down to Rio Colorado there are a few gullys perpendicular to the Rio Colorado valley. They are very steep sided &amp; you can only cross them by staying on RR. Stayed at hut before Rio Colorado bridge, it's 1 KM off the RR. Again it is used by arrieros but there was no one there. As I was leaving in the morning I saw them coming in.<br /> <br /> Followed Tomas's suggestion &amp; found a good track all the way to Lake 2300M. After the lake don't ascend by the waterfall which is steep &amp; nasty. Instead, at the lake looking towards the waterfall go up a small ridge on the RHS of lake, then traverse left to come in above the waterfall on its right. Cross the stream above the waterfall &amp; find a small horse trail which goes through a breach in the cliff &amp; leads to open ground on the way to the pass. This option bypasses all the nasty &amp; loose scree &amp; is much easier. Saw about 30 condors feasting on a carcass near the pass. Met the guards @ Laguna Mondaca, they were very hospitable as detailed by Kris &amp; Stiina. The 1000M climb to the pass after Laguna Mondaca is steep, sandy &amp; without shade or water, best tackled early in the morning. I continued out to Parque Ingles in 1 long day from Laguna Mondaca. Although I walked GPT5 &amp; 6 separately it was no drama as the section from Parque Ingles to/from El Bolson is very quick &amp; easy. The last bus was gone but it was easy to hitch out. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-23 to 2022-Dec-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I combined with GPT 06 (info for that section there).<br /> <br /> First about 30 km is basicaly a minor dirt road (with no traffic), there is plenty of water (but from the last bridge almost to first ford, there is no water - you are in a valley but on a ridge), a cherry tree 15 km in. After 10.km or so it starts to be scenic (and the road more trail-like and less-road like). Cell coverage for about 5 km until a big hazelnut orchard. This can be walked in one day, it is really easy and straightforward so a speed of 4 km/hour is easily maintained. Then it starts :-). Until above Rio Negro, the trail is mostly there. And it is quite doable to reach Rio Negro in two (long) days. In the morning (9AM), the water is just knee deep, I crossed where Martin and Helena did. I agree the descent is quite ok (during daylight!).<br /> <br /> From there, the traverse to Rio Colorado is annoying, slow and fully CC. One really needs to go down that gulley. I would not say it is very dangerous but care is certainly needed and slips could result in broken limbs. The bridge is there, with nice tress to have lunch under. The bridge looks quite solid and there is a puesto nearby, so I guess it is maintained. Rio Colorado could be forded in the morning I guess if needed (especially more upstream), but I am glad the bridge was there. From the bridge about 500 metres are annoying, one needs to get on top of the plateau across from the puesto. From there on, there is a fairly decent horse trail all the way to about 2300 where there is a lake with a beach. I am not sure I understand my predecesors, I think they must have missed it, the first half of the trail is accurate with the GPX though. The second half (when it goes from the river to the lake and to the pass), one needs to go lower than the GPX.<br /> <br /> Just after the crossroads where one trail goes to the litle Descabezado, there is a warm slow stream. I could not tell if it was thermal or sun-warmed.<br /> <br /> The descent to Mondaca is quite long and the trail is not always clear, but no climbing is needed, there is always a way. There is a signpost saying it is private in the middle of the valley. The fords are all manageable. I waved at an arriero before the private huts (the huts are by the lake). In the huts, I have not met anybody but it seemed someone might have been inside.<br /> <br /> I agree that the comnecting trail to Thermas Azufre is annoying. It involves two fords that are not nice in the evening. I avoided them by going up on the slope on west side of the valley, but I do not recommend it, better to ford and stay in the valley. I do not think there is a trail as such: just CC.<br /> <br /> Took me five days to get to Thermas Azufre, met nobody apart from the ariero mentioned above. I recommend to time it so that you can sleep at the Thermas, there are about five or six places for a tent. Being in the pool and looking at the stars is really nice.<br /> <br /> I would argue this section is not that extraordinarily hard now that there is a bridge, but it is more demanding than the others so far.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-12 to 2022-Dec-17 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Just like many others we chose to combine sections 5 and 6 with expected 8 days on the way, in reality it was about a half day longer. We have to agree with previous comments about the difficulty, eventhough we were prepared for it and expected the worst really which helped a lot after all.<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Quenes we followed the RR and after the gate next to the camp we run into a barbed wire fence that is restricting access to the RR, probably new construction site based on a sign we saw there. Its no problem, just follow the main car road the whole time. Its really nice walking for quite a long time, all the marked gates were opened. First river crossing was no problem in the evening, nice camp place a few minutes later with amazing views. First pass also ok, no one at the puesto.<br /> <br /> Second ford also ok at km 45, than CC section and descent to Rio Negro which was not so bad as expected, it gets steep but still ok. The river seemed to be pretty fast in the evening so there was no point in trying it, we waited until the morning and found actually a few nice places to cross (one with a small island in the middle where the river gets wider). The descent to valley of Rio Colorado took us a loong time, you have to be really careful and go slowly. We went through the gully most of the time. Its a long way until the bridge, but its there, safe to cross.<br /> <br /> The worst part for us was the traverse after the bridge and climb up where we lost the trail a few times and got into some steep sections with all the falling rocks and scree, not so safe in some places but there are probably better ways to find. On the way up you have to cross multiple river basins which is really exhausting, it worked for us to go more up the hill where it wasn’t so steep but still necessary to be careful. It hapenned to us more than once that really big rocks fell down under our legs or solid looking rocks we were holding onto just fell away - not much you can do after it.<br /> <br /> After the valley it gets much more interesting and trail is in good condition. Regarding the Mondaca valley - we were seen by an arriero close to the river but with no reaction, we havent met anyone near the guards houses as well so overall no problem with the right of way. Good camp place at the end of the valley.<br /> <br /> One last unpleasant part was the connection between the sections 5 and 6 - after multiple river crossings we were following the RR to connect to the climb up but got into a really steep section, again nothing funny. It might be better to follow the other trail that we saw in both garmin and our smartphone apps. These two go all the time next to each other but in this specific case it might be better to follow the other one as it connects to the climb earlier.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either. <br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 5 + 6) / Hiking / SOBO/ Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Six (hard) days for this section. After the first pass there was a tiny snowfield to cross, nothing to worry about. River crossings didn't cause any problems. The bridge Puente Las Yeguas was in excellent condition. The navigation through the cross country parts was quite demanding and took us a lot of time. Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Transport to and from Route&quot;).<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 / 8 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH to the Hot Springs / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> 7 nights 8 days for us. Super tough section. The entire area around Rio Colorado is extremely challenging; down &amp; up. We went the alternate route to the Hot Springs. (OH-CC-A@05-C-#001). I was tough with multiple steep gullies, then we got there to see the hot springs were COLD. Then the optional hike to<br /> Re connect with the RR from the hot springs (OH-CC-A@05-E-#002) was completely impassable. I didn’t go all the way up to the canyon wall. All I could see were route that would take some serious climbing. We had to down climb and take the lower route to climb up again. Property dispute near Volcan Mondaco had no problems. Quiet and didn’t seem like anybody was there for us. Parque Inglés - Molina Bus leaves at 7 am on the weekdays, we hitchhiked.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional to meet optional start of GPT06/ Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> It took us 5 days including 1 zero due to bad weather. <br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates for GPT05. Cross country sections were difficult, but in some of them we managed to find old unused trails which worked for us. <br /> River crossings - Rio Claro in the afternoon was ok. Rio Negro in the afternoon was REALLY challenging, almost not doable. After hour of trying we managed to find one spot we could cross. I wouldn't want to cross Rio Colorado without that bridge at any time. <br /> Optional trail to meet optional start of section 6 was fine in the valley. Problem was to connect it to the climb. We had to climb very steep slope to get there. From that point trail was in good condition.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-19 / 8,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Melissa'''<br /> <br /> It took me 6 full days (5-9 hrs hiking) and 1 1/2 day (3 hrs.) not including 1 day of 0 hiking due to weather-rain and needing rest. Route finding, the three inclines of over 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile was insane, terrain-gotta love sand. The entire incline up Las Animas white crumbly/soft sand and make sure you have plenty of water here because the white reflecting sand and sun can easily dehydrate you and there is nowhere to get water except this flat section near the top that has very little stream from snow melt. Crumbling rock/scree that is barely able to be hiked up with a waterfall in between after think it was called Laguna Grande tracks #61.7-67.2 end of that track. Take the route up to the left where the rock is tan don’t hike up the black it’s dangerously eroding. The gps was not helpful in that section because all three directions seemed correct (right,left or up the waterfall). I had no issues with right of way dispute. I agree with all that is stated above. Very hard and challenging section.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Quentin Clavel (2024-apr-09) <br /> Los Quienes : at least two supermercados with good resupplies (enough for me, almost everything you need). <br /> Few cabanas, I've been at the cabanas Tia Ely, just next to the supermercado Claudia (when you face the carabineros, on the right side, 50m after the curve). <br /> 40K for cabana, 15k for a room. +5k for breakfast. Lovely people. They didn't charged me for cleaning my clothes in their washing machine. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat, in the restaurant, that is mostly used by the workers, it seems like a cafeteria and it's quite ok. Pizzeria is not perfect but doing the job. There's a Feria as well with few food trucks, but everything was closed when I was there. <br /> <br /> * 2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina<br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks.<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus timetable Curico to Los Queñes obtained in January 2020<br /> [[:File:CuricoQuenes.jpg]]<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-8 <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Access to route&quot;).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT05 - Río Colorado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt 05.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Volcán Planchón]] from GPT05, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/6-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse]]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT05_(Rio_Colorado)&diff=122444 2025-08-09T21:29:29Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT05 Regular Route: The updated regular route now follows the upper Rio Colorado and avoids the demanding Cuesta Las Perdices where some hikers struggled. The updated regular route also eliminates the need to cross the bridge of Rio Colorado that get disassembled in autumn and reassembled in late spring or early summer. The updated regular route seems also more attractive with plenty of camp sites and two hot springs. Fording Rio Colorado high up seams feasible during most of the hiking season. <br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Variant B and Option 3 (Paso El Campanario): Fording Rio Negro is often very challenging and dangerous especially in spring and summer. Based on accounts from locals the route Paso El Campanario was used to move animals until about 2 decades ago. This route crosses Rio Negro higher up in a sediment area where fording should be somewhat easier. The 1000 m ascent to Paso El Campanario looks demanding but not impossible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> - GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno): This option is clearly more scenic when compared with the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): See comments and recommendation at [[www.wikiexplora.com/GPT06]].<br /> <br /> - It is unclear how tolerant Argentine border police treats hikers that sneak through Argentine territory east of vulcano Planchon-Peteroa. There is a special arrangement between Chile and Argentina that permits the Chilean arrieros of Valle Grande to cross at Paso Vergara by car from Chile to Argentina and drive 15 or 20 km though Argentina before re-entering Chile at an informal border crossing just north of Valle Grande. But I'm unsure if this applies also to &quot;lost hikers&quot;. Anyway, in case of an emergency crossing into Argentina from Valle Grande is probably an option. In this case &quot;lost hikers&quot; are probably returned via Paso Vergara to Chile. Also, climbers from Chile and Argentina get from both sides of the border up to the summit of Volcano Planchon and there seams little dispute over this. Trails crossing the border are clearly visible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 / 1 day / Hiking / Sobo / RR + Var H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Hiked GPT 6 and also did the GPT 5 part from Laguna las Animas to Laguna Mondaca. Good trail, very steep in deep sand. Hiked Var H to reach Termas de Azufre. It goes CC through a big boulderfield. Slow progression, but not really difficult. Rivercrossing was knee deep and had a strong current. But it's very hard to reach the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre. The lower part is badly eroded. Followed the suggestion of the GPT track. The mountainside is extremely steep with loose ground. Due to very few vegetation in combined with loose ground it was dangerous to climb up, slipped sometimes. Don't recommend it - maybe there is a better opportunity?<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-21 to 2024-12-25 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Ford [68.9/2340] (Rio San Pedro) / Dorota'''<br /> Generally, very extreme stage, especially for women alone of 1.64 cm height. <br /> I started in Quénes, which in this period was very empty. I passed the night in the restaurant in front of the pizzeria, but I could not recommend it. 20.000 clp with cold water. First, for MR, it was very easy, but you needed to take water. But then difficulties started. First, passing Río Colorado [33.1/1455]. I tried to cross it in the evening. I crossed one bank, but the other was not. So I put my tent between the banks, which was not safe. In the morning, I went upstream and I found a better place for crossing the river using mainly rocks. But still, it was exhausting. All operations took me one hour. And after that, I was so tired that I slept for one hour. Other fords [45.2/1919] (Río Baroso) and [51.2/1940] (Río Negro) were also difficult for me - the water was to knee level. There was a very good bridge on Río Colorado (55.0). But the descent to the valley of Rio Colorado was very demanding. At point -35.32681, -70.65340, it starts downhill to Río. At the start, I could not find a safe way of going down because the track leads you into hell. But after that, at a point below, I found a sign of the route (acouple of rocks). The ascent after it is also demanding because of navigation. All the time, I was checking the route on GPS. Finally, my adventure with stage 5 finished at km 68.9/2340 Río San Pedro. I tried to cross it in the afternoon, but I fell into the river because of the strong current. The level was only to the knee. I put up my tent. Very early in the morning, I tried again. After two steps, I fell into the river and started going down. I thought that it was my end. Trying to catch any rock, I lost my sticks. Finally, I was rescued. I was frightened, wet, and felt very cold. I put up my tent and for the whole day thought about what to do. Without sticks, I could not cross any river, and I still had 13 km to join stage 6 and cross the river. Each option had rivers. The next day, in the morning, I put a signal SOS on my reach. After two hours, a helicopter with three soldiers came. They took me to the hospital in Curicó. Despite the fact that I did not have any injuries. It is a procedure. In the hospital, they took me to the emergency room, made an examination, and gave me electrolytes. In this hospital, it was the first rescue . Everybody was interested in me, which was really embarrassing. Then, the carabineros went to make a report. In the hospital, they were very polite, also the carabineros. After that, they took me to a hostel. After the accident, I did not know what to do and for a month had something like a type of trauma that something could happen again. Finally, I decided to continue stage 6 from the start. But I registered at the point of the carabineros, the same carabineros which were in the hospital. They took my data and each day I sent them information that everything was okay. They said to me that if they did not have a signal, they would start a rescue. I made stage 6 to Termas but again I could not cross the river near Termas because of trauma de rios. I came back and I met Peggy at Laguna Animas. We continued together and step by step I started to think that I still could continue the trail.<br /> After 2 months (25.02.2025) from this accident, I know why it happened. And it is not easy to share such a type of accident. But I hope that this description could help other persons.<br /> I did not have any experience with crossing rivers. I made it wrong. Now I can cross this river without any problem. Also, this stage is very exhaustive because of the terrain. So after a few days on this stage, my muscles were not strong enough to confront the strong current. My recommendation especially for women solo: try to find anybody who teaches you but practically not theoretically how to cross rivers. Now I am on stage 21 and I am really happy that I have decided to continue the trail.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 to 2025-FEB-15 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Martin '''<br /> <br /> Inspired fellow Czechs in December, I combined GPT05 and GPT06 and took food for 6 days. <br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> Started 3 pm from Los Queñes, hiked around 23 km. Camped a km or two after a puesto. When it was getting dark, a group of people on horses appeared. Around 15 of them including kids. I asked if it’s ok to camp there. The owner arrived a but later (he was with the group) and was friendly and sure I can camp. It felt good to have permission. Their trip would be 9 days, including crossing over to Argentina. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> Still quite easy until the last puesto. Then it got harder. Eventually got down to Rio Negro which seemed pretty wild. Hopefully it would be better in the morning. I camped on the only patch of semi-flat ground clear of vegetation I could find. <br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> Crossed Rio Negro in the morning. Much more tame compared to the previous evening. Then began one of the hardest parts. When going down towards Rio Colorado, at one point I reached dense vegetation. So I thought what if I go all the way down and go along the river. Well, there is a reason it goes how it goes - at the river bed soon I was blocked by a cliff. So I had to scramble up again and carry on. <br /> <br /> Around Rio Colorado, the first 1 km was terrible. But then it was mostly quite a good trail. With some exceptions. The most difficult parts are the dry river beds you need to cross. <br /> <br /> Then the ascend to the lake - the first 1 km was hard, just straight up, no trail. But then there is trail and it’s easy (but hard because of gravitation of course). I camped at the lake. I was worried about wind. There are no stones, but the ground is pretty solid to hole stakes. Also, the wind tends to die down in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> I thought now it would be easy, but no such luck. Some parts were ok, others were harder - either plain full of rocks, or wide river beds. When I got to the puesto with right of way dispute (after km 83), I saw a guy and almost passed unnoticed, but then his dogs gave me away. He was friendly, but we didn’t share a common language. No issue. <br /> <br /> Then a bit later, there are some huts. There were two flags - one Chilean and one “Trump”. I was glad I didn’t see anybody there. <br /> <br /> Around 5 I got to option H to connect to GPT06. One hour later I got to the GPT06 Trailhead point. That part is a bit sketchy as you need to scramble up.<br /> <br /> Overall I found it very challenging, so no complaints about the classification of 6/5 from me. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-16 to 2024-01-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR &amp; variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> GPT05 was tough but not as challenging as expected. <br /> <br /> Much more water available than waypoints. <br /> <br /> Little trail available between Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, but decent, improving trail after Rio Colorado.<br /> <br /> Upper puesto along Estero San Jose wasn't yet built for the season. Didn't have issues at lower puesto with indicated right of way issues, met arriero who was very nice.<br /> <br /> Variant H connecting GPT05 to GPT06 has one very steep section with clambering.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-06 &gt; 09 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR&gt;Variante Volcan Colorado / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : riviere puissante<br /> <br /> Les 30 premiers km sont monotone. Mais c'est de plus en plus sauvage et jolie. J'ai dormi avant le rio Negro qui etait trop violent en fin de journee. Les descentes avant et apres le rio Negro sont très dangereuses.<br /> Il y a un pont sur le rio Colorado, heureusement car le torrent est infranchissable a pied.<br /> La variante etait magnifique, beaucoup de neige et le col a 3000 etait tres enneigé. La fonte de la neige crée des trou qui complique la marche, mais il faut juste ralentir le rythme et ca se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-1 to 2024-DEC-5 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined stages GPT05 + GPT06, taking food for 6 days. GPT05 was a beautiful and challenging stage, where fords were a daily routine. We started with a two-hour evening hike from Los Queñes. We bivouacked here [-35.0616712, -70.8124902]. We continued along a minor road to the intersection [32.1/1509]. At the originally marked ford [17.1/1075], there is now a bridge - we did not ford. We managed the marked ford [23.5+1.7] with dry feet. However, we waded through a rather challenging ford [33.1/1455] at Rio Claro. The water reached waist level for my height of 178 cm. It is definitely better to walk 200 m upstream and wade twice - across the main river and then its tributary. A little past the pass [40.7/2354], where there was only a bit of snow, there is another ford [45.2/1919] (Rio Barroso) and then [51.2/1940] (Rio Negro). Both were not particularly difficult. There is a nice grassy bivouac at the puesto [37.0/1927] (Vacas Gordas). One of the most challenging parts of this stage is the CC descent into the Río Colorado valley. This is a very steep slope, where moving down is essentially sliding on gravel. Be careful. Fortunately, the key bridge over the roaring and absolutely uncrossable Río Colorado [55.0/1468] (Puente Las Yeguas) was there, allowing us to cross the river safely. The ascent from the river valley is not as difficult as the descent into it. The plateau around lake [16.3+0.2/2499] was completely covered in snow, and we were once again grateful for our microspikes. From this plateau, there is also a magnificent view of the mountain Descabezado Grande (3953 m above sea level), which is passed in GPT06. As we descended toward Laguna Mondaca, the landscape is dominated by basalt columns on the surrounding hills. Under one such rock, there is a beautiful bivouac at -35.43769, -70.66022. In this valley, there are a total of three fords [68.8/2340] (Rio San Pedro), [81.0/1604] (Estero San Jose), and then [83.0/1465]. All three were knee-deep at most for my height, making them safely fordable. After Laguna Mondaca, we first safely waded the low ford [24.6+2.6/1480] (Estero Volcan) and then disconnected from the main route at the intersection [87.9/1632] to connect to GPT06 via variant H. We managed the ford [23.5+1.7/1613] with dry feet. In the Estero Volcan river valley, we went CC over several fords until we reached the Trailhead {06} [25.1+0.8/1725]. These fords recorded in the track files did not correspond to reality. The river in the wide riverbed was braiding in its sediments and often flowed differently. However, there were a total of four fords over almost two kilometers, with the highest being just above knee level. At the thermal springs [27.4/1986] (Hot Spring del Azufre), we took a dip in the warm water and then continued south on GPT06.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-05 to 2024-04-08 // 3,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // variant H + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I combined the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> After reaching the thermals del Azufre, I took the variant H to link these two sections. On this variant the path is less visible, you somehow can follow cow track then it goes very down on a pretty steep ridge to the valley. CC on the valley then leaving the river bed to go a little bit higher and reach the GPT 5. This variant is a bit annoying, but doable. <br /> <br /> When you reach the GPT5, there's a better marked track, still very sandy, you'll follow it until reaching the private property near Lago Mondaca. I conturned it around the fences and haven't seen anyone around. Later one you reach the puesto with a right of way. <br /> <br /> Same method, I conturned it, but there was a lot of movement at this place, with lot of horses and people around. I saluate them nicely, and the right of way turning into an unexpected hospitable invitation ! <br /> <br /> 6 arierros were there, in the puesto of Ricardo, doing a break of few days before guiding a big group of cows (470 animals !) down the valley. They gave me juice, cazuella, mate, bread, harina tostada, and I had to stop them because my bag begun to be too heavy aha ! Amazing stop, great discussions, but I'm quite sure that if Ricardo were alone he wouldn't invited me like that ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, that was a very good surprise of this section ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw valleys and pass and was absolutely amazed by the geological formations up there ! I had the feeling to be in Game of Thrones ! <br /> <br /> Until the lake KM 66,65, you'll find a track, sometimes you'll lose it, but find it again. You'll have wet feets on this stretch ! Lots of river and wetland to pass, but no-one were bad at this time of the season. <br /> <br /> Then, from this lake, the track will be harder to find, it's a combination of CC, your own judgement of following what looks like a trail, and an horse trail that is sometimes appearing. <br /> <br /> After the second lake at 2300m, there's a clear trail and then you'll reach some gullies that are a bit annoying and where track disappear. Just go slowly and be careful where you put your feets as it move quite easily, lot of falling rocks and quite unstable ground. I didn't followed exactly the RR but more my instinct and what looks like more safely there. <br /> <br /> All the way along Rio Colorado is slow and you have to be a bit careful as it's slippery, but a cow track is there. It's only the 500 last meters that are a bit annoying, but I was expecting worse. Going from higher helps you to see where to pass, should be harder SOBO. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the puente Las Yeguas, and another surprise : there were no more puente ahaha ! All the planks were retired from the bridge and putted nicely and the side of the riverbank. Some people worked on it apparently, and will rebuild it when the winter will be over I guess. I just arrived too late on the season at this stretch. <br /> <br /> After long time of reflexion of what I should do, I walk a bit higher to check how looked like the Rio Colorado. It was very powerful, but 300m upstream there were a small island and the current where divided into 3 branches. I backtracked at that point and tried to cross this monster. <br /> <br /> I managed to do it, but it was savage, strong current, water going on me by waves, and big adrenaline moment. No doubt the hardest river of this GPT by far ! <br /> <br /> I continued on what was the hardest part of the section, all in CC, with big gullies to pass threw followed by a tuff and very steep ascent. Some people mentionned cairns here. I haven't seen any and was hiking straight to the top on a very demanding effort ! <br /> <br /> From there it's easier imo. Still on CC but following the RR and everything is gonna be alright, especially on the last big gully to pass before Rio negro, follow as close as possible the RR, that's where you'll passed it. <br /> <br /> I camped next to Rio negro and passed it the day after without any troubles. Then it's new ascent on CC, and when you'll arrive at the top KM48, the track is appearing again. You've made the hardest part of this section. From there, it's gonna be from better to better. <br /> <br /> Going on a little track, then on a more marked one (KM40), and finally on a large one that turns into gravel road for the last kilometers until Los Quienes. <br /> <br /> Ar los Quienes, I had a proper rest, well needed after this exhausting but beautiful section (GPT6 + 5). At this tiny city you'll find accomodation (from the end of the section, turn right on the road in front of the carabineros, at the end of the curve you'll find a place with kind of a food truck, there is accomodation for 15K CLP for a room. In front you have supermercado. Going back to carabineros and continuing on the road you'll find other mercados, pizzería, restaurant, there's a feria with few food trucks and a cafe. Perfect place to spend some time. It's been a while that I haven't passed threw a &quot;city&quot; that big and with that choice for food and rest ahaha. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-March-26 to 2023-April-02 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + C + D + F / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> My plan was to follow Alex and Andreys footsteps, but i had to descent rather quickly because of coming bad weather (snow, strong wind etc) at Laguna aquas calientes.<br /> Until Rio Negro it's kinda &quot;easy&quot; cause you will find yourself mostly on a trail. Gully wasn't that bad, but finding an alternative way through the landslide later was tough. I almost turned back after a failed scary first attempt. I would say it's dangerous, cause it's steep and everywhere super loose sand. Rocks/stones won't stay in place and it's tough to get out once you enter the steep sandy part. Choose your spot wisely!! Cross country was a lot more demanding than I thought. It will drain your battery also a lot faster cause you have to check super frequently. Once you reach the volcanic landscape expect strong wind. Sand on steep slopes will make it difficult to go as fast as you may want to. Because of the weather i had to go through Laguna Mondaca. I explained my situation to the guys there, they didn't really seem to care and gave me the permission to cross their property. Do not walk next to the dried out lake (check map) if the sand is still wet. You will sink in up to your hips. Pain in the ass to get out. The 1k elevation gain out of the valley is slooooow. Too much sand. The park around El bolson was closed. CONAF Guards called me a fanatic after they figured out my route. In April there are no buses going to park Ingles, so you have to walk and try to hitchhike your way out.<br /> It was a beautiful hike, especially the valley around Rio Colorado was great. But i am not sure if i have ever done such an demanding hike. I would recommend to do it in a team of 2 and not alone. I will appreciate proper trails from now on a lot more :)<br /> <br /> * SOBO 13.03 -19.03.2024<br /> 6 days, 167 km, Ascent 7.619m<br /> Alex + Andrey<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Very Difficult (mostly due the long CC sections, would give 4 from 5 for this variant, not 6 (if you are not going to kill yourself attempting to ford rio Colorado down the valley).<br /> <br /> GPT05:<br /> <br /> RR until the bridge<br /> <br /> Variant C<br /> <br /> Variant D<br /> <br /> Variant F<br /> <br /> GPT06:<br /> <br /> Option 02<br /> <br /> “Natalie - Thomas” traverse<br /> <br /> Option 03 (exploration and suggestions)<br /> <br /> RR from approx X {06} [57.3/2073]<br /> <br /> I published a detailed track on wikiloc with many photos and explanations:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/desolation-traverse-los-quenes-rio-colorado-descabezado-plateau-central-los-cipreses-164709363<br /> <br /> Summary:<br /> The famous gully “Cuesta La Hormiga” is not very difficult and pretty safe, the subsequent CC traverse is annoying.<br /> Part of the path is now destroyed due to the 2023 winter storms, detours are required.<br /> The bridge (Rio Colorado) is gone. And it is not clear whether it will be restored in the future. The Colorado River Valley looks abandoned and partially overgrown up to wp Hot Springs1.<br /> Even if the bridge were in place, I think that our option (Variant C, Variant, Variant F/Variant D) is easier, more spectacular, safer and overall better than RR<br /> Fording the Rio Colorado was very easy, less than knee deep.<br /> At the farthest point of the Colorado River Valley, the trail crosses a remote but fully operable (we met a fly-fishing team in a Toyota Prado) 4x4 road from Argentina, which is worth keeping in mind in case of emergency or rescue (marked in the track)<br /> We completed the “Avoid Don Victor” option for GPT06 without visiting Banos del Blanquillo, combining the “Natalie - Thomas” traverse with Option03. I can recommend after waypoint “Pass in the rock belt. Easy descent to Laguna Caracol” just descend west about 5-6 km to the lagoon not to miss this magnificent place.<br /> Thanks to all folks who shared their information and suggestions!❤️<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 to 2023-Jan-14 / 7 days / Hiking / Roundtrip via Planchon and back to Los Quenes / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We hitched easily all the way to Lagunas del Teno from Los Quenes with three cars. Buses from Curico to Los Quenes run as stated below, it was 2200 per person. The pizzeria in Los Quenes is not very good - premanufactured dough. Met two Germans doing hiking trips on GPT without knowing the acronym &quot;GPT&quot; - they were just using the OSM data. It was Saturday afternoon. Planchon seems to be a popular climbing spot, there was about 25 people around the lagoon who have mostly climbed Planchon that day (including a club of 15). Some people drive up just to have a look or barbecue. So Friday and likely Sunday would probably work well for hitchhiking, but there were people there also on weekdays. There are probably around 5 cars a day going to Argentina, we were told. The refuge seemed to be open but the people at the lagoon knew nothing about it. We slept in an old building probably used by the workers when constructing the dam. Despite an evening storm, it was very warm.<br /> <br /> Next day we walked towards Planchon - there is an easy trail skirting the lagoon, no need to go back to Refugio. The trail can probably be flooded when the lagoon is at its maximum level. There is an easy to follow trail all the way to the top where there is a logbook. There were lots of streams flowing to the lake and one not far from the trail at over 3000. Without backpack it took us about 3 hours to go up from there and back. The mountain has a tendency to cloud up early (2-5 pm). This section was easy so GPT difficulty probably at 4.<br /> <br /> A storm again came, we hid in a volcanic cave and then camped on the sand.<br /> <br /> The next day we went around Planchon to reach the caldera with crater lakes. We followed the old trail in OSM which is imprecise [2024: Tomáš since rerouted the OSM trail, it is more sensible now]. Only up until a volcanological measuring station, it was easy. From there it is pure cross-country. We side-hilled this traverse at about 3200 metres but it was a bad choice, too high. While traversing, it got steep with a number of hard to cross gulleys (with water and snow). We would advise to keep lower, especially given that going up the glacier stream needs to be on your left and we only found a suitable crossing at 2800 m. We would recommend to traverse the slopes of Planchon at about this altitude, it looked much less steep, so lower is more safe and faster despite the altitude loss. <br /> <br /> Once finished traversing and the ascent towards the crater began, we struggled finding the correct way because the osm trail was awful (it was pathless) and we had very low visibility due to clouds. We lost a lot of time so this section of about 3 km took us all day. We ended up taking a moraine ridge on the opposite side of the osm trail (other side of the glacier stream there) and made camp in the moraine at ~3200m before going up the final climb to the craters because of weather. Weather was worse the next day so we stayed in the tent, explored options of getting to the proper ridge of the caldera and finished the route the following day. In short the ridge you should aim for is; -35.22600, -70.58600. and the top of the caldera you should aim for is -35.22779, -70.58231. The rest of the ridge top of the caldera towards the crater lakes is slightly a knife ridge and the scramble down is loose.<br /> <br /> With good visibility and direction, one could probably reach the caldera within a half day if camping at the crossroads of the trail to the top and the round-trail.<br /> <br /> The caldera is beautiful, the lakes are lovely, you can pick your way through. We crossed the rim to Argentina and we went again to the south of the OSM trail as the pass was less steep. A side trip to the higher of Peteroa summits is easy, but you cannot get to the very top from this side or traverse, there is a vertical rock (about 20 m high) on the top that cannot be climbed easily nor can it be skirted around. Our original plan was to try and cross to Azufre but that is not possible through Peteroea, it is far too rocky. It might be possible going from the Chilian side directly to Azufre but frankly, it probably is not a walk up, the ridge from north looked rocky, the ridge from west looked much better but was steep, is hard to get to and we only saw it from afar. So best way to Azufre still looks like from Argentina.<br /> <br /> It clouded up at around 3 pm again. We descended via a trail from the rim to the Argentina border checkpoint. They sent us back to Chile when we said we came from the craters. I wonder if they would let us through if we said we came through the border crossing. They said they did not care how we would exit Argentina if we first cross to it via a an official crossing from Chile (we were mulling continuing the backroute on GPT05, which can be accessed about 10 km south of the checkpoint - there is no official crossing there). Chileans seemed unconcerned about the border, some even drive to the no-man's land between the crossings (police is ok with that apparently) and climb Planchon from there. Difficulty of the round-crossing via the route we took according to GPT scale is 7. With the proper trail, it would probably be 6.<br /> <br /> We used the road (no cars, super windy) and then a track on OSM just before the border to go back to the lagoon where we camped.<br /> <br /> Next day (The first nice day in 4 days), we started towards Los Quenes. The ascent to the pass from the lagoon is quite hard and involves either going up a very loose scree slope with lots of boulders or easy but vertical scramble of about 10 m. In all cases, the way seems to be so that you keep the creek to you left going uphill. Possibly keeping higher on the right slope would make it easier but we ended up climbing the rocks next to the small waterfall. The holds are green and firm, but it is ten vertical meters (difficulty 6 or seven probably). The valley has a small green patch though and is quite beautiful. Going the upper route as if climbing Planchon and then traversing would have been much easier (not as nice though). Once up the pass, a trail appears at 2900 and can be followed to about 1600 (the last three hundred vertical metres are a bit overgrown with meadow/hard to follow). The descent crossed a few streams. At roughly 1800, there is a man made canal that follows the trail. At 1600, the GPT track seems to be CC, we followed the trail which turns sharply to right to a puesto and then joins the first X waypoint on the RR going SOBO.<br /> <br /> Next day, the walk down to Los Quenes was uneventful. Met a family on horses who wanted to go to the Lagoonas del Teno (we told them it is probably possible but are not sure) and hitched the last 4 km (deeper in the valley, there was no traffic our direction). Then we took bus at 1400 to Curico.<br /> <br /> *'''2023-Jan-10 5 days RR SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Stayed at hut on the ridge above Rio Claro (after ford) reached in 1 very long day. It's used by arrieros but there was no one there. The descent to Rio Negro was a bit sketchy in places, hardly any trail &amp; eroded but it improves as you go down. Rio Claro ford was OK. Forded Rio Negro in afternoon, it was pretty far from OK. The water was waist deep &amp; breaking over me in a wave, nearly knocking me over but I hung onto a submerged boulder in midstream. The most difficult crossing I had on GPT1-40. Cross early in the morning if you can. After Rio Negro you traverse through a small gully, it looks sketchy but is OK if you cross on RR. On the ridge after &amp; above the small gully look for cairns which mark where you descend into the big gully. You can't continue along the ridge as it cliffs out. I don't think the descent is really difficult or dangerous (others may disagree) but it's very slow &amp; awkward going. When you are low in the gully be sure to stay on RR which traverses out left. If you continue directly down to Rio Colorado there are a few gullys perpendicular to the Rio Colorado valley. They are very steep sided &amp; you can only cross them by staying on RR. Stayed at hut before Rio Colorado bridge, it's 1 KM off the RR. Again it is used by arrieros but there was no one there. As I was leaving in the morning I saw them coming in.<br /> <br /> Followed Tomas's suggestion &amp; found a good track all the way to Lake 2300M. After the lake don't ascend by the waterfall which is steep &amp; nasty. Instead, at the lake looking towards the waterfall go up a small ridge on the RHS of lake, then traverse left to come in above the waterfall on its right. Cross the stream above the waterfall &amp; find a small horse trail which goes through a breach in the cliff &amp; leads to open ground on the way to the pass. This option bypasses all the nasty &amp; loose scree &amp; is much easier. Saw about 30 condors feasting on a carcass near the pass. Met the guards @ Laguna Mondaca, they were very hospitable as detailed by Kris &amp; Stiina. The 1000M climb to the pass after Laguna Mondaca is steep, sandy &amp; without shade or water, best tackled early in the morning. I continued out to Parque Ingles in 1 long day from Laguna Mondaca. Although I walked GPT5 &amp; 6 separately it was no drama as the section from Parque Ingles to/from El Bolson is very quick &amp; easy. The last bus was gone but it was easy to hitch out. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-23 to 2022-Dec-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I combined with GPT 06 (info for that section there).<br /> <br /> First about 30 km is basicaly a minor dirt road (with no traffic), there is plenty of water (but from the last bridge almost to first ford, there is no water - you are in a valley but on a ridge), a cherry tree 15 km in. After 10.km or so it starts to be scenic (and the road more trail-like and less-road like). Cell coverage for about 5 km until a big hazelnut orchard. This can be walked in one day, it is really easy and straightforward so a speed of 4 km/hour is easily maintained. Then it starts :-). Until above Rio Negro, the trail is mostly there. And it is quite doable to reach Rio Negro in two (long) days. In the morning (9AM), the water is just knee deep, I crossed where Martin and Helena did. I agree the descent is quite ok (during daylight!).<br /> <br /> From there, the traverse to Rio Colorado is annoying, slow and fully CC. One really needs to go down that gulley. I would not say it is very dangerous but care is certainly needed and slips could result in broken limbs. The bridge is there, with nice tress to have lunch under. The bridge looks quite solid and there is a puesto nearby, so I guess it is maintained. Rio Colorado could be forded in the morning I guess if needed (especially more upstream), but I am glad the bridge was there. From the bridge about 500 metres are annoying, one needs to get on top of the plateau across from the puesto. From there on, there is a fairly decent horse trail all the way to about 2300 where there is a lake with a beach. I am not sure I understand my predecesors, I think they must have missed it, the first half of the trail is accurate with the GPX though. The second half (when it goes from the river to the lake and to the pass), one needs to go lower than the GPX.<br /> <br /> Just after the crossroads where one trail goes to the litle Descabezado, there is a warm slow stream. I could not tell if it was thermal or sun-warmed.<br /> <br /> The descent to Mondaca is quite long and the trail is not always clear, but no climbing is needed, there is always a way. There is a signpost saying it is private in the middle of the valley. The fords are all manageable. I waved at an arriero before the private huts (the huts are by the lake). In the huts, I have not met anybody but it seemed someone might have been inside.<br /> <br /> I agree that the comnecting trail to Thermas Azufre is annoying. It involves two fords that are not nice in the evening. I avoided them by going up on the slope on west side of the valley, but I do not recommend it, better to ford and stay in the valley. I do not think there is a trail as such: just CC.<br /> <br /> Took me five days to get to Thermas Azufre, met nobody apart from the ariero mentioned above. I recommend to time it so that you can sleep at the Thermas, there are about five or six places for a tent. Being in the pool and looking at the stars is really nice.<br /> <br /> I would argue this section is not that extraordinarily hard now that there is a bridge, but it is more demanding than the others so far.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-12 to 2022-Dec-17 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Just like many others we chose to combine sections 5 and 6 with expected 8 days on the way, in reality it was about a half day longer. We have to agree with previous comments about the difficulty, eventhough we were prepared for it and expected the worst really which helped a lot after all.<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Quenes we followed the RR and after the gate next to the camp we run into a barbed wire fence that is restricting access to the RR, probably new construction site based on a sign we saw there. Its no problem, just follow the main car road the whole time. Its really nice walking for quite a long time, all the marked gates were opened. First river crossing was no problem in the evening, nice camp place a few minutes later with amazing views. First pass also ok, no one at the puesto.<br /> <br /> Second ford also ok at km 45, than CC section and descent to Rio Negro which was not so bad as expected, it gets steep but still ok. The river seemed to be pretty fast in the evening so there was no point in trying it, we waited until the morning and found actually a few nice places to cross (one with a small island in the middle where the river gets wider). The descent to valley of Rio Colorado took us a loong time, you have to be really careful and go slowly. We went through the gully most of the time. Its a long way until the bridge, but its there, safe to cross.<br /> <br /> The worst part for us was the traverse after the bridge and climb up where we lost the trail a few times and got into some steep sections with all the falling rocks and scree, not so safe in some places but there are probably better ways to find. On the way up you have to cross multiple river basins which is really exhausting, it worked for us to go more up the hill where it wasn’t so steep but still necessary to be careful. It hapenned to us more than once that really big rocks fell down under our legs or solid looking rocks we were holding onto just fell away - not much you can do after it.<br /> <br /> After the valley it gets much more interesting and trail is in good condition. Regarding the Mondaca valley - we were seen by an arriero close to the river but with no reaction, we havent met anyone near the guards houses as well so overall no problem with the right of way. Good camp place at the end of the valley.<br /> <br /> One last unpleasant part was the connection between the sections 5 and 6 - after multiple river crossings we were following the RR to connect to the climb up but got into a really steep section, again nothing funny. It might be better to follow the other trail that we saw in both garmin and our smartphone apps. These two go all the time next to each other but in this specific case it might be better to follow the other one as it connects to the climb earlier.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either. <br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 5 + 6) / Hiking / SOBO/ Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Six (hard) days for this section. After the first pass there was a tiny snowfield to cross, nothing to worry about. River crossings didn't cause any problems. The bridge Puente Las Yeguas was in excellent condition. The navigation through the cross country parts was quite demanding and took us a lot of time. Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Transport to and from Route&quot;).<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 / 8 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH to the Hot Springs / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> 7 nights 8 days for us. Super tough section. The entire area around Rio Colorado is extremely challenging; down &amp; up. We went the alternate route to the Hot Springs. (OH-CC-A@05-C-#001). I was tough with multiple steep gullies, then we got there to see the hot springs were COLD. Then the optional hike to<br /> Re connect with the RR from the hot springs (OH-CC-A@05-E-#002) was completely impassable. I didn’t go all the way up to the canyon wall. All I could see were route that would take some serious climbing. We had to down climb and take the lower route to climb up again. Property dispute near Volcan Mondaco had no problems. Quiet and didn’t seem like anybody was there for us. Parque Inglés - Molina Bus leaves at 7 am on the weekdays, we hitchhiked.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional to meet optional start of GPT06/ Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> It took us 5 days including 1 zero due to bad weather. <br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates for GPT05. Cross country sections were difficult, but in some of them we managed to find old unused trails which worked for us. <br /> River crossings - Rio Claro in the afternoon was ok. Rio Negro in the afternoon was REALLY challenging, almost not doable. After hour of trying we managed to find one spot we could cross. I wouldn't want to cross Rio Colorado without that bridge at any time. <br /> Optional trail to meet optional start of section 6 was fine in the valley. Problem was to connect it to the climb. We had to climb very steep slope to get there. From that point trail was in good condition.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-19 / 8,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Melissa'''<br /> <br /> It took me 6 full days (5-9 hrs hiking) and 1 1/2 day (3 hrs.) not including 1 day of 0 hiking due to weather-rain and needing rest. Route finding, the three inclines of over 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile was insane, terrain-gotta love sand. The entire incline up Las Animas white crumbly/soft sand and make sure you have plenty of water here because the white reflecting sand and sun can easily dehydrate you and there is nowhere to get water except this flat section near the top that has very little stream from snow melt. Crumbling rock/scree that is barely able to be hiked up with a waterfall in between after think it was called Laguna Grande tracks #61.7-67.2 end of that track. Take the route up to the left where the rock is tan don’t hike up the black it’s dangerously eroding. The gps was not helpful in that section because all three directions seemed correct (right,left or up the waterfall). I had no issues with right of way dispute. I agree with all that is stated above. Very hard and challenging section.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Quentin Clavel (2024-apr-09) <br /> Los Quienes : at least two supermercados with good resupplies (enough for me, almost everything you need). <br /> Few cabanas, I've been at the cabanas Tia Ely, just next to the supermercado Claudia (when you face the carabineros, on the right side, 50m after the curve). <br /> 40K for cabana, 15k for a room. +5k for breakfast. Lovely people. They didn't charged me for cleaning my clothes in their washing machine. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat, in the restaurant, that is mostly used by the workers, it seems like a cafeteria and it's quite ok. Pizzeria is not perfect but doing the job. There's a Feria as well with few food trucks, but everything was closed when I was there. <br /> <br /> * 2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina<br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks.<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus timetable Curico to Los Queñes obtained in January 2020<br /> [[:File:CuricoQuenes.jpg]]<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-8 <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Access to route&quot;).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT05 - Río Colorado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt 05.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Volcán Planchón]] from GPT05, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/6-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse]]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT05_(Rio_Colorado)&diff=122443 2025-08-09T21:28:56Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT05 Regular Route: The updated regular route now follows the upper Rio Colorado and avoids the demanding Cuesta Las Perdices where some hikers struggled. The updated regular route also eliminates the need to cross the bridge of Rio Colorado that get disassembled in autumn and reassembled in late spring or early summer. The updated regular route seems also more attractive with plenty of camp sites and two hot springs. Fording Rio Colorado high up seams feasible during most of the hiking season. <br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Variant B and Option 3 (Paso El Campanario): Fording Rio Negro is often very challenging and dangerous especially in spring and summer. Based on accounts from locals the route Paso El Campanario was used to move animals until about 2 decades ago. This route crosses Rio Negro higher up in a sediment area where fording should be somewhat easier. The 1000 m ascent to Paso El Campanario looks demanding but not impossible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> - GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno): This option is clearly more scenic when compared with the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): See comments and recommendation at www.wikiexplora.com/GPT06.<br /> <br /> - It is unclear how tolerant Argentine border police treats hikers that sneak through Argentine territory east of vulcano Planchon-Peteroa. There is a special arrangement between Chile and Argentina that permits the Chilean arrieros of Valle Grande to cross at Paso Vergara by car from Chile to Argentina and drive 15 or 20 km though Argentina before re-entering Chile at an informal border crossing just north of Valle Grande. But I'm unsure if this applies also to &quot;lost hikers&quot;. Anyway, in case of an emergency crossing into Argentina from Valle Grande is probably an option. In this case &quot;lost hikers&quot; are probably returned via Paso Vergara to Chile. Also, climbers from Chile and Argentina get from both sides of the border up to the summit of Volcano Planchon and there seams little dispute over this. Trails crossing the border are clearly visible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 / 1 day / Hiking / Sobo / RR + Var H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Hiked GPT 6 and also did the GPT 5 part from Laguna las Animas to Laguna Mondaca. Good trail, very steep in deep sand. Hiked Var H to reach Termas de Azufre. It goes CC through a big boulderfield. Slow progression, but not really difficult. Rivercrossing was knee deep and had a strong current. But it's very hard to reach the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre. The lower part is badly eroded. Followed the suggestion of the GPT track. The mountainside is extremely steep with loose ground. Due to very few vegetation in combined with loose ground it was dangerous to climb up, slipped sometimes. Don't recommend it - maybe there is a better opportunity?<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-21 to 2024-12-25 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Ford [68.9/2340] (Rio San Pedro) / Dorota'''<br /> Generally, very extreme stage, especially for women alone of 1.64 cm height. <br /> I started in Quénes, which in this period was very empty. I passed the night in the restaurant in front of the pizzeria, but I could not recommend it. 20.000 clp with cold water. First, for MR, it was very easy, but you needed to take water. But then difficulties started. First, passing Río Colorado [33.1/1455]. I tried to cross it in the evening. I crossed one bank, but the other was not. So I put my tent between the banks, which was not safe. In the morning, I went upstream and I found a better place for crossing the river using mainly rocks. But still, it was exhausting. All operations took me one hour. And after that, I was so tired that I slept for one hour. Other fords [45.2/1919] (Río Baroso) and [51.2/1940] (Río Negro) were also difficult for me - the water was to knee level. There was a very good bridge on Río Colorado (55.0). But the descent to the valley of Rio Colorado was very demanding. At point -35.32681, -70.65340, it starts downhill to Río. At the start, I could not find a safe way of going down because the track leads you into hell. But after that, at a point below, I found a sign of the route (acouple of rocks). The ascent after it is also demanding because of navigation. All the time, I was checking the route on GPS. Finally, my adventure with stage 5 finished at km 68.9/2340 Río San Pedro. I tried to cross it in the afternoon, but I fell into the river because of the strong current. The level was only to the knee. I put up my tent. Very early in the morning, I tried again. After two steps, I fell into the river and started going down. I thought that it was my end. Trying to catch any rock, I lost my sticks. Finally, I was rescued. I was frightened, wet, and felt very cold. I put up my tent and for the whole day thought about what to do. Without sticks, I could not cross any river, and I still had 13 km to join stage 6 and cross the river. Each option had rivers. The next day, in the morning, I put a signal SOS on my reach. After two hours, a helicopter with three soldiers came. They took me to the hospital in Curicó. Despite the fact that I did not have any injuries. It is a procedure. In the hospital, they took me to the emergency room, made an examination, and gave me electrolytes. In this hospital, it was the first rescue . Everybody was interested in me, which was really embarrassing. Then, the carabineros went to make a report. In the hospital, they were very polite, also the carabineros. After that, they took me to a hostel. After the accident, I did not know what to do and for a month had something like a type of trauma that something could happen again. Finally, I decided to continue stage 6 from the start. But I registered at the point of the carabineros, the same carabineros which were in the hospital. They took my data and each day I sent them information that everything was okay. They said to me that if they did not have a signal, they would start a rescue. I made stage 6 to Termas but again I could not cross the river near Termas because of trauma de rios. I came back and I met Peggy at Laguna Animas. We continued together and step by step I started to think that I still could continue the trail.<br /> After 2 months (25.02.2025) from this accident, I know why it happened. And it is not easy to share such a type of accident. But I hope that this description could help other persons.<br /> I did not have any experience with crossing rivers. I made it wrong. Now I can cross this river without any problem. Also, this stage is very exhaustive because of the terrain. So after a few days on this stage, my muscles were not strong enough to confront the strong current. My recommendation especially for women solo: try to find anybody who teaches you but practically not theoretically how to cross rivers. Now I am on stage 21 and I am really happy that I have decided to continue the trail.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 to 2025-FEB-15 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Martin '''<br /> <br /> Inspired fellow Czechs in December, I combined GPT05 and GPT06 and took food for 6 days. <br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> Started 3 pm from Los Queñes, hiked around 23 km. Camped a km or two after a puesto. When it was getting dark, a group of people on horses appeared. Around 15 of them including kids. I asked if it’s ok to camp there. The owner arrived a but later (he was with the group) and was friendly and sure I can camp. It felt good to have permission. Their trip would be 9 days, including crossing over to Argentina. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> Still quite easy until the last puesto. Then it got harder. Eventually got down to Rio Negro which seemed pretty wild. Hopefully it would be better in the morning. I camped on the only patch of semi-flat ground clear of vegetation I could find. <br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> Crossed Rio Negro in the morning. Much more tame compared to the previous evening. Then began one of the hardest parts. When going down towards Rio Colorado, at one point I reached dense vegetation. So I thought what if I go all the way down and go along the river. Well, there is a reason it goes how it goes - at the river bed soon I was blocked by a cliff. So I had to scramble up again and carry on. <br /> <br /> Around Rio Colorado, the first 1 km was terrible. But then it was mostly quite a good trail. With some exceptions. The most difficult parts are the dry river beds you need to cross. <br /> <br /> Then the ascend to the lake - the first 1 km was hard, just straight up, no trail. But then there is trail and it’s easy (but hard because of gravitation of course). I camped at the lake. I was worried about wind. There are no stones, but the ground is pretty solid to hole stakes. Also, the wind tends to die down in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> I thought now it would be easy, but no such luck. Some parts were ok, others were harder - either plain full of rocks, or wide river beds. When I got to the puesto with right of way dispute (after km 83), I saw a guy and almost passed unnoticed, but then his dogs gave me away. He was friendly, but we didn’t share a common language. No issue. <br /> <br /> Then a bit later, there are some huts. There were two flags - one Chilean and one “Trump”. I was glad I didn’t see anybody there. <br /> <br /> Around 5 I got to option H to connect to GPT06. One hour later I got to the GPT06 Trailhead point. That part is a bit sketchy as you need to scramble up.<br /> <br /> Overall I found it very challenging, so no complaints about the classification of 6/5 from me. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-16 to 2024-01-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR &amp; variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> GPT05 was tough but not as challenging as expected. <br /> <br /> Much more water available than waypoints. <br /> <br /> Little trail available between Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, but decent, improving trail after Rio Colorado.<br /> <br /> Upper puesto along Estero San Jose wasn't yet built for the season. Didn't have issues at lower puesto with indicated right of way issues, met arriero who was very nice.<br /> <br /> Variant H connecting GPT05 to GPT06 has one very steep section with clambering.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-06 &gt; 09 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR&gt;Variante Volcan Colorado / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : riviere puissante<br /> <br /> Les 30 premiers km sont monotone. Mais c'est de plus en plus sauvage et jolie. J'ai dormi avant le rio Negro qui etait trop violent en fin de journee. Les descentes avant et apres le rio Negro sont très dangereuses.<br /> Il y a un pont sur le rio Colorado, heureusement car le torrent est infranchissable a pied.<br /> La variante etait magnifique, beaucoup de neige et le col a 3000 etait tres enneigé. La fonte de la neige crée des trou qui complique la marche, mais il faut juste ralentir le rythme et ca se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-1 to 2024-DEC-5 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined stages GPT05 + GPT06, taking food for 6 days. GPT05 was a beautiful and challenging stage, where fords were a daily routine. We started with a two-hour evening hike from Los Queñes. We bivouacked here [-35.0616712, -70.8124902]. We continued along a minor road to the intersection [32.1/1509]. At the originally marked ford [17.1/1075], there is now a bridge - we did not ford. We managed the marked ford [23.5+1.7] with dry feet. However, we waded through a rather challenging ford [33.1/1455] at Rio Claro. The water reached waist level for my height of 178 cm. It is definitely better to walk 200 m upstream and wade twice - across the main river and then its tributary. A little past the pass [40.7/2354], where there was only a bit of snow, there is another ford [45.2/1919] (Rio Barroso) and then [51.2/1940] (Rio Negro). Both were not particularly difficult. There is a nice grassy bivouac at the puesto [37.0/1927] (Vacas Gordas). One of the most challenging parts of this stage is the CC descent into the Río Colorado valley. This is a very steep slope, where moving down is essentially sliding on gravel. Be careful. Fortunately, the key bridge over the roaring and absolutely uncrossable Río Colorado [55.0/1468] (Puente Las Yeguas) was there, allowing us to cross the river safely. The ascent from the river valley is not as difficult as the descent into it. The plateau around lake [16.3+0.2/2499] was completely covered in snow, and we were once again grateful for our microspikes. From this plateau, there is also a magnificent view of the mountain Descabezado Grande (3953 m above sea level), which is passed in GPT06. As we descended toward Laguna Mondaca, the landscape is dominated by basalt columns on the surrounding hills. Under one such rock, there is a beautiful bivouac at -35.43769, -70.66022. In this valley, there are a total of three fords [68.8/2340] (Rio San Pedro), [81.0/1604] (Estero San Jose), and then [83.0/1465]. All three were knee-deep at most for my height, making them safely fordable. After Laguna Mondaca, we first safely waded the low ford [24.6+2.6/1480] (Estero Volcan) and then disconnected from the main route at the intersection [87.9/1632] to connect to GPT06 via variant H. We managed the ford [23.5+1.7/1613] with dry feet. In the Estero Volcan river valley, we went CC over several fords until we reached the Trailhead {06} [25.1+0.8/1725]. These fords recorded in the track files did not correspond to reality. The river in the wide riverbed was braiding in its sediments and often flowed differently. However, there were a total of four fords over almost two kilometers, with the highest being just above knee level. At the thermal springs [27.4/1986] (Hot Spring del Azufre), we took a dip in the warm water and then continued south on GPT06.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-05 to 2024-04-08 // 3,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // variant H + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I combined the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> After reaching the thermals del Azufre, I took the variant H to link these two sections. On this variant the path is less visible, you somehow can follow cow track then it goes very down on a pretty steep ridge to the valley. CC on the valley then leaving the river bed to go a little bit higher and reach the GPT 5. This variant is a bit annoying, but doable. <br /> <br /> When you reach the GPT5, there's a better marked track, still very sandy, you'll follow it until reaching the private property near Lago Mondaca. I conturned it around the fences and haven't seen anyone around. Later one you reach the puesto with a right of way. <br /> <br /> Same method, I conturned it, but there was a lot of movement at this place, with lot of horses and people around. I saluate them nicely, and the right of way turning into an unexpected hospitable invitation ! <br /> <br /> 6 arierros were there, in the puesto of Ricardo, doing a break of few days before guiding a big group of cows (470 animals !) down the valley. They gave me juice, cazuella, mate, bread, harina tostada, and I had to stop them because my bag begun to be too heavy aha ! Amazing stop, great discussions, but I'm quite sure that if Ricardo were alone he wouldn't invited me like that ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, that was a very good surprise of this section ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw valleys and pass and was absolutely amazed by the geological formations up there ! I had the feeling to be in Game of Thrones ! <br /> <br /> Until the lake KM 66,65, you'll find a track, sometimes you'll lose it, but find it again. You'll have wet feets on this stretch ! Lots of river and wetland to pass, but no-one were bad at this time of the season. <br /> <br /> Then, from this lake, the track will be harder to find, it's a combination of CC, your own judgement of following what looks like a trail, and an horse trail that is sometimes appearing. <br /> <br /> After the second lake at 2300m, there's a clear trail and then you'll reach some gullies that are a bit annoying and where track disappear. Just go slowly and be careful where you put your feets as it move quite easily, lot of falling rocks and quite unstable ground. I didn't followed exactly the RR but more my instinct and what looks like more safely there. <br /> <br /> All the way along Rio Colorado is slow and you have to be a bit careful as it's slippery, but a cow track is there. It's only the 500 last meters that are a bit annoying, but I was expecting worse. Going from higher helps you to see where to pass, should be harder SOBO. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the puente Las Yeguas, and another surprise : there were no more puente ahaha ! All the planks were retired from the bridge and putted nicely and the side of the riverbank. Some people worked on it apparently, and will rebuild it when the winter will be over I guess. I just arrived too late on the season at this stretch. <br /> <br /> After long time of reflexion of what I should do, I walk a bit higher to check how looked like the Rio Colorado. It was very powerful, but 300m upstream there were a small island and the current where divided into 3 branches. I backtracked at that point and tried to cross this monster. <br /> <br /> I managed to do it, but it was savage, strong current, water going on me by waves, and big adrenaline moment. No doubt the hardest river of this GPT by far ! <br /> <br /> I continued on what was the hardest part of the section, all in CC, with big gullies to pass threw followed by a tuff and very steep ascent. Some people mentionned cairns here. I haven't seen any and was hiking straight to the top on a very demanding effort ! <br /> <br /> From there it's easier imo. Still on CC but following the RR and everything is gonna be alright, especially on the last big gully to pass before Rio negro, follow as close as possible the RR, that's where you'll passed it. <br /> <br /> I camped next to Rio negro and passed it the day after without any troubles. Then it's new ascent on CC, and when you'll arrive at the top KM48, the track is appearing again. You've made the hardest part of this section. From there, it's gonna be from better to better. <br /> <br /> Going on a little track, then on a more marked one (KM40), and finally on a large one that turns into gravel road for the last kilometers until Los Quienes. <br /> <br /> Ar los Quienes, I had a proper rest, well needed after this exhausting but beautiful section (GPT6 + 5). At this tiny city you'll find accomodation (from the end of the section, turn right on the road in front of the carabineros, at the end of the curve you'll find a place with kind of a food truck, there is accomodation for 15K CLP for a room. In front you have supermercado. Going back to carabineros and continuing on the road you'll find other mercados, pizzería, restaurant, there's a feria with few food trucks and a cafe. Perfect place to spend some time. It's been a while that I haven't passed threw a &quot;city&quot; that big and with that choice for food and rest ahaha. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-March-26 to 2023-April-02 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + C + D + F / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> My plan was to follow Alex and Andreys footsteps, but i had to descent rather quickly because of coming bad weather (snow, strong wind etc) at Laguna aquas calientes.<br /> Until Rio Negro it's kinda &quot;easy&quot; cause you will find yourself mostly on a trail. Gully wasn't that bad, but finding an alternative way through the landslide later was tough. I almost turned back after a failed scary first attempt. I would say it's dangerous, cause it's steep and everywhere super loose sand. Rocks/stones won't stay in place and it's tough to get out once you enter the steep sandy part. Choose your spot wisely!! Cross country was a lot more demanding than I thought. It will drain your battery also a lot faster cause you have to check super frequently. Once you reach the volcanic landscape expect strong wind. Sand on steep slopes will make it difficult to go as fast as you may want to. Because of the weather i had to go through Laguna Mondaca. I explained my situation to the guys there, they didn't really seem to care and gave me the permission to cross their property. Do not walk next to the dried out lake (check map) if the sand is still wet. You will sink in up to your hips. Pain in the ass to get out. The 1k elevation gain out of the valley is slooooow. Too much sand. The park around El bolson was closed. CONAF Guards called me a fanatic after they figured out my route. In April there are no buses going to park Ingles, so you have to walk and try to hitchhike your way out.<br /> It was a beautiful hike, especially the valley around Rio Colorado was great. But i am not sure if i have ever done such an demanding hike. I would recommend to do it in a team of 2 and not alone. I will appreciate proper trails from now on a lot more :)<br /> <br /> * SOBO 13.03 -19.03.2024<br /> 6 days, 167 km, Ascent 7.619m<br /> Alex + Andrey<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Very Difficult (mostly due the long CC sections, would give 4 from 5 for this variant, not 6 (if you are not going to kill yourself attempting to ford rio Colorado down the valley).<br /> <br /> GPT05:<br /> <br /> RR until the bridge<br /> <br /> Variant C<br /> <br /> Variant D<br /> <br /> Variant F<br /> <br /> GPT06:<br /> <br /> Option 02<br /> <br /> “Natalie - Thomas” traverse<br /> <br /> Option 03 (exploration and suggestions)<br /> <br /> RR from approx X {06} [57.3/2073]<br /> <br /> I published a detailed track on wikiloc with many photos and explanations:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/desolation-traverse-los-quenes-rio-colorado-descabezado-plateau-central-los-cipreses-164709363<br /> <br /> Summary:<br /> The famous gully “Cuesta La Hormiga” is not very difficult and pretty safe, the subsequent CC traverse is annoying.<br /> Part of the path is now destroyed due to the 2023 winter storms, detours are required.<br /> The bridge (Rio Colorado) is gone. And it is not clear whether it will be restored in the future. The Colorado River Valley looks abandoned and partially overgrown up to wp Hot Springs1.<br /> Even if the bridge were in place, I think that our option (Variant C, Variant, Variant F/Variant D) is easier, more spectacular, safer and overall better than RR<br /> Fording the Rio Colorado was very easy, less than knee deep.<br /> At the farthest point of the Colorado River Valley, the trail crosses a remote but fully operable (we met a fly-fishing team in a Toyota Prado) 4x4 road from Argentina, which is worth keeping in mind in case of emergency or rescue (marked in the track)<br /> We completed the “Avoid Don Victor” option for GPT06 without visiting Banos del Blanquillo, combining the “Natalie - Thomas” traverse with Option03. I can recommend after waypoint “Pass in the rock belt. Easy descent to Laguna Caracol” just descend west about 5-6 km to the lagoon not to miss this magnificent place.<br /> Thanks to all folks who shared their information and suggestions!❤️<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 to 2023-Jan-14 / 7 days / Hiking / Roundtrip via Planchon and back to Los Quenes / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We hitched easily all the way to Lagunas del Teno from Los Quenes with three cars. Buses from Curico to Los Quenes run as stated below, it was 2200 per person. The pizzeria in Los Quenes is not very good - premanufactured dough. Met two Germans doing hiking trips on GPT without knowing the acronym &quot;GPT&quot; - they were just using the OSM data. It was Saturday afternoon. Planchon seems to be a popular climbing spot, there was about 25 people around the lagoon who have mostly climbed Planchon that day (including a club of 15). Some people drive up just to have a look or barbecue. So Friday and likely Sunday would probably work well for hitchhiking, but there were people there also on weekdays. There are probably around 5 cars a day going to Argentina, we were told. The refuge seemed to be open but the people at the lagoon knew nothing about it. We slept in an old building probably used by the workers when constructing the dam. Despite an evening storm, it was very warm.<br /> <br /> Next day we walked towards Planchon - there is an easy trail skirting the lagoon, no need to go back to Refugio. The trail can probably be flooded when the lagoon is at its maximum level. There is an easy to follow trail all the way to the top where there is a logbook. There were lots of streams flowing to the lake and one not far from the trail at over 3000. Without backpack it took us about 3 hours to go up from there and back. The mountain has a tendency to cloud up early (2-5 pm). This section was easy so GPT difficulty probably at 4.<br /> <br /> A storm again came, we hid in a volcanic cave and then camped on the sand.<br /> <br /> The next day we went around Planchon to reach the caldera with crater lakes. We followed the old trail in OSM which is imprecise [2024: Tomáš since rerouted the OSM trail, it is more sensible now]. Only up until a volcanological measuring station, it was easy. From there it is pure cross-country. We side-hilled this traverse at about 3200 metres but it was a bad choice, too high. While traversing, it got steep with a number of hard to cross gulleys (with water and snow). We would advise to keep lower, especially given that going up the glacier stream needs to be on your left and we only found a suitable crossing at 2800 m. We would recommend to traverse the slopes of Planchon at about this altitude, it looked much less steep, so lower is more safe and faster despite the altitude loss. <br /> <br /> Once finished traversing and the ascent towards the crater began, we struggled finding the correct way because the osm trail was awful (it was pathless) and we had very low visibility due to clouds. We lost a lot of time so this section of about 3 km took us all day. We ended up taking a moraine ridge on the opposite side of the osm trail (other side of the glacier stream there) and made camp in the moraine at ~3200m before going up the final climb to the craters because of weather. Weather was worse the next day so we stayed in the tent, explored options of getting to the proper ridge of the caldera and finished the route the following day. In short the ridge you should aim for is; -35.22600, -70.58600. and the top of the caldera you should aim for is -35.22779, -70.58231. The rest of the ridge top of the caldera towards the crater lakes is slightly a knife ridge and the scramble down is loose.<br /> <br /> With good visibility and direction, one could probably reach the caldera within a half day if camping at the crossroads of the trail to the top and the round-trail.<br /> <br /> The caldera is beautiful, the lakes are lovely, you can pick your way through. We crossed the rim to Argentina and we went again to the south of the OSM trail as the pass was less steep. A side trip to the higher of Peteroa summits is easy, but you cannot get to the very top from this side or traverse, there is a vertical rock (about 20 m high) on the top that cannot be climbed easily nor can it be skirted around. Our original plan was to try and cross to Azufre but that is not possible through Peteroea, it is far too rocky. It might be possible going from the Chilian side directly to Azufre but frankly, it probably is not a walk up, the ridge from north looked rocky, the ridge from west looked much better but was steep, is hard to get to and we only saw it from afar. So best way to Azufre still looks like from Argentina.<br /> <br /> It clouded up at around 3 pm again. We descended via a trail from the rim to the Argentina border checkpoint. They sent us back to Chile when we said we came from the craters. I wonder if they would let us through if we said we came through the border crossing. They said they did not care how we would exit Argentina if we first cross to it via a an official crossing from Chile (we were mulling continuing the backroute on GPT05, which can be accessed about 10 km south of the checkpoint - there is no official crossing there). Chileans seemed unconcerned about the border, some even drive to the no-man's land between the crossings (police is ok with that apparently) and climb Planchon from there. Difficulty of the round-crossing via the route we took according to GPT scale is 7. With the proper trail, it would probably be 6.<br /> <br /> We used the road (no cars, super windy) and then a track on OSM just before the border to go back to the lagoon where we camped.<br /> <br /> Next day (The first nice day in 4 days), we started towards Los Quenes. The ascent to the pass from the lagoon is quite hard and involves either going up a very loose scree slope with lots of boulders or easy but vertical scramble of about 10 m. In all cases, the way seems to be so that you keep the creek to you left going uphill. Possibly keeping higher on the right slope would make it easier but we ended up climbing the rocks next to the small waterfall. The holds are green and firm, but it is ten vertical meters (difficulty 6 or seven probably). The valley has a small green patch though and is quite beautiful. Going the upper route as if climbing Planchon and then traversing would have been much easier (not as nice though). Once up the pass, a trail appears at 2900 and can be followed to about 1600 (the last three hundred vertical metres are a bit overgrown with meadow/hard to follow). The descent crossed a few streams. At roughly 1800, there is a man made canal that follows the trail. At 1600, the GPT track seems to be CC, we followed the trail which turns sharply to right to a puesto and then joins the first X waypoint on the RR going SOBO.<br /> <br /> Next day, the walk down to Los Quenes was uneventful. Met a family on horses who wanted to go to the Lagoonas del Teno (we told them it is probably possible but are not sure) and hitched the last 4 km (deeper in the valley, there was no traffic our direction). Then we took bus at 1400 to Curico.<br /> <br /> *'''2023-Jan-10 5 days RR SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Stayed at hut on the ridge above Rio Claro (after ford) reached in 1 very long day. It's used by arrieros but there was no one there. The descent to Rio Negro was a bit sketchy in places, hardly any trail &amp; eroded but it improves as you go down. Rio Claro ford was OK. Forded Rio Negro in afternoon, it was pretty far from OK. The water was waist deep &amp; breaking over me in a wave, nearly knocking me over but I hung onto a submerged boulder in midstream. The most difficult crossing I had on GPT1-40. Cross early in the morning if you can. After Rio Negro you traverse through a small gully, it looks sketchy but is OK if you cross on RR. On the ridge after &amp; above the small gully look for cairns which mark where you descend into the big gully. You can't continue along the ridge as it cliffs out. I don't think the descent is really difficult or dangerous (others may disagree) but it's very slow &amp; awkward going. When you are low in the gully be sure to stay on RR which traverses out left. If you continue directly down to Rio Colorado there are a few gullys perpendicular to the Rio Colorado valley. They are very steep sided &amp; you can only cross them by staying on RR. Stayed at hut before Rio Colorado bridge, it's 1 KM off the RR. Again it is used by arrieros but there was no one there. As I was leaving in the morning I saw them coming in.<br /> <br /> Followed Tomas's suggestion &amp; found a good track all the way to Lake 2300M. After the lake don't ascend by the waterfall which is steep &amp; nasty. Instead, at the lake looking towards the waterfall go up a small ridge on the RHS of lake, then traverse left to come in above the waterfall on its right. Cross the stream above the waterfall &amp; find a small horse trail which goes through a breach in the cliff &amp; leads to open ground on the way to the pass. This option bypasses all the nasty &amp; loose scree &amp; is much easier. Saw about 30 condors feasting on a carcass near the pass. Met the guards @ Laguna Mondaca, they were very hospitable as detailed by Kris &amp; Stiina. The 1000M climb to the pass after Laguna Mondaca is steep, sandy &amp; without shade or water, best tackled early in the morning. I continued out to Parque Ingles in 1 long day from Laguna Mondaca. Although I walked GPT5 &amp; 6 separately it was no drama as the section from Parque Ingles to/from El Bolson is very quick &amp; easy. The last bus was gone but it was easy to hitch out. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-23 to 2022-Dec-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I combined with GPT 06 (info for that section there).<br /> <br /> First about 30 km is basicaly a minor dirt road (with no traffic), there is plenty of water (but from the last bridge almost to first ford, there is no water - you are in a valley but on a ridge), a cherry tree 15 km in. After 10.km or so it starts to be scenic (and the road more trail-like and less-road like). Cell coverage for about 5 km until a big hazelnut orchard. This can be walked in one day, it is really easy and straightforward so a speed of 4 km/hour is easily maintained. Then it starts :-). Until above Rio Negro, the trail is mostly there. And it is quite doable to reach Rio Negro in two (long) days. In the morning (9AM), the water is just knee deep, I crossed where Martin and Helena did. I agree the descent is quite ok (during daylight!).<br /> <br /> From there, the traverse to Rio Colorado is annoying, slow and fully CC. One really needs to go down that gulley. I would not say it is very dangerous but care is certainly needed and slips could result in broken limbs. The bridge is there, with nice tress to have lunch under. The bridge looks quite solid and there is a puesto nearby, so I guess it is maintained. Rio Colorado could be forded in the morning I guess if needed (especially more upstream), but I am glad the bridge was there. From the bridge about 500 metres are annoying, one needs to get on top of the plateau across from the puesto. From there on, there is a fairly decent horse trail all the way to about 2300 where there is a lake with a beach. I am not sure I understand my predecesors, I think they must have missed it, the first half of the trail is accurate with the GPX though. The second half (when it goes from the river to the lake and to the pass), one needs to go lower than the GPX.<br /> <br /> Just after the crossroads where one trail goes to the litle Descabezado, there is a warm slow stream. I could not tell if it was thermal or sun-warmed.<br /> <br /> The descent to Mondaca is quite long and the trail is not always clear, but no climbing is needed, there is always a way. There is a signpost saying it is private in the middle of the valley. The fords are all manageable. I waved at an arriero before the private huts (the huts are by the lake). In the huts, I have not met anybody but it seemed someone might have been inside.<br /> <br /> I agree that the comnecting trail to Thermas Azufre is annoying. It involves two fords that are not nice in the evening. I avoided them by going up on the slope on west side of the valley, but I do not recommend it, better to ford and stay in the valley. I do not think there is a trail as such: just CC.<br /> <br /> Took me five days to get to Thermas Azufre, met nobody apart from the ariero mentioned above. I recommend to time it so that you can sleep at the Thermas, there are about five or six places for a tent. Being in the pool and looking at the stars is really nice.<br /> <br /> I would argue this section is not that extraordinarily hard now that there is a bridge, but it is more demanding than the others so far.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-12 to 2022-Dec-17 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Just like many others we chose to combine sections 5 and 6 with expected 8 days on the way, in reality it was about a half day longer. We have to agree with previous comments about the difficulty, eventhough we were prepared for it and expected the worst really which helped a lot after all.<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Quenes we followed the RR and after the gate next to the camp we run into a barbed wire fence that is restricting access to the RR, probably new construction site based on a sign we saw there. Its no problem, just follow the main car road the whole time. Its really nice walking for quite a long time, all the marked gates were opened. First river crossing was no problem in the evening, nice camp place a few minutes later with amazing views. First pass also ok, no one at the puesto.<br /> <br /> Second ford also ok at km 45, than CC section and descent to Rio Negro which was not so bad as expected, it gets steep but still ok. The river seemed to be pretty fast in the evening so there was no point in trying it, we waited until the morning and found actually a few nice places to cross (one with a small island in the middle where the river gets wider). The descent to valley of Rio Colorado took us a loong time, you have to be really careful and go slowly. We went through the gully most of the time. Its a long way until the bridge, but its there, safe to cross.<br /> <br /> The worst part for us was the traverse after the bridge and climb up where we lost the trail a few times and got into some steep sections with all the falling rocks and scree, not so safe in some places but there are probably better ways to find. On the way up you have to cross multiple river basins which is really exhausting, it worked for us to go more up the hill where it wasn’t so steep but still necessary to be careful. It hapenned to us more than once that really big rocks fell down under our legs or solid looking rocks we were holding onto just fell away - not much you can do after it.<br /> <br /> After the valley it gets much more interesting and trail is in good condition. Regarding the Mondaca valley - we were seen by an arriero close to the river but with no reaction, we havent met anyone near the guards houses as well so overall no problem with the right of way. Good camp place at the end of the valley.<br /> <br /> One last unpleasant part was the connection between the sections 5 and 6 - after multiple river crossings we were following the RR to connect to the climb up but got into a really steep section, again nothing funny. It might be better to follow the other trail that we saw in both garmin and our smartphone apps. These two go all the time next to each other but in this specific case it might be better to follow the other one as it connects to the climb earlier.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either. <br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 5 + 6) / Hiking / SOBO/ Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Six (hard) days for this section. After the first pass there was a tiny snowfield to cross, nothing to worry about. River crossings didn't cause any problems. The bridge Puente Las Yeguas was in excellent condition. The navigation through the cross country parts was quite demanding and took us a lot of time. Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Transport to and from Route&quot;).<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 / 8 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH to the Hot Springs / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> 7 nights 8 days for us. Super tough section. The entire area around Rio Colorado is extremely challenging; down &amp; up. We went the alternate route to the Hot Springs. (OH-CC-A@05-C-#001). I was tough with multiple steep gullies, then we got there to see the hot springs were COLD. Then the optional hike to<br /> Re connect with the RR from the hot springs (OH-CC-A@05-E-#002) was completely impassable. I didn’t go all the way up to the canyon wall. All I could see were route that would take some serious climbing. We had to down climb and take the lower route to climb up again. Property dispute near Volcan Mondaco had no problems. Quiet and didn’t seem like anybody was there for us. Parque Inglés - Molina Bus leaves at 7 am on the weekdays, we hitchhiked.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional to meet optional start of GPT06/ Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> It took us 5 days including 1 zero due to bad weather. <br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates for GPT05. Cross country sections were difficult, but in some of them we managed to find old unused trails which worked for us. <br /> River crossings - Rio Claro in the afternoon was ok. Rio Negro in the afternoon was REALLY challenging, almost not doable. After hour of trying we managed to find one spot we could cross. I wouldn't want to cross Rio Colorado without that bridge at any time. <br /> Optional trail to meet optional start of section 6 was fine in the valley. Problem was to connect it to the climb. We had to climb very steep slope to get there. From that point trail was in good condition.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-19 / 8,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Melissa'''<br /> <br /> It took me 6 full days (5-9 hrs hiking) and 1 1/2 day (3 hrs.) not including 1 day of 0 hiking due to weather-rain and needing rest. Route finding, the three inclines of over 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile was insane, terrain-gotta love sand. The entire incline up Las Animas white crumbly/soft sand and make sure you have plenty of water here because the white reflecting sand and sun can easily dehydrate you and there is nowhere to get water except this flat section near the top that has very little stream from snow melt. Crumbling rock/scree that is barely able to be hiked up with a waterfall in between after think it was called Laguna Grande tracks #61.7-67.2 end of that track. Take the route up to the left where the rock is tan don’t hike up the black it’s dangerously eroding. The gps was not helpful in that section because all three directions seemed correct (right,left or up the waterfall). I had no issues with right of way dispute. I agree with all that is stated above. Very hard and challenging section.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Quentin Clavel (2024-apr-09) <br /> Los Quienes : at least two supermercados with good resupplies (enough for me, almost everything you need). <br /> Few cabanas, I've been at the cabanas Tia Ely, just next to the supermercado Claudia (when you face the carabineros, on the right side, 50m after the curve). <br /> 40K for cabana, 15k for a room. +5k for breakfast. Lovely people. They didn't charged me for cleaning my clothes in their washing machine. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat, in the restaurant, that is mostly used by the workers, it seems like a cafeteria and it's quite ok. Pizzeria is not perfect but doing the job. There's a Feria as well with few food trucks, but everything was closed when I was there. <br /> <br /> * 2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina<br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks.<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus timetable Curico to Los Queñes obtained in January 2020<br /> [[:File:CuricoQuenes.jpg]]<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-8 <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Access to route&quot;).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT05 - Río Colorado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt 05.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Volcán Planchón]] from GPT05, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/6-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse]]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT04_(Alto_Huemul)&diff=122442 2025-08-09T21:24:05Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT04 Option 4 (Alto Huemul): This very scenic ridge route probably becomes traversable in January and combines well with GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno). We investigated this new route in February 2025 and found stunning.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-JAN-12 to 2024-JAN- 14 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Hiking Option Variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Laguna del Encanto is 4,000 CPL and worth a visit. There is good water where the road transitions to trail at -34.80733, -70.76579. <br /> <br /> Variant H is a pleasant, non-technical addition to the climb. We dropped directly from the ridge to Lake, Camp {04} (39.4/23.46). <br /> <br /> South of the mountain, Cerro Zappallo, shady forests begin to take root for the first time heading SOBO. <br /> <br /> The resupply in Los Queñes is rather good and sells Iso Butane Gas. Bus to Curicó leaves across the street (near the bridge) for 2,200 CLP, and returns from the Curicó central station. There appear to be several running times per day.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-05 &gt; 06 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : peu<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 2/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Au debut un garde (aucun justificatif) me demande 4000CLP. 2 jeunes chiens m'ont suivi les 4 premieres heures. J'ai dormi pres du second lac. A la fin un autre garde (aucun justificatif) me demande 7000CLP.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-29 to 2024-NOV-30 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. J) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> 29/11<br /> 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].<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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!<br /> <br /> 30/11<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> In Los Queñes, we were invited by locals and spent the night camping in their yard.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-21 to 23 / 3 Days / SOBO / Lukas/Tabea/Basil'''<br /> After Agua Bueno the trail is overgrown with a lot of thorny vegetation and not a lot of fun to walk. From &quot;El Liano alto&quot; 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. <br /> Shortly before &quot;Las Quenes&quot; we met a ranger and paid 12000 each.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-18 to 2024-Nov-20 / 3 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and J / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Camp: km30 (a bite downstream at the ford) / km44 (about 100m before ford)<br /> <br /> I took the bus from Agua Buena to La Virgen (Puente Negro). From there I walked on the road to Las Peñas (about 4km). <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> The trail is easy to follow. Coming close to the pass km37 was a herd of sheep with there shepard dogs. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> In the valley after ford km44.9 are plenty of camp possibilities. Very nice walk in this forest. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-10 to 2024-Nov-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / RR + variant A + J / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Paid 4,000 entrance fee.<br /> <br /> Camped just before Ford at 30.2<br /> <br /> Water present at all makers plus even more due to snow melt.<br /> <br /> Snow present after pass 36.8km to around 39km but was all manageable.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> From the pass at 38.6km we followed the ridge to summit Cerro Zapallo (variant H). Just one short section of snow <br /> <br /> Plenty of camping options down the valley after the water at 42.4km<br /> <br /> Variant J to 53.8km was good trail, easy to follow and saved 2 river crossings.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-01 to 2024-Feb-04 / 3.5 days / SOBO / RR-E-RR-I-RR / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Fordings: all very easy. No snow fields to cross.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan-10-2024 to Jan-12-2024 / 3 days / SOBO / variant A, RR, variant I / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Nice section, the laguna fria zone is really beautiful, with all the remaining snowpatches. <br /> 6000 pesos for entry in the laguna del encanto zone (4000 for the day, 2000 for camping).<br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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 <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> No problems with dogs or private properties.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-21 / 3 days / SOBO / RR + Variant A+D+I + traverse of Cerro Capallo / Matthias'''<br /> Road hiked variant A to avoid route finding around gates in the early morning.<br /> <br /> New Variant Cerro Capallo (2583m, marked): <br /> 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. <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Variant I adds some height meters but avoids 4 fordings I suppose <br /> <br /> Dogs: <br /> 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 &amp; Luisa and bypass by the riverbed.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Busses to Coricó at 15:00 and 18:30 in front of primary school.<br /> <br /> Camping spots : <br /> 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)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-15 to 2023-Dec-17 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / 04A-RR-04E-RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> 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?)<br /> <br /> Km21 : gate and 2 dogs, a women come out and charge me 4000CLP for entrance fee.<br /> <br /> 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!<br /> <br /> Then i take {04-E}, the junction of {04-E} is at RR km24.4, easy walking, some camping spots and water resources.<br /> <br /> Lot of camping spots with fire ring from start to {04-E} km2.5, some stream is flowing too, but maybe dry soon.<br /> <br /> {04-E} km6.5 : pass, some flat spot, but better camping spot is forward.<br /> <br /> {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.<br /> <br /> {04-E} km8.6 : pass, large area of flat spot with great views.<br /> <br /> {04-E} km8.85 : water flowing.<br /> <br /> RR km33.4 : water flowing.<br /> <br /> 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!<br /> <br /> Snow start from km36.1 to km39.7, not difficult and passable. Beware of windy.<br /> <br /> 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).<br /> <br /> Km42.5 : camping spot with fire ring and log seats at down hill side.<br /> <br /> Km45.2 : large flat area can fit some tents after a river crossing.<br /> <br /> Km46.3 : camping spot with rock seats.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Km49 : pass after a stream crossing, with some flat spots and good views, but mostly the ground are hard.<br /> <br /> Km51.1 : locked gate, climb over.<br /> <br /> Km51.35 : camping spot with fire ring.<br /> <br /> Km52.55 : nice camping spot with fire ring, picnic table ang wooden seats, close to the river too.<br /> <br /> Km53.6 &amp; 53.9 : cross river 2 times, strong flow and above half of thighs at early morning.<br /> <br /> Km54.5 : dirt road start, lot of flat spots beside the road on both side.<br /> <br /> Km58.6 : locked gate, climb over.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> A small shop in Los Queñes, super friendly.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-24 to 2023-Nov-26 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Jens'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-24 to 2023-Nov-26 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Variant A + RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present - snow from km 36,4 to km 40,5<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 22,5 ( Laguna del encanto ) | km 40,5 ( ridgeline - water from the snow around )<br /> <br /> - 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<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny <br /> <br /> - 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&amp;6 at the moment )<br /> <br /> - Accomodation : camping ' Tres palos' at Los Quenes - 8000 pesos per person ( you can ask for informtat the pizzeria in town)<br /> <br /> - 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<br /> <br /> - Warning : still some snow near the Laguna Fria area, but it was manageable for us.<br /> <br /> - 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.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-08 to 2023-Mar-10 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-18 to 2022-Dec-21 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO RR and SOBO Options / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> 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).<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-08 to 2022-Dec-11 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> Nice camping spot at (-34.80711, -70.76521) near the water.<br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-28 to 2021-Nov-30 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> The climb over the pass to the lakes was very long but plenty of shade and water on the route. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> Section took us two and a half days. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> It’s time to have a rest day before heading out to section 5 and 6. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 to 2020-Jan-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> 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 &amp; it was unlocked so I went in. Met the owner &amp; 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.<br /> <br /> You soon leave the dirt road &amp; go down on small trails into thorn scrub. The scrub is thick &amp; 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) &amp; rejoin RR after the farm. <br /> <br /> 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) &amp; 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 &amp; no wood. I would suggest road walking the first section to Las Penas or get the bus (see updated transport section)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-20 to 20219-Dec-22 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / Southbound / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Exposed mountain pass. Route finding<br /> <br /> Highlights: Sweeping views. High mountain passes and lakes.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-30 to 2019-Dec-03 / 4days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> low water levels, no snow, trails in excellent condition. ...and food and accommodation in Los Queñes :-)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 to 2019-Dec-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We started in Las Peñas (we took Uber there from San Fernando). It took us 2 days. <br /> Trail is in good condition. Some parts on the descend are slightly overgrown, but still easy to follow. <br /> There is enough water on both sides.<br /> Accomodation, food and tiendas in Los Quenes.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> == Start Regular Route: Agua Buenas==<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: Los Quenes==<br /> See images below. This Timetable was obtained in January 2020.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT04 - Alto Huemul]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Quenes.jpg|800px|Bus Timetable]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (10).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 4]]<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt04 alto huemul.jpg|Aguas Buenas Valley, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/5-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse].]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT03_(Rios_Claros)&diff=122441 2025-08-09T21:22:31Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - GPT03 Option 1 (RN Rio Los Cipreses): Tomas and Natalie investigated this route and found it attractive and feasible. Due to entry restrictions to Reserva Nacional Rio Los Cipreses a southbound traverse might not be authorized therefore this option is best attempted in northbound direction. Access to the trail head is uncomplicated when taking a minibus to Termas el Flaco and jumping off the bus at the trail head. There was quite some road building after Tomas and Natalie hiking this route; new bridges were build and at least one bridge was destroyed in a flood event (the bridge that Natalie and Tomas used). Therefore its not entirely clear where to best reach the more attractive western side of Rio Azufre. The pass Portezuelo de los Punzones is 3200 m high, therefore this route is best attempted in January or February. This route may be combined with GPT04 Option 1.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * '''2025-03-26 to 2025-03-28 / 4 days / NOBO / Part 1 of new high Route Natalie &amp; Thomâs (Glaciar Universidad) / Tim &amp; Tobias * '''<br /> <br /> We failed to do the northern part of Natalie and Thomas new high route on GPT03. We had bad weather and my hip was hurting (Tobias). But I would like to share our experience for follower hikers.<br /> <br /> The bus from San Fernando to termas de Flaco left at 5 p.m.. We left the bus by the bridge tringuiririca and camped at -34.82832 -70.56172. Next morning we hoped to get a lift up the hydro station, but it didn’t work. There was just one car going up who did not take us. So we walked 23 km up the hydro station and camped at 34.73539 -70.38186. Next morning we walked up the higher hydro station and continued to the yellow Refugio, which was hitten by the massive bolder. Since I had problems with my hip and it was snowing up the pass, we decided to not enter the route. We put our tent 30 meters beside the refuge (-34.72011 -70.34763). Then we went 4 hours up to discover glaciar universidad until 34.69715 -70.33097. We had no crampons which was not a problem. Very beautiful experience! Next day we went back to the main road. There was just one car the entire day, which not took us.<br /> <br /> We had no right of way conflicts. I wrote 2 days before departing a mail to info@glaciaresdecolchagua.cl but did not get a response. When entering the valley there is a gate at -34.82800 -70.56178 with a sign which forbids walking up. While walking up we met Miguel, who seems to be the dueño of this place. We explained him what are going to do and he was fine with that. The workers of the electric company did not care about us. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-13 to 2024-03-22 / 10 days / Hiking / SOBO / New High route Option &quot;Glacier Universidad+Tinguirica/ Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> See Highlights and warnings and photos on the Facebook post:<br /> <br /> <br /> Route details:<br /> <br /> Section 01: Road from Coya to Lago Pejerrejes <br /> <br /> We weren't even out of Coya yet before we got a hitch. We were extremely lucky, without even trying our driver changed his plans and drove us all the way to Rio Cortedral, just past the Carabinero's house. If you do have to walk this route, note that there is no water until the Carabineros. The Carabineros did not come out which is good because last time I was in this area they stopped me and did not allow me to make a traverse, I was forced to come back the same way- then again I didn't try too hard to convince them. But it's a warning that they can make you come back. Rio Cortedral is popular for fishing and has many car camping sites. So with that, and the Puma Lodge and the hydro site, I don't think the term &quot;it will take a hitchhiking miracle&quot; from wikiexplora is correct, it isn’t that hard to get a hitch. The walking up to Lago Pejerrejes was very fast, mainly on a MR closed to cars by hydro gates, -34.38279, -70.32093. The MR disappears off and on just before the lake because of the landslide in 2017 but there is still a trail. Look for cairns just before a ditch. We made camp in a small corner before the lake.<br /> <br /> Section 02: Lago Pejerrejes to Lago Cortedral <br /> <br /> When trip planning I was unsure if it was possible to walk around the lake but luckily in March water levels were low and we were able to make it. We went around the left side (North) of the lake to avoid two extra fords. It involved some boulder hopping and there was a cliff at the end that forced you to make a small ford. We think that even if water levels were roughly 1m higher this would still be okay (the cliff part is questionable), but 2m higher would be difficult. The right side of the lake looked like easier walking as long as the two fords were doable (In mid March they looked easy). At the end of the lake there is a long stretch of river flats where the river is very braided. In the beginning it is easy to walk through the divides but near the end the current is stronger so best to stick close to the left. We had lunch at the end of the river flats in the shade of a small boulder. From here we stayed on the left-hand side of the river until needing to ford here, -34.55496, -70.21173 just before the left side gets too steep. This was decided based on satellite imagery that showed an old MR and lots of cow trails on the left. However, having said that, I don't think the right side is impossible, if in earlier months a ford is not possible, there are still some cow trails. <br /> <br /> Anyways, if you stay to the left as we did there was a very old MR for a bit which eventually turned into one dominant trail most of the way. It was easy to loose but luckily if you lost it there were usually many other cow trails leading in the direction you want. Also there was water every 3-5km. Near the beginning, you mustn't miss the apple tree! -34.50068, -70.23678. Never have I had such good wild apples in Chile. They were baseball size and ripe! Continuing on the left side of the river, the only main annoyance was a deep ravine, -34.53944, -70.21944. Before getting here we saw a good trail that went down to the river but didn't take it- we should have. Therefore, before reaching this ravine, get down to the river when you can, there were cow trails along the river side. <br /> You eventually hit the second of the river flats where the planned ford is. Unfortunately the river is not as braided as expected. At the end of the day there is only one spot in which it is dividend into two. You could possibly ford at the beginning of this section because it is flatter than higher up but we went further to where the one divide is. To get there we had to go up and side-hill the river bank for a bit and then ford a two branch red stream. In the evening the river was too strong to cross so we waited for the morning.<br /> <br /> In the morning the current was still very strong. I only managed to find one place to cross. It was the end of a two split divide, I was able to walk along the end of the split where the water was more shallow just before it hit the main current again -34.55496, -70.21173. It was strong but the ice cold water may have been the hardest part. After crossing and climbing up the obvious hill on the right there is another dominant trail which you can take all the way to the stone house -34.59599, -70.23499. Easy to loose but easy to find again. Along the way there is a nice creek crossing, -34.57832, -70.22596. The stone house is under a massive boulder you can see from far away, it is very interesting and a very good shelter, lots of neat rocks in the area. After the stone house the trail exist for a very short time and then it is CC on rocks through a moraine/flood valley underneath Paloma. I chose to go up to these lakes -34.61312, -70.24377 and then cut back down to the river, not sure if walking along the river is easier or not. The next objective was to cross the convergence of the Lago Cortedral stream and the larger stream from the glacier. The fords were easy (first one here -34.63766, -70.25730) and then we stuck to the right side of the Lago Cortedral stream keeping our sandals on for the many micro fords. Eventually the micro fords end and you can walk normally up the rest of the boulder made hill. At the top of the main hill the route to Lago Cortedral goes right but we chose to continue straight up towards the other nameless lakes bcs Google earth said there were hot springs. We did not find any in the labelled location so we retreated to the first lake to camp -34.65144, -70.25254. There was little wind here on a rather windy day.<br /> <br /> Section 03; Lago Cortedral to Glacier Universidad <br /> <br /> I needed a longer rest in the morning so from camp Tomáš went back up to look for the mystery hotsprings (don't exist) and I went back down to Lago Cortedral to avoid gaining unwanted elevation. The drainage on Lago Cortedral is easy to hop over if you want (low water levels) and there is a bivy camp on the west side -34.65680, -70.26256. The map made it look like you cannot walk along Lago Cortedral but with low water you can, it just involves moderately steep boulder hopping. Take the east side, not the west side. If you have high lake levels it would be best to walk up and along the hills on the east side. I met Tomáš on the other side of the lake and made a plan for the pass. Originally we had two options for the pass. Option A (we didn't do) is here; -34.66929, -70.28846. It would involve gaining the left hills to the east of the lake and making a big C curve to avoid super steep terrain. In real life it did not look good so we went with Option B; -34.66483, -70.29063. Option B is less steep but it leads you to a recently melted glacier on the other side (aka terrible rock). Going up this option was easy. It was a series of three moderate slopes, all just involved walking on stones/boulder's. The last water source is at the beginning of the first slope, -34.66176, -70.27682. There is also a glacier lake somewhere between the first and the second slope that could perhaps serve as a high camp (off route, seen on satellite). Remember to veer left after the second slope towards the third slope to gain the correct pass. The other side of the pass is far worse. It took us three hours to make a final decision to go down it, luckily we had no wind this day. Tomáš went down the steep scree/dirt here;___. And I went down the human Jenga pile of boulders further west, it felt like Russian roulette. Tomáš's way was more logical and he was able to create good foot steps (a small patch of ice made it a bit harder). My way was more risky but it &quot;felt&quot; better, it just took a few times to figure out where the solid rock was but the overhead hazard was horrendous. Some of the boulders were couch sized and only barely balancing on one other rock. Snow would make this impossible without an ice axe. ***I don't recommend doing this if you are uncomfortable/inexperienced with the risk of loose boulders and or steep scree/dirt. Once down the steepest 15-20m the feeling of Russian roulette was over but the terrain was still awful. The rock continued to be very loose, it took a long time to cover a short distance. However after that the going was easy towards the next lake. There is a moraine before the lake that is steep on the other side, we went to the far right (north) of this moraine and it was walkable. We slept by the nameless lake on flat sand and large boulders nearby. <br /> <br /> The next day we headed to Glacier Universidad (UN). You can boulder hop on either side of the lake, both ways looked similarly slow. At the end of the lake you can climb up to your right if you wish for a nice view of the glacier, there is a beautiful tarn and some nice camping spots -34.68159, -70.31833. It also looks like you could continue going up from here to a summit, something for future adventures. From this vantage, it also looks like our alternative way down through the lakes of the sierra negra valley could be possible via this pass -34.69715, -70.31060, but it would be a lot steeper than what we previously did (this is the alternative that would avoid the glacier). Anyways, continuing down boulders from the lake to the skinny lake below is easy if you stay to the far left of the creek. The skinny lake below is a beautiful haven, but the moraine bordering it is hell. Trying to get down the other side of the moraine looked like a death trap, but luckily there was an opening on the far south side of the skinny lake, -34.69269, -70.32418. This opening is loose and dirty but it didn't feel dangerous, just slow, and it brought us down to the glacier ice. There is one more small moraine to cross before GU proper but it was easy. Hopping on to GU just involved finding the right place, which may change every year. Once on GU the walking was easy, no crampons needed as in mid day it was very crunchy. There are many deep waterholes and at least one fairly large crevasse, but the slope is minimal and everything was easy to see and avoid but this can easily change as this glacier is melting fast. Note***technically you are supposed to have permission from, info@glaciaresdecolchagua.cl,but we didn't see anybody. The end of the glacier was more of a puzzle than expected. We side hilled the brown slope on the right (rocks over ice, but still firm) until a left finger that led us down to the main glacial stream which we crossed to stay on the left-hand side. From then on it was a maze through glacial debris hills and ice walls for a few hundred meters. I am sure the route changes a bit every year so you will have to find your way. Finally we exited and knew for sure we did not have to go back - yay! The last 2-3km towards the road is flat and easy. There may have been a trail at one time, as sometimes it feels there is a reminisce of one, but it is mostly CC. There is an old yellow puesto/refugio near the entrance of the sierra negra valley that has been hit by a massive boulder, quite an interesting site but I hope nobody was in there!! From the road/dam/bridge we walked down ~5km to the bottom of the zig zags to camp near the main hydro building with a stream besides it. <br /> <br /> Originally we had planned to try and go up the valley of San Hilario and cross over to the Rio del Azufre valley but the pass and valley itself looked uncomfortably steep. I saw animal trails to the pass on satellite but after seeing the hill in real life I assumed it must have been guanaco trails, not always suitable for humans with backpacks, but maybe it's possible?<br /> <br /> Section 04; Los Maitenes (Hydroplant road) to Base of Tinguirica <br /> <br /> Since our original plan of going up San Hilario valley was a no go we decided to go for Tinguirica and Termas del Flaco via the valley of Arroyo Fray Carlos. The ~12km of road down to the Arr. Fray Carlos from camp was fast but hot and unpleasant. We saw 7trucks and one machine going up between 9-11am but we only had one truck going down, which gave us a hitch for ~2-3km. Supposedly 20-40people work at that hydro station so if your timing is better than ours, a hitch shouldn't be hard. We took the spur road on the left just after the bridge over Rio de Azufre and rested by the Arroyo before starting the hot climb. There is a wooden gate that marks the start of our route ___. There were many animal trails but we just went straight up (bring water). We met the proper trail here -34.80209, -70.46644 , it takes you to this slope -34.80241, -70.46049 but then it becomes difficult to follow. It became obvious again where it goes along side the river -34.81444, -70.44820. I was feeling very ill so we stopped at a nice place to access the river and potentially camp -34.81570, -70.44709. We saw Arrieros crossing trails high up on the other side of the river, they must of been taking this exit point -34.80631, -70.46378. In the evening we walked a little further to the point in which you want to cross the river -34.82272, -70.43865 and camped. <br /> <br /> It was easy to find the main trail on the other side of the river and walk it until meeting it again near a puesto -34.83423, -70.42198. This is what I call the &quot;trifecta of valley's&quot;. It is where the Arroyo Fray Carlos meets Arroyo de las Humos and to some extent Estero los banos. We crossed Los Humos near the puesto and then Est. Los Banos and headed up the Banos valley in search of hot springs. There was a good trail up, it started on the right and quickly crossed to the left and stayed left almost all the way until crossing once more near the waterfall which the hotsprings are -34.84819, -70.40818. After a surprisingly nice dip, despite mid day heat, we chose to continue our route towards Tinguirica by going straight up from the hot springs. When we hit the large sheep pasture above the hotsprings, we chose to continue straight (East) and into the valley just left (North) of the Est. Los Banos and follow it until meeting Los Banos again. Another option from the sheep pasture would be to go high along the left side and meet Los Banos further up, I think that may have been faster but less scenic. For our way, from the meeting of the Est. Banos we then followed it until a high plateau under Volcano Los Carlos -34.85633, -70.38076. We camped there and enjoyed an early evening in preparation for Tinguirica. (Lots of water throughout this day). <br /> <br /> Section 05; Tinguirica to Termas del Flaco <br /> <br /> A technically easy mountain that can be done without glacier travel via the west slope. We started by going straight up from camp aiming for a slope left of the glacier above us -34.84223, -70.36944. It involved quite a bit of large, loose boulder hopping but it was the most direct way from our camp. There is a large dried water bed after that climb that could serve as a camp. From there we were on track of the Tinguirica regular route (RR) which led us north of the flats and then up right and over to the source of Arr.Fray Carlos (only viable water source but may be frozen). After the Arroyo it was a long traverse down to below Tinguirica's glacier bottom (just a little under 3800m). The route we had on the gps went further down to ~3700m because of a deep ravine but we found a good snow bridge to save the elevation -34.82685, -70.36107. After that and after crossing below a cliff that was above we started the accent. It was easier to veer up and right to the only flattish spot and then directly up to the false summit. The rock up is annoying but easy and it didn't feel dangerous despite getting more steep near the top. For me this was a grueling climb due to the altitude and once at the top I knew I had to go back down quickly. This was a shame bcs the views were fascinating, especially looking towards the site of the Uruguayan plane crash. Tomáš had no issues with the altitude so he chose to take a different way back via Volcán Azufreras. This may be the standard approach but it did involve walking on the glacier a bit._____<br /> We met back at the Arr. Fray Carlos only to separate one more time as Tomáš went up his third 4000er' of the day, Volcán Fray Carlos. I was still ill of the thought of going up to 4000 again so I headed towards Volcán Natalia where I would meet Tomáš one more time (The name made this Volcán a must for us). We were determined to get there while staying around 3500m, which is more or less like the RR. The only issue we had was the snow/glacier around -34.84497, -70.37097. You must go down the side of it where it meets the moraine, it is somewhat of an ice stair case with lots of rock fall potent beside you. Besides that the traverse was easy CC and the summit of Natalia was very simple and quick with beautiful views. It would make a good acclimatization destination. We then CC'd back to camp just before dark on talus, boulders and sand. <br /> <br /> The next day was a bit of an unknown. Our mission was to get back to Termas del Flaco on traíls but the easiest way would have been to go down the RR and then walk the road, but the road looked dreadful. Tomáš was sure there would be Arriero trails leading directly to Termas del Flaco and sure enough he was right. Our goal was to get to this valley -34.91315, -70.41992 somehow via the steep slope of Arr.del Guanaco. We had three different ideas of getting there; An unlikely ridge that would avoid the steep traverse, a random Wikiloc entry that went down a very steep pass, and or our original idea of traversing the whole slope starting at a low pass on the far west side. It took us most of the day just to get to the first ridge option (easy CC to the creek bed of Arr.de Los Humos, then up a moraine and a short steep boulder climb to -34.88646, -70.39137, and then CC up and down boulders and moraines to the ridge,-34.90205, -70.40530, (lots of small ponds along the way for water). The ridge was definitely a no go. We then looked at the Wikiloc idea, -34.91023, -70.42133, it &quot;may&quot; have gone but neither of us liked it. Therefore we went to our third (original) idea which was surprisingly easy to get too if you stayed low. The way there passed an incredibly beautiful lake -34.88423, -70.41428. At this last pass there was a horse trail- yay. We will devise a better route that goes directly to here from Basecamp and even more direct, the Puesto inbthr lower valkey. At this pass the horsetail only lasted a few switchbacks until it became confusing to follow due to the MANY sheep trails. While going down we could see there were two options of getting out of the valley; the steep traverse here -34.91023, -70.42133, (which from afar looked only like a sheep trail) and or a more dominant one roughly here -34.90538, -70.42522, (dominant but we were unsure exactly where it led). We made camp in what looked like a perfect green plateau but it was totally wet, and Tomáš went up to explore the first option. He found out that it was a horse trail at the top with a cairn so we opted to take that one the next morning. <br /> <br /> Post altitude sickness and stomach issues were still plaguing me so the way up was torture, but it was technically easy. We had to CC straight up the slope for ~300 meters until meeting the main horse trail (soft sand). We think there is no main horse trail the whole way because after a certain point most of the horses/arrieros just go straight down. We guess this because we met an Arriero on the way up doing that exact thing. The arriero we met was coming to begin the process of moving the sheep down for the winter, there was another down below. The arriero came up the valley we were heading too but bringing the sheep down the valley we saw the dominant horse trail in (so there must be a good trail down there as well). After chatting we continued to the top which from there one can see the main trail down &quot;most&quot; of the way. There is a nice spring not far from the top. The route down is easy to loose in the grassy sections (like always) but it is easy to find again. It stays on the left (east) side but crosses the creek to the right at a grassy horse pasture to avoid the steep landslide on the left. It then traverses for a short period on the right along dirt before crossing the creek one more time towards an annoying section of hard dirt and rock on the left. There are a few ditches that are annoying and edgy to cross and the going is slow. The last ditch we crossed is slightly higher up than expected ~ -34.94271, -70.42011 and from then on it is easy dust/dirt walking towards the intersection of the Dinosaur trail and Termas del Flaco. The dinos are a must see and only takes a ~20-30min detour, -34.95566, -70.42474. After that it was FINALLY down to the Termas- yay!. The shops in del Flaco are very simple and meant for snacks, so not a good place to resupply for more than a few days. If you are lucky there is a man who sells fruit here -34.95830, -70.43705 some mornings but not every morning. We went to the camping near the free hotspring &quot;wastewater&quot; location Tomáš stumbled upon two years ago (read his post on GPT04, 2022/23. The camping was very busy as it was a Saturday and so were the free hotsprings. Very different than what Tomáš experienced two years ago. We wonder how the payed Hotsprings stay in business, there were at least 30people there. The camping is 10mil pp and has a restaurant with improved WiFi (no cell signal in town). However, due to late night Chilean noise we decided to leave the camping and camp outside town because we hadn't actually payed or set up our tent yet...<br /> In the end Termas del Flaco makes for a great place to end such an adventure but do note that it is COMPLETELY closed by the end of April***. Also note that there is not much fresh food to buy and the best bang for your buck would be sleeping at a hospedaje (~45mil including 3-4meals). But camping near the free Hotsprings is nice too if it is not too busy:).<br /> <br /> Note*** the road to Termas del Flaco is technically one way and therefore you can only:<br /> &quot;Leave&quot;; Mon-Sat between 5am-7am and Sundays between 2pm-9pm.<br /> &quot;Arrive&quot;; Mon-Sat 6pm-9pm and Sundays 6am-12p.<br /> <br /> It seems the closer to the ends of those times the more relaxed the control is, we got a hitch out at 1:30ish. Buses &quot;to&quot; San Fernando go every day; Mon-Sat @ 7am, and Sundays @2:30pm. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-JAN-8 to 2024-JAN-11 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Hiking Option 3, 6, &amp; 6A / Elijah &amp; Michael'''<br /> <br /> Trail south from Camp Huinganes [9.2 / 865] is well maintained. An Arrerio the next day asked if we had payed at the entrance of the camp, which we hadn't for lack of seeing anyone around. <br /> <br /> Option 3 is mostly smooth, contouring trail. The ascent onto option 6 is steep but a trail exists. The views are dramatic as one climbs into the high country and water flows often until gaining the ridge to the final ascent. <br /> <br /> On option 3A, the summit of Cerro Las Pizarras, looks tough from below; however walking right up the summit block is rather straightforward. Views are highly rewarding. <br /> <br /> The descent down the mountain is tedious but non-technical. At the bottom of Option 3, crossing the Río Claro is significantly less challenging than the RR. Walk upstream 200 meters to a segment of braids. <br /> <br /> La Huigera in Agua Buena is an excellent respite, with accommodation, laundry, good food &amp; drink, and nice company. More expensive than expected, but worth the stay. Shops in Puente Negro had sufficient resupply for Segment 4. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-14 to 2024-12-17 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO /GPT02/RR+OH(VarD)+EXP-OH(05) / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Bridge -34.24227, -70.55086 is in bad condition. A lot of water after 17 km to 30 km.<br /> <br /> Camp night 1: -34.39601, -70.57223<br /> <br /> After crossing the pass, I have lost energy doing bushwacking. Finally, I finished in a settlement of four men(cultivating marihuana). They were<br /> versión polite and showed me a good way.<br /> <br /> At 47 km, I took variant D for no crossing river. But the bridge at 7.1 km of OH var D did not work, so finally, I crossed the river. It was hard.<br /> <br /> Camp night 3: 57.4 km. There I met arrieros with a lot of sheep.<br /> <br /> Starting from 65.6 km, I took Exp-oh-5. Part starting from km 7.9 of this variant was cruel bushwacking. I won't recommend it.<br /> <br /> At Aqua Buena, I spent the night in the restaurant Higuera. Good food, room, and possibility of washing clothes. I spent a really good time with the family.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-01 &gt; 03 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : plantations illegales, riviere puissante, chemin mal entretenu<br /> <br /> Chemin tres mal entretenu sur une grande partie de l'etape.<br /> Attention danger dans la descente apres le col (-34,4770687, -70,6119512) plantation illégale. Apres un bush bashing extreme (je n'avais pas de trace gps sur cette section), je suis passé pendant la plantation des pieds, les hommes etaient gentils et ils m'ont montré le chemin, mais pendant la recolte ce sera surement tres tendu voir carrément dangeureux.<br /> Le passage du rio Claro etait dangereux, plus puissant que prévu. Je me suis fait un peu peur, mais comme il n'est pas large l'effort est intense mais court.<br /> DEC-04 : Repos San Fernando, A-R Bus.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-NOV-25 to 2024-NOV-28 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We started the stage late in the evening, planning to find a spot with water near the river close to Coya and camp early.<br /> <br /> Fairly close to town, there’s a decent spot by the trail right next to the road, but we didn’t have enought water, so we kept going. Eventually, we found water—a pipe running along the road for some time had a tap with fairly good water flowing from it (approximately at coordinates -34.2359833, -70.5440333). However, for a while, we couldn’t find a place to camp. Unexpectedly, we found a spot at coordinates -34.2443300, -70.5501132.<br /> <br /> During our night hike, we encountered tarantulas twice, and later saw two more during the day.<br /> <br /> From the camping spot, we took Variant A to Termas de Cauquenes. It was closed, and the area was guarded by a large and aggressive pack of dogs. Fortunately, we met a local staff member who guided us through the premises and drove the dogs away.<br /> <br /> The Huinganes Campground was also closed, and we couldn’t reach anyone.<br /> <br /> The ford [16.1/877] could be crossed dry-footed; it’s manageable if you jump far enough between stones.<br /> <br /> The ford over the Rio Claro de Cauquenes [17.7/872] is easily passable. The water is clear, and the bottom is visible. At its deepest, the water reaches slightly above the knees.<br /> <br /> From the ford to the saddle [36.5/2047], there are plenty of water sources, so there’s no need to carry large supplies.<br /> <br /> The gate [20.7/1069] was closed but could be easily climbed over.<br /> <br /> That evening, we camped at coordinates -34.4022167, -70.5747500. The site fit three tents comfortably, although the ground is slightly sloped. Another option is near the ford [30.6/1315] or at coordinates -34.4128306, -70.5806225.<br /> <br /> After crossing the saddle and bush bashing, a group of men called out to us. When we got closer, we saw they were all wearing balaclavas and had a campsite on the flat ground to the right of the trail (around -34.4780833, -70.6135833). They were growing marijuana there. However, they were very friendly, guided us through the area, and pointed us back to the trail.<br /> <br /> From the saddle to the ford over the Rio Claro [-48.3/862], we managed to cross all fords dry-footed, although some required fairly long jumps.<br /> <br /> We crossed the Rio Claro ford. The water level wasn’t high, but the current was very strong. We crossed as a group of three, which made it manageable. For solo hikers, crossing may be unsafe, and we wouldn’t recommend it. Be careful. The key is to ford at the spot under the rock where the waypoint in the trackfiles is located, not where the trail line crosses the river.<br /> <br /> That evening, we reached coordinates -34.5163178, -70.6655452. It’s a nice spot for several tents. Another good camping spot is at -34.5376128, -70.6627607.<br /> <br /> At the settlement [76.7/652], there’s a gate. It was locked, but since no one was around, we climbed over it. On the other side, there are several signs indicating the area is private and entry is prohibited.<br /> <br /> The minimarket in Agua Buena is open until about 8:30 PM. The staff was very friendly, as was the family running the restaurant La Higuera. They served us well, chatted with us late into the night, let us take showers, and even camp in their garden.<br /> <br /> 24-11-26 - 24-11-29 / 2,5 days / OH2-RR /Volker<br /> <br /> An interesting hike dedicated to fauna.<br /> <br /> Water: all spots reliable, some more, but minor, could disappear later in the year<br /> <br /> I walked in the evening from Chacayes (5km from Coya in the direction of the Los Cipreses reserve) on MR H365 over the hill to Rio Cachapoal, hitchhiked the 5 km of OH2 on PR to the point, where OH 1 +2 turn to the left and follow Rio Claro de Cauquenes. Camp 0 on the orographically right bank (OH02a) high over the river close to a small Water channel. Great spot! (There are many more in this section, but probably many people on weekends, on a monday evening I was alone). Ford at 7.30 a.m. pretty difficult, <br /> Later on all easy, gates and camp spots as described by Lilian. Kept dry feet at nearly all further fords. <br /> The bush bashing section: I learnt from the bad experience of Matthias and Matthieu and sticked strictly to the trail, even when it seemed impossible to pass here - and was always rewarded by some meters of trail. <br /> Camp 2 at 43.5/1177. <br /> Rio Claro: Impossible to Cross (at leaste alone). I took the iron bridge 8km downstream (avoid to enter the territory with gates and fences, where the track files lead to the river, it‘s the place of a former bridge).<br /> I didn‘t walk back upstream, but continued to the village Las Nieves, where I took the bus to Rengo and then to Chillan. Advised by Alexey I wanted to skip gpt 05-07 for now anyway and come back later in the Season, when fords are possible. <br /> <br /> I was tempted to take OH03 at the puesto and spend a day for exploration into valley Baule without backpack, but decided to stick to RR, as OH03 later on has a ford of Rio Claro without the option of bypassing it with the 8km walk to the bridge. Someone should find out, if it‘s possible to get back from OH03 to RR without that ford.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2024-Nov-17-20 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil'''<br /> <br /> After the second pass stay on the left to avoid serious bush-bashing and unfriendly property owners! <br /> Rio Claro was impossible to cross. We took the 16km detour just to figure out the bridge was washed away as well. The crossing where the bridge used to be was possible but scetchy! Not recommended.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-09 to 2024-NOV-15 / 6.5 days (including 1/2 day rest) / Hiking / SOBO / RR + D / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Accomodation: in La Coya I stayed at a &quot;Hospedaje&quot; (S 34°12.3424' W 070°31.8386') for 15000 pesos the night.<br /> In Agua Buena, I stayed at the Restaurant &quot;La Higuera&quot;, very nice owners! <br /> <br /> Camp: km17 / km30 / km43 / km48 / km54 / km69 (about 400m before water km70)<br /> <br /> At the exist of La Coya, right after the Clinique are tow concrete blocks blocking the entrance of the trail. They are quite easy to climb over. <br /> <br /> Km9: I did not have any problems entering the private ground. There was nobody and the gate is easy to open.<br /> <br /> Km17: I forded the river about 150m upstream at the end of the rocky beach, where the water is only knee deep. <br /> <br /> From the ford km17 to the camp km33, the path is well seen, but vegetation overhangs it in a way that you have to push you through, sometimes strongly which can get tiring. <br /> <br /> The bushbashing after the pass km36, specially the last part before the ford km40 is very hard. The vegetation is very dense. I was happy to do it downwards otherwise I am not sure if I would have done it. <br /> <br /> The ford km48 was not doable, so I took variante D. The bridge was not there so I continued the road to the next brigde (S 34°28.9198' W 070°43.6991'). This made me walk a detour of about 18km. <br /> <br /> From the end of variant D nearly to the pass, there is no water! The first water point is about 1.6km before the pass (with a camp spot about 300m after water). <br /> <br /> Close to the pass there were a small group of cows. They were afraid of me, but the problem was that there were also calfs. Mother cows get very defensif when they have calfs, so make sure they see you coming from a distance, not to get surpirsed. For your own safty!<br /> The cows ran away before me on a long distance. Finaly, I decided to overtake them (by doing a greater detour), in order not to chase them the whole way before me.<br /> <br /> The dogs at settlement km76 are agressiv. One of them bite me in the leg even that the women ordered them back!<br /> <br /> There are other even more agressiv dogs at settlement km79. They tried to attack me from behind. Luckily, as I turned around they canceled the attack. So I left the settlement walking backwards.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Feb-29 to Mar-03/ 4 days/ 104 km/ Alex + Andrey'''<br /> GPT03 (Rios Claros) Exploration:<br /> Option 3 (Rio Claro Alto and Paso Coligues) SOBO<br /> Option 7 (Baule Valley) EABO (new, but no, Tomáš did it in 2022)<br /> Option 1 (RN Rio Los Cipreses) NOBO<br /> <br /> Very difficult.<br /> <br /> Base weight 2.9 kg<br /> Brief summary:<br /> This exploration unexpectedly turned into the discovery of one of the most beautiful mountain valleys I have ever seen in Chile.<br /> In my opinion, the combination of options 3, 7 and 1 is a very difficult, but very attractive alternative to the northern part of the regular route for section 03.<br /> The difficulties on options 7 and 1 are not exceptional, but their density and variety in such a short section pose a serious challenge even for experienced hikers:<br /> Steep scree and rocky slopes and traverses.<br /> One very difficult ford<br /> Passing narrow gorges with an active river<br /> Bushwhacking<br /> Even swamps (!)<br /> Details, tips:<br /> The first part of the route (Option 3) until Pass3 (Pass ? {03-03} [23.6+0.2/2634]) is pretty easy.<br /> The trail between Pass3 and Pass4 is not always in place, but CC here does not present significant difficulties.<br /> The main obstacle for us was the navigation challenge for Baule Valley after Pass4.<br /> This valley consists of several beautiful amphitheaters separated by a series of vertical rock belts with numerous waterfalls.<br /> Although we found the remains of an old horse trail in the valley, the lack of any signs of its use in recent years raises questions about its relevance.<br /> Also, the upper amphitheater (from the Pass4 to the first rock belt) turned out to be (at the end of February!) under snow, which complicated the search for the remains of the old trail and we were forced to create our own foot path. After some exploration we managed to find a northern passage (a steep but simple green gully) in the upper rock belt towards a small intermediate valley with a lake to the north, from where the path winds through three more rock belts to the middle valley, a very spectacular point.<br /> We walked around the lower rocky belt along the very steep scree southern slope. The path below on OSM maps is represented as a trail, which it is not. This is a very demanding 100% CC on the bottom of a canyon with an active river. In my opinion, in this place it is worth trying to find a bypass of the canyon 100-150m higher along the right (southern) bank of the river.<br /> Attention! The following is information about Option 1 RN Rio Los Cipreses actual as of the end of February 2024:<br /> The southern part of the Reserva nacional Río de Los Cipreses (the Río de Los Cipreses canyon itself) for visiting requires authorization from CONAF, which is extremely doubtful to obtain, so passing SOBO through the valley may be a violation of the rules, but at the moment there is no registration for exiting from the park.<br /> Ford 9 (Ford {03-01} [39.1/1468] ) is very difficult even in late February and can be impossible early-to-mid season.<br /> The valley above this ford apparently has not been visited for a long time and is significantly overgrown<br /> More photos and trek are here:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/rios-claros-valle-baule-rio-los-cipreses-chile-163289798<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-26 to 2024-Jan-31 / 5.5 days / SOBO / 02A - 02 - RR - D - RR / Matthias de Austria '''<br /> <br /> Option 02: Large gate with various prohibition signs at -34.2746,-70.5931 on the H-35 road, so I take 02A, a good choice, a nice, easy path along a canal with clear water, in the shade in the morning. Apparently a favourite hiking route for the locals, with numerous fire pits, some of them quite dirty.<br /> <br /> Parts of the path before the pass 03 36.5 are overgrown until you reach higher altitude. You are very often in close physical contact with the local flora. I saw a snake there, a culebra de cola. Thought about it later while bushbashing - how many of them are right now close to me? A short section of the path is impassable with dense thorns (at -34.4261,-70.5885), but you can get out of the way with some light bushbashing and boulder climbing over the river, maybe 200 metres. Good training for the serious bushbashing after the pass. There stay close to the gps track, trying to go back to the track, even just 50m through the bushes, can be very hard as I learned by trying.<br /> <br /> Water: Plenty in the beginning, unmarked at -34.3191,-70.5698, possible camp shortly after. <br /> Water and locked gate at -34.3406, -70.5565, climb over gate<br /> Water at -34.3651, -70.5603<br /> Locked gate shortly before 25.3/1096, climb over<br /> Plenty of little streams afterwards almost until the pass. Fill up before you reach it, no water afterwards for some time and bushbashing might take longer than planned and can be exhausting. Fill up water at the stream (also nice pool) at Settler 03 49.7 (there was a closed gate but you can bypass it on the little riverbed next to it, where also the pool is), long exhausting hike up to the pass 03 55.9 follows, with only one stream quite far up. Nice spring at -34.5670,-70.7224, 2 or 3km before 05 starts at the final pass.<br /> <br /> Fording: no problems, all water levels low. Except Rio Claro, wild river, lots of water with strong stream. I camped nearby, but next morning it was only a bit less water, scary. I took the detour to the bridge (water waves over bridge, but crossing no problem) at -34.4820,-70.7278<br /> <br /> Camps: Day 1: with water -34.4001,-70.5742, Day 2: with water -34.4823,-70.6143 Day 3: with water -34.5094,-70.6531 sandy next to big boulder, Day 4: shortly after pass 55.9, very, very little water, no good camp, Day 5: camped next to an old fall down tree over the river at 71.5/957 with pool but very cold water<br /> <br /> Big locked gate at 76.7, some dogs barking, I wait a bit until a friendly lady shows up. Dogs now calm. We chat a bit and I continue, climb over the stonewall a few meters right to the gate.<br /> <br /> Car picks me up shortly after and drives me to La Higuera in Agua Buena. Very friendly, can take a shower, do laundry, wifi, vegetarian dinner+little desert, 4 beers, breakfast, got a matress in the still unfinished rooms (no electricity, windows, doors nor bathroom). But he gave me a lamp and a power cable for charging. Unfortunately it was extremely noisy at night due to barking dogs and several roosters. Total cost 55k pesos. I also got some free fruit and lunch the next day, and was allowed to go with the car when they drove to San Fernando, they drove me to Puente Negro, from where I quickly hitchhiked to Las Peñas.<br /> <br /> Small supermarket (+ a mini market, but did not visit) in Agua Buena, was open from about 10am, but may vary. Enough good food for the next stage.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan-4-2024 to jan-8-2024 / 5 days / SOBO / Option 2A - RR - variant D - RR / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> Nice hike, trail in good condition (a little bit overgrowned sometimes with spiky bushes before the first pass - slippery with rolling stones on the last descent to estero antivero, before going back to the treeline, as lilian said) <br /> The only hard part is the bush bashing at km39. For this part, when it goes down steep, try to stick to the tracks or try to go to the left ridge, but don't follow the water streams going to your right like I did, it was hell ! The plants grow wild near water. Matthias had the same adventure I think. When you arrive on flat ground, it becomes much easier. <br /> <br /> Variants : I took option 2A to not pass by the private property at the beginning of RR. You can begin by 2A and cross the river to join option 2 . The trail is<br /> in very good condition. If you don't want to cross the river you can directly begin Option 2.<br /> I took a look at investigation option 2B. It seemed overgrowned and steepy from my bank, so I didn't cross the river to check, and came back for the simple plan. <br /> <br /> Water : all water markers are still good. For the first pass (36.5), you have water until 1 km before, a good stream with shadow to rest. <br /> For the second pass : as Lilian said, the important water point is km54, good flow. There are few streams in the valley between the two passes but muddy and green... almost done. One little stream 1 km before the pass (63.7), clear and fresh water. So to be carefull I would take water to cross from km 54 to km 71 for the rest of the season. <br /> <br /> Camp : on a little pass after Option 2 join RR - at km 43.5 (full of trash and cowshit but close to the river). You have other nice places between 43.5 and rio claro, between the multiple river crosses - on variant D after the broken bridge (on the south bank, after crossing with the good bridge) - km 64.7, flat area as Lilian described, no protection,no water, good view. You have a lot of places when you join the treeline after the last pass.<br /> <br /> River crossings : <br /> The big question was Rio Claro de las Nieves (the big one). RR crossing seemed like suicide. Locals told me that they don't do it this year. <br /> To explain, variant D is actually a touristic minor road. People take the metal bridge (3km after broken one) with their vehicles (i saw 2 camionettas and an old car on it). So it's pretty solid, but when I crossed (16h, the worst time) there was some waves going above it, but not above my feet. Only 5 or 6 paces, really short, and large enough for a big car. Nothing to hold on. It's impressive with the big flow under. <br /> No problem for the other rivers. Rio claro de quaucenes to thighs but the flow was not so strong. <br /> <br /> Other : another snake near the third pass, they really are lazy and let you approach pretty close ! <br /> <br /> Accomodation : restaurant la Higuera like the others, they are so nice and you eat well, fresh products !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-14 to 2023-Dec-18 / 5 days / SOBO / RR + Variant B+C+D(extended) + Exploratory Variant 5 / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> I had no right of way discussions and no bad dog encounters. <br /> At km 9.2 (Huinganes, no entry-allowed signs) the first farmer saw me but didn’t respond my greetings, at the second house there was a person mowing the grass, it was loud so I passed unnoticed.<br /> <br /> Locked gate at about km 20.7 where the puesto is marked downhill. Climbed the fence, some other locked gates on the way to the first pass.<br /> <br /> Bush bashing beginning some 2 km past the pass: brought me to my boundaries, I found myself hanging on the steep slope in 1,5 m thick branchwood, feet in water and it was hard to move forward or back. Stay to the ridge to the left in the first steep part!<br /> <br /> Rio Clarillo was still too wild to ford for me, so I did the 16 km detour (variant D + 3 km, see earlier posts). The metal bridge was still overflown and there was no hose too hold on. To be safe I kept my shoes on for crossing. Had a short talk with the friendly settler at km 49.7 after opening his fence/gate.<br /> <br /> Going down from the second pass to Aguas Buenas I took the exploration variant 05. Great hike on the upper part and down to the first Camp. I found a path leading down to the first marked camp in wide zig-zag through (or past) the first „dotted lines“. I camped at a marvelous arriero camp, which is situated on the other side of the river, a bit (100m) further down than shown on the track. Also for the first dotted line after camp 1, I found a reasonable good path until km 8.2 of the variant approximately: I already wanted to recommend this variant to become regular route :-), but then it was HARD bush-bashing even when I didn’t expect it (solid line) down all the way the ridge! Again, always stay to the ridge, it’s easier there, and don’t follow erosion gullies. <br /> There must be a better path as the route quite suddenly becomes worse and as camp 1 seems to be a used arriero camp, and after going down the ridge you hit a good path again. But I was too exhausted after 1h30 of bush bashing to explore that way upwards. <br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> at km 17.8 (Casa de Piedra), km 41.4 (Camp without water), ca. km 51.5 at 1200m (there’s a better alternative at ca.1400 m shortly after a water source), and at camp 1 of the exploratory variant. <br /> Plenty of water apart from the variant, where there is no water until camp 1.<br /> <br /> Accommodation:<br /> At restaurant La Higuera in Aguas Buenas you can camp in the garden or stay in one of the rooms which are being made. I do highly recommend the place, the family is very friendly and helpful. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-11 to 2023-Dec-14 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Km4.6 : water switch on the ground, under a rock after the junction. Be aware turn on lightly, otherwise it will inject several meters away.<br /> <br /> Km7.4 : camping spot with fire ring, rock seats and nice tree shades, a stream is flowing nearby too.<br /> <br /> Ford[16.1/877] : just up to half of calf, camping spot with 2 fire ring before crossing.<br /> <br /> Camp[17.5/875] : crossing of Rio Claro de Cauquenes, look like up to thighs at RR crossing. When you arrive the river, keep walking to upstream about 120m until the rock beach end, you will find rock bar under water there, cross it, up to knee and mostly just half of calf. When you join back the trail, after 10-20sec a large flat area that can fit lot of tents.<br /> <br /> Km20.7 : nice water flowing and 2 locked gates, you can climb over them, or go high and back down.<br /> <br /> Water[22.8/1173] : flowing nice, and camping spot at km22.9, with fire ring, log seats, rock seats and tree cover, but most are a little steep, just 2 small spots are flat.<br /> <br /> Km23.2 : flat area can fit 3 tents on the pass.<br /> <br /> Water[25.3/1096] : another locked gate, camping spot with rock seats and shelter before the gate. After you climb over the gate and arrive the stream, a smaller camping spot there, can fit 1-2 small tents.<br /> <br /> Km25.5 : flat area can fit 3 tents on the pass.<br /> <br /> Km26.8 : a stream flowing good, and a flat spot can fit a small tent just before it. 1 more flat spot can fit 1 tent at km27.<br /> <br /> Km29 : flowing with clear water. Rock hopping for dry feet crossing, nice camping spot under a big tree can fit 2 tents after the cross.<br /> <br /> Km30.1 : a good flow stream and a locked gate. Climb over it.<br /> <br /> Ford[30.6/1315] : flowing with clear water. Rock hopping for dry feet crossing, camping spots under lot of trees can fit many tents with fire ring and log seats after the cross. But lot of trash.<br /> <br /> Km32.5 : crystal clear swimming pool!!! Flat spots under some trees can fit 2 tents just before it.<br /> <br /> Water[34.7/1696] : completely dry at RR crossing, but is still flowing good at a little downstream, better collect them before you climb up, cold, clear and taste good! Some more small stream are still flowing now before the pass, but for the report in 2019, look like they will dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Pass[36.5/2047] : if you are thinking of camping on the pass, forget it! Several flat spots, but tons of cow poop surrounding here, some are fresh, some are dry, you wouldn't like it.<br /> <br /> Bush bashing is not fun, luckily it is short and going downhill side.<br /> <br /> Ford[40.7/1398] : nice camping spot between 2 river crossing here, beside a tree on grassland can fit 2 tents.<br /> <br /> Camp without water[41.4/1424] : can fit many many tents here but no tree cover. Another spot like this one at km42.1<br /> <br /> Camp[43.5/1177] : closed gate here, use your arm power to open it.<br /> <br /> Km45 : flowing stream and unlocked gate.<br /> <br /> When you follow the valley going downstream, you will cross the river sometimes, lot of camping spots at before and after crossing.<br /> <br /> Ford,camp[48.3/859] : fording of Rio Claro, i cant do it. It is too hard although at 9am, very very strong flow and up to waist, i give 2 steps and turn back, otherwise I'll be knocked out.<br /> <br /> I found at upstream the place that rock beach end, river breaks into 3 parts, it looks like possible for crossing if you are have more body weight than me.<br /> <br /> I went to the bridge that Yannick &amp; Nolwenn said, it is at far away downstream but the only safe option.<br /> <br /> (-34.48000,-70.72770) : house, easy to find it on satellite map.<br /> <br /> It is a wooden rooftop and brick wall house, walking on the road wouldn't miss it. I met the family and their dog of the house, so the gate is open, and they are chilling beside the river.<br /> <br /> Follow the road behind the gate will lead you to the small iron bridge, water lever is above it, above my half of calf when i stand on the bridge at 2pm, fast and strong, so when you cross it be careful.<br /> <br /> Their dog want to cross with me, but it was washed away by strong wave in 2sec, (luckily it can swim back to shore).<br /> <br /> A long dirt road walk back to trail.<br /> <br /> Settler[49.7+0.2/810] : a locked gate and a stream, no need to climb gate, walk to the riverbed, you'll find a easy way back to the road that behind the gate, remember bring water, a long way climb up.<br /> <br /> Km54 : a stream flowing good with a small pool.<br /> <br /> Km54.1 : nice camping spot, can fit many tents, beautiful trees and green short grassland.<br /> <br /> Pass[55.9/1772] : lot of ......... , water is flowing in the valley after the pass, but look like will dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km59.2 &amp; 60.7 : flat spot can fit 1-2 tents with good views on the pass.<br /> <br /> Km61.6 : several spots for total 3-5 tents on the ridge, excellent views but windy.<br /> <br /> Km62.65 : 2 small stream still flowing clear and cold water with a tiny waterfall, easy to collect. Some more stream before the high point, but i think they'll all dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km64.7 : a large flat area can fit lot of tents.<br /> <br /> Km67.2 : water is still flowing in the valley, but maybe dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km69 : treeline, trail conditions become much better.<br /> <br /> Km69.9 : water flowing.<br /> <br /> Water[71.5/957] : flowing nice with log bridge. Camping spot with fire ring before crossing, fire ring and log seats after crossing.<br /> <br /> Km73.1 : amazing pine trees camping spot! Can fit 10+ tents, sleeping on comfortable pine land.<br /> <br /> Km73.4 : locked gate, climb over it. From here to km73.8 is huge flat area. Km73.7 have a fire ring too.<br /> <br /> Km74.8 : closed gate, you can open it by a rope knots on right side.<br /> <br /> Settlement[76.7/652] : Los Alps, when you get close, walk slower, at least 4 DOGS here and running out, a women will come out and help you to stop them, she is friendly but need some time to come out, so dont rush to in front of their dogs.<br /> <br /> Bridge[77.3/639] : you can follow RR crossing the river by wet feet, or go on the shaking and shaking bridge.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i camped in the small garden of the restaurant ' La Higuera' in Aguas Buenas. Hot shower, laundry, dinner and hiker friendly. Decided tomorrow will eat the breakfast here then keep going!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-09 to 2023-Dec-13 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> On the trail from Coya nothing much has changed, the wooden bridge still holds. As of now there is water at km 7.2 (before hitting the gravel road) so we filled up there instead of spending time at Fundo Huinganes. The main gate by the road was closed but easily bypassed. At the house right after entering there are about 7 dogs, two of them loose, but they don't come out of their yard despite the gate being open. There was a car there but nobody came to see if anyone was passing. We managed to get through the private land without issues.<br /> <br /> Crossing Rio Claro de Cauquenes in the late afternoon was fine at a wide place. Camped at Casa de Piedra. The next day was very hot so we opted for a 6hr siesta and nighthiked up the the pass and down, including the bushbashing. Sunset at the pass was incredible and the starry sky even more so. The bushbashing was just as we remembered from the last time, no improvements. The trail after the bushbashing seemed not used, ie the upper pastures hadn't been grazed and the trail was grassy and a bit overgrown until the puesto at km43.5.<br /> <br /> Rio Claro was way too wild for us to cross at 9 in the morning, evident by a dead cow in the middle of the river, so we did the same detour as mentioned before - 8km each way. The small metal bridge was totally under water when we crossed it, thankfully there is a plastic hose that can be used for balance when traversing. Camped nearby the river close to where the old bridge used to be (seemed like a designated camping area, there were other campers and signs &quot;llevate la basura). <br /> <br /> No issues getting back to the puesto where the route turns up. Water reliable, trail in ok condition. The way down steep as usual but once you enter the forest you can see the arrieros have cleared it from bush. Lots if water. No issues with dogs or landowners, we didn't see anyone.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-19 to 2023-Nov-23 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + variant D / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present - for now there is water as well in between km 55 and km 57<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 25,5 ( water 100m before) | km 43,5 | km 55,9 ( water 300m after) | km 73,6 ( we asked the permission to the settler that was present - he was really nice )<br /> <br /> - River crossing : all easy to cross except for the 'Rio Claro' that was too strong for us ( 1m80 and 65kg) - we took variant D and found out that the bridge does not exist anymore ( has been destroyed this year), we then continued on the dirt road and found another little bridge 3km after. The bridge is behind a 'closed' black gate ( you just have to lift the chain up ) on the left side of the road on front of a house. Then you can go join another dirt road on the other side that will make you rejoigned the GPT. <br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny <br /> <br /> - Resupply : in agua buena, we found everything we need for the next section in a little shop on the main road.<br /> <br /> - Accomodation : we stayed in the garden of the restaurant ' La Higuera'. They are building some accommodation but it won't be ready until January. We payed 10 000 pesos each for putting the tent, a shower, charging electronics and doing laundry. The owners are super nice and would be happy to host again.<br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant D - be careful no bridge as indicated but one 3 km down the road ( read comment on River crossing)<br /> <br /> - Warning : at km 76,7 there is a puesto with a lot of dogs that can be aggressive. We went slowly at their encounter and the lady owner came out of the house and talked to us. She gets scared when she hears her dogs screaming, she said that she would prefer if people wait and talk to her before continuing on the road. It is a safer option to wait for her to calm the dogs down.<br /> <br /> - Overall : Nice section, the bush bashing is real, it took us 40 minutes but is not that awful. We encountered a lot of cows and bulls but there were always afraid of us and ran away. We met another GPT hiker on this section!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-19 to 2023-Nov-23 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Jens'''<br /> <br /> The owner of the land at km 9.2 was not very pleased to see me. There is a gate that says private property, you can easily walk around it, no fences. He doesn't want anyone to cross his land, but he made an exception for me. Maybe it would be wise to take the alternative route in. <br /> <br /> Two more gates on the RR route that I jumped over. Nobody seemed to be there at the time. <br /> <br /> Plenty of water on the route. Camp sites every few kilometres. <br /> <br /> The first two river crossings were easy. <br /> <br /> Around the first pass (km 40 or so) the trail basically stopped existing for a few kilometres until halfway to the next river. Especially after the pass I had to do a lot of bush bashing. There was no trail, at least as far as I could see. All my Garmin showed was a dotted line, which in my book meant &quot;you're on your own&quot;. After what felt like an hour of scrambling, I found the trail again (black line on the Garmin). <br /> <br /> I had to cross the river at least 5 times. I tried to keep my boots dry, but gave up after the second crossing and embraced them from then on. <br /> <br /> The Rio Claro was very strong that afternoon. It wasn't a very warm day, but it carried a lot of water. I (190, 90 kilos) dared to cross it just before the other river joined it. It was hard work. Someone less heavy might want to take the detour to the bridge.<br /> <br /> On the way to Aguas Buenas, at the settlement marked on the map, a dog bit me. Not sure if there is a way around it.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-01 to 2023-Mar-06 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 4A / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> Wanted to start for the OH in Reserva Los Cipreses, but turned back for RR as Reserva was only allowed for day visit because of high bushfire risk. No active puesto all way long and for this trails were sometimes like a light spiny Bush bashing. At -34.4258 -70.5885 we would have to face heavy BlackBerry-Bb. Instead we took a detour uphill and crossed around this field. Marked water and Ford spots from the track files sometimes where not corresponding with actual location (we supposed a Garmin problem as our marked spots were as well off track sometimes). In Agua Buena Pedro closed down for the moment? his hostel, we slept at Tinajas and cabanas for 40k. Very nice hosts and gardens, we highly recommend.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-08 to 2022-Dec-15 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / Exploration of Option 1 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> The best shop is at the main crossroad opposite the road to Reserva Los Cipreses. They had cherries and nectarines, some vegetables, bread, icecream, some salami and chips. Not a great choice, but more than enough. I went onto regular route and then branched off on alternative 03 that follows the river. I met two chilean hikers on the RR (I walked in the late evening and early night first 20 km, it was super hot), then a group of arrieros on the alternative. Plenty of water everywhere, good watering holes too.<br /> <br /> I then took the first exploratory route. All the way up to the valey, there is an nice horse trail. The regular alternative seemed overgrown, as is marked in the GPX files. Once in the valley (at 2300 elevation, beautiful, here: 34.4452069S, 70.5236975W), it is crosscountry. I went competely off-track, wanting to go directly to the valley on the other side. Not a good idea, very steep loose scree, I was quite afraid at 400 m above the valley floor. But I survived. The exploratory track should be easier, there is just about 100-200 metres of exposed terrain. Follow the GPX. I could not make the shortcut, it was too steep on the other side anyway. So I climbed Cerro Los Pizarras, where I rejoined the exploratory track. It is marked over the ridge, I do not think it is passable. I went down 200m on the other ridge and then followed a countour line to the saddle. Sometimes a bit exposed but fine overall. [Update 2024 - it was since rerouted according to my feedback.]<br /> <br /> Once in the saddle, there is a trail of sorts, sometimes disappearing. I think the gpx going down the valley is wrong, you need to keep on the left, following the trail. The valley is extraordinarilly beautifull (I have not been to many nicer places), deserted, but cattle or horses must pass through there sometimes (excrements present). There was some snow still, above around 2900 on the southern side of the pass. When one reaches the big waterfall (34.4795078S, 70.4868789W), one needs to keep on the right. There is a pathless path, but it is a bit exposed and not easy to follow. Once in the valley where the exploratory track stops, there is a horse trail, try to follow it. Never go in the streambed. The stream need to be crossed several times. After a kilometer or two, get on the right (looking down) side of the stream. There should be a horse trail, overgrown. I was on the left side - not a good idea, it was superthorny. Pietroglyphos on the map are not there.<br /> <br /> Once in the Reserva Rio Los Cipreses, there is a mix of horse trail, cross country amd bush bashin, but doable. Hot spring is cold, but beautiful. I slept there. From there it is better to stay in the river bed when possible. I took the second exploratory track. At first, follow the GPX (as in walk in the river bed and make a sharp turn directly up). Through the first rocky part, I went a bit to the left of the GPX. I used my hands, but it was not exposed and not entirely vertical. Then I followed the valley, keeping on the right. There is a way where you can just walk up all the way up. It is steep but does not feel dangerous: it is not that steep. If you slip, you would not start rolling, I think. At the end, I went to the saddle where the track meets the other exploratory track. I think it was a bit less steep then the route by GPX. You need to go bellow the mountain, GPX goes over it but it is a rock. Going to the other valley, do not go all the way to to lowest pass but take the one that is more to the east. There was lots of snow, not too steep, I descended like 900m on the snow in one hour. From 2300m, there is horse trail all the way down. Keep on the right bank, left bank turns to car road and the exploratory track suggesting fording is nonsense, just keep on the right bank. No cell phone cover until roughly where Pedro lives. There is internet and electricity in Termas del Flaco. Shops probably not great, I went to San Fernando. Unfortunately lost my Garmin with track files. Easy to hitch there, and from there. Took me 7 days, diffuculty 5, attractiveness between 4-6, I think. Have not met anybody for six days straight. [The files have been rerouted based on the feedback, but for the last pass, where you want to go towards this pass 34.5785592S, 70.4349161W and then from there traverse to here: 34.5893708S, 70.4272772W ]. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-03 to 2022-Dec-07 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Taking a bus from Rancagua terminal to Coya at 1PM, we started the section about an hour later. Old trail is in good condition. After reaching the car road we climbed below the fence a few meters after the gate. Trail starts to get overgrown in some parts but still ok. Rio Claro ford at 48.3 was no problem in the morning. Unmarked water source on the way to the second pass 55.9. Amazing landscape and places to camp before the last pass. The trail goes down through a forrest which was a nice change. We met owners of the last marked settlement who were again really friendly and showed us the way to Agua Buena that follows a minor road. In the village are a few shops and an amazing restaurant with traditional chilean meals that you cant miss. The owners are great people, we really enjoyed our time there! We stayed in Tinajas &amp; Cabanas (look at Google Maps) for 40k at beautiful new cabana. Daughter of the owners speaks English and we got even a nice little tour around the property, bread and cherries in the morning - 100% recommended! In the restaurant we met already mentioned guy José Pedro who was really nice and helped us with the beginning of the section 4 the following day. He offers a place to camp for free at his property or a room in his house for a small fee. You can find the number below, responds quickly on whatsapp.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-01 to 2022-Dec-04 / 4 days / Hiking / Tom&amp;miky'''<br /> <br /> The crossing of the rio claro on the morning went well, we had water up to our hips. <br /> No problem with the water supply. <br /> Variant 03-04 was moderately passable with a 150m section of bush bashing which took us 1 hour.<br /> In Agua Buenas, a great restaurant is waiting for you : &quot;La Higuera&quot; run by David Arenas who is very kind.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBI / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We travelled by bus from Rancagua to Coya. The bus leaves every hour from the terminal in Rancagua. <br /> There was plenty of water all along the way. We spent one night at Camp{03}[33.5/1559], which is right on the river.<br /> Bus bashing, we followed the GPS line +/- 20m, which worked quite well.<br /> Crossing the Rio Claros was no problem, the nice camp is at (-34.50800, -70.65994).<br /> Crossing the two passes is a long day, but doable. We spent the last night at Water{03}[71.5/957]. (The front water point Water ? {03}[70.1/1142] has no water).<br /> In Auqua Buena we ate at the restaurant La Higuera. Good food and friendly owners.<br /> In Auqua Buena we stayed overnight with Pedro. He has a very nice little house in the green about 5 minutes walk from the centre. Pedro can offer a room with bathroom and breakfast. Kitchen and everything else can be shared. Pedro is a super nice guy and also helped us for the start of GPT04. He told us that he would also be happy to host other hikers. It is best to contact Pedro before starting on GPT03. Here is his number: +56 9 6135 7353<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-24 to 2021-Nov-27 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We started from Coya about 7pm and at bridge in 6km we accidentally went right instead of following the RR left because it was getting dark already and after a few hundred meters of walking we found a nice campsite with benches and a table where we decided to call it a night. <br /> <br /> Plenty of water and shade on the route, we also met some aerrieos and a bunch of tarantulas on the way. The bushbashing after the first steep pass [36,5km] was not very fun but luckily it wasn’t too long. <br /> <br /> The second pass was way easier despite almost a straight 1000m of ascent the trail was in very good condition and way more gradual. We were also a bit lucky with the weather as it was a cloudy day, making it much easier heat wise. Not that great for vistas though. There was an unmarked stream a few km before the second pass [55,9km]. The downhill after the ridgewalk and a mini-pass at [63,7km] got pretty steep at some point and turned our legs into spaghetti, but the really cool jungle-like forest captured our attention more. <br /> <br /> We camped about 9km from Agua Buena. In town there were a few already mentioned small shops, enough to resupply for the next shorter section. We had a great lunch and charged our electronics in restaurant “La Higuera” before heading back out to section four. <br /> <br /> This section took us 4 days to complete.<br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-18 to 2021-Nov-21 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> Hiked this section in 3 1/2 days. I agree with Ian that it was easier than previous sections. Especially because there are more trees and therefore more shade from the scorching sun. This made hiking this section much more enjoyable for me. Met plenty of arrieros riding on the trails and hanging out in their camps. Also had a spectacular view when a big group of them were gathering a lot of cows in an enclosure near the first mountain pass during sun set. <br /> There was only one ford were simply jumping on small rocks to cross the river with dry feet wasn’t possible, but water level was pretty low and the current not too strong, so it was easy enough to walk across.<br /> Was not able to find accommodation in Aguas Buenas, so hopped on a micro bus to San Fernando. Was told that it arrives every hour or so.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-06 to 2020-Jan-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> All river crossings OK. At KM 47.1 the camp is after you ford the Rio Claro, a few minutes after you reach the road. Water mentioned by Matus &amp; Anna on way to 1780M pass is on the trail @ 1420M. It's a long day if you want to get from Rio Claro camp over the 1780M &amp; 2020M passes to good water &amp; camping @ Water 19. The bush bashing section is well below the 2030M pass. Try to get the entry point exactly right or it will be nearly impassible. 2 good shops in Agua Buena &amp; a good restaurant, La Higuera. Updated transport section.<br /> <br /> 6KM from Coya after 2 footbridges there is a trail junction. If you fork right onto OH-TL-V@03-B-#001, when you reach the road access to it is blocked by a high fence. I was able to get through a small hole in the fence but it would be better to fork left as regular route is shorter &amp; avoids the fence<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-13 to 2019-Dec-17 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: For this section I had a few issues with my GPS and the track files. As a result, I personally had trouble navigating this section. On the other hand, I think this section is relative easier compared to the other sections in the area. It is shorter and there are not too many difficulties. I took the alternate over a large pass which was a huge highlight for me in this section. I recommend this although there is a lot of cross country involved and is a little slower and longer. Aguas Buena has two “mini shops” with enough food for me to continue to section 4. There is also a restaurant/bar that sells empanadas for $1.000 each.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Navigation (for me)<br /> <br /> Highlights: Nice views, clear creeks and rivers.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> *'''2019-Dec-07 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days, including one nero day. Regular trail is in good condition. <br /> <br /> I agree with what was written, I just want to clarify that overgrown part of trail (cca 1km) is after the pass (2030m), which is first marked pass in gps files. After the last posts we were not sure. <br /> Last good water source is in the climb to the pass (1780m), but filtration needed. There is one more further in the junction with optional trail, but it was quite slow and it would be challenging to take enough water from it. <br /> <br /> River crossings were not a problem. In the morning after a second cross of Rio Claro river was suddenly at least twice as stronger, but looked still crossable.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-26 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tyler &amp; America'''<br /> <br /> the optional track around the last big climb of the route is pretty dang difficult to navigate in a couple places. Be prepared for some bush bashing and the route to not be the most accurate. I had downloaded satellite AND topo maps of the section on Gaia GPS and this was very valuable in finding the best ways through this. Bush Bashing: OH-BB-A@03-03-#006. Trail down to Rio Antivero (last half SOBO): OH-TL-V@03-03-#009<br /> <br /> It took us six days to hike this section. We took a great nearo day down by Rio Claro. Agreed with everything said by Martina. This section was pretty challenging navigation wise for us too. We decided to take the shortest optional route around the second pass. The bush bashing section was THICK. I would say nearly impassable. Luckily I had satellite version of the route downloaded on Gaia and found an easy route around it. After this the trial was very overgrown. Past the puesto and descending back down to Rio Antivero, the route was VERY difficult to find on steep terrain. We had to emergency camp and found our way out the next day after finding a well worn trail near the bottom that led us down safely. If I were to do it again I would just stick to the recommended route the whole second half. In San Fernando we found a horse right next to Hostel O Higgins with private room/both for 20,000. Definitely the best prices in town by far.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-24 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina and Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us five days to walk this section. Water levels are very low, so river crossings never caused any problems. One short part of the trail (1 km) after the second pass is quite overgrown and we were really glad doing it downhill and not uphill (northbound). Instead of climbing the third pass we took the alternative route to the East and from there the exploration route, again to the East. The &quot;yellow&quot; part of it was a 700 m hell of a suicidal bush bashing, but mainly because there was thick fog and we couldn't get an overview at the top. The rest of the route (orange) was a trail in good condition. Back on the alternative route we couldn't find a safe way to start the bush bashing part, so we turned around and again took the exploration route, which was a great decision, as we found a trail in excellent condition. In Aguas Buenas are some small tiendas but for accommodation you'd have to go to San Fernando. There is a Microbus twice a day (morning at ??? and evening at 17:00).<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> ==Start Regular Route: Coya==<br /> Buses once every daytime hour from Rancagua Terminal Rural to Coya.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: Agua Buenas==<br /> <br /> See also [[GPT04]]<br /> <br /> Bus every half hour from Agua Buena to San Fernando. If you don't want to walk the last 5-6 KM to Agua Buena it should be easy to hitch a lift with fruit farm workers.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT03 - Ríos Claros]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:GPT03.jpg|GPT03, by [http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/ Austin Davis]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT02_(Mina_El_Teniente)&diff=122440 2025-08-09T21:08:38Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Variant B: A clear visible trail a bit higher up avoids some bush bashing on the regular route and should offer good better view from higher up. This higher trail should not add a additional ascent (SOBO) or descent (NOBO). Once verified and recorded I might change the regular route.<br /> <br /> - New GPT02 Option 1 (Filo Cerro Horizonte): This new route is well visible on satellite image and offers more kilometers high up on the ridge. It looks more demanding and exposed compared to the regular but might be interesting for experienced hikers with appetite to verify new routes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias ''' *<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 &gt; 15 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : no issues but refill when you can<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 4/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> I was asked 10,000CLP to enter the park at the beginning.<br /> I camped at km 9 on a sort of camping spot made by puestos.<br /> Then the path ascending was not always obvious. I may have missed it but found myself searching for the path a couple times.<br /> I camped at km 24 by the river, really nice spot.<br /> Then I continued ascending up to km 43. It was pretty hard with the hot weather. <br /> I met 3 puestos on their horses, they asked if I was ok.<br /> The last day with final push to the top and then the descent was too long.<br /> I didn’t have enough food so wanted to finish it but would not recommend doing this much.<br /> I ended in the mina el teniente via the main road to coya without following the GPT’s track that was going through a gate (closed but could be opened).<br /> A friendly security worker drove me to the mine entrance and I was able to hitchhike from there to Coya to end this really long day.<br /> Stayed at the red house hotel in the main road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-04 to 2024-01-07 / 4 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants D, G, H &amp; K / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. <br /> <br /> Flow at Water ? {2} (11.8/1648), Water ? {2}(20.7/2064). Water available in all high elevation basins.<br /> <br /> Good campsite at {2} (15.6/1616). <br /> <br /> With the exception of the first 10km, there was more water than expected or waypointed. However many were small, possibly seasonal flows.<br /> <br /> Existing snowfield and difficult to descend RR at -33.92000, -70.38191, took variant D instead.<br /> <br /> Road on variant G at -33.96773, -70.42224 covered by small snowfield, easy to reconnect with road via marked trail.<br /> <br /> Existing campsite just south of bridge {2} (64.3/1733) at -34.01617, -70.42623.<br /> <br /> Walked by puesto {02} (73.2/1857) early morning, no one awake.<br /> <br /> No water at {02} (78.2/1736).<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-20 / 7 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - A, D, K, S / Karin '''<br /> <br /> Camp: km2 (var A), km22.9, km39.3, km49.2 (about 100m downstream on the other side), km72.2 (a bit into the hills). I stayed 2 nights at km22.9 and km49.2 to enjoy the mountains on my last section this season.<br /> <br /> I went into the Reserva Coyanco on the 13th evening. The entrance fee is 6000pesos per person. <br /> <br /> The bridge at the beginning of the reserva is still not there, but fording is not a problem. <br /> <br /> Water: nothing to add, except that I did not see water at km67.8 (puesto).<br /> <br /> The fords from km 21.6 to km27.5 were not deeper than knees. <br /> <br /> I took var D in order to go to the viewpoint. Right after it, the road is under a few meters of snow (south facing side of ridge) and very steep. So I stayed on the ridge of Cerros de Peuco for about 200m to detour the snow field. All other snow fields (not many) are easy to detour. Nothing to worry about. <br /> <br /> The path of the last 25km until the antenna km86.4 is sometime challenging, but from the antenna to the end the path is very nice, well maintained. <br /> <br /> I stayed at the Hospedaje (S 34°12.3424' W 070°31.8386'). There are some small shops with basic food. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; OH var. D,K,N / Tamar &amp; Nimrod '''<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> 1: (33.417580, -70.207266) nice spot without water.<br /> 2. Near ford 02 [21.6/2033] there was a small strait patch of sand on the river bank.<br /> 3. (-33.524196,-7024.5732) Water from a lot of snow melting around. <br /> 4. Camp 02 [49.2/2800]<br /> 5. SOBO last water 25 km? - a few meters before the water point there is a nice spot above the road.<br /> <br /> Water:<br /> Water? {02} [8.7/1298]- no water.<br /> Water? {02} [11.8/1648] - weak flow on 06.12.24.<br /> Last water for the last 25 km SOBO - weak flow, a lot of algae. Had some taste after filtering (09.12.24).<br /> Besides all water points were OK.<br /> <br /> While climbing to pass 02 we saw a very big grey bird, which we think was an andes condor. It came very close to us, flew very low, and looked at us. We understood it wanted to attack us. We got close together and tried to look big with our hands and poles stretched to the sides. The bird made a few circles above us and finally decided to leave. We don't know if it could have tried to attack us, but it was pretty scary.<br /> <br /> At the end of the section we took the last escape route (N variant) and took a ride with workers from the mine, who were very friendly but did not seem to understand why we were in a restricted place. No problem getting out though. <br /> <br /> Great section! We lost a green phone near the pass- if anyone ever finds it we would love to know 😉<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-28 &gt; 30 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile puis impossible<br /> | Neige : oui mais piste degagée<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5 puis 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage, pas d'eau, serpents<br /> <br /> Des le debut un homme m'interdit de passer la riviere (le pont est cassé) j'ai remonté le torrent via la piste puis 2km plus haut j'ai pris une piste sableuse qui montait sur la crete pour retrouver le chemin.<br /> Il y a des serpents proche des points d'eau.<br /> Tres surpris de ne pas avoir plus de neige. Le sentier etait tout a fait pratiquable meme si j'ai contourné quelques névées au plus haut.<br /> Apres le pont du estero codegua, l'eau est plus rare, sur la crete avant Coya, il n'y en a pas du tout. La derniere descente est tres abîmée car utilisée par des motocross. Je suis sorti un peu plus tot pour trouver de l'eau dans le canal plus bas, mais c'est un canal qui transporte du ciment liquide. Je suis arrivé tres tard a Coya et ai dormi sur la plage le long du fleuve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-21 to 2024-NOV-25 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. D, H, K) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We set off from El Melocotón in the evening with headlamps along the road. The first gate [3.3/1049] was open, but after a while, a man in a car stopped us. He asked if we had registration. We did not, so he noted down our IDs and took a phone contact. The bridge [3.7/1045] no longer exists, so we had to ford the river. A good camping spot is just past the ford here [-33.68791, -70.34507]. We ascended gradually through the Estero Coyanco valley, following the RR. All the water sources in the map files indeed had water, except for one [8.7/1298], where the water was down about 50 meters and very hard to access. We took the bush bashing [16.0+0.8] more like a CC, going straight uphill. After traversing back to the Estero Coyanco river, we went upstream and forded the river a total of 6 times. The last ford [around 27.4/2200], branching into a side valley [27.5/2209], we crossed at night with headlamps. The water was above our knees; I am 178 cm tall. The entire subsequent ridge walk, which goes up to 3200 m, was a great experience. There was plenty of snow, and we really appreciated our spikes on two very steep sections. There was an abundance of water everywhere. We turned towards the pass [42.1/3256] earlier via var. D. The gravel road leading around the transmitter was completely covered with snow in several places. A good bivouac spot is at -33.9620215, -70.4274260. We descended to the concrete bridge [64.3/1733] via switchbacks following var. H. From the bridge, we walked along a gravel road down to the Barahona reservoirs, utilizing var. K. Just before the reservoirs [78.2/1736], we collected our last water for the end of the stage (about 4.6 liters each). We then proceeded CC towards the ridge with the summit of Alto los Lunes (2049 m above sea level). The entire ridge walk had no water, but there are comfortable bivouac spots in the passes between the peaks with views of the surroundings. For the final part of the stage from the connection to Carretera del Cibre, we walked at a good pace. We arrived in the town of Coya after 4 days with a small amount of water left and entered the Catalan bar, enjoying good food and a friendly owner.<br /> <br /> * '''24-11-20 - 24-11-24/ 4,5,days / RR and variants/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> An amazing hike in these spring conditions!<br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 open at 9 a.m., nobody there<br /> Water: all indicated spots reliable and many more in the upper parts. At the puesto at 67,8 it runs from a pipe behind the buildings (nobody there).<br /> Fords: mostly easy, but 5 and 8 difficult (5: slippery rock on the ground at the ‚official’ crossing, I camped there, but it wasn‘t better in the morning, 20m downstream a rock in the middle of he river allows for a safer crossing; at ford 8 less strong but up to my thighs (1,97m). <br /> A lot of snow, impossible to bypass, mostly easy, some short steep passages (mini-spikes; use the side-edges of your boots to make steps, dangerous in the early morning, chose your way carefully). However, conditions are changing now rapidly. <br /> Camps: 1: On the ridge after the BB; 2: 30m left of the 5th ford; 3: on the pass after the cirque (windy, but very nice at 3200m); 4: 200m before the puesto at 67,8 on the valley-side, very nice, probably the spot Lilian found; 5: Gate and fence with barbed wire for the RR at the upper entry of the mine, very difficult to climb, impossible to bypass, it is a new plantation area. I continued on the MR through the mine to the PR. There an officer of the mine police picked me up (very friendly!) and drove me to the Check point. From there 5km to Coya, first on PR, so I hitchhiked - a local (very, very friendly) drove me directly to the supermarket (big, everything you need) and then further to the entrance of the Reserva Los Cipreses. As Alexey said: they don’t let you pass, only day visit. I wanted to stay in Coya anyway. The girl from the Conaf (very friendly) organised a cabana for me. <br /> <br /> I saw a snake on the trail and met a puma, hiding in a bush 2m left of me, growling angrily. A group of arrierros (only people I met on these 5 days) had already warned me and asked, why I am walking without a dog. I barked loudly, imitating the missing dog, which helped me to keep cool; also helpful that I knew, humans are not their prey, it‘s cattle and so they are close to puestos.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-11-15 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil'''<br /> <br /> We paid 6000 pesos to entry the Nationalpark. The first brige was washed away but the rivercrossing was easy. Above 2700m were a lot of snow fields therefor we had to adabt the route. Its defently possible but takes more time and some snowfields need to be crossed in the afternoon.<br /> Because of the extratime needed we ran out of food and took the emergency exit which worked just finde (described in the manual). <br /> In Coya we recommend to stay in the red painted hostel in the main street.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Nov 3 - Nov 7 / 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR - A / Karin'''<br /> <br /> At the entrance of the natural reserve, the guard charged me 6000 pesos for entrance. There were barking but friendly dogs.<br /> <br /> There is pleanty of water in the rivers. The Estero de Coyanco can be crossed in the mornings easily, in the afternoon after a hot day the current becomes stronger and higher, but still possible. <br /> <br /> Snow patches start from about 2600m of altitude. In the afternoon, they are quite soft and easily traversable. But in the morning, they are frozen and very slippery, so that they become, without the right equipment, impossible to cross safely. In conclusion, the trail is not yet to be done. I think in 3-4 weeks it might be good to do so. <br /> <br /> The ascent is still worth and nice until the snow. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-03 to 2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO /Variant A - RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT01 &amp; GPT02 with a new route. (written in section alerts GPT01)<br /> Crossed the river where Vatiant A crosses. River crossing was ok.<br /> Camped at -33.72787, -70.35214 no water present here. Not the best option. One more spot if you hike around 1km further. <br /> Water at 11.8. <br /> At -33.74717, -70.36159 we followed a false horsepath. The path we followed was in very good condition as well and is well used. After some km we realized the mistake and we had to CC to water 15.6, to go back on track.<br /> Now with good satellite pictures we checked where the path we followed ends and it joins the RR again at -33.77836, -70.37408. This path might be worth checking out to skip the Bush Bashing. It seems like this path is used quite frequently. <br /> River crossings in the evening are possible but would wait for the morning. Water was up to to 1m/1.2m with strong current.<br /> Camped at -33.81604, -70.39475.<br /> We turned around due to Karin and Neele &amp; Seans alert of snow at approx. km 33.<br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were again high after 4pm. Camped at -33.82688, -70.39684<br /> Took variation A on the way out. Gate at 3.3km was open. Small Shop at el Melocoton.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-06 / 4.5 days / Hiking / RR (turned around at 35.6km) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Warning: We turned around due to snow. Snow present from 30km onwards at 35.6km we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3km was open at around 3pm at no point approached regarding a fee<br /> <br /> Crossed the river where the bridge used to be was about knee deep at 4pm (1.76m tall)<br /> <br /> Water flowing at all Water waypoints but “water ?” at 8.7km was pretty low and not easy to reach, sounded like it was flowing well downstream.<br /> <br /> River crossings between 21.6km and 27.5km all fine. No more than thigh deep for me (1.76m).<br /> <br /> Snow present from 30km onwards all manageable until 35.6km at which point we decided it was too much for us.<br /> <br /> Hiked back out on RR river crossings were much higher after 4pm but manageable until we got to 22.9km so we camped there and crossed the fords in the morning.<br /> <br /> Took variation A on the way out seems the camping area is closed during the week so no one there at all. Gate at 3.3km was still open though.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 5,5 days / SOBO / RR and variants A D E M N/ Matthias de Austria '''<br /> <br /> Gate at 3.3/1049 locked at 8am, only a few barking dogs running towards me, but rather curious, not aggressive. It is relatively easy to climb round the gate directly to the left on the slope via a barbed wire. There's nobody at the reserve and kiosk either, so I save myself the entrance fee. <br /> <br /> River crossings: no problems, nowhere more than 30-40cm water level and weak current. <br /> <br /> Lots of water sources with the exception of the last stage at the mine. There I took 9 litres at Puesto 73.2/1857 and would have liked to have had more. 78.2/1736 had water at 6am. Water 64.3/1733 very sandy, but ok place to bath about 100-200m upstream on a side arm, a few trees for shade. <br /> <br /> Camps: <br /> 1: close to ford at 21.6/2033 (without tent on the rock formations just upstream at the river crossing, the only campsite is right by the ford, but I didn't want to interfere with the arrieros - in fact a group crossed there at about 7:30am) <br /> 2: -33.8451,-70.4188 at the little arriero shelter, has water from pipe <br /> 3: Slightly north of Camp 02-D 1.3/2800 right at a bolder, water but small stream and lots of cow shit <br /> 4: Puesto 73.2/1857 (I arrived in the evening and just wanted to get water and then find somewhere to sleep, but they said it was dangerous because of the pumas and invited me to spend the night at the Puesto. They were very nice. They gave me lemonade, tea with whiskey, some bread and a sweet. They also offered me meat straight from the grill, but I kindly declined (vegetarian). We chatted a bit, as much as was possible with my very poor Spanish. I was allowed to use the simple shower and the toilet (it looked like it had never been cleaned, ever). I was offered a mattress, but it was so dirty that I preferred to put up my tent, which wasn't easy because of the dog shit lying around everywhere. At 10 o'clock in the evening, when I was already in my sleeping bag, they turned on a loud generator and music and it was extremely loud until 5 o'clock in the morning, music, 10 men talking loudly and at least as many dogs barking constantly. I didn't sleep a minute and left at around 5.30am when they went to bed. Horrible night! <br /> 5: Near 92.9/1734, no water <br /> <br /> Two snowfields at the pass at about 3000m, which can be bypassed very easily and quickly. <br /> <br /> The march over the ridge at the mine was brutal, no sleep at all, very heavy rucksack because of 9 litres of water, enormous heat without shade, but the worst were the Tabaneros, continuous mass attacks for hours while exposed on the ridge. I must have had 30+ bites and killed hundreds. I found the sections in the high mountains the most beautiful, very quiet, cooler, lots of water, beautiful views, no tabaneros. Saw three condors and arrieros lassoing cows. <br /> <br /> Variant E has only partial tracks. I couldn't find a continuous path. I mostly hiked along the dried-up stream bed (the open land is covered in thorny plants), which gets a bit steep towards the end with some easy climbing.<br /> The N variant is partly completely overgrown with quite some bushbashing, partly easy to walk on. Sometimes difficult to find the way, always check the GPS, otherwise you take a supposedly easier path, which then turns out to be a dead end.<br /> <br /> To avoid possible right of way conflicts, you can simply bypass the car park at the mine entrance. There is an access to the car park directly from the H-263 road a little to the east. Directly at the entrance to the car park there is a clearly visible trail that climbs steeply a few meters up to the trees. Simply follow this path, it leads parallel to the car park directly to the RR. I recommend managing the RR in this way in future. It would also be a small improvement to avoid the bend in the road just before the 105.8/799 bridge. A staircase leads directly to the bridge as a shortcut. <br /> <br /> There is no more accommodation in Coya. A friendly young local helped me, he called numerous numbers and asked people on the street/shops, but there was nothing, everything was closed or takes only larger groups, even the hotel in Termas de Cauquenes was shut down. I then took the bus to Rancagua. Bus stop near the supermarket, towards the bridge. From Monday to Saturday every hour from 7am to 10pm.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and variants A D F J / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Really nice hike, from river to high mountain to the long ridge. No big problems with river crossings, snow or slopes (see below). Lack of water will surely be the main issue in the next months.<br /> Some annoying but short cross country/bush bashing part in the spiky herbs after km 15.6, but good visibility. <br /> <br /> Variants<br /> - A to try to go to the calabozo del diablo (day 0 that i didn't count on hike). It was a fail at 100m of arrival, i didn't feel the final river crossing. Later in the season will be good enough. Seems an amazing place. <br /> - D for west exposition (see below) and attracticity <br /> - F and J on the ridge because it looked really safer than the RR below. I didn't feel endangered on these parts of the ridge, it's flat and large, even with windy conditions. RR seemed steepy from above. <br /> - I hitchhiked from the end of the ridge to Coya <br /> <br /> Camp :<br /> - Coyanco river on variant A after my calabozo fail, official place for camping with toilets ; <br /> - 22.9 (arrieros camp after river crossing) ; <br /> - 39.3 in the cirque before the pass, very nice but windy ; <br /> - 67, where lilian found the good spot. Actually you have to get all the rocks and cow shit away, and there are a lot of spiky herbs. I found only one good place for a tent after exploring a bit but it was perfect and well protected. Another spot is 1.5km after, plenty of space but less trees for protection ! ; <br /> - 90.4 on variant J on the ridge just below the summit. Nice but unprotected ! You have some more places around the cerro los canelos (with the antenn). <br /> <br /> Water : all the markers were still flowing. Bring filter with you as there are cows everywhere in the mountain <br /> -Waypoint 8.7 : you can hear it downstream, not on the RR, but seems hard to reach <br /> -11.8 : minor stream, i dont know if it will still be there in a month <br /> -Between 15.6 and 20.7 : 2 other streams <br /> -Between 20.7 and 27.5 : multiples river crosses, no problem with water <br /> -Less water after the bridge at 64.3.<br /> - Good stream with tiny cascada at 66.7 just before the nice camp spot at 67 km.<br /> -Surely water at puesto 73.2 as you can see a river below, but not on the RR (underground pipe ?)<br /> -78.8 : Important water spot as Lilian said, last until the road on all the ridge. This is NOT a big stream now, I don't know if it will still flow in a month. Note that there is an emergency exit at this moment if you have water problems. Some workers were here, working in fields. <br /> -Sunny and hot conditions on the ridge. I took 5.2 L (I cooked with a few while camping) and got 200 mL at the end.<br /> <br /> Snow patches : now only on east and south exposed slopes. No problems with snow at this moment, i didnt have to cross any :<br /> - km 34 where Matthias took the uphill solution, now you have a little hole in the snow juste below the RR. <br /> - after the pass : snow patches block the passage to the minor road RR. Just follow the ridge for a few dozens meter and safe way to join the minor road, without snow.<br /> - variant D : fully exposed west so no patches if you begin it on the RR after crossing the river (directly on the west-exposed slope). I don't know if there are patches on the RR before the variant D end. <br /> <br /> - No patches blocking the RR after variant D end<br /> <br /> River Crossings : <br /> - first on variant A, at 8 am. The flow is strong, choose wisely the place. A few meters below the usual local crossing (that you can see with a cairn) I found a big rock in the middle of the river. The first part until this rock is easy, the second stronger flow, up to the beginning of thighs but only for two paces. (178 cm 80 kgs). <br /> - No other concerns about river crossings along the way.<br /> <br /> Right of way : No problems with gates or private properties on the way. I had to pay 6000 pesos to enter the Coyanco reserve at 11 am. <br /> <br /> Other: I saw one snake (the second, another one on GPT01) in the middle of the trail, taking the sun, he moved slowly but I had to make noise for it. Be careful at any time not to walk on it. I think it was a chilean long tailed snake, venom painful but not deadly as wikipedia says. Internet says that it's rarely seen... but seems not on the crazy GPT ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-6 to 2023-Dec-11/ 5 days / SOBO / RR, variants A+D+E+G+J+M / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> GPT02 was a great hike in these spring conditions. <br /> With the snow on the upper part and the variants + shortcuts I could avoid most of the more boring walking on MR until bridge at km 64.3!<br /> <br /> Forded Coyanco river on variant A on 6th of December late afternoon ca. 150m upstream of location on track. Water up to thighs for me (188cm).<br /> <br /> Steep snowpatches on GPT02 are a serious danger as snow is compacting daily now. But you can go around all of them, particularly around km34, I went 100m uphill to avoid the remains of the cornice.<br /> <br /> I could not find a path for RR where variant J stays easy on the ridge. Seems like a fence is being build at the end east of RR, perhaps blocking access to variant M (and other variants?) in future.<br /> <br /> Hitch-hiked to Rancagua from road at end of variant M. <br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> - on river bank of Coyanco river after fording ca. 33°42'30&quot;S 70°20'45&quot;W<br /> - at track waypoint at km 22.9 (beside stone-walled rock)<br /> - very beautiful at 33°54'15&quot;S 70°23'33&quot;W (in cirque one platform below RR)<br /> - 1.5km after bridge at km 64.3 besides the path (no great spot)<br /> - on the ridge south of Cerro Alto El Paico (km 90.4) - no water<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-07 to 2023-Dec-10 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Gate[3.3/1049] : gate is opened, nobody there on 7am.<br /> <br /> Water,bridge{01} : look like is broken, wet feet crossing. Strong flow and up to knee at early morning.<br /> <br /> Water?{8.7/1298} : dry at river crossing, but is still flowing at downstream, after you cross the stream, dont climb up immediately, there is a side trail on your right side to downstream, follow it about 1 min, you'll hear water flowing, water spot is on your right side, but is overgrown and muddy, not easy to get close. It has a small pool and like a spigot (2min/L).<br /> <br /> Water?{11.8/1648} : excellent spot, water flowing good with clear and coldwater, has a huge shade for lunch or a break, also a sandy spot for 1 tent.<br /> <br /> Water{15.6/1616} : good flowing with a small waterfall at RR crossing, great to take a cold shower in hot mid-day.<br /> <br /> Water{20.7/2064} : flowing good.<br /> <br /> Ford{21.6/2033} : easier spot at 30m upstream of RR crossing, flowing fast and up to knee at early morning, much easier than the broken bridge one. A small sandy spot for a small single person tent.<br /> <br /> Ford, camp?{22.9/2067} : RR crossing look like up to knee. Downstream 30m is a better crossing spot, rock bar under water, just up to half of calf, easy. After crossing there is a large flat area, have stone wall for 1-2 tents.<br /> <br /> From here to &quot;Ford,camp?{27.5/2209}&quot;, some more river crossing, mostly just up to knee.<br /> <br /> Ford,camp?{27.5/2209} : look like no camping spot here?<br /> <br /> Climb up steep but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Snow conditions just like Yannick &amp; Nolwenn said, if not comfortable with snow, wait 1-2 weeks for melting.<br /> <br /> Still lot of snow after the pass. The last snow slope you need to cross is at km54.1<br /> <br /> Camp{57.0+0.3/2286} : when you first see the meadows from high, keep walking a little and look at the mountain side, a stream with a red and white pipe is there, flowing with crystal clear and cold water.<br /> <br /> Water, bridge{64.3/1733} : tons of brown sandy water.<br /> <br /> Km64.7 : camping spot, but dead cows here.<br /> Km67 : camping spot on valley side, some tree covers and great view, some side trail leads you to there.<br /> Km68.6 : camping spot beside the road.<br /> <br /> Bridge, water?camp?{78.2/1736} : flowing good with clear and cool water. Can fit some tents at road shoulder. It is the LAST WATER before the ridge.<br /> <br /> Mostly have flat spots for camping at each pass before km85, but windy.<br /> <br /> Km85.5 : excellent camping spot, can fit 1 tent, with a blouder for wind protection from south, great views, BBQ grill and cell service.<br /> <br /> Lastly, i took 4.5L water go over the ridge, and water all gone, better bring more in January and February.<br /> <br /> Coya have a small shop for resupply, not the best but enough, also friendly!<br /> Beside the store is Bar Catalán Coya, they make nice sandwiches!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-04 to 2023-Dec-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> Half the bridge gone at the beginning.<br /> 1st water was flowing but not where the trail crosses the stream but lower down - there is a dirt path to the water.<br /> <br /> River crossings are fine until the one at km26.5 was very rapid and strong; we crossed below the regular crossing point. Probably not a good idea atm to do the crossings in late afternoon. We then took the alternate trail that stays on the left of the river in order to skip two crossings. Good campsite when back down by the river, aimed to do the last crossing in the early morning, which was much better.<br /> <br /> The way up had good trail and more water than marked, due to the snowmelt. Snowpatches started once we reached the ridge, mostly very easy to cross except the patches on south-facing slopes; we used microspikes here.<br /> <br /> Careful: an unexploded explosive on the ridge at -33.94081, -70.41171.<br /> <br /> The road on the way down has lots of rockfall, many places with minor landslides. Some extra streams are flowing between Estero Codegua and the mine.<br /> <br /> You can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-12 to 2023-Nov-16 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT02 variant A + improvised trail due to a lot of snow between km30 and km52 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Gates : <br /> (1) gate at km3 for the Reserva, nobody there, the gate was open so we just went through.<br /> (2) Gate at km80,3 was closed, we just went around on the right side of the fence and followed it to reach the track again.<br /> <br /> - Water : water markers correct and more water due to snow melt<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 17,7 | km 36,5 | km 55 | km 82,6 <br /> <br /> - River crossing : <br /> (1) bridge (km3,6) was inaccessible for us, stream too strong - so we took the variant A and crossed the river further on. The current was really strong and up until the hips, we took our time and had previous experiences of river crossings before.<br /> (2)Between km21,6 and km27,5 we had to cross the river 9 times, it was usually up until our thighs.<br /> <br /> - Weather : 3 days of sun and 1 cloudy day. <br /> <br /> WARNING : Update on snow conditions.From km 30,5 the snow is present until km 52. Be really careful between km 34.6 and km 41, because it is icy and a fall could be fatal. We diverted from the gpt trail because following was impossible due to the snow. Sometimes there was 1 meter of snow. Follow the ridgline from km 42 to km 47, and not the gpt trail because at the moment it is completely covered in icy snow. For those who are planning to do this section in the next few days, defenetly check the weather and be aware of the impact of the sun on the snow ( melting, icy...)<br /> <br /> - Resupply : Coya, a small shop has everything you need for the next section <br /> <br /> - Accomodation : ' Hostal &amp; Residencial' for 20 000 pesos a night <br /> <br /> - Option roads : variant A ( easy to follow ) / variant M + N ( trail overgrown at some stages ) / at the control Maintenes, a friendly worker didn't let us take the gravel road at km 101,3 so we walked along the ruta H203 and reach the trail again at km102,4<br /> <br /> - Overall : beautiful section but the snow made it really challenging for us. We met some wild cows and bulls and they were afraid of us and ran away, same for wild horses.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes '''<br /> <br /> Very hot below 2000m. For river crossing not even wet feet. Passed a kind of informal puesto little below junction to Clarillo, nobody there, just a crazy dog. No territorial cows/bulls around as stated somewhere else. Just give them time they need to check the situation and they will trot away...We where lucky to have met very nice people in the puesto before the mine. Got off at emergency1...took us ttl 6 days for this trip with one day almost off...<br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-05 4 days RR SOBO Frank<br /> <br /> I arrived at the private nature reserve entrance @ 5PM &amp; admitted I would overnight in the park so they charged me 12,000 pesos. The entry is 6000 pesos per day. They are not aware of the RR beyond the first few KM &amp; it seems best not to discuss it. As there is no water for about 7KM on RR after you cross the first bridge it seems best to stay on the small road which is quicker &amp; easier than RR. There is an official campsite at the end of the road. Fill up when you cross the river after campsite, the first camp &amp; water source on RR is normally dry. I came in on RR &amp; night hiked about 10KM as I didn't have enough water to camp. There is more water as you go further in. On 2nd night approaching the pass where a waterfall comes down a cliff I went downstream &amp; camped by a big boulder. Room for 1 small tent here. You could also camp in the last valley before the pass. After the pass you are on a dirt road all the way to the mine.<br /> <br /> Once over the pass the landscape changes &amp; it's semi desert with a long way between water sources. As you approach a green hut there is a spring coming from the rock by the road. Go into the puesto, if there is no one there you can get water from a spring at the back. The puesto owners are friendly &amp; will have no problem giving you water if they are there. Best to camp at or near the puesto, fill up &amp; start very early next day. Walk the first few KM on the road before dawn if you can. Last water 25KM? was as dry as dirt in January. When you get to the mine stay outside it, go to the right of the boundary fence &amp; handrail it, then you will have no problems. Midsummer i.e. January is not the best time to do the last section, there is hardly any shade &amp; it becomes a desert survival test. The water I had in my pack side pocket was hot enough to make tea. Got to the road OK but felt a bit faint. Heat exhaustion is a real possibility on the last section, go earlier in the season if you can. November once the snow has cleared is ideal. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-06 to 2022–Dec-08 / Hiking / SOBO / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I continued from the Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I went up to Cerro Los Cristales, there was Entel 4G for fifteen minutes on the ridge and then it stopped completely, but I managed to have a audio call over internet. Nice view on lakes from the top but a detour. Have not met anybody all three days it took me to walk this. The cows were all afraid of me (somebody commented they are territorial).<br /> <br /> The MR till the waypoint last water 50 km (it is not 50 km from there!!!) is actually impassable for cars due to debris. There was plenty of water everywhere until then.<br /> <br /> About 10 km further on, there is a puesto - it has water, you need to go in the puesto. There was nobody there so I slept there in the yard. From here on, there was 4G Entel coverage pretty much everywhere.<br /> <br /> About 1 km from the puesto, there is a horse trail going to the left (not mapped), I took it. It goes up and then it is easy CC downhill. I took a detour to south-east due to misunderstanding what the mine looks like (it is that large flat white-yellow valley - probably debris from the mine). Thanks to that I have not met any gates. There was a trickle of water in the last water point (I crossed it somewhat upstream from RR). Walked under the dam and along the fence of the mine. Kept up from the RR, its suggested track loses some altitude for no reason.<br /> <br /> The part on the ridge is quite beautiful, I would recommend not taking the emergency exits if you can (I also walked it between 4 PM and 9 PM, so it was not hot,but a very nice sunset). Very clear path pretty much everywhere. But it is far, took me five hours of fast walking to get to the road to Coya from mine. Once I got to the PR, I immediately hitched a car to Coya and stayed at a hostel for 15000 at 34.2057545S, 70.5306223W. Now I will try to get some food.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-26 to 2022-Dec-01 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> After a few hundred meters into the section we reached the entrance to the nature reservation and were asked for 6000$ per person + our ID numbers. We enjoyed some time by the river that is close to the entrance. Good to carry enough water from the beginning of this section. The alternative way / climb from the valley with water 37.2 gets pretty steep. Snowfields after Cerros de Pueco were still there but it wasn’t difficult to find a way below them. We met a few bulls close to the minor road trail that didnt look very friendly, rather turn around and find a different way. We took some alternative and more attractive trails from the long minor road part (GPT02 D+E). Tiny stream of water available at Sobo: Last Water 25km. We met some workers at the mine who were nice and reminded us that its a private property, no other problem. As suggested in one of the previous comments we didnt go over the gate at the mine but followed a path close to the fence that connects to the CC part. The whole ridge walk at the end is really nice. Quite a lot of traffic on the road to Coya. Overall really hot weather that requires enough water to carry, but nice section. We took a bus to Rancagua before 5PM - ask locals about the schedule.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-28 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR / tom&amp;miky '''<br /> <br /> We left on the 24 of November north to south, hard sun, no water on the second spot marked (water?) Around +/- 5 km<br /> The sobo last water was brown, we find clear water few km away maybe due to snow melt?<br /> We also found water at Sobo 25 km to finish this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But the other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> Be careful with the wild herd of bulls and cows before getting to Cerros de Peuco. Very territorial ! Better turning around ! <br /> <br /> The camp (02-D)(1,3/2800) at S33°57.791', W070°25.710' were full of snow at this time of year.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-20 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Locked gate (-33.682407, -70.346283) on the route in the beginning of secotion is for the entrance of Reserva Coyanco. There was a lady that opened the gate and said that one day pass through the reserve costs 5000 pesos, but that we can pay it somewhere later. But as the RR doesn’t continue up the valley but across the bridge and up the ridge from the other side then we didn’t meet anyone who would collect the fees. It could be that it’s a weekend thing as there were quite a few people in the area mostly going to see the Calabozo del Diablo. <br /> <br /> No water at the first marked location with question mark (-33.72155, -70.345093), but as Marc Anthony already mentioned there is a small stream of water about 3km further (-33.741233, -70.3534). <br /> <br /> From there we night-hiked until the second ford where we camped. It was such a relief to hike in bearable temperatures and all the critters were out. We saw a snake, a tarantula, a scorpion, some giant bug, bunch of toads, bunnies and a culpeo fox. <br /> <br /> Once we reached the first ford from there onwards until the last water before the mine there was a lot of water in almost every gully, especially as you reach higher elevations. Snow patches are still melting and providing water. The last water is where it’s marked. <br /> <br /> Once we got to the mine/plantation we didn’t jump the gate to walk in the fenced-off plantation, but walked around the fence, handrailed it. There is a faint path for first few hundred meters and then it’s and easy cross country, just aim for the shoulder on the mountain. <br /> <br /> The last part was actually really beautiful and I wouldn’t want to skip it, we had a cloud inversion in the morning and about 8 condors circling us as we descended the ridge, it was spectacular. <br /> <br /> On average we carried 1,7L of water each and besides the first part until the first water and the last part from the last water there really was plenty of water on trail and we could have easily carried only a litre each. For the last part we carried 10L for both of us and it was enough for dry-camping on the ridge and washing dishes and we ended up pouring out about a litre in the morning because we didn’t need that much water. <br /> <br /> Once we descended to the road we had an easy hitch to Machali where we resupplied and hitched back to Coya, again an easy hitch. But unfortunately we could not find a camping gas (with thread) which fitted out stove. We checked every ferreteria and supermercado in Machali, even took the bus to Lider Express on the edge of the town, no luck. They only had the gas canisters where you punch the hole. <br /> However we found a gas with thread in a shop in Coya. Anyways, lesson is - bring the adapter.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 and a half days to hike this section, our last camp was about 9,5km from the road.<br /> <br /> We ate some great food and recharged all of our batteries in a Peruvian restaurant “Sumaq Ñusta” in Coya before heading back out on trail.<br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-12 to 2021-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hiking / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Big locked gate at -33 40.961’ -070 20.773’ after leaving el melocotón heading south. Didn’t find anyone around to ask, but luckily it can easily be jumped if you walk around on the left side. Carry a lot of water! Quite a few kilometers between the water sources. There is a waypoint in the track files at -33 43.298’ -070 20.705’ that is marked “Water ? 02”, there is no water here! But I found an unmarked water source a few kilometers further at -33 44.474’ -070 21.204’<br /> <br /> When walking down from mountain pass towards the mine, the last water source I found was at -34 04.070’ -070 29.602’ marked in track files with “Sobo: Last water 25 km ???”. In was only running a little bit, might dry out soon?<br /> <br /> At the walking into the plantation area close to the mine on the regular route you will encounter a tall locked gate at -34 04.123’ -070 30.702’. I was able to jump over, but keep in mind that there are a lot of the workers at the plantation driving on the road next to it during the day. If you when you continue through the plantation you will encounter a barbed wire fence that runs all the way across the area blocking the path up onto the mountains. Very difficult to jump over! I noticed another gate when walking straight ahead after jumping the first gate. Would advice that you jump over this gate to exit the plantation, instead of following the track files. This way you avoid the barbed wire.<br /> <br /> Took me 4 days to hike this section, but I took the emergency exit number 2 because I ran out of water, so didn’t do the last few kilometers.<br /> <br /> All the river fords were easy. Quite a long distance between water sources in the beginning. Like in GPT 1 i found the beginning of this section to be quite difficult because of the heat even though it is still springtime. But I only have experience hiking in Scandinavia, so I probably don’t have the best heat tolerance :) As soon as I climbed up to the cooler temperature of the higher altitudes it was a wonderful hike.<br /> <br /> Had a lot some trouble with locked gates and barbed wire fence when entering the mine/plantation area. And unfortunately ripped open my plastic water bottle when throwing my backpack over the barbed wire, so lost some precious water.<br /> <br /> After a several hours of hiking in the mountains next to the mine I ended up taking emergency exit number 2 because I was running low on water. Must admit that hiking in this exposed terrain during the afternoon heat was also quite exhausting.<br /> The guards that picked me up after a while when waiting by the road where extremely jolly and nice. We had a good talk and some good laughs about the whole situation. They gave me water and put me on a bus to Coya by mine entrance. Bus driver even drove me around town so that I could find a open hostel. Certainly didn’t expect all this kindness when trespassing private property! <br /> <br /> Ended up in a place called Hostel Vista al Cerro in Coya.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-02 / Hiking / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> First gate from El Melocoton was closed, but you can just go around to the left and jump the fence. As mentioned by Anthony, there is no water at the marked water point -33 43.298' -070 20.705', but there is water at -33 44.474' -070 21.204'. Nice camp spot a few 100m ahead [S33.73625 W070.35510]. Sufficient water available up to pass (water from melting snowfields). <br /> Way from about 2800 a.s.l. was partly covered by snowfields which could be crossed without problem. After pass sufficient water until &quot;Important Sobo: last water 50km&quot; available. After that only a small trickle at: &quot;Important Sobo: last water 25km???&quot;. (Should be filtered). We used Emergency Exit 1 because our water filter and tent was broken. The worker at the gate was surprised but very friendly. The internal Securitas checked our passports and then drove us to Rancagua. All employees were very friendly and helpful.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-07 / Hiking / SOBO / Fran &amp; Rodri'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 in five days, at first, we wanted to start from Reserva Río Clarillo but it was impossible. The guards of Conaf didn't even try to listen to us, they just said &quot;you can't pass&quot;, so we try the alternative across the river and after 5km, they caught us, it's a natural private reserve and closed for public ( more strict than conaf) so they kick us out. Finally we start in the regular route in &quot;El Melocotón&quot;.<br /> <br /> The entrances it's a private tourism property, once inside, you have 2 alternatives, we took the regular because of the water but we had to pay 5.000 pesos each.<br /> <br /> Then we walk in and the problems disappear. in the beginning the water spots are between 7km aprox so be careful with that.<br /> <br /> In the second day we have a lot of river crossing but it was easy. A lot of sun.<br /> <br /> At the end of the route we took the emergency exit 1 in the &quot;Mina Teniente&quot; of course its a super private zone, but they were very friendly, make us a lot of questions, our personal details and they took us to the end of the private zone. Then we walk 5km and arrive to Coya.<br /> <br /> In town there is a very good place to eat called &quot;bar catan&quot; (delicious and cheap), and pass the night in &quot;Hostal el ensueño&quot; (15.000 each).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''019-Nov-28 / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> The campground Estero Coyanco (S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779') seams to be only open on weekends? One can walk around the closed gate and a person in the campground allowed me to sleep there on a weekday. There would be a small shop, food places and toilets. I stayed up the valley close to S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779'.<br /> <br /> There was a dead goat further up in the water.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-24 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT02 five days. Including 2 nero days. Again a really hot section, but there is enough water till Estero Codegua. Marked source before mine (water last 25km) is still flowing. Not much, but flowing. After that you won't find any. Trail is in good condition, in few undefines spots just follow gps. We took last optional trail to the left to meet road to Coya, trail was bit overgrown but doable, then we took a regular trail to Coya which is gravel. Shortly after first emergency exit in mine, where is trail cutting a mine property, they are building a high fence that won't be easy to jump.<br /> <br /> In Coya we are staying in Tu Casita for 20k including dinner. So far it's nice. Ressuplying is good here, we found everything that we needed. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to walk this section. Trails are in good condition. There is practically no snow left and water levels are low. We took the third Emergency Exit in the mine, so we don't know about the last 10 km. The mine's Security Officer wasn't very pleased to drive us out of the mine. In Coya we found accommodation and resupply tiendas. You can also take the bus to Rancagua which runs every full hour.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-14 / Hiking / Ty &amp; America / SOBO'''<br /> <br /> We camped on Reserva Coyanco for 5000 pesos and sweet spots right next to the river. We took a taxi straight there from the city center of Santiago for 25,000. I just saw on the television that the metro is back up to Puente Alto as well.....so that’s cool.<br /> <br /> We also took the first emergency exit when arriving at Mina Teniente. Everybody was SUPER friendly. They even gave us a free ride to Machali for Resupply (Isabel supermarket).<br /> <br /> After water at the bridge over Estero Codegua, water is pretty much non existent. Nobody was at the puesto, and the next water source was still and dense with tad poles (definitely not ideal)....and probably won’t last for much longer.<br /> <br /> There was some just recently passable areas near the top of the pass, but pretty easy to get by! Prefect timing 👌<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-20 / Hiking / Martin Lizondo / Regular Route Southbound'''<br /> <br /> A lot of water capacity is required. Last water source at Estero Bodegua (S34° 00.894' W70° 25.507'). Avoid the route near puesto at S34° 04.633' W70° 30.757' because the pass is forbidden. Instead, keep following the track high off trail.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Get the metro to Plaza De Puente Alto then Bus MB-72B to El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT02 - Mina El Teniente]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (18).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (13).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 2]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT04_(Alto_Huemul)&diff=122437 2025-08-09T13:10:24Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT04 Option 4 (Alto Huemul): This very scenic ridge route probably becomes traversable in January and combines well with GPT05 Option 1 (Lago Teno).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-JAN-12 to 2024-JAN- 14 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Hiking Option Variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Laguna del Encanto is 4,000 CPL and worth a visit. There is good water where the road transitions to trail at -34.80733, -70.76579. <br /> <br /> Variant H is a pleasant, non-technical addition to the climb. We dropped directly from the ridge to Lake, Camp {04} (39.4/23.46). <br /> <br /> South of the mountain, Cerro Zappallo, shady forests begin to take root for the first time heading SOBO. <br /> <br /> The resupply in Los Queñes is rather good and sells Iso Butane Gas. Bus to Curicó leaves across the street (near the bridge) for 2,200 CLP, and returns from the Curicó central station. There appear to be several running times per day.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-05 &gt; 06 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : peu<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 2/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Au debut un garde (aucun justificatif) me demande 4000CLP. 2 jeunes chiens m'ont suivi les 4 premieres heures. J'ai dormi pres du second lac. A la fin un autre garde (aucun justificatif) me demande 7000CLP.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-29 to 2024-NOV-30 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. J) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> 29/11<br /> 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].<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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!<br /> <br /> 30/11<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> In Los Queñes, we were invited by locals and spent the night camping in their yard.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-21 to 23 / 3 Days / SOBO / Lukas/Tabea/Basil'''<br /> After Agua Bueno the trail is overgrown with a lot of thorny vegetation and not a lot of fun to walk. From &quot;El Liano alto&quot; 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. <br /> Shortly before &quot;Las Quenes&quot; we met a ranger and paid 12000 each.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-18 to 2024-Nov-20 / 3 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and J / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Camp: km30 (a bite downstream at the ford) / km44 (about 100m before ford)<br /> <br /> I took the bus from Agua Buena to La Virgen (Puente Negro). From there I walked on the road to Las Peñas (about 4km). <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> The trail is easy to follow. Coming close to the pass km37 was a herd of sheep with there shepard dogs. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> In the valley after ford km44.9 are plenty of camp possibilities. Very nice walk in this forest. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-10 to 2024-Nov-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / RR + variant A + J / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Paid 4,000 entrance fee.<br /> <br /> Camped just before Ford at 30.2<br /> <br /> Water present at all makers plus even more due to snow melt.<br /> <br /> Snow present after pass 36.8km to around 39km but was all manageable.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> From the pass at 38.6km we followed the ridge to summit Cerro Zapallo (variant H). Just one short section of snow <br /> <br /> Plenty of camping options down the valley after the water at 42.4km<br /> <br /> Variant J to 53.8km was good trail, easy to follow and saved 2 river crossings.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-01 to 2024-Feb-04 / 3.5 days / SOBO / RR-E-RR-I-RR / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Fordings: all very easy. No snow fields to cross.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan-10-2024 to Jan-12-2024 / 3 days / SOBO / variant A, RR, variant I / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Nice section, the laguna fria zone is really beautiful, with all the remaining snowpatches. <br /> 6000 pesos for entry in the laguna del encanto zone (4000 for the day, 2000 for camping).<br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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 <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> No problems with dogs or private properties.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-21 / 3 days / SOBO / RR + Variant A+D+I + traverse of Cerro Capallo / Matthias'''<br /> Road hiked variant A to avoid route finding around gates in the early morning.<br /> <br /> New Variant Cerro Capallo (2583m, marked): <br /> 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. <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Variant I adds some height meters but avoids 4 fordings I suppose <br /> <br /> Dogs: <br /> 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 &amp; Luisa and bypass by the riverbed.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Busses to Coricó at 15:00 and 18:30 in front of primary school.<br /> <br /> Camping spots : <br /> 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)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-15 to 2023-Dec-17 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / 04A-RR-04E-RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> 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?)<br /> <br /> Km21 : gate and 2 dogs, a women come out and charge me 4000CLP for entrance fee.<br /> <br /> 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!<br /> <br /> Then i take {04-E}, the junction of {04-E} is at RR km24.4, easy walking, some camping spots and water resources.<br /> <br /> Lot of camping spots with fire ring from start to {04-E} km2.5, some stream is flowing too, but maybe dry soon.<br /> <br /> {04-E} km6.5 : pass, some flat spot, but better camping spot is forward.<br /> <br /> {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.<br /> <br /> {04-E} km8.6 : pass, large area of flat spot with great views.<br /> <br /> {04-E} km8.85 : water flowing.<br /> <br /> RR km33.4 : water flowing.<br /> <br /> 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!<br /> <br /> Snow start from km36.1 to km39.7, not difficult and passable. Beware of windy.<br /> <br /> 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).<br /> <br /> Km42.5 : camping spot with fire ring and log seats at down hill side.<br /> <br /> Km45.2 : large flat area can fit some tents after a river crossing.<br /> <br /> Km46.3 : camping spot with rock seats.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Km49 : pass after a stream crossing, with some flat spots and good views, but mostly the ground are hard.<br /> <br /> Km51.1 : locked gate, climb over.<br /> <br /> Km51.35 : camping spot with fire ring.<br /> <br /> Km52.55 : nice camping spot with fire ring, picnic table ang wooden seats, close to the river too.<br /> <br /> Km53.6 &amp; 53.9 : cross river 2 times, strong flow and above half of thighs at early morning.<br /> <br /> Km54.5 : dirt road start, lot of flat spots beside the road on both side.<br /> <br /> Km58.6 : locked gate, climb over.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> A small shop in Los Queñes, super friendly.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-24 to 2023-Nov-26 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Jens'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-24 to 2023-Nov-26 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Variant A + RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Water : all markers are good and even more water present - snow from km 36,4 to km 40,5<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 22,5 ( Laguna del encanto ) | km 40,5 ( ridgeline - water from the snow around )<br /> <br /> - 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<br /> <br /> - Weather : Sunny <br /> <br /> - 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&amp;6 at the moment )<br /> <br /> - Accomodation : camping ' Tres palos' at Los Quenes - 8000 pesos per person ( you can ask for informtat the pizzeria in town)<br /> <br /> - 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<br /> <br /> - Warning : still some snow near the Laguna Fria area, but it was manageable for us.<br /> <br /> - 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.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-08 to 2023-Mar-10 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-18 to 2022-Dec-21 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO RR and SOBO Options / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> 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).<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-08 to 2022-Dec-11 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> Nice camping spot at (-34.80711, -70.76521) near the water.<br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-28 to 2021-Nov-30 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> The climb over the pass to the lakes was very long but plenty of shade and water on the route. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> Section took us two and a half days. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> It’s time to have a rest day before heading out to section 5 and 6. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 to 2020-Jan-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> 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 &amp; it was unlocked so I went in. Met the owner &amp; 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.<br /> <br /> You soon leave the dirt road &amp; go down on small trails into thorn scrub. The scrub is thick &amp; 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) &amp; rejoin RR after the farm. <br /> <br /> 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) &amp; 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 &amp; no wood. I would suggest road walking the first section to Las Penas or get the bus (see updated transport section)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-20 to 20219-Dec-22 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / Southbound / Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Exposed mountain pass. Route finding<br /> <br /> Highlights: Sweeping views. High mountain passes and lakes.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-30 to 2019-Dec-03 / 4days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> low water levels, no snow, trails in excellent condition. ...and food and accommodation in Los Queñes :-)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 to 2019-Dec-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We started in Las Peñas (we took Uber there from San Fernando). It took us 2 days. <br /> Trail is in good condition. Some parts on the descend are slightly overgrown, but still easy to follow. <br /> There is enough water on both sides.<br /> Accomodation, food and tiendas in Los Quenes.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> == Start Regular Route: Agua Buenas==<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: Los Quenes==<br /> See images below. This Timetable was obtained in January 2020.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT04 - Alto Huemul]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Quenes.jpg|800px|Bus Timetable]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (10).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 4]]<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt04 alto huemul.jpg|Aguas Buenas Valley, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/5-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse].]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT01_(Cerro_Purgatorio)&diff=122436 2025-08-09T12:53:40Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT01 Option 2 (Cerro Los Cristales): Natalie and Tomas suggested this route that connects GPT01 and GPT02 into one long hike. This route starts outside of national parks and reserves (Unlike GPT01 Option 1) therefore GPT01 Option 2 is feasible in southbound and northbound direction (Unlike GPT01 Option 1 that can only be hiked in northbound direction since Reserva Rio Clarillo does not permit a southbound traverse). This route is only recommended for experienced hikers that have vast experience in navigating in complex terrain. This option is not a suitable start for hikers that are not yet familiar with the GPT.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * '''GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim &amp; Tobias '''<br /> <br /> We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus from Coya to the RR and startet walking NOBO 23 km to Camp ? {02} [72.2/1736]. There was little water there. No more water on the trail.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked 23 km to Camp {02-D} [1.3/2800] without difficulty’s. A lot of boring primary road walking and it was pretty hot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Walked 20 km to Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646]. The water in the river has a taste of iron. It's best to bring some water. Beautiful trail along the mountains, water at all spots.<br /> <br /> Day 4: 30 km Trailwalking to El Principal. Last water on the at -33.83214 -70.49216. Before arriving at the main road, there is a black gate at -33.73666 -70.55370. We managed to open the gate by pushing it down a bit. Took the bus to puente alto where we stayed at “Alojamiento Puente Alto”.<br /> <br /> * '''2025-03-23 to 2025-03-24 / 20 hours/ Hiking / SOBO / New option from El Principal via Cerro Papagayo and Cruzada Las Hormigas to RR/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> There can be no GPT season without going to GPT01, it seems, though this was my last idea for now. This option provides a TL and CC alternative to running paralel to the road-based RR, especially if you do not insist on connecting footsteps and take the bus from Puente Alto. However of all the options I did on GPT01, I liked this one the least. Bear in mind I never walked the RR, as I do not like roads, and assume this is still far superior to RR. However, I quite liked the last 7 km or so. It is partially in our suggestion in the November update but hopefully will be part of GPT25/26.<br /> <br /> I took the MB-74 from Puente Alto at 20:20 after waiting for it for 50 minutes, almost giving up. It was the last bus that Sunday. It took me to end of 01A here: -33.71013, -70.53235. At the end of the road, I met a slightly drunk local resident, who was surprised by me. I explained I was going to the mountains. He warned me that if I meet anybody, they might think I am a ghost (&quot;&quot;fantasma&quot;) and shoot me. I did not point out ghosts cannot be shot. It was night - he said that during the day it would be ok, the riverbed is public. I was a bit spooked and walked afterwards without a headlamp to evade attention, but I did not meet anybody anyway. Judging from Strava, it would have been better to get out a few hundred metres earlier at -33.70930, -70.53656. I crossed the river bed and cut across to here: -33.70045, -70.5316, climbing over an easy fence. Both Strava and OSM show a lot of traffic and trails. Not sure what the right of access is, but I assume it is permissive. One walks through a tree plantation (or vinyard?) that diverts a lot of water from Rio Clarrillo (which was itself dry) for its use through a system of mighty ditches. I walked for almost 2 km through here -33.69468, -70.52804, going through and around two gates here: -33.69258, -70.52659 and finally fording here -33.68755, -70.52263. By now it was around ten, I started to go up on a steep trail that was mostly quite clear even with a headlamp until about 1400m of altitude, where I camped after midnight. I started late because of arriving late to Santiago and having a flight home booked in less than two days, but a late start might be advisable anyway to escape the heat.<br /> <br /> The next day I started early continuing up on a maintained trail. Around 1900 m at -33.66986, -70.48218, there is a cave with a spring. In late march it wasjust a puddle that would need to be filtered, but maybe there is running water earlier in the season. Once up the ridge, the visible trail continues traversing and going up slightly to -33.66459, -70.46427. From there, a faint somewhat steep but not exposed trail with a cairn here and there leads you to the top of Cerro Papagayo. From there, a few hundred metres are a bit rocky and almost exposed, but I just used my poles for balance, I have never needed to use my hands. Traverse under Cruzada Las Hormigas and climbing it is very easy, mostly trailess. From there I started going down, here and there finding a trail. Around 2100 m at -33.67901, -70.41957, I traversed to a ridge on the other side of the trail. Some care was needed, but it was not exposed. This ridge can be followed all the way to RR. I left the ridge twice, seeking greener pastures/better trails, but that is pointless, from -33.67573, -70.41742, it is best to go down the ridge to -33.68415, -70.38865, where Strava marks begin. The MR on RR is actually more like TL&amp;MR. It used to be a road thay served to build a gas pipe unser it. It is not used by cars and it is heavily eroded. Met water -33.68331, -70.38512. 20 uproad from the water, I joined Strava marks to find a CC&amp;TL way to the other side of the creek, reaching variant E at -33.68189, -70.38373. I think upper part of variant E does not really exist, I could not find where it is supposed to join the RR from above and saw nothing from below. From here, I followed Strava and OSM down, RR does not seem to be picked very sensibly. I had a bath, the only time where there were many wasps. I saw a tent here and there and some rubbish. mamy trails. I reached the busy (5 cars a minute?) road around five, quickly hitching to San Jose de Maipo, from where a bus is said to go to Puente Alto every 20-30 minutes. It was a cold day. I took 4 litres with me and fruits and vegetables and drank 3 litres - might be much harder in high summer. Some plants were still blossoming.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-27 to 2025-MAR-01 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan​'''<br /> <br /> This was our last section of the GPT. For now…<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;We did it in one full day and two relaxed half hiking days. Camped at S 33°38.4840’ W 70°26.9562’ and S 33°40.3236’ W 70°23.5408’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;The last 5 kilometers of the ascent are pretty steep, as is the first part of the descent. Ways are in good condition and easy to follow. There’s not much vegetation.<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Found more water sources than expected. Note that last winter had a lot of snow, so you can’t rely on these water sources in low or average snow years. Here are a few of them:<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.3970’ W 70°30.2264’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°37.8949’ W 70°29.4920’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.9963’ W 70°23.1090’<br /> &lt;br&gt;S 33°40.3226’ W 70°23.5491’<br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;Like Arno we saw an incredible amount of wasps along the way, especially close to water sources. Unlike him we can’t confirm they do no harm. Farah got stung in her buttock, Jan in his penis. Be careful when peeing! Apart from that no incidents.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-11 &gt; 12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno​​'''<br /> <br /> | Weather : sunny and hot<br /> | water : easy<br /> | snow : no<br /> | Interest : 2/5<br /> | Difficulty : 4/5<br /> | Danger : none<br /> <br /> The first part on the road is easy and with no interest.<br /> Then the ascent was pretty steep and hard with the hot weather.<br /> I camped at km 22 and finished the section the next day in the morning.<br /> Note that there were a lot of wasps everywhere I paused. They’re not offensive but can be annoying.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> At the parking lot, I registered. Men took my passport number, name, and phone number. He was very polite. I followed OH-02-A and camped near parking tables -33.70160,-70.34792. Nice spot. I crossed the river using an installed rope. Water -33.72155, -70.34409 okay. Near the next point with water -33.74121, -70.35340, there is a fence to cross. Camp at -33.76414,-70.36564 where there is water. Bushwacking was not so bad. Good spot with water -33.79940,-70.38691 and -33.80875,-70.387783 (22.9 km). Next spot -33.81168,-70.38791 with water. Camp at 27.5 km okay. I found a cave for camp -33.843384, -70.41605. I crossed the river many times without problems (my height is 164 cm). Next spot with water -33.894417,-79.39042. Still, there is field snow, so spikes for safety are needed. I have met nice workers of Minas - they offered me some food:) At the end, I was without water. At the point of the control near Minas (94.7 parking), there is a bar for workers of Minas. There is everything there even<br /> boiled eggs. They also allowed me to use their bathroom. In Coya, I have spent the night in Casa Roja near Ferreteria. I also tried sandwiches in the Catalan Bar - excellent.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''<br /> Starting OH 01-03A was complicated. I crossed the barbed fence and couldn’t find the river crossing at point -33.64140, -70.42944. I spent the night there and returned a little bit the next day to take the regular route.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-03 to 2024-01-04 / 1.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants F / Elijah &amp; Michael ​​'''<br /> <br /> Very hot weather, over 30°. Water is available along the river from -33.62292, -70.50342 to bridge 18.7/1302. Thereafter only at waypoints.<br /> <br /> Water not directly accessible from campsite 29.4/1415, had to walk to following bridge (29.7/1389). Bridge had possible room to camp.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-NOV-27 &gt; 28 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Autorisations de passage<br /> <br /> La premier partie est routière et ne presente aucun interet. J'ai essayé de sortir de la route mais me suis retrouvé face a des portails fermés aux points (-33,6223657, -70,5335623) puis (-33,6129744, -70,5007311) pour enfin trouver un portail ouvert (-33,6110383, -70,4943554) car il y avait des travaux en amont. J'ai monté une pente tres raide en suivant une canalisation, puis j'ai suivi un bisse pour retrouver le sentier. La montée etait tres dure car le soleil tapait fort que je n'avais pas encore mes jambes pour cette premiere etape. J'ai campé juste avant le point haut de l'etape, pret d'un petit ruisseau. Le lendemain la descente etait facile.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-NOV-20 to 2024-NOV-21 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A,C,D) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We started our hike in the afternoon from the final metro station at Puente Alto. At the high gate with cameras at the beginning of Variant A, there was a car. After waiting a few minutes, the car drove through, and a kind man allowed us to pass as well. We spent the first night at the camp at km 16.2 . On the second day, it was very hot, which we especially felt during the climb to the pass [24.7 km]. The water marked in the files was indeed available there. In the evening, we reached El Melocotón. The store was officially open until 8:00 PM, but the owner was kind enough to keep it open longer for the people arriving late.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-11-17 to 2024-11-19, 2,5 days, SOBO, gpt00?/01opt5? - Volker'''<br /> <br /> I took the route Tomas suggested and highly recommend it to everyone new on the gpt and early in the season (check your gear, device/s, body on a very scenic route (95% TR, 3%CC, 2%MR); in summer probably very hot, in mid-november it was already quite warm in the lower parts).<br /> The bus C02 does not bring you to the parque San Ramon (1km walk approx. in upper middle-class area), but C37 does. The gate was open, nobody there at 14 p.m. on a sunday. Last person I met was 30 min. before the waterfall. All descriptions of Tomas correct. <br /> If you start late 2 p.m,) as I did, either camp at the waterfall or make sure to take enough water to camp 15min before you reach the 2nd river. The way down is steep and slippery. If you start early you will reach water at 2200 m and camp sites before or at the pass. <br /> Up there very windy, but not too cold, protected camp site 10 min after you reach the pass. Part of the path covered by snow, you can bypass it on the eastern side. Ridge to Cerro San Ramon under snow, probably not to difficult (if you have crampons). 1 steep snowfield on the way down (I used it to try my mini spikes, which was not necessary in the early afternoon, but in the morning you will be very glad to have them). Camped not far from the puesto, didn‘t see anyone, just horses and barking dogs. The path to Rio Maipo valley crosses the river 8 times, fords mostly easy (though 2 far over my knees (1,97m), but one quite hard (I did. 15 min of CC and BB to find a place upwards)). Last 30 min MR. The road ends at a high gate (3m), no way around, the man in the container told me to take another way. I asked a local not far from there, he promised to help, told me to wait at the gate, in 3 min he arrived with his car and drove me down to El Manzano. I just got out of the car, when on the other side of the road a bus driving EABO stopped, I jumped in and got out at El Melocoton to continue with gpt 02 .<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-10/Lukas &amp; Tabea &amp; Basil'''<br /> Gate was open<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lukas &amp; Sarah'''<br /> <br /> Started from Puente Alto.<br /> Gate Variant A closed.<br /> Gate at 11.3km was open.<br /> Water present at all waypoints.<br /> Camped at Camp 16.09.<br /> You can find a horsepath down to te river with a nice pool for swimming whenwalking a bit backwards.<br /> Next Camp at Bridge Water 29.7. Also really nice for swimming. <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 via new Route:<br /> In the corner at -33.68293, -70.34715, turn on the horsepath. We therefore skipped Gate at 02 and walked out at -33.69654, -70.35062 and walked directly to the river crossing of Variant A. <br /> The horsepath around the hill is in good condition but difficult to find.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-01 to 2024-Nov-02 / 2 days / Hiking / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Gate at 11.3km was open, presumably because it was a public holiday.<br /> <br /> Water present at all waypoints<br /> <br /> Water at 23.9km just before the pass<br /> <br /> Camped just before pass at 22.7km<br /> <br /> Combined sections 1 and 2 so can't comment resupply options<br /> <br /> * '''2024-10-30 to 2024-11-01 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR -a- RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> The gate at the start of option a was closed when I arrived and did not look easily climbable. After a few minutes a car came and opened the gate. The driver didn't say anything to me so I went through the gate after him. <br /> <br /> The pass was without snow, the water point indicated had all water.<br /> <br /> The bridge [29.7/1389] is non existend (due to the winter?), but the rivers are easy to be crossed. <br /> <br /> There were a lot of small and really annoying flies (I don't think they are tabanos, mainly because they are small, it is a dry area...). They were flying into the face and biting specially near the eyes. Putting a branch on the backpack did not help. I ended up covering my face to have some peace.<br /> <br /> '''Note that in summer 2024, a new option 02 was inserted and the original options 2 and 3 increased their numbering.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-Mar-09 to 2024-Mar-11 / 42 hours / Hiking / SOBO / GPT00?, GPT01, option 5? / Tomáš'''<br /> Not sure if on topic as it is technically east of Santiago and not south (but also not north!), but I thought I would share anyway. A nice trail that can be done around Santiago while waiting around. In my opinion, it also better fullfils &quot;starting from Santiago on foot&quot;, as the current start involves quite a long stretch from Puente Alto on road. Here you start walking 100 m from bus stop (C-02, every ten minutes or so from Los Dominicos) integrated into Santiago's public transport system, or 5 km from Los Domincos terminus of the red metro line (but really, why would you not take the bus?). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1765972160575329/ Pictures].<br /> <br /> The entrance is 3500 CLP, in office hours. No problems having a backapack entering at 1300 when explaining the route (San Ramon to El Manzano). Early in the morning or late in the evening, there is an always-open door next to the gate. Going up to the ridge, there are several variants; I went to the pass just south of Morro las Papas and traversed more or less horizontaly to Salto de Apoquindo. After Patagonia proper, it is funny that such a small waterfall even honours a name. There is a (compostable?) toilet at the waterfall and one could camp there, but it is probably illegal and when I was there, a helicopter kept humming around - maybe it was looking for fires? Late camp and early rise would probably work though. Past this point, you are unlikely to meet anyone (up to there I only met ten people even though it was Saturday). The trail from there to the ridge is more or less clear for GPT standards. Last probably reliable water is around 2230 m of altitude.<br /> <br /> Camped at about 2800 in the pass south of Morro Tamber, the night was windless and warm. Starting late - at noon -, I then went to Cerro San Ramon (up to here everything is on OSM). Took me 2 leisurely hours. The ridge walk is easy and the path is clear. To my surprise, I was there alone on a Sunday afternoon, just with one quite cheeky bird. I went to Punta de Damas and back and then down to Las Manzanas. The path down from the Refuge San Ramones is marked in blue and mostly visible, just a section near the puesto at 2200 m is cross-country. I reached the stream in the valley when darkness fell, walked two hours almost to the end of it to catch my flight, saw some people camping/having a fire. In the morning I got up at six and had to climb over two fences to get out. It has opening times (no longer remember which, but fairly long) and the price was about 8000 for entry, not sure if they would demand something in case of SOBO travers. There seem to be some walk-arounds in OSM (added afterwards by yours truly basde on strava heatmap). The whole trail is in OSM now and also as of 2024 is part of &quot;Not yet incorporated change proposals&quot; of the GPT files, for viewing in Google Earth.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-17/ 2.5 days / SOBO / RR / Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> I took the metro to the last stop, Puente Alto, and started walking from there. The days were extremely hot and there were a lot of tabanero attacks. I waited a few minutes at the closed gate at 11,2 until a car came out. I asked the driver if I could go through, but he said that it was a private area and I wasn't allowed through. When he was gone, I saw that the gate was not completely closed. I was able to reach inside with my arm and open a door in the gate from the inside. There was regular traffic on the road behind it, but everyone just greeted me back in a friendly manner. Might be best just to wait until it opens and then walk through confidentially without asking. The water indicators were correct. Camps: 19.5/1433 (no water), 29.7/1389 (water and small pools, quite nice). Take enough water for the pass at 18.7/1302! No shadow and very hot. After 29.7/1389 there is water a few times and an increasing number of day trippers. Overnight stay in San José de Maipo in the Hostal Maipo for 20k, otherwise no guests, bathroom and fridge dirty and room stuffy, but large kitchen, nice host, lounge and central location with supermarket and bus stop next door. For GPT2 bus to El Melocotón at 7.30am, but get off at the crossroads by the bridge over the Rio Maipo before town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-8 to 2024-Jan-9/ 1.5 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Tanja'''<br /> <br /> Took same route as Matthias (Filo Purgatorio via the ridge). Not much to add apart from: it’s very hot and there’s no water up there anymore. First stream coming down was at 33.67175, 70.39274<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-24 to 2023-Dec-25 / 2 days / SOBO / RR and variant E / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Nice hike to begin with GPT, no particular mountain difficulties. I began in Pirque after taking the buq MB74 at bellavista de la florida. <br /> <br /> Variant : I followed chileans hikers on variant E to the nothern bank of the river el sauce (sendero estero el sauce on OSM, easily followed with the GPS). Seems funnier than the RR, you cross a nice pool. You have other trails to go down at the river and enjoy on the way.<br /> <br /> All water markers are correct. Remember to bring enough water for the pass at water 18,7, it's really hot up there. Water 29,7 very good stream.<br /> <br /> The end of the trail after is a big web of trail along the el sauce river, with places to bath and camp. So the water is not rare. Lots of hikers when I was there (25 december). <br /> <br /> Camp : at bridge water 18.7.<br /> Seems like lots of nice places after water 29,7 when you explore along the river. <br /> <br /> Gate 11,2 : Not possible to go around, electrical and fence. It was opened by a person in a car after 5 minutes waiting. No question about my passage. I then crossed roads with an arriero with horses and another car, on 24th december. Seems like this trail is crowded, so the gate seems not to be a problem with patience. <br /> <br /> The other gate is only for cars, way to go around as a hiker. <br /> <br /> Other : crossed a snake in the middle of the trail. See my section 2 post for more infos.<br /> A very tiny scorpion near my tent in the morning... put some shoes when you go for a pee at night ! <br /> <br /> No river crossings issues<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-5 to 2023-Dec-6/ 2 days / SOBO / OH &amp; RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> I started option 2 right from the school (San Juan Oriente). Camp spots on the way to the ridge if you start late in Santiago. Took the route to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio (option 2 - variant B). <br /> <br /> From the summit I continued the ridge southwards (OH-CC-A {01-02B}). That’s a wonderful alpine (I mean andine 😅) cross-country hiking route mostly on steep scree or rock ledge (Schrofen in German), difficulty according to SAC hiking scale T4, I’d guess. No real clambering necessary, hands only occasionally needed for support. The descent from the summit gives you a good impression of the difficulty, it will not become more difficult. Mostly I did not walk directly on the rocky ridge but on the western slope.<br /> <br /> Camped right on the ridge at ca. 33°38'30'' 70°24'47''. Beautiful sunset and sunrise.<br /> <br /> On the descent to GPT02 there is a marked trail (white markers) on the last kms. One can follow that path instead of RR where variant F comes in and avoid the walk on MR. When the path comes to a fence turn right and you’ll hit the RR again.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-15-18 / 72 hours / Hiking / nobo / Option 02, ridge, option 02 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Apart from Option 02, I did not actually follow any existing GPT track but the approach has since been added as option 2. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1715267058979173/ Pictures] I started at the southmost stop of bus MB-74. The bus actually detours to some sidestreets and then comes back the same way again, so do not get off too early. You should be able to start from here: 33.7277389S, 70.5544877W. Just before the bridge, there is a locked gate. Some cars were passing though and let me through, just told me not to make fire. If the gate is locked, use the bridge 200 m downstream and go in the riverbank for 200 northwards - it is dry. There is another gate where the sideroad splits from the road that is still on OSM, roughly here: 33.7412080S, 70.5586867W. Again somobody opened it for me but this one could have been climbed easily.<br /> <br /> The trail is both easily visible on satelite and Strava heatmap. First 2 km it is a road, then a worse road that transforms to path branches to the left to rejoin the road where another gate is - this cca 5 km part is flat. One then follows the fence on a steep slope until 100 m higher one rejoins very clear path. I am sure there is a better way than I took but it was still easy enough. From there a very clear trail goes all the way up to cca Cerro los Crystalles. Met a group of seven people on motorbikes who went up and down in a day. No water until about 2500 m. On Facebook group.<br /> <br /> From the ridge, one could easily follow on GPT02 but I was interested in the ridge between RR and Option 3 roughly from here: 33.8464060S, 70.4211017W to Cerro los Purgatorio through Cerros Loma del Diablo, San Roque and Cruzada Las Hormigas. From the coordinates above, there is a trail that follows the ridge for a few km. Once it starts going down, I traversed back to the ridge. Better would have been to go over the hill than traversing. The ridge can be followed, there is a path that comes and goes so it is a mix of TR and CC. Going down from San Roque is a bit tricky, one needs to sidetrack from the ridge at one point and maybe use a hand here and there. Another a bit challenging part is just before the final ascent to Cruzada Las Hormingas. It is abit exposed in those parts but not too much. In SAC scale, somewhere around 4 or five, but out of 20 km of the ridge, this is only about 1 km at most. And I do not claim to have found the best route, I think some of the clambering parts that were never vertical could probably have been sidetracked.<br /> <br /> This time of the year, even on the ridge I crossed a stream with water three times (I added the streams to OSM), very roughly at km 11, 17 and 20 (this one being on the RR). Only saw cows and condors.<br /> <br /> I then crossed the RR and went on option 02, the ridge walk to Cerro Purgatorio. I would say it is SAC 4 (somewhat easier than the ridge), I used hands but it was very easy and not exposed at all. Descent from Cerro Purgatorio was surprisingly beautiful with all the flowers (which were there all over the ridge too). Even going down, from about 1500, the heat was really strong. Would not recommend any of this from early January till end of february given there might be very little water. Perfect for December and earlier. I hope the ridgewalk is added to GPT. Every day, I would be able to get enough cell phone coverage to receive e-mails and chats but not much more.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-06 / 1 day / Hiking / sobo / RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> I took uber from Providencia to the gate, about 20000CLP and 1hour.<br /> <br /> The gate is locked at 10am on Wednesday. Luckily after 5min a young man drive out and open the gate, he didn't said anything and let me go inside.<br /> Hot but more water resources that i think before, a small grassy stream is still flowing just before the pass 800m, lot of tadpoles swimming inside too.<br /> <br /> Long way going down with rocky dirt road, didn't see any people all the way to the end.<br /> After you join the trail in valley, lot of camping spots you can find.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-17 to 2023-Nov-19 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR &amp; OH / Jens'''<br /> <br /> In Melocoton I had to cross private property. The guy charged me 2000 pesos. Lots of water and camping south of Cerro Purgatorio.<br /> There is an alternative route that's marked with white paint that is also marked in the OSM data. <br /> <br /> I started NOBO from El Melocoton. I took the exploratory route to Cerro Purgatorio. I have to report that there is no path to the summit from the south. The data and the OSM suggest that there is a path, but I only found rocks that I had to climb over and steep drops. I had to slide down to join the other trail as it was too dangerous to continue.<br /> <br /> The northern route to the summit is fine. But you'd have to go back the same way to rejoin the main PGT route.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: I removed the southern ascent to the summit of Cerro Purgatorio. Now only the the ascent from the west remains in the track files.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Nov-11 to 2023-Nov-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn '''<br /> <br /> - Gates : all were open, it was a Saturday<br /> <br /> - Water : all the water markers were correct, even more water present<br /> <br /> - Camping spot : km 29,4<br /> <br /> - Weather : cold and cloudy so not a problem for the first big ascent - there is an exceptional cold weather on the Santiago area this year<br /> <br /> - River crossing : 31,65 km (easy)<br /> <br /> - Overall : trail in good condition.Lots of stray dogs on the trail but really friendly.We combined section 1 &amp; 2.<br /> <br /> If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-19 to 2023-Feb-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa &amp; Hannes'''<br /> <br /> Started in Ramon Supercaseaux 8200 directly at the gate. Pretty hot below 2000m, siesta highly recommended. A lot of bees around everywhere except pass-area. No water in the first spot after the pass, you'll find it about 1-2 kms ahead. A local said that water was cut up there. Weekend with many tourists in Estero El Sauce Valley. Good Kiosk at the valley entrance. Took us 2 days.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-04 / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1: Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I really wanted to try the option through Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I took the bus MB-74 to Pirque. The last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W. There was a sign saying it is prohibited to enter, but some people told me I can pass. From there one can walk along the airport. Once you get to the main road, there is a locked gate, but the fence can be crawled under. I would recommend to take the standard route for cars, the walk was schorching. It was Sunday, I am not sure the other bus lines were in service. I have not seen them, MB74 seemed to be going once every twenty minutes or so for 900 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once on the standard route, I hitched a car going to the reserve, we put my backpack into the trunk, so the CONAF guards did not notice me at all and did not tell me anything. I had a reservation made online, there is a day limit of visitors. It cost 11500 pesos.<br /> <br /> Once in the reserve, I took the trail going west of the stream (so the stream was on my left hand going uphill). Nobody noticed me and then I have not met anybody for 4 days. The trail is fairly clear, one goes up along a stream up until around 1900 metres (up to the last recommended camp). From then on until the next other side of the mountain, there is no reliable water (I slept near a marsh around 2650m, but the water would not have been great).<br /> <br /> The route is quite attractive. Walking in the lower valley in the heat is really sweat inducing. It took me 1,5 days to go up to the border of the reserve, I was weak from not much sleep before and the heat. But also it is quite far and I have not started walking until six or so on the first day as I rested quite a few hours waiting for the heat to pass.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-24 to 2022-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT01-F / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started the first section from the metro station at Puento Alto, which is also a good place to buy some missing supplies and water - mall with Lider shop is right next to the main square. The gate 1 at approx. km 12 opened after less than 15mins and some guy in a car let us in after explaining that we just want to pass and showing the map. The other gate not so far away from the entrance was opened. Following the main route, we spent the night in a nice camp place at km 19.5 with water available just few hundred meters before that (bridge, water 18.7). Keep in mind to carry enough water on the way to the pass! We met the next day 2 families at the bridge, water 29.7 that went there for camping. We decided to finish the section the next day, which was Staturday, and therefore as we were coming closer to the village we met a lot of day hikers at the GPT01-F. Before continuing to the section 2, we stopped to refresh ourselves at Kiosko Los Acacios, on the left side after the bridge on the main road (the other kiosk before the river was closed at the time). They have fried empanadas, amazing natural strawberry juice (jugo frutilla), yogurt with granola and some other small things, everything with reasonable prices.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-09 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''<br /> <br /> Start at the reserva natural de clarillo impossible even if i arrived at 8h30 am. No arrangement possible with the guard.<br /> I went by waking through the wasteland (many dogs be carefull but a good stone in the hand frightens them without worries) but Start at GPT01-B impossible : Big Electronic portal and no luck with cars.<br /> Start at GPT 01-03 by the optional tracks ok. After the school you take the left road and almost immediately you have to pass under a fence on the left with a little hole. <br /> Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But te other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Okt-31 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We traveled by metro to Puento Alto. Because the bus MB73 did not come (probably because of holiday) we took an Uber to Posta la Puntilla (much cheaper than to Puntilla Rural).<br /> Gate 1 closed, after waiting 2 minutes a car came.<br /> Gate 2 open on the right side.<br /> Water available at all marked spots. <br /> Nice campground with small swimming pool at the back of the small river at Camp 01 [4/29/1415].<br /> Several campsites on the river around El Melocoton.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021 Nov-19 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We wanted to avoid the boring through-town and road walking so we took the micro-bus from Puente Alto to Puntilla Rural which only left us 2km of road walking. It’s a micro-bus MB73 and it goes right on the same street when you come out of the subway. It doesn’t have a stop so you just have to wave it down when you see it coming, ticket costs 750 pesos. After those 2km on the asphalt road we turned off to a minor road with an impassable gate which is normally closed, but luckily we only waited less than 10 min. and a car came and we just walked in, they didn’t ask us anything so it seemed alright. 2nd gate was open. Water sources were flowing well. Climb was brutal, super steep and very, very hot. We imagine this section could easily be walked a month earlier to avoid the baking in the furnace. Great views from the “Pass”. We camped at the “Bridge, Water” waypoint after the pass, nice place, but unfortunately we had lots of tiny, very hungry biting flies there. We saw a lot of campers in the valley before El Melocotón, which was a bit of a surprise, more than 20 tents, perhaps people enjoying nature on the weekend? We didn’t go in to El Melocotón but continued straight to GPT02. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Nov-09 to 2021-Nov-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Marc Anthony '''<br /> <br /> Started afternoon on first day and arrived in melocotón same time next day. Took a taxi from Puento Alto metro station to the Plaza in Pirque, because I was advised against walking alone through Puente Alto by the locals. Quite a lot of mini shops with empenadas and other food when following the paved road from Pirque. When turning from the paved road onto the first minor road I encountered a big locked gate, which luckily opened because cars were driving through from the other side. After a couple of kilometers another locked gate appears but i walked around the right side and found a smaller open gate that I passed through. When the terrain starts getting steeper, I found it very hot to walk here during the afternoon. Definitely wouldn’t want to walk there in the middle of the day during summer. Also the section right before the mountain pass is very steep. Best to walk here during the morning when you’ll have the shadow of the mountain. Rest of the way was generally easy enough, carried plenty of water with me.<br /> <br /> Found a place called Posada Del Jinete in southern part of El Melocotón with Cabañas for 80.000 and hostal room with to beds for 40.000. Not the cheapest but didn’t find a lot of options nearby. The father and son who are running the place are nice people who can tell a lot about the area. Small tienda/café down the road from hostal with only basic supplies<br /> <br /> Started this section on November 9th. The gate at -33 36.774’ -070 30.027’ is locked. Didn’t find anybody around to ask, but it magically opened up behind me just as I was about to leave, because cars were coming through from the other side. Did see a couple more cars going the same direction as I walked on the minor road. Might be worth waiting around for some time to see if anyone will drive through?<br /> <br /> Found water in all expected places. Would recommend carrying a good amount with you on your way up onto the mountain pass, since this a very hot and steep section especially in the afternoon and it will be awhile before the next water source.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Nov-14 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ricardo Gold'''<br /> <br /> We tried both entrances to the gravel road. Both closed with big gates (RR @KM13). We did an alternative start from Pirque that it did work, but is a significant longer (but nice). I would suggest to review this segment as the two main entrances seems closed for good.<br /> <br /> After you get into the road is very straight forward, very easy to navigate. There is water in all expected points and I think they will last long into the summer. <br /> Indeed, it is very exposed, it will be hard to do in a sunny day, as it will be hot. Alternatively you can start really early or even do it partially at night as it is easy to navigate and not dangerous at all. <br /> <br /> The climb is pretty steep for a maintenance road. it is +20% for ~4km, so I suggest to tackle this section really early in the morning. There is a good water source just before starting and probably also a good camping ground.<br /> <br /> Next water source is ~14km after, but with also ~1000m of uphill, so be mindful of the time to get into there. Btw, this water source has a small cascate and pond that is great to jump in and refresh. Just walk ~10m into the upstream.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 to 2020-Jan-04 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> See transport section if you want to skip the first 13KM roadwalk. Midsummer is not the ideal time for GPT01 as it is very hot, there is little shade &amp; not much water. If you do walk there are several small shops on the road up to KM13.<br /> <br /> It was difficult to access the start. At KM 16.5 on the road, RR-PR-V@01-6.9+4.3 &amp; 700 metres further after the bridge, route sealed by two 15 foot high gates with spikes on top. No one there to ask to open them. Back on RR @ KM13, 2 locked gates. At OH-MR-V@01-A-#002 a resident let me through the locked gate. There is a new fence a little up the road that will probably close off this variant (I got in through a small unfinished section). It is very dry now so RR gates may be closed due to lack of water &amp; fire risk. The only water on RR until 14KM after the pass is on section RR-MR-V@01-16.3+7.8 marked Bridge, Water on GPX, making a camp @ the site 15 mins. walk above (marked Camp No Water) highly advisable. Look for the gas pipeline, route follows it most of the way. Kiosk with drinks &amp; snacks &amp; campsite on the route 3KM before Melocoton are open all week in midsummer, weekends only in low season. No need to go to Melocoton. Get bus to Santiago @ road junction 500 metres down the road after bridge over Rio Maipo<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-13 to 2019-Dec-17 / 5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 and GPT02 / Ian Hikes '''<br /> <br /> Overview: I decided to combine GPT 01 and 02 using the alternative route through Rio Clarillo National Reserve which is something I do recommend. You do have to pay $5.000 to enter the park. You then follow the river up to the pass where it joins the official route. The two sections are very open and exposed with wide open views across the mountains and high mountain passes. <br /> <br /> Difficulties: My biggest difficult in this section was the lack of water. There were many sections that were dry and, on many occasions, found me going 15-20km with water. I would suggest taking extra care planning out water resupply along the route. I usually took 2-4L of water at any given time in these two sections. Also this section is very remote and did not see anyone for 3 days.<br /> <br /> Highlights: High mountain passes and great open views (especially for sunrise and sunset)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-27 / Hiking / SOBO / Family Size '''<br /> <br /> Locked gate with barbed wire (S 33° 36.795', W 070° 30.049') on the official route. Found someone at the gate up the road (S 33° 36.702', W 070° 29.640') who unlocked that one for me. He said the road behind is no private property, but it's always locked. After another gate (S 33° 37.141', W 070° 29.927'), with a hole on the right to climb climb through, this road connects back to the official route.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water on the B alternet uphill. Almost at the top it tastes a bit like cow shit after filtering. There is a lot of OK water at the bottom of the downhill and quite a few tourists especially on weekends.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-17 to 2019-Nov-18 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We walked GPT01 in 2 days, including one nero day. We used uber to get to the trail, hope your driver won't be stupid enough to take shortcuts through slums :). There is a gate on the beginning of trail, after a &quot;discussion&quot; (we don't speak spanish) they let us go through. Climb was really hot, make sure you take enough water from the last source on the way up. There is water on the other side, but first marked water source didn't look the best. There is a river cutting a trail a bit down from that point. We stayed in a campsite on the begining of next section which was nice. They have really sticky ferral dogs there which we had a real problem to chase to not hike with us.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 to 2019-Nov-13 / 3 days / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo'''<br /> <br /> It took us 3 days as we started late in Santiago and arrived early in Melocoton. As it's still low season everything is shut down in Melocoton so we took the bus (which runs every 30 minutes) to San Alfonso, where we found nice cabañas and three small resupply tiendas.<br /> <br /> We went to Puente Alto and then Pirque by Uber. The drivers know where the protests take place and avoid those areas or areas which got recently destroyed.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Oct-27 / Alert / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Metro line 4 to Puente Alto is currently out of operation due to vandalism during the current protests. Check online for current the status and delete this alert once metro operation to Puente Alto resumes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> Carry plenty of water on this section as water sources might dry out in early summer after all snow has molten.<br /> <br /> Puente Alto is not particular safe area of Santiago, so residents recommend not walking very early in the morning or at night through this outskirt of Santiago.<br /> Old entrance of regular route is closed by gate (S33° 37.320' W70° 32.182'). Better start from the public minor road and you won't have any problem (S33° 36.768' W70° 30.033'). The GPT Track File 2019 incorporates this change so follow the Regular Route if you use the current update.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> Carry as much water as possible just before ascending to the pass (S33° 38.394' W70° 27.191'). There won't be water until 14 km further, and it's not of good quality (S33° 41.000' W70° 23.100').<br /> <br /> Instead of deviating to El Melocotón, you can spend the night in Reserva Coyanco (camping, food, services), from where GPT02 starts. Just turn right at S33° 40.813' W70° 20.812'.<br /> <br /> * '''2018-Dec-15 to 1018-Dec-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Austin Davis'''<br /> <br /> http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Feb / Hiking / NOBO / GPT02 &amp; GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo / Bethany Hughes, Lauren Reed'''<br /> <br /> https://her-odyssey.org/<br /> <br /> * '''2017-Jan / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01 Option 1 Rio Clarillo &amp; GPT02 / Gerald Klamer'''<br /> <br /> * '''http://geraldtrekkt.blogspot.com/2017/04/greater-patagonian-trail-1-santiago-coya.html'''<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> ==Start Regular Route: Santiago, Metro Station Puente Alto==<br /> <br /> Plaza De Puente Alto is an underground metro station and the southern terminal station of Line 4 of the Santiago Metro network. Underground trains run frequently between 6 am in the morning and 11 pm in the evening. <br /> <br /> Calculate 1 hour from the city centre to the terminal station Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto buses leave to most towns and villages in the Maipo valley and the surrounding area. (2019)<br /> <br /> If you don't want to walk the first 13KM of the regular route on the road then get bus MB73 from Puente Alto.<br /> <br /> ==Finish Regular Route: El Melocoton==<br /> <br /> See also [[GPT02]]<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following bus gets you to El Melocoton in the Maipo valley: Bus MB-72B<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate a bit over 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Start or Finish Option 1 (Rio Clarillo): Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo==<br /> <br /> From Plaza De Puente Alto the following buses get you close to Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo: <br /> <br /> - Bus 978 towards Rio Clarillo (this is the best option, gets you the closest to the entrance to the reserve)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-74 towards El Principal De Pirque (last stop is here: 33.7290444S, 70.5371567W)<br /> <br /> - Bus MB-80 towards El Principal De Pirque<br /> <br /> Buses are frequent and calculate 1 hour for the bus ride. (2019)<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to the regular route but a high gate was build in 2021. If the the gate at waypoint &quot;X, Gate {01} [11.2/787]&quot; is locked, continue 2.1 km on the main road and take Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio).<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Access into Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo is controlled by CONAF at the main entrance near Pirque. The park is intended for daytime visits only and does not provide camp grounds. Cooking inside the park is strictly banned including with camping stoves. A maximum of 800 persons are permitted entry on one day. CONAF park rangers might not permit a southbound traverse and all visitors are probably required to leave the park in the evening at the main gate. The entrance fee is 11,500 CLP (2022) for foreign nationals and 2000 to 4000 CLP for Chileans. The tickets needs to be bought online in advance and there is not cell coverage at the entrance to the reserve.<br /> <br /> A northbound traverse is probably free of charge. (2019)<br /> <br /> ==Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio)==<br /> No permit or entry fees apply to Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio). No right-of-way conflicts reported yet. If the gate issue on the RR persists to cause problems and Option 2 (Filo Purgatorio) is recommended by more hikers then Option 2 may become the new Regular Route.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT01 - Cerro Purgatorio]]<br /> <br /> ==Regular Route==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[San Juan de Pirque - El Toyo]]<br /> <br /> ==Option 1 (Rio Clarillo)==<br /> Wikiexplora: [[Río Clarillo]]<br /> <br /> National Park: http://www.conaf.cl/parques/reserva-nacional-rio-clarillo/<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:gpt01 Cerro Purgatorio.jpg|View to the central Andes, by [http://notabadplacetopee.com/gpt01/ Austin Davis]]]<br /> <br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (6).jpg|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 1]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT05_(Rio_Colorado)&diff=122435 2025-08-09T11:26:18Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT05 Regular Route: The updated regular route now follows the upper Rio Colorado and avoids the demanding Cuesta Las Perdices where some hikers struggled. The updated regular route also eliminates the need to cross the bridge of Rio Colorado that get disassembled in autumn and reassembled in late spring or early summer. The updated regular route seems also more attractive with plenty of camp sites and two hot springs. Fording Rio Colorado high up seams feasible during most of the hiking season. <br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Variant B and Option 3 (Paso El Campanario): Fording Rio Negro is often very challenging and dangerous especially in spring and summer. Based on accounts from locals the route Paso El Campanario was used to move animals until about 2 decades ago. This route crosses Rio Negro higher up in a sediment area where fording should be somewhat easier. The 1000 m ascent to Paso El Campanario looks demanding but not impossible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> - It is unclear how tolerant Argentine border police treats hikers that sneak through Argentine territory east of vulcano Planchon-Peteroa. There is a special arrangement between Chile and Argentina that permits the Chilean arrieros of Valle Grande to cross at Paso Vergara by car from Chile to Argentina and drive 15 or 20 km though Argentina before re-entering Chile at an informal border crossing just north of Valle Grande. But I'm unsure if this applies also to &quot;lost hikers&quot;. Anyway, in case of an emergency crossing into Argentina from Valle Grande is probably an option. In this case &quot;lost hikers&quot; are probably returned via Paso Vergara to Chile. Also, climbers from Chile and Argentina get from both sides of the border up to the summit of Volcano Planchon and there seams little dispute over this. Trails crossing the border are clearly visible on satellite images.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 / 1 day / Hiking / Sobo / RR + Var H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Hiked GPT 6 and also did the GPT 5 part from Laguna las Animas to Laguna Mondaca. Good trail, very steep in deep sand. Hiked Var H to reach Termas de Azufre. It goes CC through a big boulderfield. Slow progression, but not really difficult. Rivercrossing was knee deep and had a strong current. But it's very hard to reach the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre. The lower part is badly eroded. Followed the suggestion of the GPT track. The mountainside is extremely steep with loose ground. Due to very few vegetation in combined with loose ground it was dangerous to climb up, slipped sometimes. Don't recommend it - maybe there is a better opportunity?<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-12-21 to 2024-12-25 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR to Ford [68.9/2340] (Rio San Pedro) / Dorota'''<br /> Generally, very extreme stage, especially for women alone of 1.64 cm height. <br /> I started in Quénes, which in this period was very empty. I passed the night in the restaurant in front of the pizzeria, but I could not recommend it. 20.000 clp with cold water. First, for MR, it was very easy, but you needed to take water. But then difficulties started. First, passing Río Colorado [33.1/1455]. I tried to cross it in the evening. I crossed one bank, but the other was not. So I put my tent between the banks, which was not safe. In the morning, I went upstream and I found a better place for crossing the river using mainly rocks. But still, it was exhausting. All operations took me one hour. And after that, I was so tired that I slept for one hour. Other fords [45.2/1919] (Río Baroso) and [51.2/1940] (Río Negro) were also difficult for me - the water was to knee level. There was a very good bridge on Río Colorado (55.0). But the descent to the valley of Rio Colorado was very demanding. At point -35.32681, -70.65340, it starts downhill to Río. At the start, I could not find a safe way of going down because the track leads you into hell. But after that, at a point below, I found a sign of the route (acouple of rocks). The ascent after it is also demanding because of navigation. All the time, I was checking the route on GPS. Finally, my adventure with stage 5 finished at km 68.9/2340 Río San Pedro. I tried to cross it in the afternoon, but I fell into the river because of the strong current. The level was only to the knee. I put up my tent. Very early in the morning, I tried again. After two steps, I fell into the river and started going down. I thought that it was my end. Trying to catch any rock, I lost my sticks. Finally, I was rescued. I was frightened, wet, and felt very cold. I put up my tent and for the whole day thought about what to do. Without sticks, I could not cross any river, and I still had 13 km to join stage 6 and cross the river. Each option had rivers. The next day, in the morning, I put a signal SOS on my reach. After two hours, a helicopter with three soldiers came. They took me to the hospital in Curicó. Despite the fact that I did not have any injuries. It is a procedure. In the hospital, they took me to the emergency room, made an examination, and gave me electrolytes. In this hospital, it was the first rescue . Everybody was interested in me, which was really embarrassing. Then, the carabineros went to make a report. In the hospital, they were very polite, also the carabineros. After that, they took me to a hostel. After the accident, I did not know what to do and for a month had something like a type of trauma that something could happen again. Finally, I decided to continue stage 6 from the start. But I registered at the point of the carabineros, the same carabineros which were in the hospital. They took my data and each day I sent them information that everything was okay. They said to me that if they did not have a signal, they would start a rescue. I made stage 6 to Termas but again I could not cross the river near Termas because of trauma de rios. I came back and I met Peggy at Laguna Animas. We continued together and step by step I started to think that I still could continue the trail.<br /> After 2 months (25.02.2025) from this accident, I know why it happened. And it is not easy to share such a type of accident. But I hope that this description could help other persons.<br /> I did not have any experience with crossing rivers. I made it wrong. Now I can cross this river without any problem. Also, this stage is very exhaustive because of the terrain. So after a few days on this stage, my muscles were not strong enough to confront the strong current. My recommendation especially for women solo: try to find anybody who teaches you but practically not theoretically how to cross rivers. Now I am on stage 21 and I am really happy that I have decided to continue the trail.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-12 to 2025-FEB-15 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Martin '''<br /> <br /> Inspired fellow Czechs in December, I combined GPT05 and GPT06 and took food for 6 days. <br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> Started 3 pm from Los Queñes, hiked around 23 km. Camped a km or two after a puesto. When it was getting dark, a group of people on horses appeared. Around 15 of them including kids. I asked if it’s ok to camp there. The owner arrived a but later (he was with the group) and was friendly and sure I can camp. It felt good to have permission. Their trip would be 9 days, including crossing over to Argentina. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> Still quite easy until the last puesto. Then it got harder. Eventually got down to Rio Negro which seemed pretty wild. Hopefully it would be better in the morning. I camped on the only patch of semi-flat ground clear of vegetation I could find. <br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> Crossed Rio Negro in the morning. Much more tame compared to the previous evening. Then began one of the hardest parts. When going down towards Rio Colorado, at one point I reached dense vegetation. So I thought what if I go all the way down and go along the river. Well, there is a reason it goes how it goes - at the river bed soon I was blocked by a cliff. So I had to scramble up again and carry on. <br /> <br /> Around Rio Colorado, the first 1 km was terrible. But then it was mostly quite a good trail. With some exceptions. The most difficult parts are the dry river beds you need to cross. <br /> <br /> Then the ascend to the lake - the first 1 km was hard, just straight up, no trail. But then there is trail and it’s easy (but hard because of gravitation of course). I camped at the lake. I was worried about wind. There are no stones, but the ground is pretty solid to hole stakes. Also, the wind tends to die down in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> I thought now it would be easy, but no such luck. Some parts were ok, others were harder - either plain full of rocks, or wide river beds. When I got to the puesto with right of way dispute (after km 83), I saw a guy and almost passed unnoticed, but then his dogs gave me away. He was friendly, but we didn’t share a common language. No issue. <br /> <br /> Then a bit later, there are some huts. There were two flags - one Chilean and one “Trump”. I was glad I didn’t see anybody there. <br /> <br /> Around 5 I got to option H to connect to GPT06. One hour later I got to the GPT06 Trailhead point. That part is a bit sketchy as you need to scramble up.<br /> <br /> Overall I found it very challenging, so no complaints about the classification of 6/5 from me. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-16 to 2024-01-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR &amp; variant H / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> GPT05 was tough but not as challenging as expected. <br /> <br /> Much more water available than waypoints. <br /> <br /> Little trail available between Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, but decent, improving trail after Rio Colorado.<br /> <br /> Upper puesto along Estero San Jose wasn't yet built for the season. Didn't have issues at lower puesto with indicated right of way issues, met arriero who was very nice.<br /> <br /> Variant H connecting GPT05 to GPT06 has one very steep section with clambering.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-06 &gt; 09 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR&gt;Variante Volcan Colorado / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : riviere puissante<br /> <br /> Les 30 premiers km sont monotone. Mais c'est de plus en plus sauvage et jolie. J'ai dormi avant le rio Negro qui etait trop violent en fin de journee. Les descentes avant et apres le rio Negro sont très dangereuses.<br /> Il y a un pont sur le rio Colorado, heureusement car le torrent est infranchissable a pied.<br /> La variante etait magnifique, beaucoup de neige et le col a 3000 etait tres enneigé. La fonte de la neige crée des trou qui complique la marche, mais il faut juste ralentir le rythme et ca se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-1 to 2024-DEC-5 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. H)/ Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined stages GPT05 + GPT06, taking food for 6 days. GPT05 was a beautiful and challenging stage, where fords were a daily routine. We started with a two-hour evening hike from Los Queñes. We bivouacked here [-35.0616712, -70.8124902]. We continued along a minor road to the intersection [32.1/1509]. At the originally marked ford [17.1/1075], there is now a bridge - we did not ford. We managed the marked ford [23.5+1.7] with dry feet. However, we waded through a rather challenging ford [33.1/1455] at Rio Claro. The water reached waist level for my height of 178 cm. It is definitely better to walk 200 m upstream and wade twice - across the main river and then its tributary. A little past the pass [40.7/2354], where there was only a bit of snow, there is another ford [45.2/1919] (Rio Barroso) and then [51.2/1940] (Rio Negro). Both were not particularly difficult. There is a nice grassy bivouac at the puesto [37.0/1927] (Vacas Gordas). One of the most challenging parts of this stage is the CC descent into the Río Colorado valley. This is a very steep slope, where moving down is essentially sliding on gravel. Be careful. Fortunately, the key bridge over the roaring and absolutely uncrossable Río Colorado [55.0/1468] (Puente Las Yeguas) was there, allowing us to cross the river safely. The ascent from the river valley is not as difficult as the descent into it. The plateau around lake [16.3+0.2/2499] was completely covered in snow, and we were once again grateful for our microspikes. From this plateau, there is also a magnificent view of the mountain Descabezado Grande (3953 m above sea level), which is passed in GPT06. As we descended toward Laguna Mondaca, the landscape is dominated by basalt columns on the surrounding hills. Under one such rock, there is a beautiful bivouac at -35.43769, -70.66022. In this valley, there are a total of three fords [68.8/2340] (Rio San Pedro), [81.0/1604] (Estero San Jose), and then [83.0/1465]. All three were knee-deep at most for my height, making them safely fordable. After Laguna Mondaca, we first safely waded the low ford [24.6+2.6/1480] (Estero Volcan) and then disconnected from the main route at the intersection [87.9/1632] to connect to GPT06 via variant H. We managed the ford [23.5+1.7/1613] with dry feet. In the Estero Volcan river valley, we went CC over several fords until we reached the Trailhead {06} [25.1+0.8/1725]. These fords recorded in the track files did not correspond to reality. The river in the wide riverbed was braiding in its sediments and often flowed differently. However, there were a total of four fords over almost two kilometers, with the highest being just above knee level. At the thermal springs [27.4/1986] (Hot Spring del Azufre), we took a dip in the warm water and then continued south on GPT06.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-05 to 2024-04-08 // 3,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // variant H + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I combined the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> After reaching the thermals del Azufre, I took the variant H to link these two sections. On this variant the path is less visible, you somehow can follow cow track then it goes very down on a pretty steep ridge to the valley. CC on the valley then leaving the river bed to go a little bit higher and reach the GPT 5. This variant is a bit annoying, but doable. <br /> <br /> When you reach the GPT5, there's a better marked track, still very sandy, you'll follow it until reaching the private property near Lago Mondaca. I conturned it around the fences and haven't seen anyone around. Later one you reach the puesto with a right of way. <br /> <br /> Same method, I conturned it, but there was a lot of movement at this place, with lot of horses and people around. I saluate them nicely, and the right of way turning into an unexpected hospitable invitation ! <br /> <br /> 6 arierros were there, in the puesto of Ricardo, doing a break of few days before guiding a big group of cows (470 animals !) down the valley. They gave me juice, cazuella, mate, bread, harina tostada, and I had to stop them because my bag begun to be too heavy aha ! Amazing stop, great discussions, but I'm quite sure that if Ricardo were alone he wouldn't invited me like that ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, that was a very good surprise of this section ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw valleys and pass and was absolutely amazed by the geological formations up there ! I had the feeling to be in Game of Thrones ! <br /> <br /> Until the lake KM 66,65, you'll find a track, sometimes you'll lose it, but find it again. You'll have wet feets on this stretch ! Lots of river and wetland to pass, but no-one were bad at this time of the season. <br /> <br /> Then, from this lake, the track will be harder to find, it's a combination of CC, your own judgement of following what looks like a trail, and an horse trail that is sometimes appearing. <br /> <br /> After the second lake at 2300m, there's a clear trail and then you'll reach some gullies that are a bit annoying and where track disappear. Just go slowly and be careful where you put your feets as it move quite easily, lot of falling rocks and quite unstable ground. I didn't followed exactly the RR but more my instinct and what looks like more safely there. <br /> <br /> All the way along Rio Colorado is slow and you have to be a bit careful as it's slippery, but a cow track is there. It's only the 500 last meters that are a bit annoying, but I was expecting worse. Going from higher helps you to see where to pass, should be harder SOBO. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the puente Las Yeguas, and another surprise : there were no more puente ahaha ! All the planks were retired from the bridge and putted nicely and the side of the riverbank. Some people worked on it apparently, and will rebuild it when the winter will be over I guess. I just arrived too late on the season at this stretch. <br /> <br /> After long time of reflexion of what I should do, I walk a bit higher to check how looked like the Rio Colorado. It was very powerful, but 300m upstream there were a small island and the current where divided into 3 branches. I backtracked at that point and tried to cross this monster. <br /> <br /> I managed to do it, but it was savage, strong current, water going on me by waves, and big adrenaline moment. No doubt the hardest river of this GPT by far ! <br /> <br /> I continued on what was the hardest part of the section, all in CC, with big gullies to pass threw followed by a tuff and very steep ascent. Some people mentionned cairns here. I haven't seen any and was hiking straight to the top on a very demanding effort ! <br /> <br /> From there it's easier imo. Still on CC but following the RR and everything is gonna be alright, especially on the last big gully to pass before Rio negro, follow as close as possible the RR, that's where you'll passed it. <br /> <br /> I camped next to Rio negro and passed it the day after without any troubles. Then it's new ascent on CC, and when you'll arrive at the top KM48, the track is appearing again. You've made the hardest part of this section. From there, it's gonna be from better to better. <br /> <br /> Going on a little track, then on a more marked one (KM40), and finally on a large one that turns into gravel road for the last kilometers until Los Quienes. <br /> <br /> Ar los Quienes, I had a proper rest, well needed after this exhausting but beautiful section (GPT6 + 5). At this tiny city you'll find accomodation (from the end of the section, turn right on the road in front of the carabineros, at the end of the curve you'll find a place with kind of a food truck, there is accomodation for 15K CLP for a room. In front you have supermercado. Going back to carabineros and continuing on the road you'll find other mercados, pizzería, restaurant, there's a feria with few food trucks and a cafe. Perfect place to spend some time. It's been a while that I haven't passed threw a &quot;city&quot; that big and with that choice for food and rest ahaha. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-March-26 to 2023-April-02 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + C + D + F / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> My plan was to follow Alex and Andreys footsteps, but i had to descent rather quickly because of coming bad weather (snow, strong wind etc) at Laguna aquas calientes.<br /> Until Rio Negro it's kinda &quot;easy&quot; cause you will find yourself mostly on a trail. Gully wasn't that bad, but finding an alternative way through the landslide later was tough. I almost turned back after a failed scary first attempt. I would say it's dangerous, cause it's steep and everywhere super loose sand. Rocks/stones won't stay in place and it's tough to get out once you enter the steep sandy part. Choose your spot wisely!! Cross country was a lot more demanding than I thought. It will drain your battery also a lot faster cause you have to check super frequently. Once you reach the volcanic landscape expect strong wind. Sand on steep slopes will make it difficult to go as fast as you may want to. Because of the weather i had to go through Laguna Mondaca. I explained my situation to the guys there, they didn't really seem to care and gave me the permission to cross their property. Do not walk next to the dried out lake (check map) if the sand is still wet. You will sink in up to your hips. Pain in the ass to get out. The 1k elevation gain out of the valley is slooooow. Too much sand. The park around El bolson was closed. CONAF Guards called me a fanatic after they figured out my route. In April there are no buses going to park Ingles, so you have to walk and try to hitchhike your way out.<br /> It was a beautiful hike, especially the valley around Rio Colorado was great. But i am not sure if i have ever done such an demanding hike. I would recommend to do it in a team of 2 and not alone. I will appreciate proper trails from now on a lot more :)<br /> <br /> * SOBO 13.03 -19.03.2024<br /> 6 days, 167 km, Ascent 7.619m<br /> Alex + Andrey<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Very Difficult (mostly due the long CC sections, would give 4 from 5 for this variant, not 6 (if you are not going to kill yourself attempting to ford rio Colorado down the valley).<br /> <br /> GPT05:<br /> <br /> RR until the bridge<br /> <br /> Variant C<br /> <br /> Variant D<br /> <br /> Variant F<br /> <br /> GPT06:<br /> <br /> Option 02<br /> <br /> “Natalie - Thomas” traverse<br /> <br /> Option 03 (exploration and suggestions)<br /> <br /> RR from approx X {06} [57.3/2073]<br /> <br /> I published a detailed track on wikiloc with many photos and explanations:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/desolation-traverse-los-quenes-rio-colorado-descabezado-plateau-central-los-cipreses-164709363<br /> <br /> Summary:<br /> The famous gully “Cuesta La Hormiga” is not very difficult and pretty safe, the subsequent CC traverse is annoying.<br /> Part of the path is now destroyed due to the 2023 winter storms, detours are required.<br /> The bridge (Rio Colorado) is gone. And it is not clear whether it will be restored in the future. The Colorado River Valley looks abandoned and partially overgrown up to wp Hot Springs1.<br /> Even if the bridge were in place, I think that our option (Variant C, Variant, Variant F/Variant D) is easier, more spectacular, safer and overall better than RR<br /> Fording the Rio Colorado was very easy, less than knee deep.<br /> At the farthest point of the Colorado River Valley, the trail crosses a remote but fully operable (we met a fly-fishing team in a Toyota Prado) 4x4 road from Argentina, which is worth keeping in mind in case of emergency or rescue (marked in the track)<br /> We completed the “Avoid Don Victor” option for GPT06 without visiting Banos del Blanquillo, combining the “Natalie - Thomas” traverse with Option03. I can recommend after waypoint “Pass in the rock belt. Easy descent to Laguna Caracol” just descend west about 5-6 km to the lagoon not to miss this magnificent place.<br /> Thanks to all folks who shared their information and suggestions!❤️<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 to 2023-Jan-14 / 7 days / Hiking / Roundtrip via Planchon and back to Los Quenes / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We hitched easily all the way to Lagunas del Teno from Los Quenes with three cars. Buses from Curico to Los Quenes run as stated below, it was 2200 per person. The pizzeria in Los Quenes is not very good - premanufactured dough. Met two Germans doing hiking trips on GPT without knowing the acronym &quot;GPT&quot; - they were just using the OSM data. It was Saturday afternoon. Planchon seems to be a popular climbing spot, there was about 25 people around the lagoon who have mostly climbed Planchon that day (including a club of 15). Some people drive up just to have a look or barbecue. So Friday and likely Sunday would probably work well for hitchhiking, but there were people there also on weekdays. There are probably around 5 cars a day going to Argentina, we were told. The refuge seemed to be open but the people at the lagoon knew nothing about it. We slept in an old building probably used by the workers when constructing the dam. Despite an evening storm, it was very warm.<br /> <br /> Next day we walked towards Planchon - there is an easy trail skirting the lagoon, no need to go back to Refugio. The trail can probably be flooded when the lagoon is at its maximum level. There is an easy to follow trail all the way to the top where there is a logbook. There were lots of streams flowing to the lake and one not far from the trail at over 3000. Without backpack it took us about 3 hours to go up from there and back. The mountain has a tendency to cloud up early (2-5 pm). This section was easy so GPT difficulty probably at 4.<br /> <br /> A storm again came, we hid in a volcanic cave and then camped on the sand.<br /> <br /> The next day we went around Planchon to reach the caldera with crater lakes. We followed the old trail in OSM which is imprecise [2024: Tomáš since rerouted the OSM trail, it is more sensible now]. Only up until a volcanological measuring station, it was easy. From there it is pure cross-country. We side-hilled this traverse at about 3200 metres but it was a bad choice, too high. While traversing, it got steep with a number of hard to cross gulleys (with water and snow). We would advise to keep lower, especially given that going up the glacier stream needs to be on your left and we only found a suitable crossing at 2800 m. We would recommend to traverse the slopes of Planchon at about this altitude, it looked much less steep, so lower is more safe and faster despite the altitude loss. <br /> <br /> Once finished traversing and the ascent towards the crater began, we struggled finding the correct way because the osm trail was awful (it was pathless) and we had very low visibility due to clouds. We lost a lot of time so this section of about 3 km took us all day. We ended up taking a moraine ridge on the opposite side of the osm trail (other side of the glacier stream there) and made camp in the moraine at ~3200m before going up the final climb to the craters because of weather. Weather was worse the next day so we stayed in the tent, explored options of getting to the proper ridge of the caldera and finished the route the following day. In short the ridge you should aim for is; -35.22600, -70.58600. and the top of the caldera you should aim for is -35.22779, -70.58231. The rest of the ridge top of the caldera towards the crater lakes is slightly a knife ridge and the scramble down is loose.<br /> <br /> With good visibility and direction, one could probably reach the caldera within a half day if camping at the crossroads of the trail to the top and the round-trail.<br /> <br /> The caldera is beautiful, the lakes are lovely, you can pick your way through. We crossed the rim to Argentina and we went again to the south of the OSM trail as the pass was less steep. A side trip to the higher of Peteroa summits is easy, but you cannot get to the very top from this side or traverse, there is a vertical rock (about 20 m high) on the top that cannot be climbed easily nor can it be skirted around. Our original plan was to try and cross to Azufre but that is not possible through Peteroea, it is far too rocky. It might be possible going from the Chilian side directly to Azufre but frankly, it probably is not a walk up, the ridge from north looked rocky, the ridge from west looked much better but was steep, is hard to get to and we only saw it from afar. So best way to Azufre still looks like from Argentina.<br /> <br /> It clouded up at around 3 pm again. We descended via a trail from the rim to the Argentina border checkpoint. They sent us back to Chile when we said we came from the craters. I wonder if they would let us through if we said we came through the border crossing. They said they did not care how we would exit Argentina if we first cross to it via a an official crossing from Chile (we were mulling continuing the backroute on GPT05, which can be accessed about 10 km south of the checkpoint - there is no official crossing there). Chileans seemed unconcerned about the border, some even drive to the no-man's land between the crossings (police is ok with that apparently) and climb Planchon from there. Difficulty of the round-crossing via the route we took according to GPT scale is 7. With the proper trail, it would probably be 6.<br /> <br /> We used the road (no cars, super windy) and then a track on OSM just before the border to go back to the lagoon where we camped.<br /> <br /> Next day (The first nice day in 4 days), we started towards Los Quenes. The ascent to the pass from the lagoon is quite hard and involves either going up a very loose scree slope with lots of boulders or easy but vertical scramble of about 10 m. In all cases, the way seems to be so that you keep the creek to you left going uphill. Possibly keeping higher on the right slope would make it easier but we ended up climbing the rocks next to the small waterfall. The holds are green and firm, but it is ten vertical meters (difficulty 6 or seven probably). The valley has a small green patch though and is quite beautiful. Going the upper route as if climbing Planchon and then traversing would have been much easier (not as nice though). Once up the pass, a trail appears at 2900 and can be followed to about 1600 (the last three hundred vertical metres are a bit overgrown with meadow/hard to follow). The descent crossed a few streams. At roughly 1800, there is a man made canal that follows the trail. At 1600, the GPT track seems to be CC, we followed the trail which turns sharply to right to a puesto and then joins the first X waypoint on the RR going SOBO.<br /> <br /> Next day, the walk down to Los Quenes was uneventful. Met a family on horses who wanted to go to the Lagoonas del Teno (we told them it is probably possible but are not sure) and hitched the last 4 km (deeper in the valley, there was no traffic our direction). Then we took bus at 1400 to Curico.<br /> <br /> *'''2023-Jan-10 5 days RR SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Stayed at hut on the ridge above Rio Claro (after ford) reached in 1 very long day. It's used by arrieros but there was no one there. The descent to Rio Negro was a bit sketchy in places, hardly any trail &amp; eroded but it improves as you go down. Rio Claro ford was OK. Forded Rio Negro in afternoon, it was pretty far from OK. The water was waist deep &amp; breaking over me in a wave, nearly knocking me over but I hung onto a submerged boulder in midstream. The most difficult crossing I had on GPT1-40. Cross early in the morning if you can. After Rio Negro you traverse through a small gully, it looks sketchy but is OK if you cross on RR. On the ridge after &amp; above the small gully look for cairns which mark where you descend into the big gully. You can't continue along the ridge as it cliffs out. I don't think the descent is really difficult or dangerous (others may disagree) but it's very slow &amp; awkward going. When you are low in the gully be sure to stay on RR which traverses out left. If you continue directly down to Rio Colorado there are a few gullys perpendicular to the Rio Colorado valley. They are very steep sided &amp; you can only cross them by staying on RR. Stayed at hut before Rio Colorado bridge, it's 1 KM off the RR. Again it is used by arrieros but there was no one there. As I was leaving in the morning I saw them coming in.<br /> <br /> Followed Tomas's suggestion &amp; found a good track all the way to Lake 2300M. After the lake don't ascend by the waterfall which is steep &amp; nasty. Instead, at the lake looking towards the waterfall go up a small ridge on the RHS of lake, then traverse left to come in above the waterfall on its right. Cross the stream above the waterfall &amp; find a small horse trail which goes through a breach in the cliff &amp; leads to open ground on the way to the pass. This option bypasses all the nasty &amp; loose scree &amp; is much easier. Saw about 30 condors feasting on a carcass near the pass. Met the guards @ Laguna Mondaca, they were very hospitable as detailed by Kris &amp; Stiina. The 1000M climb to the pass after Laguna Mondaca is steep, sandy &amp; without shade or water, best tackled early in the morning. I continued out to Parque Ingles in 1 long day from Laguna Mondaca. Although I walked GPT5 &amp; 6 separately it was no drama as the section from Parque Ingles to/from El Bolson is very quick &amp; easy. The last bus was gone but it was easy to hitch out. <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-23 to 2022-Dec-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I combined with GPT 06 (info for that section there).<br /> <br /> First about 30 km is basicaly a minor dirt road (with no traffic), there is plenty of water (but from the last bridge almost to first ford, there is no water - you are in a valley but on a ridge), a cherry tree 15 km in. After 10.km or so it starts to be scenic (and the road more trail-like and less-road like). Cell coverage for about 5 km until a big hazelnut orchard. This can be walked in one day, it is really easy and straightforward so a speed of 4 km/hour is easily maintained. Then it starts :-). Until above Rio Negro, the trail is mostly there. And it is quite doable to reach Rio Negro in two (long) days. In the morning (9AM), the water is just knee deep, I crossed where Martin and Helena did. I agree the descent is quite ok (during daylight!).<br /> <br /> From there, the traverse to Rio Colorado is annoying, slow and fully CC. One really needs to go down that gulley. I would not say it is very dangerous but care is certainly needed and slips could result in broken limbs. The bridge is there, with nice tress to have lunch under. The bridge looks quite solid and there is a puesto nearby, so I guess it is maintained. Rio Colorado could be forded in the morning I guess if needed (especially more upstream), but I am glad the bridge was there. From the bridge about 500 metres are annoying, one needs to get on top of the plateau across from the puesto. From there on, there is a fairly decent horse trail all the way to about 2300 where there is a lake with a beach. I am not sure I understand my predecesors, I think they must have missed it, the first half of the trail is accurate with the GPX though. The second half (when it goes from the river to the lake and to the pass), one needs to go lower than the GPX.<br /> <br /> Just after the crossroads where one trail goes to the litle Descabezado, there is a warm slow stream. I could not tell if it was thermal or sun-warmed.<br /> <br /> The descent to Mondaca is quite long and the trail is not always clear, but no climbing is needed, there is always a way. There is a signpost saying it is private in the middle of the valley. The fords are all manageable. I waved at an arriero before the private huts (the huts are by the lake). In the huts, I have not met anybody but it seemed someone might have been inside.<br /> <br /> I agree that the comnecting trail to Thermas Azufre is annoying. It involves two fords that are not nice in the evening. I avoided them by going up on the slope on west side of the valley, but I do not recommend it, better to ford and stay in the valley. I do not think there is a trail as such: just CC.<br /> <br /> Took me five days to get to Thermas Azufre, met nobody apart from the ariero mentioned above. I recommend to time it so that you can sleep at the Thermas, there are about five or six places for a tent. Being in the pool and looking at the stars is really nice.<br /> <br /> I would argue this section is not that extraordinarily hard now that there is a bridge, but it is more demanding than the others so far.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-12 to 2022-Dec-17 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Just like many others we chose to combine sections 5 and 6 with expected 8 days on the way, in reality it was about a half day longer. We have to agree with previous comments about the difficulty, eventhough we were prepared for it and expected the worst really which helped a lot after all.<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Quenes we followed the RR and after the gate next to the camp we run into a barbed wire fence that is restricting access to the RR, probably new construction site based on a sign we saw there. Its no problem, just follow the main car road the whole time. Its really nice walking for quite a long time, all the marked gates were opened. First river crossing was no problem in the evening, nice camp place a few minutes later with amazing views. First pass also ok, no one at the puesto.<br /> <br /> Second ford also ok at km 45, than CC section and descent to Rio Negro which was not so bad as expected, it gets steep but still ok. The river seemed to be pretty fast in the evening so there was no point in trying it, we waited until the morning and found actually a few nice places to cross (one with a small island in the middle where the river gets wider). The descent to valley of Rio Colorado took us a loong time, you have to be really careful and go slowly. We went through the gully most of the time. Its a long way until the bridge, but its there, safe to cross.<br /> <br /> The worst part for us was the traverse after the bridge and climb up where we lost the trail a few times and got into some steep sections with all the falling rocks and scree, not so safe in some places but there are probably better ways to find. On the way up you have to cross multiple river basins which is really exhausting, it worked for us to go more up the hill where it wasn’t so steep but still necessary to be careful. It hapenned to us more than once that really big rocks fell down under our legs or solid looking rocks we were holding onto just fell away - not much you can do after it.<br /> <br /> After the valley it gets much more interesting and trail is in good condition. Regarding the Mondaca valley - we were seen by an arriero close to the river but with no reaction, we havent met anyone near the guards houses as well so overall no problem with the right of way. Good camp place at the end of the valley.<br /> <br /> One last unpleasant part was the connection between the sections 5 and 6 - after multiple river crossings we were following the RR to connect to the climb up but got into a really steep section, again nothing funny. It might be better to follow the other trail that we saw in both garmin and our smartphone apps. These two go all the time next to each other but in this specific case it might be better to follow the other one as it connects to the climb earlier.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either. <br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 5 + 6) / Hiking / SOBO/ Ian Hikes'''<br /> <br /> Overview: So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Six (hard) days for this section. After the first pass there was a tiny snowfield to cross, nothing to worry about. River crossings didn't cause any problems. The bridge Puente Las Yeguas was in excellent condition. The navigation through the cross country parts was quite demanding and took us a lot of time. Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Transport to and from Route&quot;).<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-09 / 8 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR + OH to the Hot Springs / Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> 7 nights 8 days for us. Super tough section. The entire area around Rio Colorado is extremely challenging; down &amp; up. We went the alternate route to the Hot Springs. (OH-CC-A@05-C-#001). I was tough with multiple steep gullies, then we got there to see the hot springs were COLD. Then the optional hike to<br /> Re connect with the RR from the hot springs (OH-CC-A@05-E-#002) was completely impassable. I didn’t go all the way up to the canyon wall. All I could see were route that would take some serious climbing. We had to down climb and take the lower route to climb up again. Property dispute near Volcan Mondaco had no problems. Quiet and didn’t seem like anybody was there for us. Parque Inglés - Molina Bus leaves at 7 am on the weekdays, we hitchhiked.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional to meet optional start of GPT06/ Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> It took us 5 days including 1 zero due to bad weather. <br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates for GPT05. Cross country sections were difficult, but in some of them we managed to find old unused trails which worked for us. <br /> River crossings - Rio Claro in the afternoon was ok. Rio Negro in the afternoon was REALLY challenging, almost not doable. After hour of trying we managed to find one spot we could cross. I wouldn't want to cross Rio Colorado without that bridge at any time. <br /> Optional trail to meet optional start of section 6 was fine in the valley. Problem was to connect it to the climb. We had to climb very steep slope to get there. From that point trail was in good condition.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-19 / 8,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Melissa'''<br /> <br /> It took me 6 full days (5-9 hrs hiking) and 1 1/2 day (3 hrs.) not including 1 day of 0 hiking due to weather-rain and needing rest. Route finding, the three inclines of over 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile was insane, terrain-gotta love sand. The entire incline up Las Animas white crumbly/soft sand and make sure you have plenty of water here because the white reflecting sand and sun can easily dehydrate you and there is nowhere to get water except this flat section near the top that has very little stream from snow melt. Crumbling rock/scree that is barely able to be hiked up with a waterfall in between after think it was called Laguna Grande tracks #61.7-67.2 end of that track. Take the route up to the left where the rock is tan don’t hike up the black it’s dangerously eroding. The gps was not helpful in that section because all three directions seemed correct (right,left or up the waterfall). I had no issues with right of way dispute. I agree with all that is stated above. Very hard and challenging section.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *Quentin Clavel (2024-apr-09) <br /> Los Quienes : at least two supermercados with good resupplies (enough for me, almost everything you need). <br /> Few cabanas, I've been at the cabanas Tia Ely, just next to the supermercado Claudia (when you face the carabineros, on the right side, 50m after the curve). <br /> 40K for cabana, 15k for a room. +5k for breakfast. Lovely people. They didn't charged me for cleaning my clothes in their washing machine. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat, in the restaurant, that is mostly used by the workers, it seems like a cafeteria and it's quite ok. Pizzeria is not perfect but doing the job. There's a Feria as well with few food trucks, but everything was closed when I was there. <br /> <br /> * 2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina<br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks.<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Bus timetable Curico to Los Queñes obtained in January 2020<br /> [[:File:CuricoQuenes.jpg]]<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-8 <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2019-Dec-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Right of way conflict before the Laguna Mondaca: The whole valley is private property and belongs to a guy who comes by helicopter for fly fishing at the weekends. His guards spotted us several hours before we arrived at their puesto but welcomed us very friendly and explained everything. They let us camp at the Estero del Volcan. At Parque Ingles we found food and accommodation. There is a bus to Molina (for schedule see section &quot;Access to route&quot;).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT05 - Río Colorado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:gpt 05.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Volcán Planchón]] from GPT05, by [http://benoit.mirouse.free.fr/index.php/patagonie-2018/recit-photos/6-decembre/ Benoit Mirouse]]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT08_(Volcan_Chillan)&diff=122433 2025-08-09T10:52:45Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - I re-route the Regular Route of GPT08 due to the right-of-way conflict at Mallin el Toro near the southern terminus of GPT08 (about 4 km north of road between Abanico and Laguna Las Lajas). The Regular Route now descents when hiking southbound to Rio Polcura and the hydro-power station El Toro. When going southbound exiting the hydro-power station El Toro is normally not an issue. When workers see you at the road you might be escorted out of the area (free car ride but connecting-footstep-hikers might cry when being driven out). Anyway, northbound hikers will need to make arrangements to be permitted entering the area going north. See the post from Manon and Robin from season 2024/2025.<br /> <br /> - New GPT08 Option 6 (Cerro Gaston): One option to avoid the right of way conflict is this new exploration route. Satellite images suggest a vague trail or animal track up to the ridge starting either at the normally dry outlet of Laguna de las Lajas or somewhat higher up on the road after the first locked gate. Experienced hikers that don't mind scrambling in steep exposed terrain might investigate this exploration route but should turn back if this unverified draft route is unsafe.<br /> <br /> - GPT09 and GPT08: Southbound and northbound hikers may also opt for the remote routes east of Laguna de las Lajas (GPT08 Option 4 (Ruta Este)). This is particular useful when combining GPT09 and GP08. When staring on GPT08 going northbound, hikers might first follow the regular route of GPT09 going southbound (around volcano Antuco) and then turn north on the remote eastern side of Laguna de las Lajas.<br /> <br /> - Updated GPT08 Option 5 (Costa Las Lajas): Southbound hikers with enough food left may also follow the coast of Laguna de Las Lajas and ascent to the ridge on one of the 3 suggested routes. Note that route 05D is only traversable when the lake level is somewhat low (see Important Information Point GPT08-5D that provides a water level mark for decision taking). These detours promise to be quite scenic and remote combining lake access with walking high up on the ridge and avoiding the right-of-way conflict when descending on the current regular route to Rio Polcura.<br /> <br /> - Northbound Start at Termas de Chillan: An other option for northbound hikers to avoid the right of way conflict at Mallin el Toro is starting at the Termas de Chillan halfway into section GPT08.<br /> <br /> - Packrafting is also an option to travel along the lake shore or to cross the lake to hike on the eastern side. In this area, early mornings and late evenings are normally calm but in the afternoon wind can get dangerously strong.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT 08 - NOBO - right of way issue Mallin del Toro / Robin and Manon / Published on Facebook 2025-03-12 '''<br /> <br /> With Manon Petit we walked GPT08 NOBO from Antuco. We had some kind of escape game in Antuco to find a solution to the right of way issue at Mallin del Toro. We were not super keen to try the ridge route from Célio Lebailly or Tobias Schorcht, as it trespassed the first gate and looked nasty from below. We talked to a local guide Jorge from Cardinal Adventure (+56 9 5848 1699, can rent material for Antuco), our host Fanny at refugio Antumapu (+56 9 9404 4771 very welcoming and nice, super cheap) and our friends Pablo and Rachel encountered in a hitchhike a few days before. All were aware of the events and did their possible to help out as it impacts tourism in Antuco. Here's what we can tell : <br /> <br /> - there has been a serious events in December. Cyclists were confronted by the arriero and friends about some damage done apparently, then molested and their bikes were retained/robbed. Turns out one of the guy was the son of a Los Angeles judge, and there is a case open in court about the events. From there the access has been denied to anyone. We talked with Enrique Marisol the arriero (+56 9 6285 2347). Here is his answer : &quot;Hola buenas tardes Desgraciadamente está restringido el tránsito por el interior del predio solo se permite el ingreso a los residentes,tenemos el lugar ocupado por animales en pastoreo ojalá entienda que no está permitido el paso por el interior Desgraciadamente los mismos turista han provocado en nosotros la molestia actuando de mala fe como rompiendo cercas .derribando nuestros portones dejando que nuestros animales se escapen a predios aledaños ocasionando gastos humanos logísticos y pérdida de algunos animales&quot;<br /> <br /> - Our friends finally found out who the dueña is, she is of a family nicknamed here &quot;pichimosca&quot; (small flies), known in Antuco for not being friendly and causing problems. She is the one forbidding access.<br /> <br /> - the Antuco municipality is actively trying to resolve the situation<br /> <br /> - Carabineros have no hold on this and advise to avoid the area<br /> <br /> - Once the persons heard the name of the dueña, they all advised to avoid the area and not having problems with this family. The arriero Enrique is not well appreciated neither, and as far as we understood, he took part in molesting the cyclists.<br /> Concerning options to avoid Mallin del toro<br /> <br /> - the Rayenco central in option 6 is a private ground an permit is required to trespass. It is granted if prior permit from one of the two owners of the Campos higher up the Polcura valle. <br /> <br /> - the two administrators are Engelbert Egger (+56 9 9239 2826) in fonde del Ciervo on the right bank. Working for an Austrian company of forestal management; and Juan Carlos Navarrete (+56 9 8514 3202) on the left bank. <br /> <br /> - we got autorisation from Engelbert, who even picked us up in Antuco and dropped us in fonde del Ciervo. Nice guy, curious about what we're doing. Doesn't want this to be a touristic route, but seemed OK to grant permits to GPT hikers.<br /> <br /> - he warned us about troubles with Juan Carlos. Turns out this is the same dueña as Mallin del Toro. The option 6 passes by his puesto and then veraneras before joining the ridge. Since Engelbert dropped us 14km upstream from the bridge, we crossed the Polcura there (not feasible earlier in the season I guess), backtracked on the left bank, and took an OSM route from S 37° 13.017', W 071° 25.823' to the ridge a little before the puesto. Didn't meet Juan Carlos. We joined the RR at S 37° 14.024', W 071° 23.514'.<br /> <br /> - the local guide Jorge told us about another solution: bypass with a zodiac on the lake. Héctor Burgos (+56 9 4944 4909) has one and is willing to offer his services. Contact him beforehand as he works in the mines and needs to plan he mentioned 110 kCLP for the transfer.<br /> <br /> - another solution is getting up the Polcura valle directly to Los Peucos. This is way shorter, and trail all the way on both banks. You'd miss the ridge, and the trouble !<br /> Hope this is clear enough, lots of info, I'll put that in the wiki. Overall the Mallin del Toro situation should be taken seriously<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-27 to 2025-03-31 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + OH G + OH H + own route around Puesto/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Came from Talca and took the 2pm bus from Terminal Merced to Termas de Chillán. Arrived at 4:30pm and was the last one in the bus. Had to walk 1.5km on the road to reach OH 02. The trail to Pass {08-02} [2.8/2371] was easy, but very steep. No fun, i was stressed a lot because of time pressure, had only 3 hours of daylight left. Hurried down through the incredible Valle Aguas Calientes - what a pity! First hot spring was already occupied with tents. Could have camped near a hot river, but maybe not easy to reach the hot river in the dark. Therefore i continued until Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. Don't recommend this place, the evening and night was super windy, although it was less windy at the pass! Didn't dare to leave the tent to take a bath and didn't fall asleep before 3am. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Prepared everything and took a bath in the morning. So good!! RR was wet and sometimes not visible in the valley. Improved soon. Ford {08} [47.4/1390] was below knee and fast flowing. Ford {08} [48.4/1334] was mid tigh (i'm 1.73) and fast flowing. At Puesto {08} [49.6/1423] i saw 2 simple huts: one was locked. Ford {08} [50.5/1305] was possible dry feet. Ford {08} [64.1/1164] was also possible dry feet. Went to Camping Los Peucos and met 2 guys from Conaf. They told me the Camping is now officially closed due to problems with administration. Arrived late and was allowed to stay, very nice gardaparques. I hope they reopen soon, this place is awesome.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Short day due to weather forcast: 35l rain and 80km/h winds in the evening and night. All 4 fords at the MR were easy and low, but Ford {08} [71.3/1089] was very long. At least 5 apple trees at OH E! Sendero Los Ratones is nice, but some fallen trees. Searched for a camspot near the pass in the lenga forest. Stayed here on a not really flat place: <br /> -37.128033, -71.3195. Indeed tons of rain after 8pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Started late at 10am, when rain stopped. Again some fallen trees. Soon i found better and bigger places to camp in the forest, the altitude-lines didn't let me expect this. No more dust! Trail until Laguna Roble was nice and beautiful. Below Laguna Roble i found a rabbit caught in a wire loop. I freed the poor animal, 100m further i saw a dead rabbit in another wire loop. Both campspots at Laguna Roble are nice and well protected in case if bad weather. <br /> Was lucky to climb to Pass {08} [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) on a cool day. Great views from the ridge! Also nice trail. After X {08} [105.4/1934] 200m CC. Camp {08} [106.6/1938] isn't flat. Followed the wrong trail and continued CC at the same altitude until i reached the RR again. Took OH G to get to Laguna Hermosa. Easy CC. Didn’t like the camp at the beach, not good in case of unstable weather. Stayed here: -37.27434, -71.383359 a bit further up. 100m below there is a well sheltered spot between bushes. Started snowing after i pitched the tent. Very cold night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Sunny day, but cold and some snow at the mountains. The following km at the ridge were a bit difficult due to snow and ice. Snow covered the trail and made it difficult to follow. Fortunately i saw animal footprints - wild animals appriciate our trails! Took OH H, there is a nice trail. The beginning of the descent was very steep and still frozen. Improved in the forest. Met two Arrieros with horses and 4 aggressive dogs. Wanted to sneak around Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] to avoid right-of-way issue. First try was a fail - the vegetation was way too dense. Here -37.347131, -71.391773 i could follow an animal trail, which leads to a big meadow. Hiked on the meadow to the MR. Only downside: i was visible from the house, nothing happened. I guess: it's possible to sneak in NoBo when walking early or late when it's dark. Nice trail near Estero El Toro. Walked on the PR and got a very friendly hitch with a chilean couple to Los Ángeles.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-14 to 2025-03-16 /3 days / HIKING/ NOBO / OH 02 + RR /Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We tried to to take the OH06 to avoid the right of way issue but when you go Nobo you have to go through the hydroelectrical central. For that you have to go there with one of the landowner located after the central. So we followed the advice of Robin and Manon and contacted Engelbert Egger (+56992392826). He's very Kind but he wasn't in Abanico at this time so he gave us the number of an other man wo has a puesto after the central. He wasn't available as well so we decided to start from Termas de Chillan to avoid this part. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : we started from Termas de Chillan and took the OH 02. We went up to the pass, easy trail. We went down to the agua caliente valley, very beautifull and almost all rivers are hot. There is one amazing just after the camp [37.3/2157] where you can bath. <br /> We slept at camp 40.3 where the hot spring is so nice as well. <br /> <br /> Day 2: we went up to the pass 39.1 quite sandy but the ascent is short. When we went down we lost the RR because we followed a more obvious trace so keep looking at the GPS. We <br /> reached RR again and followed the route until pass 33.2. Then we went down to the valley of estero Quebrado. At camp 29.5 we lost the track and ended in bamboo fight, so stay to the right side of the estero and it will be fine. <br /> We reached Rio Ñuble and crossed it preatty easily at the exact point on Locus because rivers are lower at this time of the year. We camped here S 36° 48.882', W 071° 15.278' but the camp 20.3 is fine also. The other places are protected by fences and big signs are saying that camping is prohibited.<br /> Day 3: we walked all the way to Puente Engles and found a lift to go to San Fabian de Alico. We slept at the Jahuel camping (15min from center and 8000p/p) nice restaurant : Zambie I Canuta.<br /> Took the bus next morning at 6:20AM to Chillan.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-23 to 2025-03-02 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> We sticked to the main route the whole time. !!!We had problems at the end of the main Route. Its best to use Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid right of ways issue.!!!<br /> <br /> Travel:<br /> At this section our trip ended that’s why we hitchhiked to Antuco and even though it was Sunday we were able to buy a ticket for a nightbus directly from Antuco to Santiago. The bus left at 22:15 and arrived at 05:30 the following day costing the two of us 54 euros. <br /> <br /> Permissions:<br /> In the beginning is a gate a little bit before the marked gate at kilometre 22.8. The gate has signes on it stating that everything is private property and nobody is allowed to enter. The land is owned by a really nice man called Juan. His phone number is +56973133339. He is carrying his phone all the time so just give him a call before entering. He was really friendly to us and gave us immediate permission to cross his territory.<br /> When entering Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja don’t worry about getting a permission to continue hiking. We went to the Park Ranger at km 63.9 and he told us that no permission is needed to cross the national park.<br /> !!!The landowner at km 120.6 doesn’t let any hiker pass! No matter whether hiking SOBO or NOBO. There is also no way to get a permission. That’s why we highly recommend taking the Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid these problems. He is a really straightforward person who makes you turn around no matter of how much water or food you still have left.!!!<br /> 
Resupply:<br /> No shops on the whole trail.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 4-5/5<br /> Difficulty: 4/5<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 08 / 2025-02-13 to 2025-02-07/ 7 days / NOBO / Mara &amp; Tobias*'''<br /> <br /> short: Avoided the right of way conflict at Puesto {08} [121.6/1513] by taking the ridge (difficulty 6). Water {08} [107.7/1951] is almost dried out. Aggressive cows in the valley close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449].<br /> <br /> Day 1: startet at Gate {08} [126.2/1339] at 12:30 and met Enrico there, who told us to not pass. After chatting a bit with him he told us to wait 20 minutes, until he left with the car and go for the ridge. So we entered after a while, went up the road and found water at -37.35773, -71.38068. From the satellite images variant A (photo) looked ok, but in real live seemed to be a bad idea. So we went for variant B, which took us 3 hours. Very steep, loose rocks, one part with climbing (difficulty 2). With the food for 7 days in the backpack not a joy 😂. While we were climbing up, we saw 3 cars passing the road. So be aware when you sneak in. Camped at laguna los Cóndores. Perfect Spot!<br /> <br /> Day 2: walked to Camp {08} [107.6/1938]. The marked spot should be shifted up to 37.24611 -71.39138 the shoulder right before (NOBO). Met Adrian, Julian and Valentin there who camped SOBO and camped beside us. Had nice conversations. Adrian warned us about the aggressive cows next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Went to Camp {08} [88.1/1514] and met Clara on the way. Cows close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449] showed an aggressive behaviour. Maybe it was the herd who were hunting the boys the day before. We had to do a 20 minutes detour up the valley to keep distance. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Went to camping Los Peucos and enjoyed the hot water.<br /> <br /> Day 5-7: walked to Puente Inglés without difficulties. Crossed Río Nuble with dry feet on horseback’s. 2 Arrieros (Guillermo and Renato) took us on the other side. Water was not deep either.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''10Fev2025 - 17fec2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH1+new - varE - G - H - I - J / 7.5 days (with one half day at termas) / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Left the bus to Puente El Ingles here -36,67295, -71,29201 before los sauces (as Tomáš and Natalie said), easy road to the river and dry feet crossing. <br /> Lots of workers there, I was luckey to get a ride to El Roble after few hot MR walking km. <br /> Carabineros are nice, just want you to register and check out you have a good gps + satellite. <br /> <br /> <br /> Fords : <br /> - Rio ñuble: at 10am deep and flowing fast, I didn't feel it (1.57m, alone and i'm not used to fords). I knew it would probably be like this so I took OH1 and went back RR (thanks a lot Peggy and Dorota!!). Ford at the indicated place on OH1 is easy, water to knee flowing slow at noon. <br /> <br /> -Rio diguillin : 47.4 was easy (fast flowing but around knee). 48.4 harder (water to crotch, flowing fast), I did it few meters upper to tracks (exactly here : -36,93565, -71,40355)<br /> <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> <br /> - to avoid ford of rio ñuble : OH1 is easy with 2 nice camp spots (-36,85676, -71,22440 and -36,86615, -71,21507) and lot of streams flowing. Trail in the other direction is mainly in good conditions but sometimes disappear + cow paths make you going in bushes and loosing time (so if it can helps, this is 4 positions that I marked with my gps when I went back on the good trail just after loosing myself : <br /> S36.852906° O071.228763° /<br /> S36.850995° O071.230381° /<br /> S36.844944° O071.235431° /<br /> S36.839085° O071.245746°)<br /> <br /> Maybe (probably), there are other easy spots earlier to ford Rio ñuble and take the trail at the opposite side, especially when it gets close to the river, but I didn't explore it at all. <br /> And back on the other side of Rio ñuble... 3h30 later !! But I was very happy with it as it worked and was very easy. <br /> <br /> -I found not so much bamboo fight, maybe it have been cleared by all the people passing. I avoided one taking the good trail on the other side of the river around camp 29.5. 2 additional fords but very easy. (Cross river here S36.856564° O071.75578°, and then here S36.858440° O071.279470° to go back on RR)<br /> <br /> - CC part on the ridge after km113 is more demanding in terms of navigation and terrain. Some cairns helping (but once leed me in wrong and exposed direction). I ended up on varH without noticing but it felt good as there was less wind than directly on the ridge and a good trail. <br /> <br /> - I had still lot's of food so I took the ridge slow and went for the lakes (thank's to Sergio advise, and food!). Var G for laguna hermosa is easy CC, 20 min down. The lake is a beautiful ++ spot to camp (or lunch/swim), I found it way nicer than Laguna El Roble ! No water flowing upper to the lake at this time but water from the lake is perfectly clear and fresh. <br /> Var I looked nicer than RR for this steep going down. <br /> Then var J : good trails to go to laguna El Toro and to the viewpoint of laguna los condores. Not sure if you really can go down at this one and didn't look like there is place to camp. <br /> <br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> <br /> - Planned to camp at Camp 20.3 but the place was not nice and no water so went to next spot not marked here -36,81470, -71,25463. (Camp 21.6 is not good too, there is a fence and private property)<br /> <br /> - -36,85684, -71,27580. A bit before camp 29.5. <br /> <br /> - termas 40 : very nice spot. Incredible termas !!<br /> <br /> - camping Los Peucos : nothing to add about termas and camping. Sergio is amazing and very generous. The day after he had to do some stuff with trashes and he proposed me to come with him by car. He took me to the viewpoint of salto del blanquillo on OH3 that was nice and then left me around beginig of VarE<br /> <br /> - camp 87.1 : nice fresh water flowing just down to the spot.<br /> <br /> - camp 102.3 : there is actually a thin water just down, sufficient to cook and drink. The spot has an amazing view. Flat spot perfect for tent exactly here -37,21391, -71,37187. Not totally wind protected so better watch before how it's gonna be for the night ! <br /> <br /> - laguna El Toro : is not as perfect as laguna hermosa (and water is not as fresh and clear, maybe better to take water from the little stream on the path going down to the lake) but it's still a nice place to camp. Frozed in the night. <br /> <br /> <br /> Water : 27.5 is not really good (more muddy and stagnant water). Other markers are good. <br /> <br /> No snow. <br /> <br /> <br /> Right of way issues : <br /> - at puesto 120 : 5 very agressive dogs running and barking on me when I arrived. As others, the guy told me it's a private property and doesn't let people go since this season (because of trashes and fires). He was not angry and had to let me pass in this way but precise me that he won't let anyone in the opposite. Need to find an alternative way if you really want to go NOBO here, and don't approch the puesto.<br /> <br /> - cows around km88 where not aggressive with me but not friendly type neither. <br /> <br /> I can advise camping parque Antuco. Nice and calm place with shade and swimming pool. Homemade empanadas. Camp10k with electricity and perfect hot showers. Bernabe the owner is really nice and know about the GPT. Had really good talks with him !<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-JAN-29 to 2025-Feb-2 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Elijah &amp; Michael<br /> <br /> Rio Nuble remains a challenging crossing with water coming waist high at 174 cm. Trail is overgrown with Bamboo Grass up to the second pass, however improves thereafter. <br /> <br /> Both the undeveloped termas after the second pass, as well as Los Peucos are highly recommended. Camping &amp; rustic cabanas available at Los Puecos; as noted, Sergio is warm, welcoming, and generous with his available supplies. <br /> <br /> El Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] informed us that we were trespassing on private property and allowed us to pass on the stipulation that we never return. <br /> <br /> Antuco Base Camp sells hot coffee, cookies, chocolate, and at lunch, pizza. Light traffic on road to Antuco (Sunday). <br /> <br /> (Option 1: Michael split from RR to hike this option. Second marked puesto busy &amp; welcoming. No water available after basin before ridge walk, until Laguna el Lobo. Good views, comparable to Traversia Polcura.) <br /> <br /> '''2024-01-16 to 2014-01-26 / 1day+10days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 1+new trail / Dorota+Peggy till los Puecos, after that Dorota'''<br /> <br /> Very demanding stage because of Rio Nuble<br /> <br /> 1Day: I walked alone and have idea to cross the river Nuble at km 22.0 km (-36.82021, -71.25381) at first gate. Then followed river, and after puesto I found trail. My idea was destroyed for next river and also on the other side I did not see possibility to continúe. So I backtrack to camping El Ingles and joined Peggy.<br /> <br /> Day2: We could not crossed safely Nuble. Night at km 21.6<br /> <br /> Day3: We continued option 08-01. It was possiblity of storm so we went to puesto (08-01)[8.0/1136]. We spent here night and learned how to made sopapillas and bread. Patricia y Juan gave us a lot of food. Juan explain us that exist path on other side of river (reffering to option1) which leads to termas. <br /> <br /> Day4: We risked to follow his innstruction and we reached the track RR. So if you would like to do this option: take variant 01, cross the river Nuble at about km 6.5 (-36.86712,-71.21317). And then not followed option 1. Instead turn right and followed path on the other side. You need to make some adicional kilometers, but it was worth of it. <br /> <br /> Day5: we reached termas. There was nice spot with two places for tent.(-36.90435, -71.35763)<br /> <br /> Day6: volcano Chillan using variant Natalie-Tomas. Till 2500 m nice visible path. Then sometimies. There were snowfields, only one with spikes. We met pair from Germany.<br /> <br /> Day7: We spend a lot of time for find good place for passing river Daulagin. We have crossed 100 m down stream. I have 1.64 cm, peggy 1.60 cm. Cuarrent very strong, water to hips. I reached camping los Puecos.<br /> <br /> Day7: Rest day at Puecos. Night at &quot;quincho&quot; house with place for fire. Price 15.000 clp. Ranger Sergio gave us a lot of food, breakfast and dinner. Also gas and food. He didnot like money adicional. Hot springs excepcional.<br /> <br /> Day9: I followed trail alone. Between 82.9 and 84.2 a lot tress and sometimes trail is not visible. Night at km 88.4.<br /> <br /> Day 10: views from the ridge were amazing. Between km 110.2 and 113.1 the trail very often is not visible. I camped at km 111. Water from snow.<br /> <br /> Day11: There were not water till km 117. Meeting with Rodrigo at his puesto were not so bad. At the beginnig I started to apologize that I am on his territory. Night at camping Antuco in luxury cabana for 4 personas. Price 30000 clp. Owner in the evening took me to Abanico to restaurant and buying some food. Very nice place.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-27 / 7 days + 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR from thermas de Chillán, Option 08-D + volcano Chillán / Chris &amp; Julia<br /> '''<br /> <br /> Tldr: Final ridge is difficult (navigation &amp; terrain), we had insane winds. Water [118.3/1733] is campable. All fords managable (2 pers, one 181cm), one a bit tricky to navigate. Option 08-D preferable. Dont miss out on Los Peucos!<br /> <br /> Skipped due to Rio Nubles to valles de agua caliente.<br /> Climbing volcan Chillán was a nightmare made from ashes and loose rocks. Saw condors from maybe 5m away and got blessed with amazing views. it took us in total approx. 7hrs. Many snowfields to cross and no real path, its just... very very steep.<br /> Valle de agua caliente was very nice, but also crowded. The water is not particularly hot, but relaxing &amp; nice during daytime. The first river that needs to be crossed to join the RR was pretty hot (almost burned my foot when crossing). We were a bit bummed, we didnt try to find a bathing spot there, away from the people and with some steam ;)<br /> Fording Rio Diguilli approx hip high and medium current, second crossing was easier than first but hard to navigate. At the marked location is a good spot, just hard to get there as the path was swept away. We followed horse tracks, last 20m pushed through bushes, climbed down and then traced the river approx. 20-40m upstream to the marked fording and crossed there. <br /> Los Peucos is a heaven, no shop though, so plan supplies accordingly! If lucky and he had a recent resupply run, he might sell you some food, but its not certain. Sergio is super nice &amp; welcoming, hot pools are suuuuper relaxing! Wifi available. 15kCLP pp.<br /> We took Option 08-D (some CC that Sergio (Los Peucos) recommended) to only cross Rio Polcura once. We crossed approx 200m downstream of the marked location where it was more narrow, less current but a bit deeper. We did this because it was easier to judge whats coming and it was belly high, but due to little current very managable. Rather a nice cool dip. We saw horse tracks exiting the trail a bit earlier to the left than the Option 08-D. Arrieros know best, i suspect this might be their trail, worth checking out!<br /> As others mentioned before, we also took the road and not the RR parallel to the river. We saw arrieros use it on horses, but with backpacks its hard and not enjoyable.<br /> Camp [97.8/1456] at Laguna el Roble was a dream spot. The ascend after was a dream too, 2hrs, amazing views.<br /> Final ridge approx from the salida de emergencia ongoing was hard to navigate, challenging terrain, insane winds! Took longer than expected!<br /> Camp [106.6/1938] looked not flat but okay, but water supply rather trickling than flowing. <br /> We camped at not-marked location very close to Water [118.3/1733] (when the path gets muddy, after crossing the little flow from the left, little ascend and then to the right is a nice flat spot between fallen trees). The water is actually a source and had wonderful cold &amp; fresh water flowing. <br /> <br /> In Antuco we found through asking a shop owner a little room, hosted by nice lady Sara: 3 beds, power outlets, wifi (fast), shower (warm-ish), watercooker, microwave, clean, central (near bigmarket) for 40.000CLP per night for it all. Her Whatsapp: +56 9 8503 8261<br /> No kitchen though.<br /> <br /> Wonderful and diverse section! Loved every bit of it!<br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-02 to 2024-Jan-12 / 3 days+8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, backtrack from Rio Nubles, OH02, OH02A / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> In short - we didn't cross Rio nubles and backtracked to opt 02.<br /> Great hot springs<br /> An angry guy at puesto [120.6/1513]<br /> <br /> Trail from Puente Ingles is an MR. There is a lot of worker traffic and it's easy to hitchhike.<br /> At Camp [21.6/873] there is a fence and it's currently impossible to camp there. At the same spot there is a cable bridge. We climbed the fence and tried to cross, but the cart was on the other side of the river and we didn't see anybody.<br /> <br /> We camped near Rio Nubles ford waypoint in order to try it early in the morning.<br /> The current was too strong and we didn't maage to cross the river (we are 170 cm)<br /> We decided to go upstream using option 10, cross the river, and try to go back to RR on the other side.<br /> We crossed the river at (-36.86714, -71.21322) and started hiking south.<br /> It was hard BB and we hiked about 1.5 km in 4 hours.<br /> We saw the river got wide so we decided to cross it again, stop suffering, backtrack and take a bus to thermas de chillan.<br /> <br /> We took a bus from Chillan to Termas de Chillan at 13:30 on Sunday. We walked about 1 km on the paved road and climbed to the first hot springs. There was a small not so warm pool.<br /> <br /> 2nd day - we climbed to Volcan Chillan. There was some snow but it was easy without spikes.<br /> Slept in the amazing Valle de Agua Caliente and enjoyed a hot bath in the hot river at night.<br /> <br /> 3rd day - We planned to get to Los Peucos but decided to spend more time in the hot springs valley and started hiking at noon. The ford in [48.4/1334] was quite hard. At afternoon the water reached our belly button, current was strong, rock at bottom slippery. <br /> We camped near ford [50.5/1305]. There was a fir pit.<br /> <br /> 4th day - we hiked to Los Peucos. Sergio the ranger accepted selling us some food (flour, eggs, cheese, pasta, tuna, pastrami). Payed 15,000 clp each for food+hot spring+camp. The hot springs were amazing! The best so far for us. You get to fill your own pool before going in so it's clean and warm! There's wifi and a place to charge as well. <br /> <br /> 5th day - we camped at (-37.10491, -71.31605) no water. Saw puma foot prints the next morning, and a research camera a little before camp. <br /> <br /> 6th day - saw Laguna de laja and volcan Antuco from afar for the first time. camped near Laguna De Roble, swem and rested in the afternoon. Beautiful place! A lot of ducks.<br /> <br /> 7th day - the path was clear most of the time and the view really nice.<br /> We camped at (-37.178223,-71.235131) - beautiful place with a view to volcan Antuco, water from melted snow.<br /> <br /> 8th day - watch out as going down the trail to the last valley- it looks innocent, but is actually quite steep and dirt is slippery, and land is hard and painful to fall on. Had some nasty falls on our butts! <br /> At puesto [120.6/1513] a guy named Ricardo was angry at us for entering his private property, but had no choice but let us continue down.We think he might not let NOBO hikers go up the valley.<br /> Finally we hitchhiked to Antuco. There was a lot of traffic on Sunday.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-21 to 2024-Dec-26 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, variant E, Option 2 / Sean &amp; Neele<br /> '''<br /> <br /> At the park entrance on the road they asked where we were going, once we explained we were going north to termas de chillan they asked to see the route. Wasn't a problem they just seemed curious, let us in without paying.<br /> <br /> Puesto 120km - lots of people camping in this area on a Friday.<br /> <br /> 117km to 107km - snow present. It's manageable but slowed our progress. Around 113km is the worst of it. North of 107km some very small patches but nothing difficult.<br /> <br /> Camp 106.6km - very wet at the moment there's a better option about 500m sobo.<br /> <br /> Camp without water 102.3 - currently has plenty of water.<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 87.1km - lots of horseflies<br /> <br /> Ford 71.3km - easy at 4pm<br /> <br /> Ford 66.4, 64.1 and 63.7km - also easy<br /> <br /> Camping Los Puecos 63.9km - great spot hot spring was a bit too hot for us. Host was a legend; he brought us breakfast on Christmas.<br /> <br /> Ford 48.4km - Very strong. Crossed around 5:30pm hip deep for Neele (1.61m). We took our time finding a suitable place to cross and ended up about 250m upstream from RR.<br /> <br /> Camped at Ford 47.4km eastern side downstream there's a great camp spot with a fire ring.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.4km is really amazing<br /> <br /> We took option 2 to Termas de Chillan to avoid Rio Nuble. Some snow but really not a problem.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-18 &gt; 20 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / frontiere argentine(voir GPT07) &gt; RR &gt; frontiere argentine &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT07+GPT08<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : passage de rivière difficile, foret d'arbres morts, neige sur pente raide.<br /> <br /> Le passage du Rio Nuble n'est pas facile, meme le matin. La fin du sentier avant la grande montee est vraiment difficile a suivre car peu empruntée et milieu humide avec beaucoup de vegetation. En revanche la montée est parfaitement entretenue.<br /> La crete est un vrai plaisir, mais elle est exigente physiquement et il n'y a pas d'eau ni de sentier. Les parties sableuses sont difficile car il y a des trous sous le sable. Pour la descente vers le Rio Polcura, il suffit de suivre le sentier. La riviere est facile a passer.<br /> Ensuite la premiere partie vers le lac est en mauvais etat meme si le chemin est bien visible. La foret est morte alors attention aux chutes de branches. La derniere crete est tres belle, mais il y a beaucoup de neige dans des endroits tres raide. Impossible a faire si la neige est glacée. La derniere descente est propre mais il y a beaucoup de moustiques dans le grand pré. La fin du dernier jour s'est faite sous un ciel menaçant, je me suis depeché de descendre pour retrouver de la chaleur et des endroits plats en cas de pluie. J'ai rejoint Los Angeles le lendemain avec 4km de marche, 5km en stop, puis en bus depuis Abanico par le bus de 8h45.<br /> DEC-21 : Repos Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-13 to 2024-DEC-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. E, 06, 06B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel '''<br /> <br /> This stage is full of incredible diversity, encompassing almost everything. Epic views, challenging terrain, walking on snow, beautiful wild forests, the majestic Chillán volcano, hardened lava flows, hot springs, arrieros, a ridge trail, and, so far, the most challenging ford we’ve encountered here (see below).<br /> <br /> We got back to the trail by hitchhiking from San Fabián in the early morning. The following section [km 2.8 to approx. 21.9] is not a trail as described in the track files, but rather a solid MR that is being worked on by laborers. The settlement at El Roble [12.7/758] is actually a police station where we checked in and provided our contact details. <br /> <br /> The ford [23.7/950] across the Ñuble River is the biggest challenge of this section. We first attempted it in a line of three, but our tallest member, Daniel (198 cm), who was first, found the water almost up to his chest and the strong current was beginning to pull us in. We turned back. It wasn’t safe to cross. Eventually, we found a rock 100 meters upstream where the water was deeper but the riverbed was narrower. With a run-up, we jumped one by one as far as we could, and on three steps, we made it to the opposite bank. We sent our backpacks across the riverbed using a rope and carabiner.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the saddle of the Chillán volcano is a beautiful hike, and the extensive and geologically fresh lava flow at the Trailhead [34.6/1873] is definitely worth mentioning. The crossing point is unmarked at about [35.1/1852]. Above 2150 m, everything was completely covered with snow. Spikes came in handy.<br /> <br /> The descent to the Río Diguillín valley was okay, and we camped near the ford [48.4/1334], which is also a nice spot for a bivouac. We crossed the mentioned ford in the morning, and the water reached my waist at a height of 178 cm. It’s worth noting that the marked ford [50.5/1305] could be crossed with dry feet. The trail towards Termas los Peucos [63.9/1191] is a relatively well-defined path trodden by local arrieros. At the hot springs, which cost 7000 CLP per person, there is also a camping, but we continued further along the MR. At about [75.0/1160], we originally turned down the RR, but due to the challenging BB, we reversed our decision and continued along the MR to variant E.<br /> <br /> From the Trailhead [80.5/1248], there is a pleasant path leading to the beautiful Laguna Laja. We camped at Camp [98.3/1459] by Laguna El Roble, where you need to slightly clear some bushes, but there is a nice spot for three tents and a fire pit. The ascent to the Pass [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) is quite pleasant due to its zigzagging path. There, we were captivated by the literally breathtaking view of the Antuco Volcano and Sierra Velluda. Unfortunately, due to an injury to one of our members' arches, we had to skip part of the ridge and finish the section using variants 06 + 06B. We deviated from the RR at point X [105.4/1934] and at Bus point {08-06B} [2.9/734], we hitchhiked to Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' (2024/Dez/01-2024/Dec/07) 7Days/ Hiking and Packrafting/ SOBO/ RR / Lukas, Basil and Tabea ​​'''<br /> <br /> Entry point st puente el Ingles. The street to el Roble is beeing newly built and very easy to walk ou but also boring. The crossing of rii nuble was only manageble with packrafts, the river crossing ob foot is not possible at the moment. The mountain Pass at 39.1 km was duable but there was still a lot of snow from ca. 36.2 to ca. Ford 47.4. The hot springs were worth all the effort! The crossing at 50.5km was at the limit (for a person 170cm, over belly button). It was only possible in a line, manageble but not recommended.<br /> Hot springs at camp 63.9 km are great. Ranger station has all the necessary commodoities, we spent an extra day there. From there on the road was well maintained until the laguna de la laja.<br /> Packrafting before 3pm was very hard and slow due to SO wind, in the afternoon the west-wind made progress possible. Water levels are unusually high at the moment. As we were tired cold we hitch hiked with a fisher boat to the end of the lake afer ca. 14 km paddeling. exit over highway next to national park laguna del laja.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-11-29- 24-12-4/ 6 days / SOBO, OH02, RR, OH08F, RR, OH06/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> A great spring hike, but not an easy one! <br /> To avoid Rio Nubles so early in the season I took OH02 (bus from Chillan, rural station, to Valle las Trancas at 10.10 a.m. (2 buses each day go to Termas de Chillan, schedule: <br /> https://busesrembus.cl/en/services.php)<br /> and walked/hitchhiked the last kilometers to Termas. Started around 14:30. The snow began immediately after the hot spring at 4.8. I walked CC on the nearly untouched white coverage to the pass. The valley was almost completely under snow with some green patches. Rio Diguillin (no ford indicated): why keep feet dry, why keep anything dry? It‘s a stream at about 38 C with many whirlpools. I stayed over an hour there and camped not far: 10qm for a tent inmidst all the snow on a warm spring evening. The night and the following morning: quite cold. It was a good decision to add some 800g to my base-weight for a warm layer and gloves. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Got up at 6.a.m and climbed with a mini-backpack CC on Volcan Chillan Viejo, at 9 a.m. on the summit, great view! In the afternoon I walked NOBO to the hot spring at 40.3 on RR. Back at the tent, it started to rain, mixed with snow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Started late, waiting for the weather to improve. To avoid the NOBO detour to the RR I climbed CC to join it. This was easy, the problems began on the RR. The whole trail was under snow, I had to permanently use my device to find the point of reentry into overgrown area after steep snowfields. Later less snow, but now many broken trees and branches blocked the way. No major problem, but I advanced slowly. First ford at 47.7: difficult. Second ford at 48.4: very difficult! That was no fun, strong stream over my thighs, I could dare it only, because I found a spot, where two rocks are quite close, so I had to stand the stream only for a second, before I could cramp to the next rock. The OSM here is not correct, perhaps the river has a new bed. After the puesto the trail was cleaned up/bypassing broken trees easier. I finally moved quicker. Camp at 57.0. <br /> Day 4: Difficulties continued. Very cold in the morning, wet socks and shoes frozen; 5 fords, that are not indicated, all no major problem, but none with dry feet. The swamp before the puesto at 61.7 is bigger now (in spring?), several hundred meters of the trail under water. Again more fords than indicated, all easy, but one: water (flowing slowly) to my belly (1,97m!). The water reached to the lower part of the backpack. Didn‘t see anyone at the Los Peucos camp site. At the ford at 71.3 the water was neither very high nor very strong, but more than 100m to go the other bank! The following MR very welcome, finally allowed to move quicker. Camp on RR at around 77.5 directly on the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I took OH08F and walked the 28,6 km MR. Met several arrieros (very friendly!) and at the Embalse Vega Larga two fishermen, father and son, who „sold“ me (they didn‘t want to take<br /> money, I insisted) two fishes, they had just grilled over a fire. Ford at the end of the MR to get back to RR: difficult. The Laguna Laja has more water than on OSM, at the spot, where the ford is indicated, one could swim to the other side, but the backpack… Camp at Laguna Laja with an extraordinary view on the mountains in the south.<br /> Day 6: RR, trail first hardly visible, very good after the lake. On the ridge very windy, a lot of snow - but great view. On the way down the weather seemed to turn, so at 105.4 I took OH 06. The weather kept good, but nonetheless a good decision. When you are down in the valley, the trail and then the MR lead through a wonderful forest. Great spots to camp along the MR after the puesto (gate) but 100 before the Enel substation. <br /> Day 7: Clouds at around 900 hm, good to be down in the valley. On a hot summer day, it’s probably very annoying to walk 15 km on a dusty MR - on a cool morning in spring, it was the opposite, and shortened by half, as an Enel worker gave me a ride to the exit of the hydropower area; from there 30min to the PR, then hitchhiked to Antuco for resupply and walked back into the direction of Abanico, as I found a nice cabana in Peluca (Villa Peluca, +56 9 8920 5676). 15 min. after my arrival heavy rain and storm for several hours.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-04-12 to 2024-04-15 / 3 Days / Hiking SOBO) / RR / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> Option from Termas de Chillan<br /> My favorite section for autumn and a perfect weekend escape from the big city.<br /> Difficulty: Moderate<br /> It’s not hot and there’s almost no dust after a little rain. <br /> The foliage of the trees turns into autumn colors!<br /> Fords are simple.<br /> Although Ford (easy) {08} [48.4/1334] has unusually more water for mid-April, photo attached in FB post.<br /> Thanks to Matthias de Austria for clearing access to the stream at the west shore of Laguna Robles. It is a whole year source of fresh water before the ridge.<br /> The Lagunillas Camping now is https://www.parqueantuco.cl/<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-24 to 2024-03-28 // 4,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + VARIANT E + VARIANT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After few days off at Los Angeles, I took the bus to Abanico then hitchhike until the junction between the trail and the road. I had to pay at the park ranger gate the 5K CLP for the entrance of the park (online reservation only, impossible to pay cash, and there's hardly mobile service up there, so prepare yourself by advance ☺️). <br /> <br /> Then, you go straight up, and have stunning views over volcan Antuco and siella velluda. I had to check my GPS few times on this first part, and to change my trajectoire to stay on the RR and don't miss trailheads. <br /> <br /> I slept at Laguna lágrima. I don't know if it comes from the water here, but I had stomach issues the following days ...<br /> <br /> Views on this first part were absolutely wonderful ! <br /> <br /> The thermals of Los Peucos are just amazing ! Worth the stop, clean, well maintened, and with perfect temperature of water ! Sergio was so kind, he even invited me to lunch with him, that was a very nice break in this day ! <br /> <br /> Some swampy parts after the Puesto {08} [61.7/1298].<br /> <br /> The hike up to the plateau (KM42) was physical, but it results to stunning views over the volcan chillan, and all the wonderful surroundings! There were hundreds of cows on that plateau and it was quite swampy, at the end you reach a super nice camp with incredible thermals ! Best hot springs of the GPT so far for me ! <br /> <br /> Continue to the pass and arrive in the volcanic plateau, very great too. I was too amazed by the landscape that I lost myself ! I was following a pretty clear track and missed to go on the right of the valley. I had hard time to join the RR as I tried to shortcut, but it was very demanding, sleepy and with losing rocks. Would have been better to backtrack at the junction and find again the RR, anyway...<br /> <br /> After a way down where there's just a little overgrown part (for no more than 300m) I reached the terrible Rio Ñuble, that was (I was fortunate) easy to pass for me, at this time of the season, even with quite strong current. <br /> <br /> From then I only met amazing people, up for a chat and full of an absolute kindness ! Carabineros first, locals, and Sandra at the microshop in puente el inglés (that was my only option for ressuply (chips, biscuits, fresh drinks, pastas) but at the middle of nothing I was happy about that !)). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-23 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR,E,RR,H,RR/ Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Took the bus from rural terminal in Chillán at 8am to Termas de Chillán. After option 2, I walked NOBO on the RR to the nice hot springs at 40.3, spent the day there and camped at 40.4.<br /> <br /> Day 2- Walked the dusty trail to Camping Los Peucos. Ford at 48.4: crossed about 400 meters upstream of the waypoint for the ford. The main flow is quite strong, so I looked for a spot where it was slightly more diverted. Got to camping Los Peucos and got offered a cabin with electricity for the same price as camping as heavy rain was forecasted for the next day (10k/night). Used the wifi which is pretty good around the ranger’s cabin. Hung out in the hot springs being chatted up by a 80-yo man who didn’t seem to care whether I understood all of what he said or not.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - 45mm rain - Rest day. The nicest campground attendant, Sergio, let me hang out in his cabin by the fire all day.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Walked mostly on RR but using variant E on the road as the RR trail is overgrown and the trees were soaking wet after yesterday’s downpour. Met two people in a truck that worked for the pipeline that is along that road. Didn’t see anyone else. Camped at Laguna Laja.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Followed the RR except for variant H. Camped at the edge of the forest before the camp waypoint 119.7/1520, didn’t find ants to be problematic. Met a group of 5 young hikers going to Laguna Los Condores right before camp.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Hiked RR and GPT09 option 1A to Salto de las Chicas. Got a ride quickly to Antuco, where I went to the nice supermarket and took a room in town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-11 to 2024-03-16 / 5.5 days / SOBO / OH2, RR, Variant C, RR, G, RR / Tobi &amp; Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Bus to Thermas de Chillan departs 12:30 from Rural bus station in Chillan arrives around 5pm<br /> <br /> Hot springs @ KM40.3 indeed one of the best on the GPT - nice mix of hot waterfall and cold spring in one pool. Campsite there is not sheltered from wind, and a fair bit of trash left behind. Definitely worth the small detour from Thermas de Chillan <br /> <br /> Baños de Peucos are great for a half rest day, Sergio (caretaker) is the nicest and most welcoming host.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Roble, the better campsite is on the western shore - there is one flowing water source along the edge of the forest a bit north of the campsite (lake gets a bit gross end of season).<br /> <br /> Between El Roble and Hermosa, there is cellular reception when on the western side of the ridge (Movistar).<br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa is nice, there is one flat and South wind sheltered campsite behind the bushes on the north side of the lake. It's nice to walk around the lake, some easy scrambling. Do expect power lines overhead.<br /> <br /> The two hot springs, and the last ridge hike were definitely the highlights of this GPT section.<br /> <br /> The bus leaving Albanico for Las Angeles goes at between 5-6pm -ish<br /> <br /> Rest very straightforward, and as described below (dusty, dead horse).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-25 to 2024-March-4 / 7.5 days / SOBO / RR B D/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfiels, almost no Tabanos, except in the forenoon (none in the evening) at Laguna El Roble, about 30 to 40 Tabanos in 3 hours, on 1st of March!<br /> Mostly plenty of water, lots of unmarked streams. No water at 106.7 and at camp 119.7, dried up. <br /> <br /> Lots of dirt roads and paths veeery dusty.<br /> <br /> No camp at 106.6. Flat spot few hundred meters after at -37.24567,-71.39142. But no protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Fordings: all very easy except Rio Nuble. Crossed Nuble at ford 23.7, did not scout. It was deeper then it looked and for a meter or so I (187cm, 100kg) had a little fighting with the current. It was the first somewhat serious ford in my life. Got my undies a bit washed. Forded Rio Diguillin at -36.93549, -71.40313, where I saw horsetracks on the ground. Water around kneedeep, for a half meter strong current, but I simply step over it. I marked this easy ford position with a vertical tree stump, might be there until the next storm or flooding. Ford 66.4 was possible dry foot a bit east, but go back to RR afterwards, the road on the map does not exist anymore and this area is a jungle.<br /> <br /> At -36.94783,-71.41243 easy to miss junction.<br /> <br /> Camps: 1st shortly after the bridge at puente el ingles in the sand. Nice swimming next to it, but no morning sun until noon. 2nd abou q00 to 200m upstream of ford 23.7 next to Rio Nuble. Nice bolders, big pool, but strong current and very cold. 3rd camp 36.2, meadows quite wet, limited protection, just a few bushes. Small cold pool 150m away at Rio Las Minas. 4th a few hundred meters before ford 47.4 on a small flat spot next to the path. Nice camp shortly northwest of trailhead 80.5. Big nice pool at Rio Polcura for swimming next to where option 1 fords. West side Camp at Laguna El Roble as east has shallow water. Stream next to camp dried up, I found a small one a bit further north along the shore. Had to clean up 2m of thick bushes for water access. Camp at Laguna Hermosa very windy, but just follow the black cable to the west for maybe 20m, then go 3m through the treebushes and you are in a little quit well wind protected clearing: -37.274802,-71.383647. Camp 119.7, but water dried up, and very dusty and limited protection, not a good camp. There are some meadows a few hundred m further around the puesto, also no water there in March.<br /> <br /> Men cleaning up the RR path north of Los Peucos. Some workers at the camp, but the ranger is working on the trail. No ranger means no firewood for cooking, no wifi and the thermas are without water. So no point in staying there and I move a bit further camp on some dusty place next to the road with a bit clambering river access. Next morning first morning frost.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.3 is absolutely amazing. Best one I saw on the GPT. Stayed there for hours naked and got a bit sunburned. The &quot;smoking river&quot; a few hundred meters further west is also worth seeing.<br /> <br /> Lots of blackberries along RR Rio Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> Hardly any paths around camp 29.5 for a few hundred meters, overgrown or landslided. Not a big problem, just slows you down.<br /> <br /> Long boring road, but hitch until police station shortly after ford 12.2km. Police friendly, wants passport, detail plans and phone number in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Gate at -36.81995,-71.25333, entry forbidden sign. easy to climb.<br /> <br /> RR after junction E is partly overgrown, but still walkable, just slows you down. <br /> <br /> Combined Section 7 and 8, in total 17 days, with lots of bathing and sitting around. Run out of food the last few days and had to restrict to one portion per day, which made me even slower due to lack of energy. But it was totally worth it. Still have way too much body fat. Last ridge one of the most beautiful parts of the GPT, stunning views and diverse path.<br /> <br /> Hitch ruta Q-45 to Antuco.<br /> <br /> Work in progress<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (0.5) - Termas de Chillan - near Camp 08 [42.3/2087]. Late start at around noon from OH-Tl-V 08-02 [2.6+3.3] (Thermas de Chillan Parking) after hitch-hiking from Las Trancas. Reached Las Trancas with RemBus from the Chillan Rural Bus Terminal La Merced. The Sendero Valle Aguas Calientes have been re-routed for a few 100s meters after the fumaroles and it stays higher than the original track. Easy to follow. Once in the Valle Aguas Calientes I continued to Hot Spring 08 [40.3/2173] NOBO which is really a must do on this section and then retraced back to a camping area about 200 m lower than Camp 08 [42.3/2087] that I thought was dryer, flatter and had good access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Camp 08 [42.3/2087] Valle Aguas Calientes - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping. I followed the RR for this day. The only note of relevance is that the ford of Rio Diguillin at [48.4/1334] is still hips high with strong current and need to be approached with trekking poles and cautiously. The critical part is only about 2 meters wide, but the current is strong. Water is not particularly cold.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping - camp on Laguna Del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614]. I was lucky to get a ride for 3-4 km right out of Los Peucos by a CONAF maintenance crew who was going to do some tree cleaning on a minor road down the valley. This route branched out from the RR MR and according to the crew it is shorter to get to the Camino Oleoducto road. The alternative route turns into a faint trail for the last km or so and it crosses Rio Polcura in a very easy and shallow spot with water always below knee and calm current. After the crossing it overlaps with OH-CC-a 08-D for the last km, then it meets RR MR shortly after the ford on the RR. This alt route is flat and easy and possibly shorter of about 1-2 km than RR. On Camino Oleoducto I was also able to hitch-hike for about another 3-4 km to reach the start of the Sendero Los Ratones RR-Tl-V 08[80.6]. Thanks to the rides I was able to reach Laguna Del Laja quicker than expected. I decided to camp on the lake shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] rather than continuing to Laguna El Roble as the spot was scenic. There I met Hugo, the Arriero who stays at the Puesto nearby Laguna El Roble. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp on Laguna del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] - Laguna Hermosa. I just followed the RR for this day with the exception of the short CC to Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the night. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp at Laguna Hermosa - Camping Lagunilla (10k CLP per day). Also followed RR for this final day. Camping Lagunilla is very good with hot showers and very nice camp sites. Unfortunately no more homemade empanadas, only bebidas from this week moving forward for the remaiming of the season. The following morning I easily hitch-hiked to Abanico where there are small stores and took the bus to Los Angeles at 1 pm.<br /> <br /> Overall a good section with variety of landscapes and views particularly around Volcan Chillan / Aguas Calientes and along the traverse above Laguna Del Laja with great views of Volcan Antuco and the Sierra Velluda.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-20 to 2024-Feb-27 / 8 days / Hiking / NOBO / El Abanaico - Puente El Inglés / RR + Option H + Option B / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a really nice section for us. The part we really loved was from Thermas de Chillan to Rio Nuble. It felt more wild and with less people. So even if you fear Rio Nuble, avoiding this part would be a mistake for us. We think that the edge between km 117.3 and 100.6 also really worth it but can't totally know as we were in the fog.<br /> <br /> A lot has already been said but here is what seems important to us:<br /> <br /> We started the section hitchhiking from Antuco with a easy and fast ride to El Abanico.<br /> <br /> There is some apple trees in the valley near Ford {08} [71.3/1089] and apples were nearly ready to be eaten. <br /> <br /> Los Peucos were a nice stop to relax but we weren't alone as a lot of the previous comment. 2 other parties (horse riders) were also camping the same night as us. The road is being improved so this will maybe become a bit more popular than the last 2 months. It was 10'000 CLP pp for us, with firewood and Internet. We didn't try to connect so we can't comment on the speed and quality.<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [48.4/1334] (Rio Diguilin) wasn't that hard. Just follow the horse track as it's a good place to ford and there will only be 1m with some current. It's still deep but we ford it at 6pm without any trouble. The best thing with this ford is that the water is warm and you can try to ford it without your backpack a few times before you're sure of the place you like the more. All this without frozen toes ;)<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [23.7/950] (Rio Nuble) was ok but still not a piece of cake. We crossed it at 11:30 am and didn't thought it was so deep before going in. I had water nearly to my waist (I'm 174cm tall) and the current in the center is clearly present. The good point is that the river is not ice cold, so you can take your time and go slowly, being sure of the position of your feet and poles.<br /> <br /> For the last 12 km, between El Roble and Puente El Inglés, it's full of fruit trees. It felt like being in a free fruit market. We could pick apples, pears, a lot of blackberries. There were even fig tree but it was a little bit too soon. So nice to have a bit of vitamin and fresh food after 8 days.<br /> <br /> Finally, after asking at the mini-shop in Puente El Inglés, we learned that there is no more bus going to San Fabián. So we took a beer and some french fries before camping near the bridge after a pretty long day. The next day we walked an hour before we could catch a ride to San Fabián.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-9-2024 to Feb-14-2024 / 5 days ( of which 2 half days) / SOBO / Oh2, RR, var B, D, E, H / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Very beautiful and diverse section, with the volcan, pastures of agua caliente, the forest and the rock and thorny bushed mountains. <br /> At the end of the section, I suggest to follow RR to the lagunilla camping, it's an easy trail in the park, and 2 very nice cascadas to see. From the park entrance there is an osm track that cross Section 9 RR, direclty to the campsite, so you never have to walk on the road. <br /> I started at Oh 2 to avoid rio Ñuble.<br /> <br /> Trecking difficulties : <br /> 1) River crossing of rio Diguillin 48.4 is still not a peace of cake. The current is strong, and where i crossed it was max to the hips in the rapid water. I went on a large place with big rocks on the way to hide behind, it cuts the crossing into 3 difficult but very short parts, and you can hug the rocks not to fall. <br /> 2) The pass before Laguna Laja is a cemetery of trees, so the progression is a little bit slow but nothing difficult, it's basic gps navigation. <br /> 3) The part between laguna hermosa and Water 118.3 is steep, sliperry with rocks and sand. The tracks are difficult to follow at times. So the progression is slow, i suggest not to start it at the end of the day. I finished on var H without noticing it, just saw the trail from below. I was exhausted when i put my tent at camp 119.7 (an horrible mistake, see below).<br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> At Fumaroles at the beginning of Oh 2, some flat spaces in the valley and a clear cold river - Ford 50.5, arriero camp super nice - 300m before water 1.5 on var E, a nice flat place but very exposed. I wanted to camp at 72.9, incredible place, but a freshly dead horse was waiting for me, the whole place stinked like hell. Wanted to try to camp on RR along the rio after but it was overgrown at the beginning and it was late so back on var E - Laguna el Roble 98.3. It is an arriero spot with a clear river that goes into the lake. There is a trail into the trees that takes you into the beach for nice camp places. You don't really want to drink directly from the lake, so i don't suggest camp 97.8 (no fresh water). There is a puesto before the last uphill to the lake, really nice arriero inside who advised me this - Camp 119.7 : DON'T sleep there, the whole hill is an enormous nest of unfriendly red ants, I had to cook directly in my inner tent. The river runs very slow to so the water not good. So i suggest camp at the lagunas before, or if you still have courage to follow until the cross country after puesto 120, it's heaven for tents with view on antuco and the river is not far. <br /> <br /> Water : all markers correct, no concerns until the final ridge.<br /> For the ridge walk of cerro el toro, you can find water at camp without water 102.3 (so this year its name should be with water), water 106.6, laguna hermosa, laguna lagrima (the very little one after the cerro), and nothing after on RR until water 118.<br /> <br /> Snow : one patch on Oh 2 on the track, but you can avoid it by a sendero litteraly 10m above, with no problems. No other patches. <br /> <br /> Accomodations : bus from Chillan rural terminal, to thermas de Chillan at 14h, you have to walk from vale hermoso to the beginning of Oh2 - Camping Lagunilla, 10k per day, homemade empanadas sandwichs bebidas and cakes, very calm i loved it. For buses, you have to walk to albanico (6 per day for los angeles, of which 9h30, 11h, 15h30, 18h30). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-08 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + H + J / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH08-02 <br /> <br /> I took the bus at 2 pm from the rural bus station in Chillan to the Thermas de Chillan. From there I had to roadwalk 1.5 km to get to OH08-02. There are a few snow fields left around the Pass Pirigallo, but its easy to walk over them. At km 1.2 of OH08-02 I took the Valle de Agua Caliente Trail as short cut to the Camp at 42.3 on the RR. I did not like the spot there, but close to it at -36,91092, -71,36632 are some decent tent spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [42.3-75.1] + OH08-E<br /> <br /> The Ford at km 47.4 was max. knee high at 10 pm. (I am 191 cm tall). Be carefull fording Rio Diguillin at km 48.4. The water was just below my hips and the current was pretty strong (around 10:30 pm). I forded it about 60 m upstream of the gpx tracks. There was a big rock in the middle of the river to which I could hold on to. At km 59.6 is a closed barb wire gate that I couldn't open. I managed to climb over it, but it's a little tricky. The RR leads on to the property of the Thermas Los Peucos (km 63.9). After the ford at km 63.7 I had to step over a barded wire fence (no gate). Los Peucos was closed and I didn't see anybody. I didn't like the idea of trespassing so I climb over the front gate (km 63.9) and continued on RR. OH08-B might be a good alternativ to avoid Los Peucos. But I meet Ricardo a few km further south. He was on his way to Los Peucos. If I understood him correctly (my spanish is pretty basic) than he is going to be at Los Peucos for the next two months. So they should be open now if you are interested in taking a break there. There are two easy fords at km 70.0 and 70.6 on the RR. The river at Ford 71.3 is wide, but water was below knees in thr evening. I wanted to camp at km 72.9, but I found the body of a horse directly at the camping spot. It looked like it had died a few days ago and it smelled pretty bad. Therefore I continued to the camp at km 78.6. I accidently stayed on the dirtroad and walked variant E. It has some extra altitude but therefore some nice views into the valley. Water 0.7 on variant E was dry. All other water and ford Waypoints I passed today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [78.5-107.0] <br /> <br /> Laguna El Roble is a nice break spot and the last water source until km 106.7. At the Camp Marker km 106,6 is only a overgrown meadow which isn't flat at all. But there is a descent camp spot at km 106,9. The Water at km 106.7 is only a trickle and might dry out soon. All Water markers I passed by today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [107.0-115.2] + OH08-H + RR [116.3-117.4] + OH08-J + RR [117.4-134.5]<br /> <br /> The next water source after km 106.7 is Laguna Lagrima at km 113.5. I accidently hiked OH08-H instead of RR. Laguna Los Condores is pretty nice. But the last few hundred meters of OH08-J are overgrown and not so easy to walk trough. Its easier to follow the trail that leads to the eastern side of the Laguna and forks of at about km 0.6 of OH08-J. From this trail you can go down to the Laguna. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> The part from km 100 to km 117 is very spectacular.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 25 to Feb 5 / 12 days / SOBO / Opt 2, Opt 3, RR, Var D, Opt 6 + 2 OSM routes / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL/DR: A beautiful but exhausting section.Reserva Nacional Ñubles is officially closed, but they are still letting people in. If taking Opt 3, look for the trail that starts just after El Trumao heading NE for a more interesting hike. Los Peucos is open, but has no food or power so not currently a resupply option.<br /> <br /> Day 0 - <br /> We took the bus from Chillan to Recinto hoping to camp for the night and take the early bus up to Termas de Chillán to begin the hike. (The bus that goes all the way to the hotel only goes twice a day. Both leave from the Terminal Rural in Chillan one at 08:00, the second at 14:00.) There were no camping options in Recinto, so we walked to Los Lleuques. We found a hostel called Antupiren at the entrance of town. 13.000 pp for private with shared bathroom, very nice owners. They have a restaurant too. There were some other places with signs for hostal and campamento further down the street. There are 4 or 5 shops and grocery stores in town. If you stay in Lleuques, a little further on is a nice public access beach along the river called La Playita that is popular with locals and a good place to escape the heat for the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - <br /> We got up early and were at the bus stop at 08:15. The bus arrived at around 09:30. It only goes as far as the hotel and then you have to walk about 1 km up to the ski center where the trail begins. The beginning of the trail was steep and dusty, then leveled off a bit. It passes by some fumeroles. There are two paths up to the pass. One is not on GPT or OSM at the moment, but it is a marked path that is clearly visible. It goes more to the left and up. The other is a horse trail which is the one GPT goes along. They both meet about half way up. We took the horse trail up. There is some grassy area and access to a stream. Nice views of the valley on the way up. Close to the top there was still a small snow field left and the way around it was walking above it on large, loose rocks. We had resupplied for 8 days and our packs were around 25 kg each. Due to this we felt it would be unsafe for us to try to navigate the section so we decided to walk back. It was disappointing, but we were also thinking about the difficulties others had in crossing Rio Diguillin further on and figured it was an early warning. On the way back we took the marked path which was actually more difficult than the GPT track, which surprised us since it looked more like a tourist trail. We were rewarded at one point however with a spring gushing out of the ground and took the opportunity to get fresh cold water without the need to filter. When we got back to where the fumeroles were, we chatted with some mountain bikes and a couple of hikers. There is another route down which had an OSM track on the map. The bikers explained that it is the route they all take down. It is open to hikers as well and there are signs advising bikers to watch for hikers, but the biker said there are a lot of curves and it is possible to get hit on the way down if you are unlucky. It was around 18:30 and he said they were the last group, so if we just waited for them to leave we should be able to hike down without worrying. We waited, and it was totally worth it. The trail down is very dusty, but with much less incline than the way up, and at a certain point goes through a really beautiful beech forest with lots of wildflowers growing. There is no access to the estero until the bridge at the end. We tried to find a place to camp, but no luck. We ended up walking the highway back to a point where we had seen a dirt road connect to the estero and camped there for the night. Not optimal, but it was already dark by that point, so we were just grateful to sleep.<br /> <br /> Days 2 and 3 - <br /> We walked the highway until the Los Coltrahues nature trail that runs parallel to the highway and then walked that to Las Trancas. It was a pretty path and a nice alternative to the highway. In Las Trancas we bought food for lunch and dinner at a shop next to the bus stop. There are one or two other stores back the direction of Lleuques as well. A micro picked us up and dropped us off at the beginning of Opt 3. We had barely started walking when a family in a truck passed and offered us a ride to the river. We were incredibly grateful as the first 3 km of the road is incredibly dusty and there is actually a lot of traffic moving through. From where they left us we walked to the bridge and down to the river to have lunch and coffee. Lots of families were camping around the area. After lunch we got back on the route. A little further on the road was closed to vehicles due to storm damage and construction adding new culverts. No issues walking it. About 6km from the bridge there is a campground called San Antonio. It was also closed since the road was closed, but it was easy to get into. There are picnic tables and plenty of camping along with river access. We camped two nights to give ourselves a rest day. A few locals passed through, but no one else camped. It was very peaceful except for the tábanos. I killed more than 50 over the course of the day and it didn't seem to make much of a difference.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - <br /> We got up early to beat the heat and walked the first hour in the dark. We passed the area where the road has collapsed and where they are doing a reroute. No issue to walk it. We arrived at the gate that Lilian mentioned, the one with the dogs, at 08:00. There were 4 dogs that bark a lot. The guard came out, it seemed like we had woken him up. We explained what we were doing and he actually had no problem letting us through, but asked rhetorically what we were going to say to CONAF upstairs. The road up is in good shape. There were a few places to fill water along the way. When we arrived at El Trumao there was a CONAF guard there as well as some other people. He was incredibly nice, just registered us and then told us because the park is officially closed there was no fee to enter. He looked at our route and told us about another option, charged our phones for us, let us take water, and then even walked with us part way. The OSM track that runs along the river is a really nice option and we really enjoyed it. The first part is no longer relevant as the river destroyed part of the road and CONAF had done a reroute. If no one is there to show you, head along the GPT route toward Valle Hermosa until you see a trail branch to the left. It will be very obvious as it has wooden posts painted yellow on top and the whole trail has rocks lining either side. Follow that up. The first part was a lot of up and exposed, but after a while we entered native forest and enjoyed stretches that were in shade. There was a rest area with river access. Just after the waterfall lookout the trail dropped down a bit into a grove of old oak trees that was really nice and we camped there for the night (-36.95540, -71.45022) River access was about 100 m further on. This is a really great route option. It is along a trail instead of a road, it drops into RR about 18 km further north than finishing Opt 3 as marked, if you want to go to Los Peucos, you don't need to back track, and it stays on the south side of Rio Diguillin, connecting with RR just after the ford point others had trouble with this season. (Jan, if you read this, we enthusiastically endorse this as a variant for Opt 3!).<br /> <br /> Days 5 and 6 - <br /> The pass was a little overgrown, but nothing too challenging. On the way up we passed through a beautiful forest. We stopped at the last marked water point on the way up for a snack and coffee. The way down was dusty and then it opened up into a plain. The plain was easy, but as we went around the corner it turned into a swamp. The GPT route avoids the worst of it, but careful foot choice is important in some places. It was also really hot and humid. Then it was up again and then down again to get to Los Peucos. We initially followed RR, but the ford point looked challenging and there was barbed wire on the other side. I went across without my pack to try to find a way up. The rocks in the river were really slippery and I feel in at one point, but no injury. On the other side I climbed under the wire and up a hill. Then I had to climb under more barbed wire. I walked onto the property and ran into Ricardo who manages Los Peucos. He was very nice, and took me to show me the front entrance and a much easier ford point that is defined for cars to pass, which turned out to be Var B. So if going to Los Peucos SOBO, I recommend taking Var B. I went back to get Kasia and my pack and we camped there for two nights in order to clean out gear and take a rest day.<br /> <br /> A few notes on Los Peucos. Los Peucos is open, price this year is 5.000 pp for termales only, 10.000 pp for camping, 24 hours of access to termales and wood to make a fire in a fire pit. They were having trouble with both their generator and solar panels and have been without power for two months, so don't plan to charge anything there. Also a section of the road there was destroyed over the winter, so almost no one is going there and they aren't getting any resupply for their tiendita, so don't plan on this as a resupply point until someone posts that this has changed, which may be awhile since there seems to be some bureaucratic issue preventing the road from being fixed.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - <br /> We left Los Peucos just as it was getting light. The road and trail are in good condition for walking. We took Var D to cross Rio Polcura. River ford was easy, thigh high but very little current. We stopped at the camp at [72.9/1104] to have lunch. There were some arrieros and Carabineros already camped for the night, and it was too early to stop for the day, so we continued on. The valley path that RR follows is surely more interesting than walking the road along Var E, but it is fairly overgrown with spiky plants and it was slow going. There is almost no river access along the path, but there were one or two streams. We do not recommend the camp at [78.6/1203], especially if you are using a trekking pole supported tent. It is overgrown and difficult to access, anything that is not sand is covered in those annoying plants that leave tiny spiky balls attached to your clothes, and river access is not great. We ended up camping in the old road grade just above, but it was pure dust. We really regretted camping here, however it was late and we didn't know if there would be any place else to camp further on. (There is though!)<br /> <br /> Day 8 - <br /> We were to tired to do the pass, but we didn't want to stay camped in the same place for the day. We found a better campsite just 2 km further up trail (-37.09454, -71.31211). Just before the trailhead to the pass, on the left side of the road, there is a dirt path going down to a camping area that arrieros use (it is the same road as the end of Opt 1). It has grass and could fit probably two or three tents. The river access is about 100 m away, but it was really clean access with a stone beach and even a small sand beach and a great swimming spot to cool off. There is essentially no shade so it wasn't great for a rest day in that respect, but it was directly below the pass, so a great starting point for that. We took advantage of the river and washed all the dust off the tent. The fabric felt like new afterward!<br /> <br /> Day 9 - <br /> We got up early to try to tackle the pass before sun hit. The trailhead is a little easier to find now as more arrieros and hikers have gone through. The pass up is overgrown in places, but not as bad as we had expected. There were some great early morning views. Something killed most of the forest in that valley some time ago and all the dead trees are sun bleached white which was really interesting. As Lilian mentioned, there is a place where the trail collapsed. People have been walking about 5 m upstream and crossing there, but the short reroute is eroding and it looked a little sketchy to us. We went into the stream bed and climbed up through the bamboo to regain the trail. It was lovely forest higher up and on the other side for some time. Keep a lookout for a nice view of Laguna del Laja from a distance on the way down. The valley was another world entirely. Completely exposed, mostly dry but with some sections of swamp, we lost the trail a few times in a maze of overgrown thorn bushes. We took an afternoon break at the puesto just before reaching the lake. We were a little underwhelmed by the lake itself, I think because it has no trees around. We got a little lost on the way up to Laguna Roble, but a very friendly and helpful arriero staying at the puesto at the end of the valley saw us and came out to help direct us up. We stopped at the marked campsite at the east side of the lake. Previous entries had suggested the west side campsite is more wind protected. I went packless to scout it, but I could not see any way in and the water access near the site looked like marsh. We stayed on the east side, no wind issue for the night. The water in the lake was not too cold, so nice to swim in.<br /> <br /> Day 10 - <br /> We started early to get through as much of the pass as possible before the sun hit. The beginning of the trail was actually hard to find, but once we were on it, it was clear. The up was very demanding and exhausting, and it was overgrown in parts. There is a saddle just before the final push to the pass where we stopped to take a break and some pictures (great view of the lake, volcan Antuco and Sierra Velluda) but there were biting ants everywhere that swarmed us and our packs so we moved on. Good views of both valleys as we walked along. Reports from previous years suggested no water between Laguna Roble and Laguna Hermosa. There was at least two water points between, one of which was a very nice spring with shade around (-37.21425, -71.37259). Being exhausted and running low on supplies, we had already decided that Opt 6 would be our exit from GPT08. The route down was steep and thus slow, but clear and easy to follow. There are multiple water points on the way down. We camped about 1 km in at the first marked campsite. There was a shady, somewhat flat, somewhat grassy area that arrieros use for camping and a spring flowing just below. It was a nice spot after hiking so many hours completely exposed in full sun.<br /> <br /> Day 11 - <br /> The first part of Opt 6 down was really nice. There were nice views of the mountains as the sun came up, then it goes into forest for awhile before the arriero path finally meets the service road. We were also fortunate to have cloud cover for most of the day. There are a few unmarked water points between the last marked one and Rayenco. Rayenco is not a settlement but connected to the power plant. Shortly after Rayenco there is what looks like an abandoned picnic area and sports concha. We stopped for lunch, and it could be used for emergency camping if necessary. Hitchhiking out seems essentially impossible. It's just cars associated with the power plant, and our experience is that those vehicles don't take hitchhikers, probably a company policy. We walked to the highway, chatting with the gate guard on the way out. On the highway it took about half an hour, but finally a kind soul, Sergio, who had actually passed us, turned around and came back just to pick us up and dropped us at Plaza de Armas un Antuco. We found lodging at Cabañas Puelche 2 blocks east of the plaza, 15.000 pp for a private room in the hostel portion of the establishment, shared bath, fridge, pool.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 05 to 2024 Jan 09 / 5 days/ SOBO from Termas de Chillan / RR / Hannes&amp;Christian'''<br /> <br /> 1. Day: Walked from Termas de Chillan to Rio Diguillín. Slept there at -36.935262, -71.403804 and forded the next morning around -36.935730, -71.401841. Thought there would be less water running in the morning, but actually it looked pretty the same as the day before…<br /> 2. Day: Walked to Los Peucos and further down for a nice campsite near the river -37.046868,<br /> -71.415394<br /> 3. Day: We took Option D to short cut the minor road…easy to walk, CC, recomendable…then along road and path and road again, up to a pass in the woods and down to a widening valley, camped at -37.15603, -71.32019. As others already wrote on wikiexplora we had there as well a pretty freezing night around 0 degrees Celsius I think, although the spot was not that high….around 1450m. A lot of humidity.<br /> 4. Day: For us here the nicest part started, walking down to Laguna de la Laja, up to a pass and then all along ridges to Laguna Hermosa. Amazing views. Instead of walking down to L. Hermosa you can camp as well a little above the lake around -37.269841, -71.381748 with water access, at least in early summer I guess. Personally I think it isn’t worth to go down to the Laguna (except no water possibility above) , first because you’ll have an electric power line over your head sleeping there (there is a hydroelectric power station in the valley nearby), second because it can be a windy place at shore…at least for us it was like this. Third: Still something like 1 km from the ridge. Choose yourself.<br /> 5. Day: From L. Hermosa to Estación de Esqui. Pretty nice views of surrounding peaks, at the end we walked a pretty annoying road out to the ski area. Then we hitchhiked to Camping Lagunillas, an amazing place with very nice owners. Feels there like being on the Gpt, but with running water and shower. Probably depends on the season…<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 13 / 5 days / SOBO / RR, OH-TL / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Everyone feared Ñuble, me too, so I took option 2.<br /> <br /> The trail was difficult to find from km 112-117, I left RR and took OH-TL. Otherwise the trail was easy to see. There were only a few snowfields that were easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Ford km 48.4: Disclaimer: please do not my mistake! I first tried two best possible spots (hip), but the flow (13:00) was too strong, I couldn’t hold my hiking poles. Then 50m further on I saw two tree trunks arranged like bridges from other GPTs. After crossing them, however, it was not possible to go back to RR after a few attempts. My best possible option was BB with 70 degree slope straight up. It was only possible with bamboo trees, but was very dangerous. I'm writing my mistake here so you can avoid it!<br /> <br /> Camp km 106.6: I included this camp in my daily plan (about 20km, 1000m uphill, 350m downhill). here is not possible to find 1qm flat spot. So I had to walk 4km further from my reserve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-15/ 4.5 days / SOBO / Termas de Chillán(Var 2)+RR+Var G+H+J(Lakes)/ Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Started in Termas de Chillán. Hiking, most fordings (see day 1) and orientation was quite easy on this section. Only on last part of Travesía Pilcura some steep snowfields to cross. Warm and hot creeks on first day (Fondo Aguas Calientes), views and lakes on forth day (Travesía Pilcura) were spectacular. Plenty of water everywhere. A lot of annoying horse flies.<br /> <br /> Day1: Termas de Chillán - km53.6<br /> Only minor snowfields. Ascent of Volcán Chillán Viejo should be possible without crampons, no snow on steep upper slopes. Fumaroles on ascent from Termas, warm creek with pools right when you come down to Fondo Aguas Calientes. Also people camping there. I underestimated ford at km48.4 (Rio Diguillín), water was up to upper hips and current, I was washed away… But overall no dangerous crossing and with more cautious selection the fording should be easier. Arrieros at puesto at km49.6 (Coihuería) were the last people I met until end of section!<br /> <br /> Day2: Reserva Nacional Ñubles<br /> Officially the reserva was closed. I entered Termas Los Peucos via RR, watering of meadows was running, I said „Hello“ but nobody answered. <br /> Took a bath in the beautiful hot springs, two stone-walled pools.<br /> <br /> Day 3: km78.6 (Rio Ñubles) - km98.3 (Laguna El Roble)<br /> Easy day … nice swimming at the camp with fireplace in the evening <br /> <br /> Day 4: Travesía Polcura - Laguna ElToro<br /> Spectacular day: great views, mountains, lakes and path.<br /> The detours to the lakes (var G+J, Laguna Hermosa, ElToro and Los Condores) are worthwhile!<br /> Some steep snowfields on RR below Cerro El Toro, I used microspikes, but in a warm afternoon you can also safely cross without. Beautiful (!!) camp at Laguna El Toro with sun until 19:45 though it’s deep in a cirque.<br /> <br /> Day5:<br /> Nice view of Volcán Antuco from the ridge just before the volcán (ca. km125). I left the road and walked +-height parallel to the solar collectors which are visible on the ridge from the MR.<br /> From Curva El Candado I tramped down most of the road to the junction to Abanico, where I ate lunch at the friendly cafe/restaurant „Roca“ and where the bus to Los Angeles leaves at 15:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / {08-03} - {08-C} - RR - {08-06} - {08-06B} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Avoid of crossing Rio Ñuble, i go for {08-03}.<br /> <br /> There is a bus from Chillán to Los Lleuques at 18:00, take about 1.5 hour. A small shop and some tiny shops there, friendly and good resupply. Look like have some restaurants too, but i'm too late so they're already closed.<br /> <br /> {08-03} km3.3 : tiny shop selling drinks.<br /> <br /> Km4.3 : camping spots or camping possibilities start from here to south.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : ranger station for guard of Reserva National, look like need booking in advance or some permits. Otherwise you can't go in by this gate. (It is impossible for sneak in, two dogs here.)<br /> <br /> Luckily after i took 10min to explain what I'm doing, where does my routes go, why i'm here, I'll pack out all my trash, no fire, no pick plants, dig a hole for poop, etc. He let me go in, 1000% thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km19 : bridge for crossing Río Diguillín.<br /> <br /> Km19.45 : El Trumao, Camping Relbún. Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here.<br /> <br /> Km19.7 : closed gate, you can open it on left side. Old, steep and rocky dirt road behind this gate, look like no cars on it for some years. (Some place landslide, cars impossible to pass by)<br /> <br /> Km21.3 : Rio Relbún, good water flowing nice, rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km22.8 : view point of valley, also some flat spots with trees can fit 2-4 tents.<br /> <br /> Km23.7 : pass, Paso Atacalco, descent to a beautiful valley.<br /> <br /> Km25.3-km26.2 : some tiny streams flowing with good water, but maybe dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km28.4 : Valle Hermoso, Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here. Río Blanquillo flowing at here too.<br /> <br /> Some more tiny streams flowing across the road at south, but i think they will all dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km35.6 : a side trail to see a waterfall, I think it is just soso.<br /> <br /> Then connect with {08-C}, then back to RR.<br /> <br /> {08-C} km2.4 : a very beautiful demon rock hill on your left side, worth take a look!<br /> <br /> RR Ford[71.3/1089] : crossing of Río Polcura, it's a wide river crossing about 80m, luckily it is already made for vehicles crossing so have a rock bar underwater, easy to cross. Mostly just half of calf, in the middle about 10m, up to knee and flowing very fast.<br /> <br /> Camp[72.9/1104] : it's a really nice camping spot with tree shade and beside a river.<br /> <br /> Camp[78.6/1203] : this spot is not beside RR. When you finish valley trail walk, if you don't join dirt road and keep going walk in the valley then you'll arrive here.<br /> <br /> Water[79.1/1214] : log bridge crossing.<br /> <br /> Trailhead[80.5/1248] : not easy to notice the trailhead, although it have a fallen board on the ground.<br /> <br /> North of the pass is overgrown, south of the pass lot of fallen trees block the trail.<br /> <br /> Didn't see any camping spots until almost to valley.<br /> <br /> Water[81.8/1475] : when you get close, be careful dont walk too fast. Just before the stream dont follow the trail to left side and go down, it is already landslide and you'll fall off 2m vertically.<br /> <br /> Pass[84.2/1744] : tons of huge dead trees and ready to fall down in next second. Don't camp here, it is dangerous.<br /> <br /> Km85.8 : flat spot can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Km86: flat spots can fit 1 tent before and after a stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Km95.2 : excellent view point of Volcán Antuco, look like some flat spots at downhill side close to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camp[97.8/1456] : beside a tree, can fit 1-2 tents with fire ring. Last reliable water when you climbing up.<br /> <br /> Km102 : snow start here, but all you can go around.<br /> <br /> Camp without water[102.3/2063] : no camping spot as now, wet, muddy and lot of stream are flowing by snow melt, a fire ring is in the stream too!<br /> <br /> I camped at km103.45, just before the pass, there is some brushes provide wind protection from west. Can fit 1-2 small tents.<br /> <br /> Km104.1 : a large flat area, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> X[105.4/1934] : no more trail junction at &quot;X&quot;, you need to go down a little, then CC to connect the trail at south.<br /> <br /> Camp[106.6/1938] : wet, grassy and steep spot. A large flat area after you climb up the stream at km106.95, it is in a valley and no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km109.45 : a small pass, excellent view point of Volcán Antuco and Sierra Velluda!<br /> <br /> Snow start at km109.9, unfortunately when i almost climbed up to ridge, i found that km111.8 to km113.5(at least) , all covered by snow on a very steep slope. It is not a good idea to go through this high risk area, also Cerro El Toro is a very sharp rocky peak, not possible walk on the ridge to go around the slope, so i turn back to &quot;X&quot;[105.4/1934], and join {08-06} continues to south.<br /> <br /> {08-06} is a nice trail to go down, and look like somone have maintained it, nearly no fallen trees and just very little overgrown, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> {08-06} km4.5 : junction of {08-06} and {08-06A}, look like {08-06} in a better condition, also {08-06} from here to km5.6, it is an old dirt road and no more using.<br /> <br /> Km5.6 : junction to join a good dirt road. Camping spot just before the junction, and there are also lot of camping possibilities along the good dirt road.<br /> <br /> Gate[8.6/808] : locked, climb over it.<br /> <br /> Km9.3 : another gate, you can open it on left side, if you want to camping, better before this gate.<br /> <br /> Km22.4 : i join {08-06B} for shorter distance to main road for hitching to Antuco.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-20/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Antuco RR and Option 6/ Jens'''<br /> <br /> Tried to go up the main route. First pass was steep and full of snow. Decided to turn around and try Option 6. <br /> <br /> As option 6 is on private land owned by the Hydroelectrico, a guard picked me up and told me to register with the Carabineros in Antuco. Frustrated I decided to skip section 8 in favour of section 7.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-21 to 2023-Dec-24/ 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / San Fabian - Las Trancas / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: River fords are still heinous, especially Ñuble. Bring micro spikes if crossing Paso Prigallo to go towards Las Termas de Chillan.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Hitched a ride part of the way from San Fabian, and then caught a bus (was a Thursday around 1 pm) until Punilla. Camped at a small, windy site with good river access and near the Punilla swimming hole, which is definitely worth a visit. Some friendly caballeros came around 8 pm to camp as well.<br /> Day 2: Walked towards Los Sauces, splitting off to the right where the road/trail led. Could not cross river here because of construction. Went back to the main road and walked North to where there was a (padlocked) cable car and did a challenging ford - current was somewhat strong and water went to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm). In retrospect, would have been better to just walk/bus all the way into Los Sauces and make a safer crossing there. Cabineros in El Roble were nicer to me that the ones in San Fabian. Camped just before Camp {08} [21.6/873] since it now seems to be on private property. <br /> Day 3: Had to trespass for about a mile before reaching the Ñuble river but didn’t run into anyone. Ñuble was really difficult. I got there just before 8 am. Crossing the river at designated spot was not possible. I went upstream, around the bend, and about a hundred meters further to where the river widens and gets a bit shallower. I crossed with water about up to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm) but a little past midway the current took me off my feet and I went for a brief swim before grabbing a rock and recovering on the other side. After getting to the other side, I had to scramble/bushwhack up a near-vertical slope to where there appears to be sort of a terrace in the landscape. I found the best spot was behind where the bank of the river flattened out a bit. Thankfully once getting to the top, you’re blessed with a faint trail leading back to the main route. This approach was not very fun at all - it is probably best to wait another week or two before attempting the river. <br /> After that, the trail gets harder to follow, especially after entering the larger valley. As per others advice, I tried crossing the river in the valley to the right side, but also ran into impassable shrubbery/broken trees there so I ended up crossing back and forth as needed. The first pass didn’t have any snow. There is a difficult ford after the marker for Trailhead {08} [34.6/1873]. Camped at Camp {08} [36.2/1953] which was lovely.<br /> Day 4: Headed towards Las Termas de Chillan. Both passes were very snowy. The second pass, only necessary if going off main trail towards Las Termas, had steep sections that called for micro spikes. I was lucky that there were some people who had just come through and kicked steps in, making this part easier. Hitched a ride to Las Trancas where there are multiple well stocked mini markets and nice hostal options. Not sure if I will continue on GPT 08 given the snow and river conditions so far.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-06/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Los Peucos - Recinto / RR + OH03 / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from San Fabian to way after El Roble, rather easy on weekends as it seems many locals around. Ñuble crossing with strong current and water above knees (me 185cm), but still ok compared to other months I think. Went up the mountain and into this valley with beautiful oak-trees. Getting out of this forest we crossed the river to the orographic left side as suggested by others...initially a good choice, all the same we had to switch like 2 to 3 times river bank to avoid some nasty Bush bashing...We reccomend to just open your eyes and see which side works best for you after the initial crossing at approximately -36.856679 -71.275261. After the last camp in the valley path clearly visible and steep ascent to the pass. After the pass we got into this amazing volcanic landscape east of Volcan Chillàn. After the second pass we descended to Aguas Calientes, hot thermal pools at the end of a valley surrounded by some green yellow pasture and loads of cows. Good spot to camp...Then we went to Termas Los Peucos, took us 3.5 days till there. Just for the pools they take 10k, pools and camp was 14k. As one of us felt little sick we decided to hitchhike out over OH03. Do not consider this an emergency exit as it is rather difficult to hh out there, very few cars on the road as access is limited due to a private tunnel and only Carabineros and some oil- and gas-pipeline companies are around there with their cars it seems. All the same we were lucky and got out to Recinto (further down in the valley of Termas de Chillán, near Las Trancas...) In this valley or if you get out at Termas de Chillán we highly recommend Cabañas Ayunkoyam owned by Vincente Ruiz in Recinto, +56999991737, call him before. For this rather expensive valley quite a good option. Vincente is a local mountain guide who seems to know every mountain in his country and is a nice guy to talk to.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Volcán Chillán - Termas de Chillán / Noémie'''<br /> Very short section because I got a lift from San Fabián until after El Roble (21.0), a bit before the end of the minor road. Carabineros checked ID and asked for sufficient equipment. Ñuble crossing was not that hard but I had water until my waist, even at the end of the season (I am 1m60 though...). Camped the first night at Camp {08} [29.5/1441], on the left bank of the river, where there was a bit of space. The next morning, it was a bit hard to go up the valley with all the dead trees and no path visible. Tried to follow fellow GPT hikers advices, but ended up crossing the river multiple times to find a walkable path without too many bushes, until Camp {08} [31.3/1629]. After this tricky part, both paths are beautiful and quite easy. The thermal river is amazing. There was plenty of space with beautiful hot water pools but also cold water at Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. The last day, I took OH {08-02} and OH {08-02A} to go up Volcán Chillán and then exit at Termas de Chillán. Beautiful ascent with no specific difficulty except the steep last 300 meters. The place is full of condors flying really close, super impressive. <br /> There are no housing options and no buses during the week leaving from Termas de Chillán. You can walk/hitchhike until -36.910163, -71.417798 where buses leave regularly everyday for Chillán. Found many cabañas options in Trancas de Chillán a bit further down. Overall, very beautiful and diverse section (forests, rivers, sand deserts, volcanos) with amazing hot springs!<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-13 to 2023-Mar-18 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Abanico — Thermas de Chillán / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Angeles, we took a bus (at 12:30) towards Abanico and then two rides until the start of OH-MR-V {08-K} [0.0+0.1]. Then, there is a gate (after the Bridge, Gate {08} [126.7/1339] point) locked with a padlock but easy to climb. The CC section (RH-CC-A {08} [26.4/122.0+1.9]) is actually following the MR so we thought better stay on the road. When we reached Camp {08} [120.2/1520], it was completely dry so we continued a bit and found a nice spot in the forest (close to -37.32983, -71.39823).<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we continued on the trail, simply taking the shortcut OH-TL-V {08-I} [0.0+0.2]. Then, we chose to take option 08-H to stay high, it was really beautiful. We stayed on the rim until a hard part and then we diverged on the trail that was present a bit below us. As other as noted, on RH-CC-A {08} [18.1/113.7+2.0] you follow a trail or a set of footprints. When the trail and the trace diverge, follow the trail, it is usually the best option. And don't miss Trailhead {08} [113.7/2184], we tried to go around it but regretted it. Then, the trail until Laguna El Robles (Camp {08} [98.2/1456]) is nice but the descent is steep. We believe the path has been cleared recently because lot of fresh fallen branches on the ground. On the lake, we camped on the east side but it was very windy. The other side looked more protected. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we followed the RR until Camp {08} [73.3/1104]. It was a rather uneventful day except we met a lot of arrieros in the morning that went for a wild bull hunt. The camp is nice and felt like a campground.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we hiked for just a few kilometers to reach the Thermas Peucos. It was a very worthy stop, an oasis in the middle of the hike : 10k PP for the camping and hot springs (stoned pools). We even bought a lunch from the minishop which has quite a nice selection. Like others, we used the option 08-C to avoid the pointless climb in the RR. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we did a rather long walk until Camp {08} [40.4/2150] to enjoy the natural pool. The trail is a bit overgrown after the thermas but nothing bad. The day was full of going up : 2500 on the tracks but the GPS said only 2100 at the end of the day. The hot springs are amazing, truly the best we encountered. And we were alone there. <br /> <br /> On Day 6, we met a horserider when leaving the camp a bit angry because he did not sleep. He camped near a group that partied the whole night (we believe it was close to Ford {08-02} [1.6/2097]). Then, option 08-02 and variant A to ascend the volcan. It starts with a nice trail and ends up with sand that is really hard to climb. Nothing difficult nor dangerous but extremely tiresome. It took us 3h to go up but we enjoyed our lunch at the top! Then the descent is really fast, thanks to this sand (about 1h). The rest of the trail until Thermas de Chillán is a bit overrun, we met numerous hikers (but it was a Saturday). There, we hitched a ride until Recinto and took the 7:00PM bus to Chillán for a ressuply.<br /> <br /> Overall our impressions on this section are a bit mixed. We enjoyed the numerous hot baths and the volcan summit but we were less amazed by the landscapes compared to the previous sections (of note as we did go up quite a lot, we probably were a bit too exhausted to truly enjoy it completely!) . Perhaps it is more rewarding when going SOBO? <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-08 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + emergency exit / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Los Peucos - Antuco <br /> Super pleasant trekk in various landscapes and sweet hot springs. Met Ondrej at the start and shared the road walking before he eventually escapes in the first climb ! Met again finally at the hot river for a deserved rest after big climbing day. Next the descent to los Peucos is rather long with overgrown detour of the swamp at the end. That’s where my phone died for no reason. May it RIP with all my pictures :’( Still if there’s a good soul out there with a machete and long trousers feel free to save this beautiful trail ! Then los Peucos was a paradise oasis for a 14000$ 24h rest day. Not so expensive to me considering the quality of the hotspring service and resupply in the middle of nowhere ! « El Toro » hotspring is a once in lifetime experience for sunrise and had the all domain for myself 😌 Do not hesitate to stop there and meet Ricardo who doesn’t see many souls otherwise.<br /> 4th night spent 3km down near los Peucos in a super recommanded magical waterfall bassins with perfect « nuit à la belle étoile » on the hot rock.<br /> After km 80 the forest is kind of colonised with annoying flyes and thermites wich makes it not an enjoyable place. Also recommend taking plenty of water from laguna el roble cause dry climb and ridge walking ahead (there’s still a little stream pond under a tree a few km after the pass if you look well). Arrived there in late afternoon with no place to camp and saw emergency exit on the right which triggered green light in my brain (as gear failures were acumalating and motivation low). Felt good after a few tears but the long road walking in the hydraucentral gave me some regrets until i eventually arrived in Antuco after hotish hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-28 to 2023-Feb-04 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + volcán chillàn &amp; volcán Antuco / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> Got off the bus here (-36.67295, -71.29201) instead of Los Sauces for an easy ford. The bus driver knew of this place. The ford was here -36.67738, -71.28739, knee-high. We crossed around 3pm. The road section until the carabinieros was surprisingly popular on a weekend: we got a 3km hitch, but if we started earlier, I am sure we could have hitched a lot more. The valley is nice to walk in though.<br /> The carabinieros basically just wanted to know if we had a proper GPS and map. We could not understand if they were telling us &quot;not&quot; to go close to Volcán Chillán or just &quot;warning&quot; us. I checked online the day before and it said the volcano is in green, but the cabineros said it was yellow.<br /> Made camp at the 17km waypoint because it was a good spot. Lots of unmarked water waypoints on the road such as -36.69615, -71.27770 and -36.72718, -71.26420.<br /> Day 2. <br /> Crossed Nuble with no problems around 9am. The water was not strong but not totally calm and was under our crotches: I am 170cm and Tomáš is ~173cm. Hats off to the others that crossed when water levels were much higher! Remember to turn right and not left after the ford.<br /> The path was better than expected, but still can be easily lost until the first pass at 33.2km. Thanks to the tip from Will, we took the path on the other side of the river once out of the trees to avoid the blow down, somewhere around or close to camp 29.5. Hot pass.<br /> We made camp at the hotsprings ([40.3/2173]) after the second pass, their beauty and heat made up for the long day. There are a couple of perfect spots near the hotsprings with some cold water for drinking, -36.90156, -71.35089. Spent two nights here. The hot springs are regular creeks, most of which in the valley are hot. Saw some locals camping in other spots, seems like a popular place.<br /> Day 3.<br /> Volcán Chillàn. Easy climb following the standard route but the last 600m was slow sandish-like material which made for a very quick descent. Instead of going back the way we came, we followed an unmarked/unmapped &quot;road&quot; on the south side of Volcán Chillán that lead to switchbacks down to the hotsprings that we saw earlier that morning. Basically if coming from volcano, follow the road east from here -36.89199, -71.38543 and aim for the switchbacks to the hotsprings camp here -36.90336, -71.36145 [as of 2024 included in our suggestions in the released Track files]. There is some dirty water on the way but very interesting and scenic. I am slightly worried about posting this because it is likely not meant to be walked, also not sure it actually saves time compared to the normal trail but it allows for a nice roundtrip. One can get Internet on the way to the volcano when the ski resorts are visible. Camped again at the hotsprings.<br /> Day4<br /> Nothing to add for this day, trail was nice and under trees a lot of the way, all fords easy or jumpable. Met two French who were doing the GPT northbound. Camped near the puesto 61.7 before the hotsprings, path was always there, just a little overgrown. <br /> Day5<br /> Trail to hotsprings was not that bad, just overgrown bamboo but otherwise nice. The hotsprings is not actually CONAF but a concession. Prices were as described 14mil for camping and 7mil just for hotsprings. If you want to buy food from them, I recommend going at the beginning of the month as that is when they restock, for us there was still lots of food left but nothing fresh or good, very expensive. <br /> On the road we used option C to avoid the hill as others suggested (seems like the main road now) and as for variant D, we did not see anything, so we back-tracked a bit and took a different unmarked trail here that was successful -37.06894, -71.39599 and forded river here -37.06857, -71.39158 to meet the RR [now in the suggestions too].<br /> The trailhead at 81.0 is hard to see, be ready.<br /> That trail from 81.0 to the pass was more overgrown in my mind than the rest of the days but still not terrible. Camped on the other side 88.9 (actually a bit further down were nicer camp-spots with lovely short grass).<br /> Day6<br /> Somehow at camp 88.9 we woke up to frost over everything. Have no idea what kind of phenomenon this is because I don't think it froze (forecast was for 16 in the night) but even the little moisture in my breakfast bowl froze shortly after eating it...<br /> Quick trail to Laguna el Roble except the trail is easy to loose just before the Laguna in the grassy section, keep climbing left towards an unmarked puesto here -37.20868, -71.33023.<br /> There should technically be a better water source than the lake itself at camp 98.8, but I just took water from the lake:S. The next pass towards the ridge was hot but easy. Good trail until you hit the X at 105.9. Then the path is harder to follow. The camp at 107.1 seems silly and would be better higher above the listed water source. We ended up going cross country all the way from a pass like structure here -37.25066, -71.38499 to Laguna Hermosa because there was a trail on the other side (a bit lower than official RR so it made sense to follow it elevation-wise) that eventually faded away.<br /> Laguna Hermosa was worth it as others have stated but unfortunately very heavy winds crept in that night. It was way less windy on the East side of the lagoon, which we only noticed in the morning.<br /> Day7<br /> Very heavy winds. We made a small short cut to the RR from the Laguna by heading west sooner [included in our suggestions]. We considered turning around on the ridge as the winds were likely around 80km/hr at one point near the pylons, but luckily since the route is not actually on the ridge but under it, the rest of the way was okay, still windy but not pushing us over. The rest of the ridge was no problem for us, slower of course since there is sidehilling and edging but nothing scary or exposed. There was no snow though.<br /> El Puesto at 121 had two dogs but we did not see anyone. We camped at Laguna Laja (not nice) to climb Antuco the next day. To no surprise the restaurant and cafe at the ski resort are closed. Other than the water in the lake, there are no good water sources past the last water source before El Puesto if heading in this direction. There is Entel 3G coverage here.<br /> Day8<br /> Started early to beat the heat for Antuco. I turned back after the top of the ski lift because of a stomach bug (probably food but still nicer to vomit in the shade...) but Tomáš went on to finish the climb. The climb was not worth it. The volcano is not black sand but rather loose rock (boulders to pebbles) which made especially going down annoying. A rock fell on my waling stick and partially destroyed it. After the ski lift there is virtually no trail. Plus the fact there was only a small crater on top and the weather was very hot and windy in the early morning. I think we were there during a small heat wave, supposedly the day before was 38°C in Antuco proper. After the climb we hitched to the campsite Lagunillas (10mil/person) in hopes of going back to Los Angeles but after analyzing the smoke situation of the forest fires we stayed here and used it as a base for preparing for GPT09-10.<br /> <br /> It took us 168 hours but without climbing the volcanoes the trail could have been walked in five full walking days. End of January means there were virtually no horseflies. <br /> Nice trip but due to foot issues, things breaking down and a stomach bug at the end, it was a bit of a suffer-fest for Natalie (Tomáš's new shoes are unfortunately painful too). However, the hotsprings, Volcán Chillán, Laguna Hermosa and the trees (especially the ones with usnea) made it worth while!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 08-C / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Camping Las Lagunillas <br /> Overall an extremely beautiful route, my favourite in GPT06-08. Compared to GPT06 and 07, this section felt most diverse but also most challenging to navigate. I accidentaly got off track much more often. Still, the route is visible most of the time except the last day after Laguna Hermosa. Even there, sticking to the gpx files makes the section easily passable. One just need to pay a higher attention to where their steps are placed. The fauna is quite rich too - I had a chance to see a tarrantula (the minor road on day 1), crayfish in the rivers, and a snake which I believe was Tachymenis chilensis (on the shores of Laguna El Roble). I believe this section is much more demanding in Dec or early Jan when snow is still present on the slopes. Horseflies were not a problem in my case. I encountered some between km 75 and 85 but that was far from frustrating. I recommend gaiters due to dusty roads in some sections. From thermas Chillan I haven’t met a soul until the end of the section.<br /> <br /> Details:<br /> On the first day, it is easy walking on a minor road that winds through a forest so you can enjoy shade most of the walk! No complications, just need to climb some gates. I enjoyed a company of a fellow GPT hiker Martial, who shared some useful trout fishing tips and gear with me. We camped at the Nuble crossing. <br /> <br /> Second day, Nuble crossing was no problem. Knee-deep at the recommended ford. Then I got lost in the forest numerous time. Checking the gpx frequently definitely helped. I followed the advice of others to cross the river and find a path om the right upstream side. That worked really well, didn’t have to cross any fallen trees! I camped at the hot springs - it is actually a whole thermal river. Amazing, amazing place. Loved to lay in it and watch the stars. Quite a few other people were there (some arrieros and a Chilean family) but there really was enough space for everyone. <br /> <br /> The third and fourth day were rather uneventful for me. Very beautiful views along the trail, which was mostly through forests and relatively simple to follow all the way to 2km before Los Peucos. Even there the trail was visible, it was just overgrown. I worried about this part too much based on the previous reports. The path actually felt quite okay in my case. Unfortunately, no soul at Los Peucos. I saw a parked car and a horse, but no human in the area. So I decided to walk 3km more and camp at the next river ford at km 66.4. I also took option C as recommeded by other hikers below, it was perfect!<br /> <br /> The 5th day was easy up to the laguna El Roble. Then the climb is quite demanding. Most importantly, there is hardly any water between Laguna El Roble and km106.1. I found a little stream at km102.8 but I wouldn’t rely on it. My strategy was to drink about 1 liter at the laguna El Roble (I filtered the water there as the laguna didn’t seem that clear) and then I took 1.5l with me. It lasted me all the way to Laguna Hermosa. Maybe next time I would take only 1 liter. However, I felt safe to have the reserves. Once you get to the pass, the views are beautiful, as is Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the last night. <br /> <br /> On the 6th day, I started from Laguna Hermosa at 8am and reached the main car road around 3pm. The trail after Hermosa disappears and requires a lot of attention to your GPS to navigate. The scree traverses are entirely manageable. I had to think twice before placing my feet though. The trail becomes visible and much easier at km115 when the valley trail connects. No one was at the puesto at km121.1, just three dogs. Trekking poles were enough to fend them off. There is indeed a new metal gate with a lock at approx km 126. No guards are positioned there. I climbed the gate without issues. I then hiked to Camping Lagunillas. There is a very kind owner and his son. Really good people to chat with. After listening to my story they also let me a cabana for a price of camping (10,000 CLP) for the night. The owner’s son is keen to learn more about the GPT and to potentially hike part of the route too. The camping has a small almacen there with some lentils and rice to buy (however, the selection is not enough to resupply). They also sell beer, cookies and can make you a soft dinner and breakfast (empanadas, lentils, waffles, coffee, sandwiches). I hitchhiked to Abanico the next day. It seems there are many more buses from Abanico to Antuco/Los Angeles than just two these days. The bus schedules could be looked up on the Internet. I caught one at 9:30am. <br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-16 Frank RR SOBO 5 days<br /> <br /> Crossed the river before Los Sauces where a dirt road goes right, crossing was only ankle deep. The cable car at Los Sauces is locked &amp; there is often no one there. River is a lot deeper by the cable car (at least waist deep)<br /> <br /> At Los Robles the carabineros were not very friendly, which was unusual, &amp; were not too happy about me hiking solo, but after I told them I'd walked there from Santiago they allowed me to proceed. They had no info. about the activity level of Chillan. The 'shop' in Los Robles only had 2L bottles of soft drink &amp; eggs. Rio Nuble was thigh deep late in the evening but you need to pick your spot: a few metres downstream from the RR crossing, before some boulders in the water. Camped a little after the crossing. Before Rio Nuble there is a no entry sign &amp; locked gate but you can climb over it easily &amp; there was no one there. Campsite marked on track file before the crossing was fenced off with no entry sign.<br /> <br /> Coming down from the pass late on day 2 there is a cold water spring just before the hot waterfall. Filled up at the spring as the water in the valley is thermal, not sure if it's good to drink. Camped in the valley by the hot stream.<br /> <br /> At the CONAF hot springs it was 14,000 CLP to camp but they allowed me to use the hot bath for free. They have a shop but most items are too bulky for one person. I continued for about 10KM &amp; camped in a 3 sided hut 100M to the right off the road before a wide but easy ford. The hut has a dirt floor so you can pitch a tent inside. After Laguna Roble you climb to a pass &amp; there is a spring a little after the pass. I camped just before the spring (room for one small tent, had to clear away some rocks but it was OK) The traverse after the aerials was a bit sketchy but soon improved &amp; I picked up a tiny trail through the scree. Walked to the CONAF entrance gate on the road &amp; hitched out from there. There is a lot of traffic on the weekend. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 to 2023-Jan-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Start in Termas the Chillan opt. 2 than RR from 40km to 105.9 and finished using opt. 6. / Maks&amp;Gabi '''<br /> <br /> Trail is visible almost all the time. All the fords are easily passable. We had met arrieros 3 times, they were nice and helpful. One of them asked about why we are hiking, as there is a lot of people going this way, but he seemed to be okay with it.<br /> There is a lot of really horseflies especially between 83 and 93 km. <br /> There were also quite a lot of cows on trail, that were not so happy to see us, but we just walked around them (with some bigger distance). Be careful as the bulls seem to be very protective over the small ones. <br /> <br /> Option 06A is probably overgrown - we spent about 15 min trying to find the trail but we gave up after all ( it was about 300m after crossroad ).<br /> Gate on 8.6km of option 6 was locked with the padlock, but noone was there so we just walked over the fence. <br /> <br /> All other gates on all trail were easily passable. One of the arrieros just noted that we should close them after crossing. <br /> From the hydro powerplant till the end of the option 06B there were a lot of people working on a road but none of them seemed to have a problem with us being there.<br /> We hitch hiked to Antuco. <br /> It was our first try on the GPT (recommended by a local mountain guide from Termas de Chillan) and it was definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-03 to 2023-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Probably my favorite section so far! A nice mix of remote alpine stretches, forests, and fields. However the horseflies made it hard to appreciate at times, they were pretty much constant during the later section around Laguna Laha.<br /> <br /> I hitched from San Fabián around noon and did most of the road walk the first day. The campsite at 21.6 is fenced off. I stayed at 20.3 which didn't have great water access, just a muddy spring. Scrambling down to the river wasn't feasible but I found a bit of clean flow partway down.<br /> The Nuble crossing wasn't so bad for me, it was just below my waist (5'11/181cm). Still the hardest one so far. I found the trail afterwords pretty hard to follow, with lots of side paths eventually leading to thorny bushwhacking. It finally convinced me to pull the route up on my watch for the first time, definitely worth it here.<br /> A ways after the river crossing you'll come out of the woods into an open river valley. I recommend crossing the stream there and finding the path on the other side, instead of struggling through the blowdown/landslide debris along the gpx track.<br /> The trail was fairly slow from the Nuble crossing to los Peucos. After that it's super fast except for a few stretches in the mountains above the Laguna Laha. <br /> The natural hot springs just below the pass near the Volcan Chillan were very nice, but full of little flies. They didn't seem to bite.<br /> The camping at los peucos was very expensive, but they had a bit of food for sale (fruit!!). Comfy grass, wifi, well maintained bathrooms. The hot springs there were too hot for me, slightly painful.<br /> I missed option C and definitely regretted it. The road up was super rocky, and hot with no shade.<br /> The stretch above Laguna Laha was the driest I've passed so far. Thankfully there were a few snow fed streams/ponds left, but I should have carried more water to be safe. Laguna Hermosa was true to its name, a nice place to camp my last night.<br /> The main road at the end was pretty busy, you could hitch right away and skip the entire last 13ish km. But the extra little stretch of trail at the end was definitely worth it to me.<br /> It took me a while to get a ride to Antuco even though the road was busy. Most people were just going a bit further along. It's not the nicest town but there's decent selection for resupply. I got a room for 15k/night at a cabana/hostal place on Sgto. Aldea street. For some reason I didn't have cell service there, with Movistar.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-01 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option C / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We took bus from San Fabian (corner on the other side of the gas station) in the afternoon, and camped after ford of Los Sauces river (water only to the ankles). A lot of annoying tabanos, but plenty of space to camp. Quite a lot of locals go there as well. The next day we continued to the ford or Rio Nuble that turned out to be the worst so far for us. Doing it in the afternoon was not the best idea - the current was strong and even when it was just waist-high, we were not able to pass through the fastest part where the path takes you. We figured out to go more upstream, but just like 30m maybe? to a point where the water was really deep but completely calm. There is a rock wall on the other side. The water reached our chest at that part and our hands holding poles were under the water, making it hard to gain stability. We decided to take our chances and try to cross, using rocks covered with some grass to gain traction. There were times when we were floating in the water with close to 0 stability but we eventually made it. Best to be there early to have the best possible conditions. Until the end of the day we managed to get up through the forrest. Before you get out of the forrest you are crossing a stream that is going down between the rocks, but if you take a minute or two before it path that goes lower than trail, you will find a nice spot by the water with some wooden bench and nice covered place to camp. We prefered to be out of the forrest so we continued, but found only a field of fallen trees caused by landslide. It was possible to find a place to camp closer to the river. It is best to continue on the other side, which we did the next day. You will soon connect to the trail again, before going up.<br /> <br /> The way up from the valley is quite steep. From the pass you get a nice view of the Chillan volcano. Going further down to the lava field, we followed advices of others and get up to the top of lava field right away and continued walking on it. After the pass you will find a valley with hot springs which are simply amazing. Good to plan camping there so you can enjoy it fully. From the valley the trail is clear, until a short section before the official camp (1-2 kms before it), where it’s more of a bush-bashing. This part starts near a puesto where we came across herd of young bulls that seemed to be more curious that we would like and we had to go around them, a little off the trail. We struggled a little to find our way into the camp, which was not so clear from our gps (eventhough the path is clear all the way to the river) - the camp is secured by wire fences that we wanted to avoid, but at the end we crawled under them to get to the camp, aprox. according to our gps. If you follow the river downstream you might get to the official gate / entrance, not sure. Like other mentioned the price is quite high, and so are things in the little shop - most of it are classic camping things that last long like pasta, rice, canned fruits, a lot of cookies… but we were grateful for it anyway. The hot springs there are also amazing, man-made stone pools, with the view of the stars in the night it is perfect and worth the price. There are maybe 10 dedicated places to camp with wooden desk and bench, covered by roof (good when it’s raining). More space is close to the showers and the common, shared house with kitchen, fireplace and again desks with benches. We met there some workers from a gas company, fixing pipes close to the laguna, who were sleeping in the camp. The guy watching over the camp (from CONAF) was also nice and helpful - if you need anything, this is the right person to ask.<br /> <br /> On the next day, we continued on the minor road, where we took the C option, like others. Following the RR we found the 08-E option (which follows the MR) to be a better choice since the RR is a little overgrown in the beginning and with thistle-vegetation. Easy pass in the forest, and nice places to camp in the valley. We were lucky to find their cows again (luckily on the other side of the river), but bulls woke us up in the morning - this must have been the fastest packing in the history. We enjoyed more fun with the cows and bulls later in the valley, that were blocking our way and refusing to go away - that made us to take another short detour around them.<br /> <br /> A lot has been already written about the last part of this section that takes you up to the plateau. The climb is quite steep and long so don’t forget to take water from the last laguna - that is the last option. The next stream we found was about 2 kms from the point where you reach the ridge. We camped before Laguna Hermosa with nice view of the volcano. There was some melting snow above the laguna and we found 4G signal there (where the pole is). We found the descent down to be quite ok, there are small slippery rocks so it’s necessary to be careful, but nothing too bad. The descent gets very dusty later (when it’s dry) and is still steep in the forrest with a lot of water from the snow. We got to the main road in the afternoon and were lucky to catch a ride all the way to Antuco. We booked the only available place we found on booking called Puelche de Antuco, a really nice cabin. The town is nice with a lot of restaurants and shops.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2023-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Los Sauces - Antuco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 6 pm from San Fabián to Los Sauces and camped next to the river.<br /> <br /> The path until the river crossing of Rio Ñuble is basically a dirtroad, so we got there pretty fast. Only the horseflies were very annoying. We recommend bringing insect repellent.<br /> Christopher is 1.88m and the water went up to his navel at the main route crossing. Anna with 1.63m was not able to cross the river there.<br /> After some tries we found a possibility a couple of hundred meters upstream, where the water just went up to Anns knees. The tough part was to get up to the path on the other side. After some bush bashing, you have to get up a 3 to 4 meter high, almost vertical slope. We found a tree, whose roots we used to climb up, which was not super easy. Once you are up there, there is a good path that leads to the main route.<br /> <br /> The next day was nice until the valley around km 25 (where the river is not correctly positioned in the gaia app). There are tons of fallen trees and it was really hard to get through and there was mostly no visible path. It's probably best to stick to the upstream right side of the river.<br /> Afterwards the path gets really nice. Especially in the evening sun, it was very beautiful to cross the volcanic landscape. We camped in the valley at km 40 at the hot springs.<br /> <br /> The third day has a good path at the beginning. Just the last 3 km it gets more difficult, especially approx. 2 km before Los Peucos, where it's mostly bush bashing.<br /> The camping at Los Peucos is nice, as well as the hot springs, but we had to pay 14k CLP p.p. to camp there and in the evening there are tons of mosquitos. We would have camped a bit further downstream, if we had known that to be honest.<br /> <br /> The next day we took option C, like Veronica suggested, to avoid an unnecessary climb. Then we made an unnecessary climb following the road and not the main path, because we couldn't find the entry to the path right away and feared more bush bashing. But the path looked great from above.<br /> The rest of the route until shortly after Laguna Hermosa was really good. There is not much snow left and therefore there are not a great many places to fill up water.<br /> After Laguna Hermosa the path gets very hard to cross, due to lots of stones and gravel without a visible path.<br /> But it's very beautiful up there and finally not hot anymore.<br /> The descend has a easy to find path but is pretty slippery. Once you pass that the rest is pretty easy until the road, from where we hitchhiked to Antuco. We stayed at Camping Rucue for 15k CLP the camping lot. You pay for the lot not per person.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-19 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT08-02 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Los Sauces - Río Ñuble crossing - backtrack to Los Sauces - hitch to Termas se Chillán (GPT08 option 2) - Los Peucos - Laguna Laja - Laguna Hermosa - CONAF near Abanico <br /> <br /> San Fabian is a great place, loved swimming in the Ñuble River when it got hot. The owner of Cabañas San Fabian is super kind. I hitched back to the trail because I didn't want to wait all day for the bus that leaves at 6pm. <br /> <br /> Registered with the carabineros at El Roble, but I could not ford Río Ñuble at the RR crossing. Current was very strong, and has I been able to stand up in it, the water would have easily reached my chest (I'm165 cm). I tried several times to ford the river at three different places, several km apart from each other, with no success. I would advance in the stream until I felt I couldn't take another step without being swept, and couldn't get halfway across. I suppose I should have expected this - it's a very high snow year and mid-December. I even tried calling out for help at the puesto on the west side of the river near the &quot;no trespassing&quot; gates, but no one was there. The long walk back to Los Sauces felt very defeating. Also, the &quot;wooden bridges&quot; described by Jo and Veronika are actually only cable crossings, and inaccessible by two barbed wire fences. Not possible to cross the river there either. Ríos Los Sauces and Las Truchas only came up mid-thigh though. <br /> <br /> Regained the GPT at Termas de Chillán, Option 2. Basicall took almost the whole second day to hitch there. Beautiful trail, but steep. You get to ford hot creeks, which was pretty cool. <br /> <br /> The trail is overgrown in some places, the worst spot is between the last puesto before Los Peucos and Los Peucos. Very hard walking through, wished I had a machete. Only lasts a km or two thankfully. All three puestos before Los Peucos looked abandoned. <br /> <br /> Didn't meet anyone at Los Peucos since I got there fairly early in the morning, but the hot springs there are amazing. Really hot, clear water, a little stone pool in a garden. Loved spending time there. <br /> <br /> Taking GPT08-C avoids a pointless climb and descent on the regular route, and has a nice path the whole way. <br /> <br /> Trail gets more difficult once you start climbing up to the ridge after Laguna El Roble. The views are incredible though, absolutely spectacular. Lots of water sources up on the ridge due to many lingering snow patches. Most of them are not a problem. After the junction with GPT08-06, the trail kind of disappears. Keep an eye on the GPS as you climb and descend steeply on the slopes. It reappears again after the following camp and water waypoints. <br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa still has a couple snow patches on its shores, cold place to camp, but beautiful. After Laguna Hermosa is where it gets really challenging. There is no trail afterwards that I could find, basically cross country the whole way to the TR at 116.8 km. As you approach the &quot;trailhead&quot; waypoint, there is LOTS of scree traverses, and steep snow patches which require microspikes or extreme clambering to get around. Treacherous in some places. I fell a couple times. The ground is very loose and unstable. Things get better actually once you reach the official cross country section at Laguna Lágrima. Still some steep bits, but the ground is more consolidated, and there's more bedrock to help with traction. I reccomend taking the optional route CC-08-H. There's a faint trail to follow and it avoids clambering up on the ridge. <br /> <br /> Very glad to see a clear track again at 116.8. But still some problematic snow fields in this stretch above Laguna Toro, where it was too steep even with microspikes, and I had to do some very careful/serious climbing around. Not fun. Fell again here. Once you reach the long descent into Valle de los Carpinteros it gets much better. Still some snow in the woods over the creek. Right now you can walk on top of it like an ice bridge. There clearly was a LOT of snow here this past winter, it lingers until 1750 m or so in the south-facing valley. <br /> <br /> The puesto at 121.1 looks abandonned too.  Lots of downed trees in the area. There was no one, and no metal gate (or any gate) whatsoever before reaching the road in the National Park. <br /> <br /> The 4 days from Volcán Chillán to the end of the section, I saw no other human. I found this section also to be harder than GPT06, especially the last day. The snow complicates things. If you wish to avoid dangerous clambering and sketchy snow and scree traverses, take Option 06. The trail is good before then.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-28 to 2022-Feb-06 / 10 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo'''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces -&gt; banks of Rio Ñuble -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan (-&gt; escape to Concepción via Termas de Chillan to buy new shoes -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan) -&gt; Los Peucos -&gt; camp before Laguna Laja -&gt; Laguna Hermosa -&gt; camping Lagunillas (6 proper hiking days)<br /> <br /> Nice section again. Hot springs in the first half, beautiful views of Laguna Laja, Volcán Antuco, Siella Veluda in the second half. Laguna Hermosa is true to its name, and was the first to not have horse or cow droppings on its sandy shores :D Sad to not have crossed Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the cable car was not sure whether we could cross with our heavy backpacks, so we forded the river at Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> - From about km 20 the sides of the road are fenced. The camp at km 21.6 is no longer available. <br /> <br /> - There is a gate at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (blocking access to the trail) marked private, no entry. We saw some cars returning through a second gate (blocking access to the river) and asked if it was ok to cross the first gate. They said &quot;For you, sure.&quot; I get the impression that Chileans rather want to keep Chileans out... This gate is not a problem NOBO.<br /> <br /> - Fording Rio Ñuble was the deepest ford we ever did. Balls deep indeed! Quite doable though, as the water is clear.<br /> <br /> - There may be an alternative path on the western bank, starting at the wooden bridges at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206'. Some local at the San Fabián tourist office mentioned having hiked this way.<br /> <br /> - The trail at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (around km 30) has eroded. After searching, we had to push through some bushes on a steep ridge to continue the trail. Maybe more obvious NOBO.<br /> <br /> - At the start of the cross country at km 34.6 get to the top of the lava strip after fording the river. For us, this was easiest at S 36° 52.853', W 071° 18.793'.<br /> <br /> - The water at the camp at km 37.3 was mostly dried up. Don't count on it by the end of January.<br /> <br /> - The bus stop at Termas de Chillan is close go Hotel Nevados de Chillan. There are way more buses at Las Trancas de Chillan, 8 km down the road. Fortunately, the whole area has great 4G coverage with Entel, so you can look up the bus tables with the key words &quot;REM bus Termas de Chillan&quot;.<br /> <br /> - The CONAF camp Los Peucos has excellent hot springs and a mini shop. Camping costs 10.000 pp. The guards are very friendly and donated some fruit :)<br /> <br /> - The CC section around km 95 had a clear path, but the subsequent TL section before Laguna El Roble did not.<br /> <br /> - The trail after Laguna Hermosa was hard to find, we went quite slowly clambering on the loose scree or sand. Going down the mountain ridge at the end of the CC section was similarly difficult. Fell twice - could not find solid footing on the slope.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the puesto at km 121.6 was friendly, asked where we came from, went to, and pointed us to the exit road. She seemed friendly, but a subtle hint to &quot;please stay off my land&quot; would have been lost on us in translation. The new metal gate is easy to pass through. The CONAF guard's wife at the final CONAF post mentioned that we were hiking the &quot;sendero biologico&quot; when we mentioned Laguna Hermosa. This trail must pass over the lady's land too?<br /> <br /> - The ATM at Antuco is broken.<br /> <br /> - Supermercado Santa Teresa in Antuco sells 125ml bottles of alcohol desnaturalizado 96° in the nail polish section.v<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-24 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH Cerro Las Águilas / Molly and Melissa'''<br /> <br /> At the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> <br /> We took the bus to Abanico and hitched to the national park, not the easiest as all the cars were full. The car was stopped at the entrance, and we had to explain our route. We weren't asked to pay, probably because we weren't really going to the national park. You walk a little through it though on some nice paths, and then you reach a gravel road. Shortly after, at the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> As noted previously, after climbing to the ridge on the rr, the terrain is difficult, but the views are amazing. Not a lot of water, but we managed. Many of the campsites off route, including Laguna Hermosa, require quite a climb down.<br /> You stay high up quite a while, which gives amazing views. <br /> <br /> The cross country along Laguna Laja has a nice path all the way. Then you reach Patricio's puesto. He's very welcoming, and has had people stay in his puesto before. We just drank coffee with him though. His brother German lives in the valley right after Laguna el Roble, but his puesto is hidden in the trees.<br /> <br /> Alternative route Cerro Las Águilas<br /> We chose the Cerro las Águilas alternative, because Volcán Chillán was in yellow alert. While walking there, we met two carabineros on horseback who wanted to know which way we went. Don't know if they would have forbidden the rr. The ascent to Laguna el Lobo is through deep sand, it was very tough and took way longer than we thought. We ended up camping at the Laguna which was nice enough. The ascent from there of the first little hill seemed completely unnecessary to us, at least if you have been by the laguna, as you descend to the same level. It would be worth it to walk to the right and ascend directly on the brown mountain, following the GPS from there. The ridge walk was tough as well, a lot of scrambling. The GPS often wanted us to go right of the rocky tops, where going left or directly over often seemed easier/safer. There is no water until the valley between the two passes. There, we also found a nice campsite right after the big stream on the bottom, a little to the left.<br /> After reaching Rio Ñuble, you follow it for a long time. There are multiple streams running towards it where we had to take off our shoes - no lack of water here, though. The alternative also fords Rio Ñuble itself in a different location compared to the rr - we had no problems whatsoever there. It reached mid-thigh and wasn't too strong, and we are both around 160 cm. It is a very low snow year though, and very dry. Here would be a nice place to camp.<br /> <br /> After rejoining the rr, we decided to continue to the waypoint &quot;camp&quot;. That was a mistake, though, as everything around there is fenced in with big signs saying &quot;private property&quot;. The second campsite right after is not fenced in, but doesn't look that good on the first glance. The rest of the way to Puente Ingles is gravel road. El Roble has a house that sells sodas - it has a &quot;bebidas&quot; sign. <br /> We crossed Rio Los Sauces beneath the cable cars quite easily, the water was mid-thigh - again very dry year. <br /> <br /> Puente Ingles<br /> In Puente Ingles we stayed at a campsite a little north of the cable car crossing, marked on the map in Locus Maps as &quot;lugar&quot;. It is 10,000 per tent, there are bathrooms, cold showers and tables. They also have a cabaña which was occupied. Puente Ingles has a small shop with sodas, ice cream, tortillas, biscuits, coffee and chips. It is quite nice to bath in the river. The bus still leaves at 7 and 10 in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-15 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful view of volcán Antuco when walking up towards the ridge line by Laguna Laja and a staying at Los Peucos camping site was a big highlight on my journey on the GPT. Had my dinner in their wonderful hot spring while staring at the clear starlit sky in the cool night. Two nice guys working here and they even donated me some pasta, fruits and vegetables. Walking near the active Chillán Volcano and watching the fumaroles while being circled by a group of condors was also a cool experience. <br /> <br /> With that said, this section kicked my ass. Mainly due to some bad fitting shoes I recently bought in Los Ángeles and because I suffered from bad chafing in my butt which made me walk like I had shit my pants for a couple of days. This combined with some tough terrain (specially near Laguna Laja) and countless of horseflies made this section quite challenging for me. But definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> Like mentioned by hikers in the previous years fording Rio Ñuble can be a bit demanding especially for shorter people. It was getting late when I reached the river so I decided to camp nearby and cross the river in the morning. Had water up to the balls (i’m 189cm) and the current a bit strong but it was not too bad. <br /> Hitched a ride from Puente El Ingles to San Fabian and later jumped on a bus to Chillán to buy new shoes once again. Room with private bathroom for 15.000 at hostal El Molino in San Fabian, nice lady who owns the place.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''*2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> Volcan Chillán remains active. The regular route passes the crater closely therefore Option 1 appears currently the saver if someone does not want skip section GPT08 completely. This option passes the danger zone with more distance. In case of an eruption volcanic ash is likely to affect Option 1 but the risk of direct volcanic effects is lower (flash flood from melting snow and glaciers, land slides, lava and flying rocks). <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> Just want to say quick that the termas vapaors in Mèdano are worth checking out, I highly recommend them. Please consider checking them out, they are only ½ km off the trail and absolutely worth it. They are sauna boxes built around a few hot rocks emitting hot steam. The result is a steam room/ sauna experience. I personally spend over 4 hours chilling out in the steam rooms.<br /> After a 2-hour road walk on the side of the highway you make your way back on trial. This section takes you thru many areas used for grazing livestock with puestos in sight almost all the time. Carizales a small settlement right on trail has a small store and the family also sells bread. There was also a puesto that sold us fresh goat cheese and Coca Cola. It is marked as a waypoint on the GPX file about 20km south of Carizales. Much of the trail is very dry and exposed and the landscape is void of trees and vegetation. There are many great places to jump into the river and cool off. The section up and around the lake offers great views of the mountains, volcanoes nearby and Laguna Dial. The trail itself is well established and never had any real trouble navigation. There were also quite a few hot springs on trail or close by.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Hot and Exposed (especially in summertime). Resupply Distance.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot springs. Great sweeping views. Pools of cool water to jump into in the middle of the day.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option l start south OH 08 - 02 / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Solo. Because I was not allowed to walk close to the Volcanoe by the carabineros, following the RR, had to take the optional start south OH 08 - 02, in Nevados de Chillán Ski Resort. Funny enough, I walked the first day across the volcanoe anyway, it had some smoke coming out but nothing dangerous happened. Then followed RR to the end. Cross country segments in the ridge close to Laguna del Laja were demanding and not ideal for a solo hiker. But it was worth the effort, one of the most amazing views I have seen so far. Beautiful section. Resupplied and stayed for one night in Abanico.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-05 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR /Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Can ford river @ los sauces easily rather than walking from Puente Ingles. Cable Car was all<br /> Locked up. Registration @ El Roble like the others. We camped at the hot rivers close to Volcan Chillan and I fucked up with the gasoline in my stove. Buzzkill...: but Fortunately there was an exit to Termas De Chillan close. We got rides easily from the road.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Starting at El Ingles and hiking southbound towards Abanico. Lovely section however can be slow at times when the track is hard to follow. <br /> We had to register with the Carabineros at El Roble. Before crossing Rio Nuble there is a large gate with ‘private property: no entry’ written on it. We found this off putting. The river crossing itself was fine in the early morning but could be challenging without trekking poles and with a very heavy pack. <br /> After the Laguna de La Laja the track becomes especially more challenging and rocky. In poor weather it could be dangerous given the slippery slopes and steep descents. <br /> We honestly found this section harder than GPT06 and would swap the difficulty ratings. <br /> Took a bus into Los Angeles at 5pm to resupply for the next section. Did not investigate Abanico as we caught the bus as it was leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional hike along Laguna de la Laja / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces to Abanico.<br /> <br /> Los Sauces: If you tell the bus driver you want to cross the river by cable car (carro azul) he honks at the bus stop and señor Marcial comes from the other side to get you.<br /> Ford Rio Ñuble: If you are a dwarf like me, you should ask your taller hiking partner to carry your backpack, otherwise it will get wet. Demanding.<br /> Volcan Chillan: PLEASE NOTE: We were absolutely aware that our buddy Volcano could erupt or explode at ANY GIVEN MOMENT and that this was NOT a SAFE option to hike. (But it was beautiful! ...and a bit overgrown in some places. There is not much of the trail left before the first pass.)<br /> Laguna de la Laja: It was beautiful but we definitively wouldn't recommend it. There is no trail along the Laguna. At the beginning you can walk on cow tracks close to the waterfront. Afterwards it's 15 km of cross country. The 3 km into the third inlet took us 3 hours and were really dangerous because of loose rocks and steep cliffs. The following investigation part (@08-04-#002) was mainly a quite nice trail, but we lost it twice and it took us ages to find it again, and in this steep and not very easy terrain you don't want to loose the trail. We were really glad when we got back to the regular route.<br /> From Abanico there are several buses per day going directly to Los Angeles. Resupply in Abanico is possible.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We had to register in Carabinieros. They didn't have a problem with leting us go even regular route, seemed like eventual crossing to Argentina is their primary issue. <br /> Optional 1 - to the juction with valley walk without problem. Cross coutry part on the ridge was easy to navigate. On downhill there is no trail so we went crosscountry again. It's bit overgrown in some spots, we found trail cca after half of descend. Last flowing water is before juction with valley walk. We saw some water holes cca 2-3km before Laguna de Lobo. <br /> Rest of the regular trail - cross coutry sections were demanding. Otherwise no problem. <br /> We got hitch to Los Angeles after CONAF station so no idea about resuply or accomodation.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Jan-13 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo '''<br /> Volcán Chillán was in &quot;alerta naranja&quot;.<br /> Río Ñuble impassable at S36° 50.188' W71° 14.935' Better continue following the minor road in the alternative route.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> When hiking the alternative east route (Paso Aguila) do not descend to the valley at S36° 57.919' W71° 14.752'. It's unmantained and overgrounded, because of recent forest fires. Better stay above the tree line until Laguna El Lobo.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Abanico<br /> At least one restaurant with pizza<br /> Store?<br /> <br /> *Antuco (from Abanico)<br /> Many smaller supermarkets, which have most things - easy enough to resupply here.<br /> One of the two ferreterías has gas (the one furthest from Abanico).<br /> Many accommodation options and some restaurants. March 2024: Good Accomodation with a nice Mapuche family in a single room, shared bath with hot shower, washing machine and including breakfast 18000 peso: Fanny, +56 9 9404 4771.<br /> There is an ATM (Fee: 5500)at the town square southend of town which even gives some smaller notes.<br /> Bus to Los Angeles<br /> <br /> *Camping Parque Antuco : <br /> 10k for camping. Cabañas also. Nice calm place, swimming pool, shade. Electricity and hot showers. Homemade empanadas. Bernabe the owner is really kind and know about the GPT. His number +56 9 9507 2559. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles<br /> Store with chips, ice cream, bread, chocolate, sodas. Possibly some accomodation option at the store. Campground with one cabaña a little further down the room - sign says cabañas - 10,000 per tent, toilets with cold showers and a room with a fireplace for cooking<br /> <br /> *San Fabián (from Puente Ingles)<br /> Many accommodation options - almost everything was fully booked when we were there (Feb 2022). <br /> Supermercado La Montaña seems to be the best option - not the easiest place to resupply, but definitely possible. Harder than in Antuco.<br /> Great Venezuelan restaurant Canela Passion. <br /> Bus to San Carlos<br /> <br /> *San Fabian - Fev 2025 (Clara) : <br /> - Very good resupply possible in the supermarket Los Alvis.<br /> - Accomodation : cabaña nativa : very nice cabanas clean, big confortable bed, climatisation, kitchen, pools, jacuzzi. 35k for a 2 persons cabaña (for 1 person). Just in front when you go out, there is a place where you can buy very good tortillas de rescoldo and pan amasado. Lots of restaurants. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2025 - 02 : there are direct buses from Chillan to San Fabian. Then San Fabian to Puente Ingles. Buses at 2 pm and 6 p.m. in front of the carabineros including Sundays and Holidays. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles to San Fabián<br /> Bus at 7 am and 10 am - leaves from the campground, drives to the shop and the back again towards San Fabián<br /> <br /> *Bus from Antuco to Los Angeles about once an hour in daytime. <br /> <br /> *A few buses from Abanico to Antuco or you can hitch fairly easily.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> <br /> Bus from Chillan (Terminal La Merced) a Thermas de Chillan at 8 am and 2 pm (weekends at 1:30 pm) for 3900 Pesos. The buscompany is &quot;Rembus&quot;. Their Website isn't up to date, but you can check their Facebook page for informationen.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> * At the puesto (120,6/1513), the owner does not want us to pass through his land (as of 02/02/2025). He clearly stated that it is private property. It might now be preferable to take a detour through BB, passing well to the right beforehand and rejoining the path well after his house (which was under construction with many tents around it at that time)? (Peggy)<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT08 - Volcán Chillan]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:Segundo_Rio_Termal_zona_cascadas.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|This river is hot! Aguas Calientes Valley]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (8).jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Laguna Laja and [[Volcán Antuco]], by Matúš Lašan]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT08_(Volcan_Chillan)&diff=122431 2025-08-09T10:12:44Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - I re-route the Regular Route of GPT08 due to the right-of-way at Mallin el Toro at the southern terminus of GPT08 (about 4 km north of road between Abanico and Laguna Las Lajas). The Regular Route now descents when hiking Sobo Rio Polcura and the hydro-power station El Toro.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT 08 - NOBO - right of way issue Mallin del Toro / Robin and Manon / Published on Facebook 2025-03-12 '''<br /> <br /> With Manon Petit we walked GPT08 NOBO from Antuco. We had some kind of escape game in Antuco to find a solution to the right of way issue at Mallin del Toro. We were not super keen to try the ridge route from Célio Lebailly or Tobias Schorcht, as it trespassed the first gate and looked nasty from below. We talked to a local guide Jorge from Cardinal Adventure (+56 9 5848 1699, can rent material for Antuco), our host Fanny at refugio Antumapu (+56 9 9404 4771 very welcoming and nice, super cheap) and our friends Pablo and Rachel encountered in a hitchhike a few days before. All were aware of the events and did their possible to help out as it impacts tourism in Antuco. Here's what we can tell : <br /> <br /> - there has been a serious events in December. Cyclists were confronted by the arriero and friends about some damage done apparently, then molested and their bikes were retained/robbed. Turns out one of the guy was the son of a Los Angeles judge, and there is a case open in court about the events. From there the access has been denied to anyone. We talked with Enrique Marisol the arriero (+56 9 6285 2347). Here is his answer : &quot;Hola buenas tardes Desgraciadamente está restringido el tránsito por el interior del predio solo se permite el ingreso a los residentes,tenemos el lugar ocupado por animales en pastoreo ojalá entienda que no está permitido el paso por el interior Desgraciadamente los mismos turista han provocado en nosotros la molestia actuando de mala fe como rompiendo cercas .derribando nuestros portones dejando que nuestros animales se escapen a predios aledaños ocasionando gastos humanos logísticos y pérdida de algunos animales&quot;<br /> <br /> - Our friends finally found out who the dueña is, she is of a family nicknamed here &quot;pichimosca&quot; (small flies), known in Antuco for not being friendly and causing problems. She is the one forbidding access.<br /> <br /> - the Antuco municipality is actively trying to resolve the situation<br /> <br /> - Carabineros have no hold on this and advise to avoid the area<br /> <br /> - Once the persons heard the name of the dueña, they all advised to avoid the area and not having problems with this family. The arriero Enrique is not well appreciated neither, and as far as we understood, he took part in molesting the cyclists.<br /> Concerning options to avoid Mallin del toro<br /> <br /> - the Rayenco central in option 6 is a private ground an permit is required to trespass. It is granted if prior permit from one of the two owners of the Campos higher up the Polcura valle. <br /> <br /> - the two administrators are Engelbert Egger (+56 9 9239 2826) in fonde del Ciervo on the right bank. Working for an Austrian company of forestal management; and Juan Carlos Navarrete (+56 9 8514 3202) on the left bank. <br /> <br /> - we got autorisation from Engelbert, who even picked us up in Antuco and dropped us in fonde del Ciervo. Nice guy, curious about what we're doing. Doesn't want this to be a touristic route, but seemed OK to grant permits to GPT hikers.<br /> <br /> - he warned us about troubles with Juan Carlos. Turns out this is the same dueña as Mallin del Toro. The option 6 passes by his puesto and then veraneras before joining the ridge. Since Engelbert dropped us 14km upstream from the bridge, we crossed the Polcura there (not feasible earlier in the season I guess), backtracked on the left bank, and took an OSM route from S 37° 13.017', W 071° 25.823' to the ridge a little before the puesto. Didn't meet Juan Carlos. We joined the RR at S 37° 14.024', W 071° 23.514'.<br /> <br /> - the local guide Jorge told us about another solution: bypass with a zodiac on the lake. Héctor Burgos (+56 9 4944 4909) has one and is willing to offer his services. Contact him beforehand as he works in the mines and needs to plan he mentioned 110 kCLP for the transfer.<br /> <br /> - another solution is getting up the Polcura valle directly to Los Peucos. This is way shorter, and trail all the way on both banks. You'd miss the ridge, and the trouble !<br /> Hope this is clear enough, lots of info, I'll put that in the wiki. Overall the Mallin del Toro situation should be taken seriously<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-27 to 2025-03-31 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + OH G + OH H + own route around Puesto/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Came from Talca and took the 2pm bus from Terminal Merced to Termas de Chillán. Arrived at 4:30pm and was the last one in the bus. Had to walk 1.5km on the road to reach OH 02. The trail to Pass {08-02} [2.8/2371] was easy, but very steep. No fun, i was stressed a lot because of time pressure, had only 3 hours of daylight left. Hurried down through the incredible Valle Aguas Calientes - what a pity! First hot spring was already occupied with tents. Could have camped near a hot river, but maybe not easy to reach the hot river in the dark. Therefore i continued until Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. Don't recommend this place, the evening and night was super windy, although it was less windy at the pass! Didn't dare to leave the tent to take a bath and didn't fall asleep before 3am. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Prepared everything and took a bath in the morning. So good!! RR was wet and sometimes not visible in the valley. Improved soon. Ford {08} [47.4/1390] was below knee and fast flowing. Ford {08} [48.4/1334] was mid tigh (i'm 1.73) and fast flowing. At Puesto {08} [49.6/1423] i saw 2 simple huts: one was locked. Ford {08} [50.5/1305] was possible dry feet. Ford {08} [64.1/1164] was also possible dry feet. Went to Camping Los Peucos and met 2 guys from Conaf. They told me the Camping is now officially closed due to problems with administration. Arrived late and was allowed to stay, very nice gardaparques. I hope they reopen soon, this place is awesome.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Short day due to weather forcast: 35l rain and 80km/h winds in the evening and night. All 4 fords at the MR were easy and low, but Ford {08} [71.3/1089] was very long. At least 5 apple trees at OH E! Sendero Los Ratones is nice, but some fallen trees. Searched for a camspot near the pass in the lenga forest. Stayed here on a not really flat place: <br /> -37.128033, -71.3195. Indeed tons of rain after 8pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Started late at 10am, when rain stopped. Again some fallen trees. Soon i found better and bigger places to camp in the forest, the altitude-lines didn't let me expect this. No more dust! Trail until Laguna Roble was nice and beautiful. Below Laguna Roble i found a rabbit caught in a wire loop. I freed the poor animal, 100m further i saw a dead rabbit in another wire loop. Both campspots at Laguna Roble are nice and well protected in case if bad weather. <br /> Was lucky to climb to Pass {08} [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) on a cool day. Great views from the ridge! Also nice trail. After X {08} [105.4/1934] 200m CC. Camp {08} [106.6/1938] isn't flat. Followed the wrong trail and continued CC at the same altitude until i reached the RR again. Took OH G to get to Laguna Hermosa. Easy CC. Didn’t like the camp at the beach, not good in case of unstable weather. Stayed here: -37.27434, -71.383359 a bit further up. 100m below there is a well sheltered spot between bushes. Started snowing after i pitched the tent. Very cold night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Sunny day, but cold and some snow at the mountains. The following km at the ridge were a bit difficult due to snow and ice. Snow covered the trail and made it difficult to follow. Fortunately i saw animal footprints - wild animals appriciate our trails! Took OH H, there is a nice trail. The beginning of the descent was very steep and still frozen. Improved in the forest. Met two Arrieros with horses and 4 aggressive dogs. Wanted to sneak around Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] to avoid right-of-way issue. First try was a fail - the vegetation was way too dense. Here -37.347131, -71.391773 i could follow an animal trail, which leads to a big meadow. Hiked on the meadow to the MR. Only downside: i was visible from the house, nothing happened. I guess: it's possible to sneak in NoBo when walking early or late when it's dark. Nice trail near Estero El Toro. Walked on the PR and got a very friendly hitch with a chilean couple to Los Ángeles.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-14 to 2025-03-16 /3 days / HIKING/ NOBO / OH 02 + RR /Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We tried to to take the OH06 to avoid the right of way issue but when you go Nobo you have to go through the hydroelectrical central. For that you have to go there with one of the landowner located after the central. So we followed the advice of Robin and Manon and contacted Engelbert Egger (+56992392826). He's very Kind but he wasn't in Abanico at this time so he gave us the number of an other man wo has a puesto after the central. He wasn't available as well so we decided to start from Termas de Chillan to avoid this part. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : we started from Termas de Chillan and took the OH 02. We went up to the pass, easy trail. We went down to the agua caliente valley, very beautifull and almost all rivers are hot. There is one amazing just after the camp [37.3/2157] where you can bath. <br /> We slept at camp 40.3 where the hot spring is so nice as well. <br /> <br /> Day 2: we went up to the pass 39.1 quite sandy but the ascent is short. When we went down we lost the RR because we followed a more obvious trace so keep looking at the GPS. We <br /> reached RR again and followed the route until pass 33.2. Then we went down to the valley of estero Quebrado. At camp 29.5 we lost the track and ended in bamboo fight, so stay to the right side of the estero and it will be fine. <br /> We reached Rio Ñuble and crossed it preatty easily at the exact point on Locus because rivers are lower at this time of the year. We camped here S 36° 48.882', W 071° 15.278' but the camp 20.3 is fine also. The other places are protected by fences and big signs are saying that camping is prohibited.<br /> Day 3: we walked all the way to Puente Engles and found a lift to go to San Fabian de Alico. We slept at the Jahuel camping (15min from center and 8000p/p) nice restaurant : Zambie I Canuta.<br /> Took the bus next morning at 6:20AM to Chillan.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-23 to 2025-03-02 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> We sticked to the main route the whole time. !!!We had problems at the end of the main Route. Its best to use Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid right of ways issue.!!!<br /> <br /> Travel:<br /> At this section our trip ended that’s why we hitchhiked to Antuco and even though it was Sunday we were able to buy a ticket for a nightbus directly from Antuco to Santiago. The bus left at 22:15 and arrived at 05:30 the following day costing the two of us 54 euros. <br /> <br /> Permissions:<br /> In the beginning is a gate a little bit before the marked gate at kilometre 22.8. The gate has signes on it stating that everything is private property and nobody is allowed to enter. The land is owned by a really nice man called Juan. His phone number is +56973133339. He is carrying his phone all the time so just give him a call before entering. He was really friendly to us and gave us immediate permission to cross his territory.<br /> When entering Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja don’t worry about getting a permission to continue hiking. We went to the Park Ranger at km 63.9 and he told us that no permission is needed to cross the national park.<br /> !!!The landowner at km 120.6 doesn’t let any hiker pass! No matter whether hiking SOBO or NOBO. There is also no way to get a permission. That’s why we highly recommend taking the Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid these problems. He is a really straightforward person who makes you turn around no matter of how much water or food you still have left.!!!<br /> 
Resupply:<br /> No shops on the whole trail.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 4-5/5<br /> Difficulty: 4/5<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 08 / 2025-02-13 to 2025-02-07/ 7 days / NOBO / Mara &amp; Tobias*'''<br /> <br /> short: Avoided the right of way conflict at Puesto {08} [121.6/1513] by taking the ridge (difficulty 6). Water {08} [107.7/1951] is almost dried out. Aggressive cows in the valley close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449].<br /> <br /> Day 1: startet at Gate {08} [126.2/1339] at 12:30 and met Enrico there, who told us to not pass. After chatting a bit with him he told us to wait 20 minutes, until he left with the car and go for the ridge. So we entered after a while, went up the road and found water at -37.35773, -71.38068. From the satellite images variant A (photo) looked ok, but in real live seemed to be a bad idea. So we went for variant B, which took us 3 hours. Very steep, loose rocks, one part with climbing (difficulty 2). With the food for 7 days in the backpack not a joy 😂. While we were climbing up, we saw 3 cars passing the road. So be aware when you sneak in. Camped at laguna los Cóndores. Perfect Spot!<br /> <br /> Day 2: walked to Camp {08} [107.6/1938]. The marked spot should be shifted up to 37.24611 -71.39138 the shoulder right before (NOBO). Met Adrian, Julian and Valentin there who camped SOBO and camped beside us. Had nice conversations. Adrian warned us about the aggressive cows next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Went to Camp {08} [88.1/1514] and met Clara on the way. Cows close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449] showed an aggressive behaviour. Maybe it was the herd who were hunting the boys the day before. We had to do a 20 minutes detour up the valley to keep distance. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Went to camping Los Peucos and enjoyed the hot water.<br /> <br /> Day 5-7: walked to Puente Inglés without difficulties. Crossed Río Nuble with dry feet on horseback’s. 2 Arrieros (Guillermo and Renato) took us on the other side. Water was not deep either.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''10Fev2025 - 17fec2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH1+new - varE - G - H - I - J / 7.5 days (with one half day at termas) / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Left the bus to Puente El Ingles here -36,67295, -71,29201 before los sauces (as Tomáš and Natalie said), easy road to the river and dry feet crossing. <br /> Lots of workers there, I was luckey to get a ride to El Roble after few hot MR walking km. <br /> Carabineros are nice, just want you to register and check out you have a good gps + satellite. <br /> <br /> <br /> Fords : <br /> - Rio ñuble: at 10am deep and flowing fast, I didn't feel it (1.57m, alone and i'm not used to fords). I knew it would probably be like this so I took OH1 and went back RR (thanks a lot Peggy and Dorota!!). Ford at the indicated place on OH1 is easy, water to knee flowing slow at noon. <br /> <br /> -Rio diguillin : 47.4 was easy (fast flowing but around knee). 48.4 harder (water to crotch, flowing fast), I did it few meters upper to tracks (exactly here : -36,93565, -71,40355)<br /> <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> <br /> - to avoid ford of rio ñuble : OH1 is easy with 2 nice camp spots (-36,85676, -71,22440 and -36,86615, -71,21507) and lot of streams flowing. Trail in the other direction is mainly in good conditions but sometimes disappear + cow paths make you going in bushes and loosing time (so if it can helps, this is 4 positions that I marked with my gps when I went back on the good trail just after loosing myself : <br /> S36.852906° O071.228763° /<br /> S36.850995° O071.230381° /<br /> S36.844944° O071.235431° /<br /> S36.839085° O071.245746°)<br /> <br /> Maybe (probably), there are other easy spots earlier to ford Rio ñuble and take the trail at the opposite side, especially when it gets close to the river, but I didn't explore it at all. <br /> And back on the other side of Rio ñuble... 3h30 later !! But I was very happy with it as it worked and was very easy. <br /> <br /> -I found not so much bamboo fight, maybe it have been cleared by all the people passing. I avoided one taking the good trail on the other side of the river around camp 29.5. 2 additional fords but very easy. (Cross river here S36.856564° O071.75578°, and then here S36.858440° O071.279470° to go back on RR)<br /> <br /> - CC part on the ridge after km113 is more demanding in terms of navigation and terrain. Some cairns helping (but once leed me in wrong and exposed direction). I ended up on varH without noticing but it felt good as there was less wind than directly on the ridge and a good trail. <br /> <br /> - I had still lot's of food so I took the ridge slow and went for the lakes (thank's to Sergio advise, and food!). Var G for laguna hermosa is easy CC, 20 min down. The lake is a beautiful ++ spot to camp (or lunch/swim), I found it way nicer than Laguna El Roble ! No water flowing upper to the lake at this time but water from the lake is perfectly clear and fresh. <br /> Var I looked nicer than RR for this steep going down. <br /> Then var J : good trails to go to laguna El Toro and to the viewpoint of laguna los condores. Not sure if you really can go down at this one and didn't look like there is place to camp. <br /> <br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> <br /> - Planned to camp at Camp 20.3 but the place was not nice and no water so went to next spot not marked here -36,81470, -71,25463. (Camp 21.6 is not good too, there is a fence and private property)<br /> <br /> - -36,85684, -71,27580. A bit before camp 29.5. <br /> <br /> - termas 40 : very nice spot. Incredible termas !!<br /> <br /> - camping Los Peucos : nothing to add about termas and camping. Sergio is amazing and very generous. The day after he had to do some stuff with trashes and he proposed me to come with him by car. He took me to the viewpoint of salto del blanquillo on OH3 that was nice and then left me around beginig of VarE<br /> <br /> - camp 87.1 : nice fresh water flowing just down to the spot.<br /> <br /> - camp 102.3 : there is actually a thin water just down, sufficient to cook and drink. The spot has an amazing view. Flat spot perfect for tent exactly here -37,21391, -71,37187. Not totally wind protected so better watch before how it's gonna be for the night ! <br /> <br /> - laguna El Toro : is not as perfect as laguna hermosa (and water is not as fresh and clear, maybe better to take water from the little stream on the path going down to the lake) but it's still a nice place to camp. Frozed in the night. <br /> <br /> <br /> Water : 27.5 is not really good (more muddy and stagnant water). Other markers are good. <br /> <br /> No snow. <br /> <br /> <br /> Right of way issues : <br /> - at puesto 120 : 5 very agressive dogs running and barking on me when I arrived. As others, the guy told me it's a private property and doesn't let people go since this season (because of trashes and fires). He was not angry and had to let me pass in this way but precise me that he won't let anyone in the opposite. Need to find an alternative way if you really want to go NOBO here, and don't approch the puesto.<br /> <br /> - cows around km88 where not aggressive with me but not friendly type neither. <br /> <br /> I can advise camping parque Antuco. Nice and calm place with shade and swimming pool. Homemade empanadas. Camp10k with electricity and perfect hot showers. Bernabe the owner is really nice and know about the GPT. Had really good talks with him !<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-JAN-29 to 2025-Feb-2 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Elijah &amp; Michael<br /> <br /> Rio Nuble remains a challenging crossing with water coming waist high at 174 cm. Trail is overgrown with Bamboo Grass up to the second pass, however improves thereafter. <br /> <br /> Both the undeveloped termas after the second pass, as well as Los Peucos are highly recommended. Camping &amp; rustic cabanas available at Los Puecos; as noted, Sergio is warm, welcoming, and generous with his available supplies. <br /> <br /> El Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] informed us that we were trespassing on private property and allowed us to pass on the stipulation that we never return. <br /> <br /> Antuco Base Camp sells hot coffee, cookies, chocolate, and at lunch, pizza. Light traffic on road to Antuco (Sunday). <br /> <br /> (Option 1: Michael split from RR to hike this option. Second marked puesto busy &amp; welcoming. No water available after basin before ridge walk, until Laguna el Lobo. Good views, comparable to Traversia Polcura.) <br /> <br /> '''2024-01-16 to 2014-01-26 / 1day+10days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 1+new trail / Dorota+Peggy till los Puecos, after that Dorota'''<br /> <br /> Very demanding stage because of Rio Nuble<br /> <br /> 1Day: I walked alone and have idea to cross the river Nuble at km 22.0 km (-36.82021, -71.25381) at first gate. Then followed river, and after puesto I found trail. My idea was destroyed for next river and also on the other side I did not see possibility to continúe. So I backtrack to camping El Ingles and joined Peggy.<br /> <br /> Day2: We could not crossed safely Nuble. Night at km 21.6<br /> <br /> Day3: We continued option 08-01. It was possiblity of storm so we went to puesto (08-01)[8.0/1136]. We spent here night and learned how to made sopapillas and bread. Patricia y Juan gave us a lot of food. Juan explain us that exist path on other side of river (reffering to option1) which leads to termas. <br /> <br /> Day4: We risked to follow his innstruction and we reached the track RR. So if you would like to do this option: take variant 01, cross the river Nuble at about km 6.5 (-36.86712,-71.21317). And then not followed option 1. Instead turn right and followed path on the other side. You need to make some adicional kilometers, but it was worth of it. <br /> <br /> Day5: we reached termas. There was nice spot with two places for tent.(-36.90435, -71.35763)<br /> <br /> Day6: volcano Chillan using variant Natalie-Tomas. Till 2500 m nice visible path. Then sometimies. There were snowfields, only one with spikes. We met pair from Germany.<br /> <br /> Day7: We spend a lot of time for find good place for passing river Daulagin. We have crossed 100 m down stream. I have 1.64 cm, peggy 1.60 cm. Cuarrent very strong, water to hips. I reached camping los Puecos.<br /> <br /> Day7: Rest day at Puecos. Night at &quot;quincho&quot; house with place for fire. Price 15.000 clp. Ranger Sergio gave us a lot of food, breakfast and dinner. Also gas and food. He didnot like money adicional. Hot springs excepcional.<br /> <br /> Day9: I followed trail alone. Between 82.9 and 84.2 a lot tress and sometimes trail is not visible. Night at km 88.4.<br /> <br /> Day 10: views from the ridge were amazing. Between km 110.2 and 113.1 the trail very often is not visible. I camped at km 111. Water from snow.<br /> <br /> Day11: There were not water till km 117. Meeting with Rodrigo at his puesto were not so bad. At the beginnig I started to apologize that I am on his territory. Night at camping Antuco in luxury cabana for 4 personas. Price 30000 clp. Owner in the evening took me to Abanico to restaurant and buying some food. Very nice place.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-27 / 7 days + 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR from thermas de Chillán, Option 08-D + volcano Chillán / Chris &amp; Julia<br /> '''<br /> <br /> Tldr: Final ridge is difficult (navigation &amp; terrain), we had insane winds. Water [118.3/1733] is campable. All fords managable (2 pers, one 181cm), one a bit tricky to navigate. Option 08-D preferable. Dont miss out on Los Peucos!<br /> <br /> Skipped due to Rio Nubles to valles de agua caliente.<br /> Climbing volcan Chillán was a nightmare made from ashes and loose rocks. Saw condors from maybe 5m away and got blessed with amazing views. it took us in total approx. 7hrs. Many snowfields to cross and no real path, its just... very very steep.<br /> Valle de agua caliente was very nice, but also crowded. The water is not particularly hot, but relaxing &amp; nice during daytime. The first river that needs to be crossed to join the RR was pretty hot (almost burned my foot when crossing). We were a bit bummed, we didnt try to find a bathing spot there, away from the people and with some steam ;)<br /> Fording Rio Diguilli approx hip high and medium current, second crossing was easier than first but hard to navigate. At the marked location is a good spot, just hard to get there as the path was swept away. We followed horse tracks, last 20m pushed through bushes, climbed down and then traced the river approx. 20-40m upstream to the marked fording and crossed there. <br /> Los Peucos is a heaven, no shop though, so plan supplies accordingly! If lucky and he had a recent resupply run, he might sell you some food, but its not certain. Sergio is super nice &amp; welcoming, hot pools are suuuuper relaxing! Wifi available. 15kCLP pp.<br /> We took Option 08-D (some CC that Sergio (Los Peucos) recommended) to only cross Rio Polcura once. We crossed approx 200m downstream of the marked location where it was more narrow, less current but a bit deeper. We did this because it was easier to judge whats coming and it was belly high, but due to little current very managable. Rather a nice cool dip. We saw horse tracks exiting the trail a bit earlier to the left than the Option 08-D. Arrieros know best, i suspect this might be their trail, worth checking out!<br /> As others mentioned before, we also took the road and not the RR parallel to the river. We saw arrieros use it on horses, but with backpacks its hard and not enjoyable.<br /> Camp [97.8/1456] at Laguna el Roble was a dream spot. The ascend after was a dream too, 2hrs, amazing views.<br /> Final ridge approx from the salida de emergencia ongoing was hard to navigate, challenging terrain, insane winds! Took longer than expected!<br /> Camp [106.6/1938] looked not flat but okay, but water supply rather trickling than flowing. <br /> We camped at not-marked location very close to Water [118.3/1733] (when the path gets muddy, after crossing the little flow from the left, little ascend and then to the right is a nice flat spot between fallen trees). The water is actually a source and had wonderful cold &amp; fresh water flowing. <br /> <br /> In Antuco we found through asking a shop owner a little room, hosted by nice lady Sara: 3 beds, power outlets, wifi (fast), shower (warm-ish), watercooker, microwave, clean, central (near bigmarket) for 40.000CLP per night for it all. Her Whatsapp: +56 9 8503 8261<br /> No kitchen though.<br /> <br /> Wonderful and diverse section! Loved every bit of it!<br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-02 to 2024-Jan-12 / 3 days+8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, backtrack from Rio Nubles, OH02, OH02A / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> In short - we didn't cross Rio nubles and backtracked to opt 02.<br /> Great hot springs<br /> An angry guy at puesto [120.6/1513]<br /> <br /> Trail from Puente Ingles is an MR. There is a lot of worker traffic and it's easy to hitchhike.<br /> At Camp [21.6/873] there is a fence and it's currently impossible to camp there. At the same spot there is a cable bridge. We climbed the fence and tried to cross, but the cart was on the other side of the river and we didn't see anybody.<br /> <br /> We camped near Rio Nubles ford waypoint in order to try it early in the morning.<br /> The current was too strong and we didn't maage to cross the river (we are 170 cm)<br /> We decided to go upstream using option 10, cross the river, and try to go back to RR on the other side.<br /> We crossed the river at (-36.86714, -71.21322) and started hiking south.<br /> It was hard BB and we hiked about 1.5 km in 4 hours.<br /> We saw the river got wide so we decided to cross it again, stop suffering, backtrack and take a bus to thermas de chillan.<br /> <br /> We took a bus from Chillan to Termas de Chillan at 13:30 on Sunday. We walked about 1 km on the paved road and climbed to the first hot springs. There was a small not so warm pool.<br /> <br /> 2nd day - we climbed to Volcan Chillan. There was some snow but it was easy without spikes.<br /> Slept in the amazing Valle de Agua Caliente and enjoyed a hot bath in the hot river at night.<br /> <br /> 3rd day - We planned to get to Los Peucos but decided to spend more time in the hot springs valley and started hiking at noon. The ford in [48.4/1334] was quite hard. At afternoon the water reached our belly button, current was strong, rock at bottom slippery. <br /> We camped near ford [50.5/1305]. There was a fir pit.<br /> <br /> 4th day - we hiked to Los Peucos. Sergio the ranger accepted selling us some food (flour, eggs, cheese, pasta, tuna, pastrami). Payed 15,000 clp each for food+hot spring+camp. The hot springs were amazing! The best so far for us. You get to fill your own pool before going in so it's clean and warm! There's wifi and a place to charge as well. <br /> <br /> 5th day - we camped at (-37.10491, -71.31605) no water. Saw puma foot prints the next morning, and a research camera a little before camp. <br /> <br /> 6th day - saw Laguna de laja and volcan Antuco from afar for the first time. camped near Laguna De Roble, swem and rested in the afternoon. Beautiful place! A lot of ducks.<br /> <br /> 7th day - the path was clear most of the time and the view really nice.<br /> We camped at (-37.178223,-71.235131) - beautiful place with a view to volcan Antuco, water from melted snow.<br /> <br /> 8th day - watch out as going down the trail to the last valley- it looks innocent, but is actually quite steep and dirt is slippery, and land is hard and painful to fall on. Had some nasty falls on our butts! <br /> At puesto [120.6/1513] a guy named Ricardo was angry at us for entering his private property, but had no choice but let us continue down.We think he might not let NOBO hikers go up the valley.<br /> Finally we hitchhiked to Antuco. There was a lot of traffic on Sunday.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-21 to 2024-Dec-26 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, variant E, Option 2 / Sean &amp; Neele<br /> '''<br /> <br /> At the park entrance on the road they asked where we were going, once we explained we were going north to termas de chillan they asked to see the route. Wasn't a problem they just seemed curious, let us in without paying.<br /> <br /> Puesto 120km - lots of people camping in this area on a Friday.<br /> <br /> 117km to 107km - snow present. It's manageable but slowed our progress. Around 113km is the worst of it. North of 107km some very small patches but nothing difficult.<br /> <br /> Camp 106.6km - very wet at the moment there's a better option about 500m sobo.<br /> <br /> Camp without water 102.3 - currently has plenty of water.<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 87.1km - lots of horseflies<br /> <br /> Ford 71.3km - easy at 4pm<br /> <br /> Ford 66.4, 64.1 and 63.7km - also easy<br /> <br /> Camping Los Puecos 63.9km - great spot hot spring was a bit too hot for us. Host was a legend; he brought us breakfast on Christmas.<br /> <br /> Ford 48.4km - Very strong. Crossed around 5:30pm hip deep for Neele (1.61m). We took our time finding a suitable place to cross and ended up about 250m upstream from RR.<br /> <br /> Camped at Ford 47.4km eastern side downstream there's a great camp spot with a fire ring.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.4km is really amazing<br /> <br /> We took option 2 to Termas de Chillan to avoid Rio Nuble. Some snow but really not a problem.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-18 &gt; 20 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / frontiere argentine(voir GPT07) &gt; RR &gt; frontiere argentine &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT07+GPT08<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : passage de rivière difficile, foret d'arbres morts, neige sur pente raide.<br /> <br /> Le passage du Rio Nuble n'est pas facile, meme le matin. La fin du sentier avant la grande montee est vraiment difficile a suivre car peu empruntée et milieu humide avec beaucoup de vegetation. En revanche la montée est parfaitement entretenue.<br /> La crete est un vrai plaisir, mais elle est exigente physiquement et il n'y a pas d'eau ni de sentier. Les parties sableuses sont difficile car il y a des trous sous le sable. Pour la descente vers le Rio Polcura, il suffit de suivre le sentier. La riviere est facile a passer.<br /> Ensuite la premiere partie vers le lac est en mauvais etat meme si le chemin est bien visible. La foret est morte alors attention aux chutes de branches. La derniere crete est tres belle, mais il y a beaucoup de neige dans des endroits tres raide. Impossible a faire si la neige est glacée. La derniere descente est propre mais il y a beaucoup de moustiques dans le grand pré. La fin du dernier jour s'est faite sous un ciel menaçant, je me suis depeché de descendre pour retrouver de la chaleur et des endroits plats en cas de pluie. J'ai rejoint Los Angeles le lendemain avec 4km de marche, 5km en stop, puis en bus depuis Abanico par le bus de 8h45.<br /> DEC-21 : Repos Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-13 to 2024-DEC-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. E, 06, 06B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel '''<br /> <br /> This stage is full of incredible diversity, encompassing almost everything. Epic views, challenging terrain, walking on snow, beautiful wild forests, the majestic Chillán volcano, hardened lava flows, hot springs, arrieros, a ridge trail, and, so far, the most challenging ford we’ve encountered here (see below).<br /> <br /> We got back to the trail by hitchhiking from San Fabián in the early morning. The following section [km 2.8 to approx. 21.9] is not a trail as described in the track files, but rather a solid MR that is being worked on by laborers. The settlement at El Roble [12.7/758] is actually a police station where we checked in and provided our contact details. <br /> <br /> The ford [23.7/950] across the Ñuble River is the biggest challenge of this section. We first attempted it in a line of three, but our tallest member, Daniel (198 cm), who was first, found the water almost up to his chest and the strong current was beginning to pull us in. We turned back. It wasn’t safe to cross. Eventually, we found a rock 100 meters upstream where the water was deeper but the riverbed was narrower. With a run-up, we jumped one by one as far as we could, and on three steps, we made it to the opposite bank. We sent our backpacks across the riverbed using a rope and carabiner.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the saddle of the Chillán volcano is a beautiful hike, and the extensive and geologically fresh lava flow at the Trailhead [34.6/1873] is definitely worth mentioning. The crossing point is unmarked at about [35.1/1852]. Above 2150 m, everything was completely covered with snow. Spikes came in handy.<br /> <br /> The descent to the Río Diguillín valley was okay, and we camped near the ford [48.4/1334], which is also a nice spot for a bivouac. We crossed the mentioned ford in the morning, and the water reached my waist at a height of 178 cm. It’s worth noting that the marked ford [50.5/1305] could be crossed with dry feet. The trail towards Termas los Peucos [63.9/1191] is a relatively well-defined path trodden by local arrieros. At the hot springs, which cost 7000 CLP per person, there is also a camping, but we continued further along the MR. At about [75.0/1160], we originally turned down the RR, but due to the challenging BB, we reversed our decision and continued along the MR to variant E.<br /> <br /> From the Trailhead [80.5/1248], there is a pleasant path leading to the beautiful Laguna Laja. We camped at Camp [98.3/1459] by Laguna El Roble, where you need to slightly clear some bushes, but there is a nice spot for three tents and a fire pit. The ascent to the Pass [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) is quite pleasant due to its zigzagging path. There, we were captivated by the literally breathtaking view of the Antuco Volcano and Sierra Velluda. Unfortunately, due to an injury to one of our members' arches, we had to skip part of the ridge and finish the section using variants 06 + 06B. We deviated from the RR at point X [105.4/1934] and at Bus point {08-06B} [2.9/734], we hitchhiked to Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' (2024/Dez/01-2024/Dec/07) 7Days/ Hiking and Packrafting/ SOBO/ RR / Lukas, Basil and Tabea ​​'''<br /> <br /> Entry point st puente el Ingles. The street to el Roble is beeing newly built and very easy to walk ou but also boring. The crossing of rii nuble was only manageble with packrafts, the river crossing ob foot is not possible at the moment. The mountain Pass at 39.1 km was duable but there was still a lot of snow from ca. 36.2 to ca. Ford 47.4. The hot springs were worth all the effort! The crossing at 50.5km was at the limit (for a person 170cm, over belly button). It was only possible in a line, manageble but not recommended.<br /> Hot springs at camp 63.9 km are great. Ranger station has all the necessary commodoities, we spent an extra day there. From there on the road was well maintained until the laguna de la laja.<br /> Packrafting before 3pm was very hard and slow due to SO wind, in the afternoon the west-wind made progress possible. Water levels are unusually high at the moment. As we were tired cold we hitch hiked with a fisher boat to the end of the lake afer ca. 14 km paddeling. exit over highway next to national park laguna del laja.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-11-29- 24-12-4/ 6 days / SOBO, OH02, RR, OH08F, RR, OH06/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> A great spring hike, but not an easy one! <br /> To avoid Rio Nubles so early in the season I took OH02 (bus from Chillan, rural station, to Valle las Trancas at 10.10 a.m. (2 buses each day go to Termas de Chillan, schedule: <br /> https://busesrembus.cl/en/services.php)<br /> and walked/hitchhiked the last kilometers to Termas. Started around 14:30. The snow began immediately after the hot spring at 4.8. I walked CC on the nearly untouched white coverage to the pass. The valley was almost completely under snow with some green patches. Rio Diguillin (no ford indicated): why keep feet dry, why keep anything dry? It‘s a stream at about 38 C with many whirlpools. I stayed over an hour there and camped not far: 10qm for a tent inmidst all the snow on a warm spring evening. The night and the following morning: quite cold. It was a good decision to add some 800g to my base-weight for a warm layer and gloves. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Got up at 6.a.m and climbed with a mini-backpack CC on Volcan Chillan Viejo, at 9 a.m. on the summit, great view! In the afternoon I walked NOBO to the hot spring at 40.3 on RR. Back at the tent, it started to rain, mixed with snow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Started late, waiting for the weather to improve. To avoid the NOBO detour to the RR I climbed CC to join it. This was easy, the problems began on the RR. The whole trail was under snow, I had to permanently use my device to find the point of reentry into overgrown area after steep snowfields. Later less snow, but now many broken trees and branches blocked the way. No major problem, but I advanced slowly. First ford at 47.7: difficult. Second ford at 48.4: very difficult! That was no fun, strong stream over my thighs, I could dare it only, because I found a spot, where two rocks are quite close, so I had to stand the stream only for a second, before I could cramp to the next rock. The OSM here is not correct, perhaps the river has a new bed. After the puesto the trail was cleaned up/bypassing broken trees easier. I finally moved quicker. Camp at 57.0. <br /> Day 4: Difficulties continued. Very cold in the morning, wet socks and shoes frozen; 5 fords, that are not indicated, all no major problem, but none with dry feet. The swamp before the puesto at 61.7 is bigger now (in spring?), several hundred meters of the trail under water. Again more fords than indicated, all easy, but one: water (flowing slowly) to my belly (1,97m!). The water reached to the lower part of the backpack. Didn‘t see anyone at the Los Peucos camp site. At the ford at 71.3 the water was neither very high nor very strong, but more than 100m to go the other bank! The following MR very welcome, finally allowed to move quicker. Camp on RR at around 77.5 directly on the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I took OH08F and walked the 28,6 km MR. Met several arrieros (very friendly!) and at the Embalse Vega Larga two fishermen, father and son, who „sold“ me (they didn‘t want to take<br /> money, I insisted) two fishes, they had just grilled over a fire. Ford at the end of the MR to get back to RR: difficult. The Laguna Laja has more water than on OSM, at the spot, where the ford is indicated, one could swim to the other side, but the backpack… Camp at Laguna Laja with an extraordinary view on the mountains in the south.<br /> Day 6: RR, trail first hardly visible, very good after the lake. On the ridge very windy, a lot of snow - but great view. On the way down the weather seemed to turn, so at 105.4 I took OH 06. The weather kept good, but nonetheless a good decision. When you are down in the valley, the trail and then the MR lead through a wonderful forest. Great spots to camp along the MR after the puesto (gate) but 100 before the Enel substation. <br /> Day 7: Clouds at around 900 hm, good to be down in the valley. On a hot summer day, it’s probably very annoying to walk 15 km on a dusty MR - on a cool morning in spring, it was the opposite, and shortened by half, as an Enel worker gave me a ride to the exit of the hydropower area; from there 30min to the PR, then hitchhiked to Antuco for resupply and walked back into the direction of Abanico, as I found a nice cabana in Peluca (Villa Peluca, +56 9 8920 5676). 15 min. after my arrival heavy rain and storm for several hours.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-04-12 to 2024-04-15 / 3 Days / Hiking SOBO) / RR / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> Option from Termas de Chillan<br /> My favorite section for autumn and a perfect weekend escape from the big city.<br /> Difficulty: Moderate<br /> It’s not hot and there’s almost no dust after a little rain. <br /> The foliage of the trees turns into autumn colors!<br /> Fords are simple.<br /> Although Ford (easy) {08} [48.4/1334] has unusually more water for mid-April, photo attached in FB post.<br /> Thanks to Matthias de Austria for clearing access to the stream at the west shore of Laguna Robles. It is a whole year source of fresh water before the ridge.<br /> The Lagunillas Camping now is https://www.parqueantuco.cl/<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-24 to 2024-03-28 // 4,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + VARIANT E + VARIANT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After few days off at Los Angeles, I took the bus to Abanico then hitchhike until the junction between the trail and the road. I had to pay at the park ranger gate the 5K CLP for the entrance of the park (online reservation only, impossible to pay cash, and there's hardly mobile service up there, so prepare yourself by advance ☺️). <br /> <br /> Then, you go straight up, and have stunning views over volcan Antuco and siella velluda. I had to check my GPS few times on this first part, and to change my trajectoire to stay on the RR and don't miss trailheads. <br /> <br /> I slept at Laguna lágrima. I don't know if it comes from the water here, but I had stomach issues the following days ...<br /> <br /> Views on this first part were absolutely wonderful ! <br /> <br /> The thermals of Los Peucos are just amazing ! Worth the stop, clean, well maintened, and with perfect temperature of water ! Sergio was so kind, he even invited me to lunch with him, that was a very nice break in this day ! <br /> <br /> Some swampy parts after the Puesto {08} [61.7/1298].<br /> <br /> The hike up to the plateau (KM42) was physical, but it results to stunning views over the volcan chillan, and all the wonderful surroundings! There were hundreds of cows on that plateau and it was quite swampy, at the end you reach a super nice camp with incredible thermals ! Best hot springs of the GPT so far for me ! <br /> <br /> Continue to the pass and arrive in the volcanic plateau, very great too. I was too amazed by the landscape that I lost myself ! I was following a pretty clear track and missed to go on the right of the valley. I had hard time to join the RR as I tried to shortcut, but it was very demanding, sleepy and with losing rocks. Would have been better to backtrack at the junction and find again the RR, anyway...<br /> <br /> After a way down where there's just a little overgrown part (for no more than 300m) I reached the terrible Rio Ñuble, that was (I was fortunate) easy to pass for me, at this time of the season, even with quite strong current. <br /> <br /> From then I only met amazing people, up for a chat and full of an absolute kindness ! Carabineros first, locals, and Sandra at the microshop in puente el inglés (that was my only option for ressuply (chips, biscuits, fresh drinks, pastas) but at the middle of nothing I was happy about that !)). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-23 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR,E,RR,H,RR/ Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Took the bus from rural terminal in Chillán at 8am to Termas de Chillán. After option 2, I walked NOBO on the RR to the nice hot springs at 40.3, spent the day there and camped at 40.4.<br /> <br /> Day 2- Walked the dusty trail to Camping Los Peucos. Ford at 48.4: crossed about 400 meters upstream of the waypoint for the ford. The main flow is quite strong, so I looked for a spot where it was slightly more diverted. Got to camping Los Peucos and got offered a cabin with electricity for the same price as camping as heavy rain was forecasted for the next day (10k/night). Used the wifi which is pretty good around the ranger’s cabin. Hung out in the hot springs being chatted up by a 80-yo man who didn’t seem to care whether I understood all of what he said or not.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - 45mm rain - Rest day. The nicest campground attendant, Sergio, let me hang out in his cabin by the fire all day.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Walked mostly on RR but using variant E on the road as the RR trail is overgrown and the trees were soaking wet after yesterday’s downpour. Met two people in a truck that worked for the pipeline that is along that road. Didn’t see anyone else. Camped at Laguna Laja.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Followed the RR except for variant H. Camped at the edge of the forest before the camp waypoint 119.7/1520, didn’t find ants to be problematic. Met a group of 5 young hikers going to Laguna Los Condores right before camp.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Hiked RR and GPT09 option 1A to Salto de las Chicas. Got a ride quickly to Antuco, where I went to the nice supermarket and took a room in town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-11 to 2024-03-16 / 5.5 days / SOBO / OH2, RR, Variant C, RR, G, RR / Tobi &amp; Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Bus to Thermas de Chillan departs 12:30 from Rural bus station in Chillan arrives around 5pm<br /> <br /> Hot springs @ KM40.3 indeed one of the best on the GPT - nice mix of hot waterfall and cold spring in one pool. Campsite there is not sheltered from wind, and a fair bit of trash left behind. Definitely worth the small detour from Thermas de Chillan <br /> <br /> Baños de Peucos are great for a half rest day, Sergio (caretaker) is the nicest and most welcoming host.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Roble, the better campsite is on the western shore - there is one flowing water source along the edge of the forest a bit north of the campsite (lake gets a bit gross end of season).<br /> <br /> Between El Roble and Hermosa, there is cellular reception when on the western side of the ridge (Movistar).<br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa is nice, there is one flat and South wind sheltered campsite behind the bushes on the north side of the lake. It's nice to walk around the lake, some easy scrambling. Do expect power lines overhead.<br /> <br /> The two hot springs, and the last ridge hike were definitely the highlights of this GPT section.<br /> <br /> The bus leaving Albanico for Las Angeles goes at between 5-6pm -ish<br /> <br /> Rest very straightforward, and as described below (dusty, dead horse).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-25 to 2024-March-4 / 7.5 days / SOBO / RR B D/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfiels, almost no Tabanos, except in the forenoon (none in the evening) at Laguna El Roble, about 30 to 40 Tabanos in 3 hours, on 1st of March!<br /> Mostly plenty of water, lots of unmarked streams. No water at 106.7 and at camp 119.7, dried up. <br /> <br /> Lots of dirt roads and paths veeery dusty.<br /> <br /> No camp at 106.6. Flat spot few hundred meters after at -37.24567,-71.39142. But no protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Fordings: all very easy except Rio Nuble. Crossed Nuble at ford 23.7, did not scout. It was deeper then it looked and for a meter or so I (187cm, 100kg) had a little fighting with the current. It was the first somewhat serious ford in my life. Got my undies a bit washed. Forded Rio Diguillin at -36.93549, -71.40313, where I saw horsetracks on the ground. Water around kneedeep, for a half meter strong current, but I simply step over it. I marked this easy ford position with a vertical tree stump, might be there until the next storm or flooding. Ford 66.4 was possible dry foot a bit east, but go back to RR afterwards, the road on the map does not exist anymore and this area is a jungle.<br /> <br /> At -36.94783,-71.41243 easy to miss junction.<br /> <br /> Camps: 1st shortly after the bridge at puente el ingles in the sand. Nice swimming next to it, but no morning sun until noon. 2nd abou q00 to 200m upstream of ford 23.7 next to Rio Nuble. Nice bolders, big pool, but strong current and very cold. 3rd camp 36.2, meadows quite wet, limited protection, just a few bushes. Small cold pool 150m away at Rio Las Minas. 4th a few hundred meters before ford 47.4 on a small flat spot next to the path. Nice camp shortly northwest of trailhead 80.5. Big nice pool at Rio Polcura for swimming next to where option 1 fords. West side Camp at Laguna El Roble as east has shallow water. Stream next to camp dried up, I found a small one a bit further north along the shore. Had to clean up 2m of thick bushes for water access. Camp at Laguna Hermosa very windy, but just follow the black cable to the west for maybe 20m, then go 3m through the treebushes and you are in a little quit well wind protected clearing: -37.274802,-71.383647. Camp 119.7, but water dried up, and very dusty and limited protection, not a good camp. There are some meadows a few hundred m further around the puesto, also no water there in March.<br /> <br /> Men cleaning up the RR path north of Los Peucos. Some workers at the camp, but the ranger is working on the trail. No ranger means no firewood for cooking, no wifi and the thermas are without water. So no point in staying there and I move a bit further camp on some dusty place next to the road with a bit clambering river access. Next morning first morning frost.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.3 is absolutely amazing. Best one I saw on the GPT. Stayed there for hours naked and got a bit sunburned. The &quot;smoking river&quot; a few hundred meters further west is also worth seeing.<br /> <br /> Lots of blackberries along RR Rio Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> Hardly any paths around camp 29.5 for a few hundred meters, overgrown or landslided. Not a big problem, just slows you down.<br /> <br /> Long boring road, but hitch until police station shortly after ford 12.2km. Police friendly, wants passport, detail plans and phone number in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Gate at -36.81995,-71.25333, entry forbidden sign. easy to climb.<br /> <br /> RR after junction E is partly overgrown, but still walkable, just slows you down. <br /> <br /> Combined Section 7 and 8, in total 17 days, with lots of bathing and sitting around. Run out of food the last few days and had to restrict to one portion per day, which made me even slower due to lack of energy. But it was totally worth it. Still have way too much body fat. Last ridge one of the most beautiful parts of the GPT, stunning views and diverse path.<br /> <br /> Hitch ruta Q-45 to Antuco.<br /> <br /> Work in progress<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (0.5) - Termas de Chillan - near Camp 08 [42.3/2087]. Late start at around noon from OH-Tl-V 08-02 [2.6+3.3] (Thermas de Chillan Parking) after hitch-hiking from Las Trancas. Reached Las Trancas with RemBus from the Chillan Rural Bus Terminal La Merced. The Sendero Valle Aguas Calientes have been re-routed for a few 100s meters after the fumaroles and it stays higher than the original track. Easy to follow. Once in the Valle Aguas Calientes I continued to Hot Spring 08 [40.3/2173] NOBO which is really a must do on this section and then retraced back to a camping area about 200 m lower than Camp 08 [42.3/2087] that I thought was dryer, flatter and had good access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Camp 08 [42.3/2087] Valle Aguas Calientes - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping. I followed the RR for this day. The only note of relevance is that the ford of Rio Diguillin at [48.4/1334] is still hips high with strong current and need to be approached with trekking poles and cautiously. The critical part is only about 2 meters wide, but the current is strong. Water is not particularly cold.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping - camp on Laguna Del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614]. I was lucky to get a ride for 3-4 km right out of Los Peucos by a CONAF maintenance crew who was going to do some tree cleaning on a minor road down the valley. This route branched out from the RR MR and according to the crew it is shorter to get to the Camino Oleoducto road. The alternative route turns into a faint trail for the last km or so and it crosses Rio Polcura in a very easy and shallow spot with water always below knee and calm current. After the crossing it overlaps with OH-CC-a 08-D for the last km, then it meets RR MR shortly after the ford on the RR. This alt route is flat and easy and possibly shorter of about 1-2 km than RR. On Camino Oleoducto I was also able to hitch-hike for about another 3-4 km to reach the start of the Sendero Los Ratones RR-Tl-V 08[80.6]. Thanks to the rides I was able to reach Laguna Del Laja quicker than expected. I decided to camp on the lake shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] rather than continuing to Laguna El Roble as the spot was scenic. There I met Hugo, the Arriero who stays at the Puesto nearby Laguna El Roble. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp on Laguna del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] - Laguna Hermosa. I just followed the RR for this day with the exception of the short CC to Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the night. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp at Laguna Hermosa - Camping Lagunilla (10k CLP per day). Also followed RR for this final day. Camping Lagunilla is very good with hot showers and very nice camp sites. Unfortunately no more homemade empanadas, only bebidas from this week moving forward for the remaiming of the season. The following morning I easily hitch-hiked to Abanico where there are small stores and took the bus to Los Angeles at 1 pm.<br /> <br /> Overall a good section with variety of landscapes and views particularly around Volcan Chillan / Aguas Calientes and along the traverse above Laguna Del Laja with great views of Volcan Antuco and the Sierra Velluda.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-20 to 2024-Feb-27 / 8 days / Hiking / NOBO / El Abanaico - Puente El Inglés / RR + Option H + Option B / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a really nice section for us. The part we really loved was from Thermas de Chillan to Rio Nuble. It felt more wild and with less people. So even if you fear Rio Nuble, avoiding this part would be a mistake for us. We think that the edge between km 117.3 and 100.6 also really worth it but can't totally know as we were in the fog.<br /> <br /> A lot has already been said but here is what seems important to us:<br /> <br /> We started the section hitchhiking from Antuco with a easy and fast ride to El Abanico.<br /> <br /> There is some apple trees in the valley near Ford {08} [71.3/1089] and apples were nearly ready to be eaten. <br /> <br /> Los Peucos were a nice stop to relax but we weren't alone as a lot of the previous comment. 2 other parties (horse riders) were also camping the same night as us. The road is being improved so this will maybe become a bit more popular than the last 2 months. It was 10'000 CLP pp for us, with firewood and Internet. We didn't try to connect so we can't comment on the speed and quality.<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [48.4/1334] (Rio Diguilin) wasn't that hard. Just follow the horse track as it's a good place to ford and there will only be 1m with some current. It's still deep but we ford it at 6pm without any trouble. The best thing with this ford is that the water is warm and you can try to ford it without your backpack a few times before you're sure of the place you like the more. All this without frozen toes ;)<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [23.7/950] (Rio Nuble) was ok but still not a piece of cake. We crossed it at 11:30 am and didn't thought it was so deep before going in. I had water nearly to my waist (I'm 174cm tall) and the current in the center is clearly present. The good point is that the river is not ice cold, so you can take your time and go slowly, being sure of the position of your feet and poles.<br /> <br /> For the last 12 km, between El Roble and Puente El Inglés, it's full of fruit trees. It felt like being in a free fruit market. We could pick apples, pears, a lot of blackberries. There were even fig tree but it was a little bit too soon. So nice to have a bit of vitamin and fresh food after 8 days.<br /> <br /> Finally, after asking at the mini-shop in Puente El Inglés, we learned that there is no more bus going to San Fabián. So we took a beer and some french fries before camping near the bridge after a pretty long day. The next day we walked an hour before we could catch a ride to San Fabián.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-9-2024 to Feb-14-2024 / 5 days ( of which 2 half days) / SOBO / Oh2, RR, var B, D, E, H / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Very beautiful and diverse section, with the volcan, pastures of agua caliente, the forest and the rock and thorny bushed mountains. <br /> At the end of the section, I suggest to follow RR to the lagunilla camping, it's an easy trail in the park, and 2 very nice cascadas to see. From the park entrance there is an osm track that cross Section 9 RR, direclty to the campsite, so you never have to walk on the road. <br /> I started at Oh 2 to avoid rio Ñuble.<br /> <br /> Trecking difficulties : <br /> 1) River crossing of rio Diguillin 48.4 is still not a peace of cake. The current is strong, and where i crossed it was max to the hips in the rapid water. I went on a large place with big rocks on the way to hide behind, it cuts the crossing into 3 difficult but very short parts, and you can hug the rocks not to fall. <br /> 2) The pass before Laguna Laja is a cemetery of trees, so the progression is a little bit slow but nothing difficult, it's basic gps navigation. <br /> 3) The part between laguna hermosa and Water 118.3 is steep, sliperry with rocks and sand. The tracks are difficult to follow at times. So the progression is slow, i suggest not to start it at the end of the day. I finished on var H without noticing it, just saw the trail from below. I was exhausted when i put my tent at camp 119.7 (an horrible mistake, see below).<br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> At Fumaroles at the beginning of Oh 2, some flat spaces in the valley and a clear cold river - Ford 50.5, arriero camp super nice - 300m before water 1.5 on var E, a nice flat place but very exposed. I wanted to camp at 72.9, incredible place, but a freshly dead horse was waiting for me, the whole place stinked like hell. Wanted to try to camp on RR along the rio after but it was overgrown at the beginning and it was late so back on var E - Laguna el Roble 98.3. It is an arriero spot with a clear river that goes into the lake. There is a trail into the trees that takes you into the beach for nice camp places. You don't really want to drink directly from the lake, so i don't suggest camp 97.8 (no fresh water). There is a puesto before the last uphill to the lake, really nice arriero inside who advised me this - Camp 119.7 : DON'T sleep there, the whole hill is an enormous nest of unfriendly red ants, I had to cook directly in my inner tent. The river runs very slow to so the water not good. So i suggest camp at the lagunas before, or if you still have courage to follow until the cross country after puesto 120, it's heaven for tents with view on antuco and the river is not far. <br /> <br /> Water : all markers correct, no concerns until the final ridge.<br /> For the ridge walk of cerro el toro, you can find water at camp without water 102.3 (so this year its name should be with water), water 106.6, laguna hermosa, laguna lagrima (the very little one after the cerro), and nothing after on RR until water 118.<br /> <br /> Snow : one patch on Oh 2 on the track, but you can avoid it by a sendero litteraly 10m above, with no problems. No other patches. <br /> <br /> Accomodations : bus from Chillan rural terminal, to thermas de Chillan at 14h, you have to walk from vale hermoso to the beginning of Oh2 - Camping Lagunilla, 10k per day, homemade empanadas sandwichs bebidas and cakes, very calm i loved it. For buses, you have to walk to albanico (6 per day for los angeles, of which 9h30, 11h, 15h30, 18h30). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-08 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + H + J / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH08-02 <br /> <br /> I took the bus at 2 pm from the rural bus station in Chillan to the Thermas de Chillan. From there I had to roadwalk 1.5 km to get to OH08-02. There are a few snow fields left around the Pass Pirigallo, but its easy to walk over them. At km 1.2 of OH08-02 I took the Valle de Agua Caliente Trail as short cut to the Camp at 42.3 on the RR. I did not like the spot there, but close to it at -36,91092, -71,36632 are some decent tent spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [42.3-75.1] + OH08-E<br /> <br /> The Ford at km 47.4 was max. knee high at 10 pm. (I am 191 cm tall). Be carefull fording Rio Diguillin at km 48.4. The water was just below my hips and the current was pretty strong (around 10:30 pm). I forded it about 60 m upstream of the gpx tracks. There was a big rock in the middle of the river to which I could hold on to. At km 59.6 is a closed barb wire gate that I couldn't open. I managed to climb over it, but it's a little tricky. The RR leads on to the property of the Thermas Los Peucos (km 63.9). After the ford at km 63.7 I had to step over a barded wire fence (no gate). Los Peucos was closed and I didn't see anybody. I didn't like the idea of trespassing so I climb over the front gate (km 63.9) and continued on RR. OH08-B might be a good alternativ to avoid Los Peucos. But I meet Ricardo a few km further south. He was on his way to Los Peucos. If I understood him correctly (my spanish is pretty basic) than he is going to be at Los Peucos for the next two months. So they should be open now if you are interested in taking a break there. There are two easy fords at km 70.0 and 70.6 on the RR. The river at Ford 71.3 is wide, but water was below knees in thr evening. I wanted to camp at km 72.9, but I found the body of a horse directly at the camping spot. It looked like it had died a few days ago and it smelled pretty bad. Therefore I continued to the camp at km 78.6. I accidently stayed on the dirtroad and walked variant E. It has some extra altitude but therefore some nice views into the valley. Water 0.7 on variant E was dry. All other water and ford Waypoints I passed today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [78.5-107.0] <br /> <br /> Laguna El Roble is a nice break spot and the last water source until km 106.7. At the Camp Marker km 106,6 is only a overgrown meadow which isn't flat at all. But there is a descent camp spot at km 106,9. The Water at km 106.7 is only a trickle and might dry out soon. All Water markers I passed by today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [107.0-115.2] + OH08-H + RR [116.3-117.4] + OH08-J + RR [117.4-134.5]<br /> <br /> The next water source after km 106.7 is Laguna Lagrima at km 113.5. I accidently hiked OH08-H instead of RR. Laguna Los Condores is pretty nice. But the last few hundred meters of OH08-J are overgrown and not so easy to walk trough. Its easier to follow the trail that leads to the eastern side of the Laguna and forks of at about km 0.6 of OH08-J. From this trail you can go down to the Laguna. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> The part from km 100 to km 117 is very spectacular.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 25 to Feb 5 / 12 days / SOBO / Opt 2, Opt 3, RR, Var D, Opt 6 + 2 OSM routes / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL/DR: A beautiful but exhausting section.Reserva Nacional Ñubles is officially closed, but they are still letting people in. If taking Opt 3, look for the trail that starts just after El Trumao heading NE for a more interesting hike. Los Peucos is open, but has no food or power so not currently a resupply option.<br /> <br /> Day 0 - <br /> We took the bus from Chillan to Recinto hoping to camp for the night and take the early bus up to Termas de Chillán to begin the hike. (The bus that goes all the way to the hotel only goes twice a day. Both leave from the Terminal Rural in Chillan one at 08:00, the second at 14:00.) There were no camping options in Recinto, so we walked to Los Lleuques. We found a hostel called Antupiren at the entrance of town. 13.000 pp for private with shared bathroom, very nice owners. They have a restaurant too. There were some other places with signs for hostal and campamento further down the street. There are 4 or 5 shops and grocery stores in town. If you stay in Lleuques, a little further on is a nice public access beach along the river called La Playita that is popular with locals and a good place to escape the heat for the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - <br /> We got up early and were at the bus stop at 08:15. The bus arrived at around 09:30. It only goes as far as the hotel and then you have to walk about 1 km up to the ski center where the trail begins. The beginning of the trail was steep and dusty, then leveled off a bit. It passes by some fumeroles. There are two paths up to the pass. One is not on GPT or OSM at the moment, but it is a marked path that is clearly visible. It goes more to the left and up. The other is a horse trail which is the one GPT goes along. They both meet about half way up. We took the horse trail up. There is some grassy area and access to a stream. Nice views of the valley on the way up. Close to the top there was still a small snow field left and the way around it was walking above it on large, loose rocks. We had resupplied for 8 days and our packs were around 25 kg each. Due to this we felt it would be unsafe for us to try to navigate the section so we decided to walk back. It was disappointing, but we were also thinking about the difficulties others had in crossing Rio Diguillin further on and figured it was an early warning. On the way back we took the marked path which was actually more difficult than the GPT track, which surprised us since it looked more like a tourist trail. We were rewarded at one point however with a spring gushing out of the ground and took the opportunity to get fresh cold water without the need to filter. When we got back to where the fumeroles were, we chatted with some mountain bikes and a couple of hikers. There is another route down which had an OSM track on the map. The bikers explained that it is the route they all take down. It is open to hikers as well and there are signs advising bikers to watch for hikers, but the biker said there are a lot of curves and it is possible to get hit on the way down if you are unlucky. It was around 18:30 and he said they were the last group, so if we just waited for them to leave we should be able to hike down without worrying. We waited, and it was totally worth it. The trail down is very dusty, but with much less incline than the way up, and at a certain point goes through a really beautiful beech forest with lots of wildflowers growing. There is no access to the estero until the bridge at the end. We tried to find a place to camp, but no luck. We ended up walking the highway back to a point where we had seen a dirt road connect to the estero and camped there for the night. Not optimal, but it was already dark by that point, so we were just grateful to sleep.<br /> <br /> Days 2 and 3 - <br /> We walked the highway until the Los Coltrahues nature trail that runs parallel to the highway and then walked that to Las Trancas. It was a pretty path and a nice alternative to the highway. In Las Trancas we bought food for lunch and dinner at a shop next to the bus stop. There are one or two other stores back the direction of Lleuques as well. A micro picked us up and dropped us off at the beginning of Opt 3. We had barely started walking when a family in a truck passed and offered us a ride to the river. We were incredibly grateful as the first 3 km of the road is incredibly dusty and there is actually a lot of traffic moving through. From where they left us we walked to the bridge and down to the river to have lunch and coffee. Lots of families were camping around the area. After lunch we got back on the route. A little further on the road was closed to vehicles due to storm damage and construction adding new culverts. No issues walking it. About 6km from the bridge there is a campground called San Antonio. It was also closed since the road was closed, but it was easy to get into. There are picnic tables and plenty of camping along with river access. We camped two nights to give ourselves a rest day. A few locals passed through, but no one else camped. It was very peaceful except for the tábanos. I killed more than 50 over the course of the day and it didn't seem to make much of a difference.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - <br /> We got up early to beat the heat and walked the first hour in the dark. We passed the area where the road has collapsed and where they are doing a reroute. No issue to walk it. We arrived at the gate that Lilian mentioned, the one with the dogs, at 08:00. There were 4 dogs that bark a lot. The guard came out, it seemed like we had woken him up. We explained what we were doing and he actually had no problem letting us through, but asked rhetorically what we were going to say to CONAF upstairs. The road up is in good shape. There were a few places to fill water along the way. When we arrived at El Trumao there was a CONAF guard there as well as some other people. He was incredibly nice, just registered us and then told us because the park is officially closed there was no fee to enter. He looked at our route and told us about another option, charged our phones for us, let us take water, and then even walked with us part way. The OSM track that runs along the river is a really nice option and we really enjoyed it. The first part is no longer relevant as the river destroyed part of the road and CONAF had done a reroute. If no one is there to show you, head along the GPT route toward Valle Hermosa until you see a trail branch to the left. It will be very obvious as it has wooden posts painted yellow on top and the whole trail has rocks lining either side. Follow that up. The first part was a lot of up and exposed, but after a while we entered native forest and enjoyed stretches that were in shade. There was a rest area with river access. Just after the waterfall lookout the trail dropped down a bit into a grove of old oak trees that was really nice and we camped there for the night (-36.95540, -71.45022) River access was about 100 m further on. This is a really great route option. It is along a trail instead of a road, it drops into RR about 18 km further north than finishing Opt 3 as marked, if you want to go to Los Peucos, you don't need to back track, and it stays on the south side of Rio Diguillin, connecting with RR just after the ford point others had trouble with this season. (Jan, if you read this, we enthusiastically endorse this as a variant for Opt 3!).<br /> <br /> Days 5 and 6 - <br /> The pass was a little overgrown, but nothing too challenging. On the way up we passed through a beautiful forest. We stopped at the last marked water point on the way up for a snack and coffee. The way down was dusty and then it opened up into a plain. The plain was easy, but as we went around the corner it turned into a swamp. The GPT route avoids the worst of it, but careful foot choice is important in some places. It was also really hot and humid. Then it was up again and then down again to get to Los Peucos. We initially followed RR, but the ford point looked challenging and there was barbed wire on the other side. I went across without my pack to try to find a way up. The rocks in the river were really slippery and I feel in at one point, but no injury. On the other side I climbed under the wire and up a hill. Then I had to climb under more barbed wire. I walked onto the property and ran into Ricardo who manages Los Peucos. He was very nice, and took me to show me the front entrance and a much easier ford point that is defined for cars to pass, which turned out to be Var B. So if going to Los Peucos SOBO, I recommend taking Var B. I went back to get Kasia and my pack and we camped there for two nights in order to clean out gear and take a rest day.<br /> <br /> A few notes on Los Peucos. Los Peucos is open, price this year is 5.000 pp for termales only, 10.000 pp for camping, 24 hours of access to termales and wood to make a fire in a fire pit. They were having trouble with both their generator and solar panels and have been without power for two months, so don't plan to charge anything there. Also a section of the road there was destroyed over the winter, so almost no one is going there and they aren't getting any resupply for their tiendita, so don't plan on this as a resupply point until someone posts that this has changed, which may be awhile since there seems to be some bureaucratic issue preventing the road from being fixed.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - <br /> We left Los Peucos just as it was getting light. The road and trail are in good condition for walking. We took Var D to cross Rio Polcura. River ford was easy, thigh high but very little current. We stopped at the camp at [72.9/1104] to have lunch. There were some arrieros and Carabineros already camped for the night, and it was too early to stop for the day, so we continued on. The valley path that RR follows is surely more interesting than walking the road along Var E, but it is fairly overgrown with spiky plants and it was slow going. There is almost no river access along the path, but there were one or two streams. We do not recommend the camp at [78.6/1203], especially if you are using a trekking pole supported tent. It is overgrown and difficult to access, anything that is not sand is covered in those annoying plants that leave tiny spiky balls attached to your clothes, and river access is not great. We ended up camping in the old road grade just above, but it was pure dust. We really regretted camping here, however it was late and we didn't know if there would be any place else to camp further on. (There is though!)<br /> <br /> Day 8 - <br /> We were to tired to do the pass, but we didn't want to stay camped in the same place for the day. We found a better campsite just 2 km further up trail (-37.09454, -71.31211). Just before the trailhead to the pass, on the left side of the road, there is a dirt path going down to a camping area that arrieros use (it is the same road as the end of Opt 1). It has grass and could fit probably two or three tents. The river access is about 100 m away, but it was really clean access with a stone beach and even a small sand beach and a great swimming spot to cool off. There is essentially no shade so it wasn't great for a rest day in that respect, but it was directly below the pass, so a great starting point for that. We took advantage of the river and washed all the dust off the tent. The fabric felt like new afterward!<br /> <br /> Day 9 - <br /> We got up early to try to tackle the pass before sun hit. The trailhead is a little easier to find now as more arrieros and hikers have gone through. The pass up is overgrown in places, but not as bad as we had expected. There were some great early morning views. Something killed most of the forest in that valley some time ago and all the dead trees are sun bleached white which was really interesting. As Lilian mentioned, there is a place where the trail collapsed. People have been walking about 5 m upstream and crossing there, but the short reroute is eroding and it looked a little sketchy to us. We went into the stream bed and climbed up through the bamboo to regain the trail. It was lovely forest higher up and on the other side for some time. Keep a lookout for a nice view of Laguna del Laja from a distance on the way down. The valley was another world entirely. Completely exposed, mostly dry but with some sections of swamp, we lost the trail a few times in a maze of overgrown thorn bushes. We took an afternoon break at the puesto just before reaching the lake. We were a little underwhelmed by the lake itself, I think because it has no trees around. We got a little lost on the way up to Laguna Roble, but a very friendly and helpful arriero staying at the puesto at the end of the valley saw us and came out to help direct us up. We stopped at the marked campsite at the east side of the lake. Previous entries had suggested the west side campsite is more wind protected. I went packless to scout it, but I could not see any way in and the water access near the site looked like marsh. We stayed on the east side, no wind issue for the night. The water in the lake was not too cold, so nice to swim in.<br /> <br /> Day 10 - <br /> We started early to get through as much of the pass as possible before the sun hit. The beginning of the trail was actually hard to find, but once we were on it, it was clear. The up was very demanding and exhausting, and it was overgrown in parts. There is a saddle just before the final push to the pass where we stopped to take a break and some pictures (great view of the lake, volcan Antuco and Sierra Velluda) but there were biting ants everywhere that swarmed us and our packs so we moved on. Good views of both valleys as we walked along. Reports from previous years suggested no water between Laguna Roble and Laguna Hermosa. There was at least two water points between, one of which was a very nice spring with shade around (-37.21425, -71.37259). Being exhausted and running low on supplies, we had already decided that Opt 6 would be our exit from GPT08. The route down was steep and thus slow, but clear and easy to follow. There are multiple water points on the way down. We camped about 1 km in at the first marked campsite. There was a shady, somewhat flat, somewhat grassy area that arrieros use for camping and a spring flowing just below. It was a nice spot after hiking so many hours completely exposed in full sun.<br /> <br /> Day 11 - <br /> The first part of Opt 6 down was really nice. There were nice views of the mountains as the sun came up, then it goes into forest for awhile before the arriero path finally meets the service road. We were also fortunate to have cloud cover for most of the day. There are a few unmarked water points between the last marked one and Rayenco. Rayenco is not a settlement but connected to the power plant. Shortly after Rayenco there is what looks like an abandoned picnic area and sports concha. We stopped for lunch, and it could be used for emergency camping if necessary. Hitchhiking out seems essentially impossible. It's just cars associated with the power plant, and our experience is that those vehicles don't take hitchhikers, probably a company policy. We walked to the highway, chatting with the gate guard on the way out. On the highway it took about half an hour, but finally a kind soul, Sergio, who had actually passed us, turned around and came back just to pick us up and dropped us at Plaza de Armas un Antuco. We found lodging at Cabañas Puelche 2 blocks east of the plaza, 15.000 pp for a private room in the hostel portion of the establishment, shared bath, fridge, pool.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 05 to 2024 Jan 09 / 5 days/ SOBO from Termas de Chillan / RR / Hannes&amp;Christian'''<br /> <br /> 1. Day: Walked from Termas de Chillan to Rio Diguillín. Slept there at -36.935262, -71.403804 and forded the next morning around -36.935730, -71.401841. Thought there would be less water running in the morning, but actually it looked pretty the same as the day before…<br /> 2. Day: Walked to Los Peucos and further down for a nice campsite near the river -37.046868,<br /> -71.415394<br /> 3. Day: We took Option D to short cut the minor road…easy to walk, CC, recomendable…then along road and path and road again, up to a pass in the woods and down to a widening valley, camped at -37.15603, -71.32019. As others already wrote on wikiexplora we had there as well a pretty freezing night around 0 degrees Celsius I think, although the spot was not that high….around 1450m. A lot of humidity.<br /> 4. Day: For us here the nicest part started, walking down to Laguna de la Laja, up to a pass and then all along ridges to Laguna Hermosa. Amazing views. Instead of walking down to L. Hermosa you can camp as well a little above the lake around -37.269841, -71.381748 with water access, at least in early summer I guess. Personally I think it isn’t worth to go down to the Laguna (except no water possibility above) , first because you’ll have an electric power line over your head sleeping there (there is a hydroelectric power station in the valley nearby), second because it can be a windy place at shore…at least for us it was like this. Third: Still something like 1 km from the ridge. Choose yourself.<br /> 5. Day: From L. Hermosa to Estación de Esqui. Pretty nice views of surrounding peaks, at the end we walked a pretty annoying road out to the ski area. Then we hitchhiked to Camping Lagunillas, an amazing place with very nice owners. Feels there like being on the Gpt, but with running water and shower. Probably depends on the season…<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 13 / 5 days / SOBO / RR, OH-TL / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Everyone feared Ñuble, me too, so I took option 2.<br /> <br /> The trail was difficult to find from km 112-117, I left RR and took OH-TL. Otherwise the trail was easy to see. There were only a few snowfields that were easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Ford km 48.4: Disclaimer: please do not my mistake! I first tried two best possible spots (hip), but the flow (13:00) was too strong, I couldn’t hold my hiking poles. Then 50m further on I saw two tree trunks arranged like bridges from other GPTs. After crossing them, however, it was not possible to go back to RR after a few attempts. My best possible option was BB with 70 degree slope straight up. It was only possible with bamboo trees, but was very dangerous. I'm writing my mistake here so you can avoid it!<br /> <br /> Camp km 106.6: I included this camp in my daily plan (about 20km, 1000m uphill, 350m downhill). here is not possible to find 1qm flat spot. So I had to walk 4km further from my reserve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-15/ 4.5 days / SOBO / Termas de Chillán(Var 2)+RR+Var G+H+J(Lakes)/ Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Started in Termas de Chillán. Hiking, most fordings (see day 1) and orientation was quite easy on this section. Only on last part of Travesía Pilcura some steep snowfields to cross. Warm and hot creeks on first day (Fondo Aguas Calientes), views and lakes on forth day (Travesía Pilcura) were spectacular. Plenty of water everywhere. A lot of annoying horse flies.<br /> <br /> Day1: Termas de Chillán - km53.6<br /> Only minor snowfields. Ascent of Volcán Chillán Viejo should be possible without crampons, no snow on steep upper slopes. Fumaroles on ascent from Termas, warm creek with pools right when you come down to Fondo Aguas Calientes. Also people camping there. I underestimated ford at km48.4 (Rio Diguillín), water was up to upper hips and current, I was washed away… But overall no dangerous crossing and with more cautious selection the fording should be easier. Arrieros at puesto at km49.6 (Coihuería) were the last people I met until end of section!<br /> <br /> Day2: Reserva Nacional Ñubles<br /> Officially the reserva was closed. I entered Termas Los Peucos via RR, watering of meadows was running, I said „Hello“ but nobody answered. <br /> Took a bath in the beautiful hot springs, two stone-walled pools.<br /> <br /> Day 3: km78.6 (Rio Ñubles) - km98.3 (Laguna El Roble)<br /> Easy day … nice swimming at the camp with fireplace in the evening <br /> <br /> Day 4: Travesía Polcura - Laguna ElToro<br /> Spectacular day: great views, mountains, lakes and path.<br /> The detours to the lakes (var G+J, Laguna Hermosa, ElToro and Los Condores) are worthwhile!<br /> Some steep snowfields on RR below Cerro El Toro, I used microspikes, but in a warm afternoon you can also safely cross without. Beautiful (!!) camp at Laguna El Toro with sun until 19:45 though it’s deep in a cirque.<br /> <br /> Day5:<br /> Nice view of Volcán Antuco from the ridge just before the volcán (ca. km125). I left the road and walked +-height parallel to the solar collectors which are visible on the ridge from the MR.<br /> From Curva El Candado I tramped down most of the road to the junction to Abanico, where I ate lunch at the friendly cafe/restaurant „Roca“ and where the bus to Los Angeles leaves at 15:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / {08-03} - {08-C} - RR - {08-06} - {08-06B} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Avoid of crossing Rio Ñuble, i go for {08-03}.<br /> <br /> There is a bus from Chillán to Los Lleuques at 18:00, take about 1.5 hour. A small shop and some tiny shops there, friendly and good resupply. Look like have some restaurants too, but i'm too late so they're already closed.<br /> <br /> {08-03} km3.3 : tiny shop selling drinks.<br /> <br /> Km4.3 : camping spots or camping possibilities start from here to south.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : ranger station for guard of Reserva National, look like need booking in advance or some permits. Otherwise you can't go in by this gate. (It is impossible for sneak in, two dogs here.)<br /> <br /> Luckily after i took 10min to explain what I'm doing, where does my routes go, why i'm here, I'll pack out all my trash, no fire, no pick plants, dig a hole for poop, etc. He let me go in, 1000% thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km19 : bridge for crossing Río Diguillín.<br /> <br /> Km19.45 : El Trumao, Camping Relbún. Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here.<br /> <br /> Km19.7 : closed gate, you can open it on left side. Old, steep and rocky dirt road behind this gate, look like no cars on it for some years. (Some place landslide, cars impossible to pass by)<br /> <br /> Km21.3 : Rio Relbún, good water flowing nice, rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km22.8 : view point of valley, also some flat spots with trees can fit 2-4 tents.<br /> <br /> Km23.7 : pass, Paso Atacalco, descent to a beautiful valley.<br /> <br /> Km25.3-km26.2 : some tiny streams flowing with good water, but maybe dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km28.4 : Valle Hermoso, Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here. Río Blanquillo flowing at here too.<br /> <br /> Some more tiny streams flowing across the road at south, but i think they will all dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km35.6 : a side trail to see a waterfall, I think it is just soso.<br /> <br /> Then connect with {08-C}, then back to RR.<br /> <br /> {08-C} km2.4 : a very beautiful demon rock hill on your left side, worth take a look!<br /> <br /> RR Ford[71.3/1089] : crossing of Río Polcura, it's a wide river crossing about 80m, luckily it is already made for vehicles crossing so have a rock bar underwater, easy to cross. Mostly just half of calf, in the middle about 10m, up to knee and flowing very fast.<br /> <br /> Camp[72.9/1104] : it's a really nice camping spot with tree shade and beside a river.<br /> <br /> Camp[78.6/1203] : this spot is not beside RR. When you finish valley trail walk, if you don't join dirt road and keep going walk in the valley then you'll arrive here.<br /> <br /> Water[79.1/1214] : log bridge crossing.<br /> <br /> Trailhead[80.5/1248] : not easy to notice the trailhead, although it have a fallen board on the ground.<br /> <br /> North of the pass is overgrown, south of the pass lot of fallen trees block the trail.<br /> <br /> Didn't see any camping spots until almost to valley.<br /> <br /> Water[81.8/1475] : when you get close, be careful dont walk too fast. Just before the stream dont follow the trail to left side and go down, it is already landslide and you'll fall off 2m vertically.<br /> <br /> Pass[84.2/1744] : tons of huge dead trees and ready to fall down in next second. Don't camp here, it is dangerous.<br /> <br /> Km85.8 : flat spot can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Km86: flat spots can fit 1 tent before and after a stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Km95.2 : excellent view point of Volcán Antuco, look like some flat spots at downhill side close to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camp[97.8/1456] : beside a tree, can fit 1-2 tents with fire ring. Last reliable water when you climbing up.<br /> <br /> Km102 : snow start here, but all you can go around.<br /> <br /> Camp without water[102.3/2063] : no camping spot as now, wet, muddy and lot of stream are flowing by snow melt, a fire ring is in the stream too!<br /> <br /> I camped at km103.45, just before the pass, there is some brushes provide wind protection from west. Can fit 1-2 small tents.<br /> <br /> Km104.1 : a large flat area, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> X[105.4/1934] : no more trail junction at &quot;X&quot;, you need to go down a little, then CC to connect the trail at south.<br /> <br /> Camp[106.6/1938] : wet, grassy and steep spot. A large flat area after you climb up the stream at km106.95, it is in a valley and no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km109.45 : a small pass, excellent view point of Volcán Antuco and Sierra Velluda!<br /> <br /> Snow start at km109.9, unfortunately when i almost climbed up to ridge, i found that km111.8 to km113.5(at least) , all covered by snow on a very steep slope. It is not a good idea to go through this high risk area, also Cerro El Toro is a very sharp rocky peak, not possible walk on the ridge to go around the slope, so i turn back to &quot;X&quot;[105.4/1934], and join {08-06} continues to south.<br /> <br /> {08-06} is a nice trail to go down, and look like somone have maintained it, nearly no fallen trees and just very little overgrown, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> {08-06} km4.5 : junction of {08-06} and {08-06A}, look like {08-06} in a better condition, also {08-06} from here to km5.6, it is an old dirt road and no more using.<br /> <br /> Km5.6 : junction to join a good dirt road. Camping spot just before the junction, and there are also lot of camping possibilities along the good dirt road.<br /> <br /> Gate[8.6/808] : locked, climb over it.<br /> <br /> Km9.3 : another gate, you can open it on left side, if you want to camping, better before this gate.<br /> <br /> Km22.4 : i join {08-06B} for shorter distance to main road for hitching to Antuco.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-20/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Antuco RR and Option 6/ Jens'''<br /> <br /> Tried to go up the main route. First pass was steep and full of snow. Decided to turn around and try Option 6. <br /> <br /> As option 6 is on private land owned by the Hydroelectrico, a guard picked me up and told me to register with the Carabineros in Antuco. Frustrated I decided to skip section 8 in favour of section 7.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-21 to 2023-Dec-24/ 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / San Fabian - Las Trancas / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: River fords are still heinous, especially Ñuble. Bring micro spikes if crossing Paso Prigallo to go towards Las Termas de Chillan.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Hitched a ride part of the way from San Fabian, and then caught a bus (was a Thursday around 1 pm) until Punilla. Camped at a small, windy site with good river access and near the Punilla swimming hole, which is definitely worth a visit. Some friendly caballeros came around 8 pm to camp as well.<br /> Day 2: Walked towards Los Sauces, splitting off to the right where the road/trail led. Could not cross river here because of construction. Went back to the main road and walked North to where there was a (padlocked) cable car and did a challenging ford - current was somewhat strong and water went to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm). In retrospect, would have been better to just walk/bus all the way into Los Sauces and make a safer crossing there. Cabineros in El Roble were nicer to me that the ones in San Fabian. Camped just before Camp {08} [21.6/873] since it now seems to be on private property. <br /> Day 3: Had to trespass for about a mile before reaching the Ñuble river but didn’t run into anyone. Ñuble was really difficult. I got there just before 8 am. Crossing the river at designated spot was not possible. I went upstream, around the bend, and about a hundred meters further to where the river widens and gets a bit shallower. I crossed with water about up to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm) but a little past midway the current took me off my feet and I went for a brief swim before grabbing a rock and recovering on the other side. After getting to the other side, I had to scramble/bushwhack up a near-vertical slope to where there appears to be sort of a terrace in the landscape. I found the best spot was behind where the bank of the river flattened out a bit. Thankfully once getting to the top, you’re blessed with a faint trail leading back to the main route. This approach was not very fun at all - it is probably best to wait another week or two before attempting the river. <br /> After that, the trail gets harder to follow, especially after entering the larger valley. As per others advice, I tried crossing the river in the valley to the right side, but also ran into impassable shrubbery/broken trees there so I ended up crossing back and forth as needed. The first pass didn’t have any snow. There is a difficult ford after the marker for Trailhead {08} [34.6/1873]. Camped at Camp {08} [36.2/1953] which was lovely.<br /> Day 4: Headed towards Las Termas de Chillan. Both passes were very snowy. The second pass, only necessary if going off main trail towards Las Termas, had steep sections that called for micro spikes. I was lucky that there were some people who had just come through and kicked steps in, making this part easier. Hitched a ride to Las Trancas where there are multiple well stocked mini markets and nice hostal options. Not sure if I will continue on GPT 08 given the snow and river conditions so far.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-06/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Los Peucos - Recinto / RR + OH03 / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from San Fabian to way after El Roble, rather easy on weekends as it seems many locals around. Ñuble crossing with strong current and water above knees (me 185cm), but still ok compared to other months I think. Went up the mountain and into this valley with beautiful oak-trees. Getting out of this forest we crossed the river to the orographic left side as suggested by others...initially a good choice, all the same we had to switch like 2 to 3 times river bank to avoid some nasty Bush bashing...We reccomend to just open your eyes and see which side works best for you after the initial crossing at approximately -36.856679 -71.275261. After the last camp in the valley path clearly visible and steep ascent to the pass. After the pass we got into this amazing volcanic landscape east of Volcan Chillàn. After the second pass we descended to Aguas Calientes, hot thermal pools at the end of a valley surrounded by some green yellow pasture and loads of cows. Good spot to camp...Then we went to Termas Los Peucos, took us 3.5 days till there. Just for the pools they take 10k, pools and camp was 14k. As one of us felt little sick we decided to hitchhike out over OH03. Do not consider this an emergency exit as it is rather difficult to hh out there, very few cars on the road as access is limited due to a private tunnel and only Carabineros and some oil- and gas-pipeline companies are around there with their cars it seems. All the same we were lucky and got out to Recinto (further down in the valley of Termas de Chillán, near Las Trancas...) In this valley or if you get out at Termas de Chillán we highly recommend Cabañas Ayunkoyam owned by Vincente Ruiz in Recinto, +56999991737, call him before. For this rather expensive valley quite a good option. Vincente is a local mountain guide who seems to know every mountain in his country and is a nice guy to talk to.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Volcán Chillán - Termas de Chillán / Noémie'''<br /> Very short section because I got a lift from San Fabián until after El Roble (21.0), a bit before the end of the minor road. Carabineros checked ID and asked for sufficient equipment. Ñuble crossing was not that hard but I had water until my waist, even at the end of the season (I am 1m60 though...). Camped the first night at Camp {08} [29.5/1441], on the left bank of the river, where there was a bit of space. The next morning, it was a bit hard to go up the valley with all the dead trees and no path visible. Tried to follow fellow GPT hikers advices, but ended up crossing the river multiple times to find a walkable path without too many bushes, until Camp {08} [31.3/1629]. After this tricky part, both paths are beautiful and quite easy. The thermal river is amazing. There was plenty of space with beautiful hot water pools but also cold water at Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. The last day, I took OH {08-02} and OH {08-02A} to go up Volcán Chillán and then exit at Termas de Chillán. Beautiful ascent with no specific difficulty except the steep last 300 meters. The place is full of condors flying really close, super impressive. <br /> There are no housing options and no buses during the week leaving from Termas de Chillán. You can walk/hitchhike until -36.910163, -71.417798 where buses leave regularly everyday for Chillán. Found many cabañas options in Trancas de Chillán a bit further down. Overall, very beautiful and diverse section (forests, rivers, sand deserts, volcanos) with amazing hot springs!<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-13 to 2023-Mar-18 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Abanico — Thermas de Chillán / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Angeles, we took a bus (at 12:30) towards Abanico and then two rides until the start of OH-MR-V {08-K} [0.0+0.1]. Then, there is a gate (after the Bridge, Gate {08} [126.7/1339] point) locked with a padlock but easy to climb. The CC section (RH-CC-A {08} [26.4/122.0+1.9]) is actually following the MR so we thought better stay on the road. When we reached Camp {08} [120.2/1520], it was completely dry so we continued a bit and found a nice spot in the forest (close to -37.32983, -71.39823).<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we continued on the trail, simply taking the shortcut OH-TL-V {08-I} [0.0+0.2]. Then, we chose to take option 08-H to stay high, it was really beautiful. We stayed on the rim until a hard part and then we diverged on the trail that was present a bit below us. As other as noted, on RH-CC-A {08} [18.1/113.7+2.0] you follow a trail or a set of footprints. When the trail and the trace diverge, follow the trail, it is usually the best option. And don't miss Trailhead {08} [113.7/2184], we tried to go around it but regretted it. Then, the trail until Laguna El Robles (Camp {08} [98.2/1456]) is nice but the descent is steep. We believe the path has been cleared recently because lot of fresh fallen branches on the ground. On the lake, we camped on the east side but it was very windy. The other side looked more protected. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we followed the RR until Camp {08} [73.3/1104]. It was a rather uneventful day except we met a lot of arrieros in the morning that went for a wild bull hunt. The camp is nice and felt like a campground.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we hiked for just a few kilometers to reach the Thermas Peucos. It was a very worthy stop, an oasis in the middle of the hike : 10k PP for the camping and hot springs (stoned pools). We even bought a lunch from the minishop which has quite a nice selection. Like others, we used the option 08-C to avoid the pointless climb in the RR. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we did a rather long walk until Camp {08} [40.4/2150] to enjoy the natural pool. The trail is a bit overgrown after the thermas but nothing bad. The day was full of going up : 2500 on the tracks but the GPS said only 2100 at the end of the day. The hot springs are amazing, truly the best we encountered. And we were alone there. <br /> <br /> On Day 6, we met a horserider when leaving the camp a bit angry because he did not sleep. He camped near a group that partied the whole night (we believe it was close to Ford {08-02} [1.6/2097]). Then, option 08-02 and variant A to ascend the volcan. It starts with a nice trail and ends up with sand that is really hard to climb. Nothing difficult nor dangerous but extremely tiresome. It took us 3h to go up but we enjoyed our lunch at the top! Then the descent is really fast, thanks to this sand (about 1h). The rest of the trail until Thermas de Chillán is a bit overrun, we met numerous hikers (but it was a Saturday). There, we hitched a ride until Recinto and took the 7:00PM bus to Chillán for a ressuply.<br /> <br /> Overall our impressions on this section are a bit mixed. We enjoyed the numerous hot baths and the volcan summit but we were less amazed by the landscapes compared to the previous sections (of note as we did go up quite a lot, we probably were a bit too exhausted to truly enjoy it completely!) . Perhaps it is more rewarding when going SOBO? <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-08 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + emergency exit / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Los Peucos - Antuco <br /> Super pleasant trekk in various landscapes and sweet hot springs. Met Ondrej at the start and shared the road walking before he eventually escapes in the first climb ! Met again finally at the hot river for a deserved rest after big climbing day. Next the descent to los Peucos is rather long with overgrown detour of the swamp at the end. That’s where my phone died for no reason. May it RIP with all my pictures :’( Still if there’s a good soul out there with a machete and long trousers feel free to save this beautiful trail ! Then los Peucos was a paradise oasis for a 14000$ 24h rest day. Not so expensive to me considering the quality of the hotspring service and resupply in the middle of nowhere ! « El Toro » hotspring is a once in lifetime experience for sunrise and had the all domain for myself 😌 Do not hesitate to stop there and meet Ricardo who doesn’t see many souls otherwise.<br /> 4th night spent 3km down near los Peucos in a super recommanded magical waterfall bassins with perfect « nuit à la belle étoile » on the hot rock.<br /> After km 80 the forest is kind of colonised with annoying flyes and thermites wich makes it not an enjoyable place. Also recommend taking plenty of water from laguna el roble cause dry climb and ridge walking ahead (there’s still a little stream pond under a tree a few km after the pass if you look well). Arrived there in late afternoon with no place to camp and saw emergency exit on the right which triggered green light in my brain (as gear failures were acumalating and motivation low). Felt good after a few tears but the long road walking in the hydraucentral gave me some regrets until i eventually arrived in Antuco after hotish hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-28 to 2023-Feb-04 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + volcán chillàn &amp; volcán Antuco / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> Got off the bus here (-36.67295, -71.29201) instead of Los Sauces for an easy ford. The bus driver knew of this place. The ford was here -36.67738, -71.28739, knee-high. We crossed around 3pm. The road section until the carabinieros was surprisingly popular on a weekend: we got a 3km hitch, but if we started earlier, I am sure we could have hitched a lot more. The valley is nice to walk in though.<br /> The carabinieros basically just wanted to know if we had a proper GPS and map. We could not understand if they were telling us &quot;not&quot; to go close to Volcán Chillán or just &quot;warning&quot; us. I checked online the day before and it said the volcano is in green, but the cabineros said it was yellow.<br /> Made camp at the 17km waypoint because it was a good spot. Lots of unmarked water waypoints on the road such as -36.69615, -71.27770 and -36.72718, -71.26420.<br /> Day 2. <br /> Crossed Nuble with no problems around 9am. The water was not strong but not totally calm and was under our crotches: I am 170cm and Tomáš is ~173cm. Hats off to the others that crossed when water levels were much higher! Remember to turn right and not left after the ford.<br /> The path was better than expected, but still can be easily lost until the first pass at 33.2km. Thanks to the tip from Will, we took the path on the other side of the river once out of the trees to avoid the blow down, somewhere around or close to camp 29.5. Hot pass.<br /> We made camp at the hotsprings ([40.3/2173]) after the second pass, their beauty and heat made up for the long day. There are a couple of perfect spots near the hotsprings with some cold water for drinking, -36.90156, -71.35089. Spent two nights here. The hot springs are regular creeks, most of which in the valley are hot. Saw some locals camping in other spots, seems like a popular place.<br /> Day 3.<br /> Volcán Chillàn. Easy climb following the standard route but the last 600m was slow sandish-like material which made for a very quick descent. Instead of going back the way we came, we followed an unmarked/unmapped &quot;road&quot; on the south side of Volcán Chillán that lead to switchbacks down to the hotsprings that we saw earlier that morning. Basically if coming from volcano, follow the road east from here -36.89199, -71.38543 and aim for the switchbacks to the hotsprings camp here -36.90336, -71.36145 [as of 2024 included in our suggestions in the released Track files]. There is some dirty water on the way but very interesting and scenic. I am slightly worried about posting this because it is likely not meant to be walked, also not sure it actually saves time compared to the normal trail but it allows for a nice roundtrip. One can get Internet on the way to the volcano when the ski resorts are visible. Camped again at the hotsprings.<br /> Day4<br /> Nothing to add for this day, trail was nice and under trees a lot of the way, all fords easy or jumpable. Met two French who were doing the GPT northbound. Camped near the puesto 61.7 before the hotsprings, path was always there, just a little overgrown. <br /> Day5<br /> Trail to hotsprings was not that bad, just overgrown bamboo but otherwise nice. The hotsprings is not actually CONAF but a concession. Prices were as described 14mil for camping and 7mil just for hotsprings. If you want to buy food from them, I recommend going at the beginning of the month as that is when they restock, for us there was still lots of food left but nothing fresh or good, very expensive. <br /> On the road we used option C to avoid the hill as others suggested (seems like the main road now) and as for variant D, we did not see anything, so we back-tracked a bit and took a different unmarked trail here that was successful -37.06894, -71.39599 and forded river here -37.06857, -71.39158 to meet the RR [now in the suggestions too].<br /> The trailhead at 81.0 is hard to see, be ready.<br /> That trail from 81.0 to the pass was more overgrown in my mind than the rest of the days but still not terrible. Camped on the other side 88.9 (actually a bit further down were nicer camp-spots with lovely short grass).<br /> Day6<br /> Somehow at camp 88.9 we woke up to frost over everything. Have no idea what kind of phenomenon this is because I don't think it froze (forecast was for 16 in the night) but even the little moisture in my breakfast bowl froze shortly after eating it...<br /> Quick trail to Laguna el Roble except the trail is easy to loose just before the Laguna in the grassy section, keep climbing left towards an unmarked puesto here -37.20868, -71.33023.<br /> There should technically be a better water source than the lake itself at camp 98.8, but I just took water from the lake:S. The next pass towards the ridge was hot but easy. Good trail until you hit the X at 105.9. Then the path is harder to follow. The camp at 107.1 seems silly and would be better higher above the listed water source. We ended up going cross country all the way from a pass like structure here -37.25066, -71.38499 to Laguna Hermosa because there was a trail on the other side (a bit lower than official RR so it made sense to follow it elevation-wise) that eventually faded away.<br /> Laguna Hermosa was worth it as others have stated but unfortunately very heavy winds crept in that night. It was way less windy on the East side of the lagoon, which we only noticed in the morning.<br /> Day7<br /> Very heavy winds. We made a small short cut to the RR from the Laguna by heading west sooner [included in our suggestions]. We considered turning around on the ridge as the winds were likely around 80km/hr at one point near the pylons, but luckily since the route is not actually on the ridge but under it, the rest of the way was okay, still windy but not pushing us over. The rest of the ridge was no problem for us, slower of course since there is sidehilling and edging but nothing scary or exposed. There was no snow though.<br /> El Puesto at 121 had two dogs but we did not see anyone. We camped at Laguna Laja (not nice) to climb Antuco the next day. To no surprise the restaurant and cafe at the ski resort are closed. Other than the water in the lake, there are no good water sources past the last water source before El Puesto if heading in this direction. There is Entel 3G coverage here.<br /> Day8<br /> Started early to beat the heat for Antuco. I turned back after the top of the ski lift because of a stomach bug (probably food but still nicer to vomit in the shade...) but Tomáš went on to finish the climb. The climb was not worth it. The volcano is not black sand but rather loose rock (boulders to pebbles) which made especially going down annoying. A rock fell on my waling stick and partially destroyed it. After the ski lift there is virtually no trail. Plus the fact there was only a small crater on top and the weather was very hot and windy in the early morning. I think we were there during a small heat wave, supposedly the day before was 38°C in Antuco proper. After the climb we hitched to the campsite Lagunillas (10mil/person) in hopes of going back to Los Angeles but after analyzing the smoke situation of the forest fires we stayed here and used it as a base for preparing for GPT09-10.<br /> <br /> It took us 168 hours but without climbing the volcanoes the trail could have been walked in five full walking days. End of January means there were virtually no horseflies. <br /> Nice trip but due to foot issues, things breaking down and a stomach bug at the end, it was a bit of a suffer-fest for Natalie (Tomáš's new shoes are unfortunately painful too). However, the hotsprings, Volcán Chillán, Laguna Hermosa and the trees (especially the ones with usnea) made it worth while!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 08-C / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Camping Las Lagunillas <br /> Overall an extremely beautiful route, my favourite in GPT06-08. Compared to GPT06 and 07, this section felt most diverse but also most challenging to navigate. I accidentaly got off track much more often. Still, the route is visible most of the time except the last day after Laguna Hermosa. Even there, sticking to the gpx files makes the section easily passable. One just need to pay a higher attention to where their steps are placed. The fauna is quite rich too - I had a chance to see a tarrantula (the minor road on day 1), crayfish in the rivers, and a snake which I believe was Tachymenis chilensis (on the shores of Laguna El Roble). I believe this section is much more demanding in Dec or early Jan when snow is still present on the slopes. Horseflies were not a problem in my case. I encountered some between km 75 and 85 but that was far from frustrating. I recommend gaiters due to dusty roads in some sections. From thermas Chillan I haven’t met a soul until the end of the section.<br /> <br /> Details:<br /> On the first day, it is easy walking on a minor road that winds through a forest so you can enjoy shade most of the walk! No complications, just need to climb some gates. I enjoyed a company of a fellow GPT hiker Martial, who shared some useful trout fishing tips and gear with me. We camped at the Nuble crossing. <br /> <br /> Second day, Nuble crossing was no problem. Knee-deep at the recommended ford. Then I got lost in the forest numerous time. Checking the gpx frequently definitely helped. I followed the advice of others to cross the river and find a path om the right upstream side. That worked really well, didn’t have to cross any fallen trees! I camped at the hot springs - it is actually a whole thermal river. Amazing, amazing place. Loved to lay in it and watch the stars. Quite a few other people were there (some arrieros and a Chilean family) but there really was enough space for everyone. <br /> <br /> The third and fourth day were rather uneventful for me. Very beautiful views along the trail, which was mostly through forests and relatively simple to follow all the way to 2km before Los Peucos. Even there the trail was visible, it was just overgrown. I worried about this part too much based on the previous reports. The path actually felt quite okay in my case. Unfortunately, no soul at Los Peucos. I saw a parked car and a horse, but no human in the area. So I decided to walk 3km more and camp at the next river ford at km 66.4. I also took option C as recommeded by other hikers below, it was perfect!<br /> <br /> The 5th day was easy up to the laguna El Roble. Then the climb is quite demanding. Most importantly, there is hardly any water between Laguna El Roble and km106.1. I found a little stream at km102.8 but I wouldn’t rely on it. My strategy was to drink about 1 liter at the laguna El Roble (I filtered the water there as the laguna didn’t seem that clear) and then I took 1.5l with me. It lasted me all the way to Laguna Hermosa. Maybe next time I would take only 1 liter. However, I felt safe to have the reserves. Once you get to the pass, the views are beautiful, as is Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the last night. <br /> <br /> On the 6th day, I started from Laguna Hermosa at 8am and reached the main car road around 3pm. The trail after Hermosa disappears and requires a lot of attention to your GPS to navigate. The scree traverses are entirely manageable. I had to think twice before placing my feet though. The trail becomes visible and much easier at km115 when the valley trail connects. No one was at the puesto at km121.1, just three dogs. Trekking poles were enough to fend them off. There is indeed a new metal gate with a lock at approx km 126. No guards are positioned there. I climbed the gate without issues. I then hiked to Camping Lagunillas. There is a very kind owner and his son. Really good people to chat with. After listening to my story they also let me a cabana for a price of camping (10,000 CLP) for the night. The owner’s son is keen to learn more about the GPT and to potentially hike part of the route too. The camping has a small almacen there with some lentils and rice to buy (however, the selection is not enough to resupply). They also sell beer, cookies and can make you a soft dinner and breakfast (empanadas, lentils, waffles, coffee, sandwiches). I hitchhiked to Abanico the next day. It seems there are many more buses from Abanico to Antuco/Los Angeles than just two these days. The bus schedules could be looked up on the Internet. I caught one at 9:30am. <br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-16 Frank RR SOBO 5 days<br /> <br /> Crossed the river before Los Sauces where a dirt road goes right, crossing was only ankle deep. The cable car at Los Sauces is locked &amp; there is often no one there. River is a lot deeper by the cable car (at least waist deep)<br /> <br /> At Los Robles the carabineros were not very friendly, which was unusual, &amp; were not too happy about me hiking solo, but after I told them I'd walked there from Santiago they allowed me to proceed. They had no info. about the activity level of Chillan. The 'shop' in Los Robles only had 2L bottles of soft drink &amp; eggs. Rio Nuble was thigh deep late in the evening but you need to pick your spot: a few metres downstream from the RR crossing, before some boulders in the water. Camped a little after the crossing. Before Rio Nuble there is a no entry sign &amp; locked gate but you can climb over it easily &amp; there was no one there. Campsite marked on track file before the crossing was fenced off with no entry sign.<br /> <br /> Coming down from the pass late on day 2 there is a cold water spring just before the hot waterfall. Filled up at the spring as the water in the valley is thermal, not sure if it's good to drink. Camped in the valley by the hot stream.<br /> <br /> At the CONAF hot springs it was 14,000 CLP to camp but they allowed me to use the hot bath for free. They have a shop but most items are too bulky for one person. I continued for about 10KM &amp; camped in a 3 sided hut 100M to the right off the road before a wide but easy ford. The hut has a dirt floor so you can pitch a tent inside. After Laguna Roble you climb to a pass &amp; there is a spring a little after the pass. I camped just before the spring (room for one small tent, had to clear away some rocks but it was OK) The traverse after the aerials was a bit sketchy but soon improved &amp; I picked up a tiny trail through the scree. Walked to the CONAF entrance gate on the road &amp; hitched out from there. There is a lot of traffic on the weekend. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 to 2023-Jan-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Start in Termas the Chillan opt. 2 than RR from 40km to 105.9 and finished using opt. 6. / Maks&amp;Gabi '''<br /> <br /> Trail is visible almost all the time. All the fords are easily passable. We had met arrieros 3 times, they were nice and helpful. One of them asked about why we are hiking, as there is a lot of people going this way, but he seemed to be okay with it.<br /> There is a lot of really horseflies especially between 83 and 93 km. <br /> There were also quite a lot of cows on trail, that were not so happy to see us, but we just walked around them (with some bigger distance). Be careful as the bulls seem to be very protective over the small ones. <br /> <br /> Option 06A is probably overgrown - we spent about 15 min trying to find the trail but we gave up after all ( it was about 300m after crossroad ).<br /> Gate on 8.6km of option 6 was locked with the padlock, but noone was there so we just walked over the fence. <br /> <br /> All other gates on all trail were easily passable. One of the arrieros just noted that we should close them after crossing. <br /> From the hydro powerplant till the end of the option 06B there were a lot of people working on a road but none of them seemed to have a problem with us being there.<br /> We hitch hiked to Antuco. <br /> It was our first try on the GPT (recommended by a local mountain guide from Termas de Chillan) and it was definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-03 to 2023-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Probably my favorite section so far! A nice mix of remote alpine stretches, forests, and fields. However the horseflies made it hard to appreciate at times, they were pretty much constant during the later section around Laguna Laha.<br /> <br /> I hitched from San Fabián around noon and did most of the road walk the first day. The campsite at 21.6 is fenced off. I stayed at 20.3 which didn't have great water access, just a muddy spring. Scrambling down to the river wasn't feasible but I found a bit of clean flow partway down.<br /> The Nuble crossing wasn't so bad for me, it was just below my waist (5'11/181cm). Still the hardest one so far. I found the trail afterwords pretty hard to follow, with lots of side paths eventually leading to thorny bushwhacking. It finally convinced me to pull the route up on my watch for the first time, definitely worth it here.<br /> A ways after the river crossing you'll come out of the woods into an open river valley. I recommend crossing the stream there and finding the path on the other side, instead of struggling through the blowdown/landslide debris along the gpx track.<br /> The trail was fairly slow from the Nuble crossing to los Peucos. After that it's super fast except for a few stretches in the mountains above the Laguna Laha. <br /> The natural hot springs just below the pass near the Volcan Chillan were very nice, but full of little flies. They didn't seem to bite.<br /> The camping at los peucos was very expensive, but they had a bit of food for sale (fruit!!). Comfy grass, wifi, well maintained bathrooms. The hot springs there were too hot for me, slightly painful.<br /> I missed option C and definitely regretted it. The road up was super rocky, and hot with no shade.<br /> The stretch above Laguna Laha was the driest I've passed so far. Thankfully there were a few snow fed streams/ponds left, but I should have carried more water to be safe. Laguna Hermosa was true to its name, a nice place to camp my last night.<br /> The main road at the end was pretty busy, you could hitch right away and skip the entire last 13ish km. But the extra little stretch of trail at the end was definitely worth it to me.<br /> It took me a while to get a ride to Antuco even though the road was busy. Most people were just going a bit further along. It's not the nicest town but there's decent selection for resupply. I got a room for 15k/night at a cabana/hostal place on Sgto. Aldea street. For some reason I didn't have cell service there, with Movistar.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-01 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option C / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We took bus from San Fabian (corner on the other side of the gas station) in the afternoon, and camped after ford of Los Sauces river (water only to the ankles). A lot of annoying tabanos, but plenty of space to camp. Quite a lot of locals go there as well. The next day we continued to the ford or Rio Nuble that turned out to be the worst so far for us. Doing it in the afternoon was not the best idea - the current was strong and even when it was just waist-high, we were not able to pass through the fastest part where the path takes you. We figured out to go more upstream, but just like 30m maybe? to a point where the water was really deep but completely calm. There is a rock wall on the other side. The water reached our chest at that part and our hands holding poles were under the water, making it hard to gain stability. We decided to take our chances and try to cross, using rocks covered with some grass to gain traction. There were times when we were floating in the water with close to 0 stability but we eventually made it. Best to be there early to have the best possible conditions. Until the end of the day we managed to get up through the forrest. Before you get out of the forrest you are crossing a stream that is going down between the rocks, but if you take a minute or two before it path that goes lower than trail, you will find a nice spot by the water with some wooden bench and nice covered place to camp. We prefered to be out of the forrest so we continued, but found only a field of fallen trees caused by landslide. It was possible to find a place to camp closer to the river. It is best to continue on the other side, which we did the next day. You will soon connect to the trail again, before going up.<br /> <br /> The way up from the valley is quite steep. From the pass you get a nice view of the Chillan volcano. Going further down to the lava field, we followed advices of others and get up to the top of lava field right away and continued walking on it. After the pass you will find a valley with hot springs which are simply amazing. Good to plan camping there so you can enjoy it fully. From the valley the trail is clear, until a short section before the official camp (1-2 kms before it), where it’s more of a bush-bashing. This part starts near a puesto where we came across herd of young bulls that seemed to be more curious that we would like and we had to go around them, a little off the trail. We struggled a little to find our way into the camp, which was not so clear from our gps (eventhough the path is clear all the way to the river) - the camp is secured by wire fences that we wanted to avoid, but at the end we crawled under them to get to the camp, aprox. according to our gps. If you follow the river downstream you might get to the official gate / entrance, not sure. Like other mentioned the price is quite high, and so are things in the little shop - most of it are classic camping things that last long like pasta, rice, canned fruits, a lot of cookies… but we were grateful for it anyway. The hot springs there are also amazing, man-made stone pools, with the view of the stars in the night it is perfect and worth the price. There are maybe 10 dedicated places to camp with wooden desk and bench, covered by roof (good when it’s raining). More space is close to the showers and the common, shared house with kitchen, fireplace and again desks with benches. We met there some workers from a gas company, fixing pipes close to the laguna, who were sleeping in the camp. The guy watching over the camp (from CONAF) was also nice and helpful - if you need anything, this is the right person to ask.<br /> <br /> On the next day, we continued on the minor road, where we took the C option, like others. Following the RR we found the 08-E option (which follows the MR) to be a better choice since the RR is a little overgrown in the beginning and with thistle-vegetation. Easy pass in the forest, and nice places to camp in the valley. We were lucky to find their cows again (luckily on the other side of the river), but bulls woke us up in the morning - this must have been the fastest packing in the history. We enjoyed more fun with the cows and bulls later in the valley, that were blocking our way and refusing to go away - that made us to take another short detour around them.<br /> <br /> A lot has been already written about the last part of this section that takes you up to the plateau. The climb is quite steep and long so don’t forget to take water from the last laguna - that is the last option. The next stream we found was about 2 kms from the point where you reach the ridge. We camped before Laguna Hermosa with nice view of the volcano. There was some melting snow above the laguna and we found 4G signal there (where the pole is). We found the descent down to be quite ok, there are small slippery rocks so it’s necessary to be careful, but nothing too bad. The descent gets very dusty later (when it’s dry) and is still steep in the forrest with a lot of water from the snow. We got to the main road in the afternoon and were lucky to catch a ride all the way to Antuco. We booked the only available place we found on booking called Puelche de Antuco, a really nice cabin. The town is nice with a lot of restaurants and shops.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2023-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Los Sauces - Antuco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 6 pm from San Fabián to Los Sauces and camped next to the river.<br /> <br /> The path until the river crossing of Rio Ñuble is basically a dirtroad, so we got there pretty fast. Only the horseflies were very annoying. We recommend bringing insect repellent.<br /> Christopher is 1.88m and the water went up to his navel at the main route crossing. Anna with 1.63m was not able to cross the river there.<br /> After some tries we found a possibility a couple of hundred meters upstream, where the water just went up to Anns knees. The tough part was to get up to the path on the other side. After some bush bashing, you have to get up a 3 to 4 meter high, almost vertical slope. We found a tree, whose roots we used to climb up, which was not super easy. Once you are up there, there is a good path that leads to the main route.<br /> <br /> The next day was nice until the valley around km 25 (where the river is not correctly positioned in the gaia app). There are tons of fallen trees and it was really hard to get through and there was mostly no visible path. It's probably best to stick to the upstream right side of the river.<br /> Afterwards the path gets really nice. Especially in the evening sun, it was very beautiful to cross the volcanic landscape. We camped in the valley at km 40 at the hot springs.<br /> <br /> The third day has a good path at the beginning. Just the last 3 km it gets more difficult, especially approx. 2 km before Los Peucos, where it's mostly bush bashing.<br /> The camping at Los Peucos is nice, as well as the hot springs, but we had to pay 14k CLP p.p. to camp there and in the evening there are tons of mosquitos. We would have camped a bit further downstream, if we had known that to be honest.<br /> <br /> The next day we took option C, like Veronica suggested, to avoid an unnecessary climb. Then we made an unnecessary climb following the road and not the main path, because we couldn't find the entry to the path right away and feared more bush bashing. But the path looked great from above.<br /> The rest of the route until shortly after Laguna Hermosa was really good. There is not much snow left and therefore there are not a great many places to fill up water.<br /> After Laguna Hermosa the path gets very hard to cross, due to lots of stones and gravel without a visible path.<br /> But it's very beautiful up there and finally not hot anymore.<br /> The descend has a easy to find path but is pretty slippery. Once you pass that the rest is pretty easy until the road, from where we hitchhiked to Antuco. We stayed at Camping Rucue for 15k CLP the camping lot. You pay for the lot not per person.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-19 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT08-02 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Los Sauces - Río Ñuble crossing - backtrack to Los Sauces - hitch to Termas se Chillán (GPT08 option 2) - Los Peucos - Laguna Laja - Laguna Hermosa - CONAF near Abanico <br /> <br /> San Fabian is a great place, loved swimming in the Ñuble River when it got hot. The owner of Cabañas San Fabian is super kind. I hitched back to the trail because I didn't want to wait all day for the bus that leaves at 6pm. <br /> <br /> Registered with the carabineros at El Roble, but I could not ford Río Ñuble at the RR crossing. Current was very strong, and has I been able to stand up in it, the water would have easily reached my chest (I'm165 cm). I tried several times to ford the river at three different places, several km apart from each other, with no success. I would advance in the stream until I felt I couldn't take another step without being swept, and couldn't get halfway across. I suppose I should have expected this - it's a very high snow year and mid-December. I even tried calling out for help at the puesto on the west side of the river near the &quot;no trespassing&quot; gates, but no one was there. The long walk back to Los Sauces felt very defeating. Also, the &quot;wooden bridges&quot; described by Jo and Veronika are actually only cable crossings, and inaccessible by two barbed wire fences. Not possible to cross the river there either. Ríos Los Sauces and Las Truchas only came up mid-thigh though. <br /> <br /> Regained the GPT at Termas de Chillán, Option 2. Basicall took almost the whole second day to hitch there. Beautiful trail, but steep. You get to ford hot creeks, which was pretty cool. <br /> <br /> The trail is overgrown in some places, the worst spot is between the last puesto before Los Peucos and Los Peucos. Very hard walking through, wished I had a machete. Only lasts a km or two thankfully. All three puestos before Los Peucos looked abandoned. <br /> <br /> Didn't meet anyone at Los Peucos since I got there fairly early in the morning, but the hot springs there are amazing. Really hot, clear water, a little stone pool in a garden. Loved spending time there. <br /> <br /> Taking GPT08-C avoids a pointless climb and descent on the regular route, and has a nice path the whole way. <br /> <br /> Trail gets more difficult once you start climbing up to the ridge after Laguna El Roble. The views are incredible though, absolutely spectacular. Lots of water sources up on the ridge due to many lingering snow patches. Most of them are not a problem. After the junction with GPT08-06, the trail kind of disappears. Keep an eye on the GPS as you climb and descend steeply on the slopes. It reappears again after the following camp and water waypoints. <br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa still has a couple snow patches on its shores, cold place to camp, but beautiful. After Laguna Hermosa is where it gets really challenging. There is no trail afterwards that I could find, basically cross country the whole way to the TR at 116.8 km. As you approach the &quot;trailhead&quot; waypoint, there is LOTS of scree traverses, and steep snow patches which require microspikes or extreme clambering to get around. Treacherous in some places. I fell a couple times. The ground is very loose and unstable. Things get better actually once you reach the official cross country section at Laguna Lágrima. Still some steep bits, but the ground is more consolidated, and there's more bedrock to help with traction. I reccomend taking the optional route CC-08-H. There's a faint trail to follow and it avoids clambering up on the ridge. <br /> <br /> Very glad to see a clear track again at 116.8. But still some problematic snow fields in this stretch above Laguna Toro, where it was too steep even with microspikes, and I had to do some very careful/serious climbing around. Not fun. Fell again here. Once you reach the long descent into Valle de los Carpinteros it gets much better. Still some snow in the woods over the creek. Right now you can walk on top of it like an ice bridge. There clearly was a LOT of snow here this past winter, it lingers until 1750 m or so in the south-facing valley. <br /> <br /> The puesto at 121.1 looks abandonned too.  Lots of downed trees in the area. There was no one, and no metal gate (or any gate) whatsoever before reaching the road in the National Park. <br /> <br /> The 4 days from Volcán Chillán to the end of the section, I saw no other human. I found this section also to be harder than GPT06, especially the last day. The snow complicates things. If you wish to avoid dangerous clambering and sketchy snow and scree traverses, take Option 06. The trail is good before then.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-28 to 2022-Feb-06 / 10 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo'''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces -&gt; banks of Rio Ñuble -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan (-&gt; escape to Concepción via Termas de Chillan to buy new shoes -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan) -&gt; Los Peucos -&gt; camp before Laguna Laja -&gt; Laguna Hermosa -&gt; camping Lagunillas (6 proper hiking days)<br /> <br /> Nice section again. Hot springs in the first half, beautiful views of Laguna Laja, Volcán Antuco, Siella Veluda in the second half. Laguna Hermosa is true to its name, and was the first to not have horse or cow droppings on its sandy shores :D Sad to not have crossed Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the cable car was not sure whether we could cross with our heavy backpacks, so we forded the river at Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> - From about km 20 the sides of the road are fenced. The camp at km 21.6 is no longer available. <br /> <br /> - There is a gate at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (blocking access to the trail) marked private, no entry. We saw some cars returning through a second gate (blocking access to the river) and asked if it was ok to cross the first gate. They said &quot;For you, sure.&quot; I get the impression that Chileans rather want to keep Chileans out... This gate is not a problem NOBO.<br /> <br /> - Fording Rio Ñuble was the deepest ford we ever did. Balls deep indeed! Quite doable though, as the water is clear.<br /> <br /> - There may be an alternative path on the western bank, starting at the wooden bridges at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206'. Some local at the San Fabián tourist office mentioned having hiked this way.<br /> <br /> - The trail at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (around km 30) has eroded. After searching, we had to push through some bushes on a steep ridge to continue the trail. Maybe more obvious NOBO.<br /> <br /> - At the start of the cross country at km 34.6 get to the top of the lava strip after fording the river. For us, this was easiest at S 36° 52.853', W 071° 18.793'.<br /> <br /> - The water at the camp at km 37.3 was mostly dried up. Don't count on it by the end of January.<br /> <br /> - The bus stop at Termas de Chillan is close go Hotel Nevados de Chillan. There are way more buses at Las Trancas de Chillan, 8 km down the road. Fortunately, the whole area has great 4G coverage with Entel, so you can look up the bus tables with the key words &quot;REM bus Termas de Chillan&quot;.<br /> <br /> - The CONAF camp Los Peucos has excellent hot springs and a mini shop. Camping costs 10.000 pp. The guards are very friendly and donated some fruit :)<br /> <br /> - The CC section around km 95 had a clear path, but the subsequent TL section before Laguna El Roble did not.<br /> <br /> - The trail after Laguna Hermosa was hard to find, we went quite slowly clambering on the loose scree or sand. Going down the mountain ridge at the end of the CC section was similarly difficult. Fell twice - could not find solid footing on the slope.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the puesto at km 121.6 was friendly, asked where we came from, went to, and pointed us to the exit road. She seemed friendly, but a subtle hint to &quot;please stay off my land&quot; would have been lost on us in translation. The new metal gate is easy to pass through. The CONAF guard's wife at the final CONAF post mentioned that we were hiking the &quot;sendero biologico&quot; when we mentioned Laguna Hermosa. This trail must pass over the lady's land too?<br /> <br /> - The ATM at Antuco is broken.<br /> <br /> - Supermercado Santa Teresa in Antuco sells 125ml bottles of alcohol desnaturalizado 96° in the nail polish section.v<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-24 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH Cerro Las Águilas / Molly and Melissa'''<br /> <br /> At the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> <br /> We took the bus to Abanico and hitched to the national park, not the easiest as all the cars were full. The car was stopped at the entrance, and we had to explain our route. We weren't asked to pay, probably because we weren't really going to the national park. You walk a little through it though on some nice paths, and then you reach a gravel road. Shortly after, at the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> As noted previously, after climbing to the ridge on the rr, the terrain is difficult, but the views are amazing. Not a lot of water, but we managed. Many of the campsites off route, including Laguna Hermosa, require quite a climb down.<br /> You stay high up quite a while, which gives amazing views. <br /> <br /> The cross country along Laguna Laja has a nice path all the way. Then you reach Patricio's puesto. He's very welcoming, and has had people stay in his puesto before. We just drank coffee with him though. His brother German lives in the valley right after Laguna el Roble, but his puesto is hidden in the trees.<br /> <br /> Alternative route Cerro Las Águilas<br /> We chose the Cerro las Águilas alternative, because Volcán Chillán was in yellow alert. While walking there, we met two carabineros on horseback who wanted to know which way we went. Don't know if they would have forbidden the rr. The ascent to Laguna el Lobo is through deep sand, it was very tough and took way longer than we thought. We ended up camping at the Laguna which was nice enough. The ascent from there of the first little hill seemed completely unnecessary to us, at least if you have been by the laguna, as you descend to the same level. It would be worth it to walk to the right and ascend directly on the brown mountain, following the GPS from there. The ridge walk was tough as well, a lot of scrambling. The GPS often wanted us to go right of the rocky tops, where going left or directly over often seemed easier/safer. There is no water until the valley between the two passes. There, we also found a nice campsite right after the big stream on the bottom, a little to the left.<br /> After reaching Rio Ñuble, you follow it for a long time. There are multiple streams running towards it where we had to take off our shoes - no lack of water here, though. The alternative also fords Rio Ñuble itself in a different location compared to the rr - we had no problems whatsoever there. It reached mid-thigh and wasn't too strong, and we are both around 160 cm. It is a very low snow year though, and very dry. Here would be a nice place to camp.<br /> <br /> After rejoining the rr, we decided to continue to the waypoint &quot;camp&quot;. That was a mistake, though, as everything around there is fenced in with big signs saying &quot;private property&quot;. The second campsite right after is not fenced in, but doesn't look that good on the first glance. The rest of the way to Puente Ingles is gravel road. El Roble has a house that sells sodas - it has a &quot;bebidas&quot; sign. <br /> We crossed Rio Los Sauces beneath the cable cars quite easily, the water was mid-thigh - again very dry year. <br /> <br /> Puente Ingles<br /> In Puente Ingles we stayed at a campsite a little north of the cable car crossing, marked on the map in Locus Maps as &quot;lugar&quot;. It is 10,000 per tent, there are bathrooms, cold showers and tables. They also have a cabaña which was occupied. Puente Ingles has a small shop with sodas, ice cream, tortillas, biscuits, coffee and chips. It is quite nice to bath in the river. The bus still leaves at 7 and 10 in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-15 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful view of volcán Antuco when walking up towards the ridge line by Laguna Laja and a staying at Los Peucos camping site was a big highlight on my journey on the GPT. Had my dinner in their wonderful hot spring while staring at the clear starlit sky in the cool night. Two nice guys working here and they even donated me some pasta, fruits and vegetables. Walking near the active Chillán Volcano and watching the fumaroles while being circled by a group of condors was also a cool experience. <br /> <br /> With that said, this section kicked my ass. Mainly due to some bad fitting shoes I recently bought in Los Ángeles and because I suffered from bad chafing in my butt which made me walk like I had shit my pants for a couple of days. This combined with some tough terrain (specially near Laguna Laja) and countless of horseflies made this section quite challenging for me. But definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> Like mentioned by hikers in the previous years fording Rio Ñuble can be a bit demanding especially for shorter people. It was getting late when I reached the river so I decided to camp nearby and cross the river in the morning. Had water up to the balls (i’m 189cm) and the current a bit strong but it was not too bad. <br /> Hitched a ride from Puente El Ingles to San Fabian and later jumped on a bus to Chillán to buy new shoes once again. Room with private bathroom for 15.000 at hostal El Molino in San Fabian, nice lady who owns the place.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''*2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> Volcan Chillán remains active. The regular route passes the crater closely therefore Option 1 appears currently the saver if someone does not want skip section GPT08 completely. This option passes the danger zone with more distance. In case of an eruption volcanic ash is likely to affect Option 1 but the risk of direct volcanic effects is lower (flash flood from melting snow and glaciers, land slides, lava and flying rocks). <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> Just want to say quick that the termas vapaors in Mèdano are worth checking out, I highly recommend them. Please consider checking them out, they are only ½ km off the trail and absolutely worth it. They are sauna boxes built around a few hot rocks emitting hot steam. The result is a steam room/ sauna experience. I personally spend over 4 hours chilling out in the steam rooms.<br /> After a 2-hour road walk on the side of the highway you make your way back on trial. This section takes you thru many areas used for grazing livestock with puestos in sight almost all the time. Carizales a small settlement right on trail has a small store and the family also sells bread. There was also a puesto that sold us fresh goat cheese and Coca Cola. It is marked as a waypoint on the GPX file about 20km south of Carizales. Much of the trail is very dry and exposed and the landscape is void of trees and vegetation. There are many great places to jump into the river and cool off. The section up and around the lake offers great views of the mountains, volcanoes nearby and Laguna Dial. The trail itself is well established and never had any real trouble navigation. There were also quite a few hot springs on trail or close by.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Hot and Exposed (especially in summertime). Resupply Distance.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot springs. Great sweeping views. Pools of cool water to jump into in the middle of the day.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option l start south OH 08 - 02 / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Solo. Because I was not allowed to walk close to the Volcanoe by the carabineros, following the RR, had to take the optional start south OH 08 - 02, in Nevados de Chillán Ski Resort. Funny enough, I walked the first day across the volcanoe anyway, it had some smoke coming out but nothing dangerous happened. Then followed RR to the end. Cross country segments in the ridge close to Laguna del Laja were demanding and not ideal for a solo hiker. But it was worth the effort, one of the most amazing views I have seen so far. Beautiful section. Resupplied and stayed for one night in Abanico.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-05 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR /Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Can ford river @ los sauces easily rather than walking from Puente Ingles. Cable Car was all<br /> Locked up. Registration @ El Roble like the others. We camped at the hot rivers close to Volcan Chillan and I fucked up with the gasoline in my stove. Buzzkill...: but Fortunately there was an exit to Termas De Chillan close. We got rides easily from the road.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Starting at El Ingles and hiking southbound towards Abanico. Lovely section however can be slow at times when the track is hard to follow. <br /> We had to register with the Carabineros at El Roble. Before crossing Rio Nuble there is a large gate with ‘private property: no entry’ written on it. We found this off putting. The river crossing itself was fine in the early morning but could be challenging without trekking poles and with a very heavy pack. <br /> After the Laguna de La Laja the track becomes especially more challenging and rocky. In poor weather it could be dangerous given the slippery slopes and steep descents. <br /> We honestly found this section harder than GPT06 and would swap the difficulty ratings. <br /> Took a bus into Los Angeles at 5pm to resupply for the next section. Did not investigate Abanico as we caught the bus as it was leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional hike along Laguna de la Laja / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces to Abanico.<br /> <br /> Los Sauces: If you tell the bus driver you want to cross the river by cable car (carro azul) he honks at the bus stop and señor Marcial comes from the other side to get you.<br /> Ford Rio Ñuble: If you are a dwarf like me, you should ask your taller hiking partner to carry your backpack, otherwise it will get wet. Demanding.<br /> Volcan Chillan: PLEASE NOTE: We were absolutely aware that our buddy Volcano could erupt or explode at ANY GIVEN MOMENT and that this was NOT a SAFE option to hike. (But it was beautiful! ...and a bit overgrown in some places. There is not much of the trail left before the first pass.)<br /> Laguna de la Laja: It was beautiful but we definitively wouldn't recommend it. There is no trail along the Laguna. At the beginning you can walk on cow tracks close to the waterfront. Afterwards it's 15 km of cross country. The 3 km into the third inlet took us 3 hours and were really dangerous because of loose rocks and steep cliffs. The following investigation part (@08-04-#002) was mainly a quite nice trail, but we lost it twice and it took us ages to find it again, and in this steep and not very easy terrain you don't want to loose the trail. We were really glad when we got back to the regular route.<br /> From Abanico there are several buses per day going directly to Los Angeles. Resupply in Abanico is possible.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We had to register in Carabinieros. They didn't have a problem with leting us go even regular route, seemed like eventual crossing to Argentina is their primary issue. <br /> Optional 1 - to the juction with valley walk without problem. Cross coutry part on the ridge was easy to navigate. On downhill there is no trail so we went crosscountry again. It's bit overgrown in some spots, we found trail cca after half of descend. Last flowing water is before juction with valley walk. We saw some water holes cca 2-3km before Laguna de Lobo. <br /> Rest of the regular trail - cross coutry sections were demanding. Otherwise no problem. <br /> We got hitch to Los Angeles after CONAF station so no idea about resuply or accomodation.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Jan-13 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo '''<br /> Volcán Chillán was in &quot;alerta naranja&quot;.<br /> Río Ñuble impassable at S36° 50.188' W71° 14.935' Better continue following the minor road in the alternative route.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> When hiking the alternative east route (Paso Aguila) do not descend to the valley at S36° 57.919' W71° 14.752'. It's unmantained and overgrounded, because of recent forest fires. Better stay above the tree line until Laguna El Lobo.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Abanico<br /> At least one restaurant with pizza<br /> Store?<br /> <br /> *Antuco (from Abanico)<br /> Many smaller supermarkets, which have most things - easy enough to resupply here.<br /> One of the two ferreterías has gas (the one furthest from Abanico).<br /> Many accommodation options and some restaurants. March 2024: Good Accomodation with a nice Mapuche family in a single room, shared bath with hot shower, washing machine and including breakfast 18000 peso: Fanny, +56 9 9404 4771.<br /> There is an ATM (Fee: 5500)at the town square southend of town which even gives some smaller notes.<br /> Bus to Los Angeles<br /> <br /> *Camping Parque Antuco : <br /> 10k for camping. Cabañas also. Nice calm place, swimming pool, shade. Electricity and hot showers. Homemade empanadas. Bernabe the owner is really kind and know about the GPT. His number +56 9 9507 2559. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles<br /> Store with chips, ice cream, bread, chocolate, sodas. Possibly some accomodation option at the store. Campground with one cabaña a little further down the room - sign says cabañas - 10,000 per tent, toilets with cold showers and a room with a fireplace for cooking<br /> <br /> *San Fabián (from Puente Ingles)<br /> Many accommodation options - almost everything was fully booked when we were there (Feb 2022). <br /> Supermercado La Montaña seems to be the best option - not the easiest place to resupply, but definitely possible. Harder than in Antuco.<br /> Great Venezuelan restaurant Canela Passion. <br /> Bus to San Carlos<br /> <br /> *San Fabian - Fev 2025 (Clara) : <br /> - Very good resupply possible in the supermarket Los Alvis.<br /> - Accomodation : cabaña nativa : very nice cabanas clean, big confortable bed, climatisation, kitchen, pools, jacuzzi. 35k for a 2 persons cabaña (for 1 person). Just in front when you go out, there is a place where you can buy very good tortillas de rescoldo and pan amasado. Lots of restaurants. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2025 - 02 : there are direct buses from Chillan to San Fabian. Then San Fabian to Puente Ingles. Buses at 2 pm and 6 p.m. in front of the carabineros including Sundays and Holidays. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles to San Fabián<br /> Bus at 7 am and 10 am - leaves from the campground, drives to the shop and the back again towards San Fabián<br /> <br /> *Bus from Antuco to Los Angeles about once an hour in daytime. <br /> <br /> *A few buses from Abanico to Antuco or you can hitch fairly easily.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> <br /> Bus from Chillan (Terminal La Merced) a Thermas de Chillan at 8 am and 2 pm (weekends at 1:30 pm) for 3900 Pesos. The buscompany is &quot;Rembus&quot;. Their Website isn't up to date, but you can check their Facebook page for informationen.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> * At the puesto (120,6/1513), the owner does not want us to pass through his land (as of 02/02/2025). He clearly stated that it is private property. It might now be preferable to take a detour through BB, passing well to the right beforehand and rejoining the path well after his house (which was under construction with many tents around it at that time)? (Peggy)<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT08 - Volcán Chillan]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:Segundo_Rio_Termal_zona_cascadas.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|This river is hot! Aguas Calientes Valley]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (8).jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Laguna Laja and [[Volcán Antuco]], by Matúš Lašan]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT08_(Volcan_Chillan)&diff=122430 2025-08-09T10:11:18Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - I re-route the Regular Route of GPT08 due to the right-of-way at Mallin el Toro at the southern terminus of GPT08 (about 4 km north of road between Abanico and Laguna Las Lajas). The Regular Route now descents when hiking Sobo Rio Polcura and the hydro-power station El Toro.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' GPT 08 - NOBO - right of way issue Mallin del Toro / Robin and Manon / Published on Facebook 2025-03-12 '''<br /> <br /> With Manon Petit we walked GPT08 NOBO from Antuco. We had some kind of escape game in Antuco to find a solution to the right of way issue at Mallin del Toro. We were not super keen to try the ridge route from Célio Lebailly or Tobias Schorcht, as it trespassed the first gate and looked nasty from below. We talked to a local guide Jorge from Cardinal Adventure (+56 9 5848 1699, can rent material for Antuco), our host Fanny at refugio Antumapu (+56 9 9404 4771 very welcoming and nice, super cheap) and our friends Pablo and Rachel encountered in a hitchhike a few days before. All were aware of the events and did their possible to help out as it impacts tourism in Antuco. Here's what we can tell : <br /> - there has been a serious events in December. Cyclists were confronted by the arriero and friends about some damage done apparently, then molested and their bikes were retained/robbed. Turns out one of the guy was the son of a Los Angeles judge, and there is a case open in court about the events. From there the access has been denied to anyone. We talked with Enrique Marisol the arriero (+56 9 6285 2347). Here is his answer : &quot;Hola buenas tardes <br /> Desgraciadamente está restringido el tránsito por el interior del predio solo se permite el ingreso a los residentes,tenemos el lugar ocupado por animales en pastoreo ojalá entienda que no está permitido el paso por el interior <br /> Desgraciadamente los mismos turista han provocado en nosotros la molestia actuando de mala fe como rompiendo cercas .derribando nuestros portones dejando que nuestros animales se escapen a predios aledaños ocasionando gastos humanos logísticos y pérdida de algunos animales&quot;<br /> - Our friends finally found out who the dueña is, she is of a family nicknamed here &quot;pichimosca&quot; (small flies), known in Antuco for not being friendly and causing problems. She is the one forbidding access.<br /> - the Antuco municipality is actively trying to resolve the situation<br /> - Carabineros have no hold on this and advise to avoid the area<br /> - Once the persons heard the name of the dueña, they all advised to avoid the area and not having problems with this family. The arriero Enrique is not well appreciated neither, and as far as we understood, he took part in molesting the cyclists.<br /> Concerning options to avoid Mallin del toro<br /> - the Rayenco central in option 6 is a private ground an permit is required to trespass. It is granted if prior permit from one of the two owners of the Campos higher up the Polcura valle. <br /> - the two administrators are Engelbert Egger (+56 9 9239 2826) in fonde del Ciervo on the right bank. Working for an Austrian company of forestal management; and Juan Carlos Navarrete (+56 9 8514 3202) on the left bank. <br /> - we got autorisation from Engelbert, who even picked us up in Antuco and dropped us in fonde del Ciervo. Nice guy, curious about what we're doing. Doesn't want this to be a touristic route, but seemed OK to grant permits to GPT hikers.<br /> - he warned us about troubles with Juan Carlos. Turns out this is the same dueña as Mallin del Toro. The option 6 passes by his puesto and then veraneras before joining the ridge. Since Engelbert dropped us 14km upstream from the bridge, we crossed the Polcura there (not feasible earlier in the season I guess), backtracked on the left bank, and took an OSM route from S 37° 13.017', W 071° 25.823' to the ridge a little before the puesto. Didn't meet Juan Carlos. We joined the RR at S 37° 14.024', W 071° 23.514'.<br /> - the local guide Jorge told us about another solution: bypass with a zodiac on the lake. Héctor Burgos (+56 9 4944 4909) has one and is willing to offer his services. Contact him beforehand as he works in the mines and needs to plan he mentioned 110 kCLP for the transfer.<br /> - another solution is getting up the Polcura valle directly to Los Peucos. This is way shorter, and trail all the way on both banks. You'd miss the ridge, and the trouble !<br /> Hope this is clear enough, lots of info, I'll put that in the wiki. Overall the Mallin del Toro situation should be taken seriously<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-27 to 2025-03-31 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + OH G + OH H + own route around Puesto/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Came from Talca and took the 2pm bus from Terminal Merced to Termas de Chillán. Arrived at 4:30pm and was the last one in the bus. Had to walk 1.5km on the road to reach OH 02. The trail to Pass {08-02} [2.8/2371] was easy, but very steep. No fun, i was stressed a lot because of time pressure, had only 3 hours of daylight left. Hurried down through the incredible Valle Aguas Calientes - what a pity! First hot spring was already occupied with tents. Could have camped near a hot river, but maybe not easy to reach the hot river in the dark. Therefore i continued until Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. Don't recommend this place, the evening and night was super windy, although it was less windy at the pass! Didn't dare to leave the tent to take a bath and didn't fall asleep before 3am. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Prepared everything and took a bath in the morning. So good!! RR was wet and sometimes not visible in the valley. Improved soon. Ford {08} [47.4/1390] was below knee and fast flowing. Ford {08} [48.4/1334] was mid tigh (i'm 1.73) and fast flowing. At Puesto {08} [49.6/1423] i saw 2 simple huts: one was locked. Ford {08} [50.5/1305] was possible dry feet. Ford {08} [64.1/1164] was also possible dry feet. Went to Camping Los Peucos and met 2 guys from Conaf. They told me the Camping is now officially closed due to problems with administration. Arrived late and was allowed to stay, very nice gardaparques. I hope they reopen soon, this place is awesome.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Short day due to weather forcast: 35l rain and 80km/h winds in the evening and night. All 4 fords at the MR were easy and low, but Ford {08} [71.3/1089] was very long. At least 5 apple trees at OH E! Sendero Los Ratones is nice, but some fallen trees. Searched for a camspot near the pass in the lenga forest. Stayed here on a not really flat place: <br /> -37.128033, -71.3195. Indeed tons of rain after 8pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Started late at 10am, when rain stopped. Again some fallen trees. Soon i found better and bigger places to camp in the forest, the altitude-lines didn't let me expect this. No more dust! Trail until Laguna Roble was nice and beautiful. Below Laguna Roble i found a rabbit caught in a wire loop. I freed the poor animal, 100m further i saw a dead rabbit in another wire loop. Both campspots at Laguna Roble are nice and well protected in case if bad weather. <br /> Was lucky to climb to Pass {08} [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) on a cool day. Great views from the ridge! Also nice trail. After X {08} [105.4/1934] 200m CC. Camp {08} [106.6/1938] isn't flat. Followed the wrong trail and continued CC at the same altitude until i reached the RR again. Took OH G to get to Laguna Hermosa. Easy CC. Didn’t like the camp at the beach, not good in case of unstable weather. Stayed here: -37.27434, -71.383359 a bit further up. 100m below there is a well sheltered spot between bushes. Started snowing after i pitched the tent. Very cold night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Sunny day, but cold and some snow at the mountains. The following km at the ridge were a bit difficult due to snow and ice. Snow covered the trail and made it difficult to follow. Fortunately i saw animal footprints - wild animals appriciate our trails! Took OH H, there is a nice trail. The beginning of the descent was very steep and still frozen. Improved in the forest. Met two Arrieros with horses and 4 aggressive dogs. Wanted to sneak around Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] to avoid right-of-way issue. First try was a fail - the vegetation was way too dense. Here -37.347131, -71.391773 i could follow an animal trail, which leads to a big meadow. Hiked on the meadow to the MR. Only downside: i was visible from the house, nothing happened. I guess: it's possible to sneak in NoBo when walking early or late when it's dark. Nice trail near Estero El Toro. Walked on the PR and got a very friendly hitch with a chilean couple to Los Ángeles.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-14 to 2025-03-16 /3 days / HIKING/ NOBO / OH 02 + RR /Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We tried to to take the OH06 to avoid the right of way issue but when you go Nobo you have to go through the hydroelectrical central. For that you have to go there with one of the landowner located after the central. So we followed the advice of Robin and Manon and contacted Engelbert Egger (+56992392826). He's very Kind but he wasn't in Abanico at this time so he gave us the number of an other man wo has a puesto after the central. He wasn't available as well so we decided to start from Termas de Chillan to avoid this part. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : we started from Termas de Chillan and took the OH 02. We went up to the pass, easy trail. We went down to the agua caliente valley, very beautifull and almost all rivers are hot. There is one amazing just after the camp [37.3/2157] where you can bath. <br /> We slept at camp 40.3 where the hot spring is so nice as well. <br /> <br /> Day 2: we went up to the pass 39.1 quite sandy but the ascent is short. When we went down we lost the RR because we followed a more obvious trace so keep looking at the GPS. We <br /> reached RR again and followed the route until pass 33.2. Then we went down to the valley of estero Quebrado. At camp 29.5 we lost the track and ended in bamboo fight, so stay to the right side of the estero and it will be fine. <br /> We reached Rio Ñuble and crossed it preatty easily at the exact point on Locus because rivers are lower at this time of the year. We camped here S 36° 48.882', W 071° 15.278' but the camp 20.3 is fine also. The other places are protected by fences and big signs are saying that camping is prohibited.<br /> Day 3: we walked all the way to Puente Engles and found a lift to go to San Fabian de Alico. We slept at the Jahuel camping (15min from center and 8000p/p) nice restaurant : Zambie I Canuta.<br /> Took the bus next morning at 6:20AM to Chillan.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-23 to 2025-03-02 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> We sticked to the main route the whole time. !!!We had problems at the end of the main Route. Its best to use Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid right of ways issue.!!!<br /> <br /> Travel:<br /> At this section our trip ended that’s why we hitchhiked to Antuco and even though it was Sunday we were able to buy a ticket for a nightbus directly from Antuco to Santiago. The bus left at 22:15 and arrived at 05:30 the following day costing the two of us 54 euros. <br /> <br /> Permissions:<br /> In the beginning is a gate a little bit before the marked gate at kilometre 22.8. The gate has signes on it stating that everything is private property and nobody is allowed to enter. The land is owned by a really nice man called Juan. His phone number is +56973133339. He is carrying his phone all the time so just give him a call before entering. He was really friendly to us and gave us immediate permission to cross his territory.<br /> When entering Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja don’t worry about getting a permission to continue hiking. We went to the Park Ranger at km 63.9 and he told us that no permission is needed to cross the national park.<br /> !!!The landowner at km 120.6 doesn’t let any hiker pass! No matter whether hiking SOBO or NOBO. There is also no way to get a permission. That’s why we highly recommend taking the Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid these problems. He is a really straightforward person who makes you turn around no matter of how much water or food you still have left.!!!<br /> 
Resupply:<br /> No shops on the whole trail.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 4-5/5<br /> Difficulty: 4/5<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 08 / 2025-02-13 to 2025-02-07/ 7 days / NOBO / Mara &amp; Tobias*'''<br /> <br /> short: Avoided the right of way conflict at Puesto {08} [121.6/1513] by taking the ridge (difficulty 6). Water {08} [107.7/1951] is almost dried out. Aggressive cows in the valley close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449].<br /> <br /> Day 1: startet at Gate {08} [126.2/1339] at 12:30 and met Enrico there, who told us to not pass. After chatting a bit with him he told us to wait 20 minutes, until he left with the car and go for the ridge. So we entered after a while, went up the road and found water at -37.35773, -71.38068. From the satellite images variant A (photo) looked ok, but in real live seemed to be a bad idea. So we went for variant B, which took us 3 hours. Very steep, loose rocks, one part with climbing (difficulty 2). With the food for 7 days in the backpack not a joy 😂. While we were climbing up, we saw 3 cars passing the road. So be aware when you sneak in. Camped at laguna los Cóndores. Perfect Spot!<br /> <br /> Day 2: walked to Camp {08} [107.6/1938]. The marked spot should be shifted up to 37.24611 -71.39138 the shoulder right before (NOBO). Met Adrian, Julian and Valentin there who camped SOBO and camped beside us. Had nice conversations. Adrian warned us about the aggressive cows next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Went to Camp {08} [88.1/1514] and met Clara on the way. Cows close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449] showed an aggressive behaviour. Maybe it was the herd who were hunting the boys the day before. We had to do a 20 minutes detour up the valley to keep distance. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Went to camping Los Peucos and enjoyed the hot water.<br /> <br /> Day 5-7: walked to Puente Inglés without difficulties. Crossed Río Nuble with dry feet on horseback’s. 2 Arrieros (Guillermo and Renato) took us on the other side. Water was not deep either.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''10Fev2025 - 17fec2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH1+new - varE - G - H - I - J / 7.5 days (with one half day at termas) / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Left the bus to Puente El Ingles here -36,67295, -71,29201 before los sauces (as Tomáš and Natalie said), easy road to the river and dry feet crossing. <br /> Lots of workers there, I was luckey to get a ride to El Roble after few hot MR walking km. <br /> Carabineros are nice, just want you to register and check out you have a good gps + satellite. <br /> <br /> <br /> Fords : <br /> - Rio ñuble: at 10am deep and flowing fast, I didn't feel it (1.57m, alone and i'm not used to fords). I knew it would probably be like this so I took OH1 and went back RR (thanks a lot Peggy and Dorota!!). Ford at the indicated place on OH1 is easy, water to knee flowing slow at noon. <br /> <br /> -Rio diguillin : 47.4 was easy (fast flowing but around knee). 48.4 harder (water to crotch, flowing fast), I did it few meters upper to tracks (exactly here : -36,93565, -71,40355)<br /> <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> <br /> - to avoid ford of rio ñuble : OH1 is easy with 2 nice camp spots (-36,85676, -71,22440 and -36,86615, -71,21507) and lot of streams flowing. Trail in the other direction is mainly in good conditions but sometimes disappear + cow paths make you going in bushes and loosing time (so if it can helps, this is 4 positions that I marked with my gps when I went back on the good trail just after loosing myself : <br /> S36.852906° O071.228763° /<br /> S36.850995° O071.230381° /<br /> S36.844944° O071.235431° /<br /> S36.839085° O071.245746°)<br /> <br /> Maybe (probably), there are other easy spots earlier to ford Rio ñuble and take the trail at the opposite side, especially when it gets close to the river, but I didn't explore it at all. <br /> And back on the other side of Rio ñuble... 3h30 later !! But I was very happy with it as it worked and was very easy. <br /> <br /> -I found not so much bamboo fight, maybe it have been cleared by all the people passing. I avoided one taking the good trail on the other side of the river around camp 29.5. 2 additional fords but very easy. (Cross river here S36.856564° O071.75578°, and then here S36.858440° O071.279470° to go back on RR)<br /> <br /> - CC part on the ridge after km113 is more demanding in terms of navigation and terrain. Some cairns helping (but once leed me in wrong and exposed direction). I ended up on varH without noticing but it felt good as there was less wind than directly on the ridge and a good trail. <br /> <br /> - I had still lot's of food so I took the ridge slow and went for the lakes (thank's to Sergio advise, and food!). Var G for laguna hermosa is easy CC, 20 min down. The lake is a beautiful ++ spot to camp (or lunch/swim), I found it way nicer than Laguna El Roble ! No water flowing upper to the lake at this time but water from the lake is perfectly clear and fresh. <br /> Var I looked nicer than RR for this steep going down. <br /> Then var J : good trails to go to laguna El Toro and to the viewpoint of laguna los condores. Not sure if you really can go down at this one and didn't look like there is place to camp. <br /> <br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> <br /> - Planned to camp at Camp 20.3 but the place was not nice and no water so went to next spot not marked here -36,81470, -71,25463. (Camp 21.6 is not good too, there is a fence and private property)<br /> <br /> - -36,85684, -71,27580. A bit before camp 29.5. <br /> <br /> - termas 40 : very nice spot. Incredible termas !!<br /> <br /> - camping Los Peucos : nothing to add about termas and camping. Sergio is amazing and very generous. The day after he had to do some stuff with trashes and he proposed me to come with him by car. He took me to the viewpoint of salto del blanquillo on OH3 that was nice and then left me around beginig of VarE<br /> <br /> - camp 87.1 : nice fresh water flowing just down to the spot.<br /> <br /> - camp 102.3 : there is actually a thin water just down, sufficient to cook and drink. The spot has an amazing view. Flat spot perfect for tent exactly here -37,21391, -71,37187. Not totally wind protected so better watch before how it's gonna be for the night ! <br /> <br /> - laguna El Toro : is not as perfect as laguna hermosa (and water is not as fresh and clear, maybe better to take water from the little stream on the path going down to the lake) but it's still a nice place to camp. Frozed in the night. <br /> <br /> <br /> Water : 27.5 is not really good (more muddy and stagnant water). Other markers are good. <br /> <br /> No snow. <br /> <br /> <br /> Right of way issues : <br /> - at puesto 120 : 5 very agressive dogs running and barking on me when I arrived. As others, the guy told me it's a private property and doesn't let people go since this season (because of trashes and fires). He was not angry and had to let me pass in this way but precise me that he won't let anyone in the opposite. Need to find an alternative way if you really want to go NOBO here, and don't approch the puesto.<br /> <br /> - cows around km88 where not aggressive with me but not friendly type neither. <br /> <br /> I can advise camping parque Antuco. Nice and calm place with shade and swimming pool. Homemade empanadas. Camp10k with electricity and perfect hot showers. Bernabe the owner is really nice and know about the GPT. Had really good talks with him !<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-JAN-29 to 2025-Feb-2 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Elijah &amp; Michael<br /> <br /> Rio Nuble remains a challenging crossing with water coming waist high at 174 cm. Trail is overgrown with Bamboo Grass up to the second pass, however improves thereafter. <br /> <br /> Both the undeveloped termas after the second pass, as well as Los Peucos are highly recommended. Camping &amp; rustic cabanas available at Los Puecos; as noted, Sergio is warm, welcoming, and generous with his available supplies. <br /> <br /> El Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] informed us that we were trespassing on private property and allowed us to pass on the stipulation that we never return. <br /> <br /> Antuco Base Camp sells hot coffee, cookies, chocolate, and at lunch, pizza. Light traffic on road to Antuco (Sunday). <br /> <br /> (Option 1: Michael split from RR to hike this option. Second marked puesto busy &amp; welcoming. No water available after basin before ridge walk, until Laguna el Lobo. Good views, comparable to Traversia Polcura.) <br /> <br /> '''2024-01-16 to 2014-01-26 / 1day+10days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 1+new trail / Dorota+Peggy till los Puecos, after that Dorota'''<br /> <br /> Very demanding stage because of Rio Nuble<br /> <br /> 1Day: I walked alone and have idea to cross the river Nuble at km 22.0 km (-36.82021, -71.25381) at first gate. Then followed river, and after puesto I found trail. My idea was destroyed for next river and also on the other side I did not see possibility to continúe. So I backtrack to camping El Ingles and joined Peggy.<br /> <br /> Day2: We could not crossed safely Nuble. Night at km 21.6<br /> <br /> Day3: We continued option 08-01. It was possiblity of storm so we went to puesto (08-01)[8.0/1136]. We spent here night and learned how to made sopapillas and bread. Patricia y Juan gave us a lot of food. Juan explain us that exist path on other side of river (reffering to option1) which leads to termas. <br /> <br /> Day4: We risked to follow his innstruction and we reached the track RR. So if you would like to do this option: take variant 01, cross the river Nuble at about km 6.5 (-36.86712,-71.21317). And then not followed option 1. Instead turn right and followed path on the other side. You need to make some adicional kilometers, but it was worth of it. <br /> <br /> Day5: we reached termas. There was nice spot with two places for tent.(-36.90435, -71.35763)<br /> <br /> Day6: volcano Chillan using variant Natalie-Tomas. Till 2500 m nice visible path. Then sometimies. There were snowfields, only one with spikes. We met pair from Germany.<br /> <br /> Day7: We spend a lot of time for find good place for passing river Daulagin. We have crossed 100 m down stream. I have 1.64 cm, peggy 1.60 cm. Cuarrent very strong, water to hips. I reached camping los Puecos.<br /> <br /> Day7: Rest day at Puecos. Night at &quot;quincho&quot; house with place for fire. Price 15.000 clp. Ranger Sergio gave us a lot of food, breakfast and dinner. Also gas and food. He didnot like money adicional. Hot springs excepcional.<br /> <br /> Day9: I followed trail alone. Between 82.9 and 84.2 a lot tress and sometimes trail is not visible. Night at km 88.4.<br /> <br /> Day 10: views from the ridge were amazing. Between km 110.2 and 113.1 the trail very often is not visible. I camped at km 111. Water from snow.<br /> <br /> Day11: There were not water till km 117. Meeting with Rodrigo at his puesto were not so bad. At the beginnig I started to apologize that I am on his territory. Night at camping Antuco in luxury cabana for 4 personas. Price 30000 clp. Owner in the evening took me to Abanico to restaurant and buying some food. Very nice place.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-27 / 7 days + 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR from thermas de Chillán, Option 08-D + volcano Chillán / Chris &amp; Julia<br /> '''<br /> <br /> Tldr: Final ridge is difficult (navigation &amp; terrain), we had insane winds. Water [118.3/1733] is campable. All fords managable (2 pers, one 181cm), one a bit tricky to navigate. Option 08-D preferable. Dont miss out on Los Peucos!<br /> <br /> Skipped due to Rio Nubles to valles de agua caliente.<br /> Climbing volcan Chillán was a nightmare made from ashes and loose rocks. Saw condors from maybe 5m away and got blessed with amazing views. it took us in total approx. 7hrs. Many snowfields to cross and no real path, its just... very very steep.<br /> Valle de agua caliente was very nice, but also crowded. The water is not particularly hot, but relaxing &amp; nice during daytime. The first river that needs to be crossed to join the RR was pretty hot (almost burned my foot when crossing). We were a bit bummed, we didnt try to find a bathing spot there, away from the people and with some steam ;)<br /> Fording Rio Diguilli approx hip high and medium current, second crossing was easier than first but hard to navigate. At the marked location is a good spot, just hard to get there as the path was swept away. We followed horse tracks, last 20m pushed through bushes, climbed down and then traced the river approx. 20-40m upstream to the marked fording and crossed there. <br /> Los Peucos is a heaven, no shop though, so plan supplies accordingly! If lucky and he had a recent resupply run, he might sell you some food, but its not certain. Sergio is super nice &amp; welcoming, hot pools are suuuuper relaxing! Wifi available. 15kCLP pp.<br /> We took Option 08-D (some CC that Sergio (Los Peucos) recommended) to only cross Rio Polcura once. We crossed approx 200m downstream of the marked location where it was more narrow, less current but a bit deeper. We did this because it was easier to judge whats coming and it was belly high, but due to little current very managable. Rather a nice cool dip. We saw horse tracks exiting the trail a bit earlier to the left than the Option 08-D. Arrieros know best, i suspect this might be their trail, worth checking out!<br /> As others mentioned before, we also took the road and not the RR parallel to the river. We saw arrieros use it on horses, but with backpacks its hard and not enjoyable.<br /> Camp [97.8/1456] at Laguna el Roble was a dream spot. The ascend after was a dream too, 2hrs, amazing views.<br /> Final ridge approx from the salida de emergencia ongoing was hard to navigate, challenging terrain, insane winds! Took longer than expected!<br /> Camp [106.6/1938] looked not flat but okay, but water supply rather trickling than flowing. <br /> We camped at not-marked location very close to Water [118.3/1733] (when the path gets muddy, after crossing the little flow from the left, little ascend and then to the right is a nice flat spot between fallen trees). The water is actually a source and had wonderful cold &amp; fresh water flowing. <br /> <br /> In Antuco we found through asking a shop owner a little room, hosted by nice lady Sara: 3 beds, power outlets, wifi (fast), shower (warm-ish), watercooker, microwave, clean, central (near bigmarket) for 40.000CLP per night for it all. Her Whatsapp: +56 9 8503 8261<br /> No kitchen though.<br /> <br /> Wonderful and diverse section! Loved every bit of it!<br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-02 to 2024-Jan-12 / 3 days+8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, backtrack from Rio Nubles, OH02, OH02A / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> In short - we didn't cross Rio nubles and backtracked to opt 02.<br /> Great hot springs<br /> An angry guy at puesto [120.6/1513]<br /> <br /> Trail from Puente Ingles is an MR. There is a lot of worker traffic and it's easy to hitchhike.<br /> At Camp [21.6/873] there is a fence and it's currently impossible to camp there. At the same spot there is a cable bridge. We climbed the fence and tried to cross, but the cart was on the other side of the river and we didn't see anybody.<br /> <br /> We camped near Rio Nubles ford waypoint in order to try it early in the morning.<br /> The current was too strong and we didn't maage to cross the river (we are 170 cm)<br /> We decided to go upstream using option 10, cross the river, and try to go back to RR on the other side.<br /> We crossed the river at (-36.86714, -71.21322) and started hiking south.<br /> It was hard BB and we hiked about 1.5 km in 4 hours.<br /> We saw the river got wide so we decided to cross it again, stop suffering, backtrack and take a bus to thermas de chillan.<br /> <br /> We took a bus from Chillan to Termas de Chillan at 13:30 on Sunday. We walked about 1 km on the paved road and climbed to the first hot springs. There was a small not so warm pool.<br /> <br /> 2nd day - we climbed to Volcan Chillan. There was some snow but it was easy without spikes.<br /> Slept in the amazing Valle de Agua Caliente and enjoyed a hot bath in the hot river at night.<br /> <br /> 3rd day - We planned to get to Los Peucos but decided to spend more time in the hot springs valley and started hiking at noon. The ford in [48.4/1334] was quite hard. At afternoon the water reached our belly button, current was strong, rock at bottom slippery. <br /> We camped near ford [50.5/1305]. There was a fir pit.<br /> <br /> 4th day - we hiked to Los Peucos. Sergio the ranger accepted selling us some food (flour, eggs, cheese, pasta, tuna, pastrami). Payed 15,000 clp each for food+hot spring+camp. The hot springs were amazing! The best so far for us. You get to fill your own pool before going in so it's clean and warm! There's wifi and a place to charge as well. <br /> <br /> 5th day - we camped at (-37.10491, -71.31605) no water. Saw puma foot prints the next morning, and a research camera a little before camp. <br /> <br /> 6th day - saw Laguna de laja and volcan Antuco from afar for the first time. camped near Laguna De Roble, swem and rested in the afternoon. Beautiful place! A lot of ducks.<br /> <br /> 7th day - the path was clear most of the time and the view really nice.<br /> We camped at (-37.178223,-71.235131) - beautiful place with a view to volcan Antuco, water from melted snow.<br /> <br /> 8th day - watch out as going down the trail to the last valley- it looks innocent, but is actually quite steep and dirt is slippery, and land is hard and painful to fall on. Had some nasty falls on our butts! <br /> At puesto [120.6/1513] a guy named Ricardo was angry at us for entering his private property, but had no choice but let us continue down.We think he might not let NOBO hikers go up the valley.<br /> Finally we hitchhiked to Antuco. There was a lot of traffic on Sunday.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-21 to 2024-Dec-26 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, variant E, Option 2 / Sean &amp; Neele<br /> '''<br /> <br /> At the park entrance on the road they asked where we were going, once we explained we were going north to termas de chillan they asked to see the route. Wasn't a problem they just seemed curious, let us in without paying.<br /> <br /> Puesto 120km - lots of people camping in this area on a Friday.<br /> <br /> 117km to 107km - snow present. It's manageable but slowed our progress. Around 113km is the worst of it. North of 107km some very small patches but nothing difficult.<br /> <br /> Camp 106.6km - very wet at the moment there's a better option about 500m sobo.<br /> <br /> Camp without water 102.3 - currently has plenty of water.<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 87.1km - lots of horseflies<br /> <br /> Ford 71.3km - easy at 4pm<br /> <br /> Ford 66.4, 64.1 and 63.7km - also easy<br /> <br /> Camping Los Puecos 63.9km - great spot hot spring was a bit too hot for us. Host was a legend; he brought us breakfast on Christmas.<br /> <br /> Ford 48.4km - Very strong. Crossed around 5:30pm hip deep for Neele (1.61m). We took our time finding a suitable place to cross and ended up about 250m upstream from RR.<br /> <br /> Camped at Ford 47.4km eastern side downstream there's a great camp spot with a fire ring.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.4km is really amazing<br /> <br /> We took option 2 to Termas de Chillan to avoid Rio Nuble. Some snow but really not a problem.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-18 &gt; 20 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / frontiere argentine(voir GPT07) &gt; RR &gt; frontiere argentine &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT07+GPT08<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : passage de rivière difficile, foret d'arbres morts, neige sur pente raide.<br /> <br /> Le passage du Rio Nuble n'est pas facile, meme le matin. La fin du sentier avant la grande montee est vraiment difficile a suivre car peu empruntée et milieu humide avec beaucoup de vegetation. En revanche la montée est parfaitement entretenue.<br /> La crete est un vrai plaisir, mais elle est exigente physiquement et il n'y a pas d'eau ni de sentier. Les parties sableuses sont difficile car il y a des trous sous le sable. Pour la descente vers le Rio Polcura, il suffit de suivre le sentier. La riviere est facile a passer.<br /> Ensuite la premiere partie vers le lac est en mauvais etat meme si le chemin est bien visible. La foret est morte alors attention aux chutes de branches. La derniere crete est tres belle, mais il y a beaucoup de neige dans des endroits tres raide. Impossible a faire si la neige est glacée. La derniere descente est propre mais il y a beaucoup de moustiques dans le grand pré. La fin du dernier jour s'est faite sous un ciel menaçant, je me suis depeché de descendre pour retrouver de la chaleur et des endroits plats en cas de pluie. J'ai rejoint Los Angeles le lendemain avec 4km de marche, 5km en stop, puis en bus depuis Abanico par le bus de 8h45.<br /> DEC-21 : Repos Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-13 to 2024-DEC-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. E, 06, 06B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel '''<br /> <br /> This stage is full of incredible diversity, encompassing almost everything. Epic views, challenging terrain, walking on snow, beautiful wild forests, the majestic Chillán volcano, hardened lava flows, hot springs, arrieros, a ridge trail, and, so far, the most challenging ford we’ve encountered here (see below).<br /> <br /> We got back to the trail by hitchhiking from San Fabián in the early morning. The following section [km 2.8 to approx. 21.9] is not a trail as described in the track files, but rather a solid MR that is being worked on by laborers. The settlement at El Roble [12.7/758] is actually a police station where we checked in and provided our contact details. <br /> <br /> The ford [23.7/950] across the Ñuble River is the biggest challenge of this section. We first attempted it in a line of three, but our tallest member, Daniel (198 cm), who was first, found the water almost up to his chest and the strong current was beginning to pull us in. We turned back. It wasn’t safe to cross. Eventually, we found a rock 100 meters upstream where the water was deeper but the riverbed was narrower. With a run-up, we jumped one by one as far as we could, and on three steps, we made it to the opposite bank. We sent our backpacks across the riverbed using a rope and carabiner.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the saddle of the Chillán volcano is a beautiful hike, and the extensive and geologically fresh lava flow at the Trailhead [34.6/1873] is definitely worth mentioning. The crossing point is unmarked at about [35.1/1852]. Above 2150 m, everything was completely covered with snow. Spikes came in handy.<br /> <br /> The descent to the Río Diguillín valley was okay, and we camped near the ford [48.4/1334], which is also a nice spot for a bivouac. We crossed the mentioned ford in the morning, and the water reached my waist at a height of 178 cm. It’s worth noting that the marked ford [50.5/1305] could be crossed with dry feet. The trail towards Termas los Peucos [63.9/1191] is a relatively well-defined path trodden by local arrieros. At the hot springs, which cost 7000 CLP per person, there is also a camping, but we continued further along the MR. At about [75.0/1160], we originally turned down the RR, but due to the challenging BB, we reversed our decision and continued along the MR to variant E.<br /> <br /> From the Trailhead [80.5/1248], there is a pleasant path leading to the beautiful Laguna Laja. We camped at Camp [98.3/1459] by Laguna El Roble, where you need to slightly clear some bushes, but there is a nice spot for three tents and a fire pit. The ascent to the Pass [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) is quite pleasant due to its zigzagging path. There, we were captivated by the literally breathtaking view of the Antuco Volcano and Sierra Velluda. Unfortunately, due to an injury to one of our members' arches, we had to skip part of the ridge and finish the section using variants 06 + 06B. We deviated from the RR at point X [105.4/1934] and at Bus point {08-06B} [2.9/734], we hitchhiked to Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' (2024/Dez/01-2024/Dec/07) 7Days/ Hiking and Packrafting/ SOBO/ RR / Lukas, Basil and Tabea ​​'''<br /> <br /> Entry point st puente el Ingles. The street to el Roble is beeing newly built and very easy to walk ou but also boring. The crossing of rii nuble was only manageble with packrafts, the river crossing ob foot is not possible at the moment. The mountain Pass at 39.1 km was duable but there was still a lot of snow from ca. 36.2 to ca. Ford 47.4. The hot springs were worth all the effort! The crossing at 50.5km was at the limit (for a person 170cm, over belly button). It was only possible in a line, manageble but not recommended.<br /> Hot springs at camp 63.9 km are great. Ranger station has all the necessary commodoities, we spent an extra day there. From there on the road was well maintained until the laguna de la laja.<br /> Packrafting before 3pm was very hard and slow due to SO wind, in the afternoon the west-wind made progress possible. Water levels are unusually high at the moment. As we were tired cold we hitch hiked with a fisher boat to the end of the lake afer ca. 14 km paddeling. exit over highway next to national park laguna del laja.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-11-29- 24-12-4/ 6 days / SOBO, OH02, RR, OH08F, RR, OH06/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> A great spring hike, but not an easy one! <br /> To avoid Rio Nubles so early in the season I took OH02 (bus from Chillan, rural station, to Valle las Trancas at 10.10 a.m. (2 buses each day go to Termas de Chillan, schedule: <br /> https://busesrembus.cl/en/services.php)<br /> and walked/hitchhiked the last kilometers to Termas. Started around 14:30. The snow began immediately after the hot spring at 4.8. I walked CC on the nearly untouched white coverage to the pass. The valley was almost completely under snow with some green patches. Rio Diguillin (no ford indicated): why keep feet dry, why keep anything dry? It‘s a stream at about 38 C with many whirlpools. I stayed over an hour there and camped not far: 10qm for a tent inmidst all the snow on a warm spring evening. The night and the following morning: quite cold. It was a good decision to add some 800g to my base-weight for a warm layer and gloves. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Got up at 6.a.m and climbed with a mini-backpack CC on Volcan Chillan Viejo, at 9 a.m. on the summit, great view! In the afternoon I walked NOBO to the hot spring at 40.3 on RR. Back at the tent, it started to rain, mixed with snow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Started late, waiting for the weather to improve. To avoid the NOBO detour to the RR I climbed CC to join it. This was easy, the problems began on the RR. The whole trail was under snow, I had to permanently use my device to find the point of reentry into overgrown area after steep snowfields. Later less snow, but now many broken trees and branches blocked the way. No major problem, but I advanced slowly. First ford at 47.7: difficult. Second ford at 48.4: very difficult! That was no fun, strong stream over my thighs, I could dare it only, because I found a spot, where two rocks are quite close, so I had to stand the stream only for a second, before I could cramp to the next rock. The OSM here is not correct, perhaps the river has a new bed. After the puesto the trail was cleaned up/bypassing broken trees easier. I finally moved quicker. Camp at 57.0. <br /> Day 4: Difficulties continued. Very cold in the morning, wet socks and shoes frozen; 5 fords, that are not indicated, all no major problem, but none with dry feet. The swamp before the puesto at 61.7 is bigger now (in spring?), several hundred meters of the trail under water. Again more fords than indicated, all easy, but one: water (flowing slowly) to my belly (1,97m!). The water reached to the lower part of the backpack. Didn‘t see anyone at the Los Peucos camp site. At the ford at 71.3 the water was neither very high nor very strong, but more than 100m to go the other bank! The following MR very welcome, finally allowed to move quicker. Camp on RR at around 77.5 directly on the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I took OH08F and walked the 28,6 km MR. Met several arrieros (very friendly!) and at the Embalse Vega Larga two fishermen, father and son, who „sold“ me (they didn‘t want to take<br /> money, I insisted) two fishes, they had just grilled over a fire. Ford at the end of the MR to get back to RR: difficult. The Laguna Laja has more water than on OSM, at the spot, where the ford is indicated, one could swim to the other side, but the backpack… Camp at Laguna Laja with an extraordinary view on the mountains in the south.<br /> Day 6: RR, trail first hardly visible, very good after the lake. On the ridge very windy, a lot of snow - but great view. On the way down the weather seemed to turn, so at 105.4 I took OH 06. The weather kept good, but nonetheless a good decision. When you are down in the valley, the trail and then the MR lead through a wonderful forest. Great spots to camp along the MR after the puesto (gate) but 100 before the Enel substation. <br /> Day 7: Clouds at around 900 hm, good to be down in the valley. On a hot summer day, it’s probably very annoying to walk 15 km on a dusty MR - on a cool morning in spring, it was the opposite, and shortened by half, as an Enel worker gave me a ride to the exit of the hydropower area; from there 30min to the PR, then hitchhiked to Antuco for resupply and walked back into the direction of Abanico, as I found a nice cabana in Peluca (Villa Peluca, +56 9 8920 5676). 15 min. after my arrival heavy rain and storm for several hours.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-04-12 to 2024-04-15 / 3 Days / Hiking SOBO) / RR / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> Option from Termas de Chillan<br /> My favorite section for autumn and a perfect weekend escape from the big city.<br /> Difficulty: Moderate<br /> It’s not hot and there’s almost no dust after a little rain. <br /> The foliage of the trees turns into autumn colors!<br /> Fords are simple.<br /> Although Ford (easy) {08} [48.4/1334] has unusually more water for mid-April, photo attached in FB post.<br /> Thanks to Matthias de Austria for clearing access to the stream at the west shore of Laguna Robles. It is a whole year source of fresh water before the ridge.<br /> The Lagunillas Camping now is https://www.parqueantuco.cl/<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-24 to 2024-03-28 // 4,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + VARIANT E + VARIANT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After few days off at Los Angeles, I took the bus to Abanico then hitchhike until the junction between the trail and the road. I had to pay at the park ranger gate the 5K CLP for the entrance of the park (online reservation only, impossible to pay cash, and there's hardly mobile service up there, so prepare yourself by advance ☺️). <br /> <br /> Then, you go straight up, and have stunning views over volcan Antuco and siella velluda. I had to check my GPS few times on this first part, and to change my trajectoire to stay on the RR and don't miss trailheads. <br /> <br /> I slept at Laguna lágrima. I don't know if it comes from the water here, but I had stomach issues the following days ...<br /> <br /> Views on this first part were absolutely wonderful ! <br /> <br /> The thermals of Los Peucos are just amazing ! Worth the stop, clean, well maintened, and with perfect temperature of water ! Sergio was so kind, he even invited me to lunch with him, that was a very nice break in this day ! <br /> <br /> Some swampy parts after the Puesto {08} [61.7/1298].<br /> <br /> The hike up to the plateau (KM42) was physical, but it results to stunning views over the volcan chillan, and all the wonderful surroundings! There were hundreds of cows on that plateau and it was quite swampy, at the end you reach a super nice camp with incredible thermals ! Best hot springs of the GPT so far for me ! <br /> <br /> Continue to the pass and arrive in the volcanic plateau, very great too. I was too amazed by the landscape that I lost myself ! I was following a pretty clear track and missed to go on the right of the valley. I had hard time to join the RR as I tried to shortcut, but it was very demanding, sleepy and with losing rocks. Would have been better to backtrack at the junction and find again the RR, anyway...<br /> <br /> After a way down where there's just a little overgrown part (for no more than 300m) I reached the terrible Rio Ñuble, that was (I was fortunate) easy to pass for me, at this time of the season, even with quite strong current. <br /> <br /> From then I only met amazing people, up for a chat and full of an absolute kindness ! Carabineros first, locals, and Sandra at the microshop in puente el inglés (that was my only option for ressuply (chips, biscuits, fresh drinks, pastas) but at the middle of nothing I was happy about that !)). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-23 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR,E,RR,H,RR/ Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Took the bus from rural terminal in Chillán at 8am to Termas de Chillán. After option 2, I walked NOBO on the RR to the nice hot springs at 40.3, spent the day there and camped at 40.4.<br /> <br /> Day 2- Walked the dusty trail to Camping Los Peucos. Ford at 48.4: crossed about 400 meters upstream of the waypoint for the ford. The main flow is quite strong, so I looked for a spot where it was slightly more diverted. Got to camping Los Peucos and got offered a cabin with electricity for the same price as camping as heavy rain was forecasted for the next day (10k/night). Used the wifi which is pretty good around the ranger’s cabin. Hung out in the hot springs being chatted up by a 80-yo man who didn’t seem to care whether I understood all of what he said or not.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - 45mm rain - Rest day. The nicest campground attendant, Sergio, let me hang out in his cabin by the fire all day.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Walked mostly on RR but using variant E on the road as the RR trail is overgrown and the trees were soaking wet after yesterday’s downpour. Met two people in a truck that worked for the pipeline that is along that road. Didn’t see anyone else. Camped at Laguna Laja.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Followed the RR except for variant H. Camped at the edge of the forest before the camp waypoint 119.7/1520, didn’t find ants to be problematic. Met a group of 5 young hikers going to Laguna Los Condores right before camp.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Hiked RR and GPT09 option 1A to Salto de las Chicas. Got a ride quickly to Antuco, where I went to the nice supermarket and took a room in town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-11 to 2024-03-16 / 5.5 days / SOBO / OH2, RR, Variant C, RR, G, RR / Tobi &amp; Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Bus to Thermas de Chillan departs 12:30 from Rural bus station in Chillan arrives around 5pm<br /> <br /> Hot springs @ KM40.3 indeed one of the best on the GPT - nice mix of hot waterfall and cold spring in one pool. Campsite there is not sheltered from wind, and a fair bit of trash left behind. Definitely worth the small detour from Thermas de Chillan <br /> <br /> Baños de Peucos are great for a half rest day, Sergio (caretaker) is the nicest and most welcoming host.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Roble, the better campsite is on the western shore - there is one flowing water source along the edge of the forest a bit north of the campsite (lake gets a bit gross end of season).<br /> <br /> Between El Roble and Hermosa, there is cellular reception when on the western side of the ridge (Movistar).<br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa is nice, there is one flat and South wind sheltered campsite behind the bushes on the north side of the lake. It's nice to walk around the lake, some easy scrambling. Do expect power lines overhead.<br /> <br /> The two hot springs, and the last ridge hike were definitely the highlights of this GPT section.<br /> <br /> The bus leaving Albanico for Las Angeles goes at between 5-6pm -ish<br /> <br /> Rest very straightforward, and as described below (dusty, dead horse).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-25 to 2024-March-4 / 7.5 days / SOBO / RR B D/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfiels, almost no Tabanos, except in the forenoon (none in the evening) at Laguna El Roble, about 30 to 40 Tabanos in 3 hours, on 1st of March!<br /> Mostly plenty of water, lots of unmarked streams. No water at 106.7 and at camp 119.7, dried up. <br /> <br /> Lots of dirt roads and paths veeery dusty.<br /> <br /> No camp at 106.6. Flat spot few hundred meters after at -37.24567,-71.39142. But no protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Fordings: all very easy except Rio Nuble. Crossed Nuble at ford 23.7, did not scout. It was deeper then it looked and for a meter or so I (187cm, 100kg) had a little fighting with the current. It was the first somewhat serious ford in my life. Got my undies a bit washed. Forded Rio Diguillin at -36.93549, -71.40313, where I saw horsetracks on the ground. Water around kneedeep, for a half meter strong current, but I simply step over it. I marked this easy ford position with a vertical tree stump, might be there until the next storm or flooding. Ford 66.4 was possible dry foot a bit east, but go back to RR afterwards, the road on the map does not exist anymore and this area is a jungle.<br /> <br /> At -36.94783,-71.41243 easy to miss junction.<br /> <br /> Camps: 1st shortly after the bridge at puente el ingles in the sand. Nice swimming next to it, but no morning sun until noon. 2nd abou q00 to 200m upstream of ford 23.7 next to Rio Nuble. Nice bolders, big pool, but strong current and very cold. 3rd camp 36.2, meadows quite wet, limited protection, just a few bushes. Small cold pool 150m away at Rio Las Minas. 4th a few hundred meters before ford 47.4 on a small flat spot next to the path. Nice camp shortly northwest of trailhead 80.5. Big nice pool at Rio Polcura for swimming next to where option 1 fords. West side Camp at Laguna El Roble as east has shallow water. Stream next to camp dried up, I found a small one a bit further north along the shore. Had to clean up 2m of thick bushes for water access. Camp at Laguna Hermosa very windy, but just follow the black cable to the west for maybe 20m, then go 3m through the treebushes and you are in a little quit well wind protected clearing: -37.274802,-71.383647. Camp 119.7, but water dried up, and very dusty and limited protection, not a good camp. There are some meadows a few hundred m further around the puesto, also no water there in March.<br /> <br /> Men cleaning up the RR path north of Los Peucos. Some workers at the camp, but the ranger is working on the trail. No ranger means no firewood for cooking, no wifi and the thermas are without water. So no point in staying there and I move a bit further camp on some dusty place next to the road with a bit clambering river access. Next morning first morning frost.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.3 is absolutely amazing. Best one I saw on the GPT. Stayed there for hours naked and got a bit sunburned. The &quot;smoking river&quot; a few hundred meters further west is also worth seeing.<br /> <br /> Lots of blackberries along RR Rio Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> Hardly any paths around camp 29.5 for a few hundred meters, overgrown or landslided. Not a big problem, just slows you down.<br /> <br /> Long boring road, but hitch until police station shortly after ford 12.2km. Police friendly, wants passport, detail plans and phone number in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Gate at -36.81995,-71.25333, entry forbidden sign. easy to climb.<br /> <br /> RR after junction E is partly overgrown, but still walkable, just slows you down. <br /> <br /> Combined Section 7 and 8, in total 17 days, with lots of bathing and sitting around. Run out of food the last few days and had to restrict to one portion per day, which made me even slower due to lack of energy. But it was totally worth it. Still have way too much body fat. Last ridge one of the most beautiful parts of the GPT, stunning views and diverse path.<br /> <br /> Hitch ruta Q-45 to Antuco.<br /> <br /> Work in progress<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (0.5) - Termas de Chillan - near Camp 08 [42.3/2087]. Late start at around noon from OH-Tl-V 08-02 [2.6+3.3] (Thermas de Chillan Parking) after hitch-hiking from Las Trancas. Reached Las Trancas with RemBus from the Chillan Rural Bus Terminal La Merced. The Sendero Valle Aguas Calientes have been re-routed for a few 100s meters after the fumaroles and it stays higher than the original track. Easy to follow. Once in the Valle Aguas Calientes I continued to Hot Spring 08 [40.3/2173] NOBO which is really a must do on this section and then retraced back to a camping area about 200 m lower than Camp 08 [42.3/2087] that I thought was dryer, flatter and had good access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Camp 08 [42.3/2087] Valle Aguas Calientes - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping. I followed the RR for this day. The only note of relevance is that the ford of Rio Diguillin at [48.4/1334] is still hips high with strong current and need to be approached with trekking poles and cautiously. The critical part is only about 2 meters wide, but the current is strong. Water is not particularly cold.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping - camp on Laguna Del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614]. I was lucky to get a ride for 3-4 km right out of Los Peucos by a CONAF maintenance crew who was going to do some tree cleaning on a minor road down the valley. This route branched out from the RR MR and according to the crew it is shorter to get to the Camino Oleoducto road. The alternative route turns into a faint trail for the last km or so and it crosses Rio Polcura in a very easy and shallow spot with water always below knee and calm current. After the crossing it overlaps with OH-CC-a 08-D for the last km, then it meets RR MR shortly after the ford on the RR. This alt route is flat and easy and possibly shorter of about 1-2 km than RR. On Camino Oleoducto I was also able to hitch-hike for about another 3-4 km to reach the start of the Sendero Los Ratones RR-Tl-V 08[80.6]. Thanks to the rides I was able to reach Laguna Del Laja quicker than expected. I decided to camp on the lake shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] rather than continuing to Laguna El Roble as the spot was scenic. There I met Hugo, the Arriero who stays at the Puesto nearby Laguna El Roble. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp on Laguna del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] - Laguna Hermosa. I just followed the RR for this day with the exception of the short CC to Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the night. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp at Laguna Hermosa - Camping Lagunilla (10k CLP per day). Also followed RR for this final day. Camping Lagunilla is very good with hot showers and very nice camp sites. Unfortunately no more homemade empanadas, only bebidas from this week moving forward for the remaiming of the season. The following morning I easily hitch-hiked to Abanico where there are small stores and took the bus to Los Angeles at 1 pm.<br /> <br /> Overall a good section with variety of landscapes and views particularly around Volcan Chillan / Aguas Calientes and along the traverse above Laguna Del Laja with great views of Volcan Antuco and the Sierra Velluda.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-20 to 2024-Feb-27 / 8 days / Hiking / NOBO / El Abanaico - Puente El Inglés / RR + Option H + Option B / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a really nice section for us. The part we really loved was from Thermas de Chillan to Rio Nuble. It felt more wild and with less people. So even if you fear Rio Nuble, avoiding this part would be a mistake for us. We think that the edge between km 117.3 and 100.6 also really worth it but can't totally know as we were in the fog.<br /> <br /> A lot has already been said but here is what seems important to us:<br /> <br /> We started the section hitchhiking from Antuco with a easy and fast ride to El Abanico.<br /> <br /> There is some apple trees in the valley near Ford {08} [71.3/1089] and apples were nearly ready to be eaten. <br /> <br /> Los Peucos were a nice stop to relax but we weren't alone as a lot of the previous comment. 2 other parties (horse riders) were also camping the same night as us. The road is being improved so this will maybe become a bit more popular than the last 2 months. It was 10'000 CLP pp for us, with firewood and Internet. We didn't try to connect so we can't comment on the speed and quality.<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [48.4/1334] (Rio Diguilin) wasn't that hard. Just follow the horse track as it's a good place to ford and there will only be 1m with some current. It's still deep but we ford it at 6pm without any trouble. The best thing with this ford is that the water is warm and you can try to ford it without your backpack a few times before you're sure of the place you like the more. All this without frozen toes ;)<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [23.7/950] (Rio Nuble) was ok but still not a piece of cake. We crossed it at 11:30 am and didn't thought it was so deep before going in. I had water nearly to my waist (I'm 174cm tall) and the current in the center is clearly present. The good point is that the river is not ice cold, so you can take your time and go slowly, being sure of the position of your feet and poles.<br /> <br /> For the last 12 km, between El Roble and Puente El Inglés, it's full of fruit trees. It felt like being in a free fruit market. We could pick apples, pears, a lot of blackberries. There were even fig tree but it was a little bit too soon. So nice to have a bit of vitamin and fresh food after 8 days.<br /> <br /> Finally, after asking at the mini-shop in Puente El Inglés, we learned that there is no more bus going to San Fabián. So we took a beer and some french fries before camping near the bridge after a pretty long day. The next day we walked an hour before we could catch a ride to San Fabián.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-9-2024 to Feb-14-2024 / 5 days ( of which 2 half days) / SOBO / Oh2, RR, var B, D, E, H / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Very beautiful and diverse section, with the volcan, pastures of agua caliente, the forest and the rock and thorny bushed mountains. <br /> At the end of the section, I suggest to follow RR to the lagunilla camping, it's an easy trail in the park, and 2 very nice cascadas to see. From the park entrance there is an osm track that cross Section 9 RR, direclty to the campsite, so you never have to walk on the road. <br /> I started at Oh 2 to avoid rio Ñuble.<br /> <br /> Trecking difficulties : <br /> 1) River crossing of rio Diguillin 48.4 is still not a peace of cake. The current is strong, and where i crossed it was max to the hips in the rapid water. I went on a large place with big rocks on the way to hide behind, it cuts the crossing into 3 difficult but very short parts, and you can hug the rocks not to fall. <br /> 2) The pass before Laguna Laja is a cemetery of trees, so the progression is a little bit slow but nothing difficult, it's basic gps navigation. <br /> 3) The part between laguna hermosa and Water 118.3 is steep, sliperry with rocks and sand. The tracks are difficult to follow at times. So the progression is slow, i suggest not to start it at the end of the day. I finished on var H without noticing it, just saw the trail from below. I was exhausted when i put my tent at camp 119.7 (an horrible mistake, see below).<br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> At Fumaroles at the beginning of Oh 2, some flat spaces in the valley and a clear cold river - Ford 50.5, arriero camp super nice - 300m before water 1.5 on var E, a nice flat place but very exposed. I wanted to camp at 72.9, incredible place, but a freshly dead horse was waiting for me, the whole place stinked like hell. Wanted to try to camp on RR along the rio after but it was overgrown at the beginning and it was late so back on var E - Laguna el Roble 98.3. It is an arriero spot with a clear river that goes into the lake. There is a trail into the trees that takes you into the beach for nice camp places. You don't really want to drink directly from the lake, so i don't suggest camp 97.8 (no fresh water). There is a puesto before the last uphill to the lake, really nice arriero inside who advised me this - Camp 119.7 : DON'T sleep there, the whole hill is an enormous nest of unfriendly red ants, I had to cook directly in my inner tent. The river runs very slow to so the water not good. So i suggest camp at the lagunas before, or if you still have courage to follow until the cross country after puesto 120, it's heaven for tents with view on antuco and the river is not far. <br /> <br /> Water : all markers correct, no concerns until the final ridge.<br /> For the ridge walk of cerro el toro, you can find water at camp without water 102.3 (so this year its name should be with water), water 106.6, laguna hermosa, laguna lagrima (the very little one after the cerro), and nothing after on RR until water 118.<br /> <br /> Snow : one patch on Oh 2 on the track, but you can avoid it by a sendero litteraly 10m above, with no problems. No other patches. <br /> <br /> Accomodations : bus from Chillan rural terminal, to thermas de Chillan at 14h, you have to walk from vale hermoso to the beginning of Oh2 - Camping Lagunilla, 10k per day, homemade empanadas sandwichs bebidas and cakes, very calm i loved it. For buses, you have to walk to albanico (6 per day for los angeles, of which 9h30, 11h, 15h30, 18h30). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-08 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + H + J / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH08-02 <br /> <br /> I took the bus at 2 pm from the rural bus station in Chillan to the Thermas de Chillan. From there I had to roadwalk 1.5 km to get to OH08-02. There are a few snow fields left around the Pass Pirigallo, but its easy to walk over them. At km 1.2 of OH08-02 I took the Valle de Agua Caliente Trail as short cut to the Camp at 42.3 on the RR. I did not like the spot there, but close to it at -36,91092, -71,36632 are some decent tent spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [42.3-75.1] + OH08-E<br /> <br /> The Ford at km 47.4 was max. knee high at 10 pm. (I am 191 cm tall). Be carefull fording Rio Diguillin at km 48.4. The water was just below my hips and the current was pretty strong (around 10:30 pm). I forded it about 60 m upstream of the gpx tracks. There was a big rock in the middle of the river to which I could hold on to. At km 59.6 is a closed barb wire gate that I couldn't open. I managed to climb over it, but it's a little tricky. The RR leads on to the property of the Thermas Los Peucos (km 63.9). After the ford at km 63.7 I had to step over a barded wire fence (no gate). Los Peucos was closed and I didn't see anybody. I didn't like the idea of trespassing so I climb over the front gate (km 63.9) and continued on RR. OH08-B might be a good alternativ to avoid Los Peucos. But I meet Ricardo a few km further south. He was on his way to Los Peucos. If I understood him correctly (my spanish is pretty basic) than he is going to be at Los Peucos for the next two months. So they should be open now if you are interested in taking a break there. There are two easy fords at km 70.0 and 70.6 on the RR. The river at Ford 71.3 is wide, but water was below knees in thr evening. I wanted to camp at km 72.9, but I found the body of a horse directly at the camping spot. It looked like it had died a few days ago and it smelled pretty bad. Therefore I continued to the camp at km 78.6. I accidently stayed on the dirtroad and walked variant E. It has some extra altitude but therefore some nice views into the valley. Water 0.7 on variant E was dry. All other water and ford Waypoints I passed today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [78.5-107.0] <br /> <br /> Laguna El Roble is a nice break spot and the last water source until km 106.7. At the Camp Marker km 106,6 is only a overgrown meadow which isn't flat at all. But there is a descent camp spot at km 106,9. The Water at km 106.7 is only a trickle and might dry out soon. All Water markers I passed by today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [107.0-115.2] + OH08-H + RR [116.3-117.4] + OH08-J + RR [117.4-134.5]<br /> <br /> The next water source after km 106.7 is Laguna Lagrima at km 113.5. I accidently hiked OH08-H instead of RR. Laguna Los Condores is pretty nice. But the last few hundred meters of OH08-J are overgrown and not so easy to walk trough. Its easier to follow the trail that leads to the eastern side of the Laguna and forks of at about km 0.6 of OH08-J. From this trail you can go down to the Laguna. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> The part from km 100 to km 117 is very spectacular.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 25 to Feb 5 / 12 days / SOBO / Opt 2, Opt 3, RR, Var D, Opt 6 + 2 OSM routes / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL/DR: A beautiful but exhausting section.Reserva Nacional Ñubles is officially closed, but they are still letting people in. If taking Opt 3, look for the trail that starts just after El Trumao heading NE for a more interesting hike. Los Peucos is open, but has no food or power so not currently a resupply option.<br /> <br /> Day 0 - <br /> We took the bus from Chillan to Recinto hoping to camp for the night and take the early bus up to Termas de Chillán to begin the hike. (The bus that goes all the way to the hotel only goes twice a day. Both leave from the Terminal Rural in Chillan one at 08:00, the second at 14:00.) There were no camping options in Recinto, so we walked to Los Lleuques. We found a hostel called Antupiren at the entrance of town. 13.000 pp for private with shared bathroom, very nice owners. They have a restaurant too. There were some other places with signs for hostal and campamento further down the street. There are 4 or 5 shops and grocery stores in town. If you stay in Lleuques, a little further on is a nice public access beach along the river called La Playita that is popular with locals and a good place to escape the heat for the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - <br /> We got up early and were at the bus stop at 08:15. The bus arrived at around 09:30. It only goes as far as the hotel and then you have to walk about 1 km up to the ski center where the trail begins. The beginning of the trail was steep and dusty, then leveled off a bit. It passes by some fumeroles. There are two paths up to the pass. One is not on GPT or OSM at the moment, but it is a marked path that is clearly visible. It goes more to the left and up. The other is a horse trail which is the one GPT goes along. They both meet about half way up. We took the horse trail up. There is some grassy area and access to a stream. Nice views of the valley on the way up. Close to the top there was still a small snow field left and the way around it was walking above it on large, loose rocks. We had resupplied for 8 days and our packs were around 25 kg each. Due to this we felt it would be unsafe for us to try to navigate the section so we decided to walk back. It was disappointing, but we were also thinking about the difficulties others had in crossing Rio Diguillin further on and figured it was an early warning. On the way back we took the marked path which was actually more difficult than the GPT track, which surprised us since it looked more like a tourist trail. We were rewarded at one point however with a spring gushing out of the ground and took the opportunity to get fresh cold water without the need to filter. When we got back to where the fumeroles were, we chatted with some mountain bikes and a couple of hikers. There is another route down which had an OSM track on the map. The bikers explained that it is the route they all take down. It is open to hikers as well and there are signs advising bikers to watch for hikers, but the biker said there are a lot of curves and it is possible to get hit on the way down if you are unlucky. It was around 18:30 and he said they were the last group, so if we just waited for them to leave we should be able to hike down without worrying. We waited, and it was totally worth it. The trail down is very dusty, but with much less incline than the way up, and at a certain point goes through a really beautiful beech forest with lots of wildflowers growing. There is no access to the estero until the bridge at the end. We tried to find a place to camp, but no luck. We ended up walking the highway back to a point where we had seen a dirt road connect to the estero and camped there for the night. Not optimal, but it was already dark by that point, so we were just grateful to sleep.<br /> <br /> Days 2 and 3 - <br /> We walked the highway until the Los Coltrahues nature trail that runs parallel to the highway and then walked that to Las Trancas. It was a pretty path and a nice alternative to the highway. In Las Trancas we bought food for lunch and dinner at a shop next to the bus stop. There are one or two other stores back the direction of Lleuques as well. A micro picked us up and dropped us off at the beginning of Opt 3. We had barely started walking when a family in a truck passed and offered us a ride to the river. We were incredibly grateful as the first 3 km of the road is incredibly dusty and there is actually a lot of traffic moving through. From where they left us we walked to the bridge and down to the river to have lunch and coffee. Lots of families were camping around the area. After lunch we got back on the route. A little further on the road was closed to vehicles due to storm damage and construction adding new culverts. No issues walking it. About 6km from the bridge there is a campground called San Antonio. It was also closed since the road was closed, but it was easy to get into. There are picnic tables and plenty of camping along with river access. We camped two nights to give ourselves a rest day. A few locals passed through, but no one else camped. It was very peaceful except for the tábanos. I killed more than 50 over the course of the day and it didn't seem to make much of a difference.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - <br /> We got up early to beat the heat and walked the first hour in the dark. We passed the area where the road has collapsed and where they are doing a reroute. No issue to walk it. We arrived at the gate that Lilian mentioned, the one with the dogs, at 08:00. There were 4 dogs that bark a lot. The guard came out, it seemed like we had woken him up. We explained what we were doing and he actually had no problem letting us through, but asked rhetorically what we were going to say to CONAF upstairs. The road up is in good shape. There were a few places to fill water along the way. When we arrived at El Trumao there was a CONAF guard there as well as some other people. He was incredibly nice, just registered us and then told us because the park is officially closed there was no fee to enter. He looked at our route and told us about another option, charged our phones for us, let us take water, and then even walked with us part way. The OSM track that runs along the river is a really nice option and we really enjoyed it. The first part is no longer relevant as the river destroyed part of the road and CONAF had done a reroute. If no one is there to show you, head along the GPT route toward Valle Hermosa until you see a trail branch to the left. It will be very obvious as it has wooden posts painted yellow on top and the whole trail has rocks lining either side. Follow that up. The first part was a lot of up and exposed, but after a while we entered native forest and enjoyed stretches that were in shade. There was a rest area with river access. Just after the waterfall lookout the trail dropped down a bit into a grove of old oak trees that was really nice and we camped there for the night (-36.95540, -71.45022) River access was about 100 m further on. This is a really great route option. It is along a trail instead of a road, it drops into RR about 18 km further north than finishing Opt 3 as marked, if you want to go to Los Peucos, you don't need to back track, and it stays on the south side of Rio Diguillin, connecting with RR just after the ford point others had trouble with this season. (Jan, if you read this, we enthusiastically endorse this as a variant for Opt 3!).<br /> <br /> Days 5 and 6 - <br /> The pass was a little overgrown, but nothing too challenging. On the way up we passed through a beautiful forest. We stopped at the last marked water point on the way up for a snack and coffee. The way down was dusty and then it opened up into a plain. The plain was easy, but as we went around the corner it turned into a swamp. The GPT route avoids the worst of it, but careful foot choice is important in some places. It was also really hot and humid. Then it was up again and then down again to get to Los Peucos. We initially followed RR, but the ford point looked challenging and there was barbed wire on the other side. I went across without my pack to try to find a way up. The rocks in the river were really slippery and I feel in at one point, but no injury. On the other side I climbed under the wire and up a hill. Then I had to climb under more barbed wire. I walked onto the property and ran into Ricardo who manages Los Peucos. He was very nice, and took me to show me the front entrance and a much easier ford point that is defined for cars to pass, which turned out to be Var B. So if going to Los Peucos SOBO, I recommend taking Var B. I went back to get Kasia and my pack and we camped there for two nights in order to clean out gear and take a rest day.<br /> <br /> A few notes on Los Peucos. Los Peucos is open, price this year is 5.000 pp for termales only, 10.000 pp for camping, 24 hours of access to termales and wood to make a fire in a fire pit. They were having trouble with both their generator and solar panels and have been without power for two months, so don't plan to charge anything there. Also a section of the road there was destroyed over the winter, so almost no one is going there and they aren't getting any resupply for their tiendita, so don't plan on this as a resupply point until someone posts that this has changed, which may be awhile since there seems to be some bureaucratic issue preventing the road from being fixed.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - <br /> We left Los Peucos just as it was getting light. The road and trail are in good condition for walking. We took Var D to cross Rio Polcura. River ford was easy, thigh high but very little current. We stopped at the camp at [72.9/1104] to have lunch. There were some arrieros and Carabineros already camped for the night, and it was too early to stop for the day, so we continued on. The valley path that RR follows is surely more interesting than walking the road along Var E, but it is fairly overgrown with spiky plants and it was slow going. There is almost no river access along the path, but there were one or two streams. We do not recommend the camp at [78.6/1203], especially if you are using a trekking pole supported tent. It is overgrown and difficult to access, anything that is not sand is covered in those annoying plants that leave tiny spiky balls attached to your clothes, and river access is not great. We ended up camping in the old road grade just above, but it was pure dust. We really regretted camping here, however it was late and we didn't know if there would be any place else to camp further on. (There is though!)<br /> <br /> Day 8 - <br /> We were to tired to do the pass, but we didn't want to stay camped in the same place for the day. We found a better campsite just 2 km further up trail (-37.09454, -71.31211). Just before the trailhead to the pass, on the left side of the road, there is a dirt path going down to a camping area that arrieros use (it is the same road as the end of Opt 1). It has grass and could fit probably two or three tents. The river access is about 100 m away, but it was really clean access with a stone beach and even a small sand beach and a great swimming spot to cool off. There is essentially no shade so it wasn't great for a rest day in that respect, but it was directly below the pass, so a great starting point for that. We took advantage of the river and washed all the dust off the tent. The fabric felt like new afterward!<br /> <br /> Day 9 - <br /> We got up early to try to tackle the pass before sun hit. The trailhead is a little easier to find now as more arrieros and hikers have gone through. The pass up is overgrown in places, but not as bad as we had expected. There were some great early morning views. Something killed most of the forest in that valley some time ago and all the dead trees are sun bleached white which was really interesting. As Lilian mentioned, there is a place where the trail collapsed. People have been walking about 5 m upstream and crossing there, but the short reroute is eroding and it looked a little sketchy to us. We went into the stream bed and climbed up through the bamboo to regain the trail. It was lovely forest higher up and on the other side for some time. Keep a lookout for a nice view of Laguna del Laja from a distance on the way down. The valley was another world entirely. Completely exposed, mostly dry but with some sections of swamp, we lost the trail a few times in a maze of overgrown thorn bushes. We took an afternoon break at the puesto just before reaching the lake. We were a little underwhelmed by the lake itself, I think because it has no trees around. We got a little lost on the way up to Laguna Roble, but a very friendly and helpful arriero staying at the puesto at the end of the valley saw us and came out to help direct us up. We stopped at the marked campsite at the east side of the lake. Previous entries had suggested the west side campsite is more wind protected. I went packless to scout it, but I could not see any way in and the water access near the site looked like marsh. We stayed on the east side, no wind issue for the night. The water in the lake was not too cold, so nice to swim in.<br /> <br /> Day 10 - <br /> We started early to get through as much of the pass as possible before the sun hit. The beginning of the trail was actually hard to find, but once we were on it, it was clear. The up was very demanding and exhausting, and it was overgrown in parts. There is a saddle just before the final push to the pass where we stopped to take a break and some pictures (great view of the lake, volcan Antuco and Sierra Velluda) but there were biting ants everywhere that swarmed us and our packs so we moved on. Good views of both valleys as we walked along. Reports from previous years suggested no water between Laguna Roble and Laguna Hermosa. There was at least two water points between, one of which was a very nice spring with shade around (-37.21425, -71.37259). Being exhausted and running low on supplies, we had already decided that Opt 6 would be our exit from GPT08. The route down was steep and thus slow, but clear and easy to follow. There are multiple water points on the way down. We camped about 1 km in at the first marked campsite. There was a shady, somewhat flat, somewhat grassy area that arrieros use for camping and a spring flowing just below. It was a nice spot after hiking so many hours completely exposed in full sun.<br /> <br /> Day 11 - <br /> The first part of Opt 6 down was really nice. There were nice views of the mountains as the sun came up, then it goes into forest for awhile before the arriero path finally meets the service road. We were also fortunate to have cloud cover for most of the day. There are a few unmarked water points between the last marked one and Rayenco. Rayenco is not a settlement but connected to the power plant. Shortly after Rayenco there is what looks like an abandoned picnic area and sports concha. We stopped for lunch, and it could be used for emergency camping if necessary. Hitchhiking out seems essentially impossible. It's just cars associated with the power plant, and our experience is that those vehicles don't take hitchhikers, probably a company policy. We walked to the highway, chatting with the gate guard on the way out. On the highway it took about half an hour, but finally a kind soul, Sergio, who had actually passed us, turned around and came back just to pick us up and dropped us at Plaza de Armas un Antuco. We found lodging at Cabañas Puelche 2 blocks east of the plaza, 15.000 pp for a private room in the hostel portion of the establishment, shared bath, fridge, pool.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 05 to 2024 Jan 09 / 5 days/ SOBO from Termas de Chillan / RR / Hannes&amp;Christian'''<br /> <br /> 1. Day: Walked from Termas de Chillan to Rio Diguillín. Slept there at -36.935262, -71.403804 and forded the next morning around -36.935730, -71.401841. Thought there would be less water running in the morning, but actually it looked pretty the same as the day before…<br /> 2. Day: Walked to Los Peucos and further down for a nice campsite near the river -37.046868,<br /> -71.415394<br /> 3. Day: We took Option D to short cut the minor road…easy to walk, CC, recomendable…then along road and path and road again, up to a pass in the woods and down to a widening valley, camped at -37.15603, -71.32019. As others already wrote on wikiexplora we had there as well a pretty freezing night around 0 degrees Celsius I think, although the spot was not that high….around 1450m. A lot of humidity.<br /> 4. Day: For us here the nicest part started, walking down to Laguna de la Laja, up to a pass and then all along ridges to Laguna Hermosa. Amazing views. Instead of walking down to L. Hermosa you can camp as well a little above the lake around -37.269841, -71.381748 with water access, at least in early summer I guess. Personally I think it isn’t worth to go down to the Laguna (except no water possibility above) , first because you’ll have an electric power line over your head sleeping there (there is a hydroelectric power station in the valley nearby), second because it can be a windy place at shore…at least for us it was like this. Third: Still something like 1 km from the ridge. Choose yourself.<br /> 5. Day: From L. Hermosa to Estación de Esqui. Pretty nice views of surrounding peaks, at the end we walked a pretty annoying road out to the ski area. Then we hitchhiked to Camping Lagunillas, an amazing place with very nice owners. Feels there like being on the Gpt, but with running water and shower. Probably depends on the season…<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 13 / 5 days / SOBO / RR, OH-TL / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Everyone feared Ñuble, me too, so I took option 2.<br /> <br /> The trail was difficult to find from km 112-117, I left RR and took OH-TL. Otherwise the trail was easy to see. There were only a few snowfields that were easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Ford km 48.4: Disclaimer: please do not my mistake! I first tried two best possible spots (hip), but the flow (13:00) was too strong, I couldn’t hold my hiking poles. Then 50m further on I saw two tree trunks arranged like bridges from other GPTs. After crossing them, however, it was not possible to go back to RR after a few attempts. My best possible option was BB with 70 degree slope straight up. It was only possible with bamboo trees, but was very dangerous. I'm writing my mistake here so you can avoid it!<br /> <br /> Camp km 106.6: I included this camp in my daily plan (about 20km, 1000m uphill, 350m downhill). here is not possible to find 1qm flat spot. So I had to walk 4km further from my reserve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-15/ 4.5 days / SOBO / Termas de Chillán(Var 2)+RR+Var G+H+J(Lakes)/ Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Started in Termas de Chillán. Hiking, most fordings (see day 1) and orientation was quite easy on this section. Only on last part of Travesía Pilcura some steep snowfields to cross. Warm and hot creeks on first day (Fondo Aguas Calientes), views and lakes on forth day (Travesía Pilcura) were spectacular. Plenty of water everywhere. A lot of annoying horse flies.<br /> <br /> Day1: Termas de Chillán - km53.6<br /> Only minor snowfields. Ascent of Volcán Chillán Viejo should be possible without crampons, no snow on steep upper slopes. Fumaroles on ascent from Termas, warm creek with pools right when you come down to Fondo Aguas Calientes. Also people camping there. I underestimated ford at km48.4 (Rio Diguillín), water was up to upper hips and current, I was washed away… But overall no dangerous crossing and with more cautious selection the fording should be easier. Arrieros at puesto at km49.6 (Coihuería) were the last people I met until end of section!<br /> <br /> Day2: Reserva Nacional Ñubles<br /> Officially the reserva was closed. I entered Termas Los Peucos via RR, watering of meadows was running, I said „Hello“ but nobody answered. <br /> Took a bath in the beautiful hot springs, two stone-walled pools.<br /> <br /> Day 3: km78.6 (Rio Ñubles) - km98.3 (Laguna El Roble)<br /> Easy day … nice swimming at the camp with fireplace in the evening <br /> <br /> Day 4: Travesía Polcura - Laguna ElToro<br /> Spectacular day: great views, mountains, lakes and path.<br /> The detours to the lakes (var G+J, Laguna Hermosa, ElToro and Los Condores) are worthwhile!<br /> Some steep snowfields on RR below Cerro El Toro, I used microspikes, but in a warm afternoon you can also safely cross without. Beautiful (!!) camp at Laguna El Toro with sun until 19:45 though it’s deep in a cirque.<br /> <br /> Day5:<br /> Nice view of Volcán Antuco from the ridge just before the volcán (ca. km125). I left the road and walked +-height parallel to the solar collectors which are visible on the ridge from the MR.<br /> From Curva El Candado I tramped down most of the road to the junction to Abanico, where I ate lunch at the friendly cafe/restaurant „Roca“ and where the bus to Los Angeles leaves at 15:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / {08-03} - {08-C} - RR - {08-06} - {08-06B} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Avoid of crossing Rio Ñuble, i go for {08-03}.<br /> <br /> There is a bus from Chillán to Los Lleuques at 18:00, take about 1.5 hour. A small shop and some tiny shops there, friendly and good resupply. Look like have some restaurants too, but i'm too late so they're already closed.<br /> <br /> {08-03} km3.3 : tiny shop selling drinks.<br /> <br /> Km4.3 : camping spots or camping possibilities start from here to south.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : ranger station for guard of Reserva National, look like need booking in advance or some permits. Otherwise you can't go in by this gate. (It is impossible for sneak in, two dogs here.)<br /> <br /> Luckily after i took 10min to explain what I'm doing, where does my routes go, why i'm here, I'll pack out all my trash, no fire, no pick plants, dig a hole for poop, etc. He let me go in, 1000% thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km19 : bridge for crossing Río Diguillín.<br /> <br /> Km19.45 : El Trumao, Camping Relbún. Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here.<br /> <br /> Km19.7 : closed gate, you can open it on left side. Old, steep and rocky dirt road behind this gate, look like no cars on it for some years. (Some place landslide, cars impossible to pass by)<br /> <br /> Km21.3 : Rio Relbún, good water flowing nice, rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km22.8 : view point of valley, also some flat spots with trees can fit 2-4 tents.<br /> <br /> Km23.7 : pass, Paso Atacalco, descent to a beautiful valley.<br /> <br /> Km25.3-km26.2 : some tiny streams flowing with good water, but maybe dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km28.4 : Valle Hermoso, Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here. Río Blanquillo flowing at here too.<br /> <br /> Some more tiny streams flowing across the road at south, but i think they will all dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km35.6 : a side trail to see a waterfall, I think it is just soso.<br /> <br /> Then connect with {08-C}, then back to RR.<br /> <br /> {08-C} km2.4 : a very beautiful demon rock hill on your left side, worth take a look!<br /> <br /> RR Ford[71.3/1089] : crossing of Río Polcura, it's a wide river crossing about 80m, luckily it is already made for vehicles crossing so have a rock bar underwater, easy to cross. Mostly just half of calf, in the middle about 10m, up to knee and flowing very fast.<br /> <br /> Camp[72.9/1104] : it's a really nice camping spot with tree shade and beside a river.<br /> <br /> Camp[78.6/1203] : this spot is not beside RR. When you finish valley trail walk, if you don't join dirt road and keep going walk in the valley then you'll arrive here.<br /> <br /> Water[79.1/1214] : log bridge crossing.<br /> <br /> Trailhead[80.5/1248] : not easy to notice the trailhead, although it have a fallen board on the ground.<br /> <br /> North of the pass is overgrown, south of the pass lot of fallen trees block the trail.<br /> <br /> Didn't see any camping spots until almost to valley.<br /> <br /> Water[81.8/1475] : when you get close, be careful dont walk too fast. Just before the stream dont follow the trail to left side and go down, it is already landslide and you'll fall off 2m vertically.<br /> <br /> Pass[84.2/1744] : tons of huge dead trees and ready to fall down in next second. Don't camp here, it is dangerous.<br /> <br /> Km85.8 : flat spot can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Km86: flat spots can fit 1 tent before and after a stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Km95.2 : excellent view point of Volcán Antuco, look like some flat spots at downhill side close to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camp[97.8/1456] : beside a tree, can fit 1-2 tents with fire ring. Last reliable water when you climbing up.<br /> <br /> Km102 : snow start here, but all you can go around.<br /> <br /> Camp without water[102.3/2063] : no camping spot as now, wet, muddy and lot of stream are flowing by snow melt, a fire ring is in the stream too!<br /> <br /> I camped at km103.45, just before the pass, there is some brushes provide wind protection from west. Can fit 1-2 small tents.<br /> <br /> Km104.1 : a large flat area, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> X[105.4/1934] : no more trail junction at &quot;X&quot;, you need to go down a little, then CC to connect the trail at south.<br /> <br /> Camp[106.6/1938] : wet, grassy and steep spot. A large flat area after you climb up the stream at km106.95, it is in a valley and no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km109.45 : a small pass, excellent view point of Volcán Antuco and Sierra Velluda!<br /> <br /> Snow start at km109.9, unfortunately when i almost climbed up to ridge, i found that km111.8 to km113.5(at least) , all covered by snow on a very steep slope. It is not a good idea to go through this high risk area, also Cerro El Toro is a very sharp rocky peak, not possible walk on the ridge to go around the slope, so i turn back to &quot;X&quot;[105.4/1934], and join {08-06} continues to south.<br /> <br /> {08-06} is a nice trail to go down, and look like somone have maintained it, nearly no fallen trees and just very little overgrown, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> {08-06} km4.5 : junction of {08-06} and {08-06A}, look like {08-06} in a better condition, also {08-06} from here to km5.6, it is an old dirt road and no more using.<br /> <br /> Km5.6 : junction to join a good dirt road. Camping spot just before the junction, and there are also lot of camping possibilities along the good dirt road.<br /> <br /> Gate[8.6/808] : locked, climb over it.<br /> <br /> Km9.3 : another gate, you can open it on left side, if you want to camping, better before this gate.<br /> <br /> Km22.4 : i join {08-06B} for shorter distance to main road for hitching to Antuco.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-20/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Antuco RR and Option 6/ Jens'''<br /> <br /> Tried to go up the main route. First pass was steep and full of snow. Decided to turn around and try Option 6. <br /> <br /> As option 6 is on private land owned by the Hydroelectrico, a guard picked me up and told me to register with the Carabineros in Antuco. Frustrated I decided to skip section 8 in favour of section 7.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-21 to 2023-Dec-24/ 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / San Fabian - Las Trancas / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: River fords are still heinous, especially Ñuble. Bring micro spikes if crossing Paso Prigallo to go towards Las Termas de Chillan.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Hitched a ride part of the way from San Fabian, and then caught a bus (was a Thursday around 1 pm) until Punilla. Camped at a small, windy site with good river access and near the Punilla swimming hole, which is definitely worth a visit. Some friendly caballeros came around 8 pm to camp as well.<br /> Day 2: Walked towards Los Sauces, splitting off to the right where the road/trail led. Could not cross river here because of construction. Went back to the main road and walked North to where there was a (padlocked) cable car and did a challenging ford - current was somewhat strong and water went to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm). In retrospect, would have been better to just walk/bus all the way into Los Sauces and make a safer crossing there. Cabineros in El Roble were nicer to me that the ones in San Fabian. Camped just before Camp {08} [21.6/873] since it now seems to be on private property. <br /> Day 3: Had to trespass for about a mile before reaching the Ñuble river but didn’t run into anyone. Ñuble was really difficult. I got there just before 8 am. Crossing the river at designated spot was not possible. I went upstream, around the bend, and about a hundred meters further to where the river widens and gets a bit shallower. I crossed with water about up to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm) but a little past midway the current took me off my feet and I went for a brief swim before grabbing a rock and recovering on the other side. After getting to the other side, I had to scramble/bushwhack up a near-vertical slope to where there appears to be sort of a terrace in the landscape. I found the best spot was behind where the bank of the river flattened out a bit. Thankfully once getting to the top, you’re blessed with a faint trail leading back to the main route. This approach was not very fun at all - it is probably best to wait another week or two before attempting the river. <br /> After that, the trail gets harder to follow, especially after entering the larger valley. As per others advice, I tried crossing the river in the valley to the right side, but also ran into impassable shrubbery/broken trees there so I ended up crossing back and forth as needed. The first pass didn’t have any snow. There is a difficult ford after the marker for Trailhead {08} [34.6/1873]. Camped at Camp {08} [36.2/1953] which was lovely.<br /> Day 4: Headed towards Las Termas de Chillan. Both passes were very snowy. The second pass, only necessary if going off main trail towards Las Termas, had steep sections that called for micro spikes. I was lucky that there were some people who had just come through and kicked steps in, making this part easier. Hitched a ride to Las Trancas where there are multiple well stocked mini markets and nice hostal options. Not sure if I will continue on GPT 08 given the snow and river conditions so far.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-06/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Los Peucos - Recinto / RR + OH03 / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from San Fabian to way after El Roble, rather easy on weekends as it seems many locals around. Ñuble crossing with strong current and water above knees (me 185cm), but still ok compared to other months I think. Went up the mountain and into this valley with beautiful oak-trees. Getting out of this forest we crossed the river to the orographic left side as suggested by others...initially a good choice, all the same we had to switch like 2 to 3 times river bank to avoid some nasty Bush bashing...We reccomend to just open your eyes and see which side works best for you after the initial crossing at approximately -36.856679 -71.275261. After the last camp in the valley path clearly visible and steep ascent to the pass. After the pass we got into this amazing volcanic landscape east of Volcan Chillàn. After the second pass we descended to Aguas Calientes, hot thermal pools at the end of a valley surrounded by some green yellow pasture and loads of cows. Good spot to camp...Then we went to Termas Los Peucos, took us 3.5 days till there. Just for the pools they take 10k, pools and camp was 14k. As one of us felt little sick we decided to hitchhike out over OH03. Do not consider this an emergency exit as it is rather difficult to hh out there, very few cars on the road as access is limited due to a private tunnel and only Carabineros and some oil- and gas-pipeline companies are around there with their cars it seems. All the same we were lucky and got out to Recinto (further down in the valley of Termas de Chillán, near Las Trancas...) In this valley or if you get out at Termas de Chillán we highly recommend Cabañas Ayunkoyam owned by Vincente Ruiz in Recinto, +56999991737, call him before. For this rather expensive valley quite a good option. Vincente is a local mountain guide who seems to know every mountain in his country and is a nice guy to talk to.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Volcán Chillán - Termas de Chillán / Noémie'''<br /> Very short section because I got a lift from San Fabián until after El Roble (21.0), a bit before the end of the minor road. Carabineros checked ID and asked for sufficient equipment. Ñuble crossing was not that hard but I had water until my waist, even at the end of the season (I am 1m60 though...). Camped the first night at Camp {08} [29.5/1441], on the left bank of the river, where there was a bit of space. The next morning, it was a bit hard to go up the valley with all the dead trees and no path visible. Tried to follow fellow GPT hikers advices, but ended up crossing the river multiple times to find a walkable path without too many bushes, until Camp {08} [31.3/1629]. After this tricky part, both paths are beautiful and quite easy. The thermal river is amazing. There was plenty of space with beautiful hot water pools but also cold water at Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. The last day, I took OH {08-02} and OH {08-02A} to go up Volcán Chillán and then exit at Termas de Chillán. Beautiful ascent with no specific difficulty except the steep last 300 meters. The place is full of condors flying really close, super impressive. <br /> There are no housing options and no buses during the week leaving from Termas de Chillán. You can walk/hitchhike until -36.910163, -71.417798 where buses leave regularly everyday for Chillán. Found many cabañas options in Trancas de Chillán a bit further down. Overall, very beautiful and diverse section (forests, rivers, sand deserts, volcanos) with amazing hot springs!<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-13 to 2023-Mar-18 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Abanico — Thermas de Chillán / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Angeles, we took a bus (at 12:30) towards Abanico and then two rides until the start of OH-MR-V {08-K} [0.0+0.1]. Then, there is a gate (after the Bridge, Gate {08} [126.7/1339] point) locked with a padlock but easy to climb. The CC section (RH-CC-A {08} [26.4/122.0+1.9]) is actually following the MR so we thought better stay on the road. When we reached Camp {08} [120.2/1520], it was completely dry so we continued a bit and found a nice spot in the forest (close to -37.32983, -71.39823).<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we continued on the trail, simply taking the shortcut OH-TL-V {08-I} [0.0+0.2]. Then, we chose to take option 08-H to stay high, it was really beautiful. We stayed on the rim until a hard part and then we diverged on the trail that was present a bit below us. As other as noted, on RH-CC-A {08} [18.1/113.7+2.0] you follow a trail or a set of footprints. When the trail and the trace diverge, follow the trail, it is usually the best option. And don't miss Trailhead {08} [113.7/2184], we tried to go around it but regretted it. Then, the trail until Laguna El Robles (Camp {08} [98.2/1456]) is nice but the descent is steep. We believe the path has been cleared recently because lot of fresh fallen branches on the ground. On the lake, we camped on the east side but it was very windy. The other side looked more protected. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we followed the RR until Camp {08} [73.3/1104]. It was a rather uneventful day except we met a lot of arrieros in the morning that went for a wild bull hunt. The camp is nice and felt like a campground.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we hiked for just a few kilometers to reach the Thermas Peucos. It was a very worthy stop, an oasis in the middle of the hike : 10k PP for the camping and hot springs (stoned pools). We even bought a lunch from the minishop which has quite a nice selection. Like others, we used the option 08-C to avoid the pointless climb in the RR. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we did a rather long walk until Camp {08} [40.4/2150] to enjoy the natural pool. The trail is a bit overgrown after the thermas but nothing bad. The day was full of going up : 2500 on the tracks but the GPS said only 2100 at the end of the day. The hot springs are amazing, truly the best we encountered. And we were alone there. <br /> <br /> On Day 6, we met a horserider when leaving the camp a bit angry because he did not sleep. He camped near a group that partied the whole night (we believe it was close to Ford {08-02} [1.6/2097]). Then, option 08-02 and variant A to ascend the volcan. It starts with a nice trail and ends up with sand that is really hard to climb. Nothing difficult nor dangerous but extremely tiresome. It took us 3h to go up but we enjoyed our lunch at the top! Then the descent is really fast, thanks to this sand (about 1h). The rest of the trail until Thermas de Chillán is a bit overrun, we met numerous hikers (but it was a Saturday). There, we hitched a ride until Recinto and took the 7:00PM bus to Chillán for a ressuply.<br /> <br /> Overall our impressions on this section are a bit mixed. We enjoyed the numerous hot baths and the volcan summit but we were less amazed by the landscapes compared to the previous sections (of note as we did go up quite a lot, we probably were a bit too exhausted to truly enjoy it completely!) . Perhaps it is more rewarding when going SOBO? <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-08 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + emergency exit / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Los Peucos - Antuco <br /> Super pleasant trekk in various landscapes and sweet hot springs. Met Ondrej at the start and shared the road walking before he eventually escapes in the first climb ! Met again finally at the hot river for a deserved rest after big climbing day. Next the descent to los Peucos is rather long with overgrown detour of the swamp at the end. That’s where my phone died for no reason. May it RIP with all my pictures :’( Still if there’s a good soul out there with a machete and long trousers feel free to save this beautiful trail ! Then los Peucos was a paradise oasis for a 14000$ 24h rest day. Not so expensive to me considering the quality of the hotspring service and resupply in the middle of nowhere ! « El Toro » hotspring is a once in lifetime experience for sunrise and had the all domain for myself 😌 Do not hesitate to stop there and meet Ricardo who doesn’t see many souls otherwise.<br /> 4th night spent 3km down near los Peucos in a super recommanded magical waterfall bassins with perfect « nuit à la belle étoile » on the hot rock.<br /> After km 80 the forest is kind of colonised with annoying flyes and thermites wich makes it not an enjoyable place. Also recommend taking plenty of water from laguna el roble cause dry climb and ridge walking ahead (there’s still a little stream pond under a tree a few km after the pass if you look well). Arrived there in late afternoon with no place to camp and saw emergency exit on the right which triggered green light in my brain (as gear failures were acumalating and motivation low). Felt good after a few tears but the long road walking in the hydraucentral gave me some regrets until i eventually arrived in Antuco after hotish hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-28 to 2023-Feb-04 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + volcán chillàn &amp; volcán Antuco / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> Got off the bus here (-36.67295, -71.29201) instead of Los Sauces for an easy ford. The bus driver knew of this place. The ford was here -36.67738, -71.28739, knee-high. We crossed around 3pm. The road section until the carabinieros was surprisingly popular on a weekend: we got a 3km hitch, but if we started earlier, I am sure we could have hitched a lot more. The valley is nice to walk in though.<br /> The carabinieros basically just wanted to know if we had a proper GPS and map. We could not understand if they were telling us &quot;not&quot; to go close to Volcán Chillán or just &quot;warning&quot; us. I checked online the day before and it said the volcano is in green, but the cabineros said it was yellow.<br /> Made camp at the 17km waypoint because it was a good spot. Lots of unmarked water waypoints on the road such as -36.69615, -71.27770 and -36.72718, -71.26420.<br /> Day 2. <br /> Crossed Nuble with no problems around 9am. The water was not strong but not totally calm and was under our crotches: I am 170cm and Tomáš is ~173cm. Hats off to the others that crossed when water levels were much higher! Remember to turn right and not left after the ford.<br /> The path was better than expected, but still can be easily lost until the first pass at 33.2km. Thanks to the tip from Will, we took the path on the other side of the river once out of the trees to avoid the blow down, somewhere around or close to camp 29.5. Hot pass.<br /> We made camp at the hotsprings ([40.3/2173]) after the second pass, their beauty and heat made up for the long day. There are a couple of perfect spots near the hotsprings with some cold water for drinking, -36.90156, -71.35089. Spent two nights here. The hot springs are regular creeks, most of which in the valley are hot. Saw some locals camping in other spots, seems like a popular place.<br /> Day 3.<br /> Volcán Chillàn. Easy climb following the standard route but the last 600m was slow sandish-like material which made for a very quick descent. Instead of going back the way we came, we followed an unmarked/unmapped &quot;road&quot; on the south side of Volcán Chillán that lead to switchbacks down to the hotsprings that we saw earlier that morning. Basically if coming from volcano, follow the road east from here -36.89199, -71.38543 and aim for the switchbacks to the hotsprings camp here -36.90336, -71.36145 [as of 2024 included in our suggestions in the released Track files]. There is some dirty water on the way but very interesting and scenic. I am slightly worried about posting this because it is likely not meant to be walked, also not sure it actually saves time compared to the normal trail but it allows for a nice roundtrip. One can get Internet on the way to the volcano when the ski resorts are visible. Camped again at the hotsprings.<br /> Day4<br /> Nothing to add for this day, trail was nice and under trees a lot of the way, all fords easy or jumpable. Met two French who were doing the GPT northbound. Camped near the puesto 61.7 before the hotsprings, path was always there, just a little overgrown. <br /> Day5<br /> Trail to hotsprings was not that bad, just overgrown bamboo but otherwise nice. The hotsprings is not actually CONAF but a concession. Prices were as described 14mil for camping and 7mil just for hotsprings. If you want to buy food from them, I recommend going at the beginning of the month as that is when they restock, for us there was still lots of food left but nothing fresh or good, very expensive. <br /> On the road we used option C to avoid the hill as others suggested (seems like the main road now) and as for variant D, we did not see anything, so we back-tracked a bit and took a different unmarked trail here that was successful -37.06894, -71.39599 and forded river here -37.06857, -71.39158 to meet the RR [now in the suggestions too].<br /> The trailhead at 81.0 is hard to see, be ready.<br /> That trail from 81.0 to the pass was more overgrown in my mind than the rest of the days but still not terrible. Camped on the other side 88.9 (actually a bit further down were nicer camp-spots with lovely short grass).<br /> Day6<br /> Somehow at camp 88.9 we woke up to frost over everything. Have no idea what kind of phenomenon this is because I don't think it froze (forecast was for 16 in the night) but even the little moisture in my breakfast bowl froze shortly after eating it...<br /> Quick trail to Laguna el Roble except the trail is easy to loose just before the Laguna in the grassy section, keep climbing left towards an unmarked puesto here -37.20868, -71.33023.<br /> There should technically be a better water source than the lake itself at camp 98.8, but I just took water from the lake:S. The next pass towards the ridge was hot but easy. Good trail until you hit the X at 105.9. Then the path is harder to follow. The camp at 107.1 seems silly and would be better higher above the listed water source. We ended up going cross country all the way from a pass like structure here -37.25066, -71.38499 to Laguna Hermosa because there was a trail on the other side (a bit lower than official RR so it made sense to follow it elevation-wise) that eventually faded away.<br /> Laguna Hermosa was worth it as others have stated but unfortunately very heavy winds crept in that night. It was way less windy on the East side of the lagoon, which we only noticed in the morning.<br /> Day7<br /> Very heavy winds. We made a small short cut to the RR from the Laguna by heading west sooner [included in our suggestions]. We considered turning around on the ridge as the winds were likely around 80km/hr at one point near the pylons, but luckily since the route is not actually on the ridge but under it, the rest of the way was okay, still windy but not pushing us over. The rest of the ridge was no problem for us, slower of course since there is sidehilling and edging but nothing scary or exposed. There was no snow though.<br /> El Puesto at 121 had two dogs but we did not see anyone. We camped at Laguna Laja (not nice) to climb Antuco the next day. To no surprise the restaurant and cafe at the ski resort are closed. Other than the water in the lake, there are no good water sources past the last water source before El Puesto if heading in this direction. There is Entel 3G coverage here.<br /> Day8<br /> Started early to beat the heat for Antuco. I turned back after the top of the ski lift because of a stomach bug (probably food but still nicer to vomit in the shade...) but Tomáš went on to finish the climb. The climb was not worth it. The volcano is not black sand but rather loose rock (boulders to pebbles) which made especially going down annoying. A rock fell on my waling stick and partially destroyed it. After the ski lift there is virtually no trail. Plus the fact there was only a small crater on top and the weather was very hot and windy in the early morning. I think we were there during a small heat wave, supposedly the day before was 38°C in Antuco proper. After the climb we hitched to the campsite Lagunillas (10mil/person) in hopes of going back to Los Angeles but after analyzing the smoke situation of the forest fires we stayed here and used it as a base for preparing for GPT09-10.<br /> <br /> It took us 168 hours but without climbing the volcanoes the trail could have been walked in five full walking days. End of January means there were virtually no horseflies. <br /> Nice trip but due to foot issues, things breaking down and a stomach bug at the end, it was a bit of a suffer-fest for Natalie (Tomáš's new shoes are unfortunately painful too). However, the hotsprings, Volcán Chillán, Laguna Hermosa and the trees (especially the ones with usnea) made it worth while!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 08-C / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Camping Las Lagunillas <br /> Overall an extremely beautiful route, my favourite in GPT06-08. Compared to GPT06 and 07, this section felt most diverse but also most challenging to navigate. I accidentaly got off track much more often. Still, the route is visible most of the time except the last day after Laguna Hermosa. Even there, sticking to the gpx files makes the section easily passable. One just need to pay a higher attention to where their steps are placed. The fauna is quite rich too - I had a chance to see a tarrantula (the minor road on day 1), crayfish in the rivers, and a snake which I believe was Tachymenis chilensis (on the shores of Laguna El Roble). I believe this section is much more demanding in Dec or early Jan when snow is still present on the slopes. Horseflies were not a problem in my case. I encountered some between km 75 and 85 but that was far from frustrating. I recommend gaiters due to dusty roads in some sections. From thermas Chillan I haven’t met a soul until the end of the section.<br /> <br /> Details:<br /> On the first day, it is easy walking on a minor road that winds through a forest so you can enjoy shade most of the walk! No complications, just need to climb some gates. I enjoyed a company of a fellow GPT hiker Martial, who shared some useful trout fishing tips and gear with me. We camped at the Nuble crossing. <br /> <br /> Second day, Nuble crossing was no problem. Knee-deep at the recommended ford. Then I got lost in the forest numerous time. Checking the gpx frequently definitely helped. I followed the advice of others to cross the river and find a path om the right upstream side. That worked really well, didn’t have to cross any fallen trees! I camped at the hot springs - it is actually a whole thermal river. Amazing, amazing place. Loved to lay in it and watch the stars. Quite a few other people were there (some arrieros and a Chilean family) but there really was enough space for everyone. <br /> <br /> The third and fourth day were rather uneventful for me. Very beautiful views along the trail, which was mostly through forests and relatively simple to follow all the way to 2km before Los Peucos. Even there the trail was visible, it was just overgrown. I worried about this part too much based on the previous reports. The path actually felt quite okay in my case. Unfortunately, no soul at Los Peucos. I saw a parked car and a horse, but no human in the area. So I decided to walk 3km more and camp at the next river ford at km 66.4. I also took option C as recommeded by other hikers below, it was perfect!<br /> <br /> The 5th day was easy up to the laguna El Roble. Then the climb is quite demanding. Most importantly, there is hardly any water between Laguna El Roble and km106.1. I found a little stream at km102.8 but I wouldn’t rely on it. My strategy was to drink about 1 liter at the laguna El Roble (I filtered the water there as the laguna didn’t seem that clear) and then I took 1.5l with me. It lasted me all the way to Laguna Hermosa. Maybe next time I would take only 1 liter. However, I felt safe to have the reserves. Once you get to the pass, the views are beautiful, as is Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the last night. <br /> <br /> On the 6th day, I started from Laguna Hermosa at 8am and reached the main car road around 3pm. The trail after Hermosa disappears and requires a lot of attention to your GPS to navigate. The scree traverses are entirely manageable. I had to think twice before placing my feet though. The trail becomes visible and much easier at km115 when the valley trail connects. No one was at the puesto at km121.1, just three dogs. Trekking poles were enough to fend them off. There is indeed a new metal gate with a lock at approx km 126. No guards are positioned there. I climbed the gate without issues. I then hiked to Camping Lagunillas. There is a very kind owner and his son. Really good people to chat with. After listening to my story they also let me a cabana for a price of camping (10,000 CLP) for the night. The owner’s son is keen to learn more about the GPT and to potentially hike part of the route too. The camping has a small almacen there with some lentils and rice to buy (however, the selection is not enough to resupply). They also sell beer, cookies and can make you a soft dinner and breakfast (empanadas, lentils, waffles, coffee, sandwiches). I hitchhiked to Abanico the next day. It seems there are many more buses from Abanico to Antuco/Los Angeles than just two these days. The bus schedules could be looked up on the Internet. I caught one at 9:30am. <br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-16 Frank RR SOBO 5 days<br /> <br /> Crossed the river before Los Sauces where a dirt road goes right, crossing was only ankle deep. The cable car at Los Sauces is locked &amp; there is often no one there. River is a lot deeper by the cable car (at least waist deep)<br /> <br /> At Los Robles the carabineros were not very friendly, which was unusual, &amp; were not too happy about me hiking solo, but after I told them I'd walked there from Santiago they allowed me to proceed. They had no info. about the activity level of Chillan. The 'shop' in Los Robles only had 2L bottles of soft drink &amp; eggs. Rio Nuble was thigh deep late in the evening but you need to pick your spot: a few metres downstream from the RR crossing, before some boulders in the water. Camped a little after the crossing. Before Rio Nuble there is a no entry sign &amp; locked gate but you can climb over it easily &amp; there was no one there. Campsite marked on track file before the crossing was fenced off with no entry sign.<br /> <br /> Coming down from the pass late on day 2 there is a cold water spring just before the hot waterfall. Filled up at the spring as the water in the valley is thermal, not sure if it's good to drink. Camped in the valley by the hot stream.<br /> <br /> At the CONAF hot springs it was 14,000 CLP to camp but they allowed me to use the hot bath for free. They have a shop but most items are too bulky for one person. I continued for about 10KM &amp; camped in a 3 sided hut 100M to the right off the road before a wide but easy ford. The hut has a dirt floor so you can pitch a tent inside. After Laguna Roble you climb to a pass &amp; there is a spring a little after the pass. I camped just before the spring (room for one small tent, had to clear away some rocks but it was OK) The traverse after the aerials was a bit sketchy but soon improved &amp; I picked up a tiny trail through the scree. Walked to the CONAF entrance gate on the road &amp; hitched out from there. There is a lot of traffic on the weekend. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 to 2023-Jan-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Start in Termas the Chillan opt. 2 than RR from 40km to 105.9 and finished using opt. 6. / Maks&amp;Gabi '''<br /> <br /> Trail is visible almost all the time. All the fords are easily passable. We had met arrieros 3 times, they were nice and helpful. One of them asked about why we are hiking, as there is a lot of people going this way, but he seemed to be okay with it.<br /> There is a lot of really horseflies especially between 83 and 93 km. <br /> There were also quite a lot of cows on trail, that were not so happy to see us, but we just walked around them (with some bigger distance). Be careful as the bulls seem to be very protective over the small ones. <br /> <br /> Option 06A is probably overgrown - we spent about 15 min trying to find the trail but we gave up after all ( it was about 300m after crossroad ).<br /> Gate on 8.6km of option 6 was locked with the padlock, but noone was there so we just walked over the fence. <br /> <br /> All other gates on all trail were easily passable. One of the arrieros just noted that we should close them after crossing. <br /> From the hydro powerplant till the end of the option 06B there were a lot of people working on a road but none of them seemed to have a problem with us being there.<br /> We hitch hiked to Antuco. <br /> It was our first try on the GPT (recommended by a local mountain guide from Termas de Chillan) and it was definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-03 to 2023-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Probably my favorite section so far! A nice mix of remote alpine stretches, forests, and fields. However the horseflies made it hard to appreciate at times, they were pretty much constant during the later section around Laguna Laha.<br /> <br /> I hitched from San Fabián around noon and did most of the road walk the first day. The campsite at 21.6 is fenced off. I stayed at 20.3 which didn't have great water access, just a muddy spring. Scrambling down to the river wasn't feasible but I found a bit of clean flow partway down.<br /> The Nuble crossing wasn't so bad for me, it was just below my waist (5'11/181cm). Still the hardest one so far. I found the trail afterwords pretty hard to follow, with lots of side paths eventually leading to thorny bushwhacking. It finally convinced me to pull the route up on my watch for the first time, definitely worth it here.<br /> A ways after the river crossing you'll come out of the woods into an open river valley. I recommend crossing the stream there and finding the path on the other side, instead of struggling through the blowdown/landslide debris along the gpx track.<br /> The trail was fairly slow from the Nuble crossing to los Peucos. After that it's super fast except for a few stretches in the mountains above the Laguna Laha. <br /> The natural hot springs just below the pass near the Volcan Chillan were very nice, but full of little flies. They didn't seem to bite.<br /> The camping at los peucos was very expensive, but they had a bit of food for sale (fruit!!). Comfy grass, wifi, well maintained bathrooms. The hot springs there were too hot for me, slightly painful.<br /> I missed option C and definitely regretted it. The road up was super rocky, and hot with no shade.<br /> The stretch above Laguna Laha was the driest I've passed so far. Thankfully there were a few snow fed streams/ponds left, but I should have carried more water to be safe. Laguna Hermosa was true to its name, a nice place to camp my last night.<br /> The main road at the end was pretty busy, you could hitch right away and skip the entire last 13ish km. But the extra little stretch of trail at the end was definitely worth it to me.<br /> It took me a while to get a ride to Antuco even though the road was busy. Most people were just going a bit further along. It's not the nicest town but there's decent selection for resupply. I got a room for 15k/night at a cabana/hostal place on Sgto. Aldea street. For some reason I didn't have cell service there, with Movistar.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-01 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option C / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We took bus from San Fabian (corner on the other side of the gas station) in the afternoon, and camped after ford of Los Sauces river (water only to the ankles). A lot of annoying tabanos, but plenty of space to camp. Quite a lot of locals go there as well. The next day we continued to the ford or Rio Nuble that turned out to be the worst so far for us. Doing it in the afternoon was not the best idea - the current was strong and even when it was just waist-high, we were not able to pass through the fastest part where the path takes you. We figured out to go more upstream, but just like 30m maybe? to a point where the water was really deep but completely calm. There is a rock wall on the other side. The water reached our chest at that part and our hands holding poles were under the water, making it hard to gain stability. We decided to take our chances and try to cross, using rocks covered with some grass to gain traction. There were times when we were floating in the water with close to 0 stability but we eventually made it. Best to be there early to have the best possible conditions. Until the end of the day we managed to get up through the forrest. Before you get out of the forrest you are crossing a stream that is going down between the rocks, but if you take a minute or two before it path that goes lower than trail, you will find a nice spot by the water with some wooden bench and nice covered place to camp. We prefered to be out of the forrest so we continued, but found only a field of fallen trees caused by landslide. It was possible to find a place to camp closer to the river. It is best to continue on the other side, which we did the next day. You will soon connect to the trail again, before going up.<br /> <br /> The way up from the valley is quite steep. From the pass you get a nice view of the Chillan volcano. Going further down to the lava field, we followed advices of others and get up to the top of lava field right away and continued walking on it. After the pass you will find a valley with hot springs which are simply amazing. Good to plan camping there so you can enjoy it fully. From the valley the trail is clear, until a short section before the official camp (1-2 kms before it), where it’s more of a bush-bashing. This part starts near a puesto where we came across herd of young bulls that seemed to be more curious that we would like and we had to go around them, a little off the trail. We struggled a little to find our way into the camp, which was not so clear from our gps (eventhough the path is clear all the way to the river) - the camp is secured by wire fences that we wanted to avoid, but at the end we crawled under them to get to the camp, aprox. according to our gps. If you follow the river downstream you might get to the official gate / entrance, not sure. Like other mentioned the price is quite high, and so are things in the little shop - most of it are classic camping things that last long like pasta, rice, canned fruits, a lot of cookies… but we were grateful for it anyway. The hot springs there are also amazing, man-made stone pools, with the view of the stars in the night it is perfect and worth the price. There are maybe 10 dedicated places to camp with wooden desk and bench, covered by roof (good when it’s raining). More space is close to the showers and the common, shared house with kitchen, fireplace and again desks with benches. We met there some workers from a gas company, fixing pipes close to the laguna, who were sleeping in the camp. The guy watching over the camp (from CONAF) was also nice and helpful - if you need anything, this is the right person to ask.<br /> <br /> On the next day, we continued on the minor road, where we took the C option, like others. Following the RR we found the 08-E option (which follows the MR) to be a better choice since the RR is a little overgrown in the beginning and with thistle-vegetation. Easy pass in the forest, and nice places to camp in the valley. We were lucky to find their cows again (luckily on the other side of the river), but bulls woke us up in the morning - this must have been the fastest packing in the history. We enjoyed more fun with the cows and bulls later in the valley, that were blocking our way and refusing to go away - that made us to take another short detour around them.<br /> <br /> A lot has been already written about the last part of this section that takes you up to the plateau. The climb is quite steep and long so don’t forget to take water from the last laguna - that is the last option. The next stream we found was about 2 kms from the point where you reach the ridge. We camped before Laguna Hermosa with nice view of the volcano. There was some melting snow above the laguna and we found 4G signal there (where the pole is). We found the descent down to be quite ok, there are small slippery rocks so it’s necessary to be careful, but nothing too bad. The descent gets very dusty later (when it’s dry) and is still steep in the forrest with a lot of water from the snow. We got to the main road in the afternoon and were lucky to catch a ride all the way to Antuco. We booked the only available place we found on booking called Puelche de Antuco, a really nice cabin. The town is nice with a lot of restaurants and shops.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2023-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Los Sauces - Antuco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 6 pm from San Fabián to Los Sauces and camped next to the river.<br /> <br /> The path until the river crossing of Rio Ñuble is basically a dirtroad, so we got there pretty fast. Only the horseflies were very annoying. We recommend bringing insect repellent.<br /> Christopher is 1.88m and the water went up to his navel at the main route crossing. Anna with 1.63m was not able to cross the river there.<br /> After some tries we found a possibility a couple of hundred meters upstream, where the water just went up to Anns knees. The tough part was to get up to the path on the other side. After some bush bashing, you have to get up a 3 to 4 meter high, almost vertical slope. We found a tree, whose roots we used to climb up, which was not super easy. Once you are up there, there is a good path that leads to the main route.<br /> <br /> The next day was nice until the valley around km 25 (where the river is not correctly positioned in the gaia app). There are tons of fallen trees and it was really hard to get through and there was mostly no visible path. It's probably best to stick to the upstream right side of the river.<br /> Afterwards the path gets really nice. Especially in the evening sun, it was very beautiful to cross the volcanic landscape. We camped in the valley at km 40 at the hot springs.<br /> <br /> The third day has a good path at the beginning. Just the last 3 km it gets more difficult, especially approx. 2 km before Los Peucos, where it's mostly bush bashing.<br /> The camping at Los Peucos is nice, as well as the hot springs, but we had to pay 14k CLP p.p. to camp there and in the evening there are tons of mosquitos. We would have camped a bit further downstream, if we had known that to be honest.<br /> <br /> The next day we took option C, like Veronica suggested, to avoid an unnecessary climb. Then we made an unnecessary climb following the road and not the main path, because we couldn't find the entry to the path right away and feared more bush bashing. But the path looked great from above.<br /> The rest of the route until shortly after Laguna Hermosa was really good. There is not much snow left and therefore there are not a great many places to fill up water.<br /> After Laguna Hermosa the path gets very hard to cross, due to lots of stones and gravel without a visible path.<br /> But it's very beautiful up there and finally not hot anymore.<br /> The descend has a easy to find path but is pretty slippery. Once you pass that the rest is pretty easy until the road, from where we hitchhiked to Antuco. We stayed at Camping Rucue for 15k CLP the camping lot. You pay for the lot not per person.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-19 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT08-02 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Los Sauces - Río Ñuble crossing - backtrack to Los Sauces - hitch to Termas se Chillán (GPT08 option 2) - Los Peucos - Laguna Laja - Laguna Hermosa - CONAF near Abanico <br /> <br /> San Fabian is a great place, loved swimming in the Ñuble River when it got hot. The owner of Cabañas San Fabian is super kind. I hitched back to the trail because I didn't want to wait all day for the bus that leaves at 6pm. <br /> <br /> Registered with the carabineros at El Roble, but I could not ford Río Ñuble at the RR crossing. Current was very strong, and has I been able to stand up in it, the water would have easily reached my chest (I'm165 cm). I tried several times to ford the river at three different places, several km apart from each other, with no success. I would advance in the stream until I felt I couldn't take another step without being swept, and couldn't get halfway across. I suppose I should have expected this - it's a very high snow year and mid-December. I even tried calling out for help at the puesto on the west side of the river near the &quot;no trespassing&quot; gates, but no one was there. The long walk back to Los Sauces felt very defeating. Also, the &quot;wooden bridges&quot; described by Jo and Veronika are actually only cable crossings, and inaccessible by two barbed wire fences. Not possible to cross the river there either. Ríos Los Sauces and Las Truchas only came up mid-thigh though. <br /> <br /> Regained the GPT at Termas de Chillán, Option 2. Basicall took almost the whole second day to hitch there. Beautiful trail, but steep. You get to ford hot creeks, which was pretty cool. <br /> <br /> The trail is overgrown in some places, the worst spot is between the last puesto before Los Peucos and Los Peucos. Very hard walking through, wished I had a machete. Only lasts a km or two thankfully. All three puestos before Los Peucos looked abandoned. <br /> <br /> Didn't meet anyone at Los Peucos since I got there fairly early in the morning, but the hot springs there are amazing. Really hot, clear water, a little stone pool in a garden. Loved spending time there. <br /> <br /> Taking GPT08-C avoids a pointless climb and descent on the regular route, and has a nice path the whole way. <br /> <br /> Trail gets more difficult once you start climbing up to the ridge after Laguna El Roble. The views are incredible though, absolutely spectacular. Lots of water sources up on the ridge due to many lingering snow patches. Most of them are not a problem. After the junction with GPT08-06, the trail kind of disappears. Keep an eye on the GPS as you climb and descend steeply on the slopes. It reappears again after the following camp and water waypoints. <br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa still has a couple snow patches on its shores, cold place to camp, but beautiful. After Laguna Hermosa is where it gets really challenging. There is no trail afterwards that I could find, basically cross country the whole way to the TR at 116.8 km. As you approach the &quot;trailhead&quot; waypoint, there is LOTS of scree traverses, and steep snow patches which require microspikes or extreme clambering to get around. Treacherous in some places. I fell a couple times. The ground is very loose and unstable. Things get better actually once you reach the official cross country section at Laguna Lágrima. Still some steep bits, but the ground is more consolidated, and there's more bedrock to help with traction. I reccomend taking the optional route CC-08-H. There's a faint trail to follow and it avoids clambering up on the ridge. <br /> <br /> Very glad to see a clear track again at 116.8. But still some problematic snow fields in this stretch above Laguna Toro, where it was too steep even with microspikes, and I had to do some very careful/serious climbing around. Not fun. Fell again here. Once you reach the long descent into Valle de los Carpinteros it gets much better. Still some snow in the woods over the creek. Right now you can walk on top of it like an ice bridge. There clearly was a LOT of snow here this past winter, it lingers until 1750 m or so in the south-facing valley. <br /> <br /> The puesto at 121.1 looks abandonned too.  Lots of downed trees in the area. There was no one, and no metal gate (or any gate) whatsoever before reaching the road in the National Park. <br /> <br /> The 4 days from Volcán Chillán to the end of the section, I saw no other human. I found this section also to be harder than GPT06, especially the last day. The snow complicates things. If you wish to avoid dangerous clambering and sketchy snow and scree traverses, take Option 06. The trail is good before then.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-28 to 2022-Feb-06 / 10 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo'''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces -&gt; banks of Rio Ñuble -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan (-&gt; escape to Concepción via Termas de Chillan to buy new shoes -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan) -&gt; Los Peucos -&gt; camp before Laguna Laja -&gt; Laguna Hermosa -&gt; camping Lagunillas (6 proper hiking days)<br /> <br /> Nice section again. Hot springs in the first half, beautiful views of Laguna Laja, Volcán Antuco, Siella Veluda in the second half. Laguna Hermosa is true to its name, and was the first to not have horse or cow droppings on its sandy shores :D Sad to not have crossed Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the cable car was not sure whether we could cross with our heavy backpacks, so we forded the river at Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> - From about km 20 the sides of the road are fenced. The camp at km 21.6 is no longer available. <br /> <br /> - There is a gate at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (blocking access to the trail) marked private, no entry. We saw some cars returning through a second gate (blocking access to the river) and asked if it was ok to cross the first gate. They said &quot;For you, sure.&quot; I get the impression that Chileans rather want to keep Chileans out... This gate is not a problem NOBO.<br /> <br /> - Fording Rio Ñuble was the deepest ford we ever did. Balls deep indeed! Quite doable though, as the water is clear.<br /> <br /> - There may be an alternative path on the western bank, starting at the wooden bridges at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206'. Some local at the San Fabián tourist office mentioned having hiked this way.<br /> <br /> - The trail at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (around km 30) has eroded. After searching, we had to push through some bushes on a steep ridge to continue the trail. Maybe more obvious NOBO.<br /> <br /> - At the start of the cross country at km 34.6 get to the top of the lava strip after fording the river. For us, this was easiest at S 36° 52.853', W 071° 18.793'.<br /> <br /> - The water at the camp at km 37.3 was mostly dried up. Don't count on it by the end of January.<br /> <br /> - The bus stop at Termas de Chillan is close go Hotel Nevados de Chillan. There are way more buses at Las Trancas de Chillan, 8 km down the road. Fortunately, the whole area has great 4G coverage with Entel, so you can look up the bus tables with the key words &quot;REM bus Termas de Chillan&quot;.<br /> <br /> - The CONAF camp Los Peucos has excellent hot springs and a mini shop. Camping costs 10.000 pp. The guards are very friendly and donated some fruit :)<br /> <br /> - The CC section around km 95 had a clear path, but the subsequent TL section before Laguna El Roble did not.<br /> <br /> - The trail after Laguna Hermosa was hard to find, we went quite slowly clambering on the loose scree or sand. Going down the mountain ridge at the end of the CC section was similarly difficult. Fell twice - could not find solid footing on the slope.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the puesto at km 121.6 was friendly, asked where we came from, went to, and pointed us to the exit road. She seemed friendly, but a subtle hint to &quot;please stay off my land&quot; would have been lost on us in translation. The new metal gate is easy to pass through. The CONAF guard's wife at the final CONAF post mentioned that we were hiking the &quot;sendero biologico&quot; when we mentioned Laguna Hermosa. This trail must pass over the lady's land too?<br /> <br /> - The ATM at Antuco is broken.<br /> <br /> - Supermercado Santa Teresa in Antuco sells 125ml bottles of alcohol desnaturalizado 96° in the nail polish section.v<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-24 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH Cerro Las Águilas / Molly and Melissa'''<br /> <br /> At the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> <br /> We took the bus to Abanico and hitched to the national park, not the easiest as all the cars were full. The car was stopped at the entrance, and we had to explain our route. We weren't asked to pay, probably because we weren't really going to the national park. You walk a little through it though on some nice paths, and then you reach a gravel road. Shortly after, at the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> As noted previously, after climbing to the ridge on the rr, the terrain is difficult, but the views are amazing. Not a lot of water, but we managed. Many of the campsites off route, including Laguna Hermosa, require quite a climb down.<br /> You stay high up quite a while, which gives amazing views. <br /> <br /> The cross country along Laguna Laja has a nice path all the way. Then you reach Patricio's puesto. He's very welcoming, and has had people stay in his puesto before. We just drank coffee with him though. His brother German lives in the valley right after Laguna el Roble, but his puesto is hidden in the trees.<br /> <br /> Alternative route Cerro Las Águilas<br /> We chose the Cerro las Águilas alternative, because Volcán Chillán was in yellow alert. While walking there, we met two carabineros on horseback who wanted to know which way we went. Don't know if they would have forbidden the rr. The ascent to Laguna el Lobo is through deep sand, it was very tough and took way longer than we thought. We ended up camping at the Laguna which was nice enough. The ascent from there of the first little hill seemed completely unnecessary to us, at least if you have been by the laguna, as you descend to the same level. It would be worth it to walk to the right and ascend directly on the brown mountain, following the GPS from there. The ridge walk was tough as well, a lot of scrambling. The GPS often wanted us to go right of the rocky tops, where going left or directly over often seemed easier/safer. There is no water until the valley between the two passes. There, we also found a nice campsite right after the big stream on the bottom, a little to the left.<br /> After reaching Rio Ñuble, you follow it for a long time. There are multiple streams running towards it where we had to take off our shoes - no lack of water here, though. The alternative also fords Rio Ñuble itself in a different location compared to the rr - we had no problems whatsoever there. It reached mid-thigh and wasn't too strong, and we are both around 160 cm. It is a very low snow year though, and very dry. Here would be a nice place to camp.<br /> <br /> After rejoining the rr, we decided to continue to the waypoint &quot;camp&quot;. That was a mistake, though, as everything around there is fenced in with big signs saying &quot;private property&quot;. The second campsite right after is not fenced in, but doesn't look that good on the first glance. The rest of the way to Puente Ingles is gravel road. El Roble has a house that sells sodas - it has a &quot;bebidas&quot; sign. <br /> We crossed Rio Los Sauces beneath the cable cars quite easily, the water was mid-thigh - again very dry year. <br /> <br /> Puente Ingles<br /> In Puente Ingles we stayed at a campsite a little north of the cable car crossing, marked on the map in Locus Maps as &quot;lugar&quot;. It is 10,000 per tent, there are bathrooms, cold showers and tables. They also have a cabaña which was occupied. Puente Ingles has a small shop with sodas, ice cream, tortillas, biscuits, coffee and chips. It is quite nice to bath in the river. The bus still leaves at 7 and 10 in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-15 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful view of volcán Antuco when walking up towards the ridge line by Laguna Laja and a staying at Los Peucos camping site was a big highlight on my journey on the GPT. Had my dinner in their wonderful hot spring while staring at the clear starlit sky in the cool night. Two nice guys working here and they even donated me some pasta, fruits and vegetables. Walking near the active Chillán Volcano and watching the fumaroles while being circled by a group of condors was also a cool experience. <br /> <br /> With that said, this section kicked my ass. Mainly due to some bad fitting shoes I recently bought in Los Ángeles and because I suffered from bad chafing in my butt which made me walk like I had shit my pants for a couple of days. This combined with some tough terrain (specially near Laguna Laja) and countless of horseflies made this section quite challenging for me. But definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> Like mentioned by hikers in the previous years fording Rio Ñuble can be a bit demanding especially for shorter people. It was getting late when I reached the river so I decided to camp nearby and cross the river in the morning. Had water up to the balls (i’m 189cm) and the current a bit strong but it was not too bad. <br /> Hitched a ride from Puente El Ingles to San Fabian and later jumped on a bus to Chillán to buy new shoes once again. Room with private bathroom for 15.000 at hostal El Molino in San Fabian, nice lady who owns the place.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''*2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> Volcan Chillán remains active. The regular route passes the crater closely therefore Option 1 appears currently the saver if someone does not want skip section GPT08 completely. This option passes the danger zone with more distance. In case of an eruption volcanic ash is likely to affect Option 1 but the risk of direct volcanic effects is lower (flash flood from melting snow and glaciers, land slides, lava and flying rocks). <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> Just want to say quick that the termas vapaors in Mèdano are worth checking out, I highly recommend them. Please consider checking them out, they are only ½ km off the trail and absolutely worth it. They are sauna boxes built around a few hot rocks emitting hot steam. The result is a steam room/ sauna experience. I personally spend over 4 hours chilling out in the steam rooms.<br /> After a 2-hour road walk on the side of the highway you make your way back on trial. This section takes you thru many areas used for grazing livestock with puestos in sight almost all the time. Carizales a small settlement right on trail has a small store and the family also sells bread. There was also a puesto that sold us fresh goat cheese and Coca Cola. It is marked as a waypoint on the GPX file about 20km south of Carizales. Much of the trail is very dry and exposed and the landscape is void of trees and vegetation. There are many great places to jump into the river and cool off. The section up and around the lake offers great views of the mountains, volcanoes nearby and Laguna Dial. The trail itself is well established and never had any real trouble navigation. There were also quite a few hot springs on trail or close by.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Hot and Exposed (especially in summertime). Resupply Distance.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot springs. Great sweeping views. Pools of cool water to jump into in the middle of the day.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option l start south OH 08 - 02 / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Solo. Because I was not allowed to walk close to the Volcanoe by the carabineros, following the RR, had to take the optional start south OH 08 - 02, in Nevados de Chillán Ski Resort. Funny enough, I walked the first day across the volcanoe anyway, it had some smoke coming out but nothing dangerous happened. Then followed RR to the end. Cross country segments in the ridge close to Laguna del Laja were demanding and not ideal for a solo hiker. But it was worth the effort, one of the most amazing views I have seen so far. Beautiful section. Resupplied and stayed for one night in Abanico.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-05 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR /Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Can ford river @ los sauces easily rather than walking from Puente Ingles. Cable Car was all<br /> Locked up. Registration @ El Roble like the others. We camped at the hot rivers close to Volcan Chillan and I fucked up with the gasoline in my stove. Buzzkill...: but Fortunately there was an exit to Termas De Chillan close. We got rides easily from the road.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Starting at El Ingles and hiking southbound towards Abanico. Lovely section however can be slow at times when the track is hard to follow. <br /> We had to register with the Carabineros at El Roble. Before crossing Rio Nuble there is a large gate with ‘private property: no entry’ written on it. We found this off putting. The river crossing itself was fine in the early morning but could be challenging without trekking poles and with a very heavy pack. <br /> After the Laguna de La Laja the track becomes especially more challenging and rocky. In poor weather it could be dangerous given the slippery slopes and steep descents. <br /> We honestly found this section harder than GPT06 and would swap the difficulty ratings. <br /> Took a bus into Los Angeles at 5pm to resupply for the next section. Did not investigate Abanico as we caught the bus as it was leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional hike along Laguna de la Laja / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces to Abanico.<br /> <br /> Los Sauces: If you tell the bus driver you want to cross the river by cable car (carro azul) he honks at the bus stop and señor Marcial comes from the other side to get you.<br /> Ford Rio Ñuble: If you are a dwarf like me, you should ask your taller hiking partner to carry your backpack, otherwise it will get wet. Demanding.<br /> Volcan Chillan: PLEASE NOTE: We were absolutely aware that our buddy Volcano could erupt or explode at ANY GIVEN MOMENT and that this was NOT a SAFE option to hike. (But it was beautiful! ...and a bit overgrown in some places. There is not much of the trail left before the first pass.)<br /> Laguna de la Laja: It was beautiful but we definitively wouldn't recommend it. There is no trail along the Laguna. At the beginning you can walk on cow tracks close to the waterfront. Afterwards it's 15 km of cross country. The 3 km into the third inlet took us 3 hours and were really dangerous because of loose rocks and steep cliffs. The following investigation part (@08-04-#002) was mainly a quite nice trail, but we lost it twice and it took us ages to find it again, and in this steep and not very easy terrain you don't want to loose the trail. We were really glad when we got back to the regular route.<br /> From Abanico there are several buses per day going directly to Los Angeles. Resupply in Abanico is possible.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We had to register in Carabinieros. They didn't have a problem with leting us go even regular route, seemed like eventual crossing to Argentina is their primary issue. <br /> Optional 1 - to the juction with valley walk without problem. Cross coutry part on the ridge was easy to navigate. On downhill there is no trail so we went crosscountry again. It's bit overgrown in some spots, we found trail cca after half of descend. Last flowing water is before juction with valley walk. We saw some water holes cca 2-3km before Laguna de Lobo. <br /> Rest of the regular trail - cross coutry sections were demanding. Otherwise no problem. <br /> We got hitch to Los Angeles after CONAF station so no idea about resuply or accomodation.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Jan-13 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo '''<br /> Volcán Chillán was in &quot;alerta naranja&quot;.<br /> Río Ñuble impassable at S36° 50.188' W71° 14.935' Better continue following the minor road in the alternative route.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> When hiking the alternative east route (Paso Aguila) do not descend to the valley at S36° 57.919' W71° 14.752'. It's unmantained and overgrounded, because of recent forest fires. Better stay above the tree line until Laguna El Lobo.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Abanico<br /> At least one restaurant with pizza<br /> Store?<br /> <br /> *Antuco (from Abanico)<br /> Many smaller supermarkets, which have most things - easy enough to resupply here.<br /> One of the two ferreterías has gas (the one furthest from Abanico).<br /> Many accommodation options and some restaurants. March 2024: Good Accomodation with a nice Mapuche family in a single room, shared bath with hot shower, washing machine and including breakfast 18000 peso: Fanny, +56 9 9404 4771.<br /> There is an ATM (Fee: 5500)at the town square southend of town which even gives some smaller notes.<br /> Bus to Los Angeles<br /> <br /> *Camping Parque Antuco : <br /> 10k for camping. Cabañas also. Nice calm place, swimming pool, shade. Electricity and hot showers. Homemade empanadas. Bernabe the owner is really kind and know about the GPT. His number +56 9 9507 2559. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles<br /> Store with chips, ice cream, bread, chocolate, sodas. Possibly some accomodation option at the store. Campground with one cabaña a little further down the room - sign says cabañas - 10,000 per tent, toilets with cold showers and a room with a fireplace for cooking<br /> <br /> *San Fabián (from Puente Ingles)<br /> Many accommodation options - almost everything was fully booked when we were there (Feb 2022). <br /> Supermercado La Montaña seems to be the best option - not the easiest place to resupply, but definitely possible. Harder than in Antuco.<br /> Great Venezuelan restaurant Canela Passion. <br /> Bus to San Carlos<br /> <br /> *San Fabian - Fev 2025 (Clara) : <br /> - Very good resupply possible in the supermarket Los Alvis.<br /> - Accomodation : cabaña nativa : very nice cabanas clean, big confortable bed, climatisation, kitchen, pools, jacuzzi. 35k for a 2 persons cabaña (for 1 person). Just in front when you go out, there is a place where you can buy very good tortillas de rescoldo and pan amasado. Lots of restaurants. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2025 - 02 : there are direct buses from Chillan to San Fabian. Then San Fabian to Puente Ingles. Buses at 2 pm and 6 p.m. in front of the carabineros including Sundays and Holidays. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles to San Fabián<br /> Bus at 7 am and 10 am - leaves from the campground, drives to the shop and the back again towards San Fabián<br /> <br /> *Bus from Antuco to Los Angeles about once an hour in daytime. <br /> <br /> *A few buses from Abanico to Antuco or you can hitch fairly easily.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> <br /> Bus from Chillan (Terminal La Merced) a Thermas de Chillan at 8 am and 2 pm (weekends at 1:30 pm) for 3900 Pesos. The buscompany is &quot;Rembus&quot;. Their Website isn't up to date, but you can check their Facebook page for informationen.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> * At the puesto (120,6/1513), the owner does not want us to pass through his land (as of 02/02/2025). He clearly stated that it is private property. It might now be preferable to take a detour through BB, passing well to the right beforehand and rejoining the path well after his house (which was under construction with many tents around it at that time)? (Peggy)<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT08 - Volcán Chillan]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:Segundo_Rio_Termal_zona_cascadas.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|This river is hot! Aguas Calientes Valley]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (8).jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Laguna Laja and [[Volcán Antuco]], by Matúš Lašan]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT08_(Volcan_Chillan)&diff=122429 2025-08-09T10:04:59Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - I re-route the Regular Route of GPT08 due to the right-of-way at Mallin el Toro at the southern terminus of GPT08 (about 4 km north of road between Abanico and Laguna Las Lajas). The Regular Route now descents when hiking Sobo Rio Polcura and the hydro-power station El Toro.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-27 to 2025-03-31 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + OH G + OH H + own route around Puesto/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Came from Talca and took the 2pm bus from Terminal Merced to Termas de Chillán. Arrived at 4:30pm and was the last one in the bus. Had to walk 1.5km on the road to reach OH 02. The trail to Pass {08-02} [2.8/2371] was easy, but very steep. No fun, i was stressed a lot because of time pressure, had only 3 hours of daylight left. Hurried down through the incredible Valle Aguas Calientes - what a pity! First hot spring was already occupied with tents. Could have camped near a hot river, but maybe not easy to reach the hot river in the dark. Therefore i continued until Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. Don't recommend this place, the evening and night was super windy, although it was less windy at the pass! Didn't dare to leave the tent to take a bath and didn't fall asleep before 3am. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Prepared everything and took a bath in the morning. So good!! RR was wet and sometimes not visible in the valley. Improved soon. Ford {08} [47.4/1390] was below knee and fast flowing. Ford {08} [48.4/1334] was mid tigh (i'm 1.73) and fast flowing. At Puesto {08} [49.6/1423] i saw 2 simple huts: one was locked. Ford {08} [50.5/1305] was possible dry feet. Ford {08} [64.1/1164] was also possible dry feet. Went to Camping Los Peucos and met 2 guys from Conaf. They told me the Camping is now officially closed due to problems with administration. Arrived late and was allowed to stay, very nice gardaparques. I hope they reopen soon, this place is awesome.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Short day due to weather forcast: 35l rain and 80km/h winds in the evening and night. All 4 fords at the MR were easy and low, but Ford {08} [71.3/1089] was very long. At least 5 apple trees at OH E! Sendero Los Ratones is nice, but some fallen trees. Searched for a camspot near the pass in the lenga forest. Stayed here on a not really flat place: <br /> -37.128033, -71.3195. Indeed tons of rain after 8pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Started late at 10am, when rain stopped. Again some fallen trees. Soon i found better and bigger places to camp in the forest, the altitude-lines didn't let me expect this. No more dust! Trail until Laguna Roble was nice and beautiful. Below Laguna Roble i found a rabbit caught in a wire loop. I freed the poor animal, 100m further i saw a dead rabbit in another wire loop. Both campspots at Laguna Roble are nice and well protected in case if bad weather. <br /> Was lucky to climb to Pass {08} [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) on a cool day. Great views from the ridge! Also nice trail. After X {08} [105.4/1934] 200m CC. Camp {08} [106.6/1938] isn't flat. Followed the wrong trail and continued CC at the same altitude until i reached the RR again. Took OH G to get to Laguna Hermosa. Easy CC. Didn’t like the camp at the beach, not good in case of unstable weather. Stayed here: -37.27434, -71.383359 a bit further up. 100m below there is a well sheltered spot between bushes. Started snowing after i pitched the tent. Very cold night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Sunny day, but cold and some snow at the mountains. The following km at the ridge were a bit difficult due to snow and ice. Snow covered the trail and made it difficult to follow. Fortunately i saw animal footprints - wild animals appriciate our trails! Took OH H, there is a nice trail. The beginning of the descent was very steep and still frozen. Improved in the forest. Met two Arrieros with horses and 4 aggressive dogs. Wanted to sneak around Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] to avoid right-of-way issue. First try was a fail - the vegetation was way too dense. Here -37.347131, -71.391773 i could follow an animal trail, which leads to a big meadow. Hiked on the meadow to the MR. Only downside: i was visible from the house, nothing happened. I guess: it's possible to sneak in NoBo when walking early or late when it's dark. Nice trail near Estero El Toro. Walked on the PR and got a very friendly hitch with a chilean couple to Los Ángeles.<br /> <br /> *''' 2025-03-14 to 2025-03-16 /3 days / HIKING/ NOBO / OH 02 + RR /Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We tried to to take the OH06 to avoid the right of way issue but when you go Nobo you have to go through the hydroelectrical central. For that you have to go there with one of the landowner located after the central. So we followed the advice of Robin and Manon and contacted Engelbert Egger (+56992392826). He's very Kind but he wasn't in Abanico at this time so he gave us the number of an other man wo has a puesto after the central. He wasn't available as well so we decided to start from Termas de Chillan to avoid this part. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : we started from Termas de Chillan and took the OH 02. We went up to the pass, easy trail. We went down to the agua caliente valley, very beautifull and almost all rivers are hot. There is one amazing just after the camp [37.3/2157] where you can bath. <br /> We slept at camp 40.3 where the hot spring is so nice as well. <br /> <br /> Day 2: we went up to the pass 39.1 quite sandy but the ascent is short. When we went down we lost the RR because we followed a more obvious trace so keep looking at the GPS. We <br /> reached RR again and followed the route until pass 33.2. Then we went down to the valley of estero Quebrado. At camp 29.5 we lost the track and ended in bamboo fight, so stay to the right side of the estero and it will be fine. <br /> We reached Rio Ñuble and crossed it preatty easily at the exact point on Locus because rivers are lower at this time of the year. We camped here S 36° 48.882', W 071° 15.278' but the camp 20.3 is fine also. The other places are protected by fences and big signs are saying that camping is prohibited.<br /> Day 3: we walked all the way to Puente Engles and found a lift to go to San Fabian de Alico. We slept at the Jahuel camping (15min from center and 8000p/p) nice restaurant : Zambie I Canuta.<br /> Took the bus next morning at 6:20AM to Chillan.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-23 to 2025-03-02 / 8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> We sticked to the main route the whole time. !!!We had problems at the end of the main Route. Its best to use Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid right of ways issue.!!!<br /> <br /> Travel:<br /> At this section our trip ended that’s why we hitchhiked to Antuco and even though it was Sunday we were able to buy a ticket for a nightbus directly from Antuco to Santiago. The bus left at 22:15 and arrived at 05:30 the following day costing the two of us 54 euros. <br /> <br /> Permissions:<br /> In the beginning is a gate a little bit before the marked gate at kilometre 22.8. The gate has signes on it stating that everything is private property and nobody is allowed to enter. The land is owned by a really nice man called Juan. His phone number is +56973133339. He is carrying his phone all the time so just give him a call before entering. He was really friendly to us and gave us immediate permission to cross his territory.<br /> When entering Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja don’t worry about getting a permission to continue hiking. We went to the Park Ranger at km 63.9 and he told us that no permission is needed to cross the national park.<br /> !!!The landowner at km 120.6 doesn’t let any hiker pass! No matter whether hiking SOBO or NOBO. There is also no way to get a permission. That’s why we highly recommend taking the Option 6 (Rayenco) to avoid these problems. He is a really straightforward person who makes you turn around no matter of how much water or food you still have left.!!!<br /> 
Resupply:<br /> No shops on the whole trail.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 4-5/5<br /> Difficulty: 4/5<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 08 / 2025-02-13 to 2025-02-07/ 7 days / NOBO / Mara &amp; Tobias*'''<br /> <br /> short: Avoided the right of way conflict at Puesto {08} [121.6/1513] by taking the ridge (difficulty 6). Water {08} [107.7/1951] is almost dried out. Aggressive cows in the valley close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449].<br /> <br /> Day 1: startet at Gate {08} [126.2/1339] at 12:30 and met Enrico there, who told us to not pass. After chatting a bit with him he told us to wait 20 minutes, until he left with the car and go for the ridge. So we entered after a while, went up the road and found water at -37.35773, -71.38068. From the satellite images variant A (photo) looked ok, but in real live seemed to be a bad idea. So we went for variant B, which took us 3 hours. Very steep, loose rocks, one part with climbing (difficulty 2). With the food for 7 days in the backpack not a joy 😂. While we were climbing up, we saw 3 cars passing the road. So be aware when you sneak in. Camped at laguna los Cóndores. Perfect Spot!<br /> <br /> Day 2: walked to Camp {08} [107.6/1938]. The marked spot should be shifted up to 37.24611 -71.39138 the shoulder right before (NOBO). Met Adrian, Julian and Valentin there who camped SOBO and camped beside us. Had nice conversations. Adrian warned us about the aggressive cows next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Went to Camp {08} [88.1/1514] and met Clara on the way. Cows close to Camp {08} [89.4/1449] showed an aggressive behaviour. Maybe it was the herd who were hunting the boys the day before. We had to do a 20 minutes detour up the valley to keep distance. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Went to camping Los Peucos and enjoyed the hot water.<br /> <br /> Day 5-7: walked to Puente Inglés without difficulties. Crossed Río Nuble with dry feet on horseback’s. 2 Arrieros (Guillermo and Renato) took us on the other side. Water was not deep either.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''10Fev2025 - 17fec2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH1+new - varE - G - H - I - J / 7.5 days (with one half day at termas) / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Left the bus to Puente El Ingles here -36,67295, -71,29201 before los sauces (as Tomáš and Natalie said), easy road to the river and dry feet crossing. <br /> Lots of workers there, I was luckey to get a ride to El Roble after few hot MR walking km. <br /> Carabineros are nice, just want you to register and check out you have a good gps + satellite. <br /> <br /> <br /> Fords : <br /> - Rio ñuble: at 10am deep and flowing fast, I didn't feel it (1.57m, alone and i'm not used to fords). I knew it would probably be like this so I took OH1 and went back RR (thanks a lot Peggy and Dorota!!). Ford at the indicated place on OH1 is easy, water to knee flowing slow at noon. <br /> <br /> -Rio diguillin : 47.4 was easy (fast flowing but around knee). 48.4 harder (water to crotch, flowing fast), I did it few meters upper to tracks (exactly here : -36,93565, -71,40355)<br /> <br /> <br /> Navigation : <br /> <br /> - to avoid ford of rio ñuble : OH1 is easy with 2 nice camp spots (-36,85676, -71,22440 and -36,86615, -71,21507) and lot of streams flowing. Trail in the other direction is mainly in good conditions but sometimes disappear + cow paths make you going in bushes and loosing time (so if it can helps, this is 4 positions that I marked with my gps when I went back on the good trail just after loosing myself : <br /> S36.852906° O071.228763° /<br /> S36.850995° O071.230381° /<br /> S36.844944° O071.235431° /<br /> S36.839085° O071.245746°)<br /> <br /> Maybe (probably), there are other easy spots earlier to ford Rio ñuble and take the trail at the opposite side, especially when it gets close to the river, but I didn't explore it at all. <br /> And back on the other side of Rio ñuble... 3h30 later !! But I was very happy with it as it worked and was very easy. <br /> <br /> -I found not so much bamboo fight, maybe it have been cleared by all the people passing. I avoided one taking the good trail on the other side of the river around camp 29.5. 2 additional fords but very easy. (Cross river here S36.856564° O071.75578°, and then here S36.858440° O071.279470° to go back on RR)<br /> <br /> - CC part on the ridge after km113 is more demanding in terms of navigation and terrain. Some cairns helping (but once leed me in wrong and exposed direction). I ended up on varH without noticing but it felt good as there was less wind than directly on the ridge and a good trail. <br /> <br /> - I had still lot's of food so I took the ridge slow and went for the lakes (thank's to Sergio advise, and food!). Var G for laguna hermosa is easy CC, 20 min down. The lake is a beautiful ++ spot to camp (or lunch/swim), I found it way nicer than Laguna El Roble ! No water flowing upper to the lake at this time but water from the lake is perfectly clear and fresh. <br /> Var I looked nicer than RR for this steep going down. <br /> Then var J : good trails to go to laguna El Toro and to the viewpoint of laguna los condores. Not sure if you really can go down at this one and didn't look like there is place to camp. <br /> <br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> <br /> - Planned to camp at Camp 20.3 but the place was not nice and no water so went to next spot not marked here -36,81470, -71,25463. (Camp 21.6 is not good too, there is a fence and private property)<br /> <br /> - -36,85684, -71,27580. A bit before camp 29.5. <br /> <br /> - termas 40 : very nice spot. Incredible termas !!<br /> <br /> - camping Los Peucos : nothing to add about termas and camping. Sergio is amazing and very generous. The day after he had to do some stuff with trashes and he proposed me to come with him by car. He took me to the viewpoint of salto del blanquillo on OH3 that was nice and then left me around beginig of VarE<br /> <br /> - camp 87.1 : nice fresh water flowing just down to the spot.<br /> <br /> - camp 102.3 : there is actually a thin water just down, sufficient to cook and drink. The spot has an amazing view. Flat spot perfect for tent exactly here -37,21391, -71,37187. Not totally wind protected so better watch before how it's gonna be for the night ! <br /> <br /> - laguna El Toro : is not as perfect as laguna hermosa (and water is not as fresh and clear, maybe better to take water from the little stream on the path going down to the lake) but it's still a nice place to camp. Frozed in the night. <br /> <br /> <br /> Water : 27.5 is not really good (more muddy and stagnant water). Other markers are good. <br /> <br /> No snow. <br /> <br /> <br /> Right of way issues : <br /> - at puesto 120 : 5 very agressive dogs running and barking on me when I arrived. As others, the guy told me it's a private property and doesn't let people go since this season (because of trashes and fires). He was not angry and had to let me pass in this way but precise me that he won't let anyone in the opposite. Need to find an alternative way if you really want to go NOBO here, and don't approch the puesto.<br /> <br /> - cows around km88 where not aggressive with me but not friendly type neither. <br /> <br /> I can advise camping parque Antuco. Nice and calm place with shade and swimming pool. Homemade empanadas. Camp10k with electricity and perfect hot showers. Bernabe the owner is really nice and know about the GPT. Had really good talks with him !<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-JAN-29 to 2025-Feb-2 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Elijah &amp; Michael<br /> <br /> Rio Nuble remains a challenging crossing with water coming waist high at 174 cm. Trail is overgrown with Bamboo Grass up to the second pass, however improves thereafter. <br /> <br /> Both the undeveloped termas after the second pass, as well as Los Peucos are highly recommended. Camping &amp; rustic cabanas available at Los Puecos; as noted, Sergio is warm, welcoming, and generous with his available supplies. <br /> <br /> El Puesto {08} [120.6/1513] informed us that we were trespassing on private property and allowed us to pass on the stipulation that we never return. <br /> <br /> Antuco Base Camp sells hot coffee, cookies, chocolate, and at lunch, pizza. Light traffic on road to Antuco (Sunday). <br /> <br /> (Option 1: Michael split from RR to hike this option. Second marked puesto busy &amp; welcoming. No water available after basin before ridge walk, until Laguna el Lobo. Good views, comparable to Traversia Polcura.) <br /> <br /> '''2024-01-16 to 2014-01-26 / 1day+10days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH 1+new trail / Dorota+Peggy till los Puecos, after that Dorota'''<br /> <br /> Very demanding stage because of Rio Nuble<br /> <br /> 1Day: I walked alone and have idea to cross the river Nuble at km 22.0 km (-36.82021, -71.25381) at first gate. Then followed river, and after puesto I found trail. My idea was destroyed for next river and also on the other side I did not see possibility to continúe. So I backtrack to camping El Ingles and joined Peggy.<br /> <br /> Day2: We could not crossed safely Nuble. Night at km 21.6<br /> <br /> Day3: We continued option 08-01. It was possiblity of storm so we went to puesto (08-01)[8.0/1136]. We spent here night and learned how to made sopapillas and bread. Patricia y Juan gave us a lot of food. Juan explain us that exist path on other side of river (reffering to option1) which leads to termas. <br /> <br /> Day4: We risked to follow his innstruction and we reached the track RR. So if you would like to do this option: take variant 01, cross the river Nuble at about km 6.5 (-36.86712,-71.21317). And then not followed option 1. Instead turn right and followed path on the other side. You need to make some adicional kilometers, but it was worth of it. <br /> <br /> Day5: we reached termas. There was nice spot with two places for tent.(-36.90435, -71.35763)<br /> <br /> Day6: volcano Chillan using variant Natalie-Tomas. Till 2500 m nice visible path. Then sometimies. There were snowfields, only one with spikes. We met pair from Germany.<br /> <br /> Day7: We spend a lot of time for find good place for passing river Daulagin. We have crossed 100 m down stream. I have 1.64 cm, peggy 1.60 cm. Cuarrent very strong, water to hips. I reached camping los Puecos.<br /> <br /> Day7: Rest day at Puecos. Night at &quot;quincho&quot; house with place for fire. Price 15.000 clp. Ranger Sergio gave us a lot of food, breakfast and dinner. Also gas and food. He didnot like money adicional. Hot springs excepcional.<br /> <br /> Day9: I followed trail alone. Between 82.9 and 84.2 a lot tress and sometimes trail is not visible. Night at km 88.4.<br /> <br /> Day 10: views from the ridge were amazing. Between km 110.2 and 113.1 the trail very often is not visible. I camped at km 111. Water from snow.<br /> <br /> Day11: There were not water till km 117. Meeting with Rodrigo at his puesto were not so bad. At the beginnig I started to apologize that I am on his territory. Night at camping Antuco in luxury cabana for 4 personas. Price 30000 clp. Owner in the evening took me to Abanico to restaurant and buying some food. Very nice place.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-27 / 7 days + 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR from thermas de Chillán, Option 08-D + volcano Chillán / Chris &amp; Julia<br /> '''<br /> <br /> Tldr: Final ridge is difficult (navigation &amp; terrain), we had insane winds. Water [118.3/1733] is campable. All fords managable (2 pers, one 181cm), one a bit tricky to navigate. Option 08-D preferable. Dont miss out on Los Peucos!<br /> <br /> Skipped due to Rio Nubles to valles de agua caliente.<br /> Climbing volcan Chillán was a nightmare made from ashes and loose rocks. Saw condors from maybe 5m away and got blessed with amazing views. it took us in total approx. 7hrs. Many snowfields to cross and no real path, its just... very very steep.<br /> Valle de agua caliente was very nice, but also crowded. The water is not particularly hot, but relaxing &amp; nice during daytime. The first river that needs to be crossed to join the RR was pretty hot (almost burned my foot when crossing). We were a bit bummed, we didnt try to find a bathing spot there, away from the people and with some steam ;)<br /> Fording Rio Diguilli approx hip high and medium current, second crossing was easier than first but hard to navigate. At the marked location is a good spot, just hard to get there as the path was swept away. We followed horse tracks, last 20m pushed through bushes, climbed down and then traced the river approx. 20-40m upstream to the marked fording and crossed there. <br /> Los Peucos is a heaven, no shop though, so plan supplies accordingly! If lucky and he had a recent resupply run, he might sell you some food, but its not certain. Sergio is super nice &amp; welcoming, hot pools are suuuuper relaxing! Wifi available. 15kCLP pp.<br /> We took Option 08-D (some CC that Sergio (Los Peucos) recommended) to only cross Rio Polcura once. We crossed approx 200m downstream of the marked location where it was more narrow, less current but a bit deeper. We did this because it was easier to judge whats coming and it was belly high, but due to little current very managable. Rather a nice cool dip. We saw horse tracks exiting the trail a bit earlier to the left than the Option 08-D. Arrieros know best, i suspect this might be their trail, worth checking out!<br /> As others mentioned before, we also took the road and not the RR parallel to the river. We saw arrieros use it on horses, but with backpacks its hard and not enjoyable.<br /> Camp [97.8/1456] at Laguna el Roble was a dream spot. The ascend after was a dream too, 2hrs, amazing views.<br /> Final ridge approx from the salida de emergencia ongoing was hard to navigate, challenging terrain, insane winds! Took longer than expected!<br /> Camp [106.6/1938] looked not flat but okay, but water supply rather trickling than flowing. <br /> We camped at not-marked location very close to Water [118.3/1733] (when the path gets muddy, after crossing the little flow from the left, little ascend and then to the right is a nice flat spot between fallen trees). The water is actually a source and had wonderful cold &amp; fresh water flowing. <br /> <br /> In Antuco we found through asking a shop owner a little room, hosted by nice lady Sara: 3 beds, power outlets, wifi (fast), shower (warm-ish), watercooker, microwave, clean, central (near bigmarket) for 40.000CLP per night for it all. Her Whatsapp: +56 9 8503 8261<br /> No kitchen though.<br /> <br /> Wonderful and diverse section! Loved every bit of it!<br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-02 to 2024-Jan-12 / 3 days+8 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, backtrack from Rio Nubles, OH02, OH02A / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> In short - we didn't cross Rio nubles and backtracked to opt 02.<br /> Great hot springs<br /> An angry guy at puesto [120.6/1513]<br /> <br /> Trail from Puente Ingles is an MR. There is a lot of worker traffic and it's easy to hitchhike.<br /> At Camp [21.6/873] there is a fence and it's currently impossible to camp there. At the same spot there is a cable bridge. We climbed the fence and tried to cross, but the cart was on the other side of the river and we didn't see anybody.<br /> <br /> We camped near Rio Nubles ford waypoint in order to try it early in the morning.<br /> The current was too strong and we didn't maage to cross the river (we are 170 cm)<br /> We decided to go upstream using option 10, cross the river, and try to go back to RR on the other side.<br /> We crossed the river at (-36.86714, -71.21322) and started hiking south.<br /> It was hard BB and we hiked about 1.5 km in 4 hours.<br /> We saw the river got wide so we decided to cross it again, stop suffering, backtrack and take a bus to thermas de chillan.<br /> <br /> We took a bus from Chillan to Termas de Chillan at 13:30 on Sunday. We walked about 1 km on the paved road and climbed to the first hot springs. There was a small not so warm pool.<br /> <br /> 2nd day - we climbed to Volcan Chillan. There was some snow but it was easy without spikes.<br /> Slept in the amazing Valle de Agua Caliente and enjoyed a hot bath in the hot river at night.<br /> <br /> 3rd day - We planned to get to Los Peucos but decided to spend more time in the hot springs valley and started hiking at noon. The ford in [48.4/1334] was quite hard. At afternoon the water reached our belly button, current was strong, rock at bottom slippery. <br /> We camped near ford [50.5/1305]. There was a fir pit.<br /> <br /> 4th day - we hiked to Los Peucos. Sergio the ranger accepted selling us some food (flour, eggs, cheese, pasta, tuna, pastrami). Payed 15,000 clp each for food+hot spring+camp. The hot springs were amazing! The best so far for us. You get to fill your own pool before going in so it's clean and warm! There's wifi and a place to charge as well. <br /> <br /> 5th day - we camped at (-37.10491, -71.31605) no water. Saw puma foot prints the next morning, and a research camera a little before camp. <br /> <br /> 6th day - saw Laguna de laja and volcan Antuco from afar for the first time. camped near Laguna De Roble, swem and rested in the afternoon. Beautiful place! A lot of ducks.<br /> <br /> 7th day - the path was clear most of the time and the view really nice.<br /> We camped at (-37.178223,-71.235131) - beautiful place with a view to volcan Antuco, water from melted snow.<br /> <br /> 8th day - watch out as going down the trail to the last valley- it looks innocent, but is actually quite steep and dirt is slippery, and land is hard and painful to fall on. Had some nasty falls on our butts! <br /> At puesto [120.6/1513] a guy named Ricardo was angry at us for entering his private property, but had no choice but let us continue down.We think he might not let NOBO hikers go up the valley.<br /> Finally we hitchhiked to Antuco. There was a lot of traffic on Sunday.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-21 to 2024-Dec-26 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, variant E, Option 2 / Sean &amp; Neele<br /> '''<br /> <br /> At the park entrance on the road they asked where we were going, once we explained we were going north to termas de chillan they asked to see the route. Wasn't a problem they just seemed curious, let us in without paying.<br /> <br /> Puesto 120km - lots of people camping in this area on a Friday.<br /> <br /> 117km to 107km - snow present. It's manageable but slowed our progress. Around 113km is the worst of it. North of 107km some very small patches but nothing difficult.<br /> <br /> Camp 106.6km - very wet at the moment there's a better option about 500m sobo.<br /> <br /> Camp without water 102.3 - currently has plenty of water.<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 87.1km - lots of horseflies<br /> <br /> Ford 71.3km - easy at 4pm<br /> <br /> Ford 66.4, 64.1 and 63.7km - also easy<br /> <br /> Camping Los Puecos 63.9km - great spot hot spring was a bit too hot for us. Host was a legend; he brought us breakfast on Christmas.<br /> <br /> Ford 48.4km - Very strong. Crossed around 5:30pm hip deep for Neele (1.61m). We took our time finding a suitable place to cross and ended up about 250m upstream from RR.<br /> <br /> Camped at Ford 47.4km eastern side downstream there's a great camp spot with a fire ring.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.4km is really amazing<br /> <br /> We took option 2 to Termas de Chillan to avoid Rio Nuble. Some snow but really not a problem.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-18 &gt; 20 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / frontiere argentine(voir GPT07) &gt; RR &gt; frontiere argentine &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT07+GPT08<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : passage de rivière difficile, foret d'arbres morts, neige sur pente raide.<br /> <br /> Le passage du Rio Nuble n'est pas facile, meme le matin. La fin du sentier avant la grande montee est vraiment difficile a suivre car peu empruntée et milieu humide avec beaucoup de vegetation. En revanche la montée est parfaitement entretenue.<br /> La crete est un vrai plaisir, mais elle est exigente physiquement et il n'y a pas d'eau ni de sentier. Les parties sableuses sont difficile car il y a des trous sous le sable. Pour la descente vers le Rio Polcura, il suffit de suivre le sentier. La riviere est facile a passer.<br /> Ensuite la premiere partie vers le lac est en mauvais etat meme si le chemin est bien visible. La foret est morte alors attention aux chutes de branches. La derniere crete est tres belle, mais il y a beaucoup de neige dans des endroits tres raide. Impossible a faire si la neige est glacée. La derniere descente est propre mais il y a beaucoup de moustiques dans le grand pré. La fin du dernier jour s'est faite sous un ciel menaçant, je me suis depeché de descendre pour retrouver de la chaleur et des endroits plats en cas de pluie. J'ai rejoint Los Angeles le lendemain avec 4km de marche, 5km en stop, puis en bus depuis Abanico par le bus de 8h45.<br /> DEC-21 : Repos Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-13 to 2024-DEC-17 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. E, 06, 06B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel '''<br /> <br /> This stage is full of incredible diversity, encompassing almost everything. Epic views, challenging terrain, walking on snow, beautiful wild forests, the majestic Chillán volcano, hardened lava flows, hot springs, arrieros, a ridge trail, and, so far, the most challenging ford we’ve encountered here (see below).<br /> <br /> We got back to the trail by hitchhiking from San Fabián in the early morning. The following section [km 2.8 to approx. 21.9] is not a trail as described in the track files, but rather a solid MR that is being worked on by laborers. The settlement at El Roble [12.7/758] is actually a police station where we checked in and provided our contact details. <br /> <br /> The ford [23.7/950] across the Ñuble River is the biggest challenge of this section. We first attempted it in a line of three, but our tallest member, Daniel (198 cm), who was first, found the water almost up to his chest and the strong current was beginning to pull us in. We turned back. It wasn’t safe to cross. Eventually, we found a rock 100 meters upstream where the water was deeper but the riverbed was narrower. With a run-up, we jumped one by one as far as we could, and on three steps, we made it to the opposite bank. We sent our backpacks across the riverbed using a rope and carabiner.<br /> <br /> The ascent to the saddle of the Chillán volcano is a beautiful hike, and the extensive and geologically fresh lava flow at the Trailhead [34.6/1873] is definitely worth mentioning. The crossing point is unmarked at about [35.1/1852]. Above 2150 m, everything was completely covered with snow. Spikes came in handy.<br /> <br /> The descent to the Río Diguillín valley was okay, and we camped near the ford [48.4/1334], which is also a nice spot for a bivouac. We crossed the mentioned ford in the morning, and the water reached my waist at a height of 178 cm. It’s worth noting that the marked ford [50.5/1305] could be crossed with dry feet. The trail towards Termas los Peucos [63.9/1191] is a relatively well-defined path trodden by local arrieros. At the hot springs, which cost 7000 CLP per person, there is also a camping, but we continued further along the MR. At about [75.0/1160], we originally turned down the RR, but due to the challenging BB, we reversed our decision and continued along the MR to variant E.<br /> <br /> From the Trailhead [80.5/1248], there is a pleasant path leading to the beautiful Laguna Laja. We camped at Camp [98.3/1459] by Laguna El Roble, where you need to slightly clear some bushes, but there is a nice spot for three tents and a fire pit. The ascent to the Pass [100.6/2035] (El Encanto) is quite pleasant due to its zigzagging path. There, we were captivated by the literally breathtaking view of the Antuco Volcano and Sierra Velluda. Unfortunately, due to an injury to one of our members' arches, we had to skip part of the ridge and finish the section using variants 06 + 06B. We deviated from the RR at point X [105.4/1934] and at Bus point {08-06B} [2.9/734], we hitchhiked to Los Angeles.<br /> <br /> * ''' (2024/Dez/01-2024/Dec/07) 7Days/ Hiking and Packrafting/ SOBO/ RR / Lukas, Basil and Tabea ​​'''<br /> <br /> Entry point st puente el Ingles. The street to el Roble is beeing newly built and very easy to walk ou but also boring. The crossing of rii nuble was only manageble with packrafts, the river crossing ob foot is not possible at the moment. The mountain Pass at 39.1 km was duable but there was still a lot of snow from ca. 36.2 to ca. Ford 47.4. The hot springs were worth all the effort! The crossing at 50.5km was at the limit (for a person 170cm, over belly button). It was only possible in a line, manageble but not recommended.<br /> Hot springs at camp 63.9 km are great. Ranger station has all the necessary commodoities, we spent an extra day there. From there on the road was well maintained until the laguna de la laja.<br /> Packrafting before 3pm was very hard and slow due to SO wind, in the afternoon the west-wind made progress possible. Water levels are unusually high at the moment. As we were tired cold we hitch hiked with a fisher boat to the end of the lake afer ca. 14 km paddeling. exit over highway next to national park laguna del laja.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''24-11-29- 24-12-4/ 6 days / SOBO, OH02, RR, OH08F, RR, OH06/ Volker'''<br /> <br /> A great spring hike, but not an easy one! <br /> To avoid Rio Nubles so early in the season I took OH02 (bus from Chillan, rural station, to Valle las Trancas at 10.10 a.m. (2 buses each day go to Termas de Chillan, schedule: <br /> https://busesrembus.cl/en/services.php)<br /> and walked/hitchhiked the last kilometers to Termas. Started around 14:30. The snow began immediately after the hot spring at 4.8. I walked CC on the nearly untouched white coverage to the pass. The valley was almost completely under snow with some green patches. Rio Diguillin (no ford indicated): why keep feet dry, why keep anything dry? It‘s a stream at about 38 C with many whirlpools. I stayed over an hour there and camped not far: 10qm for a tent inmidst all the snow on a warm spring evening. The night and the following morning: quite cold. It was a good decision to add some 800g to my base-weight for a warm layer and gloves. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Got up at 6.a.m and climbed with a mini-backpack CC on Volcan Chillan Viejo, at 9 a.m. on the summit, great view! In the afternoon I walked NOBO to the hot spring at 40.3 on RR. Back at the tent, it started to rain, mixed with snow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Started late, waiting for the weather to improve. To avoid the NOBO detour to the RR I climbed CC to join it. This was easy, the problems began on the RR. The whole trail was under snow, I had to permanently use my device to find the point of reentry into overgrown area after steep snowfields. Later less snow, but now many broken trees and branches blocked the way. No major problem, but I advanced slowly. First ford at 47.7: difficult. Second ford at 48.4: very difficult! That was no fun, strong stream over my thighs, I could dare it only, because I found a spot, where two rocks are quite close, so I had to stand the stream only for a second, before I could cramp to the next rock. The OSM here is not correct, perhaps the river has a new bed. After the puesto the trail was cleaned up/bypassing broken trees easier. I finally moved quicker. Camp at 57.0. <br /> Day 4: Difficulties continued. Very cold in the morning, wet socks and shoes frozen; 5 fords, that are not indicated, all no major problem, but none with dry feet. The swamp before the puesto at 61.7 is bigger now (in spring?), several hundred meters of the trail under water. Again more fords than indicated, all easy, but one: water (flowing slowly) to my belly (1,97m!). The water reached to the lower part of the backpack. Didn‘t see anyone at the Los Peucos camp site. At the ford at 71.3 the water was neither very high nor very strong, but more than 100m to go the other bank! The following MR very welcome, finally allowed to move quicker. Camp on RR at around 77.5 directly on the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I took OH08F and walked the 28,6 km MR. Met several arrieros (very friendly!) and at the Embalse Vega Larga two fishermen, father and son, who „sold“ me (they didn‘t want to take<br /> money, I insisted) two fishes, they had just grilled over a fire. Ford at the end of the MR to get back to RR: difficult. The Laguna Laja has more water than on OSM, at the spot, where the ford is indicated, one could swim to the other side, but the backpack… Camp at Laguna Laja with an extraordinary view on the mountains in the south.<br /> Day 6: RR, trail first hardly visible, very good after the lake. On the ridge very windy, a lot of snow - but great view. On the way down the weather seemed to turn, so at 105.4 I took OH 06. The weather kept good, but nonetheless a good decision. When you are down in the valley, the trail and then the MR lead through a wonderful forest. Great spots to camp along the MR after the puesto (gate) but 100 before the Enel substation. <br /> Day 7: Clouds at around 900 hm, good to be down in the valley. On a hot summer day, it’s probably very annoying to walk 15 km on a dusty MR - on a cool morning in spring, it was the opposite, and shortened by half, as an Enel worker gave me a ride to the exit of the hydropower area; from there 30min to the PR, then hitchhiked to Antuco for resupply and walked back into the direction of Abanico, as I found a nice cabana in Peluca (Villa Peluca, +56 9 8920 5676). 15 min. after my arrival heavy rain and storm for several hours.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-04-12 to 2024-04-15 / 3 Days / Hiking SOBO) / RR / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> Option from Termas de Chillan<br /> My favorite section for autumn and a perfect weekend escape from the big city.<br /> Difficulty: Moderate<br /> It’s not hot and there’s almost no dust after a little rain. <br /> The foliage of the trees turns into autumn colors!<br /> Fords are simple.<br /> Although Ford (easy) {08} [48.4/1334] has unusually more water for mid-April, photo attached in FB post.<br /> Thanks to Matthias de Austria for clearing access to the stream at the west shore of Laguna Robles. It is a whole year source of fresh water before the ridge.<br /> The Lagunillas Camping now is https://www.parqueantuco.cl/<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-24 to 2024-03-28 // 4,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + VARIANT E + VARIANT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After few days off at Los Angeles, I took the bus to Abanico then hitchhike until the junction between the trail and the road. I had to pay at the park ranger gate the 5K CLP for the entrance of the park (online reservation only, impossible to pay cash, and there's hardly mobile service up there, so prepare yourself by advance ☺️). <br /> <br /> Then, you go straight up, and have stunning views over volcan Antuco and siella velluda. I had to check my GPS few times on this first part, and to change my trajectoire to stay on the RR and don't miss trailheads. <br /> <br /> I slept at Laguna lágrima. I don't know if it comes from the water here, but I had stomach issues the following days ...<br /> <br /> Views on this first part were absolutely wonderful ! <br /> <br /> The thermals of Los Peucos are just amazing ! Worth the stop, clean, well maintened, and with perfect temperature of water ! Sergio was so kind, he even invited me to lunch with him, that was a very nice break in this day ! <br /> <br /> Some swampy parts after the Puesto {08} [61.7/1298].<br /> <br /> The hike up to the plateau (KM42) was physical, but it results to stunning views over the volcan chillan, and all the wonderful surroundings! There were hundreds of cows on that plateau and it was quite swampy, at the end you reach a super nice camp with incredible thermals ! Best hot springs of the GPT so far for me ! <br /> <br /> Continue to the pass and arrive in the volcanic plateau, very great too. I was too amazed by the landscape that I lost myself ! I was following a pretty clear track and missed to go on the right of the valley. I had hard time to join the RR as I tried to shortcut, but it was very demanding, sleepy and with losing rocks. Would have been better to backtrack at the junction and find again the RR, anyway...<br /> <br /> After a way down where there's just a little overgrown part (for no more than 300m) I reached the terrible Rio Ñuble, that was (I was fortunate) easy to pass for me, at this time of the season, even with quite strong current. <br /> <br /> From then I only met amazing people, up for a chat and full of an absolute kindness ! Carabineros first, locals, and Sandra at the microshop in puente el inglés (that was my only option for ressuply (chips, biscuits, fresh drinks, pastas) but at the middle of nothing I was happy about that !)). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-18 to 2024-03-23 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR,E,RR,H,RR/ Marilyne'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Took the bus from rural terminal in Chillán at 8am to Termas de Chillán. After option 2, I walked NOBO on the RR to the nice hot springs at 40.3, spent the day there and camped at 40.4.<br /> <br /> Day 2- Walked the dusty trail to Camping Los Peucos. Ford at 48.4: crossed about 400 meters upstream of the waypoint for the ford. The main flow is quite strong, so I looked for a spot where it was slightly more diverted. Got to camping Los Peucos and got offered a cabin with electricity for the same price as camping as heavy rain was forecasted for the next day (10k/night). Used the wifi which is pretty good around the ranger’s cabin. Hung out in the hot springs being chatted up by a 80-yo man who didn’t seem to care whether I understood all of what he said or not.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - 45mm rain - Rest day. The nicest campground attendant, Sergio, let me hang out in his cabin by the fire all day.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Walked mostly on RR but using variant E on the road as the RR trail is overgrown and the trees were soaking wet after yesterday’s downpour. Met two people in a truck that worked for the pipeline that is along that road. Didn’t see anyone else. Camped at Laguna Laja.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Followed the RR except for variant H. Camped at the edge of the forest before the camp waypoint 119.7/1520, didn’t find ants to be problematic. Met a group of 5 young hikers going to Laguna Los Condores right before camp.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Hiked RR and GPT09 option 1A to Salto de las Chicas. Got a ride quickly to Antuco, where I went to the nice supermarket and took a room in town.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-11 to 2024-03-16 / 5.5 days / SOBO / OH2, RR, Variant C, RR, G, RR / Tobi &amp; Fangwen'''<br /> <br /> Bus to Thermas de Chillan departs 12:30 from Rural bus station in Chillan arrives around 5pm<br /> <br /> Hot springs @ KM40.3 indeed one of the best on the GPT - nice mix of hot waterfall and cold spring in one pool. Campsite there is not sheltered from wind, and a fair bit of trash left behind. Definitely worth the small detour from Thermas de Chillan <br /> <br /> Baños de Peucos are great for a half rest day, Sergio (caretaker) is the nicest and most welcoming host.<br /> <br /> At Laguna El Roble, the better campsite is on the western shore - there is one flowing water source along the edge of the forest a bit north of the campsite (lake gets a bit gross end of season).<br /> <br /> Between El Roble and Hermosa, there is cellular reception when on the western side of the ridge (Movistar).<br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa is nice, there is one flat and South wind sheltered campsite behind the bushes on the north side of the lake. It's nice to walk around the lake, some easy scrambling. Do expect power lines overhead.<br /> <br /> The two hot springs, and the last ridge hike were definitely the highlights of this GPT section.<br /> <br /> The bus leaving Albanico for Las Angeles goes at between 5-6pm -ish<br /> <br /> Rest very straightforward, and as described below (dusty, dead horse).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-25 to 2024-March-4 / 7.5 days / SOBO / RR B D/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> No snowfiels, almost no Tabanos, except in the forenoon (none in the evening) at Laguna El Roble, about 30 to 40 Tabanos in 3 hours, on 1st of March!<br /> Mostly plenty of water, lots of unmarked streams. No water at 106.7 and at camp 119.7, dried up. <br /> <br /> Lots of dirt roads and paths veeery dusty.<br /> <br /> No camp at 106.6. Flat spot few hundred meters after at -37.24567,-71.39142. But no protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Fordings: all very easy except Rio Nuble. Crossed Nuble at ford 23.7, did not scout. It was deeper then it looked and for a meter or so I (187cm, 100kg) had a little fighting with the current. It was the first somewhat serious ford in my life. Got my undies a bit washed. Forded Rio Diguillin at -36.93549, -71.40313, where I saw horsetracks on the ground. Water around kneedeep, for a half meter strong current, but I simply step over it. I marked this easy ford position with a vertical tree stump, might be there until the next storm or flooding. Ford 66.4 was possible dry foot a bit east, but go back to RR afterwards, the road on the map does not exist anymore and this area is a jungle.<br /> <br /> At -36.94783,-71.41243 easy to miss junction.<br /> <br /> Camps: 1st shortly after the bridge at puente el ingles in the sand. Nice swimming next to it, but no morning sun until noon. 2nd abou q00 to 200m upstream of ford 23.7 next to Rio Nuble. Nice bolders, big pool, but strong current and very cold. 3rd camp 36.2, meadows quite wet, limited protection, just a few bushes. Small cold pool 150m away at Rio Las Minas. 4th a few hundred meters before ford 47.4 on a small flat spot next to the path. Nice camp shortly northwest of trailhead 80.5. Big nice pool at Rio Polcura for swimming next to where option 1 fords. West side Camp at Laguna El Roble as east has shallow water. Stream next to camp dried up, I found a small one a bit further north along the shore. Had to clean up 2m of thick bushes for water access. Camp at Laguna Hermosa very windy, but just follow the black cable to the west for maybe 20m, then go 3m through the treebushes and you are in a little quit well wind protected clearing: -37.274802,-71.383647. Camp 119.7, but water dried up, and very dusty and limited protection, not a good camp. There are some meadows a few hundred m further around the puesto, also no water there in March.<br /> <br /> Men cleaning up the RR path north of Los Peucos. Some workers at the camp, but the ranger is working on the trail. No ranger means no firewood for cooking, no wifi and the thermas are without water. So no point in staying there and I move a bit further camp on some dusty place next to the road with a bit clambering river access. Next morning first morning frost.<br /> <br /> Hot spring 40.3 is absolutely amazing. Best one I saw on the GPT. Stayed there for hours naked and got a bit sunburned. The &quot;smoking river&quot; a few hundred meters further west is also worth seeing.<br /> <br /> Lots of blackberries along RR Rio Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> Hardly any paths around camp 29.5 for a few hundred meters, overgrown or landslided. Not a big problem, just slows you down.<br /> <br /> Long boring road, but hitch until police station shortly after ford 12.2km. Police friendly, wants passport, detail plans and phone number in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Gate at -36.81995,-71.25333, entry forbidden sign. easy to climb.<br /> <br /> RR after junction E is partly overgrown, but still walkable, just slows you down. <br /> <br /> Combined Section 7 and 8, in total 17 days, with lots of bathing and sitting around. Run out of food the last few days and had to restrict to one portion per day, which made me even slower due to lack of energy. But it was totally worth it. Still have way too much body fat. Last ridge one of the most beautiful parts of the GPT, stunning views and diverse path.<br /> <br /> Hitch ruta Q-45 to Antuco.<br /> <br /> Work in progress<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (0.5) - Termas de Chillan - near Camp 08 [42.3/2087]. Late start at around noon from OH-Tl-V 08-02 [2.6+3.3] (Thermas de Chillan Parking) after hitch-hiking from Las Trancas. Reached Las Trancas with RemBus from the Chillan Rural Bus Terminal La Merced. The Sendero Valle Aguas Calientes have been re-routed for a few 100s meters after the fumaroles and it stays higher than the original track. Easy to follow. Once in the Valle Aguas Calientes I continued to Hot Spring 08 [40.3/2173] NOBO which is really a must do on this section and then retraced back to a camping area about 200 m lower than Camp 08 [42.3/2087] that I thought was dryer, flatter and had good access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Camp 08 [42.3/2087] Valle Aguas Calientes - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping. I followed the RR for this day. The only note of relevance is that the ford of Rio Diguillin at [48.4/1334] is still hips high with strong current and need to be approached with trekking poles and cautiously. The critical part is only about 2 meters wide, but the current is strong. Water is not particularly cold.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Los Peucos CONAF Hot Spings Camping - camp on Laguna Del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614]. I was lucky to get a ride for 3-4 km right out of Los Peucos by a CONAF maintenance crew who was going to do some tree cleaning on a minor road down the valley. This route branched out from the RR MR and according to the crew it is shorter to get to the Camino Oleoducto road. The alternative route turns into a faint trail for the last km or so and it crosses Rio Polcura in a very easy and shallow spot with water always below knee and calm current. After the crossing it overlaps with OH-CC-a 08-D for the last km, then it meets RR MR shortly after the ford on the RR. This alt route is flat and easy and possibly shorter of about 1-2 km than RR. On Camino Oleoducto I was also able to hitch-hike for about another 3-4 km to reach the start of the Sendero Los Ratones RR-Tl-V 08[80.6]. Thanks to the rides I was able to reach Laguna Del Laja quicker than expected. I decided to camp on the lake shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] rather than continuing to Laguna El Roble as the spot was scenic. There I met Hugo, the Arriero who stays at the Puesto nearby Laguna El Roble. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp on Laguna del Laja shore at [-37.12935, -71.18614] - Laguna Hermosa. I just followed the RR for this day with the exception of the short CC to Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the night. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp at Laguna Hermosa - Camping Lagunilla (10k CLP per day). Also followed RR for this final day. Camping Lagunilla is very good with hot showers and very nice camp sites. Unfortunately no more homemade empanadas, only bebidas from this week moving forward for the remaiming of the season. The following morning I easily hitch-hiked to Abanico where there are small stores and took the bus to Los Angeles at 1 pm.<br /> <br /> Overall a good section with variety of landscapes and views particularly around Volcan Chillan / Aguas Calientes and along the traverse above Laguna Del Laja with great views of Volcan Antuco and the Sierra Velluda.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-20 to 2024-Feb-27 / 8 days / Hiking / NOBO / El Abanaico - Puente El Inglés / RR + Option H + Option B / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a really nice section for us. The part we really loved was from Thermas de Chillan to Rio Nuble. It felt more wild and with less people. So even if you fear Rio Nuble, avoiding this part would be a mistake for us. We think that the edge between km 117.3 and 100.6 also really worth it but can't totally know as we were in the fog.<br /> <br /> A lot has already been said but here is what seems important to us:<br /> <br /> We started the section hitchhiking from Antuco with a easy and fast ride to El Abanico.<br /> <br /> There is some apple trees in the valley near Ford {08} [71.3/1089] and apples were nearly ready to be eaten. <br /> <br /> Los Peucos were a nice stop to relax but we weren't alone as a lot of the previous comment. 2 other parties (horse riders) were also camping the same night as us. The road is being improved so this will maybe become a bit more popular than the last 2 months. It was 10'000 CLP pp for us, with firewood and Internet. We didn't try to connect so we can't comment on the speed and quality.<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [48.4/1334] (Rio Diguilin) wasn't that hard. Just follow the horse track as it's a good place to ford and there will only be 1m with some current. It's still deep but we ford it at 6pm without any trouble. The best thing with this ford is that the water is warm and you can try to ford it without your backpack a few times before you're sure of the place you like the more. All this without frozen toes ;)<br /> <br /> Ford {08} [23.7/950] (Rio Nuble) was ok but still not a piece of cake. We crossed it at 11:30 am and didn't thought it was so deep before going in. I had water nearly to my waist (I'm 174cm tall) and the current in the center is clearly present. The good point is that the river is not ice cold, so you can take your time and go slowly, being sure of the position of your feet and poles.<br /> <br /> For the last 12 km, between El Roble and Puente El Inglés, it's full of fruit trees. It felt like being in a free fruit market. We could pick apples, pears, a lot of blackberries. There were even fig tree but it was a little bit too soon. So nice to have a bit of vitamin and fresh food after 8 days.<br /> <br /> Finally, after asking at the mini-shop in Puente El Inglés, we learned that there is no more bus going to San Fabián. So we took a beer and some french fries before camping near the bridge after a pretty long day. The next day we walked an hour before we could catch a ride to San Fabián.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-9-2024 to Feb-14-2024 / 5 days ( of which 2 half days) / SOBO / Oh2, RR, var B, D, E, H / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Very beautiful and diverse section, with the volcan, pastures of agua caliente, the forest and the rock and thorny bushed mountains. <br /> At the end of the section, I suggest to follow RR to the lagunilla camping, it's an easy trail in the park, and 2 very nice cascadas to see. From the park entrance there is an osm track that cross Section 9 RR, direclty to the campsite, so you never have to walk on the road. <br /> I started at Oh 2 to avoid rio Ñuble.<br /> <br /> Trecking difficulties : <br /> 1) River crossing of rio Diguillin 48.4 is still not a peace of cake. The current is strong, and where i crossed it was max to the hips in the rapid water. I went on a large place with big rocks on the way to hide behind, it cuts the crossing into 3 difficult but very short parts, and you can hug the rocks not to fall. <br /> 2) The pass before Laguna Laja is a cemetery of trees, so the progression is a little bit slow but nothing difficult, it's basic gps navigation. <br /> 3) The part between laguna hermosa and Water 118.3 is steep, sliperry with rocks and sand. The tracks are difficult to follow at times. So the progression is slow, i suggest not to start it at the end of the day. I finished on var H without noticing it, just saw the trail from below. I was exhausted when i put my tent at camp 119.7 (an horrible mistake, see below).<br /> <br /> Camp : <br /> At Fumaroles at the beginning of Oh 2, some flat spaces in the valley and a clear cold river - Ford 50.5, arriero camp super nice - 300m before water 1.5 on var E, a nice flat place but very exposed. I wanted to camp at 72.9, incredible place, but a freshly dead horse was waiting for me, the whole place stinked like hell. Wanted to try to camp on RR along the rio after but it was overgrown at the beginning and it was late so back on var E - Laguna el Roble 98.3. It is an arriero spot with a clear river that goes into the lake. There is a trail into the trees that takes you into the beach for nice camp places. You don't really want to drink directly from the lake, so i don't suggest camp 97.8 (no fresh water). There is a puesto before the last uphill to the lake, really nice arriero inside who advised me this - Camp 119.7 : DON'T sleep there, the whole hill is an enormous nest of unfriendly red ants, I had to cook directly in my inner tent. The river runs very slow to so the water not good. So i suggest camp at the lagunas before, or if you still have courage to follow until the cross country after puesto 120, it's heaven for tents with view on antuco and the river is not far. <br /> <br /> Water : all markers correct, no concerns until the final ridge.<br /> For the ridge walk of cerro el toro, you can find water at camp without water 102.3 (so this year its name should be with water), water 106.6, laguna hermosa, laguna lagrima (the very little one after the cerro), and nothing after on RR until water 118.<br /> <br /> Snow : one patch on Oh 2 on the track, but you can avoid it by a sendero litteraly 10m above, with no problems. No other patches. <br /> <br /> Accomodations : bus from Chillan rural terminal, to thermas de Chillan at 14h, you have to walk from vale hermoso to the beginning of Oh2 - Camping Lagunilla, 10k per day, homemade empanadas sandwichs bebidas and cakes, very calm i loved it. For buses, you have to walk to albanico (6 per day for los angeles, of which 9h30, 11h, 15h30, 18h30). <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-05 to 2024-Feb-08 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + RR + OH E + H + J / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH08-02 <br /> <br /> I took the bus at 2 pm from the rural bus station in Chillan to the Thermas de Chillan. From there I had to roadwalk 1.5 km to get to OH08-02. There are a few snow fields left around the Pass Pirigallo, but its easy to walk over them. At km 1.2 of OH08-02 I took the Valle de Agua Caliente Trail as short cut to the Camp at 42.3 on the RR. I did not like the spot there, but close to it at -36,91092, -71,36632 are some decent tent spots.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [42.3-75.1] + OH08-E<br /> <br /> The Ford at km 47.4 was max. knee high at 10 pm. (I am 191 cm tall). Be carefull fording Rio Diguillin at km 48.4. The water was just below my hips and the current was pretty strong (around 10:30 pm). I forded it about 60 m upstream of the gpx tracks. There was a big rock in the middle of the river to which I could hold on to. At km 59.6 is a closed barb wire gate that I couldn't open. I managed to climb over it, but it's a little tricky. The RR leads on to the property of the Thermas Los Peucos (km 63.9). After the ford at km 63.7 I had to step over a barded wire fence (no gate). Los Peucos was closed and I didn't see anybody. I didn't like the idea of trespassing so I climb over the front gate (km 63.9) and continued on RR. OH08-B might be a good alternativ to avoid Los Peucos. But I meet Ricardo a few km further south. He was on his way to Los Peucos. If I understood him correctly (my spanish is pretty basic) than he is going to be at Los Peucos for the next two months. So they should be open now if you are interested in taking a break there. There are two easy fords at km 70.0 and 70.6 on the RR. The river at Ford 71.3 is wide, but water was below knees in thr evening. I wanted to camp at km 72.9, but I found the body of a horse directly at the camping spot. It looked like it had died a few days ago and it smelled pretty bad. Therefore I continued to the camp at km 78.6. I accidently stayed on the dirtroad and walked variant E. It has some extra altitude but therefore some nice views into the valley. Water 0.7 on variant E was dry. All other water and ford Waypoints I passed today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [78.5-107.0] <br /> <br /> Laguna El Roble is a nice break spot and the last water source until km 106.7. At the Camp Marker km 106,6 is only a overgrown meadow which isn't flat at all. But there is a descent camp spot at km 106,9. The Water at km 106.7 is only a trickle and might dry out soon. All Water markers I passed by today had water.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [107.0-115.2] + OH08-H + RR [116.3-117.4] + OH08-J + RR [117.4-134.5]<br /> <br /> The next water source after km 106.7 is Laguna Lagrima at km 113.5. I accidently hiked OH08-H instead of RR. Laguna Los Condores is pretty nice. But the last few hundred meters of OH08-J are overgrown and not so easy to walk trough. Its easier to follow the trail that leads to the eastern side of the Laguna and forks of at about km 0.6 of OH08-J. From this trail you can go down to the Laguna. There is water at all markers.<br /> <br /> The part from km 100 to km 117 is very spectacular.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 25 to Feb 5 / 12 days / SOBO / Opt 2, Opt 3, RR, Var D, Opt 6 + 2 OSM routes / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> TL/DR: A beautiful but exhausting section.Reserva Nacional Ñubles is officially closed, but they are still letting people in. If taking Opt 3, look for the trail that starts just after El Trumao heading NE for a more interesting hike. Los Peucos is open, but has no food or power so not currently a resupply option.<br /> <br /> Day 0 - <br /> We took the bus from Chillan to Recinto hoping to camp for the night and take the early bus up to Termas de Chillán to begin the hike. (The bus that goes all the way to the hotel only goes twice a day. Both leave from the Terminal Rural in Chillan one at 08:00, the second at 14:00.) There were no camping options in Recinto, so we walked to Los Lleuques. We found a hostel called Antupiren at the entrance of town. 13.000 pp for private with shared bathroom, very nice owners. They have a restaurant too. There were some other places with signs for hostal and campamento further down the street. There are 4 or 5 shops and grocery stores in town. If you stay in Lleuques, a little further on is a nice public access beach along the river called La Playita that is popular with locals and a good place to escape the heat for the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - <br /> We got up early and were at the bus stop at 08:15. The bus arrived at around 09:30. It only goes as far as the hotel and then you have to walk about 1 km up to the ski center where the trail begins. The beginning of the trail was steep and dusty, then leveled off a bit. It passes by some fumeroles. There are two paths up to the pass. One is not on GPT or OSM at the moment, but it is a marked path that is clearly visible. It goes more to the left and up. The other is a horse trail which is the one GPT goes along. They both meet about half way up. We took the horse trail up. There is some grassy area and access to a stream. Nice views of the valley on the way up. Close to the top there was still a small snow field left and the way around it was walking above it on large, loose rocks. We had resupplied for 8 days and our packs were around 25 kg each. Due to this we felt it would be unsafe for us to try to navigate the section so we decided to walk back. It was disappointing, but we were also thinking about the difficulties others had in crossing Rio Diguillin further on and figured it was an early warning. On the way back we took the marked path which was actually more difficult than the GPT track, which surprised us since it looked more like a tourist trail. We were rewarded at one point however with a spring gushing out of the ground and took the opportunity to get fresh cold water without the need to filter. When we got back to where the fumeroles were, we chatted with some mountain bikes and a couple of hikers. There is another route down which had an OSM track on the map. The bikers explained that it is the route they all take down. It is open to hikers as well and there are signs advising bikers to watch for hikers, but the biker said there are a lot of curves and it is possible to get hit on the way down if you are unlucky. It was around 18:30 and he said they were the last group, so if we just waited for them to leave we should be able to hike down without worrying. We waited, and it was totally worth it. The trail down is very dusty, but with much less incline than the way up, and at a certain point goes through a really beautiful beech forest with lots of wildflowers growing. There is no access to the estero until the bridge at the end. We tried to find a place to camp, but no luck. We ended up walking the highway back to a point where we had seen a dirt road connect to the estero and camped there for the night. Not optimal, but it was already dark by that point, so we were just grateful to sleep.<br /> <br /> Days 2 and 3 - <br /> We walked the highway until the Los Coltrahues nature trail that runs parallel to the highway and then walked that to Las Trancas. It was a pretty path and a nice alternative to the highway. In Las Trancas we bought food for lunch and dinner at a shop next to the bus stop. There are one or two other stores back the direction of Lleuques as well. A micro picked us up and dropped us off at the beginning of Opt 3. We had barely started walking when a family in a truck passed and offered us a ride to the river. We were incredibly grateful as the first 3 km of the road is incredibly dusty and there is actually a lot of traffic moving through. From where they left us we walked to the bridge and down to the river to have lunch and coffee. Lots of families were camping around the area. After lunch we got back on the route. A little further on the road was closed to vehicles due to storm damage and construction adding new culverts. No issues walking it. About 6km from the bridge there is a campground called San Antonio. It was also closed since the road was closed, but it was easy to get into. There are picnic tables and plenty of camping along with river access. We camped two nights to give ourselves a rest day. A few locals passed through, but no one else camped. It was very peaceful except for the tábanos. I killed more than 50 over the course of the day and it didn't seem to make much of a difference.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - <br /> We got up early to beat the heat and walked the first hour in the dark. We passed the area where the road has collapsed and where they are doing a reroute. No issue to walk it. We arrived at the gate that Lilian mentioned, the one with the dogs, at 08:00. There were 4 dogs that bark a lot. The guard came out, it seemed like we had woken him up. We explained what we were doing and he actually had no problem letting us through, but asked rhetorically what we were going to say to CONAF upstairs. The road up is in good shape. There were a few places to fill water along the way. When we arrived at El Trumao there was a CONAF guard there as well as some other people. He was incredibly nice, just registered us and then told us because the park is officially closed there was no fee to enter. He looked at our route and told us about another option, charged our phones for us, let us take water, and then even walked with us part way. The OSM track that runs along the river is a really nice option and we really enjoyed it. The first part is no longer relevant as the river destroyed part of the road and CONAF had done a reroute. If no one is there to show you, head along the GPT route toward Valle Hermosa until you see a trail branch to the left. It will be very obvious as it has wooden posts painted yellow on top and the whole trail has rocks lining either side. Follow that up. The first part was a lot of up and exposed, but after a while we entered native forest and enjoyed stretches that were in shade. There was a rest area with river access. Just after the waterfall lookout the trail dropped down a bit into a grove of old oak trees that was really nice and we camped there for the night (-36.95540, -71.45022) River access was about 100 m further on. This is a really great route option. It is along a trail instead of a road, it drops into RR about 18 km further north than finishing Opt 3 as marked, if you want to go to Los Peucos, you don't need to back track, and it stays on the south side of Rio Diguillin, connecting with RR just after the ford point others had trouble with this season. (Jan, if you read this, we enthusiastically endorse this as a variant for Opt 3!).<br /> <br /> Days 5 and 6 - <br /> The pass was a little overgrown, but nothing too challenging. On the way up we passed through a beautiful forest. We stopped at the last marked water point on the way up for a snack and coffee. The way down was dusty and then it opened up into a plain. The plain was easy, but as we went around the corner it turned into a swamp. The GPT route avoids the worst of it, but careful foot choice is important in some places. It was also really hot and humid. Then it was up again and then down again to get to Los Peucos. We initially followed RR, but the ford point looked challenging and there was barbed wire on the other side. I went across without my pack to try to find a way up. The rocks in the river were really slippery and I feel in at one point, but no injury. On the other side I climbed under the wire and up a hill. Then I had to climb under more barbed wire. I walked onto the property and ran into Ricardo who manages Los Peucos. He was very nice, and took me to show me the front entrance and a much easier ford point that is defined for cars to pass, which turned out to be Var B. So if going to Los Peucos SOBO, I recommend taking Var B. I went back to get Kasia and my pack and we camped there for two nights in order to clean out gear and take a rest day.<br /> <br /> A few notes on Los Peucos. Los Peucos is open, price this year is 5.000 pp for termales only, 10.000 pp for camping, 24 hours of access to termales and wood to make a fire in a fire pit. They were having trouble with both their generator and solar panels and have been without power for two months, so don't plan to charge anything there. Also a section of the road there was destroyed over the winter, so almost no one is going there and they aren't getting any resupply for their tiendita, so don't plan on this as a resupply point until someone posts that this has changed, which may be awhile since there seems to be some bureaucratic issue preventing the road from being fixed.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - <br /> We left Los Peucos just as it was getting light. The road and trail are in good condition for walking. We took Var D to cross Rio Polcura. River ford was easy, thigh high but very little current. We stopped at the camp at [72.9/1104] to have lunch. There were some arrieros and Carabineros already camped for the night, and it was too early to stop for the day, so we continued on. The valley path that RR follows is surely more interesting than walking the road along Var E, but it is fairly overgrown with spiky plants and it was slow going. There is almost no river access along the path, but there were one or two streams. We do not recommend the camp at [78.6/1203], especially if you are using a trekking pole supported tent. It is overgrown and difficult to access, anything that is not sand is covered in those annoying plants that leave tiny spiky balls attached to your clothes, and river access is not great. We ended up camping in the old road grade just above, but it was pure dust. We really regretted camping here, however it was late and we didn't know if there would be any place else to camp further on. (There is though!)<br /> <br /> Day 8 - <br /> We were to tired to do the pass, but we didn't want to stay camped in the same place for the day. We found a better campsite just 2 km further up trail (-37.09454, -71.31211). Just before the trailhead to the pass, on the left side of the road, there is a dirt path going down to a camping area that arrieros use (it is the same road as the end of Opt 1). It has grass and could fit probably two or three tents. The river access is about 100 m away, but it was really clean access with a stone beach and even a small sand beach and a great swimming spot to cool off. There is essentially no shade so it wasn't great for a rest day in that respect, but it was directly below the pass, so a great starting point for that. We took advantage of the river and washed all the dust off the tent. The fabric felt like new afterward!<br /> <br /> Day 9 - <br /> We got up early to try to tackle the pass before sun hit. The trailhead is a little easier to find now as more arrieros and hikers have gone through. The pass up is overgrown in places, but not as bad as we had expected. There were some great early morning views. Something killed most of the forest in that valley some time ago and all the dead trees are sun bleached white which was really interesting. As Lilian mentioned, there is a place where the trail collapsed. People have been walking about 5 m upstream and crossing there, but the short reroute is eroding and it looked a little sketchy to us. We went into the stream bed and climbed up through the bamboo to regain the trail. It was lovely forest higher up and on the other side for some time. Keep a lookout for a nice view of Laguna del Laja from a distance on the way down. The valley was another world entirely. Completely exposed, mostly dry but with some sections of swamp, we lost the trail a few times in a maze of overgrown thorn bushes. We took an afternoon break at the puesto just before reaching the lake. We were a little underwhelmed by the lake itself, I think because it has no trees around. We got a little lost on the way up to Laguna Roble, but a very friendly and helpful arriero staying at the puesto at the end of the valley saw us and came out to help direct us up. We stopped at the marked campsite at the east side of the lake. Previous entries had suggested the west side campsite is more wind protected. I went packless to scout it, but I could not see any way in and the water access near the site looked like marsh. We stayed on the east side, no wind issue for the night. The water in the lake was not too cold, so nice to swim in.<br /> <br /> Day 10 - <br /> We started early to get through as much of the pass as possible before the sun hit. The beginning of the trail was actually hard to find, but once we were on it, it was clear. The up was very demanding and exhausting, and it was overgrown in parts. There is a saddle just before the final push to the pass where we stopped to take a break and some pictures (great view of the lake, volcan Antuco and Sierra Velluda) but there were biting ants everywhere that swarmed us and our packs so we moved on. Good views of both valleys as we walked along. Reports from previous years suggested no water between Laguna Roble and Laguna Hermosa. There was at least two water points between, one of which was a very nice spring with shade around (-37.21425, -71.37259). Being exhausted and running low on supplies, we had already decided that Opt 6 would be our exit from GPT08. The route down was steep and thus slow, but clear and easy to follow. There are multiple water points on the way down. We camped about 1 km in at the first marked campsite. There was a shady, somewhat flat, somewhat grassy area that arrieros use for camping and a spring flowing just below. It was a nice spot after hiking so many hours completely exposed in full sun.<br /> <br /> Day 11 - <br /> The first part of Opt 6 down was really nice. There were nice views of the mountains as the sun came up, then it goes into forest for awhile before the arriero path finally meets the service road. We were also fortunate to have cloud cover for most of the day. There are a few unmarked water points between the last marked one and Rayenco. Rayenco is not a settlement but connected to the power plant. Shortly after Rayenco there is what looks like an abandoned picnic area and sports concha. We stopped for lunch, and it could be used for emergency camping if necessary. Hitchhiking out seems essentially impossible. It's just cars associated with the power plant, and our experience is that those vehicles don't take hitchhikers, probably a company policy. We walked to the highway, chatting with the gate guard on the way out. On the highway it took about half an hour, but finally a kind soul, Sergio, who had actually passed us, turned around and came back just to pick us up and dropped us at Plaza de Armas un Antuco. We found lodging at Cabañas Puelche 2 blocks east of the plaza, 15.000 pp for a private room in the hostel portion of the establishment, shared bath, fridge, pool.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 05 to 2024 Jan 09 / 5 days/ SOBO from Termas de Chillan / RR / Hannes&amp;Christian'''<br /> <br /> 1. Day: Walked from Termas de Chillan to Rio Diguillín. Slept there at -36.935262, -71.403804 and forded the next morning around -36.935730, -71.401841. Thought there would be less water running in the morning, but actually it looked pretty the same as the day before…<br /> 2. Day: Walked to Los Peucos and further down for a nice campsite near the river -37.046868,<br /> -71.415394<br /> 3. Day: We took Option D to short cut the minor road…easy to walk, CC, recomendable…then along road and path and road again, up to a pass in the woods and down to a widening valley, camped at -37.15603, -71.32019. As others already wrote on wikiexplora we had there as well a pretty freezing night around 0 degrees Celsius I think, although the spot was not that high….around 1450m. A lot of humidity.<br /> 4. Day: For us here the nicest part started, walking down to Laguna de la Laja, up to a pass and then all along ridges to Laguna Hermosa. Amazing views. Instead of walking down to L. Hermosa you can camp as well a little above the lake around -37.269841, -71.381748 with water access, at least in early summer I guess. Personally I think it isn’t worth to go down to the Laguna (except no water possibility above) , first because you’ll have an electric power line over your head sleeping there (there is a hydroelectric power station in the valley nearby), second because it can be a windy place at shore…at least for us it was like this. Third: Still something like 1 km from the ridge. Choose yourself.<br /> 5. Day: From L. Hermosa to Estación de Esqui. Pretty nice views of surrounding peaks, at the end we walked a pretty annoying road out to the ski area. Then we hitchhiked to Camping Lagunillas, an amazing place with very nice owners. Feels there like being on the Gpt, but with running water and shower. Probably depends on the season…<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 13 / 5 days / SOBO / RR, OH-TL / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Everyone feared Ñuble, me too, so I took option 2.<br /> <br /> The trail was difficult to find from km 112-117, I left RR and took OH-TL. Otherwise the trail was easy to see. There were only a few snowfields that were easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Ford km 48.4: Disclaimer: please do not my mistake! I first tried two best possible spots (hip), but the flow (13:00) was too strong, I couldn’t hold my hiking poles. Then 50m further on I saw two tree trunks arranged like bridges from other GPTs. After crossing them, however, it was not possible to go back to RR after a few attempts. My best possible option was BB with 70 degree slope straight up. It was only possible with bamboo trees, but was very dangerous. I'm writing my mistake here so you can avoid it!<br /> <br /> Camp km 106.6: I included this camp in my daily plan (about 20km, 1000m uphill, 350m downhill). here is not possible to find 1qm flat spot. So I had to walk 4km further from my reserve.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-15/ 4.5 days / SOBO / Termas de Chillán(Var 2)+RR+Var G+H+J(Lakes)/ Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Started in Termas de Chillán. Hiking, most fordings (see day 1) and orientation was quite easy on this section. Only on last part of Travesía Pilcura some steep snowfields to cross. Warm and hot creeks on first day (Fondo Aguas Calientes), views and lakes on forth day (Travesía Pilcura) were spectacular. Plenty of water everywhere. A lot of annoying horse flies.<br /> <br /> Day1: Termas de Chillán - km53.6<br /> Only minor snowfields. Ascent of Volcán Chillán Viejo should be possible without crampons, no snow on steep upper slopes. Fumaroles on ascent from Termas, warm creek with pools right when you come down to Fondo Aguas Calientes. Also people camping there. I underestimated ford at km48.4 (Rio Diguillín), water was up to upper hips and current, I was washed away… But overall no dangerous crossing and with more cautious selection the fording should be easier. Arrieros at puesto at km49.6 (Coihuería) were the last people I met until end of section!<br /> <br /> Day2: Reserva Nacional Ñubles<br /> Officially the reserva was closed. I entered Termas Los Peucos via RR, watering of meadows was running, I said „Hello“ but nobody answered. <br /> Took a bath in the beautiful hot springs, two stone-walled pools.<br /> <br /> Day 3: km78.6 (Rio Ñubles) - km98.3 (Laguna El Roble)<br /> Easy day … nice swimming at the camp with fireplace in the evening <br /> <br /> Day 4: Travesía Polcura - Laguna ElToro<br /> Spectacular day: great views, mountains, lakes and path.<br /> The detours to the lakes (var G+J, Laguna Hermosa, ElToro and Los Condores) are worthwhile!<br /> Some steep snowfields on RR below Cerro El Toro, I used microspikes, but in a warm afternoon you can also safely cross without. Beautiful (!!) camp at Laguna El Toro with sun until 19:45 though it’s deep in a cirque.<br /> <br /> Day5:<br /> Nice view of Volcán Antuco from the ridge just before the volcán (ca. km125). I left the road and walked +-height parallel to the solar collectors which are visible on the ridge from the MR.<br /> From Curva El Candado I tramped down most of the road to the junction to Abanico, where I ate lunch at the friendly cafe/restaurant „Roca“ and where the bus to Los Angeles leaves at 15:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / {08-03} - {08-C} - RR - {08-06} - {08-06B} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Avoid of crossing Rio Ñuble, i go for {08-03}.<br /> <br /> There is a bus from Chillán to Los Lleuques at 18:00, take about 1.5 hour. A small shop and some tiny shops there, friendly and good resupply. Look like have some restaurants too, but i'm too late so they're already closed.<br /> <br /> {08-03} km3.3 : tiny shop selling drinks.<br /> <br /> Km4.3 : camping spots or camping possibilities start from here to south.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : ranger station for guard of Reserva National, look like need booking in advance or some permits. Otherwise you can't go in by this gate. (It is impossible for sneak in, two dogs here.)<br /> <br /> Luckily after i took 10min to explain what I'm doing, where does my routes go, why i'm here, I'll pack out all my trash, no fire, no pick plants, dig a hole for poop, etc. He let me go in, 1000% thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km19 : bridge for crossing Río Diguillín.<br /> <br /> Km19.45 : El Trumao, Camping Relbún. Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here.<br /> <br /> Km19.7 : closed gate, you can open it on left side. Old, steep and rocky dirt road behind this gate, look like no cars on it for some years. (Some place landslide, cars impossible to pass by)<br /> <br /> Km21.3 : Rio Relbún, good water flowing nice, rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Km22.8 : view point of valley, also some flat spots with trees can fit 2-4 tents.<br /> <br /> Km23.7 : pass, Paso Atacalco, descent to a beautiful valley.<br /> <br /> Km25.3-km26.2 : some tiny streams flowing with good water, but maybe dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km28.4 : Valle Hermoso, Ranger station and Conaf campground, didn't see anyone when i passed here. Río Blanquillo flowing at here too.<br /> <br /> Some more tiny streams flowing across the road at south, but i think they will all dry up soon.<br /> <br /> Km35.6 : a side trail to see a waterfall, I think it is just soso.<br /> <br /> Then connect with {08-C}, then back to RR.<br /> <br /> {08-C} km2.4 : a very beautiful demon rock hill on your left side, worth take a look!<br /> <br /> RR Ford[71.3/1089] : crossing of Río Polcura, it's a wide river crossing about 80m, luckily it is already made for vehicles crossing so have a rock bar underwater, easy to cross. Mostly just half of calf, in the middle about 10m, up to knee and flowing very fast.<br /> <br /> Camp[72.9/1104] : it's a really nice camping spot with tree shade and beside a river.<br /> <br /> Camp[78.6/1203] : this spot is not beside RR. When you finish valley trail walk, if you don't join dirt road and keep going walk in the valley then you'll arrive here.<br /> <br /> Water[79.1/1214] : log bridge crossing.<br /> <br /> Trailhead[80.5/1248] : not easy to notice the trailhead, although it have a fallen board on the ground.<br /> <br /> North of the pass is overgrown, south of the pass lot of fallen trees block the trail.<br /> <br /> Didn't see any camping spots until almost to valley.<br /> <br /> Water[81.8/1475] : when you get close, be careful dont walk too fast. Just before the stream dont follow the trail to left side and go down, it is already landslide and you'll fall off 2m vertically.<br /> <br /> Pass[84.2/1744] : tons of huge dead trees and ready to fall down in next second. Don't camp here, it is dangerous.<br /> <br /> Km85.8 : flat spot can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Km86: flat spots can fit 1 tent before and after a stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Km95.2 : excellent view point of Volcán Antuco, look like some flat spots at downhill side close to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camp[97.8/1456] : beside a tree, can fit 1-2 tents with fire ring. Last reliable water when you climbing up.<br /> <br /> Km102 : snow start here, but all you can go around.<br /> <br /> Camp without water[102.3/2063] : no camping spot as now, wet, muddy and lot of stream are flowing by snow melt, a fire ring is in the stream too!<br /> <br /> I camped at km103.45, just before the pass, there is some brushes provide wind protection from west. Can fit 1-2 small tents.<br /> <br /> Km104.1 : a large flat area, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> X[105.4/1934] : no more trail junction at &quot;X&quot;, you need to go down a little, then CC to connect the trail at south.<br /> <br /> Camp[106.6/1938] : wet, grassy and steep spot. A large flat area after you climb up the stream at km106.95, it is in a valley and no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km109.45 : a small pass, excellent view point of Volcán Antuco and Sierra Velluda!<br /> <br /> Snow start at km109.9, unfortunately when i almost climbed up to ridge, i found that km111.8 to km113.5(at least) , all covered by snow on a very steep slope. It is not a good idea to go through this high risk area, also Cerro El Toro is a very sharp rocky peak, not possible walk on the ridge to go around the slope, so i turn back to &quot;X&quot;[105.4/1934], and join {08-06} continues to south.<br /> <br /> {08-06} is a nice trail to go down, and look like somone have maintained it, nearly no fallen trees and just very little overgrown, easy to follow and walk.<br /> <br /> {08-06} km4.5 : junction of {08-06} and {08-06A}, look like {08-06} in a better condition, also {08-06} from here to km5.6, it is an old dirt road and no more using.<br /> <br /> Km5.6 : junction to join a good dirt road. Camping spot just before the junction, and there are also lot of camping possibilities along the good dirt road.<br /> <br /> Gate[8.6/808] : locked, climb over it.<br /> <br /> Km9.3 : another gate, you can open it on left side, if you want to camping, better before this gate.<br /> <br /> Km22.4 : i join {08-06B} for shorter distance to main road for hitching to Antuco.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-20/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / Antuco RR and Option 6/ Jens'''<br /> <br /> Tried to go up the main route. First pass was steep and full of snow. Decided to turn around and try Option 6. <br /> <br /> As option 6 is on private land owned by the Hydroelectrico, a guard picked me up and told me to register with the Carabineros in Antuco. Frustrated I decided to skip section 8 in favour of section 7.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-21 to 2023-Dec-24/ 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / San Fabian - Las Trancas / Ella'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: River fords are still heinous, especially Ñuble. Bring micro spikes if crossing Paso Prigallo to go towards Las Termas de Chillan.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Hitched a ride part of the way from San Fabian, and then caught a bus (was a Thursday around 1 pm) until Punilla. Camped at a small, windy site with good river access and near the Punilla swimming hole, which is definitely worth a visit. Some friendly caballeros came around 8 pm to camp as well.<br /> Day 2: Walked towards Los Sauces, splitting off to the right where the road/trail led. Could not cross river here because of construction. Went back to the main road and walked North to where there was a (padlocked) cable car and did a challenging ford - current was somewhat strong and water went to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm). In retrospect, would have been better to just walk/bus all the way into Los Sauces and make a safer crossing there. Cabineros in El Roble were nicer to me that the ones in San Fabian. Camped just before Camp {08} [21.6/873] since it now seems to be on private property. <br /> Day 3: Had to trespass for about a mile before reaching the Ñuble river but didn’t run into anyone. Ñuble was really difficult. I got there just before 8 am. Crossing the river at designated spot was not possible. I went upstream, around the bend, and about a hundred meters further to where the river widens and gets a bit shallower. I crossed with water about up to my navel (I’m 5’8”/172 cm) but a little past midway the current took me off my feet and I went for a brief swim before grabbing a rock and recovering on the other side. After getting to the other side, I had to scramble/bushwhack up a near-vertical slope to where there appears to be sort of a terrace in the landscape. I found the best spot was behind where the bank of the river flattened out a bit. Thankfully once getting to the top, you’re blessed with a faint trail leading back to the main route. This approach was not very fun at all - it is probably best to wait another week or two before attempting the river. <br /> After that, the trail gets harder to follow, especially after entering the larger valley. As per others advice, I tried crossing the river in the valley to the right side, but also ran into impassable shrubbery/broken trees there so I ended up crossing back and forth as needed. The first pass didn’t have any snow. There is a difficult ford after the marker for Trailhead {08} [34.6/1873]. Camped at Camp {08} [36.2/1953] which was lovely.<br /> Day 4: Headed towards Las Termas de Chillan. Both passes were very snowy. The second pass, only necessary if going off main trail towards Las Termas, had steep sections that called for micro spikes. I was lucky that there were some people who had just come through and kicked steps in, making this part easier. Hitched a ride to Las Trancas where there are multiple well stocked mini markets and nice hostal options. Not sure if I will continue on GPT 08 given the snow and river conditions so far.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-06/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Los Peucos - Recinto / RR + OH03 / Hannes &amp; Luisa'''<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from San Fabian to way after El Roble, rather easy on weekends as it seems many locals around. Ñuble crossing with strong current and water above knees (me 185cm), but still ok compared to other months I think. Went up the mountain and into this valley with beautiful oak-trees. Getting out of this forest we crossed the river to the orographic left side as suggested by others...initially a good choice, all the same we had to switch like 2 to 3 times river bank to avoid some nasty Bush bashing...We reccomend to just open your eyes and see which side works best for you after the initial crossing at approximately -36.856679 -71.275261. After the last camp in the valley path clearly visible and steep ascent to the pass. After the pass we got into this amazing volcanic landscape east of Volcan Chillàn. After the second pass we descended to Aguas Calientes, hot thermal pools at the end of a valley surrounded by some green yellow pasture and loads of cows. Good spot to camp...Then we went to Termas Los Peucos, took us 3.5 days till there. Just for the pools they take 10k, pools and camp was 14k. As one of us felt little sick we decided to hitchhike out over OH03. Do not consider this an emergency exit as it is rather difficult to hh out there, very few cars on the road as access is limited due to a private tunnel and only Carabineros and some oil- and gas-pipeline companies are around there with their cars it seems. All the same we were lucky and got out to Recinto (further down in the valley of Termas de Chillán, near Las Trancas...) In this valley or if you get out at Termas de Chillán we highly recommend Cabañas Ayunkoyam owned by Vincente Ruiz in Recinto, +56999991737, call him before. For this rather expensive valley quite a good option. Vincente is a local mountain guide who seems to know every mountain in his country and is a nice guy to talk to.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-02 to 2023-Apr-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / El Roble - Volcán Chillán - Termas de Chillán / Noémie'''<br /> Very short section because I got a lift from San Fabián until after El Roble (21.0), a bit before the end of the minor road. Carabineros checked ID and asked for sufficient equipment. Ñuble crossing was not that hard but I had water until my waist, even at the end of the season (I am 1m60 though...). Camped the first night at Camp {08} [29.5/1441], on the left bank of the river, where there was a bit of space. The next morning, it was a bit hard to go up the valley with all the dead trees and no path visible. Tried to follow fellow GPT hikers advices, but ended up crossing the river multiple times to find a walkable path without too many bushes, until Camp {08} [31.3/1629]. After this tricky part, both paths are beautiful and quite easy. The thermal river is amazing. There was plenty of space with beautiful hot water pools but also cold water at Camp {08} [40.4/2150]. The last day, I took OH {08-02} and OH {08-02A} to go up Volcán Chillán and then exit at Termas de Chillán. Beautiful ascent with no specific difficulty except the steep last 300 meters. The place is full of condors flying really close, super impressive. <br /> There are no housing options and no buses during the week leaving from Termas de Chillán. You can walk/hitchhike until -36.910163, -71.417798 where buses leave regularly everyday for Chillán. Found many cabañas options in Trancas de Chillán a bit further down. Overall, very beautiful and diverse section (forests, rivers, sand deserts, volcanos) with amazing hot springs!<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-13 to 2023-Mar-18 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Abanico — Thermas de Chillán / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Starting from Los Angeles, we took a bus (at 12:30) towards Abanico and then two rides until the start of OH-MR-V {08-K} [0.0+0.1]. Then, there is a gate (after the Bridge, Gate {08} [126.7/1339] point) locked with a padlock but easy to climb. The CC section (RH-CC-A {08} [26.4/122.0+1.9]) is actually following the MR so we thought better stay on the road. When we reached Camp {08} [120.2/1520], it was completely dry so we continued a bit and found a nice spot in the forest (close to -37.32983, -71.39823).<br /> <br /> On Day 2, we continued on the trail, simply taking the shortcut OH-TL-V {08-I} [0.0+0.2]. Then, we chose to take option 08-H to stay high, it was really beautiful. We stayed on the rim until a hard part and then we diverged on the trail that was present a bit below us. As other as noted, on RH-CC-A {08} [18.1/113.7+2.0] you follow a trail or a set of footprints. When the trail and the trace diverge, follow the trail, it is usually the best option. And don't miss Trailhead {08} [113.7/2184], we tried to go around it but regretted it. Then, the trail until Laguna El Robles (Camp {08} [98.2/1456]) is nice but the descent is steep. We believe the path has been cleared recently because lot of fresh fallen branches on the ground. On the lake, we camped on the east side but it was very windy. The other side looked more protected. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we followed the RR until Camp {08} [73.3/1104]. It was a rather uneventful day except we met a lot of arrieros in the morning that went for a wild bull hunt. The camp is nice and felt like a campground.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we hiked for just a few kilometers to reach the Thermas Peucos. It was a very worthy stop, an oasis in the middle of the hike : 10k PP for the camping and hot springs (stoned pools). We even bought a lunch from the minishop which has quite a nice selection. Like others, we used the option 08-C to avoid the pointless climb in the RR. <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we did a rather long walk until Camp {08} [40.4/2150] to enjoy the natural pool. The trail is a bit overgrown after the thermas but nothing bad. The day was full of going up : 2500 on the tracks but the GPS said only 2100 at the end of the day. The hot springs are amazing, truly the best we encountered. And we were alone there. <br /> <br /> On Day 6, we met a horserider when leaving the camp a bit angry because he did not sleep. He camped near a group that partied the whole night (we believe it was close to Ford {08-02} [1.6/2097]). Then, option 08-02 and variant A to ascend the volcan. It starts with a nice trail and ends up with sand that is really hard to climb. Nothing difficult nor dangerous but extremely tiresome. It took us 3h to go up but we enjoyed our lunch at the top! Then the descent is really fast, thanks to this sand (about 1h). The rest of the trail until Thermas de Chillán is a bit overrun, we met numerous hikers (but it was a Saturday). There, we hitched a ride until Recinto and took the 7:00PM bus to Chillán for a ressuply.<br /> <br /> Overall our impressions on this section are a bit mixed. We enjoyed the numerous hot baths and the volcan summit but we were less amazed by the landscapes compared to the previous sections (of note as we did go up quite a lot, we probably were a bit too exhausted to truly enjoy it completely!) . Perhaps it is more rewarding when going SOBO? <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-08 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + emergency exit / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Los Peucos - Antuco <br /> Super pleasant trekk in various landscapes and sweet hot springs. Met Ondrej at the start and shared the road walking before he eventually escapes in the first climb ! Met again finally at the hot river for a deserved rest after big climbing day. Next the descent to los Peucos is rather long with overgrown detour of the swamp at the end. That’s where my phone died for no reason. May it RIP with all my pictures :’( Still if there’s a good soul out there with a machete and long trousers feel free to save this beautiful trail ! Then los Peucos was a paradise oasis for a 14000$ 24h rest day. Not so expensive to me considering the quality of the hotspring service and resupply in the middle of nowhere ! « El Toro » hotspring is a once in lifetime experience for sunrise and had the all domain for myself 😌 Do not hesitate to stop there and meet Ricardo who doesn’t see many souls otherwise.<br /> 4th night spent 3km down near los Peucos in a super recommanded magical waterfall bassins with perfect « nuit à la belle étoile » on the hot rock.<br /> After km 80 the forest is kind of colonised with annoying flyes and thermites wich makes it not an enjoyable place. Also recommend taking plenty of water from laguna el roble cause dry climb and ridge walking ahead (there’s still a little stream pond under a tree a few km after the pass if you look well). Arrived there in late afternoon with no place to camp and saw emergency exit on the right which triggered green light in my brain (as gear failures were acumalating and motivation low). Felt good after a few tears but the long road walking in the hydraucentral gave me some regrets until i eventually arrived in Antuco after hotish hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-28 to 2023-Feb-04 / 7.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + volcán chillàn &amp; volcán Antuco / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> Got off the bus here (-36.67295, -71.29201) instead of Los Sauces for an easy ford. The bus driver knew of this place. The ford was here -36.67738, -71.28739, knee-high. We crossed around 3pm. The road section until the carabinieros was surprisingly popular on a weekend: we got a 3km hitch, but if we started earlier, I am sure we could have hitched a lot more. The valley is nice to walk in though.<br /> The carabinieros basically just wanted to know if we had a proper GPS and map. We could not understand if they were telling us &quot;not&quot; to go close to Volcán Chillán or just &quot;warning&quot; us. I checked online the day before and it said the volcano is in green, but the cabineros said it was yellow.<br /> Made camp at the 17km waypoint because it was a good spot. Lots of unmarked water waypoints on the road such as -36.69615, -71.27770 and -36.72718, -71.26420.<br /> Day 2. <br /> Crossed Nuble with no problems around 9am. The water was not strong but not totally calm and was under our crotches: I am 170cm and Tomáš is ~173cm. Hats off to the others that crossed when water levels were much higher! Remember to turn right and not left after the ford.<br /> The path was better than expected, but still can be easily lost until the first pass at 33.2km. Thanks to the tip from Will, we took the path on the other side of the river once out of the trees to avoid the blow down, somewhere around or close to camp 29.5. Hot pass.<br /> We made camp at the hotsprings ([40.3/2173]) after the second pass, their beauty and heat made up for the long day. There are a couple of perfect spots near the hotsprings with some cold water for drinking, -36.90156, -71.35089. Spent two nights here. The hot springs are regular creeks, most of which in the valley are hot. Saw some locals camping in other spots, seems like a popular place.<br /> Day 3.<br /> Volcán Chillàn. Easy climb following the standard route but the last 600m was slow sandish-like material which made for a very quick descent. Instead of going back the way we came, we followed an unmarked/unmapped &quot;road&quot; on the south side of Volcán Chillán that lead to switchbacks down to the hotsprings that we saw earlier that morning. Basically if coming from volcano, follow the road east from here -36.89199, -71.38543 and aim for the switchbacks to the hotsprings camp here -36.90336, -71.36145 [as of 2024 included in our suggestions in the released Track files]. There is some dirty water on the way but very interesting and scenic. I am slightly worried about posting this because it is likely not meant to be walked, also not sure it actually saves time compared to the normal trail but it allows for a nice roundtrip. One can get Internet on the way to the volcano when the ski resorts are visible. Camped again at the hotsprings.<br /> Day4<br /> Nothing to add for this day, trail was nice and under trees a lot of the way, all fords easy or jumpable. Met two French who were doing the GPT northbound. Camped near the puesto 61.7 before the hotsprings, path was always there, just a little overgrown. <br /> Day5<br /> Trail to hotsprings was not that bad, just overgrown bamboo but otherwise nice. The hotsprings is not actually CONAF but a concession. Prices were as described 14mil for camping and 7mil just for hotsprings. If you want to buy food from them, I recommend going at the beginning of the month as that is when they restock, for us there was still lots of food left but nothing fresh or good, very expensive. <br /> On the road we used option C to avoid the hill as others suggested (seems like the main road now) and as for variant D, we did not see anything, so we back-tracked a bit and took a different unmarked trail here that was successful -37.06894, -71.39599 and forded river here -37.06857, -71.39158 to meet the RR [now in the suggestions too].<br /> The trailhead at 81.0 is hard to see, be ready.<br /> That trail from 81.0 to the pass was more overgrown in my mind than the rest of the days but still not terrible. Camped on the other side 88.9 (actually a bit further down were nicer camp-spots with lovely short grass).<br /> Day6<br /> Somehow at camp 88.9 we woke up to frost over everything. Have no idea what kind of phenomenon this is because I don't think it froze (forecast was for 16 in the night) but even the little moisture in my breakfast bowl froze shortly after eating it...<br /> Quick trail to Laguna el Roble except the trail is easy to loose just before the Laguna in the grassy section, keep climbing left towards an unmarked puesto here -37.20868, -71.33023.<br /> There should technically be a better water source than the lake itself at camp 98.8, but I just took water from the lake:S. The next pass towards the ridge was hot but easy. Good trail until you hit the X at 105.9. Then the path is harder to follow. The camp at 107.1 seems silly and would be better higher above the listed water source. We ended up going cross country all the way from a pass like structure here -37.25066, -71.38499 to Laguna Hermosa because there was a trail on the other side (a bit lower than official RR so it made sense to follow it elevation-wise) that eventually faded away.<br /> Laguna Hermosa was worth it as others have stated but unfortunately very heavy winds crept in that night. It was way less windy on the East side of the lagoon, which we only noticed in the morning.<br /> Day7<br /> Very heavy winds. We made a small short cut to the RR from the Laguna by heading west sooner [included in our suggestions]. We considered turning around on the ridge as the winds were likely around 80km/hr at one point near the pylons, but luckily since the route is not actually on the ridge but under it, the rest of the way was okay, still windy but not pushing us over. The rest of the ridge was no problem for us, slower of course since there is sidehilling and edging but nothing scary or exposed. There was no snow though.<br /> El Puesto at 121 had two dogs but we did not see anyone. We camped at Laguna Laja (not nice) to climb Antuco the next day. To no surprise the restaurant and cafe at the ski resort are closed. Other than the water in the lake, there are no good water sources past the last water source before El Puesto if heading in this direction. There is Entel 3G coverage here.<br /> Day8<br /> Started early to beat the heat for Antuco. I turned back after the top of the ski lift because of a stomach bug (probably food but still nicer to vomit in the shade...) but Tomáš went on to finish the climb. The climb was not worth it. The volcano is not black sand but rather loose rock (boulders to pebbles) which made especially going down annoying. A rock fell on my waling stick and partially destroyed it. After the ski lift there is virtually no trail. Plus the fact there was only a small crater on top and the weather was very hot and windy in the early morning. I think we were there during a small heat wave, supposedly the day before was 38°C in Antuco proper. After the climb we hitched to the campsite Lagunillas (10mil/person) in hopes of going back to Los Angeles but after analyzing the smoke situation of the forest fires we stayed here and used it as a base for preparing for GPT09-10.<br /> <br /> It took us 168 hours but without climbing the volcanoes the trail could have been walked in five full walking days. End of January means there were virtually no horseflies. <br /> Nice trip but due to foot issues, things breaking down and a stomach bug at the end, it was a bit of a suffer-fest for Natalie (Tomáš's new shoes are unfortunately painful too). However, the hotsprings, Volcán Chillán, Laguna Hermosa and the trees (especially the ones with usnea) made it worth while!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-02 to 2023-Feb-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 08-C / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> Puente Inglés - Camping Las Lagunillas <br /> Overall an extremely beautiful route, my favourite in GPT06-08. Compared to GPT06 and 07, this section felt most diverse but also most challenging to navigate. I accidentaly got off track much more often. Still, the route is visible most of the time except the last day after Laguna Hermosa. Even there, sticking to the gpx files makes the section easily passable. One just need to pay a higher attention to where their steps are placed. The fauna is quite rich too - I had a chance to see a tarrantula (the minor road on day 1), crayfish in the rivers, and a snake which I believe was Tachymenis chilensis (on the shores of Laguna El Roble). I believe this section is much more demanding in Dec or early Jan when snow is still present on the slopes. Horseflies were not a problem in my case. I encountered some between km 75 and 85 but that was far from frustrating. I recommend gaiters due to dusty roads in some sections. From thermas Chillan I haven’t met a soul until the end of the section.<br /> <br /> Details:<br /> On the first day, it is easy walking on a minor road that winds through a forest so you can enjoy shade most of the walk! No complications, just need to climb some gates. I enjoyed a company of a fellow GPT hiker Martial, who shared some useful trout fishing tips and gear with me. We camped at the Nuble crossing. <br /> <br /> Second day, Nuble crossing was no problem. Knee-deep at the recommended ford. Then I got lost in the forest numerous time. Checking the gpx frequently definitely helped. I followed the advice of others to cross the river and find a path om the right upstream side. That worked really well, didn’t have to cross any fallen trees! I camped at the hot springs - it is actually a whole thermal river. Amazing, amazing place. Loved to lay in it and watch the stars. Quite a few other people were there (some arrieros and a Chilean family) but there really was enough space for everyone. <br /> <br /> The third and fourth day were rather uneventful for me. Very beautiful views along the trail, which was mostly through forests and relatively simple to follow all the way to 2km before Los Peucos. Even there the trail was visible, it was just overgrown. I worried about this part too much based on the previous reports. The path actually felt quite okay in my case. Unfortunately, no soul at Los Peucos. I saw a parked car and a horse, but no human in the area. So I decided to walk 3km more and camp at the next river ford at km 66.4. I also took option C as recommeded by other hikers below, it was perfect!<br /> <br /> The 5th day was easy up to the laguna El Roble. Then the climb is quite demanding. Most importantly, there is hardly any water between Laguna El Roble and km106.1. I found a little stream at km102.8 but I wouldn’t rely on it. My strategy was to drink about 1 liter at the laguna El Roble (I filtered the water there as the laguna didn’t seem that clear) and then I took 1.5l with me. It lasted me all the way to Laguna Hermosa. Maybe next time I would take only 1 liter. However, I felt safe to have the reserves. Once you get to the pass, the views are beautiful, as is Laguna Hermosa where I camped for the last night. <br /> <br /> On the 6th day, I started from Laguna Hermosa at 8am and reached the main car road around 3pm. The trail after Hermosa disappears and requires a lot of attention to your GPS to navigate. The scree traverses are entirely manageable. I had to think twice before placing my feet though. The trail becomes visible and much easier at km115 when the valley trail connects. No one was at the puesto at km121.1, just three dogs. Trekking poles were enough to fend them off. There is indeed a new metal gate with a lock at approx km 126. No guards are positioned there. I climbed the gate without issues. I then hiked to Camping Lagunillas. There is a very kind owner and his son. Really good people to chat with. After listening to my story they also let me a cabana for a price of camping (10,000 CLP) for the night. The owner’s son is keen to learn more about the GPT and to potentially hike part of the route too. The camping has a small almacen there with some lentils and rice to buy (however, the selection is not enough to resupply). They also sell beer, cookies and can make you a soft dinner and breakfast (empanadas, lentils, waffles, coffee, sandwiches). I hitchhiked to Abanico the next day. It seems there are many more buses from Abanico to Antuco/Los Angeles than just two these days. The bus schedules could be looked up on the Internet. I caught one at 9:30am. <br /> <br /> *2023-Jan-16 Frank RR SOBO 5 days<br /> <br /> Crossed the river before Los Sauces where a dirt road goes right, crossing was only ankle deep. The cable car at Los Sauces is locked &amp; there is often no one there. River is a lot deeper by the cable car (at least waist deep)<br /> <br /> At Los Robles the carabineros were not very friendly, which was unusual, &amp; were not too happy about me hiking solo, but after I told them I'd walked there from Santiago they allowed me to proceed. They had no info. about the activity level of Chillan. The 'shop' in Los Robles only had 2L bottles of soft drink &amp; eggs. Rio Nuble was thigh deep late in the evening but you need to pick your spot: a few metres downstream from the RR crossing, before some boulders in the water. Camped a little after the crossing. Before Rio Nuble there is a no entry sign &amp; locked gate but you can climb over it easily &amp; there was no one there. Campsite marked on track file before the crossing was fenced off with no entry sign.<br /> <br /> Coming down from the pass late on day 2 there is a cold water spring just before the hot waterfall. Filled up at the spring as the water in the valley is thermal, not sure if it's good to drink. Camped in the valley by the hot stream.<br /> <br /> At the CONAF hot springs it was 14,000 CLP to camp but they allowed me to use the hot bath for free. They have a shop but most items are too bulky for one person. I continued for about 10KM &amp; camped in a 3 sided hut 100M to the right off the road before a wide but easy ford. The hut has a dirt floor so you can pitch a tent inside. After Laguna Roble you climb to a pass &amp; there is a spring a little after the pass. I camped just before the spring (room for one small tent, had to clear away some rocks but it was OK) The traverse after the aerials was a bit sketchy but soon improved &amp; I picked up a tiny trail through the scree. Walked to the CONAF entrance gate on the road &amp; hitched out from there. There is a lot of traffic on the weekend. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 to 2023-Jan-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Start in Termas the Chillan opt. 2 than RR from 40km to 105.9 and finished using opt. 6. / Maks&amp;Gabi '''<br /> <br /> Trail is visible almost all the time. All the fords are easily passable. We had met arrieros 3 times, they were nice and helpful. One of them asked about why we are hiking, as there is a lot of people going this way, but he seemed to be okay with it.<br /> There is a lot of really horseflies especially between 83 and 93 km. <br /> There were also quite a lot of cows on trail, that were not so happy to see us, but we just walked around them (with some bigger distance). Be careful as the bulls seem to be very protective over the small ones. <br /> <br /> Option 06A is probably overgrown - we spent about 15 min trying to find the trail but we gave up after all ( it was about 300m after crossroad ).<br /> Gate on 8.6km of option 6 was locked with the padlock, but noone was there so we just walked over the fence. <br /> <br /> All other gates on all trail were easily passable. One of the arrieros just noted that we should close them after crossing. <br /> From the hydro powerplant till the end of the option 06B there were a lot of people working on a road but none of them seemed to have a problem with us being there.<br /> We hitch hiked to Antuco. <br /> It was our first try on the GPT (recommended by a local mountain guide from Termas de Chillan) and it was definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-03 to 2023-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Probably my favorite section so far! A nice mix of remote alpine stretches, forests, and fields. However the horseflies made it hard to appreciate at times, they were pretty much constant during the later section around Laguna Laha.<br /> <br /> I hitched from San Fabián around noon and did most of the road walk the first day. The campsite at 21.6 is fenced off. I stayed at 20.3 which didn't have great water access, just a muddy spring. Scrambling down to the river wasn't feasible but I found a bit of clean flow partway down.<br /> The Nuble crossing wasn't so bad for me, it was just below my waist (5'11/181cm). Still the hardest one so far. I found the trail afterwords pretty hard to follow, with lots of side paths eventually leading to thorny bushwhacking. It finally convinced me to pull the route up on my watch for the first time, definitely worth it here.<br /> A ways after the river crossing you'll come out of the woods into an open river valley. I recommend crossing the stream there and finding the path on the other side, instead of struggling through the blowdown/landslide debris along the gpx track.<br /> The trail was fairly slow from the Nuble crossing to los Peucos. After that it's super fast except for a few stretches in the mountains above the Laguna Laha. <br /> The natural hot springs just below the pass near the Volcan Chillan were very nice, but full of little flies. They didn't seem to bite.<br /> The camping at los peucos was very expensive, but they had a bit of food for sale (fruit!!). Comfy grass, wifi, well maintained bathrooms. The hot springs there were too hot for me, slightly painful.<br /> I missed option C and definitely regretted it. The road up was super rocky, and hot with no shade.<br /> The stretch above Laguna Laha was the driest I've passed so far. Thankfully there were a few snow fed streams/ponds left, but I should have carried more water to be safe. Laguna Hermosa was true to its name, a nice place to camp my last night.<br /> The main road at the end was pretty busy, you could hitch right away and skip the entire last 13ish km. But the extra little stretch of trail at the end was definitely worth it to me.<br /> It took me a while to get a ride to Antuco even though the road was busy. Most people were just going a bit further along. It's not the nicest town but there's decent selection for resupply. I got a room for 15k/night at a cabana/hostal place on Sgto. Aldea street. For some reason I didn't have cell service there, with Movistar.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-01 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option C / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We took bus from San Fabian (corner on the other side of the gas station) in the afternoon, and camped after ford of Los Sauces river (water only to the ankles). A lot of annoying tabanos, but plenty of space to camp. Quite a lot of locals go there as well. The next day we continued to the ford or Rio Nuble that turned out to be the worst so far for us. Doing it in the afternoon was not the best idea - the current was strong and even when it was just waist-high, we were not able to pass through the fastest part where the path takes you. We figured out to go more upstream, but just like 30m maybe? to a point where the water was really deep but completely calm. There is a rock wall on the other side. The water reached our chest at that part and our hands holding poles were under the water, making it hard to gain stability. We decided to take our chances and try to cross, using rocks covered with some grass to gain traction. There were times when we were floating in the water with close to 0 stability but we eventually made it. Best to be there early to have the best possible conditions. Until the end of the day we managed to get up through the forrest. Before you get out of the forrest you are crossing a stream that is going down between the rocks, but if you take a minute or two before it path that goes lower than trail, you will find a nice spot by the water with some wooden bench and nice covered place to camp. We prefered to be out of the forrest so we continued, but found only a field of fallen trees caused by landslide. It was possible to find a place to camp closer to the river. It is best to continue on the other side, which we did the next day. You will soon connect to the trail again, before going up.<br /> <br /> The way up from the valley is quite steep. From the pass you get a nice view of the Chillan volcano. Going further down to the lava field, we followed advices of others and get up to the top of lava field right away and continued walking on it. After the pass you will find a valley with hot springs which are simply amazing. Good to plan camping there so you can enjoy it fully. From the valley the trail is clear, until a short section before the official camp (1-2 kms before it), where it’s more of a bush-bashing. This part starts near a puesto where we came across herd of young bulls that seemed to be more curious that we would like and we had to go around them, a little off the trail. We struggled a little to find our way into the camp, which was not so clear from our gps (eventhough the path is clear all the way to the river) - the camp is secured by wire fences that we wanted to avoid, but at the end we crawled under them to get to the camp, aprox. according to our gps. If you follow the river downstream you might get to the official gate / entrance, not sure. Like other mentioned the price is quite high, and so are things in the little shop - most of it are classic camping things that last long like pasta, rice, canned fruits, a lot of cookies… but we were grateful for it anyway. The hot springs there are also amazing, man-made stone pools, with the view of the stars in the night it is perfect and worth the price. There are maybe 10 dedicated places to camp with wooden desk and bench, covered by roof (good when it’s raining). More space is close to the showers and the common, shared house with kitchen, fireplace and again desks with benches. We met there some workers from a gas company, fixing pipes close to the laguna, who were sleeping in the camp. The guy watching over the camp (from CONAF) was also nice and helpful - if you need anything, this is the right person to ask.<br /> <br /> On the next day, we continued on the minor road, where we took the C option, like others. Following the RR we found the 08-E option (which follows the MR) to be a better choice since the RR is a little overgrown in the beginning and with thistle-vegetation. Easy pass in the forest, and nice places to camp in the valley. We were lucky to find their cows again (luckily on the other side of the river), but bulls woke us up in the morning - this must have been the fastest packing in the history. We enjoyed more fun with the cows and bulls later in the valley, that were blocking our way and refusing to go away - that made us to take another short detour around them.<br /> <br /> A lot has been already written about the last part of this section that takes you up to the plateau. The climb is quite steep and long so don’t forget to take water from the last laguna - that is the last option. The next stream we found was about 2 kms from the point where you reach the ridge. We camped before Laguna Hermosa with nice view of the volcano. There was some melting snow above the laguna and we found 4G signal there (where the pole is). We found the descent down to be quite ok, there are small slippery rocks so it’s necessary to be careful, but nothing too bad. The descent gets very dusty later (when it’s dry) and is still steep in the forrest with a lot of water from the snow. We got to the main road in the afternoon and were lucky to catch a ride all the way to Antuco. We booked the only available place we found on booking called Puelche de Antuco, a really nice cabin. The town is nice with a lot of restaurants and shops.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2023-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Los Sauces - Antuco / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus at 6 pm from San Fabián to Los Sauces and camped next to the river.<br /> <br /> The path until the river crossing of Rio Ñuble is basically a dirtroad, so we got there pretty fast. Only the horseflies were very annoying. We recommend bringing insect repellent.<br /> Christopher is 1.88m and the water went up to his navel at the main route crossing. Anna with 1.63m was not able to cross the river there.<br /> After some tries we found a possibility a couple of hundred meters upstream, where the water just went up to Anns knees. The tough part was to get up to the path on the other side. After some bush bashing, you have to get up a 3 to 4 meter high, almost vertical slope. We found a tree, whose roots we used to climb up, which was not super easy. Once you are up there, there is a good path that leads to the main route.<br /> <br /> The next day was nice until the valley around km 25 (where the river is not correctly positioned in the gaia app). There are tons of fallen trees and it was really hard to get through and there was mostly no visible path. It's probably best to stick to the upstream right side of the river.<br /> Afterwards the path gets really nice. Especially in the evening sun, it was very beautiful to cross the volcanic landscape. We camped in the valley at km 40 at the hot springs.<br /> <br /> The third day has a good path at the beginning. Just the last 3 km it gets more difficult, especially approx. 2 km before Los Peucos, where it's mostly bush bashing.<br /> The camping at Los Peucos is nice, as well as the hot springs, but we had to pay 14k CLP p.p. to camp there and in the evening there are tons of mosquitos. We would have camped a bit further downstream, if we had known that to be honest.<br /> <br /> The next day we took option C, like Veronica suggested, to avoid an unnecessary climb. Then we made an unnecessary climb following the road and not the main path, because we couldn't find the entry to the path right away and feared more bush bashing. But the path looked great from above.<br /> The rest of the route until shortly after Laguna Hermosa was really good. There is not much snow left and therefore there are not a great many places to fill up water.<br /> After Laguna Hermosa the path gets very hard to cross, due to lots of stones and gravel without a visible path.<br /> But it's very beautiful up there and finally not hot anymore.<br /> The descend has a easy to find path but is pretty slippery. Once you pass that the rest is pretty easy until the road, from where we hitchhiked to Antuco. We stayed at Camping Rucue for 15k CLP the camping lot. You pay for the lot not per person.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-19 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT08-02 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Los Sauces - Río Ñuble crossing - backtrack to Los Sauces - hitch to Termas se Chillán (GPT08 option 2) - Los Peucos - Laguna Laja - Laguna Hermosa - CONAF near Abanico <br /> <br /> San Fabian is a great place, loved swimming in the Ñuble River when it got hot. The owner of Cabañas San Fabian is super kind. I hitched back to the trail because I didn't want to wait all day for the bus that leaves at 6pm. <br /> <br /> Registered with the carabineros at El Roble, but I could not ford Río Ñuble at the RR crossing. Current was very strong, and has I been able to stand up in it, the water would have easily reached my chest (I'm165 cm). I tried several times to ford the river at three different places, several km apart from each other, with no success. I would advance in the stream until I felt I couldn't take another step without being swept, and couldn't get halfway across. I suppose I should have expected this - it's a very high snow year and mid-December. I even tried calling out for help at the puesto on the west side of the river near the &quot;no trespassing&quot; gates, but no one was there. The long walk back to Los Sauces felt very defeating. Also, the &quot;wooden bridges&quot; described by Jo and Veronika are actually only cable crossings, and inaccessible by two barbed wire fences. Not possible to cross the river there either. Ríos Los Sauces and Las Truchas only came up mid-thigh though. <br /> <br /> Regained the GPT at Termas de Chillán, Option 2. Basicall took almost the whole second day to hitch there. Beautiful trail, but steep. You get to ford hot creeks, which was pretty cool. <br /> <br /> The trail is overgrown in some places, the worst spot is between the last puesto before Los Peucos and Los Peucos. Very hard walking through, wished I had a machete. Only lasts a km or two thankfully. All three puestos before Los Peucos looked abandoned. <br /> <br /> Didn't meet anyone at Los Peucos since I got there fairly early in the morning, but the hot springs there are amazing. Really hot, clear water, a little stone pool in a garden. Loved spending time there. <br /> <br /> Taking GPT08-C avoids a pointless climb and descent on the regular route, and has a nice path the whole way. <br /> <br /> Trail gets more difficult once you start climbing up to the ridge after Laguna El Roble. The views are incredible though, absolutely spectacular. Lots of water sources up on the ridge due to many lingering snow patches. Most of them are not a problem. After the junction with GPT08-06, the trail kind of disappears. Keep an eye on the GPS as you climb and descend steeply on the slopes. It reappears again after the following camp and water waypoints. <br /> <br /> Laguna Hermosa still has a couple snow patches on its shores, cold place to camp, but beautiful. After Laguna Hermosa is where it gets really challenging. There is no trail afterwards that I could find, basically cross country the whole way to the TR at 116.8 km. As you approach the &quot;trailhead&quot; waypoint, there is LOTS of scree traverses, and steep snow patches which require microspikes or extreme clambering to get around. Treacherous in some places. I fell a couple times. The ground is very loose and unstable. Things get better actually once you reach the official cross country section at Laguna Lágrima. Still some steep bits, but the ground is more consolidated, and there's more bedrock to help with traction. I reccomend taking the optional route CC-08-H. There's a faint trail to follow and it avoids clambering up on the ridge. <br /> <br /> Very glad to see a clear track again at 116.8. But still some problematic snow fields in this stretch above Laguna Toro, where it was too steep even with microspikes, and I had to do some very careful/serious climbing around. Not fun. Fell again here. Once you reach the long descent into Valle de los Carpinteros it gets much better. Still some snow in the woods over the creek. Right now you can walk on top of it like an ice bridge. There clearly was a LOT of snow here this past winter, it lingers until 1750 m or so in the south-facing valley. <br /> <br /> The puesto at 121.1 looks abandonned too.  Lots of downed trees in the area. There was no one, and no metal gate (or any gate) whatsoever before reaching the road in the National Park. <br /> <br /> The 4 days from Volcán Chillán to the end of the section, I saw no other human. I found this section also to be harder than GPT06, especially the last day. The snow complicates things. If you wish to avoid dangerous clambering and sketchy snow and scree traverses, take Option 06. The trail is good before then.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-28 to 2022-Feb-06 / 10 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo'''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces -&gt; banks of Rio Ñuble -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan (-&gt; escape to Concepción via Termas de Chillan to buy new shoes -&gt; hot springs at flanks of Chillan) -&gt; Los Peucos -&gt; camp before Laguna Laja -&gt; Laguna Hermosa -&gt; camping Lagunillas (6 proper hiking days)<br /> <br /> Nice section again. Hot springs in the first half, beautiful views of Laguna Laja, Volcán Antuco, Siella Veluda in the second half. Laguna Hermosa is true to its name, and was the first to not have horse or cow droppings on its sandy shores :D Sad to not have crossed Molly and Melissa.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the cable car was not sure whether we could cross with our heavy backpacks, so we forded the river at Los Sauces.<br /> <br /> - From about km 20 the sides of the road are fenced. The camp at km 21.6 is no longer available. <br /> <br /> - There is a gate at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (blocking access to the trail) marked private, no entry. We saw some cars returning through a second gate (blocking access to the river) and asked if it was ok to cross the first gate. They said &quot;For you, sure.&quot; I get the impression that Chileans rather want to keep Chileans out... This gate is not a problem NOBO.<br /> <br /> - Fording Rio Ñuble was the deepest ford we ever did. Balls deep indeed! Quite doable though, as the water is clear.<br /> <br /> - There may be an alternative path on the western bank, starting at the wooden bridges at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206'. Some local at the San Fabián tourist office mentioned having hiked this way.<br /> <br /> - The trail at S 36° 49.177', W 071° 15.206' (around km 30) has eroded. After searching, we had to push through some bushes on a steep ridge to continue the trail. Maybe more obvious NOBO.<br /> <br /> - At the start of the cross country at km 34.6 get to the top of the lava strip after fording the river. For us, this was easiest at S 36° 52.853', W 071° 18.793'.<br /> <br /> - The water at the camp at km 37.3 was mostly dried up. Don't count on it by the end of January.<br /> <br /> - The bus stop at Termas de Chillan is close go Hotel Nevados de Chillan. There are way more buses at Las Trancas de Chillan, 8 km down the road. Fortunately, the whole area has great 4G coverage with Entel, so you can look up the bus tables with the key words &quot;REM bus Termas de Chillan&quot;.<br /> <br /> - The CONAF camp Los Peucos has excellent hot springs and a mini shop. Camping costs 10.000 pp. The guards are very friendly and donated some fruit :)<br /> <br /> - The CC section around km 95 had a clear path, but the subsequent TL section before Laguna El Roble did not.<br /> <br /> - The trail after Laguna Hermosa was hard to find, we went quite slowly clambering on the loose scree or sand. Going down the mountain ridge at the end of the CC section was similarly difficult. Fell twice - could not find solid footing on the slope.<br /> <br /> - The lady at the puesto at km 121.6 was friendly, asked where we came from, went to, and pointed us to the exit road. She seemed friendly, but a subtle hint to &quot;please stay off my land&quot; would have been lost on us in translation. The new metal gate is easy to pass through. The CONAF guard's wife at the final CONAF post mentioned that we were hiking the &quot;sendero biologico&quot; when we mentioned Laguna Hermosa. This trail must pass over the lady's land too?<br /> <br /> - The ATM at Antuco is broken.<br /> <br /> - Supermercado Santa Teresa in Antuco sells 125ml bottles of alcohol desnaturalizado 96° in the nail polish section.v<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-24 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + OH Cerro Las Águilas / Molly and Melissa'''<br /> <br /> At the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> <br /> We took the bus to Abanico and hitched to the national park, not the easiest as all the cars were full. The car was stopped at the entrance, and we had to explain our route. We weren't asked to pay, probably because we weren't really going to the national park. You walk a little through it though on some nice paths, and then you reach a gravel road. Shortly after, at the &quot;gate&quot; waypoint, we actually met two men installing a new metal gate. They told us we needed permission to pass, and that the owner would come by shortly. We talked to her, and at first she was very determined not to let us through. I don't know what convinced her - we showed her our garbage bag and shovel to show we would leave no trace, we told about the gpt and how far we had walked. She also expressed concern for her animals being disturbed, or that we would get lost. We then showed her our personal locator beacon, and she finally softened and told us we could go through if we payed 5000 pesos each and continued all the way to Laguna Hermosa, past her lands, before we made camp. She also owns the puesto marked on the route. If going northbound and wanting to avoid a potential conflict, it might be better to take the option along the ridge.<br /> As noted previously, after climbing to the ridge on the rr, the terrain is difficult, but the views are amazing. Not a lot of water, but we managed. Many of the campsites off route, including Laguna Hermosa, require quite a climb down.<br /> You stay high up quite a while, which gives amazing views. <br /> <br /> The cross country along Laguna Laja has a nice path all the way. Then you reach Patricio's puesto. He's very welcoming, and has had people stay in his puesto before. We just drank coffee with him though. His brother German lives in the valley right after Laguna el Roble, but his puesto is hidden in the trees.<br /> <br /> Alternative route Cerro Las Águilas<br /> We chose the Cerro las Águilas alternative, because Volcán Chillán was in yellow alert. While walking there, we met two carabineros on horseback who wanted to know which way we went. Don't know if they would have forbidden the rr. The ascent to Laguna el Lobo is through deep sand, it was very tough and took way longer than we thought. We ended up camping at the Laguna which was nice enough. The ascent from there of the first little hill seemed completely unnecessary to us, at least if you have been by the laguna, as you descend to the same level. It would be worth it to walk to the right and ascend directly on the brown mountain, following the GPS from there. The ridge walk was tough as well, a lot of scrambling. The GPS often wanted us to go right of the rocky tops, where going left or directly over often seemed easier/safer. There is no water until the valley between the two passes. There, we also found a nice campsite right after the big stream on the bottom, a little to the left.<br /> After reaching Rio Ñuble, you follow it for a long time. There are multiple streams running towards it where we had to take off our shoes - no lack of water here, though. The alternative also fords Rio Ñuble itself in a different location compared to the rr - we had no problems whatsoever there. It reached mid-thigh and wasn't too strong, and we are both around 160 cm. It is a very low snow year though, and very dry. Here would be a nice place to camp.<br /> <br /> After rejoining the rr, we decided to continue to the waypoint &quot;camp&quot;. That was a mistake, though, as everything around there is fenced in with big signs saying &quot;private property&quot;. The second campsite right after is not fenced in, but doesn't look that good on the first glance. The rest of the way to Puente Ingles is gravel road. El Roble has a house that sells sodas - it has a &quot;bebidas&quot; sign. <br /> We crossed Rio Los Sauces beneath the cable cars quite easily, the water was mid-thigh - again very dry year. <br /> <br /> Puente Ingles<br /> In Puente Ingles we stayed at a campsite a little north of the cable car crossing, marked on the map in Locus Maps as &quot;lugar&quot;. It is 10,000 per tent, there are bathrooms, cold showers and tables. They also have a cabaña which was occupied. Puente Ingles has a small shop with sodas, ice cream, tortillas, biscuits, coffee and chips. It is quite nice to bath in the river. The bus still leaves at 7 and 10 in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-15 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Marc Anthony'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful view of volcán Antuco when walking up towards the ridge line by Laguna Laja and a staying at Los Peucos camping site was a big highlight on my journey on the GPT. Had my dinner in their wonderful hot spring while staring at the clear starlit sky in the cool night. Two nice guys working here and they even donated me some pasta, fruits and vegetables. Walking near the active Chillán Volcano and watching the fumaroles while being circled by a group of condors was also a cool experience. <br /> <br /> With that said, this section kicked my ass. Mainly due to some bad fitting shoes I recently bought in Los Ángeles and because I suffered from bad chafing in my butt which made me walk like I had shit my pants for a couple of days. This combined with some tough terrain (specially near Laguna Laja) and countless of horseflies made this section quite challenging for me. But definitely worth it! <br /> <br /> Like mentioned by hikers in the previous years fording Rio Ñuble can be a bit demanding especially for shorter people. It was getting late when I reached the river so I decided to camp nearby and cross the river in the morning. Had water up to the balls (i’m 189cm) and the current a bit strong but it was not too bad. <br /> Hitched a ride from Puente El Ingles to San Fabian and later jumped on a bus to Chillán to buy new shoes once again. Room with private bathroom for 15.000 at hostal El Molino in San Fabian, nice lady who owns the place.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''*2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> Volcan Chillán remains active. The regular route passes the crater closely therefore Option 1 appears currently the saver if someone does not want skip section GPT08 completely. This option passes the danger zone with more distance. In case of an eruption volcanic ash is likely to affect Option 1 but the risk of direct volcanic effects is lower (flash flood from melting snow and glaciers, land slides, lava and flying rocks). <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> Just want to say quick that the termas vapaors in Mèdano are worth checking out, I highly recommend them. Please consider checking them out, they are only ½ km off the trail and absolutely worth it. They are sauna boxes built around a few hot rocks emitting hot steam. The result is a steam room/ sauna experience. I personally spend over 4 hours chilling out in the steam rooms.<br /> After a 2-hour road walk on the side of the highway you make your way back on trial. This section takes you thru many areas used for grazing livestock with puestos in sight almost all the time. Carizales a small settlement right on trail has a small store and the family also sells bread. There was also a puesto that sold us fresh goat cheese and Coca Cola. It is marked as a waypoint on the GPX file about 20km south of Carizales. Much of the trail is very dry and exposed and the landscape is void of trees and vegetation. There are many great places to jump into the river and cool off. The section up and around the lake offers great views of the mountains, volcanoes nearby and Laguna Dial. The trail itself is well established and never had any real trouble navigation. There were also quite a few hot springs on trail or close by.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: Hot and Exposed (especially in summertime). Resupply Distance.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Hot springs. Great sweeping views. Pools of cool water to jump into in the middle of the day.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-20 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option l start south OH 08 - 02 / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Solo. Because I was not allowed to walk close to the Volcanoe by the carabineros, following the RR, had to take the optional start south OH 08 - 02, in Nevados de Chillán Ski Resort. Funny enough, I walked the first day across the volcanoe anyway, it had some smoke coming out but nothing dangerous happened. Then followed RR to the end. Cross country segments in the ridge close to Laguna del Laja were demanding and not ideal for a solo hiker. But it was worth the effort, one of the most amazing views I have seen so far. Beautiful section. Resupplied and stayed for one night in Abanico.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-05 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR /Ty &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> Can ford river @ los sauces easily rather than walking from Puente Ingles. Cable Car was all<br /> Locked up. Registration @ El Roble like the others. We camped at the hot rivers close to Volcan Chillan and I fucked up with the gasoline in my stove. Buzzkill...: but Fortunately there was an exit to Termas De Chillan close. We got rides easily from the road.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-03 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Maddie &amp; Tom '''<br /> <br /> Starting at El Ingles and hiking southbound towards Abanico. Lovely section however can be slow at times when the track is hard to follow. <br /> We had to register with the Carabineros at El Roble. Before crossing Rio Nuble there is a large gate with ‘private property: no entry’ written on it. We found this off putting. The river crossing itself was fine in the early morning but could be challenging without trekking poles and with a very heavy pack. <br /> After the Laguna de La Laja the track becomes especially more challenging and rocky. In poor weather it could be dangerous given the slippery slopes and steep descents. <br /> We honestly found this section harder than GPT06 and would swap the difficulty ratings. <br /> Took a bus into Los Angeles at 5pm to resupply for the next section. Did not investigate Abanico as we caught the bus as it was leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + optional hike along Laguna de la Laja / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> Los Sauces to Abanico.<br /> <br /> Los Sauces: If you tell the bus driver you want to cross the river by cable car (carro azul) he honks at the bus stop and señor Marcial comes from the other side to get you.<br /> Ford Rio Ñuble: If you are a dwarf like me, you should ask your taller hiking partner to carry your backpack, otherwise it will get wet. Demanding.<br /> Volcan Chillan: PLEASE NOTE: We were absolutely aware that our buddy Volcano could erupt or explode at ANY GIVEN MOMENT and that this was NOT a SAFE option to hike. (But it was beautiful! ...and a bit overgrown in some places. There is not much of the trail left before the first pass.)<br /> Laguna de la Laja: It was beautiful but we definitively wouldn't recommend it. There is no trail along the Laguna. At the beginning you can walk on cow tracks close to the waterfront. Afterwards it's 15 km of cross country. The 3 km into the third inlet took us 3 hours and were really dangerous because of loose rocks and steep cliffs. The following investigation part (@08-04-#002) was mainly a quite nice trail, but we lost it twice and it took us ages to find it again, and in this steep and not very easy terrain you don't want to loose the trail. We were really glad when we got back to the regular route.<br /> From Abanico there are several buses per day going directly to Los Angeles. Resupply in Abanico is possible.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-30 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We had to register in Carabinieros. They didn't have a problem with leting us go even regular route, seemed like eventual crossing to Argentina is their primary issue. <br /> Optional 1 - to the juction with valley walk without problem. Cross coutry part on the ridge was easy to navigate. On downhill there is no trail so we went crosscountry again. It's bit overgrown in some spots, we found trail cca after half of descend. Last flowing water is before juction with valley walk. We saw some water holes cca 2-3km before Laguna de Lobo. <br /> Rest of the regular trail - cross coutry sections were demanding. Otherwise no problem. <br /> We got hitch to Los Angeles after CONAF station so no idea about resuply or accomodation.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Jan-13 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin Lizondo '''<br /> Volcán Chillán was in &quot;alerta naranja&quot;.<br /> Río Ñuble impassable at S36° 50.188' W71° 14.935' Better continue following the minor road in the alternative route.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> When hiking the alternative east route (Paso Aguila) do not descend to the valley at S36° 57.919' W71° 14.752'. It's unmantained and overgrounded, because of recent forest fires. Better stay above the tree line until Laguna El Lobo.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Abanico<br /> At least one restaurant with pizza<br /> Store?<br /> <br /> *Antuco (from Abanico)<br /> Many smaller supermarkets, which have most things - easy enough to resupply here.<br /> One of the two ferreterías has gas (the one furthest from Abanico).<br /> Many accommodation options and some restaurants. March 2024: Good Accomodation with a nice Mapuche family in a single room, shared bath with hot shower, washing machine and including breakfast 18000 peso: Fanny, +56 9 9404 4771.<br /> There is an ATM (Fee: 5500)at the town square southend of town which even gives some smaller notes.<br /> Bus to Los Angeles<br /> <br /> *Camping Parque Antuco : <br /> 10k for camping. Cabañas also. Nice calm place, swimming pool, shade. Electricity and hot showers. Homemade empanadas. Bernabe the owner is really kind and know about the GPT. His number +56 9 9507 2559. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles<br /> Store with chips, ice cream, bread, chocolate, sodas. Possibly some accomodation option at the store. Campground with one cabaña a little further down the room - sign says cabañas - 10,000 per tent, toilets with cold showers and a room with a fireplace for cooking<br /> <br /> *San Fabián (from Puente Ingles)<br /> Many accommodation options - almost everything was fully booked when we were there (Feb 2022). <br /> Supermercado La Montaña seems to be the best option - not the easiest place to resupply, but definitely possible. Harder than in Antuco.<br /> Great Venezuelan restaurant Canela Passion. <br /> Bus to San Carlos<br /> <br /> *San Fabian - Fev 2025 (Clara) : <br /> - Very good resupply possible in the supermarket Los Alvis.<br /> - Accomodation : cabaña nativa : very nice cabanas clean, big confortable bed, climatisation, kitchen, pools, jacuzzi. 35k for a 2 persons cabaña (for 1 person). Just in front when you go out, there is a place where you can buy very good tortillas de rescoldo and pan amasado. Lots of restaurants. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2025 - 02 : there are direct buses from Chillan to San Fabian. Then San Fabian to Puente Ingles. Buses at 2 pm and 6 p.m. in front of the carabineros including Sundays and Holidays. <br /> <br /> *Puente Ingles to San Fabián<br /> Bus at 7 am and 10 am - leaves from the campground, drives to the shop and the back again towards San Fabián<br /> <br /> *Bus from Antuco to Los Angeles about once an hour in daytime. <br /> <br /> *A few buses from Abanico to Antuco or you can hitch fairly easily.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> <br /> Bus from Chillan (Terminal La Merced) a Thermas de Chillan at 8 am and 2 pm (weekends at 1:30 pm) for 3900 Pesos. The buscompany is &quot;Rembus&quot;. Their Website isn't up to date, but you can check their Facebook page for informationen.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> * At the puesto (120,6/1513), the owner does not want us to pass through his land (as of 02/02/2025). He clearly stated that it is private property. It might now be preferable to take a detour through BB, passing well to the right beforehand and rejoining the path well after his house (which was under construction with many tents around it at that time)? (Peggy)<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT08 - Volcán Chillan]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:Segundo_Rio_Termal_zona_cascadas.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|This river is hot! Aguas Calientes Valley]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (8).jpg|thumb|center|1100px|Laguna Laja and [[Volcán Antuco]], by Matúš Lašan]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT17P_(Neltume)&diff=122428 2025-08-09T09:49:00Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, REMOVE WHAT IS BETWEEN NOWIKI TAGS - IN PRACTICE, IT IS BETTER TO COPY FROM YOUR PREDECESSORS BELOW IN SUCH A CASE. LOOK AT WHAT THE WIKI LOOKS LIKE AFTER YOUR EDIT.--&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-31 to 2025-02-01 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Lucie and Thomas'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> We chose to go in the water just before the bridge and through Quilimo camping (at -39,70506 -71,90145 ~200m after entrance of the camping where we had a quick stop). This option is not very convenient and we regretted it a bit because we pinched Lucie's packraft. Thankfully we were able to patch it. Crossing the bridge and going down to the small beach seemed to be a better way to the water (although seemed like private land).<br /> Day 1 afternoon: Quilimo camping &gt; amazing camp site at -39,74720 -71,95483, about 3 and half hours (without breaks) with little paddling. The flow was relatively low, with some very easy rapids (the strongest is the first one just after the Quilimo bridge), even with ultra light packraft. Numerous fallen trunks but never hard to avoid. Perfect for watching animals (some visons, a lot of kingfishers, cormorans, and other various birds). <br /> Day 2 morning: camp site to Lago Neltume, about 1 hour and half without any rapids. We went out of the lake at the first camping on the left and hitchhicked to Futrono to skip section 18. From Panguipulli, it seems easier (at least on week ends) to take a bus to Valdivia and then Valdivia-Futrono (1 bus per hour) rather than going through Los Lagos as we did.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-17 / X2days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span&gt;.<br /> <br /> - Took bus from Santiago directly to Coñaripe to start with option from Coñaripe. <br /> <br /> - Lake Pellaifa was windy and waves formed I need to tie backpack down better in future<br /> <br /> - Hot springs at the end of lake very expensive 15.000 and extremely bussy not advisable<br /> <br /> - The path to enter the river Cua Cua is trough private area you cannot enter unless you see the owner. Otherwise enter the river at the bridge at Quilimo. <br /> <br /> - River : Shallow and full of wood. Lost my fin. So don't put on a fin. <br /> <br /> - The first wild camp spot at the river is good for fishing. I camped on the river bank. <br /> <br /> - Crossed lake Neltume in midday was still calm. <br /> <br /> - Skipped part 18 and got hithchikes untill Llifen this will take you half a day or more.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2024-12-28 to 2024-12-29 / 1.5days / Packrafting/ SOBO/ RP (new option from Liquiñe) / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''&lt;/span&gt;.<br /> <br /> From Pucón we took one of the many minibuses to the Villarica terminal and then caught a minibus to Coñaripe, which was already waiting there. We were told they go every ten minutes from 6:15 until evening. Both Lican Ray and Coñaripe were cute and tranquil towns, if Pucón didn't have good food I would have rather stayed on this side. From Coñaripe, where we got at about 11:30, we got a hitch to Liquine in about 30 minutes; a bus supposedly left at 2pm. <br /> <br /> Tomáš was very curious about the river section that started at the end of Liquine. We flipped a coin and he won so we made a put in at the end of town near (just after) the parking for Termas rio Liquiñe (waypoint Ferry {17H} [5.7/237] (Rio Liquine)). A friendly caretaker and ferryman chatted with us for a bit and gave some river advice. My preference for a start was at the bridge in the beginning of town due to time but both worked. <br /> <br /> This section that we paddled from Liquine to the start of the regular route had more rapids. I am not one to judge, but I would say they were class01, no greater than Low class 02 rapids. (Tomáš: the biggest rapid was right at the beginning, but it was straightforward). With that said, it was slightly more enjoyable than the later half of the river. Obstacles besides the river were shallow rocks. We hit our exposed knees a few times (canoe seats). There was an excavator working under the bridge in town (where the river temporarily splits) so we had to go right, but I think the left would have been better. They are renovating the river bank so time will tell with what happens to the river. Lots of fishermen out with their long lines in the water so be careful.<br /> <br /> Having canoe paddles that fit together to form one kayak paddle helped for the sections I wanted to walk and Tomáš wanted to paddle. There was only one section that was in the very beginning of RP route that we both chose to walk as it looked dangerous: -39.70205, -71.88634 so far, everynody seems to have out in after that). It was a fast moving narrow bend with an undercut like feature and lots of wood and current driving you onto a rock at the end of it. <br /> <br /> The RP in my opinion was more woody than expected. Sometimes it felt like a battlefield squeezing the Packraft between the necks of sunken logs, but I am new at this, luckily the flow was pretty slow. Also, remember to go left at the first leftward bend after Quilmio camping, the river splits there. <br /> <br /> We made camp on a lovely grass bank opposite of camp 6.2 (-39.70521, -71.92260). There is a road that leads to it and I believe a property nearby because I heard horses, but we did not see anyone except for some fishermen on the other side of the river. Besides a spring on river left, shortly after town, we never found a good water source, so I boiled water from the river and Tomáš did without water.<br /> <br /> The next day we continued the meander. Everything felt like it got progressively easier but wood was still sneaking up here and there. The tebanos were relentless, this is our third year here and for me I have never had them at the level we had them that day. They didn't even leave us alone while crossing the windy lake Tomáš: I must have killed like 70 of them over this section). And as for the lake, when we got to Lago Neltume, we had a moderate headwind, however the waves were noticable but harmless. Therefore we basically aimed and paddled straight to the campground @24.7, which took us slightly above one hour.<br /> <br /> At the campground there were two groups of people but very spread apart. No (free) drinking water but there were toilets and tables ext. Nobody asked us for anything. I had a super lovely swim in the lake, the temperature was perfect and I enjoyed a break from the tabanos. When we left we made a silly mistake. We both assumed the double padlock on the closed gate was locked so Tomáš ended up cutting a bunch of blackberries near the side fence in order for us to jump over. We found out later it wasn't actually locked because the couple that gave us a hitch to Neltume were staying there. Before getting that hitch we walked perhaps 1-2km on the road. <br /> <br /> It was Sunday but shops were still open in Neltume to buy food. Definitely enough to resupply if needed. There are a couple of main shops in the center but the best shop of all was the fruit/veg stand on the right of the main road just at the east end of town. Good prices and quality.<br /> <br /> There was good internet in Liquiñe, all over lake Neltume and both Puerto Guy and Neltume (and it seemed in between too) including our last camspot. Also we noticed upper Rio Cuacua had some coverage, but our middle camspot was offline.<br /> <br /> The last hitch to Puerto Fuy was easy and short and we had dinner at the only restaurant open, the main restaurant &quot;Puerto Fuy&quot;. The salmon and salsa appetizer was very good, but a bit pricey. If you can order just a jar of the salsa I would try for that! Then we walked a bit to find a camp spot (Water {17H} [34.0/646], -39.87034, -71.87386; that is 50 metres after the well built MR ends, from there on, the trail is a trail that used to be an NR but is not passsable for cars at all) to start the paddle of Lago Pirihueico (GPT18) the next day and say hi to Clara (whom we missed in Pucón), hi Clara!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-05/ 2 days / Packrafting / SOBO / 17P-A + 17P / Lauren &amp; Sebastian'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Valdivia to Panguipulli and caught a connecting bus on the same day to Liquiñe that dropped us at {17P-A} [1.3+1.7]. We hiked down the road to camping Quilmio which was closed. After that, we crossed the bridge and spoke to the owner of the land who let us camp there for a small fee. The next day, we rivered in under the bridge. Meandering downstream in Rio Cua-cua was peaceful but required attention to look out for fallen trees (which are easy to spot). Headwind started to build up as we approached Lago Neltume around late afternoon. Because of the relatively strong headwind and waves, it required hard paddling and progress was not as fast as we expected. However we managed to reach the end of the lake by evening and camped at Camping Neltume Lake Paradise ($7000 per person). The next day, we hiked on the paved road to Neltume, from where we hitch-hiked to Puerto Fuy. Along the road, we saw signs to an interesting volcanic cavern trail which we did not explore.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Nov-20 / 2 days / Packrafting / SOBO / 17P-01 + 17P-01A + RR / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> I started from Conaripe (transfer by bus from Pucon with change in Villarica) with option 01. After a short wlak through town and farmland I inflated my packraft and crossed Lago Pellaifa. There is space for camping on the southern shore but its farmland I guess. I stayed at Termas Pelleifas (Hot Spring, Camp $ {17P-01} [12.2/232]) which have nice pools of different temperated water. I was nearly alone there. Next day I walked to Rio Liquine and entered at the bridge near Camp $, River {17P-A} [2.7/208]. The stream looks a little bit turbulent at the bridge but its gets more gentle just after the next bent. Its a beautifull journey down the river. Only few obstacles which were easy to spot. I crossed the Lago Neltume afterwards, too, which was easy with backwind. I landed at the camp spot on the other side of the lake but do not recommend camping there but walk further 300m. Camping Rio Chan-Chan (Camp $ {17P} [25.3/206]) is far more beautifull and costs the same ($7000). The next day I walked the steet to Porto Fuy for a few kilometers until a bus passed.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Jan-03 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / Zach'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> A peaceful paddle through the woods. There was one fallen tree across the river requiring easily lifting the boat over. The lago Neltume was very head windy in the afternoon so I walked the road but was quickly offered a ride to Ruta 203 where a bus soon passed. <br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2019-Dec-3 / 2 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RR / Shaun C '''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Plenty of semi-submerged trees in the Rio Liquiñe/CuaCua, but the river is passable and relatively gentle throughout. The entrance to Lago Neltume from the river is beautiful. The hiking turn-off after Neltume at Km 35.7 seemed clear. There’s a wooden gate, then dirt roads. Also spent a few extra hours away from regular route exploring Op-Mr-V@17P-03 to see if there was a way across Rio ChanChan after previous destruction of the bridge. No luck. Seems bridge has not been replaced and in a definitely-not-thorough search, I didn’t find an easy alternative crossing point.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Kara Davis'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> The GPT does not go through Carriringue, but if you do decide to go into town the route is easy to rejoin by walking south along the paved road, T-29, to Río Liquiñe. There is an established campsite (5.000 CLP/night) which is part of the Red de Turismo Rural where the paved road crosses the river. This campsite has flush toilets, cold showers, and trash.<br /> The Río Liquiñe is windy and narrow. Pay attention to the several semi-submerged fallen trees that litter the river. The packrafting portion of this section ends with a 4 km paddle along the eastern shore of Lago Neltume. There’s easy access to the road, T-29, the entire time, but camping is improbable due to the abundance of private property. At the end of the lake paddle, there is an established campsite (5.000 CLP/night). This site has flush toilets and trash. <br /> Alternate Route:<br /> At this point, the recommended packrafting route turns off T-29 onto a gravel road. DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE. It eventually leads to a river that is now impassible due to a destroyed bridge. An alternative is to continue along T-29 until reaching the highway, 203-CH. Follow this highway through Neltume all the way to Puerto Fuy. Although the recommended packrafting route turns off of the highway after Neltume, on the ground it was unclear where this turnoff was. We decided to road walk all the way to Puerto Fuy. <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: Last season and this season 3 hikers/couples attempted to follow this route (RP-MR-V@17P-25.1). Two turned back, one made it over the river mentioned by Kara above. So the safest option is currently not take regular route (track RP-MR-V@17P-25.1) but stay on the main road taking Variant “H” (track OP-PR-V@17P-H-#).<br /> Town: Neltume/Puerto Fuy to Panguipulli <br /> Neltume has options for lodging, a few restaurants, and a bus to Panguipulli—the closest large town for resupply. Ask a local for directions to the bus stop and about arrival times. <br /> At Puerto Fuy, there were several signs advertising lodging. However, it would be difficult to resupply here. <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: I recall about half a dozen mini shops in Puerto Fuy that are sometimes hidden in the side roads. But its a best practice to resupply in the first bigger shop you find on the route (i.e. Neltume) and try in the next village to purchase what you did not get in the first place (i.e. Puerto Fuy).<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> Puerto Fuy has a few restaurants and food shops.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Regular buses run from Puerto Fuy.<br /> <br /> A car and passenger ferry runs the length of Lago Pirihueico several times a day from Puerto Fuy to the south-eastern end of the lake.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT17P - Neltume]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GP_11_Packrafting_Río_Cuacuá_109269751.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT17P]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_109269737.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Paddling on the river Cuacuá]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_119228006.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_119228007.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_119228008.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_119228009.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_119228010.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_109269685.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_109269706.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_109269743.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:GPT_11_Neltume_119227998.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT06_(Descabezado)&diff=122427 2025-08-09T09:16:13Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> = Overview =<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 06 options.png|450px|right|GPT 06 route options]]<br /> <br /> ===Routes===<br /> Section 6 leads through the spectacular landscape of the Descabezado volcano. There are three main routes: the regular GPT route, from Parque Ingles to La Mina / Los Cipreses (or vice versa), the Condor Circuit from Parque Ingles to Vilches, which is also popular with non-GPT hikers, and the longer, off-the-beaten-path Descabezado Circuit, which begins at Laguna del Maule and ends in La Mina. Optional trips to volcano peaks include Descabezado Grande, Descabezado Chico and Volcán Azul.<br /> <br /> ===Right of way issues===<br /> Most variations of section 6 will pass by Don Victor at km45.5 of the regular route. Even if you don't pass by there, you are likely to meet him at some point on the trail. He requires prior authorization to go through his land, although only some hikers have been able to obtain such authorization, since he seems to not always reply to messages. Without authorization, it is advisable to try to avoid him, especially on the way into his land, since he might turn you around. This makes a start from Vilches unadvisable. You can minimize the probability of meeting Don Victor by taking a CC route closer to Descabezado Grande, described by Natalie below (as of March 2024 this route is not yet part of the track files), but this is not an easy route, especially if there is snow. An alternative is to do the Descabezado Circuit, but finish in Parque Ingles. This shorter circuit still goes through via almost all highlights, but entirely avoids Don Victor. You can also connect to section 5, which similarly avoids him.<br /> <br /> Starting from Parque Ingles also has restrictions, see the trip reports below. In particular, there are only a limited number of hikers allowed, and you should not disclose your plans to go via Don Victor's land if you don't have authorization.<br /> <br /> Notice that starting from La Mina requires authorization from the hydro company. See the GPT manual on section 6 for details.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT06 Option 6 (Entrada San Carlos): The right-of-way conflicts and entry restrictions made me look for other options. This new option provides a possible alternative entry route that is reasonable well visible on satellite images but so far not verified and recorded. Access by bus should be relatively easy as the trail head is lower down in the valley where bus frequency is higher. I suggest a northbound investigation somewhen in December to more easily return if the access at San Carlos is denied. the first mandatory river crossing is rather high up in sedimented areas where fording should not be utterly difficult. It's probably also a quite attractive route.<br /> <br /> - GPT06 Option 3 (Cumbre Descabezado Grande): This group of high routes include tracks that avoid getting close to the puesto of Don Victor where permit requirements apply. Especially hikers that consider climbing to the summit of Descabezado Grande may simply stay in an altitude between 2500 m and 3100 m to avoid contact with Don Victor. Remaining snow early in the season may make these high routes difficult and unsafe before January.<br /> <br /> - Eastern routes of GPT05 and GPT06: A demanding but very attractive option is combining GPT05 and GPT06 in one long hike. Combining both sections and taking the remote optional routes east of Descabezado Grande avoids all right-of-way conflicts but the terrain is demanding and the river crossings on section GPT05 must not be underestimated. to avoid the river crossings of GPT05 someone may hike these eastern routes of GPT06 Options 7 to 13 in northbound direction and exit on the Regular Route of GPT06 at Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): The upper Rio Colorado provides large pastures where countless cows and horses feet each summer. It is not entirely clear to me on which routes these animals are driven up to their pastures at the beginning of the season. The new Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo) documents two suspected routes. Older satellite images show two bridges that were destroyed somewhen in 2023 and it remains unclear to me which of these bridges were rebuild. Fording these large rivers seams not feasible especially early in the season. Anyway, in season 2024/2025 lots of animals were up in the valley so I suspect that at least one of these two bridges was rebuild. It would be brilliant if someone asks local residents which bridges were rebuild and investigates these routes. Once verified, one of the two routes might become the new Regular Route of GPT06 that avoids the entry restrictions of the National Parks (Parque Ingles, Vilches Alto). Also, walking up the valley of Rio Colorado is very attractive and two hot springs add to pleasure of this route. Note that this option of GPT05 avoids the often demanding crossing of Rio Negro and the steep ascent or descent Cuesta Las Hormigas.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 to 2025-03-26 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 05 + OH 01C + OH 01B + OH 01 + RR + RR GPT 5 + OH GPT 5 H + RR / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Now a permit is needed to hike in the Descabezado area. I wrote Tamara Galdames (+56987397559) to apply for this permit. I had to print a form, fill it out and send her pictures of it together with my passport. The permit costs 25k per person. Tell her that you need to make the transferencia with &quot;Caja Vecina&quot;. She will give you the information. Then you go to a shop with &quot;Caja Vecina&quot; sign, show them her message and pay 25k cash. They will make the transferencia for you and give you a piece of paper. Send a picture of it to Tamara. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the 7:15am bus from Talca to Vilches Alto. Bought the entrance for Reseva National Altos de Lircay online and showed Conaf it and gave them the paper from Tamara (the one i filled out). Could start hiking without issues. Lot's of dayhikers at this weekend. Took OH 01C and was alone for the rest of the day. Trail was in good condition, but less obvious than the trails in the Reserva. It's marked with cairns. Found a great camp with flowing water here: -35.513935, -70.910756<br /> <br /> Day 2: Hiked CC to the MR of OH 01. Continued to the RR and hiked to Laguna Animas. Met friendly Arrieros together with lots of cattle. Hiked RR of GPT 5 to have a look at Laguna Mondaca. Very steep downhill, but easy with the soft sand. Magic moment when 10 condors circled above me in the sky. Skipped detour to Laguna Mondaca, because the hot springs were calling. GPT OH 05H was tricky and dangerous. The flat part leads through a very large boulderfield, not difficult but tiring + slow. Ford {06} [24.6+1.5/1590] was knee high and had a strong current. Later a big stone i was stepping fell down together with me. Hurt my elbow. Met two germans, they told me the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre is eroded and now very difficult. I tried to follow the suggestion of GPT track, but it was very difficult and dangerous. The lower part of the mountain is indeed very eroded. Climbed a very steep mountainside with loose ground and also loose rocks to get to the trail. Can't recommend this, i slipped in the beginning. When i reached the trail, it was ok. Enjoyable evening in the hot springs, but not so good night with ground heating. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Trail was in mostly in good conditions, only the beginning was not always easy to follow. <br /> Ford {06} [29.4/2190] was knee high. Ford {06} [32.5/2565] was low, but not dry. Views from <br /> Pass {06} [33.8/2695] (El Estadio) and while hiking down were incredible! Easy hiking until <br /> Hot Spring {06} [45.6/1881] (Banos del Blanquillo, lukewarm, only 20 C). Had time left and did a detour to Laguna Blanquillo. Was not really worth it, because at 5pm the Laguna had no sun. Spend the night together with a guided group with local arriero at Baños Blanquillo. They spoiled me with tasty dinner, was a very good evening. Their Guide Barbara speaks english very well, knows everything in Maule region, she even found a new yet unknown flower! If someone is interested in guided tours (options depending on the clients) in Maule region she can help you: +56992599639. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Easy hiking 'til Laguna Caracol. Hiked CC to the crater lake next to Laguna Caracol: incredible! Camp {06} [56.3/2034] is sooo beautiful! Also had a look at Laguna Turbia and in Cráter Los Quillayes. The ascent to Pass {06} [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) was very exhausting with the afternoon heat, but great views! Dark clouds and thunder came, hurried down until Camp {06} [62.2/1999]. Only few drops of rain, i liked this place to camp and enjoyed the stars. Water flowing next to the spot. Was my favorite day according to the views.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Easy hiking 'til the MR. Ford {06} [63.4/1909] was rock hopping. Appletree before Los Cipreses. At <br /> Gate {06} [78.9/865] (Central Hidroelectrica Isla) i had to explain where i came from and whether i registered with Carabinieros (no). Got a hitch until a bus stop near Armerillo, where i took a bus to Talca. Can recommend Hostel 1760 - relaxed place to stay!<br /> <br /> Summary: GPT 6 is absolutely stunning. Most tiring was the sand: had tons of it in my shoes although wearing gaiters. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-24 to 2025-03-28 / 4,5 days / SOBO / RR, Option 2, 3 (Descabezado), 6a, 6D (Cumbre Descabezado) / Thijmen Scholten'''<br /> <br /> As for the permit I met mister Victor and he was not happy to meet me without permit. So if you want to take the RR route apply for a permit (described by Thomas)! If you don't want to, take the high mountain route (variant 2 and 3). Even though you are still on his terrain, you will probably avoid him this way. Going SOBO CONAF will ask for this permit so you have to say you just go to EL Bolson (buy a ticket online?) or you have to sneak past (like Volker explained). <br /> <br /> - First day I hitched from Molina to Parque Ingles , I did not have any ticket or permit but luckely it was Monday which meant CONAF was closed and I could just walk trough the gate on the trail. <br /> <br /> - I met the guard of El Bolson campsite and he was cool with me passing by, even though the park was closed. I wanted to pay him the entrance fee but he wouldn't accept it. <br /> - Camped after the pass at water point 22.0. water point 17.8 before the pass is also a good campspot. <br /> <br /> - Look out after the pass on option 02H that you do not decent too much. I had to climb 200m up again <br /> <br /> - Continued to the high mountain route (02H). There is no water here so fill up at the indicated ford. It's muddy glacial water so if you want to have clear water you have to fill up before the pas. Camped at camp without water. <br /> <br /> - It would have been nice to have some gaiters and sunglasses <br /> <br /> - Summit Descabezado. Take route 03 don't follow the track perfectly but walk on the rocky ridge that's the easiest way to get up. <br /> <br /> - I wanted to climb Vulcan Azul on the same day but when I got to the start of the climb it looked like it was a sandy accent. So I returned packed my tent and went down. Afterwards when I saw the summit from a distance next day I regretted it. I went down to RR and camped at Laguna del Caracol. <br /> <br /> - Next day option 06A which is nice if you have enough time. <br /> <br /> - Look out that you take the right las Hornitos pass and not the one before, I had to climb up again -_-.<br /> <br /> - Camped at Laguna los hornos and next morning down and got a ride from the workers to Talca. <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-19 to 2025-03-23 / 5 days / NOBO / RR +OH06 / Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We took the bus from talca to los alamos at 3pm.<br /> We stayed at the hotel la rivera. Nice place for 35,000 pesos per night with breakfast for 2 people.<br /> You need to ask tamara for permission to cross her father's land (+56987397559) . She'll ask you to fill in a form and you'll have to pay 25,000 pesos per person, but she authorizes a minimum of 2 people.<br /> You also need to fill in the Google form to cross the nobo hydroelectric plant in los alamos, and to get permission from the carabineros at la mina.<br /> Day 1:<br /> We started from Los Alamos and went through the hydroectrical central. We went up to the laguna Los Hornitos and camped at camp 62.2. Very exhausting to walk in the sand. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> We went up to the pass 59.3 and walked option 6. Camped close to Hot spring 45.6 (not warm). <br /> Day 3 : went up to the Azufre Hot spring, you walk all day long in the sand, a bit exhausting. We camped down the two hot bath and the ground was very warm. We didn’t sleep very well because of that.<br /> Day 4 : walked RR up to camp El Bolson, not difficult <br /> <br /> Day 5 : we ended up at Parque Ingles and took the bus at 5PM up to El Radal (we were on sunday).<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-18 to 2025-03-23 / 5.5 days / NOBO / Option 3 (Cumbre Descabezado) + OH-CC-A {06-02H} + RR / Tim &amp; Tobias'''<br /> <br /> We did a relaxed hike through this beautiful section. Got the permission to enter NOBO (Los Cypreces) from natali.veloso@enel.com within 3 days. Visit the carabineros in Colorado, they printed and stamped the form and we hitched to the entry. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Went up to Camp {06} [62.2/1999] at 11 a.m from the security guard, where we had to fill in another form. Struggled a bit on the way up because Río Cipreces is dried out and we had little water. Last source is Bridge {06} [72.4/1018] (NOBO).<br /> <br /> Day 2: To avoid Don Victor, we took Option 3 and camped beside a little Glaciar at -35.60736 -70.78212, close to Camp NO Water {06-03} [5.9/2542]. Filtert the water from the Glaciar. Great spot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Took Option 3 to get up to the top of the volcano. Loose sand, difficult but stunning day. Decided to stay another day at the camp beside Glaciar. We highly recommend to take this option to get up to the summit because it is much faster than OH-CC-A {06-03A}. Thank you Adrian for the advice!<br /> <br /> Day 4: Went OH-CC-A {06-02H} and RR to hot spring Azure, where we camped. It stinks a bit during the night, but the hot springs have perfect temperatures.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Short day on RR to laguna las animas. Enjoyed the hot springs in the morning, took some fotos with condors. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Went down to Parque Ingles without difficulties.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-MAR-10 to 2025-MAR-15 / 6,5 days / Hiking / Alex, Andrey, Anton / GPT06 NOBO (Option7, Option2, Option8: a new traverse of the Calabozos volcano), GPT05 SOBO (RR)'''<br /> This traverse from Laguna Maule to Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas offers a memorable—and surprisingly straightforward—journey from south to north. Although not technically difficult, the route presents extended stretches of deep sand and volcanic ash that demand physical endurance.<br /> Key Considerations:<br /> There are numerous sections without a defined trail; navigation relies on waypoint guidance.<br /> Glaciers lie concealed beneath sand in several locations—refer to waypoint comments for exact coordinates and cautionary notes.<br /> Reliable water sources are found throughout the route.<br /> Early‑season fords can be hazardous; plan crossings carefully and monitor snowmelt levels.<br /> Our newly established Calabozos volcano traverse direction from the southern approach is strongly advised. The northern slopes feature steep, deep‑sand sections that are more strenuous when tackled uphill.<br /> Mondaca Valley bears signs indicating private property. During our traverse, valley guards granted passage without issue, but this should not be assumed as guaranteed access. Exiting via Mondaca Valley tends to be easier than entering.<br /> The track and more photos at Wikiloc:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/sand-traverse-laguna-maule-to-reserva-nacional-radal-siete-tazas-205862875<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-09 to 2025-02-14 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1 (Altos de Lircay) 01, RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> To avoid Camp Bolson and CONAF we started by taking the Option 1 (Altos de Lircay) 01, which is really beautiful but we recommend taking more water than usual when coming across some water spots since most of the rivers are dry. After completing the Option we continued on the main route until the end.<br /> <br /> Travel: <br /> We started from Parque Ingles. Got there by taking a train from Santiago to Curico. After that we took a bus to Molina and another one driving to Parque Ingles. Worked without any complications. Did cost all together around 50 euros for the two of us. <br /> <br /> Permissions: <br /> As mentioned by other people it is really hard to contact Don Victor. We wrote him a text message but we didn’t get an answer. We talked with Don Victor and got to know a really kind and respectful man, who simply tries to keep his land less crowded and free of trash. As Thomas describes in his section log, permits are available through his daughter. The number is provided by Thomas. Therefore it is necessary that every hiker who is trying to hike GPT06 is doing their utmost to get the permission from Don Victors daughter in order to respect his land and his priorities. If you are not able to get a permission the best and only option is to skip this section and continue with a different one. <br /> Since we didn’t have an official permit we tried to avoid CONAF as recommended which worked out fine for us by taking an alternative route in the beginning to avoid Camp Bolson. Not getting the CONAF permission and trying to avoid them was a mistake we aren’t proud of and wouldn’t do again. We don’t recommend doing it this way. The experience can be enjoyed way more when getting every permission necessary before starting with the hike. <br /> <br /> Resupply: <br /> There is no way to resupply on the trail. After the trail there is the possibility in Los Alamos to resupply in a small shop which got everything a hiker needs. We were also offered an apartment for one night in Los Alamos. It included a kitchen, a bath and two sleeping dorms for 46 euros per night. The name of the owner is Samuel.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 5/5<br /> Difficulty: 3/5<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-15 to 2025-FEB-17 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 5 and 6.<br /> Joined section 6 at the hot springs [27.4/1986]. Got there around 7 pm. And there were two Chilean guys sitting in a hot pool so I joined. It was good to finally meet someone. <br /> <br /> I took the lower camping spot and the ground was a bit warm, so the night wasn’t cold. <br /> <br /> Next day, I went up to the pass. The soft sand makes the climb hard. The way down to the refugio was easier, but still not easy. No sign of Don Victor. The Chileans entered via Parque Inglés and didn’t know about him at all. <br /> <br /> The landscape is out of this world and amazing, but the suck factor on the sand is high for me. I got to camp at km 56.3. Beautiful place for camping. But very cold night. I left the water bottle in the tent vestibule and there was a good amount of ice in it in the morning. <br /> <br /> The last climb was an again challenging for me. Also because I got a cold and I was cold, so I didn’t sleep much. <br /> <br /> Then the way down is more sand. I wanted to get it over with, so I was going fast, around 2000 vertical m/hour. When I got to the gravel road, I had sand everywhere. I do have light gaiters, but they just couldn’t keep up. <br /> <br /> Then it was just a few hours in the heat on the road. I got to the small shop after the bridge over Rio Maule. Got ice cream and coke for 3500 or so. <br /> <br /> Then I washed in the river and tried to hitch hike to Talca. I stayed there from 17:15 to 18:00, but no luck. Not many cars to begin with. So I got to Hostal La Rivera as somebody suggested. Single room with breakfast was 25 USD and together with pasta for dinner and beer it was 35 USD or 36000 pesos. Paid by debit card. I will take the 7 am bus from Medano to Talca. Should be here on the main road around 7:20. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-02-10 to 2025-02-13 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 5 (vilches alto), option 3 (Descabezado Grande), RR / Thomas '''<br /> <br /> As right-of-way issues increased recently, and parque ingles CONAF seemed to be more and more intransigent, I chose to take my chances on Vilches Alto entry (which is easily reached by direct bus from Talca).<br /> I arrived on sunday morning but the park was closed with wildfire red alert. I waited there the opening on next morning. <br /> Walking at the park entrance, I was lucky and met Sebastian, Anete y Tono which was started the Condor Circuit. A week ago, they contacted Don Victor daughter, Tamara, which gave a permit to cross the property. Rangers verified carefuly the permit to let them go. I take my chance then and contact Tamara to ask the same permit. <br /> <br /> &gt;&gt; There is usefull information to planify GPT6 with serenity : <br /> <br /> - From this year, Don Victor's family exiges a permit to enter the property in order to limit the area crowd and waste associated<br /> <br /> - Permits are given by Tamara Galdames, Don Victor daughter : +56987397559<br /> <br /> - She asks for passport picture and a bank transfer of 25,000 per persona to make the permit<br /> <br /> - She told me that she only give permit to 3 people or more<br /> <br /> - CONAF rangers (at least at Vilches) verify very carefully the Tamarla autorization<br /> <br /> - Don Victor checks also every hiker/horse rider he can see at this period (at least between laguna Caracole and Refugio Blanquillo)<br /> <br /> So I was very lucky to met Sebastian &amp; co and I told her I can walk with them, and she said OK. A ranger directly called Tamarly after to make sure I'm not tcheating.<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Vilches Alto &gt; Valle Venado camping <br /> No difficulties, a lot of shadow during the ascent, good views from the valle venado mirador. The camping is fine (shower) but without spectacular view. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : Valle Venado &gt; Camp without water {06-03} [5,9] <br /> Path to Blanquillo refuge is well marked (also a lot of horse poop). Only difficulty : a water canal crossing at the end of the Blanquillo lake (water until my hips with 1m77), but without any flow. <br /> I met Don Victor at Blanquillo refuge which verified my permit (I show him my WhatsApp conversation with Tamara and it was fine). Then he was pretty warm with me and show me water source. <br /> The beginning of Descabezado ascent is well marked equally. At Camp without water [3,3], it becomes easy CC to the second camp [5,9].<br /> Amazing moon landscape there !!<br /> <br /> Day 3 : Descabezado ascent &gt; Laguna de los Hornos by the RR<br /> Start at 6:40, summit at 9:20, only 35min to get back to the camp. Wonderfull sunlights on the moonfield and area volcanos. The way up is demanding, but without any difficulty issue (I followed option 3). The only water source near of the trail is the glaciar crater at this time. <br /> I returned to Blanquillo refuge to get water and met Don Victor and his guests again. They asked me about the volcan and we tchated about previous visitor incivilities and how they want to limit affluence in there. <br /> Then I followed RR SOBO without any issue during the rest of the day until Laguna de los Hornos where I camped. Very scenic and variated views, I definitively recomand this part of RR ! <br /> Near los Hornos, I met a group with guid, horses and montain bike which has been kindly returned by Don Victor the day before at the laguna Caracole because they don't have the permit (and potentially because Victor doesn't like the idea of bikes on the montain...).<br /> <br /> Day 4 morning : Laguna Los Hornos &gt; Los Cipreses<br /> The Volcan los Hornitos ascent and tour worth the extra mile. Easy sandy descent to the minor road and half hitchhike the minor road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-02-05 to 2025-02-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR/ Emilie '''<br /> <br /> Day 1: departed from Molina at 9:30 with the bus. Arrived at the trail (parque ingles) and had purchased a day pass for the park. Seeing my big backpack the guards asked me where I was planning to sleep, I said laguna the las animas and they said I couldn’t go there without proper authorization. I then asked if I could simply change my plans and sleep at el bolson (campsite inside the park) and they said it was full for the next 2 days. I was really disappointed and asked where I could find some wifi to look at other passes/trails I could do, they sent me 3kms down at the Conaf office of Radal Sieste Tazas. I walked about 300m and saw the gate and decided to try my luck and jump it to bypass them. It worked although I was really stressed and surely enough I ran into a guard on a motorcycle checking the entry permits. I showed him the day pass but Conaf is supposed to give a registration card which I did not have. He asked me how I came in and I had to explain that I jumped the gate. He was ready to send me back (VHF radio in hand and all) but I asked him if I could try to explain myself which I did, showed him my planned route, explained that I knew abt don victor etc, I told him I would be out of the park by nightfall. He agreed to let me pass but it was a close one. You should definitely buy a pass for el bolson campsite, even if you don’t camp there, you look suspicious with your backpack. Went all the way to laguna las animas and camped there. <br /> <br /> Day 2: started my day with an encounter with wild horses! They ran towards me, there were about 15 of them! Saw them running down a hill up until 2m of me, they were curious and friendly. It’s was surreal. Camped at S (35.508517° O 70.751605°) on an empty pasture that was not wet. <br /> <br /> Day 3: woke up to that empty pasture being filled with cows! One was trying to snatch my bag which woke me up. They were curious and friendly aswell. Hiked until the Refugio camped right next to it (S 35.594815° O 70.825999°) there were other Chileans aswell. All super friendly!<br /> <br /> Day 4: my feet were extremely blistered after day 3. I initially wanted to hike up the volcano but decided for an afternoon at the beach instead to rest my feet; hiked about 8km until Laguna del Caracol where I spent the afternoon, reading swimming and cooking, it was great. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it was a big day, I hiked all the way to water at [73.5/1014] camped right next to it on the shore of the river (S 35.775444° O 70.802768°). Initially wanted to camp at Laguna de los Hornos but the lake seemed pretty eutrophized (? Not sure if it’s the right word) and I did not want to drink it, even filtered. Since it’s downhill from there, it wasn’t too too long. <br /> <br /> Day 6: hiked the remaining few Kms and hitchhiked to Talca. If ever you need accomodation here Hostel 1760 is like a peaceful haven; 30 000cpl and there’s a pool and the rooms are around an interior garden with a fountain. Exactly what I needed. <br /> <br /> The takeaway is to definitely not underestimate the terrain, it is rough on your feet, the sand and dust will stick to your face and lips which made me feel thirsty all the way, I always started the day with 2,5L of water which isn’t necessary since there are a lot of streams but I was still always glad to not have to ration my drinking. The river crossing for me was knee high, not sure if I crossed at the wrong place, the water was lower or if I’m especially tall;) did not meet don victor. <br /> <br /> *'''2Fev2025 - 6fev2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH2A-2-2H - OH3A-3 - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles : I did the same as Volker (see below) to enter the park cause I couldn't buy a ticket for the park the day before. But I was afraid and I think it would have been bad if I encountered a park ranger. Hopefully I didn't and they didn't ask for park reservation at El Bolson Camping. When I said that I won't come back by this path but go further he didn't say anything (only the owner).<br /> <br /> Camp at laguna las animas. Very nice camp spot and lake to swim. No shade. Some stonewall to pitch the tent and protect a bit from the wind.<br /> <br /> Ford 29.4 : not so easy, up to mid thighs (1.57) but fast flowing in the begining of afternoon. Then it's a loooong way up in soft volcanic sand, very physical. Lot's of water all the way up till ford 32.5. Then there are also still some smaller water flowing around begining of OH2H and the place I camped.<br /> <br /> Camp here -35,54404, -70,75932 : I found a good wind protected spot (for the NNO wind, less for the NNE of the night end but hopefully it decreased) and I made an almost flat spot there. There is multiple little streams with good water flowing just around that spot.<br /> <br /> Up to the pass on 2H was easier that I thought but walking down (or more traverse) on the other side was way more harder. Very steep ups and downs in some canyons in soft sand or sometimes big but no stable rocks, snow covered by sand. Last and only water for now after the pass of 2H is at the ford. Took me almost 4h to get to OH3A.<br /> <br /> I took an OSM path before 3A to gain few meters, a trail is well visible when you arrive from 2H. Around 2900m I went CC to joined OH3A and I found on the way, few meters left to the 3A tracks, some footsteps going up on either big stable rocks or not so soft sand until around 3300m, looks easier than exactly on tracks for the ascent ! Then it's physical soft sand. Went with very small backpack and took me a bit more than 3h to the summit. Descent way much faster.<br /> <br /> Descending at Don Victor refuge, I met a group of chileans. They offered me harina tostada and food (maybe when they see my terrible face after this exhausting day), and we ended up sharing dinner, fried fishes and evening there. If I understood well, they told me that since this year, Don Victor make people pay (25k?!) to camp at his place (or just pass through?), not the locals but the tourists. But since he was not here I didn't need to care about this.<br /> <br /> They learned me their fishing technic the day after at Laguna del Caracol and I had 2!! (They had 10kg in half day). Magic encounters with theses so generous and nice persons. Camp at 62.2 (just a bit upper than the waypoint) is nice.<br /> <br /> Nothing special to add for the last day except not much workers going down the MR even on week days.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-20 to 2024-01-22 / 2.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR, option 2 &amp; 2H, option 3 &amp; 3A (Ascended Descabezado), Variants G / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Plenty of available water from the pass to Descabezado (option 2), however no water available on the climb up. Almost no water around Descabezado, but was able to locate small flow from a snow field. No water available south of Descabezado until end of option 3.<br /> <br /> Descabezado climb took approx 4.5 hours, 1 hour descent. Incredibly draining due to soft ground and fall-line trail.<br /> <br /> Shop at bridge after Los Cipreses had snacks and accomodation but not appropriate for resupply. <br /> <br /> Hostal La Rivera in Los Alamos offered great accommodation for 50,000 CLP per night (including desayuno). Hostal able to provide lunches and dinner.<br /> <br /> Almarcen in Los Alamos looked like it had good options but was closed in afternoon (4pm) and morning (10am) and no one was around.<br /> <br /> Minimarket in La Mina had limited options, possible but difficult resupply.<br /> <br /> Minimarket in El Medano had slightly better options, but still limited resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''25-01-13- 25-01-18/ 5,5 days / SOBO/ RR-OH2A-OH2H-OH3-OH3A-OH4-OH3-RR / Volker / Flowers on the moon… Just a magic section / Parque Ingles - Volcan Descabezado Grande - Volcan Azul - Laguna del Caracol - La Mina'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bus from Molina, terminal rural, to Parque Ingles at 8.20. Started there at 10.30. Avoided Conaf: The bus carried a group for the camping in P.I. and stopped 200m after the Conaf. Instead of going back to register (or taking the MR of OH1) I turned left before the bridge and walked on a path along Rio Claro, a fence to my left. After 500m an open gate allows you to go left and enter a huge camping (nobody there). At the very end of the camping the fence is down, once out, I walked CC to join the RR. Minimum three dozens of young Chileans on their way to El Bolson, when I arrived, still nobody there except the owner, who asked me to register. I told him, I go to Laguna Las Animas - all fine. Camped at the Laguna, short day.<br /> <br /> Day 2: 30 min after the Laguna another, smaller lake with camp spots. At the pass I made the short detour for Cerro Las Animas (nice view back on the Laguna) then along volcanic slopes with a lot of various flowers to the hot spring (no bassin, just a hot swamp, go for Fango). For various reasons I changed my original plan to continue on Option 2b direction V. Descabezado Chico, one reason was the (non indicated) ford, which looked very dangerous, at least for a solo hiker. So I continued on RR, quite swampy, the trail dissappears in wet meadows. If you know you want to continue on the RR - better don‘t go down to the river and the hot ‚spring‘, but cut this CC without elevation loss. Lots of cows on the way to the pass. Many small rivers, which all feed Estero El Volcan, therefore the two fords on the RR are way easier. I took Option 2A, then Option 2 and then Option 2H and camped not far from the start of 2H. <br /> <br /> Day 3: On 2H CC to the pass and then down to the start of Option 3a for the V. Descabezado. Ford easy. At S 35.592096° W 70.786105° don‘t go down into the canyon as indicated, but bypass it left by going a bit upwards. Started with a small backpack on option 3a for the summit at noon, arrived at 2.30. At 3400m ff. easy rock climbing some 20 meters left of the indicated route - less physical and more fun than on the gravel/sand. Almost no wind on the summit, just wonderful, highly recommend it! Very quick down to the backpack, while resting there for 15min 6 condors in the air, circling very low directly over me. Breathtaking minutes. Then continued until camp at 06-03: 5,9. The indicated spot is protected, as there was close to no wind, I climbed the next dune with an extraordinary view to the west (sunset!) and camped there. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Volcan Azul - What a great summit! You might think, Descabezado is the highest, why climb another volcano, which is so close? Nothing could be more wrong. They are completely different and V. Azul beats Descabezado in nearly every sense: the landscape, the views (on Laguna La Invernada), the geology. You even can climb the finger at the summit (only the last two meters are technical, there’s a fixed rope, use it, if you trust it, I didn’t). But V. Azul is also way more demanding and you should have a good head for heights for the ascent on the ridge. Very important: when on the ridge, always look, if there are other hikers above or below you: I was alone, but when going down, I several times caused very dangerous falling rocks. All in all the whole way up and down is not difficult, just very steep. But the gravel is very different from Descabezado. This is felt mainly when going down. In large parts you can‘t ski or hop down as on Descabezado. Either the sort of gravel doesn‘t allow it, or the underground (hidden rocks, e.g.). So you have to walk very carefully (it makes no difference if you follow the track files or an OSM route). This slows you down very much and partly is as physical as going up. I started at 6.30 a.m. and it took me 7,5 hours to go up and down (sure, you can camp closer to the ascent, but as I wanted to take option 2H and then option 3 to join the RR at the hot springs, I didn‘t want to walk back with my big backpack). Water: At noon running on the east side of the glacier in the crater, took also snow). Back from the summit I walked the mentioned CC options (however stayed lower to the left and even found a path there, sometimes marked with cairns). When approaching the junction with the RR I saw a lot of horses and people at the refuge. Don Victor had guests. I decided not to bypass them, but to show up and explain, what I am doing here. Good decision! I was offered bread and wine, we chatten, nevertheless I was asked, if I had a permission (could honestly answer, that asking for it is why I came here). Before I left Don Victor and I took a joint selfie… He is not at all a bad guy, he just wants you to show, that you respect his property rights. I also took water there, which allowed me to camp on the magic plateau, that follows on the RR, instead of going down to the indicated camp at 48,1. <br /> <br /> Day 5; A short day, very easy on RR to camp at 62,2. Just enjoyed the landscape and the lagunas. After the pass at 59,3 on the way down I went CC left of the RR, crossed 5 brooks to join variant C. In this part a multitude of flowers, at least a dozen different species in all colours: an integral and unforgettable part of this volcano section.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Very short day, Down to the MR, then an 8km walk to La Mina. The last 2 km I got a ride from a local, who also drove me to the shops on the PR. The changing nature makes the MR walking more interesting, than one might think. You come from a lunar landscape and some hours later almond trees and ripe mirabels! For NOBO hikers: Chilean day-hikers parked their car at the end of the MR. So it should be possible to get a permit from Entel for the entry by car (Uber or arrangement with a local).<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-13 to 2025-Jan-18 / 5,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Chris &amp; Jule'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: no problems with snow, dusty &amp; exhausting gravel/ashes, absolutely stunning views all along, Don Victor was busy.<br /> <br /> We had an issue with our GPSMAP67 (updated the firmware just prior departure), resulted in weird frozen mode with full backlight brightness in three occasions which drained half the battery. Due to this (despite backups) I was a bit paranoid, so the GPS remained mostly off and we followed footsteps &amp; paths. This worked very well, only one time followed a valley too long. The paths are very obvious, it was easy to navigate. <br /> <br /> Water: in all marked locations and many more. Usually every 1-2hrs we passed some stream. We had expected much worse and were a bit overprepared in the beginning. The ashes take water easily, but also give it as easy.<br /> <br /> Rivercrossings: one, hip-high, quite some current but managable. we crossed where the OSM path crosses the river. Besides, dry feet all along.<br /> <br /> Snow: some snowfields, one at the descend towards laguna las animas had to be crossed, all others were avoided. <br /> <br /> Due the GPS turned off we were very surprised as we suddenly stood infront of Don Victors refugio. We waved and yelled hola, there were about 5-ish tents, so we thought he may have opened a camping space recently. As we wanted to go a bit further, we continued. He either didnt see us, or wasnt too happy - none from the refugio waved back. One person standing at the tents waved back though. <br /> Next morning we met Volker who had gone to Don Victor and had a good chat and a drink with him. He had visitors, therefore was too busy to care for us. Later that day a group from the refugio passed on horses, everyone just friendly hola-ed back to us. <br /> We met some chilean hiker that had tried to obtain all permits for a certain hike, CONAF told them, that since a few days Don Victor does not allow anyone anymore.<br /> <br /> Going back to Talca: we heard busses leave at 7am, 1pm, 3pm, 7pm (at least on saturdays). <br /> We ended up hitchhiking as we didnt want to want for 2hrs. It took us maybe 10min (maybe fourth car) to squeeze into a ride with wonderful chileans returning from bathing in some hotsprings. <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-03 to 2025-Jan-10 / 7,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan'''<br /> <br /> We started our GPT journey with this section and were amazed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape.<br /> <br /> Challenges were the rocky and sandy terrain, sometimes dangerous paths and the hot summer sun. Sometimes the path disappeared and we lost it, but with a GPS device it was easy to notice and get back on track.<br /> <br /> Dangerous snow bridge at (S 34°31.4980’ W 070°44.8453’). <br /> <br /> River crossings were no problem, one was hip high (we’re 1,75 m and 1,83 m), all the other ones knee high or less.<br /> <br /> Didn’t meet Don Victor.<br /> <br /> Definitely follow Jan Dudeck’s recommendation and use gaitors. We didn’t as we opted for hiking boots instead of low trekking shoes and kept on collecting enough sand and gravel in our boots to build a children’s playground.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Molina to Parque Inglés and hiked to El Bolsón on the first day, where we camped. Only had tickets for one day for the Parque Nacional Siete Tazas and weren’t sure if we technically would’ve needed one for two days, but the official let us camp there nonetheless after checking our tickets.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Hiked to Laguna de las Ánimas where we met Sean &amp; Neele on their way NOBO and had a nice quick chat with them.<br /> <br /> At the end of the ascent out of Valley del Indio, right below the pass, there was an icey snowfield, which we traversed using crampons - it would’ve been possible without but felt safer with them. We camped at Laguna de las Animas, which was beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> From Laguna de las Ánimas we continued over the pass at [19.4/2547] after which we encountered some sketchy paths along steep gravel slopes: At some parts the path had slipped downhill and if doing one wrong step, we would’ve too. Take care at this part of the section! Camped near the Hot Spring del Azufre.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> We weren’t sure if we could drink the water near the hot spring because it all stank like sulfide so we hiked uphill a bit before refilling our water. There, we also encountered the only bigger river crossing at [29.4/2190] - hip high and a bit of a current but still doable at the right spot.<br /> <br /> Higher up that valley (S 34°31.4980’ W 070°44.8453’) we found a pretty dangerous snow bridge over a creek and decided to walk/climb around it which was also a bit dangerous as it took us over very loose rocks right next to an at least 20 m drop but way more controllable than the snow bridge next to it.<br /> <br /> We left the valley behind us and camped at a beautiful spot right next to a river and with a wonderful view of the surrounding rocks and mountains (S 35°31.9714’ W 070°47.4839’).<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> <br /> Descended the valley, met two French hikers who did the Condor Circuit and had a quick chat with them, passed Descabezado Grande and the Refugio at [45.5/1887] but didn’t meet Don Victor. We camped at the Water/Camp at [48.1/1837] - what a beautiful little oasis!<br /> <br /> Day 6<br /> <br /> Hiked past the Laguna del Caracol and originally wanted to reach the camp at [62.2/1999]. However on the ascent to the pass at [59.3/2518], Farah’s knee started to hurt and the pain got worse, so we decided to take some rest and camped in a small depression right next to a snow field roughly 100 hm below the pass. Despite the exposed location there was almost no wind and we got to enjoy a breathtaking view on the two Descabezados and the valley at their feet.<br /> <br /> Day 7<br /> <br /> Farahs knee got better, we ascended the remaining roughly 100 hm to the pass and from there descended to the water at [73.5/1014] We camped on the shore of the Rio Cipreses nearby.<br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> <br /> In the morning we woke up by the sound of people: Some local fishers from San Clemente walked past our tent, we wished them buenos días and had a friendly chat with them. Later that morning, they gifted us three freshly caught trouts which we happily ate right on spot.<br /> <br /> We then descended the remaining 6 km to the bus stop at {06-E} [0.5/862], where we wanted to catch an afternoon bus to Talca that we found on the bus services Facebook page. However, the bus didn’t come and we learned from the owner of the shop at {06-E} [0.5/856] that the buses only leave once a day at 7 am. He sold us Coca Cola, chips and chocolate bars and rented us a room (without private bathroom but access to his own bathroom) for 30.000 CLP and we spent the night there. The 7 am bus didn’t come either so we hitchhiked to a bus stop west of San Clemente and took a bus to Talca there.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Dec-31 to 2025-Janv-6 / 5.6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 3 (Descabezado) / Peggy &amp; Dorotà'''<br /> Magnificent, grandiose, and isolated section. Difficulty: dryness, sandy and volcanic rocky terrain, sometimes tiring. No water issues, but be sure to drink plenty.<br /> <br /> First part, each on our own. I (Peggy) started the GPT with this section from El Bolson. I chose to take an Uber to get to the entrance of the Siete Tazas park (30k CLP). I had bought the park ticket online beforehand but it wasn't the right one. I should have purchased a ticket specifically for the El Bolson trail. However, the park ranger was accommodating. On my driver's advice, I paid 7k CLP for the El Bolson camping to enter the park but didn't spend the night there. I was given a document that I had to hand over on my way down. I followed this advice for convenience, although maybe it wouldn't have been an issue if I had just explained where I was going?<br /> <br /> I didn't encounter Don Victor throughout the section, though I had sent him a message he didn't see.<br /> <br /> Upon arriving at Laguna de las Animas, I met Dorota, and we decided to do this section together.<br /> <br /> There was little snow, with a few rare snowfields that were easily passable or avoidable, except for a large section where it helped us cross a river. Indeed, after the Termas de Azufre, at the ford at kilometer 29.4, finding the river too strong in the morning, we followed the right bank of the river until we found snow covering the river. After leaving the dangerous start behind us, we crossed the snow where it was thick and could walk on it for a while before crossing to the other side.<br /> <br /> No problems with the other fords.<br /> <br /> A bit past the refuge at the foot of Descabezado Grande (km 45.5), there are good bivouac spots (S 35°35.7470’ W 070°49.5695’).<br /> <br /> We climbed Descabezado Grande from this refuge, starting early in the morning. We made a big mistake by forgetting to take water! It seems we both had a moment of &quot;temporary unconsciousness&quot;! We also thought we would find water from the snow higher up, which we did, but only in the form of snow. We managed to collect what we could by putting the snow in our bottles to melt a bit. There was also a bit of water flowing from a snowfield but only in the last part. So, make sure to think about water! Moreover, it’s better to sleep on the volcanic plateau to get closer to the summit, avoiding the 2000m elevation gain all at once (that was actually our initial plan…) with water! Especially later in the season when the snow has melted.<br /> <br /> The 2000m elevation gain with little water was difficult, especially moving from 3000m to 4000m with some altitude sickness. Nevertheless, it was a good learning experience for both of us. Once at the top, we could appreciate the magnificent view of the snowy crater of Descabezado and the surrounding scenery. The climb is not technical but can be long if started from the bottom and strenuous. But it’s definitely worth it!<br /> <br /> It took me (Peggy) two days to realize that by keeping my pants on, I no longer suffered from sand and stones in my high-top shoes! And yet, I wasn’t suffering from altitude-induced brain fog! ;)<br /> <br /> In summary, a magnificent, wild, grandiose, and isolated section. Perfect to start with!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-30 to 2025-Jan-5 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option 6 + option 3 (Descabezado) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Tldr: beautiful section! No problems with snow. Didn't meet Don Victor. Water at all waypoints plus more due to snow.<br /> <br /> Emailed Natali (natali.veloso@enel.com) to get authorisation to enter NOBO, theres a simple form to complete and return. took the bus from Talca to El Colorado to visit the cabinieros they signed and stamped the completed form Natali sent us. Hitched to Central Cipreces, wasn't too difficult, a worker dropped us off right at gate 78.9km. Security guard was very friendly and helpful he was happy with our authorisation and after filling in another form we were on our way.<br /> <br /> Went up to Volcan Los Hornitos took only 10 minutes to get to the crater rim from the pass. Well worth it.<br /> <br /> Camped near camp 62.2km<br /> <br /> Pass 59.3 a patch of snow on the south side but easy to walk around it to the east.<br /> <br /> We decided to do the option 6 loop to see laguna la turbia. Nice enough and easy, western side of the pass is pretty steep.<br /> <br /> Camped at 56.3km - lots of really nice camping around here we couldn't walk past it.<br /> <br /> At water camp 48.1km we went CC straight to camp without water 5.9km to avoid any right of way disputes and to climb dezcabezado grande in the morning. It worked, not sure if I'd recommend it. <br /> <br /> Plenty of snow for water at camp 5.9km we didn't even need to melt it, it was flowing.<br /> <br /> Descabezado (03) 9.4km was surprisingly simple. 4 hours to the crater rim from camp 5.9km, Another 30 minutes to go to the summit and back, hour and a half down. From around 3,700m to the crater rim routes 03 and 03A separate. We took 03A up and 03 down, 03 is much better I'd recommend it.<br /> <br /> Took option 3 to refuge 45.5km all good.<br /> <br /> Pass 33.8km snow mostly avoidable now. We camped up there snow for water.<br /> <br /> Pass 19.4km - small patch of snow easy to avoid <br /> <br /> Pass 15.4km - small patch of unavoidable snow but easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bolson - pretty busy on a Saturday.<br /> <br /> Short walk out to catch the bus to molina at 11<br /> <br /> No entel signal in parque ingles<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-15 to 2024-DEC-21 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH option 3, CC not on trail from [5.9/2542] to camp [48.1/1837] / Tamar &amp; Nimrod'''<br /> <br /> In short:<br /> A lot of water everywhere.<br /> A lot of snow as well, but we managed without spikes.<br /> The CC ascenting Descabezado is free of snow. The one ascenting Azul might be covered by snow but we didn't climb it.<br /> <br /> First day- We started from Molina on Sunday, and took the bus from the main station that departed at 9:30am (we think on other days of the week it leaves at 11:00am) to parque ingles. The ride took us about 1.5 hours, and costs 4000 clp. At parque ingles there was no phone signal anymore with entel sim card. We payed in advance online 8900 clp per person for entering the park and sleeping at El Bolson. When we arrived we had to pay another 7000 clp each. <br /> Started walking up to El Bolson at noon and got there at 17:00. A ranger on a motorcycle asked to see our ticket in the middle of the trail. <br /> <br /> 2nd- went towards Laguna Las animas. While Ascending to first pass [15.4/2257] there was a lot of snow but we managed to cross without spikes, though it was quite scarry.<br /> It was a long day because the descending from the second pass [19.4/2547] was harder and longer then expected, some parts felt dangerous so we climbed a little to cross at a place with vegetation Wich was less slipery. <br /> We slept at terms de azufres. Beautiful! Extraordinery! Needed time to find a good pool but it had a lot of algae so we didn't go in. There were many pools with different temperatures. <br /> <br /> 3rd- climbed to pass [33.8/2695] (El astadio) a lot of snow along the trail and patches of snow that had to be crossed very carefully, because if falling ment no coming back. The pass itself was completely covered withe snow field! There was some exhusting walk on the spiky snow but then we found foot prints of a horse and poop of sheep and followed it down the pass. Slept at a beautiful place aprox(-35.54190,-70.79507) with a stream from melted snow waterfall (don't know how long it will last). <br /> <br /> 4th day- went towards refugio. There were some cows but no people. Didn't find hot spring. Walked up to camp without water [5.9/2542]. Very good camp, no wind, but watch out from the glacier that looks like it's going to collapse. Drank water from snow we melted. <br /> <br /> 5th day- DESCABEZADO- woke up before sunrise to ascend. We thought there will be snow on the trail that will be easier to climb when frozen. It was not necessary because although there were snow fields along the way, the trail was snow free. <br /> It took us 6 hours to ascend and 3 hours to descend. The view was amazing! Seems that the trail on Azul has more snow on it. The inside of the mountain was covered with snow.<br /> We walked back to our camp and then walked to camp [48.1/1837], not on a trail, which was ok, and camped there.<br /> <br /> 6th day: we continued on RR and camped near Laguna De Los Hornos - approx. (-35.72217, -70.81903).<br /> Sandy and soft ground but quite windi.<br /> <br /> 7th day: hoped to get to El Medano at noon, but got there only by 18:00 :(.<br /> We ran out of food because we planned 6 days hike, so we stopped in the shop in Los Alamos. We bought canned tuna, cheese, and not very fresh bread.<br /> After paying we were invited to seat and eat in the families yard and given tons of fresh bread, cheese, and coke.<br /> We continued on RR. TL (81.2+1.8), and the start of MR (83.0+0.8) are gone because of a big flood (we were told there was a big flood 2 years ago) and it took us almost 2 frustrating hours to walk this trail.<br /> Finally we made it to the bridge, crossed it, and walked on the PR.<br /> A man in the entrance to El Medano arranged us a cabaña and we accepted it.<br /> We stayed 2 nights and continued to GPT07.<br /> The shop in El Medano is very basic and aiming tourist, and we regretted not buying more food in Los Alamos.<br /> We stayed in: cabañas y colaciones sra. Isabel ±56978397080- jose ±56975762613- Isabel.<br /> Very generous warm and friendly people. Helped us with laundry for free, acomidation for 50,000 clp for a night for 2 people and diner for 8,000 clp per person. Also took us to natural sauna and gave us cheap or free products which we couldn't find in the expensive and basic minimarket.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-17 to 2024-DEC-20 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / RR+option GPT06-01e / Michal a Anna ​'''<br /> <br /> How to obtain the permit to enter the Hidroeléctrica Los Cipreses:<br /> 1. Contact Mrs. Natali Veloso Zuñiga from Enel (natali.veloso@enel.com) to obtain an authorization to visit. It is a simple form, she replied within a day.<br /> 2. With the authorization visit carabinieros at Reten La Mina or El Colorado and obtain permit to enter Los Cipreses. It is a multi-page document summarizing your trip.<br /> 3. Now you can enter and begin your hike NOBO. :)<br /> <br /> Day1: When we came to the Enel gate [78.9/865] we realised that we have to obtain yet another permit from Carabineros at Reten La Mina (as described above). Getting to Reten and back took us 2 hours but Carabinieros were friendly and helpful and there wasn’t any problem with getting the permit. After that we build our first camp at Laguna de Los Hornos [aprox 64.8].<br /> <br /> Day 2: Pass [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) wasn’t fully under show but we used our microspikes to climb two snowfields more easily, but would be definitly ok without them. Then the out-of-this-world beauty began.<br /> <br /> Day 3: We didn’t meet Don Víctor at Refugio [45.5/1887] or around. Just a few cows. Pass [33.8/2695] (El Estadio) was almost completely under snow, microspikes very useful and made our progress faster. When descending from pass there was a lot of melting snow. At [S 35°31.4964', W 070°44.8531'/2427] where the RR goes on the east side of the valley there was a big snow bridge across creek/waterfall which we consider unsafe to step on. We couldn’t find a safe alternative way (only a combination of short downclimb, ford in steep creek and crumbly longer upclimb), so we decided to turn and came back to X [36.7/2423] where we spent night.<br /> <br /> Day 4: We took a variant [GPT06-01e (Laguna Manatial Pelado)] and without a problem descended to Park Inglesé. At [35°28.61331'S, 70°59.63836'W] is a gate where we were informed that we are on private property. Semi friendly guy opened the gate after a while and some negotiations.<br /> <br /> Generally the trail was ok, but it pays off to be very careful this time of year because of the melting snow and rivers flowing under it creating many snow bridges. It may turn you back. Anyways this section is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to, we were left speachless many times!<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-09 &gt; 10 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / Variante Volcan Colorado(voir GPT05)&gt;RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : attaque d'oiseaux<br /> <br /> Des Cairns indiquent souvent la route. Beaucoup de poussière sur cette etape.<br /> J'ai subit 1 attaques d'oiseaux apres le lac Caracol sur la partie herbeuse, puis 1 autre le long du lac Hornitos. J'ai marché sur les parties sableuse et degagées pour ne pas ecraser de nids. Apres le volcan Hornitos, la descente est monotone et sans interet.<br /> DEC-11&gt;12 : Repos Talca. A-R bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-07 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. C) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 5 and 6.<br /> <br /> We joined section 6 at the hot springs [27.4/1986]. Most tributaries of the river carrying water from the hot springs are too hot for bathing, but one of them has a reasonable temperature. It’s slightly overgrown and more lukewarm than hot, but fine for washing.<br /> <br /> The fords on the Estero El Volcán river [29.4/2190 and 32.5/2565] were both covered by snow, so we didn’t need to ford. Generally, there is still quite a lot of snow, and the area around the pass is almost entirely covered. However, with good equipment (appropriate clothing, microspikes, sunglasses...), it’s not difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water everywhere due to the melting snow.<br /> <br /> The water at [44.6/1884] is currently a fairly strong flow. We eventually found a spot where we could hop across dry-footed, but it took some time to find. We were there in the morning; by the afternoon, the water level would likely be higher and will by necessery to ford.<br /> <br /> We didn’t meet Don Victor. However, we met another group of hikers near the refugio.<br /> <br /> The climb to the pass [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) from Laguna del Caracol is almost snow-free, except for a few small patches. On the other hand, the southern slope is still covered by a significant layer of snow. Regardless of the trackfiles, we descended in a way that avoided difficult snow patches. Our route was very close to variant C, and it was fine.<br /> <br /> Around km 68, we left the trail and went cross-country directly south, looking for a good campsite. We eventually found one at -35.7569975, -70.7919536, with a nice flat spot and access to water.<br /> <br /> The shop in Los Alamos, marked as a resupply point, is open. It’s very small, but we managed to buy supplies for the next two days. Don’t worry if it seems hidden in someone’s garden—it’s there!<br /> <br /> On the road on the opposite bank (Variant E), there are several small shops where it might also be possible to resupply. There’s also a nice restaurant, Cordillera, where we celebrated the end of the stage.<br /> <br /> <br /> (2024/Nov/26 -2024/Nov/30)/4 Days/ Hiking/ SOBO/ Entry Variation from 05, RR form Banos del Blanquillo/ Lukas, Basil &amp;Tabea<br /> <br /> The national Park was still closed and entry was not possible so we chose a different entry point over lago frio (La Ruca). The expedition guide from the touring company offert to drop us off at this alternative entry point for 15$ p.p. After 10km on good trials we arrived on variation 05, which we followed until the main route. The route was duable, no critical river crossings or hard snow fields. the mountain pass horintos still had snow on the south side, nobo crossing not advisable. Exit at los zypresses.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-03 to 2024-04-05 // 2,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel (GPT6)'''<br /> <br /> What an amazing section ! <br /> <br /> I was lucky enough to have all the volcanoes and mountains covered by snow as it was heavy rainy just before I begun this section ! <br /> <br /> The result is blowminding landscapes, but struggle near the pass, to deal with the mix of snow and soft volcanic ground aha. <br /> <br /> I started from El medano, where the shop and most of the cabanas were closed (there's few options to sleep here, cabanas and camping too, but as it was the end of the season, everything was closed). I was lucky enough to found a nice habitant that purpose me to stay at his house for the night for 20K CLP and saved me from a big storm and heavy rain.<br /> <br /> I took the option F then E (basically the road from El Medano to the central hydrauelectruca) because I needed to resupply as the shop in El medano was closed. I found my happiness in La Mina where there's two basics shops (pasta, tomato sauce, biscuits, chips... (but no bread, or fresh products like fruits, cheese, ham ...). Here there's possibility to sleep on cabanas as well. There's a hotel/restaurant just one kilometer before La Mina, but no-one was there. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the gate of the central, knowing that it will be hard without authorisation. I've sent an email to Rene gaillardo as mentioned on the hiker's manual, but no answer. So I dealt with the security guards at the entrance.<br /> <br /> After long negociations the best option (and fastest one to let me pass this day) was to have a writing authorisation to pass from the carabineros. I've been driven to the carabineros by the security guard, and then have hard negotiations again. They finally wrote a paper where I had to explain my expedition and give lot of informations. And they asked me to go on a police station when I finished the section for let them know that I'm still alive aha. <br /> <br /> Anyway, this allowed me to pass. <br /> <br /> But if you're going NOBO and don't want to struggle like that, don't contact Rene Gallardo, he's not working at the Central anymore, the key contact is now Natali Veloso, that you can contact on that mail address : Natali.veloso@enel.com<br /> <br /> Then you hike threw the central on a boring gravel, and arrive to the junction where you find lovely volcanic ground and going up up up to the pass of Los Hornitos. From there it's just landscapes from an other planet, with a very easy to follow path, but not in an easy ground as it's quite sandy. <br /> <br /> Views on Laguna del Caracol was amazing ! As the whole circuito condor on RR ! One of the best section of my GPT so far, alone in the world in this absolute incredible landscape ... Blowminding ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw the pass El estadio PK 33,8, here the snow was very present and the path harder to follow. I continued to the amazing spring del Azufres, very nice landscape to have a hot bath and quite big vapores, nice break during the day ! <br /> <br /> The crossing over Estero El Volcan (X2) was quite demanding and I had to figure it out and check during long times for the best way to cross. Then I took the variant H to linked the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-08 to 2024-Mar-16 / 8.5 days / Hiking / Descabezado Circuit / Control Fronterizo Laguna del Maule - Los Cipreses/ Option 02 + RR + Descabezado Chico / Alex &amp; Christophe '''<br /> <br /> This 170km loop was our last section after 3 months on the GPT. It has been one of the most hard, exhausting, and technical section but also one of the most remote, wild, and magnificient we did. We didn't see any humans during 8 days. The extrem wind and cold temperatures, the infinite CC in open areas, the white landscapes without any shadow, and the D+ in soft sand were constantly forgotten thanks to the lunar landscapes. Here are some added informations for the GPT06-02 to the ones given by Natalie &amp; Tomáš. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : We took the bus at 7:30 from Talca to Armerillo. Then we hitchhiked to the beginning of GPT06-02 and began at 11am. After the first pass (-35.94909, -70.45347), we followed the track but going down thru the landslide seems to be a better option. We slept next to the river where there was a good wind shelter (more or less) at (-35.934832, -70.459308). That's a good spot to have the sun early in the morning, which was appreciated since it was -4°C during the night.<br /> Day 2 : The second path (-35.652, -70.43356) was pretty steep and unstable in the last meters but easily doable. The puesto seemed to be unoccupied. There was water every 1 or 2 hours. Then we took the {06-02F} as it looked to avoid swamps and we slept next to the river at (-35.827017, -70.399535) to have the sun as long as possible and to have it early in the morning.<br /> Day 3 : After the pass at (-35.785707, -70.403584), the landscape changed drastically! We took the {06-02E} to avoid the swamps of the other side. It worked but we had to cross the rio san Francisco. Small ford, but not jumpable. We stopped at (-35.693111, -70.427244). There was a clear source and a blue lagoon to take a quick bath. We had wind all night long, maybe there's a better place next to the lagoon. <br /> Day 4: It must be possible to find a camp spot around (-35.667931, -70.422663). After that point, it begins to climb and there's no more flat place. We took the {06-02D} and it was a good option out of the elevation and the crazy wind. When we arrived at the snow limit, we went 20m down to find a good way in the snow. Then we had to run in the flowing sand to the rocks and had to clamber the last meters between two wind gusts throwing us sand in the eyes. It was pretty scary because of the wind conditions but doable. Finally on the plateau, we had to manage with winds at 80km/h and sandstorms. I would definitely not pass in case of bad weather or with stronger wind. We took a break at (-35.613055, -70.423114), first water since the pass. Then we followed the GPX track but the OSM offers to take the westside of the river and it looked to be better as we had to go up and down in the sand many times. Finally after this exhausting day, we found a camp spot with a kind of wind protection at (-35.560315, -70.441588).<br /> Day 5: After a long morning with a NW crazy constant cold wind, we stopped at the hot springs. We tried many places but never found a source warmer than 30°C. After a quick bath, we filled our water bladder at the last point mentioned by Tomas &amp; Natalie (-35.48544, -70.5994) to go to sleep to the pass. There was still a ton of snow next to the pass but didn't see melting snow on the way. There are different camp possibilities with a stunning view in the last 600m before the pass but we slept at (-35.494194, -70.622529) to climb the Descabezado Chico the next day. Ok wind shelter.<br /> Day 6 : We woke up at 6am to go to Descabezado Chico before the sunrise. We crossed a melting snow river at (-35.49828, -70.621259). Even if the last part is steep rocky and sandy, the climb is easy. We reached the summit in 1h20 and had one of the best sunrises of our lives ! There are some places to be sheltered from the freezing wind and enjoy the view. Back to the pass, we followed more or less the track because there was still a lot of snow and some ways didn't look to be the best to follow. Next to Lago de la Mollera (-35.49782, -70.635864), we went down to the lake because we didn't see how to avoid a snow wall and because it was looking to be a nice path to go down (breaking news : no)... We managed to go up a little bit further (-35.501361, -70.641377). When we arrived below Cerro Colorado, we took water in a blue lagoon and we hiked the crest on the left side to avoid deep sand (-35.524775, -70.661721). Then we stayed on the left side of the Cerro Colorado to go down (-35.525073, -70.670594) until the river. That was a quick and good choice. Finally we managed a flat and more or less wind sheltered camp at (-35.55463, -70.708441).<br /> Day 7: There was still a ton of snow at the pass and made our own track in the snow slope a little bit upper than the GPS track to cross more safely. We wanted to follow the high route described by Natalie &amp; Tomás to avoid Don Víctor but as we saw how much snow there still was, how already tired we were (but not as much as our shoes) we decided to take the RR to go south. When we watched the high route from the RR, there was still a lot of snow patches. We finally stopped at Water, Camp [48.1/1837]. Not the best idea because it becomes a freezing hole during the night.<br /> Day 8-9: We followed the RR, nothing more to add to other posts except that we never met Don Victor !<br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-29 to 2024-03-07 / 7.5 days / Descabezado Circuit - Laguna del Maule to Los Cipreses / option 02, off-trail variant, 03, RR + Descabezado Grande and chico / Marilyne (+Fangwen and Tobi for first 3 days)'''<br /> <br /> First section on the GPT and I found it amazing! I won’t repeat anything that Tobi and Fangwen have mentioned below that also applies to my trip.<br /> On day 5, I used the variant suggested by Natalie&amp;Tomas that avoids Refugio Blanquillo and Don Victor. I had met with 3 park rangers earlier in the day who questioned me about my plans and asked if I was planning to go to Refugio blanquillo. When I assured them that I would not they went on their way. I watched them and their 6 horses run over a steep patch of snow and it gave me the confidence to cross it too, otherwise I may have tried to find a different route as a fall there would have been highly consequential.<br /> <br /> Had to cross many patches of snow on Natalie &amp; Tomas alternate route and it includes a stream crossing that could be very dangerous in the wrong season as it is above a waterfall.<br /> <br /> I climbed Descabezado Chico on day 4 and Descabezado Grande using route 3 on day 6. The Grande climb took 6+ hours and I didn’t have any desire to keep fighting scree fields after so I skipped Azul. At the end of that day all my stuff and me were very dusty from that climb.<br /> On day 8 I exited at the hydroelectric station Los Cipreses. A security guard that saw me running down the road to catch the bus offered me a ride to the main gate and we had a pleasant chat. Caught the 3:30pm bus to Talca around 4pm. They seem to start late from Medano.<br /> Very sunny section, I used a small solar panel on my backpack and ended up the section with all my electronics fully charged. <br /> <br /> * 2024-02-29 to 2024-03-08: Fangwen and Tobi (+ parts together with Marilyne) / 8.5 days Descabezado Circuit variant, Laguna del Maule to Vilches (option 02 -- variant 02D -- RR -- option 05)<br /> <br /> What a fantastic trip! Two experienced GPT teams had independently recommended this circuit to us, and both described it as their favorite experience on the GPT. Natalie&amp;Tomas have an extensive trip report below. I don't have a trip report from Markus&amp;Jenni, who hiked this circuit in 2019, but they provided us with very useful waypoints. If you are interested, message us ([[Special:Emailuser/Tobfang]]) and I'll ask if I can share this data.<br /> <br /> It is advisable to start this trip from Laguna del Maule. This way, you can easily lengthen the trip (by climbing the three volcanos) or shorten it (by exiting in Parque Ingles) towards the end of the trip. Also, you start at 2000m, which is a nice in the summer heat. It took us 8.5 days; we had food for 10 days and intended to climb some volcanoes, but when we got there it was quite windy, so we simply went straight to Vilches.<br /> <br /> This hike is definitely off the beaten path: the arriero Christian at S 35° 50.549', W 070° 24.114' said that we were the first hikers this season (in March!). He was very friendly and shared a delicious melon with us.<br /> Our favorite places were a beautiful valley with white sand, and a refreshing Laguna at S 35° 41.643', W 070° 25.651' and the Laguna Aquas Calientes at S 35° 30.441', W 070° 31.990'. The latter is not actually a hot lake, but there are several small streams of warm water. We camped right at S 35° 30.129', W 070° 31.514', right next to a really nice hot pool.<br /> <br /> Things to watch out for: although water was generally abundant, there are some spots where water is a bit more sparse (especially late in the season) and you might have to carry for up to one day. See Natalie's trip report for details. Additionally, earlier in the season there might be snow fields. The winter in 2023 had a crazy amount of snow, so even though we went in March we had a lot of water from snow melt and the two passes at 02D (S 35° 39.116', W 070° 26.016') and S 35° 33.137', W 070° 44.275' had steep snow fields. It was a bit sketchy, but okay. For the first pass, there are other options up, which may open up earlier. For the second pass, Option 2B traverses a lower pass (we didn't go there). A lot of hiking is on cross country, much of it on sand or gravel of different firmness. Sometimes you sink in, sometimes not. Flat or downhill travel is generally efficient, uphill is slow. Bring (mini)-gaiters, not just because of sand but also spikey plants. Also, sun protection is crucial, you won't have any tree for a week.<br /> <br /> Logistics: Interbus (call them on WhatsApp: +56 9 9886 5872) runs a bus Mon-Fri from Talca to Medano (which is a bit further than la Mina). As of March 2024, this bus left at 12:30 and 19:00, returning to Talca from Médano at 7:20 and 15:30. From Médano hitchhike to the border checkpoint. It's not super easy, and you might only get as far as the furthest mine, roughly 5km before the border checkpoint. Alternatively, use a ride sharing app to go to the border checkpoint. We were able to get via multiple rides all the way to the border checkpoint, but it took some time (we arrived at 5.30pm). If you want to check out Laguna del Maule, tell the border guard that you're not crossing into Argentina, and they will let you pass. But the border checkpoint is closed at night (between 6pm and 9am?) and you're not supposed to cross it then. We quickly went to the lake and back before it closed.<br /> Vilches Alto has a daily bus service to Talca at 12:30 and 16:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 22 to 2024-Feb-27/ 6days/hiking/SOBO/06/RR + volcano Decabezado/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> Amasing section!<br /> <br /> Day 1 <br /> I took a bus from Talca to Molina ( a lot of buses per day, still in February and later to Parque Ingles ( several buses per day in the season, most of them till 12 pm). <br /> As it was a rainy day, my plan was to walk only to El Bolson. I did not have the entrance because I could not pay on the website with my card. I told to the Rangers that I would like to go to Los Cipreses, they where like I need the permition of the landowner to do it. I just ignored it. At first they were saying that it would not be possible to camp on El Bolson the next 2 days. But I waited about one hour, reasked several times, and finally one of the Rangers went with me to the place where you can buy ticket for camping El Bolson ( 7000 CHP), also they told me that I did not need to buy the park entrance. <br /> The El Bolson camping is just huge, I don't understand all the mess with the acces. When I came up, the guy from the camping just took my name and passport number, but did not ask to show the camping payment confirmation, or park payment. <br /> <br /> Day 2 ( El Bolson- Termas de Azufre)<br /> The trail was visible all the time. At this time of the season, no snow on the pass. Termas de Azufre are amasing, so it's good to come there not very late to enjoy them. Just next to the river, there are a few spots for tents.<br /> This day I also met one chilean couple doing curcuito condor, and at Termas a chilean family with kids on horses with an arriero. <br /> The famous owner of the land did not show up this day and the next days. <br /> <br /> Day 3. To refugio Blanquillo<br /> At first there are a lot of animal trails, so you need to check with gps which one is a good one. <br /> The ford on the river on the way to the pass was short but kind of difficult ( almost to the waist, I'm 1,69 cm, strong current). It's because of a heavy 2 days rain two day before. Later I met people doing curcuito condor from the other side and they told me that the rangers did not want to let them do the trail because of this river high level. But I think that after some.more days of a dray weather it's not a difficult ford.The rest of the trail was easy to follow with beautiful views.<br /> At refugio, I met one couple doing curcuito condor and two chilean couple who came to climb Volvano Decapezado. Very nice meeting.<br /> The refugio was already closed. The hot spring was not really hot.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> Together with chilean hikers, we climbed Decapezado Grande. It's a long hiking day, but it's really worth to do it. The way down is easy and very fast. <br /> <br /> Day 5 to Laguna de los Hornos<br /> <br /> About 20 min. from the refugio, there are a lot of different animal paths ,so you will need to consult a gps to see which one is a GPT one.<br /> The views around Laguna Caracol are amasing, I think it was my favourite part on this section of an extreme beauty. No navigation difficulties on the trail. Indeed,laguna de los Hornos is in a big part dried. <br /> <br /> Day 6 till La Mina<br /> <br /> I agree that it's really worth to climb the volcano<br /> Los Hornitos. It's a very short way up.The rest of the trail is at first a descend in a deep sand ( so you can go very fast) and than a walk on a gravel road ( I found the valley very nice, I was amased how fast the landscape changes). I got a ride about 2 km from Los Cipreses, very nice people, they took me to the shop in los Alamos , but as the owner was not there they took me to a shop in La Mina ( 500 m before the restaurant La Cordillera). You can find there several little shops, if you go around you can complete the resupply for the next section ( mostly pasta, tuna, tomato souce, ramen, eggs, instant souls). No camping gas.<br /> I camped in a little, very nice camping/ garden with a grape shade in a restaurant La Cordillera place ( 3000 ChP), they have also cabanas but I don't know the price. A really nice place to stay and chill, you can eat all the fruits in the garden. The lady from the restaurant was very nice, they serve nice,food, not expensive ( I paid 18000 for camping, breakfast, big dinner, juice, and a good portion of pisco sour).<br /> <br /> For the next section, it's kind of easy to hitch-hike ( there are a lot of local workers on the road) to the beginning of the trail. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-18 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Parque Ingles - Laguna Las Animas. Hernandez bus from Molina to Parque Ingles 8:10 am. I had park entry and camp permit for El Bolson that I bought on-line. I indicated to the Guardiaparque my 6 days itinerary RR to Los Cipreses, no issues but had been told several areas are private land. Met only one hiker after El Bolson (See note below).<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Laguna Las Animas - Termas de Azufres. <br /> <br /> Day 3 - Termas de Azufres - Camp along Rio Blanquillo near Vegas Manantial Pelado RR + small section of OH-Tl-V 06-01. I did not ford Estero El Volcán at Ford 06 [29.4/2190] as with the high snow/water year I felt it was unsafe or risky at best and made little sense to try at that spot. I continued CC on the right bank of Estero El Volcán for about 300-400 m to reach the snow field where I crossed safely without even touching water at all. The CC section had only a handful of spots requiring short scrambles, but no issues. For reference, I crossed the snowfield to reach RR at -35.31196, -70.44898. Given the current water level condition I think this is an easier and safer option.<br /> Originally intended to camp at Laguna Manantial Pelado for the night but the valley below looked great with all surrounding peaks so I camped there.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp near Vegas Manantial Pelado - Camp South of Laguna Caracol (Camp 06 56.3/2034). Based on the conversation I had two days earlier with a Chilean hiker who was doing the Circuito Condor regarding Don Victor the dueno/owner of the land traversed on day 4, including Descabezado Grande, I decided to avoid encountering Don Victor if at all possible. I did not follow the RR directly to the refuge Blanquillo at 45.5/1887 but kept away from it and walked CC to reach RR further South where it climbs up. I did not meet him and cannot say if he was at the refuge, which I only saw from the distance. After reading and listening to multiple reports regarding the situation with Don Victor land ownership it seems to me that the best approach is to avoid or minimize contact with him if possible, in order to reduce escalation of further problems for future hikers, in particular Chileans hikers who appear to really have very hard time gaining approval from him to simply traverse his land.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp South of Laguna Caracol - Laguna de los Hornos.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Laguna de los Hornos - Los Cipreses. I reached Los Cipreses at about 1 pm on Sunday. The guard at the gate of the Hydroelectrico Los Cipreses told me there are no buses down to Talca on Sunday. I hitchhiked on 115 and got a ride to Talca fairly quickly.<br /> <br /> Water was plentiful for the entire route. Limited snowfields traverse with no issues. 100% full sun exposure all day after El Bolson. Windy at higher elevations. Harsh and dry environment with a lot of sand and dust. Lots of steep climbing in sand. Overall easy orientation and easy trails to follow but GPS track needed. Magnificent hike. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-08 to 2024-Feb-14 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR 01c 01e 03 03a/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Curicó to Molina at 9am, immediate connecting bus to Parque Inglés. Buy a ticket online for the national park (8500 for foreigners, 100% surcharge! If the international debit card selection doesn't work, just try the national one, my card only worked there). You can also add the authorisation for El Bolsón online, but you have to pay for it in cash at a ticket office in Parque Inglés. 80 people per day are allowed for Bolsón, everything is sold out at lunchtime. Night in Parque Ingles at Hostal Valverde 40k for one person in a 4 bed room (solo use) with own toilet and washbasin but shared shower, towel costs extra, quiet, next to river for bathing (lots of local families though).<br /> <br /> At 8am next day, a Wednesday, there are around 50-60 people at the ticket office for Bolsón. I went to the locked gate at the start of the RR and quickly climb over it hoping noone saw me, as I'm not planning to stay in Bolsón anyway. Better not to mention that to the rangers. Also, only gas cookers are allowed. After about an hour, I'm just a little way off by a stream when a ranger rides past on a motorbike. I don't know if he saw me, maybe he thought I was coming back from Bolsón. So if you hear a motorbike, it's might best to change direction shortly and head towards Parque Inglés, or even better, start much earlier in the morning. <br /> <br /> I bypass Bolsón heading south at 01A, shortly after the bridge at -35.4973,-70.9052 is a large private area, no trespassing sign. I don't want to set a bad example for the numerous day trippers around and take a path along the stream (southern side) to the waterfall. Once out of sight of people and Bolsón, I briefly climb up the steep slope and CC to option 1. Water shortly before start of 01c. Next water at -35.5226,-70.8653, even with a small pool.<br /> <br /> Don Victor is the large landowner in the area. His hut is, as far as I understood, the refuge Blanquillo at 45.5/1887. Hikers used to be welcome on his land, but after they left a lot of rubbish behind and invaded his hut, he no longer allows them and sends them back. However, he (sometimes?) makes exceptions for foreigners. You could ask him for permission via whatsapp, but he was so flooded with requests that he can no longer be contacted during the season. I just took a chance and went to his land. A rider around 37.1/2382 asked me what I was doing here, I asked him if he was Don Victor, to which he replied in the affirmative. I then introduced myself, said what my destination was, where I came from and that I am aware of the problem of dirty hikers, but that I am very careful with nature. He then allowed me to continue. I met him twice more in the following days, at Blanquillo 45.5/1887 and at Water 48.1/1837, and he reminded me not to throw away any rubbish.<br /> <br /> At the refuge I met a Chilean-German couple camping, they came from Los Cipreses and didn't know that it was forbidden to enter this land, but Don Victor allowed them to stay after they argued with German cleanliness (I guess he had never been hiking in the Alps before the regular cleaning teams cleaned everything, otherwise his trust in the Europeans would probably not be so great).<br /> <br /> Fordings: All very easy, path at Laguna del Caracol is no longer under water. No snowfields to cross. The water level of the lagunas (except Manantial Pelado) is dropping rapidly, I estimate about 10 to 15cm per day.<br /> <br /> Water: Plenty, except for hiking up Descabezado. Bring as much as possible from Blanquillo.<br /> <br /> Summit day Descabezado: Very strong, cold winds all day. A good windbreaker, hat and gloves are essential. Only cloudy day since I've been in Chile, 20 minutes after I left the summit it cleared up. Extremely strenuous ascent on very loose gravel, almost every step sinks in deeply and slips (I weigh 100kg), takes 6 hours from base camp to the summit, even on the easier route. Descent effortless, under 2h.<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> Day 1: Laguna Manantial Pelado <br /> Day 2: Basecamp -35.5978,-70.7957 (I widened it, smoothed it out, deepened it and extended the stone wall. Nevertheless, the winds up there can be massive, you have to brace the tent well.)<br /> Day 3: Next to the not existing anymore hot springs at 45.6<br /> Day 4: Laguna la Turbia<br /> Day 5&amp;6: Laguna des los Hornitos (rest day, just beeing naked all day swimming and lying around in the sun)<br /> Hornitos and Turbia were nice for swimming, the others really cold.<br /> <br /> No problems at Los Ciprese, friendly guard spoke good english, gave me water and wifi.<br /> Bus to Talca (3500 peso) at main street came around 15:50-16:00.<br /> <br /> Absolutely incredible landscape. I'm here for dream routes like this. Perhaps the best hiking week of my life. GPT01-04 was nice, but GPT06 is in a completely different league. I loved it and I deeply miss this kind of remoteness in central europe.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-2 to 2024-feb-6 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 parque ingles - Lagunas las animas<br /> 18km d+1200 d-100<br /> Departure at 6:30 a.m. to pass the conaf. No worries <br /> First part to el bolson. At el bolson we can refuel with water. The campsite attendant asked us for our conaf ticket. After explaining to him that we were going to laguna animas, he let us pass without any trouble. Continuation to laguna animales without shade but no snow. Bivouac spot on the beach but no shade, or to the west on meadows to pitch your tent, but used by a herd of horses. <br /> The trail is generally easy to follow as it is marked by stone markers.<br /> <br /> Day 2 laguna las animas - Therma de azufre<br /> 11km D+400 D-700<br /> Shade-free day. Lots of trails in the sand. <br /> We didn't manage to find a good bivouac spot (mainly because of the heat coming from the ground). <br /> Water spots regularly, especially early in the day. <br /> <br /> Day 3 Therma de azufre - El banquillo refuge <br /> 20km D+ 900 D- 900<br /> The indicated crossing point was not crossable for us in our opinion (no experience in river crossings), so we decided to walk along the river bank in the rocks for several km. We crossed the river higher than indicated thanks to the snow. <br /> Water spot regularly as several rivers crossed. <br /> Arriving at el banquillo, we were disappointed not to meet Umberto. Very good bivouac spot with several pitches already made. <br /> <br /> Day 4 El banquillo refuge - laguna de los hornitos <br /> 20km D+ 900 D- 900<br /> Most of the climb is up to the pass after the laguna. Quite a physical climb in the sand. But we did it in about 1h30. The rest of the day was pretty much the same. <br /> Regular water stops too. <br /> No problem following the trail. <br /> A little extra for a new encounter with a herd of horses. <br /> Bivouac spot around the lake. Nice possibility before descending to the lake (indicated waypoint camp).<br /> <br /> Day 5 laguna de los hornitos - los alamos<br /> All downhill to los cipreses. The first part is in sand, so it's a quick descent. Once on the road, we were often overtaken by cars. No one asked us for a permit (or offered to hitchhike). <br /> We passed guards at the exit/entrance to the power station, who offered us water and no problem getting through. <br /> In los alamos, a small store selling a few products such as pasta, ice cream, batteries, etc. It's run by a lady and her husband. They also sell beds for sleeping. They're very welcoming<br /> <br /> Buses to Talca at 7.30am and 3.30pm. Not many cars passing through. We didn't get picked up hitchhiking. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-27 to 2024-Jan-30) / 3.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 01+03+06/ Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0-10,1] + OH06-01A + OH06-01[10,7-25,1] + RR [36,9-44,6]<br /> <br /> A few small streams at OH-01 and one bigger one near Laguna Manantial Pelado (ankle high ford). A few snow patches above 2300 m, but you can easily walk over or around them. Water is flowing at all the marked locations.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [44,6-45,8] + to Descabezado and back on OH06-03 and OH06-03A + RR [45,8-55,7]<br /> <br /> River at 44,8 was a little over ankle high ford in the morning. The climb up to Descabezado has a lot of steep gravel slopes, which makes it tiresome. Water is flowing at all the marked locations.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [55,7-58,3] + to Los Quillayes and back on OH06-06 and OH06-06A + RR [58,3-59,6] + OH06-C + RR [62-69]<br /> <br /> OH06-06A is a steep gravel climb, but worth it. Really nice view from Los Quillayes (but similar to the view from Pass Hornitos. Pass Hornitos has some bigger snowfields on the southern side, but its easy to walk around them. OH06-C was pretty steep at the end, so maybe the RR is more convenient. Little above ankle high Ford north of Laguna de los Hornos in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69-80] + OH06-E + OH06-F<br /> <br /> Small Shop (I bought some Pasta) and Restaurant in Los Alamos. I tried to continue on the RR from Los Alamos to El Medina. But at 81,3 km the trail vanished and I wasn't able to continue. Therefore I walked back and walked on the paved road OH E+F to El Medano. Camping + Thermas in El Medano costs 7000 Pesos. There is a small shop, but it is very expensive (e.g. 1 Ramen Cup costs 2000 Pesos).<br /> <br /> GPT06 has some really spectacular views. Especially Pass Hornitos and Volcan Descabezado. There is no shade, so the sun is gonna burn you all day. This + the sand/gravel is demanding for your body and your equipment. <br /> <br /> * '''Jan-26-2024 to Jan-30-2024 / 4.5 days / SOBO / Oh5, Oh 3, RR / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section, from the entrance in Vilches to the end in los cipreses. Sand and lack of shadow are the main difficulties. <br /> <br /> Right of way : that was my first fear. Concerning guardia parques : en parque ingles, they say that they cannot let officially hikers go to the volcan, as duenos asked (OH1 passes by 4 differents private properties). But if you have a message by don victor it's ok. So no need for discussion there just take a ticket to el bolson and no more words. El bolson was closed for a few days for maintenance, so i just got out of parque ingles. At Alto de Lircay, guardiaparque told me that it was my responsability to enter don Victor's property without his permission. You can legally turn back into the park (or coming from parque ingles) paying for another day at the end, at the entrance, if you want to come back by altos de Lircay after the volcan. <br /> - Don Victor : I had the chance to meet him near the valle del venado, on a horse. I asked for permission to enter his lands and continue south, that he offered me easily with promess to not let garbage in the zone. I was glad to meet him out of his lands, I don't know how he would react into. He especially asked to guardaparques to say to hikers that it was not permitted to go on his lands because it's always full of trash, and he has to clean it up all the time. He told me that foreigners were more respectfull than locals though. His phone is off all season because it became a public number, and he has to many calls to enter the volcan. So if you want permission better send a message before season. To note, his lands go at least to the laguna caracole, don't know after.<br /> I saw another chilean hiker walking up the volcan, didn't seem to be a problem for him. <br /> <br /> Water : often present on RR, in the lagunas or the oasis. A good stream just before the top of the volcan to. No need to carry kgs of it. <br /> No water at the volcan basecamp though, so I carried it from the puesto. <br /> <br /> Snow : From now on, no snow issues from the entrance in Vilches to the end at los cipreses, so no need for crampons (with entrance by option 5, I don't know for the entrance by RR). Few patches you can easily bypass before and after the third pass 59km. <br /> No patches on the way to the top of volcan. <br /> <br /> River crosses (1.78m) : only once Rio blancillo, at the first Ford (water to knees). Then I stayed on the right side of the river until the end. I had to walk inside for 1 minute, water to hips, but no current so it was easy. I bypassed the two other crosses this way. <br /> <br /> Camp : valle venado (conaf), really friendly worker there. - Basecamp Volcan : beware, I made the mistake to not plant my tent well with heavy rocks, and the pikes in the sand are no use... so when I came back from the volcan it was upside down with strong wind... a whole adventure to pack everything ! - Oasis at water 48km. - Around 70 kms, some nice camping spots near the river at the right side of the road. <br /> <br /> Volcan : up to the top by option 3, then down by variant 3A. Taking the variant directly seems like hell, lot of sand. More rocks on regular option 3. Physically demanding, but no other particular difficulties.<br /> <br /> Proposition of new option : as the right of way may evolve badly in the future, I suggest a new option road from el camping valle venado to tricehue, following the rio claro. I asked to the guardaparque at the campsite, he said that there are people doing it usually. This year the river is to strong though, so maybe in march or next year. <br /> <br /> Buses at the end : the lign is from talca to el medano, a stop at the exit of los alamos on the road. From el medano : buses 7h30 and 15h30, monday to Friday (dont know for week ends).<br /> From talca : 12h30 and 19h<br /> At el colorado, buses to talca more often.<br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-17 / 7 Days / Hiking / NOBO / O5, O3, O3A, RR, O1 / Vlad'''<br /> <br /> A spectacular section to end my 5-week trip on the GPT. I’ve never experienced a landscape like this before and the weather (straight up sunshine for the whole week) was a welcome change after the unrelenting wind and rain of Patagonia. There were no other people outside of the start and end of the trail in national parks. Beautiful and desolate wild camping near the volcano. That said, it was very rough on my gear. The dry sand, abrasive rocks, spiky bushes did some damage to my shoes (erased on tread on the soles after sliding down scree slopes for 2 days), socks (holes after rubbing on rocks since I did not have gaiters), trekking poles (they were in a poor shape already but the rocks and sand finished them and the tips got sanded off), pants (got some holes as well). <br /> <br /> Day 1: I took an overnight bus from Puerto Montt to Talca (22k CLP, very comfortable, booked through Rodovairro.cl). After arriving in Talca, there was a bus to Vilches at 10:30. I got off at the last stop and made it to the PN Altos de Lircay entrance around 1 PM. I asked the ranger about access to Descabezado land since I texted the owner, Don Victor (WhatsApp +56998863554) but he didn’t respond to me. The ranger said that Don Victor doesn’t respond at the moment but he said it was okay for the rangers to allow hikers to leave the park and go to his land. <br /> <br /> I was charged 8.5k CLP for park entrance and 10k CLP for 2 nights camping inside the park. This is because I wasn’t allowed to start hiking to Valle el Venado the first day (trail closes at 11:00 am even though it’s only 19 km 🙃) and had to camp at the park entrance, then another night once I get to Valle el Venado. It was a bummer as I already had limited time for this section, but it allowed me to go for a day hike up the mountain in Altos de Lircay and watch a beautiful sunset. The forest in Altos de Lircay is beautiful with teeming wildlife and abundant wildflowers. I saw a woodpecker, a fox, colorful iguanas, a snake, giant spiders, and endless wildflowers. <br /> <br /> You could maybe get to Altos de Lircay on time to start hiking the same day if you leave on the 7 am bus from Talca. They give you a paper at the park ranger’s office and I was asked for it 3 times by different rangers throughout my trip. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked from Altos de Lircay to Valle el Venado with a side trip to see the waterfall. Met a group on horses. A few river fords that were all below knee level. Got to the campsite at Valley el Venado which wasn’t very nice. Horse poop everywhere, had to clear the spot for a tent. No one asked to check if I paid for the campsite. The group on horses camped somewhere up the valley from the refugio as I heard them and saw some come down to use the bathroom. <br /> <br /> Day 3: I did the 3 fords of river Blanquillo as suggested on the GPS track. The first one is at the spot where river is widest, so it was only knee deep. On the second ford, it’s narrower and the current was strong, it was crotch deep for me (178 cm). Third ford knee deep. In hindsight I should’ve just stayed on the left side of the river and only crossed it once in the end. <br /> <br /> It was a very short day, 10 km, but I thought it would be nice to arrive at Blanquillo refugio early in case Umberto was there. However, when I got there, the refugio was empty, and I couldn’t find any hot springs. I don’t think the bathing pool is there anymore. I scouted around for half an hour and only saw horse and cow poop in every little stream and pool of water. I followed one of the streams about 100 m uphill to get clean drinking water but I still saw poop on the banks. <br /> <br /> Since Umberto wasn’t there, I cooked dinner by the refugio and kept going to the Descabezado basecamp (-35.59773, -70.79645) 3.4 km further and 600 m of elevation higher up from the Banquillo refugio, which made the next day’s climb up the volcano shorter.<br /> <br /> The sunset at the Descabezado basecamp was out of this world. <br /> <br /> Day 4: I left from basecamp at sunrise since I didn’t want to walk in the dark. I had to cross a few not steep snow fields at the beginning but nothing at higher elevations. Every snow field higher up is easily bypass-able. That said, the climb up to the crater still felt brutal to me. There’s absolutely no sure footing, everything is just a scree slope. When ascending, you can either climb up the 45 degree scree slope or try to walk on the rocks which are easier to plant your foot on. I chose the rocks but they too were sliding sometimes, even large boulders, so I had to be careful not to let a giant rock fall directly on my other foot. It took me 4.5 hours to reach the crater from the basecamp following the less steep option 3. It was very windy, cold, and the sun was shining directly in my face early in the morning as I was climbing up the volcano so it was a little difficult to see the path sometimes.<br /> <br /> On the way down, I saw my tent and was trying to slide down the scree slope directly towards the basecamp roughly following the steep option 3A. Going down was actually really fun and effortless. But be careful and still check GPS regularly when you descend, as there are some scree slopes that end directly in a vertical plunge down to the ice field below. <br /> <br /> I refilled my water bottles with ice cold water flowing from the snow field here (-35.60455, -70.78525), using my trowel as a spout. I’m glad I did because when I got back to basecamp, the water I stashed there in the morning was as warm as a hot soup after baking in the tent in direct sunlight all day. <br /> <br /> I was considering staying at basecamp location for another night because it’s such a visually stunning spot with gorgeous sunsets and incredible stars at night, but it was just way too hot to remain there so I packed up and went back down to Banquillo refugio. Unfortunately, Umberto was still not there so I just enjoyed the company of cows and went to sleep. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I went north in the white sand dunes following Banquillo river which nurtures a breathtaking oasis in the desert. I thought this area was way more beautiful than the Banquillo refugio (especially with all the cow poop there) so I wished I kept going a little further the previous night and set up camp somewhere by the river in this area (-35.53354, -70.79191). Disclaimer: I didn’t actually look for a spot that was flat and sheltered but that whole area just felt like a paradise so I think one could find a suitable spot for a tent there. <br /> <br /> Right at the fork of the trails where one can choose to take Option 1 or continue on RR to Termas del Azufre, I ran into arrieros transporting hundreds of goats through the snow-covered slopes, it was a beautiful scene and a blessing for me as their footprints helped me find a safe way in some semi-steep snow sections I had to cross after 2400 m. I chose to follow Option 1 to El Bolson because the RR on the right at the fork looked like it had loads of snow still. Even on Option 1, I had to be careful and kick-step my way through the snow fields as I had no crampons and my trail runners had virtually no tread left on them after being ground on the volcanic rocks and sand the previous couple of days.<br /> <br /> One particularly dangerous spot is here (-35.51932, -70.82684) just after Laguna Manantial Pelado. It’s a big snow field that started melting and formed a lake that’s not on the map. It was breathtakingly beautiful going west, but if you were coming from the other direction you could not see the collapse of the snow field until it’s too late and you’re on the edge, so stick to the trail and walk on the side of the valley in that spot. <br /> <br /> I got to El Bolson just before sunset. It was surprisingly a beautiful and scenic campground and not too crowded on a Monday night. I spoke a few words to the people in the refugio, they just told me to set up my tent and didn’t ask to pay for camping. <br /> <br /> At Bolson, I met a group of Chilean students from Talca who spoke really good English and we had a lot of fun eating dinner together, smoking weed and going to swim in the nearby waterfall the next morning. There are trails going down the cliff to the swimming pools here (-35.49801, -70.90767). It’s a really pristine swimming spot, just be careful and don’t get too close to the waterfalls as we heard there was an accident the previous night where a rock fell off and pushed a person over the edge of the waterfall so they plunged down into a pool below. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Hiked from Bolson to Parque Ingles entrance, where the ranger once again asked for my paper registration from Altos de Lircay documenting my trip. The shops at Parque Ingles are really tiny and would not be sufficient for another section resupply in my opinion, I just bought some fresh fruit and hitched a 3 KM ride to Siete Tazas. By the time I got there (19:00) all the trails were closed and the ranger told me to go find camping at Valley de las Catas. It was 13k CLP (ouch) for 1 night camping with inclusion of the ticket for a 3-km loop on the southern bank of river Claro to see Siete Tazas. The campground had a hot shower which was very welcomed, but otherwise I think Siete Tazas was not worth it and I wish I spent my last day attempting to hike up to Laguna de las Animas instead. Though I don’t know if it would even be possible as the entire rim of the mountain seemed snow covered so there must’ve still been a very steep, yet short, snow field one would need to cross to get over the pass. <br /> <br /> Day 7: I took a morning walk out of the campground and caught a 11:30 bus back to Molina, then a bus from Molina to Santiago for a flight home the next day. <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 07 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Anh'''<br /> There are many good reports, so I'll keep it short.<br /> <br /> With my information, I could simply walk from Parque Inglés without registration. But I want to hike legal &amp; support Conaf. So I had to register and pay online (not in cash at other national parks) with my conaf account, then offline paper formular. Fortunately, the 2nd payment for Campsite El Bolsón (compulsory) was in cash (200m from Conaf). It had taken me more than an hour.<br /> <br /> There is a lot of hiking in volcanic sand (rough, fine).<br /> At this time there are still many snowfields from 2000 Hm upwards. There are streams under the snowfields, some of which only have a thin layer of snow (danger of collapse).<br /> Ford km 29.4 is quite critical (hip, strong flow in the morning)<br /> <br /> I met two boys at Refugio Blanquillo. They had been hiking for two days on a different route (no RR GPT06) with a text description from the internet (no hiking map/GPS track). They learned &amp; understood that it was very dangerous and could get lost at any time. Luckily they met a hiker with GPS &amp; inReach, otherwise I would have taken them with me.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-03 to 2024-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / round trip anticlockwise / O5 - O3 - RR - O1 - O1c (Condor Circuit) / Lotti and Alex'''<br /> <br /> Originally we wanted to do the Cóndor Circuit, but after we read about the troubles some of you had, we decided to take the safer option 1 to avoid the snow and landslide above Termas de Azufre. This route felt very safe and the snow was not a problem at all. We ended up with a beautiful round trip from Altos de Lircay to Valle Venado, then to the summit of Descabezado, then Valle del Indio and back to Altos de Lircay. The landscape is incredibly beautiful and diverse, and we enjoyed it a lot. The scariest part for us was fording the Rio Blanquillo on day 2.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Altos de Lircay - Valle Venado on option 5 (Sendero de Chile) <br /> We stayed at Hotel Picamaderos in Altos de Lircay, which is a very nice and relaxed place right next to the park entrance of Altos de Lircay. To enter the park we had to show the CONAF officers the WhatsApp message that Victor send us as a permission for entering his land at Refugio Blanquillo. <br /> The hike through the forest was very nice and shady and we enjoyed the view from the mirador where we got a nice overview of our route for the next days. Crossing Rio Claro was easy, not deeper than knee deep. We camped in a shady spot next to Valle Venado.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Valle Venado - Refugio Blanquillo - Descabezado base camp (option 5 and option 3) <br /> Easy walking until Laguna el Blanquillo which was really beautiful. After that the path crosses Rio Blanquillo several times. We tried to avoid it at first because it looked quite intimidating, so we followed some stone men to climb around and walk higher up the valley. When it was not avoidable any more, we forded it. For me, with just 152cm of height, it was intimidatingly deep (almost to the hip) and it had really strong currents. Alex had to help me across, and with him walking in front of me, it worked. We arrived at an empty Refugio Blanquillo, picked up some water there and walked up to Descabezado base camp which has no water. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Descabezado Summit<br /> We left the base camp early at 6:00 and took the southern option 3 trail which was well marked by stone men at the beginning. We used our crampons to climb up some ice fields effectively, but I think they could have been bypassed as well. On the way down we took the steeper option 3A sliding down on soft pumice stones which was a lot of fun. We picked up our tent, walked back down and set up our camp at Refugio Blanquillo. There we searched a while for the hot springs, but couldn't find them.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Refugio Blanquillo - Valle del Indio (RR and option 1 NOBO)<br /> We walked on the regular route for about 8 km until the junction where we changed to option 1. After that we crossed several smaller streams that were not on our map. Snow started around 2300m, but it was easy to walk on and we didn't need our crampons. Laguna Manantial Pelado was incredibly beautiful with its icy shores. There were some camp spots there, but it was much too windy for us to stay there for the night. We kept walking over the pass and down the valley until we found a shady spot in the middle of the valley floor of Valle del Indio. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Valle del Indio - Altos de Lircay (Option 1C)<br /> After the wild vulcanic landscapes of the days before, this day's scenery was not as spectacular, but the hiking was easy and we even met some wild horses. We camped at Punta 6 inside the park Altos de Lircay, where we found a camping spot right next to a very nice swimming hole in the river and met the first people after 5 days of loneliness. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Altos de Lircay - park entrance<br /> Easy walking in the shade of the forest. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-29 to 2024-Jan-3 / 6 days / NOBO / Variant 5+3+RR+GPT05(VarG+RR)+RR / Matthias + Johanna '''<br /> <br /> The route:<br /> Basically the route is the Condor Circuit: Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay - Descabezado Grande - PN Siete Tazas. <br /> We bypassed the part from km 19.4 (Termas) to km 27.4 (pass Portezuelo Las Cruces) via GPT05(VarG+RR) due to the reports of Lilian and Michael &amp; Cassia. By the time we started our tour, Michael had written only a much less intimidating post on the Facebook group (only indicating difficult route conditions). So it was a lucky ad-hoc decision after the difficult descent from pass La Calle the day before not to try their route!!<br /> <br /> The conditions: <br /> Snow +- above 2250m, rivers below snow-filled watersheds with high water levels! Overall quite demanding to us!<br /> <br /> Day 1+2: Easy walking from park entrance (Lircay) to Vegas Blanquillo („basecamp“ Descabezado).<br /> <br /> Day 3: Ascent to Descabezado <br /> Easier than expected but tedious above 3400m due to volcanic ash and steepness. Snowfields below 3400m can be bypassed or safely crossed (surface like a mogul piste). The steep snowfields above can by bypassed. We climbed the right (southern) „couloirs“ on the right margin (beneath the red rock), loose rocks are the main difficulty.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Vegas Blanquillo - Termas Azufre<br /> About 5 km on snow. Some short steep snow passages, soft snow on snow bridges. High water levels.<br /> Easy walking until a height of ca. 2550 (km 32.5) when going down into the valley of Estero Volcán. Next 250hm downhill tricky as while we tried to avoid the quite steep snow on the slopes, we faced the difficulty of avoiding unstable snow bridges in the valley floor. We were happy to have our microspikes with us! Also parts of the summer path seemed to be washed away (around km 30.5) as seen from afar. Forded the river ca. 500m upstream of the place indicated on the track files (50m south of the now collapsed snow bridge of Lilian). Strong current, water up to mid of thighs. Additional fording of the (today roaring) creek coming down from Cerro Colorado (km28.5).<br /> <br /> Day 5: Termas Azufre - Valle del Indio: Difficult fordings <br /> Trail washed away ca. 1 km after Termas. We went up 100 hm to bypass (possibly you could also bypass by descending ca. 50 hm).<br /> Edgy fording of Estero Volcán at ca. 35°28'56&quot;S 70°46'13&quot;W. Strong current, water up to lower waist on the far side for me (188cm) and up to upper waist for Johanna (163cm). I could give her a hold from a rock there! Then ca. 500m north 2 easier fordings back to the western side of the there split river. <br /> We did not stick to RR here (we did not divert from path at „trailhead“), as there was no possible crossing of the river visible and the path seems to be very difficult with large loose rocks and steep slopes). But possibly one could avoid the two fordings by RR and then climbing the rocks near the riverbed.<br /> There are no further fordings of Estero Volcán (km 24.6) as river is flowing on the eastern side of the valley this season.<br /> Loose volcanic ash on parts of the ascent to pass Portozuelo Las Cruzes. Snowfields easy (could be bypassed or safely crossed on the afternoon of the hot day). Laguna Las Animas partly ice-covered, we swam next to the ice :-)<br /> After the pass going down to Valle del Indio there is steep snowfields (former wedges) on most of the rim. Only 4-5 m, but even with microspikes it was too dangerous for us. You can bypass snow by walking some meters to the right (west) from the pass and walking/climbing down the rock pillar (solid).<br /> <br /> Day 6: Easy walk down to Park entrance Parque Ingles<br /> <br /> Camp sites: Valle Venado - Vegas Blanquillo (Descabezado basecamp) 2 nights - 500m north and 50 m uphill of Termas - valleyfloor Valle los Indios<br /> <br /> Basecamp Descabezado - Right of way:<br /> No access given to hikers without a guide to cross the NP to Descabezado. We chose to hire a local arriero who accompanied us the first three days (Pancho 997635447), who got a permission to camp from the land owner in advance. Even though he is a local and has his own cows feeding up there, he had to discuss at the three „checkpoints“ at park entrance, as he had no written prove with him.<br /> The man living at the basecamp was not there in the end, selling some cows in the valley ! <br /> Nice swimming pool with tepid water 5m north of camping site, for drinking water go the long way round the swampy valley to a source on the other side ca. 20m west of the hut.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2024-Dec-25/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR/ Michael and Kasia '''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> We had camped at Rocas Basalticas campground the night before. When we arrived at the gate they asked to see our permission to camp at Bolson. We didn't know that that was required and spent some time going back and forth with them. We finally went to Rocas Basalticas down the road and got them permission to camp at Bolson and they finally let us in. The walk up is pretty, all the snow is gone. All fords are easy. There were a few tábanos, but not many. CONAF did a reroute on a small section of the trail higher up. If you're watching GPS you go off the route, but just follow the sign to Bolson and it goes there. Campground has water and toilets.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> We hiked up through Valle del Indio. The route is a little tricky to find and we were moving slow so getting a lot of meander in the GPS marker. Looking for cairns was helpful. Two thirds of the way up there was still snow. By that time it was slushy. We had opted not to buy crampons at the last minute, so we made our way across kicking into the snow. The last 15 m to the pass was an almost straight up in snow. After the pass there was very little snow until the rise up to Laguna de las Ánimas. After that it was a complete snow field and the lake was frozen. We managed to kick out a pad for the tent and camped in the snow. Really beautiful sky that night.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> A long day with very little distance covered. Full sun, we both got sunburns despite sunscreen and covering. The snow was heavily pockmarked so it was hard to walk through. It took much longer than we anticipated. We ended up camping just below the pass. We were concerned about wind, so we tied the tent down really well. Fortunately it was a calm night.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> We continued on RR. There were several steep ups and downs, mostly on snow, as well as some intimidating traverses. The snow was getting to the point where we were a little uncertain if it would hold or not. We saw a single set of tracks, assume it was Lillian as it looks like she was a day or two ahead of us. 2 km before Termales Azufre we crossed a very steep section of snow. On the way down Kasia fell and hit some small rocks. She got some bruises and cuts, but nothing broken. I tried to slide with the backpack off and in front of me, but I fell too and the bag started tumbling down a steep sandy slope. I chased the bag, fell and rolled twice, and finally managed to jump and tackle the bag about 5 m before it went over the edge. It was a dangerous move, but I had not had a chance to take the GPS off the bag before it started sliding, and without it we couldn't get out and couldn't call for help. It was a long hike back up due to the incline and sand. We made it a little further and then ran into an area of trail wiped out by a landslide where it was impossible to get footing, even without the packs. Every step would cause more sand and rocks to slide down. It was about 18:30 at that point. We backtracked about 100 m to a gap between a snow wall and a large rock and set up a provisional shelter for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> After waking up the next day, we tried to see if rest and fresh eyes would give us a better perspective. After discussing it we realized that there was really no way forward or back. We decided it only option was to use the SOS button on the Garmin. I pushed the button at 10:00, and by 16:00 there was a helicopter flying through the valley looking for us. I was surprised that it happened so quickly. They had to land in the valley, and since we could not get ourselves down, they sent a GOPE team of three guys up and the helicopter left for the night. It took them about an hour to get up to us, and then another two hours to do enough provisional maintenance on the trail for us to get down. We camped with them in the valley for the night and the helicopter came to get us in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-25 to 2023-Dec-26/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / off RR / Jens, Nolwenn, Yannick'''<br /> <br /> To enter the Hydroelectrico Los Cipreses you need a permit, which we did not get in advance. The guard at the gate said we could get it by emailing his boss. <br /> As it was Christmas Day, it was not possible to get the permit. <br /> The guard told us to take a route along the perimeter fence. We did that until we couldn't get further. We entered the compound through a hole in the fence and walked to the end of the road on the right side of the river. The bridge on the map is destroyed. The current was too strong to cross. Turned around and went back.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-18 to 2023-Dec-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+{06-D} / Lilian'''<br /> It is the most amazing section from GPT01 to here so far!<br /> <br /> I hiked RR, it is still covered by tons of snow, i recommend use ice axe and micro spikes if you want to hike from Portezuelo Las Cruces(pass) to El Estadio(pass), there is some really steep snow slope. (RR-TL-V)<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles have a restaurant and a tiny store selling food, fruits, drinks and some 230g gas canisters.<br /> <br /> I hopped the gate to the park at 6:30. No one was there.<br /> <br /> There are 3 main pass for RR.<br /> <br /> First pass, snow start at km14.3(2050m), not difficult for climbing up to pass[15.4/2257].<br /> <br /> Laguna Las Animas(lake)[16.7/2286] is still frozen, very beautiful. I climbed up on some rocks at the north side of the lake, then mostly choose my own way to climb up to pass, because RR look steep.<br /> <br /> Arrive the pass[19.4/2547], if you are not comfortable with snow, it is the LAST CHANCE to turn back.<br /> <br /> Pass is flat and dry, you can camping here but windy.<br /> <br /> There are no RR after the pass because covered by many snow, find a way go down to valley by snow slope, then walk all the way on snow to km20.2, you can see the trail but on the other side at km20.2, steep go down the snow slope then connect to RR.<br /> <br /> Follow the trail about 5min, you will go into a big valley, trail and the whole valley covered by snow, but you can see a trail is at the far away other side of valley.<br /> <br /> Go your own way to water[22.0/2279], i think it is lot ways to go down, but dont too close to cliff side, it is steep and easily to fall off.<br /> <br /> After you arrive water[22.0/2279], then straight forward to km22.6.<br /> <br /> A large flat area can fit lot of tents at the downhill side of km22.6.<br /> <br /> After km22.6, the most dangerous part begins, from here to km26, lot of steep snow slope you need to cross, be careful, kick step and don't slide.<br /> <br /> Km26 is another large flat area for camping, i camped here with nice sunrise.<br /> <br /> Snow continues to km26.6, but easy way. The first pass's snow end.<br /> <br /> About the second pass, snow start at ford[29.4/2190], strong flow and look like up to thighs, i cross it on snow bridge.<br /> <br /> Stay on east side until km31.25, then stay down walking in the valley, easier than on the slope.<br /> <br /> Although full of snow, but I think it is easy to go to the pass[33.8/2695] from here, so i dont mention the details. It is also easy to go down, most of them are gentle slope.<br /> <br /> Snow end at km41.4, but mostly you can find some flat sandy spot start at km39.1.<br /> <br /> Hot spring[45.6/1881] : completely dry. Some camping spots with rock wall nearby.<br /> <br /> Water,camp[48.1/1837] : amazing oasis in desert! Clear and cold water, some shade, also lot of swallows flying in the sky catching some food for their kid.<br /> <br /> Km49.1 - km49.8 : best view point of Volcán Descabezado Grande and Volcán Azul! If you want to camp with stunning views, bring water at oasis then climb up here, lot of sandy spots beside some rocks, enjoy you sleep with volcano.<br /> <br /> Km53.2 - km54.7 : Laguna del Caracol(lake), maybe because too much snow melts? Trail underwater, you need to walk in the lake shore for a while.<br /> <br /> Camp[56.3/2034] : oasis again! Crystal clear and cold water! It is possible to cut off from km56 to x[57.3/2073] directly, stream flowing slow and up to knee.<br /> <br /> Third pass, steep climb up to km57.9, if you follow RR, then you will turn right and face some steep snow climbing up.<br /> <br /> If you look up at left side, there is some foot steps straight climb up on a dry slope, which is no snow but looses sand.<br /> <br /> I go for the left one to the pass, ok but steep and really tried.<br /> <br /> Most of the snow is after pass, from pass[59.3/2518] to km61.5, first go to east side go around the snow, then you will find a trail, follow it a little then go your own way in snow valley. <br /> <br /> I follow RR, mostly easy to go down until km61.5, a steep slope. I don't want to take the risk, so i crossed a snow bridge to a sandy slope at south side. Go down the slope and rejoin RR about km62.1.<br /> <br /> Ford[63.4/1909] : i crossed the river before a huge rock, below knee at morning. The huge rock also provide some wind protection, i saw some camping trace beside it.<br /> <br /> Volcán Los Hornitos : km65.3, {06-D}, just beside RR, no need CC, a trail leads you to the top, just climb up 70m! Go for it!<br /> <br /> Lastly with no luck, i saw a car going down just 10min before i arrived the road, then no more cars, so i walk all the way to Los Cipreses.<br /> <br /> Met a super friendly worker at Los Cipreses, he give me some cherry to eat and a ride to Los Alamos. A tiny shop there , if you are not picky, a little pricey but enough food resupply for 1 people six days. It have a sign &quot;Almacen&quot; at its front gate. You can ask locals where it is, i saw many workers go to there buy things.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-3/ 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; 6 option 1 / Lukas en Tess'''<br /> <br /> As this was our first section on the GPT and there still was a lot of snow in the mountains we decided to play it safe and folow option 1 from el Bolsón. It is less steep and less long above the snoweline about 2000m at the time. It went great but Tess burned her eyes so good sunglasses are definetly a must when hiking in the snow. From there we continued the RR at Laguna del Caracol we had to walk in the lake on the edge, no idea if that's normal but it was funny. The next and final big obstacle was the pass on k59 we decided to try and bypass it because it looked very steep with a lot of snow and ice and Tess with her burning eyes had a hard time looking at any snow at her feet. So we went up right next to it (north). Realy though rock scrambling but we managed. Going down the next valley was okay with the snow but crossing rivers covered in snow is tricky so try to avoid it. Walking into los Cipreces we were told we were not supposed to be there but still we had lunch in the cafeteria and they fixed a ride to bring us to the road, realy nice people there. From there we hitchhiked to el colorado where we stayed for two days to let Tess' eyes heal.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-14 to 2023-Mar-19 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Parque Ingles - Los Cipreses / Noemie'''<br /> <br /> Parque Inglés - El Bolsón - Termas de Azufre - Blanquillo - Laguna Hornitos - Los Cipreses<br /> <br /> First try on the GPT and amazing section to start. There were buses from Molina at 10am and 5pm going to Parque Ingles. You must arrive there before 1pm and buy an entrance for El Bolson (with camping) to enter the Park. It's also possible to camp in Parque Ingles (7.000 CLP/night). When I entered, CONAF asked me where I was going, if I had a GPS, and gave me some kind of permit to show in Los Cipreses. I wasn't asked to show it when I arrived there though. <br /> Landscapes and panoramas were extremely beautiful and very impressive. There was still water in all marked points and fords were easy to cross. Trail is easy to follow almost everywhere, except after Termas de Azufre (be careful to look for the right pools on the map and do not go up too much, I ended up in a place with almost boiling water). The whole section is full of beautiful sand dunes, so gaiters were extremely useful. In Blanquillo, you are supposed to get an authorization from the dueño to stay there, but it looks like it is not really enforced. I spent a day in Blanquillo to rest, drink maté and learn how to make sopaipillas with Umberto. I hitchhiked from Los Cipreses to San Clemente (one hostel, two supermarkets, decent to resupply) so I can't comment on the bus schedule. However, to come back to Los Cipreses/Termas del Médano, be aware that there is now only a bus leaving at 3pm from Talca, going up until La Mina. I took a small bus to Colorado on morning (every 45 min.) and hitchhiked easily back until Laguna del Maule for GPT 07.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-21 to 2023-Mar-25 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Vilches — Volcan – Parque Ingles / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Our last section on the GPT for this year! We started in Vilches Alto with the option 06-05 because we rented horses with the arriero Jose Lopez. The beginning is placed in the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, which requires a permit to go until the Volcan. The entrance fee is also 7k pp. We finished our first day at Camp, CONAF {06-05} [10.2/1158]. I believe we mostly followed the GPS track. <br /> <br /> On the second day, we continued with the horses until Hot Spring {06} [45.6/1881] (Banos del Blanquillo) still following the track. We then were disappointed because the arriero left us here whereas our agreement (clearly stated by messages before the rent) was to climb the volcano with the horses (it turns to be not possible, too steep).<br /> Thankfully, we had an excess day of food so we could attempt the climb the next day. We also met Umberto, the guy staying in the refugio, who was extremely friendly. He told us to start the volcano climb early in the night to avoid heavy winds. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we started the ascent at 2am with our headlights. 6h30 later we were on the top, with the morning lights rewarding us and stunning landscape. The ascent was extremely tiresome (sand material), as always with volcanos, and it was very cold but the crater and the views were very worth it. After a breakfast at the top, the descent, mostly running, took us about 2h. We rested for the rest of day at Banos del Blanquillo and even got a sopapilla making class with Umberto.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we followed the RR in the beautiful Descabezado landscape. Expect no shade but stunning dunes of white sand. There is plenty of water during the day because you will cross at least 2 rivers that were not dry this late in the season. The trail is easy to follow (because that is the only one) and is also part of the Circuit of the Condores. However, after Ford {06} [29.4/2190], you have about a dozen of options and the navigation until Hot Spring {06} [27.4/1986] (Hot Sping del Azufre) is more challenging. We decided to ignore the GPS and follow our instinct - just aim for the fumerolles. There you can enjoy a hot bath in one of the three hot natural pools (along some weird soft alguees). <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we simply followed the RR until Parque Ingles. The trail is well marked until the end, you just have to enjoy multiple highlights in the landscape. Of note, when reaching El Bolsón, the CONAF ranger forbid us to bath in the pools because it was too late (3PM) and told us to leave the park before 5:30. He was not friendly and also checked the entrance tickets of Livan Ray. We got extremely lucky and caught a bus leaving Parque Ingles when we reached it (it leaves at 5:00).<br /> <br /> This hike concludes our GPT adventure. We loved to start it riding horses to feel a bit more like the trails main user. The final day hiking and the volcano ascent were astonishing, truly one of (or even the) best section of our GPT.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-03 to 2023-Feb-08 / 6 days/ Hiking / SOBO / RR + Descabezado / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé'''<br /> <br /> Our first trip on the GPT, plenty of water, we didnt carry more than 1.5L each. Here is our trip :<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Laguna Las Animas - 18km - +1200m/-100m<br /> We entered the parc illegally at 7:30 in the morning as some others hikers have done reading the wiki. We did this because the parc was full for the next 3 days. I can only advise you to book in advance on internet (conaf). We slept at a camping in front of the entrance for 7k CLP per person. Plenty of buses goes up there from Molina in 2 hours. At least a dozen. Same for going back. If you buy your ticket online : if you sleep at El Bolson, you can enter the park until 3pm, if you go further with only the El Bolson ticket, you can entered until 11am only!<br /> So, we hiked until the Laguna las Animas, a rather long day for the first one.<br /> The camp on the beach was quite windy too.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Termas de Azufre - 11km - +400m/-700m<br /> A short day, nice to enjoy the hot springs in the afternoon. The pass in the morning was very windy too.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Refugio El Blanquillo - 20km - +800m/-900m<br /> A long but beautiful day. Leave early the camp to avoid hot temperatures while ascending the pass. Well welcomed by the arrierio Umberto ! Very kind.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Volcan Descabezado Grande - 16km - +2000m/-2000m<br /> We did the ascent without our bags, we went back to our camp in the night. It's long and hard. According to Umberto, 12h are needed in total, we did in 10h. Same, Leave early to avoid hot temperatures. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Laguna los Hornitos - 20km - +900m/-900m<br /> Another nice day, passing next to Laguna Caracol. The descent from the pass is a bit annoying if you didnt follow the track (as we did). So, advice : follow the RR and go down on your right. The Laguna is very dry, just enough to have a bath. Hard to maintain the pitch of the tent in the dry dirt.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Los Cipreses - 15km - +100m/-1000m<br /> Last short day to end this beautiful section. The gravel road is a bit boring but passing pickup are proposing you to get you down to the main road. Here, only one bus at 7am. And a little shop selling ice cream, chips and drinks. We hitchiked to El Colorado where plenty of buses are going down to Talca for 2 000 CLP (+ 400 CLP per bag)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-24 to 2023-Jan-30/ 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Descabezado / Martial'''<br /> <br /> First trip 6 days on GPT being a wonderfully intense experience ! Lunar landscapes, silent and remote, few but great people. No particular difficulty.<br /> Started park ingles with a mandatory 7000peso night at quiet camping near the river and bought ticket for Bolsón overnight 8$. Finally did not stay at Bolson a half day walk from entrance and camped in Laguna de las Animas instead. Great spot for Condors watching. After that follow Will’s advice and put on your mandatory gaiters till the end of the section ! + Walking on sand can be tough for the ankle. Don’t resist and don’t do too much !! Learned it the painfull way.. Trail visible but don’t get confused at termas Azufres especially if you try the (very) hot pools ! RR way is up the valley. Camp with water possible before the pass. The way down called « la Calle » is beautifull sandy dune remote desert. Exceptional. Aimed for Blanquillo refugio aka best basecamp for Descabezado intent. Meet Umberto the arriero at the hut and ask him where the termal pool and the drinking water are. He may be offended if you don’t show up and is a nice generous guy ! Also had a Chilean horse riding group intended the Descabezado so were a nice bunch by the camp fire. As weather window was fine, I decided to try a high camp in order to preserve weak foot from a very long ascent (10h). Took plenty of water as they are only glaciar dirty patches up there and aimed for Descabezado to Cerra Azul osm trail just as Nat and Tomas did (so i could have a chance to summit both also). Finally chose not to cross the nasty glaciar but found a very well sheltered highcamp here (-35.60569, -70.76147). Incredible sunset ! Not advisable in case of rain coming (a storm was growing in Argentina so stayed prepared for an emergency descent). Next day summited Descabezado at 11AM with no wind ideal conditions. Dive your front foot flat in sand just like snow climb when it gets to steep ! Nice ski descent sensations straight to the termas for a well deserved rest at the termas ! Also met Carlos a local climbing half way up so we would share joy later at the camp :).<br /> Exit through RR is also nice but regreted haven’t camped here (-35.67102, -70.83649) for there was some playfull trouts to catch with my survival fishing kit !<br /> Beautiful view from the pass to sandyland and then landscape changes and recommend OH variant C descending (less overgrown). Trail not so visible till laguna los hornos witch i climbed volcano to enjoy the crater caldera. After that descent to los Cipreses is kind of boring and hot so was definitely happy to find a camping by the bridge after the gate with lovely Victorina and her family here (-35.81524, -70.83224). They have been incredibly carring, fed me and brought me to the termas caves (also worth it) in El Medano !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-16 to 2023-Jan-25 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / Descabezado Circuit variant: OH 06-02 &amp; 06-03 Laguna Maule to Vilches w/ volcans / Natalie &amp; Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> An extremely long description so my apologies but hopefully it will help someone. We Started in Laguna del Maule and ended in Vilches with inclusion of volcanoes Descabezado Grande, Azul, Descabezado Chico and Colorado.<br /> <br /> All fords super easy or jump-able. Only times water was scarce was Descabezado and Azul (technically there is melt water from glaciers at Azul), the afternoon around Descanezado Chico and also water was scarce around the Laguna Acquas Calientes because I would not trust drinking that water (some springs are cold water though). Weather turned bad only once while we were climbing Azul, the change happened rapidly and we went from blue skies to total white out (~10m or less visibility) within an hour. Other than that weather was amazing, a little cold at night and a little warm in the day.<br /> <br /> Happy we started in Laguna del Maule and finished in Vilches. This saved elevation gain and let us decide whether or not we had enough food in the end to climb Descabezado, Azul, Chico and for Tomáš Colorado.<br /> <br /> Day 1.<br /> Starting in Talca, due to a certain someone (me) I accidentally sent Tomáš and I to Molina on a bus instead of &quot;La Mina&quot;, so our day was very messed up, but we still managed to take a bus to Colorado and hitchhike to the start of this route. Buses from Talca to la Mina go at: 7:00am, 1:00pm (only to la Suiza), 3:00pm and 7:00pm. We took a bus to Colorado due to time and hitched the rest of the way. The last hitch was in a snowplow truck and he dropped us off miraculously at the start of the trail and before any customs or checks.<br /> <br /> OH-TL-V {06-02} (109.1). Straight away the trail is hard to see, do not take the road-looking trail on the side of the mountain because it ends, stick to the gps. However, soon we were walking on the correct route through the sand and down to a creek with fun boulders. Easy to follow. After this first creek we followed option OH-CC-A (06-02) {98} For only ~5km until making camp in -between a river and canal with flowing water. Bogs in this area slowed us down a lot.<br /> <br /> Day2. <br /> OH- {06-02} -[ (93) &amp; (86) ]<br /> This day seemed long, we crossed two passes, one small (-35.94909, -70.45347) and one much larger (-35.88855, -70.46776). I liked the entire area south of the second pass, many beautiful camp spots, water was available almost to the top of the pass and there is also a nice waterfall/swimming pool located roughly around (-35.90452, -70.45218). Trail to first pass was easy, but trail between first and second was much more cross country, there are many animal tracks, I followed the GPX and Tomáš followed a trail closer to the river and we both ended up at the same spot... After the second pass, the GPX goes cross-country right away, but one can follow a trail that goes left and later reconnects with GPX.<br /> <br /> After the second pass, there is a small plateau and then it follows down a creek with water until you must cross an east hill and go towards your first mountain puesto to the east (noone home). There is only a little bit of water here, better water at the creek you came from and or a few creeks ahead. <br /> <br /> From the puesto (-35.86707, -70.47589), there is a good trail that traverses the slope ahead. We should have camped but we continued. There were a few nice creeks that we passed along the way. We were forced to make a &quot;make-shift&quot; camp before hitting a much nicer plateau because it was dark and I was not having a good day 😅. It is about 6 km between the puesto and the plateau.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> OH {06-02} [78.6] + [75.7] + [63.6]<br /> Easy day, only one small pass. There is an ex-carabiniero puesto at (-35.84277, -70.40285) and a highlight was two rivers, one at (-35.76317, -70.42051) and one river at (-35.74734, -70.45623). The GPX is marked as trail a bit further than the actual trail goes (the trail continues to a puesto down-river). You need to go down a ridge and ford the river, there were some footsteps that can be followed. We walked near {06-02E} along a river filled with sand and not great for drinking but there is a creek that starts/ends here (-35.72759, -70.44125). We camped near this way point in the sand but it got windy at night, we wished we camped a bit further from the river in the little hills where it was considerably less windy. <br /> <br /> Day4<br /> OH {06-02} [59.6] + [29.1] + {06-02D}<br /> <br /> This day we passed a large pass (-35.65200, -70.43356) via {06-02D}. This option was more direct and involved a very short and easy scramble onto a windy plateau. Surprisingly lots of water up towards the pass, last one being (-35.66343, -70.42666) , however the water available had a lot of sand in it, fyi. From camp we followed a cow trail until a lake like feature (-35.70057, -70.42733) and then went cross country. I hope my cairns marking the turn for {06-02D} survive. <br /> <br /> After the pass the true Descabezado environment begins. We both made note of how terrible it would be to be on this plateau in bad weather, very open and CC. Next water source would be a couple of creeks here (-35.61215, -70.42156). From a break at this creek we ended up going straight down the creek bed. Kind of exhausting mentally and would not be possible in early season due to water levels but it shot us out directly in line for making a green camp here (-35.56164, -70.44009). <br /> <br /> Day 05<br /> OH {06-02} [29.1] + [20]<br /> Laguna Aquas Calientes day. <br /> An easy day with a lot of time spent at Aquas Caliente, true to the name. <br /> Trail from camp was easy to follow until (-35.53519, -70.46551) and then it went CC to the Laguna. If shelter is needed in this open landscape, we found a rock shelter (agains wind, not rain) here (-35.51276, -70.51035). The creek feeding the Laguna was fabulously warm in places - either at the source of the creek or at a spring on the right side about 100m upriver. Tomáš found the proper source of the spring here (-35.50395, -70.52347). It is easy to get sunburn while bathing mid-day though. There are some camping spots near the creek. After this Laguna there is a nasty and windy sand stretch until a creek located here (-35.48980, -70.57667). On this stretch I chose not to follow the sand but detoured on more solid ground to the east (-35.48839, -70.56200) and was glad I did. Later on we found snow melt here (-35.48544, -70.59940) and loaded all the water we would need for night/morning and exploring Descabozado Chico the next day. <br /> <br /> Day 06<br /> OH {06-02} [20] + {06-02C Chico} + [4.5]<br /> Descabozado Chico + Vulcan Colorado (Tomáš)<br /> <br /> Went up and around the crater of Descabozado Chico in the morning which I highly recommend. The crater is easy to walk around and gives an amazing 360 experience. The climb up is tedious but non-dangerous scree that makes for a super fast decent. Make sure you have enough water because water is scarce there. I saw a waterfall on the NE side the lake but did not go to it, Tomáš got water somewhere off trail around here (-35.51226, -70.65626) and I drank out of the next lake -35.52036, -70.65873 (questionable, but nothing happened to me). <br /> From the lake the next pass begins and I stupidly made Tomáš and I carry 5L of water up it because I did not think there would be water on the south side (both of us overlooking the river indicated on the map)...I was wrong, no water high up but lots of water down low. For the pass we opted not to follow the route because it was thick steep sand so we instead climbed a more solid ridge here (-35.52506, -70.66854). Tomáš went to continue up Vulcan Colorado and I boringly traversed to the normal pass and enjoyed a very fun sand ski down the south side. The Vulcan is a steep but not technical hike up, the crater can be walked around with a steep but fun sand descent on the other side in SW direction. This pass would be very tiresome climbing up due to sand. If you are coming from the opposite direction and do not trust the lagoon water, then you should aim for (-35.51226, -70.65626) or bring water.<br /> <br /> Everything this day was CC. I found it to be the hardest day navigation-wise but still not troublesome. We finished the day in a nice valley before the next day's climb here (-35.55427, -70.70793). The water around this area is a bit sandy but better further up.<br /> <br /> Day 07 <br /> Last pass and New route possibly. <br /> <br /> From camp a trail existed to the pass at -35.55228, -70.73791. There was a little bit of snow at the top but since there were already steps made, it was zero problem. Lots of water on the SE of this pass but only a trickle of water on the NW side at -35.54575, -70.75672. This water trickle point is where we left the trail to make a short cut to Descabezado. To our surprise our route worked and in 4hrs we were making a camp at 2630m next to the approach trail to Descabezado, therefore saving a lot of time, distance and elevation. In our route there was only one difficulty and that was a deep gorge and creek &quot;jump&quot; at -35.57904, -70.77929. Personally I would not recommend this in early season because the consequence of falling in the river might take you down a waterfall and the traverse may otherwise be nasty if there are still snowfields around altitude 2700m. The gorge is fed by the glacier in the crater of Descabezado so in the morning, it should be better but the water is very dirty.<br /> <br /> I drew the route on my photos of the pass if anyone wants them. Otherwise here is my description of our route.<br /> <br /> From the small trickle creek at -35.54575, -70.75672 head SW up the creek bed in the direction of this easy pass -35.55513, -70.76977. Nearby spots would work too except for the pass directly above the creek bed, the other side of that one had snow and rocks. After this pass I believe it is easiest to just go straight down and up like a half pipe rather than trying to traverse and keep elevation, we aimed for a middle looking plateau on the other side, this middle plateau took us to the proper crossing of the gorge here, -35.57923, -70.77864 (más o menos). We jumped the gorge and climbed easily up the other side although the other side looks like a scramble, it was actually just walking. We travesed at this altitude for a little longer (although I would suggest easier walking a little lower) until we made camp in a ravine very close to the Descabezado approach route. Our camp even had a small amount of flowing snow melt so it was heaven in my mind! (Camp with water; -35.59280, -70.78723). <br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> Descabezado &amp; Azul.<br /> <br /> This is turning into a novel so I will keep this short. We left our tent in place and set off early to do Descabezado and Azul as a day trip. Descabezado was straightforward, it seems the trail will change slightly every year depending on who makes the tracks (neither the route in OSM or GPT seem to follow the actual trail from about 2600 to 3300). If wanting to make the true summit, it looks like you have to go down into the crater, cross the glacier and approach it from the other side. Coming down Descabezado was very fast but we made a huge mistake and left the GPT trail to follow the other osm route that heads east then west called &quot;Descabezado Grande - Quizapu - cerro Azul&quot;. <br /> <br /> This route should be avoided [2024: Tomáš removed it from OSM] for many reasons apart from the fact that the other route is easier despite elevation gain (we took the other route back). This osm route took us here -35.61301, -70.75604 which was actually a glacier covered in sand with a small hanging glacier above causing a lot of rockfall. It was a very ugly place and we carefully got out of there and made or way to the proper route to Azul. Despite losing almost 2hours on an already tight day we continued (although I wasted an extra 30min due to making up my mind🙄). Once again on the way up to Azul, we did not follow the normal way but went to the east side of the crater of Azul where the bad osm route is. There were a foot print here and there but it was CC. The crater was amazing but too windy to enjoy much, we saw a few fumaroles. We continued CC to the base of Azul, a tiny bit of snow (or glacier remnants?) but posed no difficulties. The base of Azul is beautiful with melt water if needed. We followed the ridge to Azul, it was more involved than Descabezado but no more than a low 3rd class (it is a bit exposed and steep but almost exclusively hiking). There is an interesting summit tower on Azul but because of the wind and time we had no desire to stretch our limits. Weather moved in fast and before we were off the ridge of Azul, we were completely covered in a white out, maybe maximum 10m of visibility. Navigation was incredibly hard, but we took our chances and took the other (&quot;valle&quot;) OSM route down and luckily it was a very easy route and we were down below the clouds and able to see again. The rest of the night was CC back to our camp ~1030pm. It was a good day. <br /> <br /> Day 9.<br /> <br /> From our camp in the ravine we headed CC and then onto the trail that lead to the puesto at basecamp Blancquillo and from then on we were on a good trail. While walking down we opted to stay in sandals and just walk in the river, it was refreshing. We didn't have clean water until the valley bottom at the CONAF camp (valley El Venado) where there was also lots of pear trees and yellow plum-like trees. Many people there (first people seen). We made camp at the river before the pass (Mirador del Valle del Venado) but the walk from the CONAF camp until then was slower than expected because it was along a river bed with confusing tracks.<br /> <br /> Day 10.<br /> <br /> Good trail up and down from Mirador del Valle del Venado with lots of water and trees for shade. Took us almost half the time we thought it would take. Note that you cannot actually camp at campsites/resting areas on this trail after the Mirador. The CONAF guards asked us where we were coming from and when we said Laguna del Maule, he just sounded impressed and let us go on our way. There was a decent restaurant with empanadas, beer, etc. near the bus stop . There was a posted schedule of the bus but it clearly did not follow this schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus. <br /> <br /> Great trip, beautiful views and details and just the right amount of challenge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-20 to 2023-Jan-23 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> I got to Parque Inglés from Santiago de Chile by taking a train to Curico (advice: if you want to travel by train, buy a ticket online at least 2 days in advance as it books out quickly). From Curico I took a blue collectivo to Molina and then a bus to Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> At the park entrance I was turned away by a CONAF officer because I bought a “day trip” ticket (El bolson - para día) and not the one with overnight camping. For the ticket I bought they allow entry only by 11:00am. I did not explain that I will continue beyond El Bolson - maybe I should have done that but did not want to get myself into more unnecessary discussions. CONAF said they cannot change my ticket to the “camping” type and when I tried to book the other one, it was booked out for the next two days, so the advice is book early and the right ticket type (el bolson - camping)!<br /> <br /> I ended up camping at the Rocas Basilicas for the night.<br /> <br /> On the first hike day hopped the gate to the park at 7:00. No one was there so no issues. I hiked to Thermas de Azufre. It was a very long day. There is no shade at all after El Bolson. I made a provisional shade using my tent’s footprint during lunchbreaks. Once I arrived to the Azufre hotsprings, a few arrieros were there. I decided to camp further up the river.<br /> <br /> On the second day I hiked to Refugio Blanquillo, met a settler who resides there for three months each year (if I understood correctly). The scenery before the refugio was otherwoŕldy and beautiful. Gaiters, good hat, sunscreen and sunglasses were my most loved pieces of gear. I camped at the first “camp” waypoint after Refugio Blanquillo. Amazing place to camp (but no grass), with a good stream and even some small shade thanks to the bushes. <br /> <br /> My third day was quite straightforward, I made it almost to Los Cipresses but decided to camp close to the last “water” checkpoint, shortly before the gate with the guard. It was alright but I would recommend walking all the way to the shop and camp there for the night.<br /> <br /> On the fourth day I walked through the gate with the security guard. I also met a number of the power station workers and all were friendly. We waved at each other. The guard at the gate was nice, took my passport number and name. Once at the shop I found it was closed (9am). I needed to get to El Medano to join GPT07 and decided to continue hiking through Los Alamos. It might have been to early (10am) as also the almacén in Los Alamos was closed. The road after Los Almacén was uneventful and a bit sketchy at places, so I forded the river at the “bridge” waypoint after Los Alamos to get to the main road and hitchike to El Medáno. Got a ride in approx 20 min. El Medáno is a great base - the thermals are nice and there is an electricity socket next to the toilets. They have shade for the tent too. There is also a restaurant with filling foods and a small shop.<br /> <br /> Overall a fantstic section but I wasn’t expecting the heat to be that oppresive!<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-31 to 2023-Jan-3 / 5 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / David and Erika'''<br /> <br /> Get to TH Parque ingle before 1:00 pm, otherwise they close it for entrance. We did get internet and got the correct CONAF ticket -the one heading to El Bolsón. Once you get out of the park and into the Cuesta Las Anima, the wild parts begin. Hope you got your dirty girl gaiters; cause you’re going to need them. Sand city. Gaiters worked great. Remote and desolately beautiful. Water up at the end of Laguna del Caracol, at the river that comes out of the ground, you have a dry climb ahead. Walk out was straightforward. Got a lift from ENEL employee.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2022-Dec-29 / 2 days/ Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I connected in Thermas Azufre from GPT 05. I recommend it as a camping spot. I have seen the tracks of people staying on the western side of the valley but I think it is better to ford, there is a nice trail there on the eastern side. There is a place with an island where I needed to remove my shoes just for about three meters (the stream was not strong enough for me to keep the shoes on).<br /> <br /> I took a detour to the lake at the pass - nice. No snow anymore. Reached the Refugio Blanquillo (which is a puesto, an arriero had two dogs and a thousand shep there), met a group of tourists on horses and two Chilean hikers there, so crowded all of a sudden. The pool there is indeed lukewarm. The water from the stream is said not to be good - I filtered it (for the first time on GPT) and was fine. But if not climbing the volcano, I would recommend to camp 2 km further at the next water source. I no longer carry water with me and just drink a lot when I find a source, there is a lot of them, even in the semidesert (the sand is actually white pumice from the volcanoes). It is quite dusty, my hands got dry and that normally does not happen to me. I agree with the recommendation to apply sunscreen at least three times a day! <br /> <br /> The second day I walked all the way to the main road. In the pass, there is still a bit of snow but quite manageable. Going down from the lake, there is no water until around half or one third of the minor road in the valley, beware. Walking-wise, this was the easiest section on GPT for me. At the mainroad, the camping at the shop after the bridge was closed. I hitched somebody in a truck who knew the owners, called them and they came to open it for me. 5000 pesos but I gave the lady 10000 as she had to drive here to open the camping for me. There is electricity and cold shower and shadow. Almost nothing at the shop. The bus is said to leave at seven. I slept and now will try hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-24 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Amazing trail! It's quite desolate but the landscape varies enough to always keep things interesting. Trudging up the sandy hills could be demoralizing, but getting to run down the other side more than made up for it. Water was still plentiful though not much snow was left, I only had to cross a few small patches. Thankfully heat wasn't a problem at all for me, I even felt cold a few times with the altitude and wind.<br /> <br /> Caught the 5pm bus from Molina to Radal for 3000 pesos, then a van came by a few minutes later to take us to parque inglés for another 3000. Was nice to meet a bunch of Chilean hikers, who were all going to El Bolson and back. We camped at the Rocas Basílicas campsite right at parque inglés, 7000 pesos next to a beautiful river.<br /> <br /> I had phone signal at parque inglés, so I bought the pass online for 8 USD. There was no one at the Conaf office at 7 30 the next morning, so I just hopped the gate and walked through. <br /> <br /> I ran into a few arrieros relaxing at the Azufre hot springs, the only people I saw along the trail. They were friendly but it was tough to understand their heavy Chilean Spanish. They said I could camp with them but there wasn't a ton of room so I walked on.<br /> <br /> There were some geysers shooting up from the muddy riverbank near the gpx track so I took a wider route around. An arriero also told me to take a trail higher up along the dunes so I followed that to the ford. The ford looked tough so I kept walking 2ish km along the other side until I could easily hop across. But it was slow going, probably not worth it.<br /> <br /> I ended up having to camp on a random sand dune. I had some trouble getting my tent to stay up tied to rocks, since I couldn't get stakes in. I'd definitely recommend using tieouts you can really secure to rocks, or even a freestanding tent.<br /> <br /> The rest of the hike went smoothly. I easily made it to los cipreses in three days of hiking from parque inglés. The guard was super friendly, inviting me in and giving me a bunch of water. I camped across the street from the shop near the bus stop, ask at the shop if you want to camp there. The guy running the camping was also super nice, he messaged the bus driver and told me it would be at 9 or 9 30 the next morning, because it was a Saturday (it was also Christmas eve). The bus ended up showing up at 9 45, and costed 3200 pesos to Talca.<br /> <br /> The side trip up Volcan Los Hornitos was very worth it, there's a fairly gradual trail up and you can just sprint straight down. I didn't even need to bring any water (just some gummy bears).<br /> <br /> I got by without gaiters, but bring them if you can. I should have used more sunscreen, the reflection off the sand is strong.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-17 to 2022-Dec-20 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Joining section 6 directly from the previous one with a little challenging connection trail (see our comment from section 5), we continued to the Hot Spring del Azufre. On the way there is one steep traverse. We used hot spring to cook our rice which really saved us as we run out of gas. The landscape on the whole section is amazing, we really enjoyed it! Ascent to the pass is nice and gradual, hiking in the sand is a little slower, but the opposite when going down. We camped at the El Estadio, almost no wind that day, great place to sleep . In the morning we continued on a nice and easy trail, great views around the volcanos… short break by the laguna thats great for swimming. We camped a little before the camp marked in the gps, there is one place, probably used by arrieros, with a fireplace and a few rocks around it. Being out of the gas we set a fire using wood that was already in there and some others we gather during the day. The view to the volcanos must be one of the best we have seen here so far! The next day we continued to the last Hornitos pass and through the valley, again really nice hiking on a clear trail. Last few kms on the road and since we missed the only bus to Talca that is leaving early in the morning (7:00) and did not have luck with hitchhiking, we stayed in a camp right next to the road. Its just a few meters before it, in the same direction we came from. On the left side is a house with some old advertisment sign (coca-cola or similir) on its fence, and the lady there has a small shop. The camp is on the other side - cold shower, toilets, electricity and access to the river, all for 5000 for 2 people. We even got sandwiches for dinner as there was no other place around to eat. Overall, when combining both sections we recommend to plan carefully, but its definitely worth the effort, especially this section 6.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-16 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Anna&amp;Christopher '''<br /> <br /> The section is pretty tough, but beautiful with a quite unique landscape. We definetly would do it again.<br /> <br /> Recomendations: bring lots of suncreme, a good hat, gaiters.<br /> <br /> How to get there:<br /> We took a bus from Santiago (terminal at the metro station Universidad de Santiago) to Curico. Across the street from the bus terminal in Curico leaves a blue bus to Molina for 1k CLP. From Molina we hitchhiked to Parque Inglés.<br /> You have to be there before 3 pm to be allowed to hike up to El Bolson. To camp they charge 8k CLP p.p and the park entry is also 8k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> The first day we started early from El Bolson. From midday on it was super tough due to the white sand which makes walking really tiring and reflects the sun which makes it super hot without shade. The next day was pretty similar.<br /> The whole section there was plenty of water. There was no much snow left at the passes, so we had no trouble without spikes.<br /> On the last day, after arriving to the dirtroad (8 km from los Cipreses), we got offered a ride after a while and the guy brought us directly to El Médano.<br /> The shop there has pasta, rice, bread, tomato salsa, mayo, chips, biscuits/chocolate and suncreme (but quite pricey).<br /> In El Médano we camped for 6k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-03 to 2022-Dec-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Véronica'''<br /> <br /> Route: Parque Inglés - Laguna Ánimas - Termas del Azufre - Termas del Blanquillo - Laguna del Caracol - Laguna de los Hornos - Los Cipreses<br /> <br /> A beautiful, remote section of true mountain wilderness. It took me 4 days, but only 2 hours hiking the dirt road to Los Cipreses on the last day (so very doable in 3 days). The only people I saw were a couple of arrieros at Termas del Blanquillo who told me they hadn't had a winter as snowy as this one in over 10 years. I was glad to have my microspikes for the vast snow fields near/on the passes. A couple places would have felt quite unsafe without them. <br /> <br /> Notable tidbits: <br /> <br /> Took a bus from Molina at 5pm (on a Friday) to El Radal, then hitchhiked to Parque Inglés. I camped there the first night for 7000 pesos. Pricey, but at least I had a beautiful and secluded spot by Rio Claro. <br /> <br /> The stretch between Las Ánimas Pass and Termas de Azufre had some sketchy traverses across disintegrating scree slopes that were downright nerve-wracking. I suppose if you go down to Laguna Mondaca, then back up to the Termas, you may not encounter this hazard. But I did get to observe a condor soar above my head on thermals for an hour as he surveilled his domain, that was super cool. <br /> <br /> For the first ford after Termas de Azufre, I crossed further upstream than indicated on the GPS track (see Carlos's comment below). It looked a lot safer there than downstream. There's continuous snow for about 3 km going over the pass after Thermas de Azufre, best to cross in the morning to avoid postholing when the snow gets too soft. <br /> <br /> Los Hornitos pass has a large, very steep lip of snow (leftover cornice) on its south side. It's possible to go around it by heading north for 50-100 meters and then making your way down on the volcanic sand.<br /> <br /> The spring between Termas del Blanquillo and Laguna del Caracol is a beautiful little desert oasis in an orherwise hot and dry stretch. It was a splendid spot to camp. <br /> <br /> There is LOTS of water. Laguna del Caracol and Laguna de los Hornos are both full of clear, refreshing water. A lot of the &quot;water&quot; GPS waypoints are actually fords this time of year (easy ones), and there's a lot of other water sources not listed on the tracks. But the section is very exposed, no shade, and very hot in the midday sun unless a breeze is blowing. <br /> <br /> No issues with the guards at Los Cipreses, they were friendly and let me pass no problem. From the first bus stop on the road, I hitched easily to Talca to resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-20 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Molly '''<br /> <br /> Amazing section! I found the landscape to be very varied despite the lack of vegetation - and even with many pretty flowers near the streams. I personally found it to be a great ending to my GPT journey, a big contrast to the landscapes further south. Would make for a tough start though.<br /> Plenty of water. Met one hiker doing Circuito el Cóndor and three Chilean tourists on horseback. No arrieros, but plenty of cows and horses. The weather was cold and windy, sometimes veritable sandstorms which meant I almost couldn't open my eyes - maybe sunglasses could have helped. I wore my long pants over my boots instead of gaiters - should have listened to the advice, so much sand! <br /> <br /> Signs on the way to parque inglés say that you can only buy tickets online - don't know how strict they are, but no cell phone coverage at parque inglés and long before in case they insist. You have to be there before 15 to be let through to El Bolsón.<br /> Easy 11 km to El Bolsón through a young forest. No water at the first &quot;ford&quot; waypoint. Campground has toilets and showers, it's the only place you're allowed to camp until after Valle del Indio. Nice enough place next to the impressive Colmillo del Diablo. In hot weather it might be nice to camp here to take the long ascent in the morning.<br /> Laguna de las Animas would be a good campsite plus a nice place to swim. The first &quot;water&quot; waypoint afterwards is also great for camping - there is a nice little meadow.<br /> Las Animas pass is gorgeous!<br /> After Termas Azufre there are many confusing paths. They mostly seem to lead to the same place, but keep an eye on the GPS. When descending from the 2700 m pass towards Termas Blanquillo, you don't have to cross the stream to your right even though many paths do it. As noted by others, the hot springs Baños del Blanquillo are luke warm - but fine if you want to wash yourself a little and the stream is too cold. The refuge is locked.<br /> The next camp waypoint is in a cute valley with many streams, bushes and flowers. No grass, though. <br /> Laguna Caracol is beautiful as well, but very bare, surrounded by sand. I really liked the campsite afterwards, with views of both Volcán Descabezado and Cerro Azul. From there, a small CC section to the ascent where the path picks up again towards the Hornitos pass. Even more gorgeous with great and very different views to each site. Volcán Hornitos and the other little craters look really funny and special. Some hail was coming in, though, so I quickly slided down to the next camp waypoint, again a nice flat meadow. No water on the ascent. The first streams at the top of the pass were dry, but the path crosses a stream in 2100 m altitude. If you fill up at the water waypoint before the pass I agree you wouldn't have to carry extra water, the time between these two water points is around 2-3 hours.<br /> I climbed to the rim of Volcán Hornitos, there's nothing in there, but if you walk to the highest point the view is nice enough. It took me 20 minutes in total, and it was about worth that.<br /> The gravel road is nice the first kilometres, but then it gets pretty boring. The security guard at the end was very nice and welcoming.<br /> I camped at the shop just before the road - nice place by the river, 3000 per person with toilets and a cold shower, or 50,000 for a cabaña. From there I hitched the 3 km down the road to Restaurant Cordillera, nice enough, great with a beer, meat and fries. <br /> Bus left from the bus shed at 7:20 next morning - think it depends whether it goes to El Médano or not <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-20 to 2022-Jan-25 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Carlos '''<br /> Route: Parque Inglés - El Bolsón (Colmillo del Diablo summit) - Termas del Azufre - Termas del Blanquillo - Laguna Caracol - First bus stop on CH115 road.<br /> <br /> I hiked this route only a couple of days after Verónica &amp; Jo. Not much to add except:<br /> <br /> First day just hiked to El Bolsón (easy 4 hours), pitched my tent on the gorgeous campsite, left the heavy load and climbed the imposing &quot;Colmillo del Diablo&quot; (easy hike on a trail that goes around the back of the mountain).<br /> <br /> From Termas del Azufre climbing to the pass I followed a faint track on the steep loose slope instead of crossing at the first river ford. After a few hundred meters the track takes you to a flat wide rocky area (just before the slope becomes impossibly steep), where you can very easily ford the river (I didn't even get my feet wet).<br /> <br /> Plenty of buses Molina - Parque Inglés. But only one bus from el Médano - Los Cipreses to Talca, at around 7 am, which returns at 15:00. Only week days. Basic camping just in front of Los Cipreses shop (only ice cream, drinks, choco bars, biscuits): $4.000 pp.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 to 2022-Jan-15 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> Route: Parque Inglès -&gt; Laguna de las Animas -&gt; Termas de Azufre -&gt; Descabezado base camp -&gt; Laguna del Caracol -&gt; Laguna Hornitos -&gt; First bus stop on 115-CH<br /> <br /> The five nights we just spent in a tent was the longest stretch we have ever gone without a decent bed on a hike. We skipped Radal, Laguna Mondaca and Termas de Medano, but still hiked in 6 days what others did in 3-4. We're basically easing into the GPT, gaining some fitness and experience before taking on the harder challenges.<br /> <br /> As others have said: the views are otherworldly and stunning. We felt like Touaregs traveling from oasis to oasis in the Saharan desert. Except that there actually are plenty of springs and little rivers flowing in most valleys.<br /> <br /> Useful tidbits:<br /> <br /> - There really is no shade after El Bolsòn. Either you make your own (e.g., adapting your tent to not trap heat) or you dress like a Touareg (loose clothing fully blocking the sun). For us, this was the hardest to deal with. We got up early but often stopped hiking at 13:00, enjoying the lakes or even just sitting down doing nothing that takes energy.<br /> <br /> - High-heeled boots and long trousers work well to keep the sand out.<br /> <br /> - Confirming Shn0rhelez: going up from Termas de Azufre until the second ford indeed passes plenty of water, no need to carry any.<br /> <br /> - Laguna Hornitos is drying up and hence less beautiful than the other lakes. Maybe it's better to camp at the start of the Hornitos plateau (SOBO, so north entry) as the area is flat and there is reasonably clean running water there.<br /> <br /> - There is no bus to Talca from Los Cipreses on saturdays or sundays. We asked at the shop and got a ride to Colorado from the brother-in-law of the shopkeeper for 15000 CLP.<br /> <br /> - In supermarkets, you can buy alcohol desnaturalizado cheaply in the nail polish section, or alternatively, use alcohol de quemar from the combustibles section.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-26 to 2022-Jan-04 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / '''<br /> <br /> From Parque Inglés to the entrance of Reserva Achibueno<br /> Buy your ticket online for “El Bolsón” on the CONAF website and get to the trailhead before 3pm<br /> 4hrs hike to El Bolsón, a great place with waterfall, great views, nice camping spots, hikers<br /> TO CHECK: Bus from Molina to Parque Ingles leaves at 9 am (not positive) on week-ends and holidays <br /> Easy hitch from Radal to Parque Ingles coz lots of campers going there on week-ends<br /> Be careful a ranger told me the park closes on Mondays <br /> It took me around 4 days from Parque Siete Tazas Park entrance to the road Q115 (Central Cipreses)<br /> From Road 115 I hitched to a village by Colbún lake where I resupplied : good supermarkets (a little on the expensive side), food truck , pastry shop <br /> I didn't like Altos de Lircay NP : after El Bolson (4 hrs in) no fucking shade for 3 days and an half except that of a shelter a little off trail, blazing sun all day, sand sand sand, I found the place so inhospitable, monotonous sights : sand dunes for ever, quite some struggling pedalling in the soft sand, plus I had no gaiters (stupid me) and low heels shoes so that was a bummer. However the place is super special, feels like on the moon (beautiful pictures) and I can understand why many love it<br /> Some “hot springs” are actually just luke and others just a hole or boiling hot (I added these informations to the track and waypoints I sent to Jan Dudek) so don't be like me fantasizing all day on that fantastic bath you will get or wait for Jan's update (thanks so so much for all you do mate).<br /> After resupplying I hitched on option 7 XXX all the way the Mellado cañon (really nice, by the river all the time), communities. After hiking South from Carizales (which has a very limited “store”) I was short on time and food and realized bare landscapes over the tree line were not my cup of tea (I prefer hiking below 1700 m in this part of Patagonia) so I left RR and took another option all the way to the West to Reserva Achibueno which I really enjoyed : great landscapes, lakes, rivers and met some cool hikers and fishermen<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-09 to 2021-Dec-12 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / AR past Laguna Manatial Pelado / Vera &amp; James'''<br /> <br /> We arrived the day before at Parque Ingles and camped the night there. From Molina there is a bus to Radal at 5pm wed-fri, and direct to Parque Ingles on weekends. The only way to pay for park entry is online at www.aspticket.cl.<br /> <br /> As an aside, we really liked Molina. It has plenty for resupply whilst being nice and small. There is a fishing shop opposite the Santa Isabel supermarket that sells gas.<br /> <br /> Day 1 we headed up the RR as far as just above Laguna de las Animas by 2pm, a brutal climb in the midday sun! At this point the sun disappeared and clouds quickly rolled in, within 10 minutes lightning was hitting the peaks directly around us. We beat a hasty retreat back to El Bolsen and camped there.<br /> <br /> We decided to take the alternate route past Laguna Manatial Pelado. A beautiful route if hot and sandy. We have realised the best time time to take on a long, sandy ascent in sunny weather is very early in the morning, after 9am it was brutally hot. <br /> <br /> We then continued on the regular route. As has been said before, it's remote and stunning. We had some strong winds coming over Pass de Hornitos, and even some sleet on the final day!<br /> <br /> Arrived in Los Cipreses on a Sunday and we didn't see a single person except the security guard. We got mixed messages from him and then the mini shop owner about buses to Talca. I would assume there isn't one on a Sunday. We hitched to El Colorado then got a bus from there to Talca.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH to Laguna Manantial / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles I registered with Conaf, they record your route &amp; where you will camp. Deregistered by email later. Easy 3 hour walk to El Bolson, lots of people camping there but they don't go any further. Took optional route to Laguna Manantial. At 2160M there is a small meadow &amp; stream, this is last water &amp; last camp before the lake. You go over a pass @ 2560M then drop 80M to the lake. Camped on the lakeshore. <br /> Termas Blanquillo were only tepid. Camped on a small beach @ S end of Laguna de Los Hornos. The lake is nearly dried out, only a little semi stagnant water left. Best to carry water in from one of the streams a little above the lake. Last 11KM are on dirt roads, you could hitch easily if you want. Met 2 security guards, they were both friendly, no access problems if you are Southbound. Small campsite @ shop on way out. Amazing section, some tough uphill on sand but scenery is like Mars. Definitely use small gaiters or you will be emptying sand out of your shoes every 10 mins.<br /> <br /> At the end of GPT06 if you go on the north bank of Rio Maule the route is blocked by a cliff beyond Los Alamos &amp; you need to cross the river to continue. Better to go on the road. After 2KM on the road you pass 2 shops, better food selection than in El Medano. They have accommodation also. At Bridge 17 you can rejoin RR or continue on road but RR is nicer.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties:<br /> It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights:<br /> Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Shn0rhelez'''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles to El Medano southbound/main route ... 7 days duration(2 nights spent on laguna Las Animas)...section passable...Strong sun, no shadow after the park... Gaiters strongly recommended...the SUBsection between termas del azufre and second ford Before the pass (2700m) is full with water... my personal opinion is the backpack weight can be minimized... Good luck! <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-09 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Bruno &amp; Martin'''<br /> <br /> Parque Inglés to El Medano<br /> 5 days for this amazing section. We started in Parque Inglés in Radal 7 Tazas National Park. Had to wait for one more day because of limited hiking permits towards El Bolsón. 80 daily permits allowed and delivered at 8:30 in the morning, to be minded on weekends when the park is full. Followed Regular Route Laguna Las Ánimas, Azufre Hotsprings, Descabezado base camp, Laguna Caracol and then down to Los Cipreses. Cold section and bad weather towards the end, some rain and freezing wind. Had to camp in Laguna Caracol waiting for the storm to pass and hike the last pass. <br /> The use of lightweight gaiters is advised for keeping the sand out of your shoes.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles to El Medano. Very beautiful (and exposed) section. Lots of water. The track from Los Cipreses to El Medano suffered from a few landslides meaning the route was slower than anticipated. I would consider taking the road next time as there is no loss of scenery. We resupplied in El Medano by basically buying all the food at the tienda (60000 CP for food for two people for the next section). Selection was good enough. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR from Vilches Alto / Tyler &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> A Stunning section. Vilches Alto made for a great optional start; rather than returning to Parque Ingles. (We came from Talca by bus - 2100 CP). Entrance fee was 6000 and camping 3000 PP. All trails were beautiful and a bit more trodden that sections before. Arrieros at thermal pools (not hot) were welcoming and friendly for us to camp. We took our sweet time in the beautiful section. We bussed from the first road access (south of town Los Cipreses/ OH-MR-V@06-E-#001) to Talca for a good re supply before the long next section, 2200 CP. Bus leaves this stop around 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR with optional start coming from GPT 5 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 5 and 6 via optional trail. <br /> GPT06 took us 2 days and bit (first day we did just 4km from 6th section).<br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates.<br /> Nice sandy trails. Mornings were freezing cold. No problems while crossing rivers. After optional start regular trail didn't correspond with any trail. We finally took one on the right side and after while they merged. And I don't know who was so commited, but thanks for marking the trail 😊<br /> <br /> There is a small tienda with coke and crisps before entering a main road from Los Cipress. If you continue by main road toward El Medano there is restaurant Cordillera where we refueled again. Accomodation in El Medano. I will edit with ressuply options later. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-14 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (mainly) / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> As we came from GPT05 and didn't want to go all the way &quot;back&quot; to the Paso Las Animas, we tried the Optional Investigation Route which starts at Parque Ingles right at the other side (South) of Rio Claro. It leads through private property, so we went to the guard, showed him the CONAF Permit (we bought one just in case, and of course they said it's not possible to walk on the other side of the river), explained him that we would only hike through and gave him some cerezas. He informed his Colleagues via radio to let us pass. It was a nice and easy hike. Nothing to add to Linda's remarks for the rest of the trail.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Linda '''<br /> <br /> Start = Parque Ingles <br /> Finish = Las Termas El Medano<br /> <br /> GENERAL FEELING<br /> <br /> Amazing section !!!! Incredible mineral landscapes as soon as you go beyond Laguna Las Animas. It was tough because of the passes (and this was also my first hiking days and I carried too much food ... ) and the ground around the volcanoes is sand ! So it makes each step even more difficult. I loved the contrast between the areas around the volcanoes and the Laguna Caracol is just one of the most beautiful place I've ever seen !!! <br /> <br /> LOGISTICS<br /> <br /> - Bus from Molina to El Radal (off season and weekdays = only one bus at 5pm in Molina that stops in El Radal. Weekend : it goes directly to Parque Ingles and the schedule may also be different)<br /> <br /> - Hitchhiked from El Radal to Parque Ingles<br /> <br /> - First night in a camping in Parque Ingles = 5000 CLP<br /> <br /> - The day after, I had to register to CONAF. Office opening at 8:30 am. Entrance fee = 6000 CLP<br /> Some people (5 or 6) were going to El Bolson for the day but after Laguna Las Animas, there was absolutely nobody till the end !<br /> <br /> - Still snow when you go beyond the 2300 meters high<br /> <br /> - Be careful for the last pass Las Hornitos, a lot of snow at the top and it makes it impossible to follow the GPS track to go down. I found my way on the left when you face the valley and then got back to the GPS track<br /> <br /> - No problem to go out from the mine. Actually, workers I met on my way down to Los Cipreses suggestedto drop me by car to the main road. The guard was just smiling when he saw me in the car and when I told him I was hiking<br /> <br /> - Mini market where you can find basic food (eggs, spaghetti, chocolate ...) in Las Termas El Medano<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-07 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arnaud'''<br /> <br /> Amazing but hard section with a lot of denivelation. <br /> As we did not walk the section 5, we took the bus from Molina to Parque Ingles-7 Tazas (many buses, 4-5 buses per day). We registered to the Conaf Office and paid the entrance fee 6000 clp for foreigners. They gave us a mail adress so that we can announce our exit of the parque, to check the security.<br /> We walked the first 11km to the campspot El Bolson. It costs 4000 clp per person but has no interest. As the zone is protected, it is possible to freecamp only after el Bolson, before, it is prohibited.<br /> The Laguna Las Animas is very very beautiful and is welcome for a bath with the heat of this season.<br /> Then the paso las animas is easy and ashes are fun for downhills!<br /> We met nobody on the trail after el Bolson. So great! Except at one spot with termas with full of chilenos there.<br /> We lacked a bit of water at the laguna el Caracol but found 3kms further (just before the strong uphill) a source with drinkable water.<br /> No problem then to exit los cypress. We hitchhiked on the road with workers until the road to los Medanos.<br /> We stayed one day in los termas de los Medanos, at the camping and exit quickly (too many noise, people). The water is hot and nice after a hard section like this one. <br /> We resupplied at los termas (with pasta, arros, pancito, manjar). No gas available there.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> You need to carry all the food for the entire trail. There is no food supply after Parque Ingles. If you meet arrieros at one of the Puestos you may ask for some goat or lamb meet but if you are not ready to take an entire or at least half an animal they may be reluctant to sell. Refill your water supply at the marked river crossings and the camps. In between these waypoints your will find only ocasinally some trickling water because water trickles away easily into the volcanic soil.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> <br /> * 02-2025 / Clara : <br /> Los alamos : Hostal la Riviera 25k/n con desayuno. Possible to have lunch and dinner also (9500). <br /> <br /> El colorado is a good for full resupply. Several bus per days to and from Talca. 1 per day to and from El medano<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2023 / Michael and Kasia<br /> Molina: Hostal Nativos is three blocks off the main square. Run by very nice people, they have private rooms with shared bathroom for 25.000 CLP for the room. They also have a nice garden area with space if you need to clean gear. Ferreteria Franco had gas canisters for stoves. Unimarc on the plaza had cans for recharging, but didn't carry the screw route for stoves.<br /> <br /> * 2021 / Vera &amp; James<br /> <br /> Molina: It has plenty for resupply whilst being nice and small. There is a fishing shop opposite the Santa Isabel supermarket that sells gas.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> * 2022 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> <br /> Los Cipresses: small shop (only ice cream, drinks, choco bars, biscuits) + camp with cold shower, toilets, electricity and access to the river, all for 5000 for 2 people. We even got sandwiches for dinner as there was no other place around to eat. <br /> <br /> * 2022 7 Anna&amp;Christopher <br /> <br /> El Médano: The shop there has pasta, rice, bread, tomato salsa, mayo, chips, biscuits/chocolate and suncreme (but quite pricey).<br /> In El Médano we camped for 6k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> * 2020 / Frank <br /> After 2KM on the road after Los Alamos (to El Medano) you pass 2 shops, better food selection than in El Medano. They have accommodation also.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route= <br /> <br /> ==Parque Ingles==<br /> <br /> During the main season in January and February several buses go from Molina and Curico to Radal and some even go all the way to Parque Ingles. Outside of the main season there is only one daily bus from Molina to Radal leaving in the afternoon from the rural bus station in Molina.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> The Bus between Molina and Parque Ingles is run by the company &quot;Buses Hernández&quot;. You can check the departure times on their website.<br /> <br /> *2020 / Frank In summer there are 6 buses a day Molina-Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> Mon-Sat they leave Molina @ 10:20, 11:30, 12:40, 3PM, 6:15PM, 8:15 PM Sunday Molina- Parque Ingles 7:45, 9:30, 2PM, 7:30PM, 10PM 2 hours to Parque Ingles, buses leave from terminal near main plaza in Molina. Parque Ingles-Molina 7:10, 11, 1PM, 3:45PM, 4:45PM, 6:30PM Mon-Sat Sun. 10:30, 1:30PM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM, 6:45PM <br /> <br /> *2019/ Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> ==Los Cipreses / El Medano ==<br /> <br /> * Dec 2024 / Sean <br /> One bus a day from El Medano to Talca 7:15 and Talca to El Medano 15:00 Monday to Saturday:<br /> [[Archivo:IMG-20241229-WA0000.jpg|thumbnailimage|Talca bus timetable December 2024 - Sean]]<br /> <br /> <br /> * 7 am in front of Los Cipreses - someone has to call in advance for the bus to go all the way to el Médano - loads of tourists there, though, so someone might have called. Other connections should be at 9:15 and 17:20 (one at 1620 l3aves from further downstream). The other way around, the buses leave Talca at 7, 13, 15 and 19, according to the schedule at Talca bus station.<br /> <br /> *This trail section finished at the Route 115 to Talca. Big road with many cars (hitchhiking possible)<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé <br /> <br /> From Los Cipreses only one bus at 7am. We hitchiked to El Colorado where plenty of buses are going down to Talca for 2 000 CLP (+ 400 CLP per bag)<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Natalie &amp; Tomáš <br /> <br /> Buses from Talca to la Mina go at; 7:00am, 1:00pm (only to la Suiza), 3:00pm and 7:00pm. <br /> Vilches: bus clearly did not follow the posted schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus. <br /> <br /> * 2022 / Veronika &amp; Jo <br /> <br /> - There is no bus to Talca from Los Cipreses on saturdays or sundays. We asked at the shop and got a ride to Colorado from the brother-in-law of the shopkeeper for 15000 CLP.<br /> <br /> == Vilches ==<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Natalie &amp; Tomáš <br /> <br /> Bus clearly did not follow the posted schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * CONAF does register all trekkers at Parque Ingles (GPT01-WP004) but does not charge an entrance fee. Camp fires are not permitted within the national park that reaches from Radal (GPT01-WP001) to the Laguna las Ánimas (GPT01-WP013).<br /> <br /> * 2024 SOBO Permit required at Parque Inglés:<br /> - payment 8500 Pesos online! (not in cash) with online your Conaf account<br /> <br /> https:// shop.pasesparques.cl/evento/2564/radal-siete-tazas<br /> <br /> - offline formular at Conaf station<br /> <br /> - payment 7000 Pesos for Campsite El Bolsón in Cash (not possible with credit card, 200m from Conaf Station)<br /> <br /> * 2023<br /> <br /> When starting from Vilches and going northbound, a permit to access the Volcano (or the Condor Circuit) is required. CONAF won't let you enter in Altos de Lircay without it. Call them or write an email to get the correct number. The number ending with 554 works on WhatsApp, and a WhatsApp message from the land owner counts as &quot;written permission&quot;. Moreover, you have to pay the entrance fee to the reserve and it is closed on Mondays in March.<br /> <br /> *2023 <br /> <br /> Start at Parque Ingles: <br /> Entry ticket for Bolsón overnight needed: $10 USD (book it before online at www.aspticket.cl + get to the trailhead before 13:00) It needs to be purchased online in advance. There is good Entel service at the gate for last minute purchases. After purchase one change can be made to the date of the ticket, and there is no additional charge. After that you need to repurchase the ticket. Entrance for the camping permit is until 13:00. After that they refuse entry.<br /> In addition, you need to show CONAF proof of permission to camp at Bolsón, even if you do not plan to camp there. Bolsón is a privately operated concession within the park. Camping is 7.000 CLP pp and you buy the tickets at Rocas Basalticas campground about 50 meters down the road on the opposite side of the street from the entrance. The only way around this is to have contacted land owners that live beyond the park boundary and show CONAF proof of permission to camp on their land.<br /> They also require that you show them your gas stove, as all other cooking systems (alcohol, wood, etc.) are prohibited within the park, so have it handy.<br /> <br /> The parc can be entered illegally in the morning (around 7 pm).<br /> <br /> * 2019<br /> <br /> Optional start Vilches Alto: Entrance fee was 6000 and camping 3000 PP.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT06 - Volcán Descabezado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:18 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|In the huge ash field]]<br /> [[File:10 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (9).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT06 - Volcán Descabezado]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (5).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Greater Patagonian Trail]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (17).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Cerro Azul]].]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (11).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 6]]<br /> [[File:01 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, El Bolsón.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|El Bolsón]]<br /> [[File:02 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving El Bolsón.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Leaving El Bolsón]]<br /> [[File:03 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:04 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Las Ánimas.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Las Ánimas]]<br /> [[File:05 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Pass 2560 m.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Pass 2560 m]]<br /> [[File:06 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Approaching Laguna Mondaca.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Approaching Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:07 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Mondaca.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:08 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, that bypasses Laguna Mondaca.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Bypasses Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:09 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:11 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Termas de Azufre.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Termas de Azufre]]<br /> [[File:12 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:13 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:16 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:17 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:19 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:20 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:21 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:23 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:24 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:25 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:26 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande]]<br /> [[File:27 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande]]<br /> [[File:28 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:29 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:31 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:32 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:33 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:34 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:35 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:37 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:38 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:39 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:40 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:41 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:43 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos.jpg|Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:44 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:45 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:46 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:47 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:48 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT06_(Descabezado)&diff=122426 2025-08-09T09:10:28Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> = Overview =<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 06 options.png|450px|right|GPT 06 route options]]<br /> <br /> ===Routes===<br /> Section 6 leads through the spectacular landscape of the Descabezado volcano. There are three main routes: the regular GPT route, from Parque Ingles to La Mina / Los Cipreses (or vice versa), the Condor Circuit from Parque Ingles to Vilches, which is also popular with non-GPT hikers, and the longer, off-the-beaten-path Descabezado Circuit, which begins at Laguna del Maule and ends in La Mina. Optional trips to volcano peaks include Descabezado Grande, Descabezado Chico and Volcán Azul.<br /> <br /> ===Right of way issues===<br /> Most variations of section 6 will pass by Don Victor at km45.5 of the regular route. Even if you don't pass by there, you are likely to meet him at some point on the trail. He requires prior authorization to go through his land, although only some hikers have been able to obtain such authorization, since he seems to not always reply to messages. Without authorization, it is advisable to try to avoid him, especially on the way into his land, since he might turn you around. This makes a start from Vilches unadvisable. You can minimize the probability of meeting Don Victor by taking a CC route closer to Descabezado Grande, described by Natalie below (as of March 2024 this route is not yet part of the track files), but this is not an easy route, especially if there is snow. An alternative is to do the Descabezado Circuit, but finish in Parque Ingles. This shorter circuit still goes through via almost all highlights, but entirely avoids Don Victor. You can also connect to section 5, which similarly avoids him.<br /> <br /> Starting from Parque Ingles also has restrictions, see the trip reports below. In particular, there are only a limited number of hikers allowed, and you should not disclose your plans to go via Don Victor's land if you don't have authorization.<br /> <br /> Notice that starting from La Mina requires authorization from the hydro company. See the GPT manual on section 6 for details.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT06 Option 6 (Entrada San Carlos): The right-of-way conflicts and entry restrictions made me look for other options. This new option provides a possible alternative entry route that is reasonable well visible on satellite images but so far not verified and recorded. Access by bus should be relatively easy as the trail head is lower down in the valley where bus frequency is higher. I suggest a northbound investigation somewhen in December to more easily return if the access at San Carlos is denied. the first mandatory river crossing is rather high up in sedimented areas where fording should not be utterly difficult. It's probably also a quite attractive route.<br /> <br /> - GPT06 Option 3 (Cumbre Descabezado Grande): This group of high routes include tracks that avoid getting close to the puesto of Don Victor where permit requirements apply. Especially hikers that consider climbing to the summit of Descabezado Grande may simply stay in an altitude between 2500 m and 3100 m to avoid contact with Don Victor. Remaining snow early in the season may make these high routes difficult and unsafe before January.<br /> <br /> - Eastern routes of GPT05 and GPT06: A demanding but very attractive option is combining GPT05 and GPT06 in one long hike. Combining both sections and taking the remote optional routes east of Descabezado Grande avoids all right-of-way conflicts but the terrain is demanding and the river crossings on section GPT05 must not be underestimated. to avoid the river crossings of GPT05 someone may hike these eastern routes in northbound direction and exit on the Regular Route of GPT06 at Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): The upper Rio Colorado provides large pastures where countless cows and horses feet each summer. It is not entirely clear to me on which routes these animals are driven up to their pastures at the beginning of the season. The new Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo) documents two suspected routes. Older satellite images show two bridges that were destroyed somewhen in 2023 and it remains unclear to me which of these bridges were rebuild. Fording these large rivers seams not feasible especially early in the season. Anyway, in season 2024/2025 lots of animals were up in the valley so I suspect that at least one of these two bridges was rebuild. It would be brilliant if someone asks local residents which bridges were rebuild and investigates these routes. Once verified, one of the two routes might become the new Regular Route of GPT06 that avoids the entry restrictions of the National Parks (Parque Ingles, Vilches Alto). Also, walking up the valley of Rio Colorado is very attractive and two hot springs add to pleasure of this route. Note that this option of GPT05 avoids the often demanding crossing of Rio Negro and the steep ascent or descent Cuesta Las Hormigas.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 to 2025-03-26 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 05 + OH 01C + OH 01B + OH 01 + RR + RR GPT 5 + OH GPT 5 H + RR / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Now a permit is needed to hike in the Descabezado area. I wrote Tamara Galdames (+56987397559) to apply for this permit. I had to print a form, fill it out and send her pictures of it together with my passport. The permit costs 25k per person. Tell her that you need to make the transferencia with &quot;Caja Vecina&quot;. She will give you the information. Then you go to a shop with &quot;Caja Vecina&quot; sign, show them her message and pay 25k cash. They will make the transferencia for you and give you a piece of paper. Send a picture of it to Tamara. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the 7:15am bus from Talca to Vilches Alto. Bought the entrance for Reseva National Altos de Lircay online and showed Conaf it and gave them the paper from Tamara (the one i filled out). Could start hiking without issues. Lot's of dayhikers at this weekend. Took OH 01C and was alone for the rest of the day. Trail was in good condition, but less obvious than the trails in the Reserva. It's marked with cairns. Found a great camp with flowing water here: -35.513935, -70.910756<br /> <br /> Day 2: Hiked CC to the MR of OH 01. Continued to the RR and hiked to Laguna Animas. Met friendly Arrieros together with lots of cattle. Hiked RR of GPT 5 to have a look at Laguna Mondaca. Very steep downhill, but easy with the soft sand. Magic moment when 10 condors circled above me in the sky. Skipped detour to Laguna Mondaca, because the hot springs were calling. GPT OH 05H was tricky and dangerous. The flat part leads through a very large boulderfield, not difficult but tiring + slow. Ford {06} [24.6+1.5/1590] was knee high and had a strong current. Later a big stone i was stepping fell down together with me. Hurt my elbow. Met two germans, they told me the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre is eroded and now very difficult. I tried to follow the suggestion of GPT track, but it was very difficult and dangerous. The lower part of the mountain is indeed very eroded. Climbed a very steep mountainside with loose ground and also loose rocks to get to the trail. Can't recommend this, i slipped in the beginning. When i reached the trail, it was ok. Enjoyable evening in the hot springs, but not so good night with ground heating. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Trail was in mostly in good conditions, only the beginning was not always easy to follow. <br /> Ford {06} [29.4/2190] was knee high. Ford {06} [32.5/2565] was low, but not dry. Views from <br /> Pass {06} [33.8/2695] (El Estadio) and while hiking down were incredible! Easy hiking until <br /> Hot Spring {06} [45.6/1881] (Banos del Blanquillo, lukewarm, only 20 C). Had time left and did a detour to Laguna Blanquillo. Was not really worth it, because at 5pm the Laguna had no sun. Spend the night together with a guided group with local arriero at Baños Blanquillo. They spoiled me with tasty dinner, was a very good evening. Their Guide Barbara speaks english very well, knows everything in Maule region, she even found a new yet unknown flower! If someone is interested in guided tours (options depending on the clients) in Maule region she can help you: +56992599639. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Easy hiking 'til Laguna Caracol. Hiked CC to the crater lake next to Laguna Caracol: incredible! Camp {06} [56.3/2034] is sooo beautiful! Also had a look at Laguna Turbia and in Cráter Los Quillayes. The ascent to Pass {06} [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) was very exhausting with the afternoon heat, but great views! Dark clouds and thunder came, hurried down until Camp {06} [62.2/1999]. Only few drops of rain, i liked this place to camp and enjoyed the stars. Water flowing next to the spot. Was my favorite day according to the views.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Easy hiking 'til the MR. Ford {06} [63.4/1909] was rock hopping. Appletree before Los Cipreses. At <br /> Gate {06} [78.9/865] (Central Hidroelectrica Isla) i had to explain where i came from and whether i registered with Carabinieros (no). Got a hitch until a bus stop near Armerillo, where i took a bus to Talca. Can recommend Hostel 1760 - relaxed place to stay!<br /> <br /> Summary: GPT 6 is absolutely stunning. Most tiring was the sand: had tons of it in my shoes although wearing gaiters. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-24 to 2025-03-28 / 4,5 days / SOBO / RR, Option 2, 3 (Descabezado), 6a, 6D (Cumbre Descabezado) / Thijmen Scholten'''<br /> <br /> As for the permit I met mister Victor and he was not happy to meet me without permit. So if you want to take the RR route apply for a permit (described by Thomas)! If you don't want to, take the high mountain route (variant 2 and 3). Even though you are still on his terrain, you will probably avoid him this way. Going SOBO CONAF will ask for this permit so you have to say you just go to EL Bolson (buy a ticket online?) or you have to sneak past (like Volker explained). <br /> <br /> - First day I hitched from Molina to Parque Ingles , I did not have any ticket or permit but luckely it was Monday which meant CONAF was closed and I could just walk trough the gate on the trail. <br /> <br /> - I met the guard of El Bolson campsite and he was cool with me passing by, even though the park was closed. I wanted to pay him the entrance fee but he wouldn't accept it. <br /> - Camped after the pass at water point 22.0. water point 17.8 before the pass is also a good campspot. <br /> <br /> - Look out after the pass on option 02H that you do not decent too much. I had to climb 200m up again <br /> <br /> - Continued to the high mountain route (02H). There is no water here so fill up at the indicated ford. It's muddy glacial water so if you want to have clear water you have to fill up before the pas. Camped at camp without water. <br /> <br /> - It would have been nice to have some gaiters and sunglasses <br /> <br /> - Summit Descabezado. Take route 03 don't follow the track perfectly but walk on the rocky ridge that's the easiest way to get up. <br /> <br /> - I wanted to climb Vulcan Azul on the same day but when I got to the start of the climb it looked like it was a sandy accent. So I returned packed my tent and went down. Afterwards when I saw the summit from a distance next day I regretted it. I went down to RR and camped at Laguna del Caracol. <br /> <br /> - Next day option 06A which is nice if you have enough time. <br /> <br /> - Look out that you take the right las Hornitos pass and not the one before, I had to climb up again -_-.<br /> <br /> - Camped at Laguna los hornos and next morning down and got a ride from the workers to Talca. <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-19 to 2025-03-23 / 5 days / NOBO / RR +OH06 / Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We took the bus from talca to los alamos at 3pm.<br /> We stayed at the hotel la rivera. Nice place for 35,000 pesos per night with breakfast for 2 people.<br /> You need to ask tamara for permission to cross her father's land (+56987397559) . She'll ask you to fill in a form and you'll have to pay 25,000 pesos per person, but she authorizes a minimum of 2 people.<br /> You also need to fill in the Google form to cross the nobo hydroelectric plant in los alamos, and to get permission from the carabineros at la mina.<br /> Day 1:<br /> We started from Los Alamos and went through the hydroectrical central. We went up to the laguna Los Hornitos and camped at camp 62.2. Very exhausting to walk in the sand. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> We went up to the pass 59.3 and walked option 6. Camped close to Hot spring 45.6 (not warm). <br /> Day 3 : went up to the Azufre Hot spring, you walk all day long in the sand, a bit exhausting. We camped down the two hot bath and the ground was very warm. We didn’t sleep very well because of that.<br /> Day 4 : walked RR up to camp El Bolson, not difficult <br /> <br /> Day 5 : we ended up at Parque Ingles and took the bus at 5PM up to El Radal (we were on sunday).<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-18 to 2025-03-23 / 5.5 days / NOBO / Option 3 (Cumbre Descabezado) + OH-CC-A {06-02H} + RR / Tim &amp; Tobias'''<br /> <br /> We did a relaxed hike through this beautiful section. Got the permission to enter NOBO (Los Cypreces) from natali.veloso@enel.com within 3 days. Visit the carabineros in Colorado, they printed and stamped the form and we hitched to the entry. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Went up to Camp {06} [62.2/1999] at 11 a.m from the security guard, where we had to fill in another form. Struggled a bit on the way up because Río Cipreces is dried out and we had little water. Last source is Bridge {06} [72.4/1018] (NOBO).<br /> <br /> Day 2: To avoid Don Victor, we took Option 3 and camped beside a little Glaciar at -35.60736 -70.78212, close to Camp NO Water {06-03} [5.9/2542]. Filtert the water from the Glaciar. Great spot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Took Option 3 to get up to the top of the volcano. Loose sand, difficult but stunning day. Decided to stay another day at the camp beside Glaciar. We highly recommend to take this option to get up to the summit because it is much faster than OH-CC-A {06-03A}. Thank you Adrian for the advice!<br /> <br /> Day 4: Went OH-CC-A {06-02H} and RR to hot spring Azure, where we camped. It stinks a bit during the night, but the hot springs have perfect temperatures.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Short day on RR to laguna las animas. Enjoyed the hot springs in the morning, took some fotos with condors. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Went down to Parque Ingles without difficulties.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-MAR-10 to 2025-MAR-15 / 6,5 days / Hiking / Alex, Andrey, Anton / GPT06 NOBO (Option7, Option2, Option8: a new traverse of the Calabozos volcano), GPT05 SOBO (RR)'''<br /> This traverse from Laguna Maule to Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas offers a memorable—and surprisingly straightforward—journey from south to north. Although not technically difficult, the route presents extended stretches of deep sand and volcanic ash that demand physical endurance.<br /> Key Considerations:<br /> There are numerous sections without a defined trail; navigation relies on waypoint guidance.<br /> Glaciers lie concealed beneath sand in several locations—refer to waypoint comments for exact coordinates and cautionary notes.<br /> Reliable water sources are found throughout the route.<br /> Early‑season fords can be hazardous; plan crossings carefully and monitor snowmelt levels.<br /> Our newly established Calabozos volcano traverse direction from the southern approach is strongly advised. The northern slopes feature steep, deep‑sand sections that are more strenuous when tackled uphill.<br /> Mondaca Valley bears signs indicating private property. During our traverse, valley guards granted passage without issue, but this should not be assumed as guaranteed access. Exiting via Mondaca Valley tends to be easier than entering.<br /> The track and more photos at Wikiloc:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/sand-traverse-laguna-maule-to-reserva-nacional-radal-siete-tazas-205862875<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-09 to 2025-02-14 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1 (Altos de Lircay) 01, RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> To avoid Camp Bolson and CONAF we started by taking the Option 1 (Altos de Lircay) 01, which is really beautiful but we recommend taking more water than usual when coming across some water spots since most of the rivers are dry. After completing the Option we continued on the main route until the end.<br /> <br /> Travel: <br /> We started from Parque Ingles. Got there by taking a train from Santiago to Curico. After that we took a bus to Molina and another one driving to Parque Ingles. Worked without any complications. Did cost all together around 50 euros for the two of us. <br /> <br /> Permissions: <br /> As mentioned by other people it is really hard to contact Don Victor. We wrote him a text message but we didn’t get an answer. We talked with Don Victor and got to know a really kind and respectful man, who simply tries to keep his land less crowded and free of trash. As Thomas describes in his section log, permits are available through his daughter. The number is provided by Thomas. Therefore it is necessary that every hiker who is trying to hike GPT06 is doing their utmost to get the permission from Don Victors daughter in order to respect his land and his priorities. If you are not able to get a permission the best and only option is to skip this section and continue with a different one. <br /> Since we didn’t have an official permit we tried to avoid CONAF as recommended which worked out fine for us by taking an alternative route in the beginning to avoid Camp Bolson. Not getting the CONAF permission and trying to avoid them was a mistake we aren’t proud of and wouldn’t do again. We don’t recommend doing it this way. The experience can be enjoyed way more when getting every permission necessary before starting with the hike. <br /> <br /> Resupply: <br /> There is no way to resupply on the trail. After the trail there is the possibility in Los Alamos to resupply in a small shop which got everything a hiker needs. We were also offered an apartment for one night in Los Alamos. It included a kitchen, a bath and two sleeping dorms for 46 euros per night. The name of the owner is Samuel.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 5/5<br /> Difficulty: 3/5<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-15 to 2025-FEB-17 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 5 and 6.<br /> Joined section 6 at the hot springs [27.4/1986]. Got there around 7 pm. And there were two Chilean guys sitting in a hot pool so I joined. It was good to finally meet someone. <br /> <br /> I took the lower camping spot and the ground was a bit warm, so the night wasn’t cold. <br /> <br /> Next day, I went up to the pass. The soft sand makes the climb hard. The way down to the refugio was easier, but still not easy. No sign of Don Victor. The Chileans entered via Parque Inglés and didn’t know about him at all. <br /> <br /> The landscape is out of this world and amazing, but the suck factor on the sand is high for me. I got to camp at km 56.3. Beautiful place for camping. But very cold night. I left the water bottle in the tent vestibule and there was a good amount of ice in it in the morning. <br /> <br /> The last climb was an again challenging for me. Also because I got a cold and I was cold, so I didn’t sleep much. <br /> <br /> Then the way down is more sand. I wanted to get it over with, so I was going fast, around 2000 vertical m/hour. When I got to the gravel road, I had sand everywhere. I do have light gaiters, but they just couldn’t keep up. <br /> <br /> Then it was just a few hours in the heat on the road. I got to the small shop after the bridge over Rio Maule. Got ice cream and coke for 3500 or so. <br /> <br /> Then I washed in the river and tried to hitch hike to Talca. I stayed there from 17:15 to 18:00, but no luck. Not many cars to begin with. So I got to Hostal La Rivera as somebody suggested. Single room with breakfast was 25 USD and together with pasta for dinner and beer it was 35 USD or 36000 pesos. Paid by debit card. I will take the 7 am bus from Medano to Talca. Should be here on the main road around 7:20. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-02-10 to 2025-02-13 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 5 (vilches alto), option 3 (Descabezado Grande), RR / Thomas '''<br /> <br /> As right-of-way issues increased recently, and parque ingles CONAF seemed to be more and more intransigent, I chose to take my chances on Vilches Alto entry (which is easily reached by direct bus from Talca).<br /> I arrived on sunday morning but the park was closed with wildfire red alert. I waited there the opening on next morning. <br /> Walking at the park entrance, I was lucky and met Sebastian, Anete y Tono which was started the Condor Circuit. A week ago, they contacted Don Victor daughter, Tamara, which gave a permit to cross the property. Rangers verified carefuly the permit to let them go. I take my chance then and contact Tamara to ask the same permit. <br /> <br /> &gt;&gt; There is usefull information to planify GPT6 with serenity : <br /> <br /> - From this year, Don Victor's family exiges a permit to enter the property in order to limit the area crowd and waste associated<br /> <br /> - Permits are given by Tamara Galdames, Don Victor daughter : +56987397559<br /> <br /> - She asks for passport picture and a bank transfer of 25,000 per persona to make the permit<br /> <br /> - She told me that she only give permit to 3 people or more<br /> <br /> - CONAF rangers (at least at Vilches) verify very carefully the Tamarla autorization<br /> <br /> - Don Victor checks also every hiker/horse rider he can see at this period (at least between laguna Caracole and Refugio Blanquillo)<br /> <br /> So I was very lucky to met Sebastian &amp; co and I told her I can walk with them, and she said OK. A ranger directly called Tamarly after to make sure I'm not tcheating.<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Vilches Alto &gt; Valle Venado camping <br /> No difficulties, a lot of shadow during the ascent, good views from the valle venado mirador. The camping is fine (shower) but without spectacular view. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : Valle Venado &gt; Camp without water {06-03} [5,9] <br /> Path to Blanquillo refuge is well marked (also a lot of horse poop). Only difficulty : a water canal crossing at the end of the Blanquillo lake (water until my hips with 1m77), but without any flow. <br /> I met Don Victor at Blanquillo refuge which verified my permit (I show him my WhatsApp conversation with Tamara and it was fine). Then he was pretty warm with me and show me water source. <br /> The beginning of Descabezado ascent is well marked equally. At Camp without water [3,3], it becomes easy CC to the second camp [5,9].<br /> Amazing moon landscape there !!<br /> <br /> Day 3 : Descabezado ascent &gt; Laguna de los Hornos by the RR<br /> Start at 6:40, summit at 9:20, only 35min to get back to the camp. Wonderfull sunlights on the moonfield and area volcanos. The way up is demanding, but without any difficulty issue (I followed option 3). The only water source near of the trail is the glaciar crater at this time. <br /> I returned to Blanquillo refuge to get water and met Don Victor and his guests again. They asked me about the volcan and we tchated about previous visitor incivilities and how they want to limit affluence in there. <br /> Then I followed RR SOBO without any issue during the rest of the day until Laguna de los Hornos where I camped. Very scenic and variated views, I definitively recomand this part of RR ! <br /> Near los Hornos, I met a group with guid, horses and montain bike which has been kindly returned by Don Victor the day before at the laguna Caracole because they don't have the permit (and potentially because Victor doesn't like the idea of bikes on the montain...).<br /> <br /> Day 4 morning : Laguna Los Hornos &gt; Los Cipreses<br /> The Volcan los Hornitos ascent and tour worth the extra mile. Easy sandy descent to the minor road and half hitchhike the minor road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-02-05 to 2025-02-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR/ Emilie '''<br /> <br /> Day 1: departed from Molina at 9:30 with the bus. Arrived at the trail (parque ingles) and had purchased a day pass for the park. Seeing my big backpack the guards asked me where I was planning to sleep, I said laguna the las animas and they said I couldn’t go there without proper authorization. I then asked if I could simply change my plans and sleep at el bolson (campsite inside the park) and they said it was full for the next 2 days. I was really disappointed and asked where I could find some wifi to look at other passes/trails I could do, they sent me 3kms down at the Conaf office of Radal Sieste Tazas. I walked about 300m and saw the gate and decided to try my luck and jump it to bypass them. It worked although I was really stressed and surely enough I ran into a guard on a motorcycle checking the entry permits. I showed him the day pass but Conaf is supposed to give a registration card which I did not have. He asked me how I came in and I had to explain that I jumped the gate. He was ready to send me back (VHF radio in hand and all) but I asked him if I could try to explain myself which I did, showed him my planned route, explained that I knew abt don victor etc, I told him I would be out of the park by nightfall. He agreed to let me pass but it was a close one. You should definitely buy a pass for el bolson campsite, even if you don’t camp there, you look suspicious with your backpack. Went all the way to laguna las animas and camped there. <br /> <br /> Day 2: started my day with an encounter with wild horses! They ran towards me, there were about 15 of them! Saw them running down a hill up until 2m of me, they were curious and friendly. It’s was surreal. Camped at S (35.508517° O 70.751605°) on an empty pasture that was not wet. <br /> <br /> Day 3: woke up to that empty pasture being filled with cows! One was trying to snatch my bag which woke me up. They were curious and friendly aswell. Hiked until the Refugio camped right next to it (S 35.594815° O 70.825999°) there were other Chileans aswell. All super friendly!<br /> <br /> Day 4: my feet were extremely blistered after day 3. I initially wanted to hike up the volcano but decided for an afternoon at the beach instead to rest my feet; hiked about 8km until Laguna del Caracol where I spent the afternoon, reading swimming and cooking, it was great. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it was a big day, I hiked all the way to water at [73.5/1014] camped right next to it on the shore of the river (S 35.775444° O 70.802768°). Initially wanted to camp at Laguna de los Hornos but the lake seemed pretty eutrophized (? Not sure if it’s the right word) and I did not want to drink it, even filtered. Since it’s downhill from there, it wasn’t too too long. <br /> <br /> Day 6: hiked the remaining few Kms and hitchhiked to Talca. If ever you need accomodation here Hostel 1760 is like a peaceful haven; 30 000cpl and there’s a pool and the rooms are around an interior garden with a fountain. Exactly what I needed. <br /> <br /> The takeaway is to definitely not underestimate the terrain, it is rough on your feet, the sand and dust will stick to your face and lips which made me feel thirsty all the way, I always started the day with 2,5L of water which isn’t necessary since there are a lot of streams but I was still always glad to not have to ration my drinking. The river crossing for me was knee high, not sure if I crossed at the wrong place, the water was lower or if I’m especially tall;) did not meet don victor. <br /> <br /> *'''2Fev2025 - 6fev2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH2A-2-2H - OH3A-3 - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles : I did the same as Volker (see below) to enter the park cause I couldn't buy a ticket for the park the day before. But I was afraid and I think it would have been bad if I encountered a park ranger. Hopefully I didn't and they didn't ask for park reservation at El Bolson Camping. When I said that I won't come back by this path but go further he didn't say anything (only the owner).<br /> <br /> Camp at laguna las animas. Very nice camp spot and lake to swim. No shade. Some stonewall to pitch the tent and protect a bit from the wind.<br /> <br /> Ford 29.4 : not so easy, up to mid thighs (1.57) but fast flowing in the begining of afternoon. Then it's a loooong way up in soft volcanic sand, very physical. Lot's of water all the way up till ford 32.5. Then there are also still some smaller water flowing around begining of OH2H and the place I camped.<br /> <br /> Camp here -35,54404, -70,75932 : I found a good wind protected spot (for the NNO wind, less for the NNE of the night end but hopefully it decreased) and I made an almost flat spot there. There is multiple little streams with good water flowing just around that spot.<br /> <br /> Up to the pass on 2H was easier that I thought but walking down (or more traverse) on the other side was way more harder. Very steep ups and downs in some canyons in soft sand or sometimes big but no stable rocks, snow covered by sand. Last and only water for now after the pass of 2H is at the ford. Took me almost 4h to get to OH3A.<br /> <br /> I took an OSM path before 3A to gain few meters, a trail is well visible when you arrive from 2H. Around 2900m I went CC to joined OH3A and I found on the way, few meters left to the 3A tracks, some footsteps going up on either big stable rocks or not so soft sand until around 3300m, looks easier than exactly on tracks for the ascent ! Then it's physical soft sand. Went with very small backpack and took me a bit more than 3h to the summit. Descent way much faster.<br /> <br /> Descending at Don Victor refuge, I met a group of chileans. They offered me harina tostada and food (maybe when they see my terrible face after this exhausting day), and we ended up sharing dinner, fried fishes and evening there. If I understood well, they told me that since this year, Don Victor make people pay (25k?!) to camp at his place (or just pass through?), not the locals but the tourists. But since he was not here I didn't need to care about this.<br /> <br /> They learned me their fishing technic the day after at Laguna del Caracol and I had 2!! (They had 10kg in half day). Magic encounters with theses so generous and nice persons. Camp at 62.2 (just a bit upper than the waypoint) is nice.<br /> <br /> Nothing special to add for the last day except not much workers going down the MR even on week days.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-20 to 2024-01-22 / 2.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR, option 2 &amp; 2H, option 3 &amp; 3A (Ascended Descabezado), Variants G / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Plenty of available water from the pass to Descabezado (option 2), however no water available on the climb up. Almost no water around Descabezado, but was able to locate small flow from a snow field. No water available south of Descabezado until end of option 3.<br /> <br /> Descabezado climb took approx 4.5 hours, 1 hour descent. Incredibly draining due to soft ground and fall-line trail.<br /> <br /> Shop at bridge after Los Cipreses had snacks and accomodation but not appropriate for resupply. <br /> <br /> Hostal La Rivera in Los Alamos offered great accommodation for 50,000 CLP per night (including desayuno). Hostal able to provide lunches and dinner.<br /> <br /> Almarcen in Los Alamos looked like it had good options but was closed in afternoon (4pm) and morning (10am) and no one was around.<br /> <br /> Minimarket in La Mina had limited options, possible but difficult resupply.<br /> <br /> Minimarket in El Medano had slightly better options, but still limited resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''25-01-13- 25-01-18/ 5,5 days / SOBO/ RR-OH2A-OH2H-OH3-OH3A-OH4-OH3-RR / Volker / Flowers on the moon… Just a magic section / Parque Ingles - Volcan Descabezado Grande - Volcan Azul - Laguna del Caracol - La Mina'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bus from Molina, terminal rural, to Parque Ingles at 8.20. Started there at 10.30. Avoided Conaf: The bus carried a group for the camping in P.I. and stopped 200m after the Conaf. Instead of going back to register (or taking the MR of OH1) I turned left before the bridge and walked on a path along Rio Claro, a fence to my left. After 500m an open gate allows you to go left and enter a huge camping (nobody there). At the very end of the camping the fence is down, once out, I walked CC to join the RR. Minimum three dozens of young Chileans on their way to El Bolson, when I arrived, still nobody there except the owner, who asked me to register. I told him, I go to Laguna Las Animas - all fine. Camped at the Laguna, short day.<br /> <br /> Day 2: 30 min after the Laguna another, smaller lake with camp spots. At the pass I made the short detour for Cerro Las Animas (nice view back on the Laguna) then along volcanic slopes with a lot of various flowers to the hot spring (no bassin, just a hot swamp, go for Fango). For various reasons I changed my original plan to continue on Option 2b direction V. Descabezado Chico, one reason was the (non indicated) ford, which looked very dangerous, at least for a solo hiker. So I continued on RR, quite swampy, the trail dissappears in wet meadows. If you know you want to continue on the RR - better don‘t go down to the river and the hot ‚spring‘, but cut this CC without elevation loss. Lots of cows on the way to the pass. Many small rivers, which all feed Estero El Volcan, therefore the two fords on the RR are way easier. I took Option 2A, then Option 2 and then Option 2H and camped not far from the start of 2H. <br /> <br /> Day 3: On 2H CC to the pass and then down to the start of Option 3a for the V. Descabezado. Ford easy. At S 35.592096° W 70.786105° don‘t go down into the canyon as indicated, but bypass it left by going a bit upwards. Started with a small backpack on option 3a for the summit at noon, arrived at 2.30. At 3400m ff. easy rock climbing some 20 meters left of the indicated route - less physical and more fun than on the gravel/sand. Almost no wind on the summit, just wonderful, highly recommend it! Very quick down to the backpack, while resting there for 15min 6 condors in the air, circling very low directly over me. Breathtaking minutes. Then continued until camp at 06-03: 5,9. The indicated spot is protected, as there was close to no wind, I climbed the next dune with an extraordinary view to the west (sunset!) and camped there. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Volcan Azul - What a great summit! You might think, Descabezado is the highest, why climb another volcano, which is so close? Nothing could be more wrong. They are completely different and V. Azul beats Descabezado in nearly every sense: the landscape, the views (on Laguna La Invernada), the geology. You even can climb the finger at the summit (only the last two meters are technical, there’s a fixed rope, use it, if you trust it, I didn’t). But V. Azul is also way more demanding and you should have a good head for heights for the ascent on the ridge. Very important: when on the ridge, always look, if there are other hikers above or below you: I was alone, but when going down, I several times caused very dangerous falling rocks. All in all the whole way up and down is not difficult, just very steep. But the gravel is very different from Descabezado. This is felt mainly when going down. In large parts you can‘t ski or hop down as on Descabezado. Either the sort of gravel doesn‘t allow it, or the underground (hidden rocks, e.g.). So you have to walk very carefully (it makes no difference if you follow the track files or an OSM route). This slows you down very much and partly is as physical as going up. I started at 6.30 a.m. and it took me 7,5 hours to go up and down (sure, you can camp closer to the ascent, but as I wanted to take option 2H and then option 3 to join the RR at the hot springs, I didn‘t want to walk back with my big backpack). Water: At noon running on the east side of the glacier in the crater, took also snow). Back from the summit I walked the mentioned CC options (however stayed lower to the left and even found a path there, sometimes marked with cairns). When approaching the junction with the RR I saw a lot of horses and people at the refuge. Don Victor had guests. I decided not to bypass them, but to show up and explain, what I am doing here. Good decision! I was offered bread and wine, we chatten, nevertheless I was asked, if I had a permission (could honestly answer, that asking for it is why I came here). Before I left Don Victor and I took a joint selfie… He is not at all a bad guy, he just wants you to show, that you respect his property rights. I also took water there, which allowed me to camp on the magic plateau, that follows on the RR, instead of going down to the indicated camp at 48,1. <br /> <br /> Day 5; A short day, very easy on RR to camp at 62,2. Just enjoyed the landscape and the lagunas. After the pass at 59,3 on the way down I went CC left of the RR, crossed 5 brooks to join variant C. In this part a multitude of flowers, at least a dozen different species in all colours: an integral and unforgettable part of this volcano section.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Very short day, Down to the MR, then an 8km walk to La Mina. The last 2 km I got a ride from a local, who also drove me to the shops on the PR. The changing nature makes the MR walking more interesting, than one might think. You come from a lunar landscape and some hours later almond trees and ripe mirabels! For NOBO hikers: Chilean day-hikers parked their car at the end of the MR. So it should be possible to get a permit from Entel for the entry by car (Uber or arrangement with a local).<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-13 to 2025-Jan-18 / 5,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Chris &amp; Jule'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: no problems with snow, dusty &amp; exhausting gravel/ashes, absolutely stunning views all along, Don Victor was busy.<br /> <br /> We had an issue with our GPSMAP67 (updated the firmware just prior departure), resulted in weird frozen mode with full backlight brightness in three occasions which drained half the battery. Due to this (despite backups) I was a bit paranoid, so the GPS remained mostly off and we followed footsteps &amp; paths. This worked very well, only one time followed a valley too long. The paths are very obvious, it was easy to navigate. <br /> <br /> Water: in all marked locations and many more. Usually every 1-2hrs we passed some stream. We had expected much worse and were a bit overprepared in the beginning. The ashes take water easily, but also give it as easy.<br /> <br /> Rivercrossings: one, hip-high, quite some current but managable. we crossed where the OSM path crosses the river. Besides, dry feet all along.<br /> <br /> Snow: some snowfields, one at the descend towards laguna las animas had to be crossed, all others were avoided. <br /> <br /> Due the GPS turned off we were very surprised as we suddenly stood infront of Don Victors refugio. We waved and yelled hola, there were about 5-ish tents, so we thought he may have opened a camping space recently. As we wanted to go a bit further, we continued. He either didnt see us, or wasnt too happy - none from the refugio waved back. One person standing at the tents waved back though. <br /> Next morning we met Volker who had gone to Don Victor and had a good chat and a drink with him. He had visitors, therefore was too busy to care for us. Later that day a group from the refugio passed on horses, everyone just friendly hola-ed back to us. <br /> We met some chilean hiker that had tried to obtain all permits for a certain hike, CONAF told them, that since a few days Don Victor does not allow anyone anymore.<br /> <br /> Going back to Talca: we heard busses leave at 7am, 1pm, 3pm, 7pm (at least on saturdays). <br /> We ended up hitchhiking as we didnt want to want for 2hrs. It took us maybe 10min (maybe fourth car) to squeeze into a ride with wonderful chileans returning from bathing in some hotsprings. <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-03 to 2025-Jan-10 / 7,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan'''<br /> <br /> We started our GPT journey with this section and were amazed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape.<br /> <br /> Challenges were the rocky and sandy terrain, sometimes dangerous paths and the hot summer sun. Sometimes the path disappeared and we lost it, but with a GPS device it was easy to notice and get back on track.<br /> <br /> Dangerous snow bridge at (S 34°31.4980’ W 070°44.8453’). <br /> <br /> River crossings were no problem, one was hip high (we’re 1,75 m and 1,83 m), all the other ones knee high or less.<br /> <br /> Didn’t meet Don Victor.<br /> <br /> Definitely follow Jan Dudeck’s recommendation and use gaitors. We didn’t as we opted for hiking boots instead of low trekking shoes and kept on collecting enough sand and gravel in our boots to build a children’s playground.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Molina to Parque Inglés and hiked to El Bolsón on the first day, where we camped. Only had tickets for one day for the Parque Nacional Siete Tazas and weren’t sure if we technically would’ve needed one for two days, but the official let us camp there nonetheless after checking our tickets.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Hiked to Laguna de las Ánimas where we met Sean &amp; Neele on their way NOBO and had a nice quick chat with them.<br /> <br /> At the end of the ascent out of Valley del Indio, right below the pass, there was an icey snowfield, which we traversed using crampons - it would’ve been possible without but felt safer with them. We camped at Laguna de las Animas, which was beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> From Laguna de las Ánimas we continued over the pass at [19.4/2547] after which we encountered some sketchy paths along steep gravel slopes: At some parts the path had slipped downhill and if doing one wrong step, we would’ve too. Take care at this part of the section! Camped near the Hot Spring del Azufre.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> We weren’t sure if we could drink the water near the hot spring because it all stank like sulfide so we hiked uphill a bit before refilling our water. There, we also encountered the only bigger river crossing at [29.4/2190] - hip high and a bit of a current but still doable at the right spot.<br /> <br /> Higher up that valley (S 34°31.4980’ W 070°44.8453’) we found a pretty dangerous snow bridge over a creek and decided to walk/climb around it which was also a bit dangerous as it took us over very loose rocks right next to an at least 20 m drop but way more controllable than the snow bridge next to it.<br /> <br /> We left the valley behind us and camped at a beautiful spot right next to a river and with a wonderful view of the surrounding rocks and mountains (S 35°31.9714’ W 070°47.4839’).<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> <br /> Descended the valley, met two French hikers who did the Condor Circuit and had a quick chat with them, passed Descabezado Grande and the Refugio at [45.5/1887] but didn’t meet Don Victor. We camped at the Water/Camp at [48.1/1837] - what a beautiful little oasis!<br /> <br /> Day 6<br /> <br /> Hiked past the Laguna del Caracol and originally wanted to reach the camp at [62.2/1999]. However on the ascent to the pass at [59.3/2518], Farah’s knee started to hurt and the pain got worse, so we decided to take some rest and camped in a small depression right next to a snow field roughly 100 hm below the pass. Despite the exposed location there was almost no wind and we got to enjoy a breathtaking view on the two Descabezados and the valley at their feet.<br /> <br /> Day 7<br /> <br /> Farahs knee got better, we ascended the remaining roughly 100 hm to the pass and from there descended to the water at [73.5/1014] We camped on the shore of the Rio Cipreses nearby.<br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> <br /> In the morning we woke up by the sound of people: Some local fishers from San Clemente walked past our tent, we wished them buenos días and had a friendly chat with them. Later that morning, they gifted us three freshly caught trouts which we happily ate right on spot.<br /> <br /> We then descended the remaining 6 km to the bus stop at {06-E} [0.5/862], where we wanted to catch an afternoon bus to Talca that we found on the bus services Facebook page. However, the bus didn’t come and we learned from the owner of the shop at {06-E} [0.5/856] that the buses only leave once a day at 7 am. He sold us Coca Cola, chips and chocolate bars and rented us a room (without private bathroom but access to his own bathroom) for 30.000 CLP and we spent the night there. The 7 am bus didn’t come either so we hitchhiked to a bus stop west of San Clemente and took a bus to Talca there.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Dec-31 to 2025-Janv-6 / 5.6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 3 (Descabezado) / Peggy &amp; Dorotà'''<br /> Magnificent, grandiose, and isolated section. Difficulty: dryness, sandy and volcanic rocky terrain, sometimes tiring. No water issues, but be sure to drink plenty.<br /> <br /> First part, each on our own. I (Peggy) started the GPT with this section from El Bolson. I chose to take an Uber to get to the entrance of the Siete Tazas park (30k CLP). I had bought the park ticket online beforehand but it wasn't the right one. I should have purchased a ticket specifically for the El Bolson trail. However, the park ranger was accommodating. On my driver's advice, I paid 7k CLP for the El Bolson camping to enter the park but didn't spend the night there. I was given a document that I had to hand over on my way down. I followed this advice for convenience, although maybe it wouldn't have been an issue if I had just explained where I was going?<br /> <br /> I didn't encounter Don Victor throughout the section, though I had sent him a message he didn't see.<br /> <br /> Upon arriving at Laguna de las Animas, I met Dorota, and we decided to do this section together.<br /> <br /> There was little snow, with a few rare snowfields that were easily passable or avoidable, except for a large section where it helped us cross a river. Indeed, after the Termas de Azufre, at the ford at kilometer 29.4, finding the river too strong in the morning, we followed the right bank of the river until we found snow covering the river. After leaving the dangerous start behind us, we crossed the snow where it was thick and could walk on it for a while before crossing to the other side.<br /> <br /> No problems with the other fords.<br /> <br /> A bit past the refuge at the foot of Descabezado Grande (km 45.5), there are good bivouac spots (S 35°35.7470’ W 070°49.5695’).<br /> <br /> We climbed Descabezado Grande from this refuge, starting early in the morning. We made a big mistake by forgetting to take water! It seems we both had a moment of &quot;temporary unconsciousness&quot;! We also thought we would find water from the snow higher up, which we did, but only in the form of snow. We managed to collect what we could by putting the snow in our bottles to melt a bit. There was also a bit of water flowing from a snowfield but only in the last part. So, make sure to think about water! Moreover, it’s better to sleep on the volcanic plateau to get closer to the summit, avoiding the 2000m elevation gain all at once (that was actually our initial plan…) with water! Especially later in the season when the snow has melted.<br /> <br /> The 2000m elevation gain with little water was difficult, especially moving from 3000m to 4000m with some altitude sickness. Nevertheless, it was a good learning experience for both of us. Once at the top, we could appreciate the magnificent view of the snowy crater of Descabezado and the surrounding scenery. The climb is not technical but can be long if started from the bottom and strenuous. But it’s definitely worth it!<br /> <br /> It took me (Peggy) two days to realize that by keeping my pants on, I no longer suffered from sand and stones in my high-top shoes! And yet, I wasn’t suffering from altitude-induced brain fog! ;)<br /> <br /> In summary, a magnificent, wild, grandiose, and isolated section. Perfect to start with!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-30 to 2025-Jan-5 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option 6 + option 3 (Descabezado) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Tldr: beautiful section! No problems with snow. Didn't meet Don Victor. Water at all waypoints plus more due to snow.<br /> <br /> Emailed Natali (natali.veloso@enel.com) to get authorisation to enter NOBO, theres a simple form to complete and return. took the bus from Talca to El Colorado to visit the cabinieros they signed and stamped the completed form Natali sent us. Hitched to Central Cipreces, wasn't too difficult, a worker dropped us off right at gate 78.9km. Security guard was very friendly and helpful he was happy with our authorisation and after filling in another form we were on our way.<br /> <br /> Went up to Volcan Los Hornitos took only 10 minutes to get to the crater rim from the pass. Well worth it.<br /> <br /> Camped near camp 62.2km<br /> <br /> Pass 59.3 a patch of snow on the south side but easy to walk around it to the east.<br /> <br /> We decided to do the option 6 loop to see laguna la turbia. Nice enough and easy, western side of the pass is pretty steep.<br /> <br /> Camped at 56.3km - lots of really nice camping around here we couldn't walk past it.<br /> <br /> At water camp 48.1km we went CC straight to camp without water 5.9km to avoid any right of way disputes and to climb dezcabezado grande in the morning. It worked, not sure if I'd recommend it. <br /> <br /> Plenty of snow for water at camp 5.9km we didn't even need to melt it, it was flowing.<br /> <br /> Descabezado (03) 9.4km was surprisingly simple. 4 hours to the crater rim from camp 5.9km, Another 30 minutes to go to the summit and back, hour and a half down. From around 3,700m to the crater rim routes 03 and 03A separate. We took 03A up and 03 down, 03 is much better I'd recommend it.<br /> <br /> Took option 3 to refuge 45.5km all good.<br /> <br /> Pass 33.8km snow mostly avoidable now. We camped up there snow for water.<br /> <br /> Pass 19.4km - small patch of snow easy to avoid <br /> <br /> Pass 15.4km - small patch of unavoidable snow but easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bolson - pretty busy on a Saturday.<br /> <br /> Short walk out to catch the bus to molina at 11<br /> <br /> No entel signal in parque ingles<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-15 to 2024-DEC-21 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH option 3, CC not on trail from [5.9/2542] to camp [48.1/1837] / Tamar &amp; Nimrod'''<br /> <br /> In short:<br /> A lot of water everywhere.<br /> A lot of snow as well, but we managed without spikes.<br /> The CC ascenting Descabezado is free of snow. The one ascenting Azul might be covered by snow but we didn't climb it.<br /> <br /> First day- We started from Molina on Sunday, and took the bus from the main station that departed at 9:30am (we think on other days of the week it leaves at 11:00am) to parque ingles. The ride took us about 1.5 hours, and costs 4000 clp. At parque ingles there was no phone signal anymore with entel sim card. We payed in advance online 8900 clp per person for entering the park and sleeping at El Bolson. When we arrived we had to pay another 7000 clp each. <br /> Started walking up to El Bolson at noon and got there at 17:00. A ranger on a motorcycle asked to see our ticket in the middle of the trail. <br /> <br /> 2nd- went towards Laguna Las animas. While Ascending to first pass [15.4/2257] there was a lot of snow but we managed to cross without spikes, though it was quite scarry.<br /> It was a long day because the descending from the second pass [19.4/2547] was harder and longer then expected, some parts felt dangerous so we climbed a little to cross at a place with vegetation Wich was less slipery. <br /> We slept at terms de azufres. Beautiful! Extraordinery! Needed time to find a good pool but it had a lot of algae so we didn't go in. There were many pools with different temperatures. <br /> <br /> 3rd- climbed to pass [33.8/2695] (El astadio) a lot of snow along the trail and patches of snow that had to be crossed very carefully, because if falling ment no coming back. The pass itself was completely covered withe snow field! There was some exhusting walk on the spiky snow but then we found foot prints of a horse and poop of sheep and followed it down the pass. Slept at a beautiful place aprox(-35.54190,-70.79507) with a stream from melted snow waterfall (don't know how long it will last). <br /> <br /> 4th day- went towards refugio. There were some cows but no people. Didn't find hot spring. Walked up to camp without water [5.9/2542]. Very good camp, no wind, but watch out from the glacier that looks like it's going to collapse. Drank water from snow we melted. <br /> <br /> 5th day- DESCABEZADO- woke up before sunrise to ascend. We thought there will be snow on the trail that will be easier to climb when frozen. It was not necessary because although there were snow fields along the way, the trail was snow free. <br /> It took us 6 hours to ascend and 3 hours to descend. The view was amazing! Seems that the trail on Azul has more snow on it. The inside of the mountain was covered with snow.<br /> We walked back to our camp and then walked to camp [48.1/1837], not on a trail, which was ok, and camped there.<br /> <br /> 6th day: we continued on RR and camped near Laguna De Los Hornos - approx. (-35.72217, -70.81903).<br /> Sandy and soft ground but quite windi.<br /> <br /> 7th day: hoped to get to El Medano at noon, but got there only by 18:00 :(.<br /> We ran out of food because we planned 6 days hike, so we stopped in the shop in Los Alamos. We bought canned tuna, cheese, and not very fresh bread.<br /> After paying we were invited to seat and eat in the families yard and given tons of fresh bread, cheese, and coke.<br /> We continued on RR. TL (81.2+1.8), and the start of MR (83.0+0.8) are gone because of a big flood (we were told there was a big flood 2 years ago) and it took us almost 2 frustrating hours to walk this trail.<br /> Finally we made it to the bridge, crossed it, and walked on the PR.<br /> A man in the entrance to El Medano arranged us a cabaña and we accepted it.<br /> We stayed 2 nights and continued to GPT07.<br /> The shop in El Medano is very basic and aiming tourist, and we regretted not buying more food in Los Alamos.<br /> We stayed in: cabañas y colaciones sra. Isabel ±56978397080- jose ±56975762613- Isabel.<br /> Very generous warm and friendly people. Helped us with laundry for free, acomidation for 50,000 clp for a night for 2 people and diner for 8,000 clp per person. Also took us to natural sauna and gave us cheap or free products which we couldn't find in the expensive and basic minimarket.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-17 to 2024-DEC-20 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / RR+option GPT06-01e / Michal a Anna ​'''<br /> <br /> How to obtain the permit to enter the Hidroeléctrica Los Cipreses:<br /> 1. Contact Mrs. Natali Veloso Zuñiga from Enel (natali.veloso@enel.com) to obtain an authorization to visit. It is a simple form, she replied within a day.<br /> 2. With the authorization visit carabinieros at Reten La Mina or El Colorado and obtain permit to enter Los Cipreses. It is a multi-page document summarizing your trip.<br /> 3. Now you can enter and begin your hike NOBO. :)<br /> <br /> Day1: When we came to the Enel gate [78.9/865] we realised that we have to obtain yet another permit from Carabineros at Reten La Mina (as described above). Getting to Reten and back took us 2 hours but Carabinieros were friendly and helpful and there wasn’t any problem with getting the permit. After that we build our first camp at Laguna de Los Hornos [aprox 64.8].<br /> <br /> Day 2: Pass [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) wasn’t fully under show but we used our microspikes to climb two snowfields more easily, but would be definitly ok without them. Then the out-of-this-world beauty began.<br /> <br /> Day 3: We didn’t meet Don Víctor at Refugio [45.5/1887] or around. Just a few cows. Pass [33.8/2695] (El Estadio) was almost completely under snow, microspikes very useful and made our progress faster. When descending from pass there was a lot of melting snow. At [S 35°31.4964', W 070°44.8531'/2427] where the RR goes on the east side of the valley there was a big snow bridge across creek/waterfall which we consider unsafe to step on. We couldn’t find a safe alternative way (only a combination of short downclimb, ford in steep creek and crumbly longer upclimb), so we decided to turn and came back to X [36.7/2423] where we spent night.<br /> <br /> Day 4: We took a variant [GPT06-01e (Laguna Manatial Pelado)] and without a problem descended to Park Inglesé. At [35°28.61331'S, 70°59.63836'W] is a gate where we were informed that we are on private property. Semi friendly guy opened the gate after a while and some negotiations.<br /> <br /> Generally the trail was ok, but it pays off to be very careful this time of year because of the melting snow and rivers flowing under it creating many snow bridges. It may turn you back. Anyways this section is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to, we were left speachless many times!<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-09 &gt; 10 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / Variante Volcan Colorado(voir GPT05)&gt;RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : attaque d'oiseaux<br /> <br /> Des Cairns indiquent souvent la route. Beaucoup de poussière sur cette etape.<br /> J'ai subit 1 attaques d'oiseaux apres le lac Caracol sur la partie herbeuse, puis 1 autre le long du lac Hornitos. J'ai marché sur les parties sableuse et degagées pour ne pas ecraser de nids. Apres le volcan Hornitos, la descente est monotone et sans interet.<br /> DEC-11&gt;12 : Repos Talca. A-R bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-07 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. C) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 5 and 6.<br /> <br /> We joined section 6 at the hot springs [27.4/1986]. Most tributaries of the river carrying water from the hot springs are too hot for bathing, but one of them has a reasonable temperature. It’s slightly overgrown and more lukewarm than hot, but fine for washing.<br /> <br /> The fords on the Estero El Volcán river [29.4/2190 and 32.5/2565] were both covered by snow, so we didn’t need to ford. Generally, there is still quite a lot of snow, and the area around the pass is almost entirely covered. However, with good equipment (appropriate clothing, microspikes, sunglasses...), it’s not difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water everywhere due to the melting snow.<br /> <br /> The water at [44.6/1884] is currently a fairly strong flow. We eventually found a spot where we could hop across dry-footed, but it took some time to find. We were there in the morning; by the afternoon, the water level would likely be higher and will by necessery to ford.<br /> <br /> We didn’t meet Don Victor. However, we met another group of hikers near the refugio.<br /> <br /> The climb to the pass [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) from Laguna del Caracol is almost snow-free, except for a few small patches. On the other hand, the southern slope is still covered by a significant layer of snow. Regardless of the trackfiles, we descended in a way that avoided difficult snow patches. Our route was very close to variant C, and it was fine.<br /> <br /> Around km 68, we left the trail and went cross-country directly south, looking for a good campsite. We eventually found one at -35.7569975, -70.7919536, with a nice flat spot and access to water.<br /> <br /> The shop in Los Alamos, marked as a resupply point, is open. It’s very small, but we managed to buy supplies for the next two days. Don’t worry if it seems hidden in someone’s garden—it’s there!<br /> <br /> On the road on the opposite bank (Variant E), there are several small shops where it might also be possible to resupply. There’s also a nice restaurant, Cordillera, where we celebrated the end of the stage.<br /> <br /> <br /> (2024/Nov/26 -2024/Nov/30)/4 Days/ Hiking/ SOBO/ Entry Variation from 05, RR form Banos del Blanquillo/ Lukas, Basil &amp;Tabea<br /> <br /> The national Park was still closed and entry was not possible so we chose a different entry point over lago frio (La Ruca). The expedition guide from the touring company offert to drop us off at this alternative entry point for 15$ p.p. After 10km on good trials we arrived on variation 05, which we followed until the main route. The route was duable, no critical river crossings or hard snow fields. the mountain pass horintos still had snow on the south side, nobo crossing not advisable. Exit at los zypresses.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-03 to 2024-04-05 // 2,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel (GPT6)'''<br /> <br /> What an amazing section ! <br /> <br /> I was lucky enough to have all the volcanoes and mountains covered by snow as it was heavy rainy just before I begun this section ! <br /> <br /> The result is blowminding landscapes, but struggle near the pass, to deal with the mix of snow and soft volcanic ground aha. <br /> <br /> I started from El medano, where the shop and most of the cabanas were closed (there's few options to sleep here, cabanas and camping too, but as it was the end of the season, everything was closed). I was lucky enough to found a nice habitant that purpose me to stay at his house for the night for 20K CLP and saved me from a big storm and heavy rain.<br /> <br /> I took the option F then E (basically the road from El Medano to the central hydrauelectruca) because I needed to resupply as the shop in El medano was closed. I found my happiness in La Mina where there's two basics shops (pasta, tomato sauce, biscuits, chips... (but no bread, or fresh products like fruits, cheese, ham ...). Here there's possibility to sleep on cabanas as well. There's a hotel/restaurant just one kilometer before La Mina, but no-one was there. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the gate of the central, knowing that it will be hard without authorisation. I've sent an email to Rene gaillardo as mentioned on the hiker's manual, but no answer. So I dealt with the security guards at the entrance.<br /> <br /> After long negociations the best option (and fastest one to let me pass this day) was to have a writing authorisation to pass from the carabineros. I've been driven to the carabineros by the security guard, and then have hard negotiations again. They finally wrote a paper where I had to explain my expedition and give lot of informations. And they asked me to go on a police station when I finished the section for let them know that I'm still alive aha. <br /> <br /> Anyway, this allowed me to pass. <br /> <br /> But if you're going NOBO and don't want to struggle like that, don't contact Rene Gallardo, he's not working at the Central anymore, the key contact is now Natali Veloso, that you can contact on that mail address : Natali.veloso@enel.com<br /> <br /> Then you hike threw the central on a boring gravel, and arrive to the junction where you find lovely volcanic ground and going up up up to the pass of Los Hornitos. From there it's just landscapes from an other planet, with a very easy to follow path, but not in an easy ground as it's quite sandy. <br /> <br /> Views on Laguna del Caracol was amazing ! As the whole circuito condor on RR ! One of the best section of my GPT so far, alone in the world in this absolute incredible landscape ... Blowminding ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw the pass El estadio PK 33,8, here the snow was very present and the path harder to follow. I continued to the amazing spring del Azufres, very nice landscape to have a hot bath and quite big vapores, nice break during the day ! <br /> <br /> The crossing over Estero El Volcan (X2) was quite demanding and I had to figure it out and check during long times for the best way to cross. Then I took the variant H to linked the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-08 to 2024-Mar-16 / 8.5 days / Hiking / Descabezado Circuit / Control Fronterizo Laguna del Maule - Los Cipreses/ Option 02 + RR + Descabezado Chico / Alex &amp; Christophe '''<br /> <br /> This 170km loop was our last section after 3 months on the GPT. It has been one of the most hard, exhausting, and technical section but also one of the most remote, wild, and magnificient we did. We didn't see any humans during 8 days. The extrem wind and cold temperatures, the infinite CC in open areas, the white landscapes without any shadow, and the D+ in soft sand were constantly forgotten thanks to the lunar landscapes. Here are some added informations for the GPT06-02 to the ones given by Natalie &amp; Tomáš. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : We took the bus at 7:30 from Talca to Armerillo. Then we hitchhiked to the beginning of GPT06-02 and began at 11am. After the first pass (-35.94909, -70.45347), we followed the track but going down thru the landslide seems to be a better option. We slept next to the river where there was a good wind shelter (more or less) at (-35.934832, -70.459308). That's a good spot to have the sun early in the morning, which was appreciated since it was -4°C during the night.<br /> Day 2 : The second path (-35.652, -70.43356) was pretty steep and unstable in the last meters but easily doable. The puesto seemed to be unoccupied. There was water every 1 or 2 hours. Then we took the {06-02F} as it looked to avoid swamps and we slept next to the river at (-35.827017, -70.399535) to have the sun as long as possible and to have it early in the morning.<br /> Day 3 : After the pass at (-35.785707, -70.403584), the landscape changed drastically! We took the {06-02E} to avoid the swamps of the other side. It worked but we had to cross the rio san Francisco. Small ford, but not jumpable. We stopped at (-35.693111, -70.427244). There was a clear source and a blue lagoon to take a quick bath. We had wind all night long, maybe there's a better place next to the lagoon. <br /> Day 4: It must be possible to find a camp spot around (-35.667931, -70.422663). After that point, it begins to climb and there's no more flat place. We took the {06-02D} and it was a good option out of the elevation and the crazy wind. When we arrived at the snow limit, we went 20m down to find a good way in the snow. Then we had to run in the flowing sand to the rocks and had to clamber the last meters between two wind gusts throwing us sand in the eyes. It was pretty scary because of the wind conditions but doable. Finally on the plateau, we had to manage with winds at 80km/h and sandstorms. I would definitely not pass in case of bad weather or with stronger wind. We took a break at (-35.613055, -70.423114), first water since the pass. Then we followed the GPX track but the OSM offers to take the westside of the river and it looked to be better as we had to go up and down in the sand many times. Finally after this exhausting day, we found a camp spot with a kind of wind protection at (-35.560315, -70.441588).<br /> Day 5: After a long morning with a NW crazy constant cold wind, we stopped at the hot springs. We tried many places but never found a source warmer than 30°C. After a quick bath, we filled our water bladder at the last point mentioned by Tomas &amp; Natalie (-35.48544, -70.5994) to go to sleep to the pass. There was still a ton of snow next to the pass but didn't see melting snow on the way. There are different camp possibilities with a stunning view in the last 600m before the pass but we slept at (-35.494194, -70.622529) to climb the Descabezado Chico the next day. Ok wind shelter.<br /> Day 6 : We woke up at 6am to go to Descabezado Chico before the sunrise. We crossed a melting snow river at (-35.49828, -70.621259). Even if the last part is steep rocky and sandy, the climb is easy. We reached the summit in 1h20 and had one of the best sunrises of our lives ! There are some places to be sheltered from the freezing wind and enjoy the view. Back to the pass, we followed more or less the track because there was still a lot of snow and some ways didn't look to be the best to follow. Next to Lago de la Mollera (-35.49782, -70.635864), we went down to the lake because we didn't see how to avoid a snow wall and because it was looking to be a nice path to go down (breaking news : no)... We managed to go up a little bit further (-35.501361, -70.641377). When we arrived below Cerro Colorado, we took water in a blue lagoon and we hiked the crest on the left side to avoid deep sand (-35.524775, -70.661721). Then we stayed on the left side of the Cerro Colorado to go down (-35.525073, -70.670594) until the river. That was a quick and good choice. Finally we managed a flat and more or less wind sheltered camp at (-35.55463, -70.708441).<br /> Day 7: There was still a ton of snow at the pass and made our own track in the snow slope a little bit upper than the GPS track to cross more safely. We wanted to follow the high route described by Natalie &amp; Tomás to avoid Don Víctor but as we saw how much snow there still was, how already tired we were (but not as much as our shoes) we decided to take the RR to go south. When we watched the high route from the RR, there was still a lot of snow patches. We finally stopped at Water, Camp [48.1/1837]. Not the best idea because it becomes a freezing hole during the night.<br /> Day 8-9: We followed the RR, nothing more to add to other posts except that we never met Don Victor !<br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-29 to 2024-03-07 / 7.5 days / Descabezado Circuit - Laguna del Maule to Los Cipreses / option 02, off-trail variant, 03, RR + Descabezado Grande and chico / Marilyne (+Fangwen and Tobi for first 3 days)'''<br /> <br /> First section on the GPT and I found it amazing! I won’t repeat anything that Tobi and Fangwen have mentioned below that also applies to my trip.<br /> On day 5, I used the variant suggested by Natalie&amp;Tomas that avoids Refugio Blanquillo and Don Victor. I had met with 3 park rangers earlier in the day who questioned me about my plans and asked if I was planning to go to Refugio blanquillo. When I assured them that I would not they went on their way. I watched them and their 6 horses run over a steep patch of snow and it gave me the confidence to cross it too, otherwise I may have tried to find a different route as a fall there would have been highly consequential.<br /> <br /> Had to cross many patches of snow on Natalie &amp; Tomas alternate route and it includes a stream crossing that could be very dangerous in the wrong season as it is above a waterfall.<br /> <br /> I climbed Descabezado Chico on day 4 and Descabezado Grande using route 3 on day 6. The Grande climb took 6+ hours and I didn’t have any desire to keep fighting scree fields after so I skipped Azul. At the end of that day all my stuff and me were very dusty from that climb.<br /> On day 8 I exited at the hydroelectric station Los Cipreses. A security guard that saw me running down the road to catch the bus offered me a ride to the main gate and we had a pleasant chat. Caught the 3:30pm bus to Talca around 4pm. They seem to start late from Medano.<br /> Very sunny section, I used a small solar panel on my backpack and ended up the section with all my electronics fully charged. <br /> <br /> * 2024-02-29 to 2024-03-08: Fangwen and Tobi (+ parts together with Marilyne) / 8.5 days Descabezado Circuit variant, Laguna del Maule to Vilches (option 02 -- variant 02D -- RR -- option 05)<br /> <br /> What a fantastic trip! Two experienced GPT teams had independently recommended this circuit to us, and both described it as their favorite experience on the GPT. Natalie&amp;Tomas have an extensive trip report below. I don't have a trip report from Markus&amp;Jenni, who hiked this circuit in 2019, but they provided us with very useful waypoints. If you are interested, message us ([[Special:Emailuser/Tobfang]]) and I'll ask if I can share this data.<br /> <br /> It is advisable to start this trip from Laguna del Maule. This way, you can easily lengthen the trip (by climbing the three volcanos) or shorten it (by exiting in Parque Ingles) towards the end of the trip. Also, you start at 2000m, which is a nice in the summer heat. It took us 8.5 days; we had food for 10 days and intended to climb some volcanoes, but when we got there it was quite windy, so we simply went straight to Vilches.<br /> <br /> This hike is definitely off the beaten path: the arriero Christian at S 35° 50.549', W 070° 24.114' said that we were the first hikers this season (in March!). He was very friendly and shared a delicious melon with us.<br /> Our favorite places were a beautiful valley with white sand, and a refreshing Laguna at S 35° 41.643', W 070° 25.651' and the Laguna Aquas Calientes at S 35° 30.441', W 070° 31.990'. The latter is not actually a hot lake, but there are several small streams of warm water. We camped right at S 35° 30.129', W 070° 31.514', right next to a really nice hot pool.<br /> <br /> Things to watch out for: although water was generally abundant, there are some spots where water is a bit more sparse (especially late in the season) and you might have to carry for up to one day. See Natalie's trip report for details. Additionally, earlier in the season there might be snow fields. The winter in 2023 had a crazy amount of snow, so even though we went in March we had a lot of water from snow melt and the two passes at 02D (S 35° 39.116', W 070° 26.016') and S 35° 33.137', W 070° 44.275' had steep snow fields. It was a bit sketchy, but okay. For the first pass, there are other options up, which may open up earlier. For the second pass, Option 2B traverses a lower pass (we didn't go there). A lot of hiking is on cross country, much of it on sand or gravel of different firmness. Sometimes you sink in, sometimes not. Flat or downhill travel is generally efficient, uphill is slow. Bring (mini)-gaiters, not just because of sand but also spikey plants. Also, sun protection is crucial, you won't have any tree for a week.<br /> <br /> Logistics: Interbus (call them on WhatsApp: +56 9 9886 5872) runs a bus Mon-Fri from Talca to Medano (which is a bit further than la Mina). As of March 2024, this bus left at 12:30 and 19:00, returning to Talca from Médano at 7:20 and 15:30. From Médano hitchhike to the border checkpoint. It's not super easy, and you might only get as far as the furthest mine, roughly 5km before the border checkpoint. Alternatively, use a ride sharing app to go to the border checkpoint. We were able to get via multiple rides all the way to the border checkpoint, but it took some time (we arrived at 5.30pm). If you want to check out Laguna del Maule, tell the border guard that you're not crossing into Argentina, and they will let you pass. But the border checkpoint is closed at night (between 6pm and 9am?) and you're not supposed to cross it then. We quickly went to the lake and back before it closed.<br /> Vilches Alto has a daily bus service to Talca at 12:30 and 16:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 22 to 2024-Feb-27/ 6days/hiking/SOBO/06/RR + volcano Decabezado/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> Amasing section!<br /> <br /> Day 1 <br /> I took a bus from Talca to Molina ( a lot of buses per day, still in February and later to Parque Ingles ( several buses per day in the season, most of them till 12 pm). <br /> As it was a rainy day, my plan was to walk only to El Bolson. I did not have the entrance because I could not pay on the website with my card. I told to the Rangers that I would like to go to Los Cipreses, they where like I need the permition of the landowner to do it. I just ignored it. At first they were saying that it would not be possible to camp on El Bolson the next 2 days. But I waited about one hour, reasked several times, and finally one of the Rangers went with me to the place where you can buy ticket for camping El Bolson ( 7000 CHP), also they told me that I did not need to buy the park entrance. <br /> The El Bolson camping is just huge, I don't understand all the mess with the acces. When I came up, the guy from the camping just took my name and passport number, but did not ask to show the camping payment confirmation, or park payment. <br /> <br /> Day 2 ( El Bolson- Termas de Azufre)<br /> The trail was visible all the time. At this time of the season, no snow on the pass. Termas de Azufre are amasing, so it's good to come there not very late to enjoy them. Just next to the river, there are a few spots for tents.<br /> This day I also met one chilean couple doing curcuito condor, and at Termas a chilean family with kids on horses with an arriero. <br /> The famous owner of the land did not show up this day and the next days. <br /> <br /> Day 3. To refugio Blanquillo<br /> At first there are a lot of animal trails, so you need to check with gps which one is a good one. <br /> The ford on the river on the way to the pass was short but kind of difficult ( almost to the waist, I'm 1,69 cm, strong current). It's because of a heavy 2 days rain two day before. Later I met people doing curcuito condor from the other side and they told me that the rangers did not want to let them do the trail because of this river high level. But I think that after some.more days of a dray weather it's not a difficult ford.The rest of the trail was easy to follow with beautiful views.<br /> At refugio, I met one couple doing curcuito condor and two chilean couple who came to climb Volvano Decapezado. Very nice meeting.<br /> The refugio was already closed. The hot spring was not really hot.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> Together with chilean hikers, we climbed Decapezado Grande. It's a long hiking day, but it's really worth to do it. The way down is easy and very fast. <br /> <br /> Day 5 to Laguna de los Hornos<br /> <br /> About 20 min. from the refugio, there are a lot of different animal paths ,so you will need to consult a gps to see which one is a GPT one.<br /> The views around Laguna Caracol are amasing, I think it was my favourite part on this section of an extreme beauty. No navigation difficulties on the trail. Indeed,laguna de los Hornos is in a big part dried. <br /> <br /> Day 6 till La Mina<br /> <br /> I agree that it's really worth to climb the volcano<br /> Los Hornitos. It's a very short way up.The rest of the trail is at first a descend in a deep sand ( so you can go very fast) and than a walk on a gravel road ( I found the valley very nice, I was amased how fast the landscape changes). I got a ride about 2 km from Los Cipreses, very nice people, they took me to the shop in los Alamos , but as the owner was not there they took me to a shop in La Mina ( 500 m before the restaurant La Cordillera). You can find there several little shops, if you go around you can complete the resupply for the next section ( mostly pasta, tuna, tomato souce, ramen, eggs, instant souls). No camping gas.<br /> I camped in a little, very nice camping/ garden with a grape shade in a restaurant La Cordillera place ( 3000 ChP), they have also cabanas but I don't know the price. A really nice place to stay and chill, you can eat all the fruits in the garden. The lady from the restaurant was very nice, they serve nice,food, not expensive ( I paid 18000 for camping, breakfast, big dinner, juice, and a good portion of pisco sour).<br /> <br /> For the next section, it's kind of easy to hitch-hike ( there are a lot of local workers on the road) to the beginning of the trail. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-18 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Parque Ingles - Laguna Las Animas. Hernandez bus from Molina to Parque Ingles 8:10 am. I had park entry and camp permit for El Bolson that I bought on-line. I indicated to the Guardiaparque my 6 days itinerary RR to Los Cipreses, no issues but had been told several areas are private land. Met only one hiker after El Bolson (See note below).<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Laguna Las Animas - Termas de Azufres. <br /> <br /> Day 3 - Termas de Azufres - Camp along Rio Blanquillo near Vegas Manantial Pelado RR + small section of OH-Tl-V 06-01. I did not ford Estero El Volcán at Ford 06 [29.4/2190] as with the high snow/water year I felt it was unsafe or risky at best and made little sense to try at that spot. I continued CC on the right bank of Estero El Volcán for about 300-400 m to reach the snow field where I crossed safely without even touching water at all. The CC section had only a handful of spots requiring short scrambles, but no issues. For reference, I crossed the snowfield to reach RR at -35.31196, -70.44898. Given the current water level condition I think this is an easier and safer option.<br /> Originally intended to camp at Laguna Manantial Pelado for the night but the valley below looked great with all surrounding peaks so I camped there.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp near Vegas Manantial Pelado - Camp South of Laguna Caracol (Camp 06 56.3/2034). Based on the conversation I had two days earlier with a Chilean hiker who was doing the Circuito Condor regarding Don Victor the dueno/owner of the land traversed on day 4, including Descabezado Grande, I decided to avoid encountering Don Victor if at all possible. I did not follow the RR directly to the refuge Blanquillo at 45.5/1887 but kept away from it and walked CC to reach RR further South where it climbs up. I did not meet him and cannot say if he was at the refuge, which I only saw from the distance. After reading and listening to multiple reports regarding the situation with Don Victor land ownership it seems to me that the best approach is to avoid or minimize contact with him if possible, in order to reduce escalation of further problems for future hikers, in particular Chileans hikers who appear to really have very hard time gaining approval from him to simply traverse his land.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp South of Laguna Caracol - Laguna de los Hornos.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Laguna de los Hornos - Los Cipreses. I reached Los Cipreses at about 1 pm on Sunday. The guard at the gate of the Hydroelectrico Los Cipreses told me there are no buses down to Talca on Sunday. I hitchhiked on 115 and got a ride to Talca fairly quickly.<br /> <br /> Water was plentiful for the entire route. Limited snowfields traverse with no issues. 100% full sun exposure all day after El Bolson. Windy at higher elevations. Harsh and dry environment with a lot of sand and dust. Lots of steep climbing in sand. Overall easy orientation and easy trails to follow but GPS track needed. Magnificent hike. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-08 to 2024-Feb-14 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR 01c 01e 03 03a/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Curicó to Molina at 9am, immediate connecting bus to Parque Inglés. Buy a ticket online for the national park (8500 for foreigners, 100% surcharge! If the international debit card selection doesn't work, just try the national one, my card only worked there). You can also add the authorisation for El Bolsón online, but you have to pay for it in cash at a ticket office in Parque Inglés. 80 people per day are allowed for Bolsón, everything is sold out at lunchtime. Night in Parque Ingles at Hostal Valverde 40k for one person in a 4 bed room (solo use) with own toilet and washbasin but shared shower, towel costs extra, quiet, next to river for bathing (lots of local families though).<br /> <br /> At 8am next day, a Wednesday, there are around 50-60 people at the ticket office for Bolsón. I went to the locked gate at the start of the RR and quickly climb over it hoping noone saw me, as I'm not planning to stay in Bolsón anyway. Better not to mention that to the rangers. Also, only gas cookers are allowed. After about an hour, I'm just a little way off by a stream when a ranger rides past on a motorbike. I don't know if he saw me, maybe he thought I was coming back from Bolsón. So if you hear a motorbike, it's might best to change direction shortly and head towards Parque Inglés, or even better, start much earlier in the morning. <br /> <br /> I bypass Bolsón heading south at 01A, shortly after the bridge at -35.4973,-70.9052 is a large private area, no trespassing sign. I don't want to set a bad example for the numerous day trippers around and take a path along the stream (southern side) to the waterfall. Once out of sight of people and Bolsón, I briefly climb up the steep slope and CC to option 1. Water shortly before start of 01c. Next water at -35.5226,-70.8653, even with a small pool.<br /> <br /> Don Victor is the large landowner in the area. His hut is, as far as I understood, the refuge Blanquillo at 45.5/1887. Hikers used to be welcome on his land, but after they left a lot of rubbish behind and invaded his hut, he no longer allows them and sends them back. However, he (sometimes?) makes exceptions for foreigners. You could ask him for permission via whatsapp, but he was so flooded with requests that he can no longer be contacted during the season. I just took a chance and went to his land. A rider around 37.1/2382 asked me what I was doing here, I asked him if he was Don Victor, to which he replied in the affirmative. I then introduced myself, said what my destination was, where I came from and that I am aware of the problem of dirty hikers, but that I am very careful with nature. He then allowed me to continue. I met him twice more in the following days, at Blanquillo 45.5/1887 and at Water 48.1/1837, and he reminded me not to throw away any rubbish.<br /> <br /> At the refuge I met a Chilean-German couple camping, they came from Los Cipreses and didn't know that it was forbidden to enter this land, but Don Victor allowed them to stay after they argued with German cleanliness (I guess he had never been hiking in the Alps before the regular cleaning teams cleaned everything, otherwise his trust in the Europeans would probably not be so great).<br /> <br /> Fordings: All very easy, path at Laguna del Caracol is no longer under water. No snowfields to cross. The water level of the lagunas (except Manantial Pelado) is dropping rapidly, I estimate about 10 to 15cm per day.<br /> <br /> Water: Plenty, except for hiking up Descabezado. Bring as much as possible from Blanquillo.<br /> <br /> Summit day Descabezado: Very strong, cold winds all day. A good windbreaker, hat and gloves are essential. Only cloudy day since I've been in Chile, 20 minutes after I left the summit it cleared up. Extremely strenuous ascent on very loose gravel, almost every step sinks in deeply and slips (I weigh 100kg), takes 6 hours from base camp to the summit, even on the easier route. Descent effortless, under 2h.<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> Day 1: Laguna Manantial Pelado <br /> Day 2: Basecamp -35.5978,-70.7957 (I widened it, smoothed it out, deepened it and extended the stone wall. Nevertheless, the winds up there can be massive, you have to brace the tent well.)<br /> Day 3: Next to the not existing anymore hot springs at 45.6<br /> Day 4: Laguna la Turbia<br /> Day 5&amp;6: Laguna des los Hornitos (rest day, just beeing naked all day swimming and lying around in the sun)<br /> Hornitos and Turbia were nice for swimming, the others really cold.<br /> <br /> No problems at Los Ciprese, friendly guard spoke good english, gave me water and wifi.<br /> Bus to Talca (3500 peso) at main street came around 15:50-16:00.<br /> <br /> Absolutely incredible landscape. I'm here for dream routes like this. Perhaps the best hiking week of my life. GPT01-04 was nice, but GPT06 is in a completely different league. I loved it and I deeply miss this kind of remoteness in central europe.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-2 to 2024-feb-6 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 parque ingles - Lagunas las animas<br /> 18km d+1200 d-100<br /> Departure at 6:30 a.m. to pass the conaf. No worries <br /> First part to el bolson. At el bolson we can refuel with water. The campsite attendant asked us for our conaf ticket. After explaining to him that we were going to laguna animas, he let us pass without any trouble. Continuation to laguna animales without shade but no snow. Bivouac spot on the beach but no shade, or to the west on meadows to pitch your tent, but used by a herd of horses. <br /> The trail is generally easy to follow as it is marked by stone markers.<br /> <br /> Day 2 laguna las animas - Therma de azufre<br /> 11km D+400 D-700<br /> Shade-free day. Lots of trails in the sand. <br /> We didn't manage to find a good bivouac spot (mainly because of the heat coming from the ground). <br /> Water spots regularly, especially early in the day. <br /> <br /> Day 3 Therma de azufre - El banquillo refuge <br /> 20km D+ 900 D- 900<br /> The indicated crossing point was not crossable for us in our opinion (no experience in river crossings), so we decided to walk along the river bank in the rocks for several km. We crossed the river higher than indicated thanks to the snow. <br /> Water spot regularly as several rivers crossed. <br /> Arriving at el banquillo, we were disappointed not to meet Umberto. Very good bivouac spot with several pitches already made. <br /> <br /> Day 4 El banquillo refuge - laguna de los hornitos <br /> 20km D+ 900 D- 900<br /> Most of the climb is up to the pass after the laguna. Quite a physical climb in the sand. But we did it in about 1h30. The rest of the day was pretty much the same. <br /> Regular water stops too. <br /> No problem following the trail. <br /> A little extra for a new encounter with a herd of horses. <br /> Bivouac spot around the lake. Nice possibility before descending to the lake (indicated waypoint camp).<br /> <br /> Day 5 laguna de los hornitos - los alamos<br /> All downhill to los cipreses. The first part is in sand, so it's a quick descent. Once on the road, we were often overtaken by cars. No one asked us for a permit (or offered to hitchhike). <br /> We passed guards at the exit/entrance to the power station, who offered us water and no problem getting through. <br /> In los alamos, a small store selling a few products such as pasta, ice cream, batteries, etc. It's run by a lady and her husband. They also sell beds for sleeping. They're very welcoming<br /> <br /> Buses to Talca at 7.30am and 3.30pm. Not many cars passing through. We didn't get picked up hitchhiking. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-27 to 2024-Jan-30) / 3.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 01+03+06/ Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0-10,1] + OH06-01A + OH06-01[10,7-25,1] + RR [36,9-44,6]<br /> <br /> A few small streams at OH-01 and one bigger one near Laguna Manantial Pelado (ankle high ford). A few snow patches above 2300 m, but you can easily walk over or around them. Water is flowing at all the marked locations.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [44,6-45,8] + to Descabezado and back on OH06-03 and OH06-03A + RR [45,8-55,7]<br /> <br /> River at 44,8 was a little over ankle high ford in the morning. The climb up to Descabezado has a lot of steep gravel slopes, which makes it tiresome. Water is flowing at all the marked locations.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [55,7-58,3] + to Los Quillayes and back on OH06-06 and OH06-06A + RR [58,3-59,6] + OH06-C + RR [62-69]<br /> <br /> OH06-06A is a steep gravel climb, but worth it. Really nice view from Los Quillayes (but similar to the view from Pass Hornitos. Pass Hornitos has some bigger snowfields on the southern side, but its easy to walk around them. OH06-C was pretty steep at the end, so maybe the RR is more convenient. Little above ankle high Ford north of Laguna de los Hornos in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69-80] + OH06-E + OH06-F<br /> <br /> Small Shop (I bought some Pasta) and Restaurant in Los Alamos. I tried to continue on the RR from Los Alamos to El Medina. But at 81,3 km the trail vanished and I wasn't able to continue. Therefore I walked back and walked on the paved road OH E+F to El Medano. Camping + Thermas in El Medano costs 7000 Pesos. There is a small shop, but it is very expensive (e.g. 1 Ramen Cup costs 2000 Pesos).<br /> <br /> GPT06 has some really spectacular views. Especially Pass Hornitos and Volcan Descabezado. There is no shade, so the sun is gonna burn you all day. This + the sand/gravel is demanding for your body and your equipment. <br /> <br /> * '''Jan-26-2024 to Jan-30-2024 / 4.5 days / SOBO / Oh5, Oh 3, RR / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section, from the entrance in Vilches to the end in los cipreses. Sand and lack of shadow are the main difficulties. <br /> <br /> Right of way : that was my first fear. Concerning guardia parques : en parque ingles, they say that they cannot let officially hikers go to the volcan, as duenos asked (OH1 passes by 4 differents private properties). But if you have a message by don victor it's ok. So no need for discussion there just take a ticket to el bolson and no more words. El bolson was closed for a few days for maintenance, so i just got out of parque ingles. At Alto de Lircay, guardiaparque told me that it was my responsability to enter don Victor's property without his permission. You can legally turn back into the park (or coming from parque ingles) paying for another day at the end, at the entrance, if you want to come back by altos de Lircay after the volcan. <br /> - Don Victor : I had the chance to meet him near the valle del venado, on a horse. I asked for permission to enter his lands and continue south, that he offered me easily with promess to not let garbage in the zone. I was glad to meet him out of his lands, I don't know how he would react into. He especially asked to guardaparques to say to hikers that it was not permitted to go on his lands because it's always full of trash, and he has to clean it up all the time. He told me that foreigners were more respectfull than locals though. His phone is off all season because it became a public number, and he has to many calls to enter the volcan. So if you want permission better send a message before season. To note, his lands go at least to the laguna caracole, don't know after.<br /> I saw another chilean hiker walking up the volcan, didn't seem to be a problem for him. <br /> <br /> Water : often present on RR, in the lagunas or the oasis. A good stream just before the top of the volcan to. No need to carry kgs of it. <br /> No water at the volcan basecamp though, so I carried it from the puesto. <br /> <br /> Snow : From now on, no snow issues from the entrance in Vilches to the end at los cipreses, so no need for crampons (with entrance by option 5, I don't know for the entrance by RR). Few patches you can easily bypass before and after the third pass 59km. <br /> No patches on the way to the top of volcan. <br /> <br /> River crosses (1.78m) : only once Rio blancillo, at the first Ford (water to knees). Then I stayed on the right side of the river until the end. I had to walk inside for 1 minute, water to hips, but no current so it was easy. I bypassed the two other crosses this way. <br /> <br /> Camp : valle venado (conaf), really friendly worker there. - Basecamp Volcan : beware, I made the mistake to not plant my tent well with heavy rocks, and the pikes in the sand are no use... so when I came back from the volcan it was upside down with strong wind... a whole adventure to pack everything ! - Oasis at water 48km. - Around 70 kms, some nice camping spots near the river at the right side of the road. <br /> <br /> Volcan : up to the top by option 3, then down by variant 3A. Taking the variant directly seems like hell, lot of sand. More rocks on regular option 3. Physically demanding, but no other particular difficulties.<br /> <br /> Proposition of new option : as the right of way may evolve badly in the future, I suggest a new option road from el camping valle venado to tricehue, following the rio claro. I asked to the guardaparque at the campsite, he said that there are people doing it usually. This year the river is to strong though, so maybe in march or next year. <br /> <br /> Buses at the end : the lign is from talca to el medano, a stop at the exit of los alamos on the road. From el medano : buses 7h30 and 15h30, monday to Friday (dont know for week ends).<br /> From talca : 12h30 and 19h<br /> At el colorado, buses to talca more often.<br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-17 / 7 Days / Hiking / NOBO / O5, O3, O3A, RR, O1 / Vlad'''<br /> <br /> A spectacular section to end my 5-week trip on the GPT. I’ve never experienced a landscape like this before and the weather (straight up sunshine for the whole week) was a welcome change after the unrelenting wind and rain of Patagonia. There were no other people outside of the start and end of the trail in national parks. Beautiful and desolate wild camping near the volcano. That said, it was very rough on my gear. The dry sand, abrasive rocks, spiky bushes did some damage to my shoes (erased on tread on the soles after sliding down scree slopes for 2 days), socks (holes after rubbing on rocks since I did not have gaiters), trekking poles (they were in a poor shape already but the rocks and sand finished them and the tips got sanded off), pants (got some holes as well). <br /> <br /> Day 1: I took an overnight bus from Puerto Montt to Talca (22k CLP, very comfortable, booked through Rodovairro.cl). After arriving in Talca, there was a bus to Vilches at 10:30. I got off at the last stop and made it to the PN Altos de Lircay entrance around 1 PM. I asked the ranger about access to Descabezado land since I texted the owner, Don Victor (WhatsApp +56998863554) but he didn’t respond to me. The ranger said that Don Victor doesn’t respond at the moment but he said it was okay for the rangers to allow hikers to leave the park and go to his land. <br /> <br /> I was charged 8.5k CLP for park entrance and 10k CLP for 2 nights camping inside the park. This is because I wasn’t allowed to start hiking to Valle el Venado the first day (trail closes at 11:00 am even though it’s only 19 km 🙃) and had to camp at the park entrance, then another night once I get to Valle el Venado. It was a bummer as I already had limited time for this section, but it allowed me to go for a day hike up the mountain in Altos de Lircay and watch a beautiful sunset. The forest in Altos de Lircay is beautiful with teeming wildlife and abundant wildflowers. I saw a woodpecker, a fox, colorful iguanas, a snake, giant spiders, and endless wildflowers. <br /> <br /> You could maybe get to Altos de Lircay on time to start hiking the same day if you leave on the 7 am bus from Talca. They give you a paper at the park ranger’s office and I was asked for it 3 times by different rangers throughout my trip. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked from Altos de Lircay to Valle el Venado with a side trip to see the waterfall. Met a group on horses. A few river fords that were all below knee level. Got to the campsite at Valley el Venado which wasn’t very nice. Horse poop everywhere, had to clear the spot for a tent. No one asked to check if I paid for the campsite. The group on horses camped somewhere up the valley from the refugio as I heard them and saw some come down to use the bathroom. <br /> <br /> Day 3: I did the 3 fords of river Blanquillo as suggested on the GPS track. The first one is at the spot where river is widest, so it was only knee deep. On the second ford, it’s narrower and the current was strong, it was crotch deep for me (178 cm). Third ford knee deep. In hindsight I should’ve just stayed on the left side of the river and only crossed it once in the end. <br /> <br /> It was a very short day, 10 km, but I thought it would be nice to arrive at Blanquillo refugio early in case Umberto was there. However, when I got there, the refugio was empty, and I couldn’t find any hot springs. I don’t think the bathing pool is there anymore. I scouted around for half an hour and only saw horse and cow poop in every little stream and pool of water. I followed one of the streams about 100 m uphill to get clean drinking water but I still saw poop on the banks. <br /> <br /> Since Umberto wasn’t there, I cooked dinner by the refugio and kept going to the Descabezado basecamp (-35.59773, -70.79645) 3.4 km further and 600 m of elevation higher up from the Banquillo refugio, which made the next day’s climb up the volcano shorter.<br /> <br /> The sunset at the Descabezado basecamp was out of this world. <br /> <br /> Day 4: I left from basecamp at sunrise since I didn’t want to walk in the dark. I had to cross a few not steep snow fields at the beginning but nothing at higher elevations. Every snow field higher up is easily bypass-able. That said, the climb up to the crater still felt brutal to me. There’s absolutely no sure footing, everything is just a scree slope. When ascending, you can either climb up the 45 degree scree slope or try to walk on the rocks which are easier to plant your foot on. I chose the rocks but they too were sliding sometimes, even large boulders, so I had to be careful not to let a giant rock fall directly on my other foot. It took me 4.5 hours to reach the crater from the basecamp following the less steep option 3. It was very windy, cold, and the sun was shining directly in my face early in the morning as I was climbing up the volcano so it was a little difficult to see the path sometimes.<br /> <br /> On the way down, I saw my tent and was trying to slide down the scree slope directly towards the basecamp roughly following the steep option 3A. Going down was actually really fun and effortless. But be careful and still check GPS regularly when you descend, as there are some scree slopes that end directly in a vertical plunge down to the ice field below. <br /> <br /> I refilled my water bottles with ice cold water flowing from the snow field here (-35.60455, -70.78525), using my trowel as a spout. I’m glad I did because when I got back to basecamp, the water I stashed there in the morning was as warm as a hot soup after baking in the tent in direct sunlight all day. <br /> <br /> I was considering staying at basecamp location for another night because it’s such a visually stunning spot with gorgeous sunsets and incredible stars at night, but it was just way too hot to remain there so I packed up and went back down to Banquillo refugio. Unfortunately, Umberto was still not there so I just enjoyed the company of cows and went to sleep. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I went north in the white sand dunes following Banquillo river which nurtures a breathtaking oasis in the desert. I thought this area was way more beautiful than the Banquillo refugio (especially with all the cow poop there) so I wished I kept going a little further the previous night and set up camp somewhere by the river in this area (-35.53354, -70.79191). Disclaimer: I didn’t actually look for a spot that was flat and sheltered but that whole area just felt like a paradise so I think one could find a suitable spot for a tent there. <br /> <br /> Right at the fork of the trails where one can choose to take Option 1 or continue on RR to Termas del Azufre, I ran into arrieros transporting hundreds of goats through the snow-covered slopes, it was a beautiful scene and a blessing for me as their footprints helped me find a safe way in some semi-steep snow sections I had to cross after 2400 m. I chose to follow Option 1 to El Bolson because the RR on the right at the fork looked like it had loads of snow still. Even on Option 1, I had to be careful and kick-step my way through the snow fields as I had no crampons and my trail runners had virtually no tread left on them after being ground on the volcanic rocks and sand the previous couple of days.<br /> <br /> One particularly dangerous spot is here (-35.51932, -70.82684) just after Laguna Manantial Pelado. It’s a big snow field that started melting and formed a lake that’s not on the map. It was breathtakingly beautiful going west, but if you were coming from the other direction you could not see the collapse of the snow field until it’s too late and you’re on the edge, so stick to the trail and walk on the side of the valley in that spot. <br /> <br /> I got to El Bolson just before sunset. It was surprisingly a beautiful and scenic campground and not too crowded on a Monday night. I spoke a few words to the people in the refugio, they just told me to set up my tent and didn’t ask to pay for camping. <br /> <br /> At Bolson, I met a group of Chilean students from Talca who spoke really good English and we had a lot of fun eating dinner together, smoking weed and going to swim in the nearby waterfall the next morning. There are trails going down the cliff to the swimming pools here (-35.49801, -70.90767). It’s a really pristine swimming spot, just be careful and don’t get too close to the waterfalls as we heard there was an accident the previous night where a rock fell off and pushed a person over the edge of the waterfall so they plunged down into a pool below. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Hiked from Bolson to Parque Ingles entrance, where the ranger once again asked for my paper registration from Altos de Lircay documenting my trip. The shops at Parque Ingles are really tiny and would not be sufficient for another section resupply in my opinion, I just bought some fresh fruit and hitched a 3 KM ride to Siete Tazas. By the time I got there (19:00) all the trails were closed and the ranger told me to go find camping at Valley de las Catas. It was 13k CLP (ouch) for 1 night camping with inclusion of the ticket for a 3-km loop on the southern bank of river Claro to see Siete Tazas. The campground had a hot shower which was very welcomed, but otherwise I think Siete Tazas was not worth it and I wish I spent my last day attempting to hike up to Laguna de las Animas instead. Though I don’t know if it would even be possible as the entire rim of the mountain seemed snow covered so there must’ve still been a very steep, yet short, snow field one would need to cross to get over the pass. <br /> <br /> Day 7: I took a morning walk out of the campground and caught a 11:30 bus back to Molina, then a bus from Molina to Santiago for a flight home the next day. <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 07 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Anh'''<br /> There are many good reports, so I'll keep it short.<br /> <br /> With my information, I could simply walk from Parque Inglés without registration. But I want to hike legal &amp; support Conaf. So I had to register and pay online (not in cash at other national parks) with my conaf account, then offline paper formular. Fortunately, the 2nd payment for Campsite El Bolsón (compulsory) was in cash (200m from Conaf). It had taken me more than an hour.<br /> <br /> There is a lot of hiking in volcanic sand (rough, fine).<br /> At this time there are still many snowfields from 2000 Hm upwards. There are streams under the snowfields, some of which only have a thin layer of snow (danger of collapse).<br /> Ford km 29.4 is quite critical (hip, strong flow in the morning)<br /> <br /> I met two boys at Refugio Blanquillo. They had been hiking for two days on a different route (no RR GPT06) with a text description from the internet (no hiking map/GPS track). They learned &amp; understood that it was very dangerous and could get lost at any time. Luckily they met a hiker with GPS &amp; inReach, otherwise I would have taken them with me.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-03 to 2024-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / round trip anticlockwise / O5 - O3 - RR - O1 - O1c (Condor Circuit) / Lotti and Alex'''<br /> <br /> Originally we wanted to do the Cóndor Circuit, but after we read about the troubles some of you had, we decided to take the safer option 1 to avoid the snow and landslide above Termas de Azufre. This route felt very safe and the snow was not a problem at all. We ended up with a beautiful round trip from Altos de Lircay to Valle Venado, then to the summit of Descabezado, then Valle del Indio and back to Altos de Lircay. The landscape is incredibly beautiful and diverse, and we enjoyed it a lot. The scariest part for us was fording the Rio Blanquillo on day 2.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Altos de Lircay - Valle Venado on option 5 (Sendero de Chile) <br /> We stayed at Hotel Picamaderos in Altos de Lircay, which is a very nice and relaxed place right next to the park entrance of Altos de Lircay. To enter the park we had to show the CONAF officers the WhatsApp message that Victor send us as a permission for entering his land at Refugio Blanquillo. <br /> The hike through the forest was very nice and shady and we enjoyed the view from the mirador where we got a nice overview of our route for the next days. Crossing Rio Claro was easy, not deeper than knee deep. We camped in a shady spot next to Valle Venado.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Valle Venado - Refugio Blanquillo - Descabezado base camp (option 5 and option 3) <br /> Easy walking until Laguna el Blanquillo which was really beautiful. After that the path crosses Rio Blanquillo several times. We tried to avoid it at first because it looked quite intimidating, so we followed some stone men to climb around and walk higher up the valley. When it was not avoidable any more, we forded it. For me, with just 152cm of height, it was intimidatingly deep (almost to the hip) and it had really strong currents. Alex had to help me across, and with him walking in front of me, it worked. We arrived at an empty Refugio Blanquillo, picked up some water there and walked up to Descabezado base camp which has no water. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Descabezado Summit<br /> We left the base camp early at 6:00 and took the southern option 3 trail which was well marked by stone men at the beginning. We used our crampons to climb up some ice fields effectively, but I think they could have been bypassed as well. On the way down we took the steeper option 3A sliding down on soft pumice stones which was a lot of fun. We picked up our tent, walked back down and set up our camp at Refugio Blanquillo. There we searched a while for the hot springs, but couldn't find them.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Refugio Blanquillo - Valle del Indio (RR and option 1 NOBO)<br /> We walked on the regular route for about 8 km until the junction where we changed to option 1. After that we crossed several smaller streams that were not on our map. Snow started around 2300m, but it was easy to walk on and we didn't need our crampons. Laguna Manantial Pelado was incredibly beautiful with its icy shores. There were some camp spots there, but it was much too windy for us to stay there for the night. We kept walking over the pass and down the valley until we found a shady spot in the middle of the valley floor of Valle del Indio. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Valle del Indio - Altos de Lircay (Option 1C)<br /> After the wild vulcanic landscapes of the days before, this day's scenery was not as spectacular, but the hiking was easy and we even met some wild horses. We camped at Punta 6 inside the park Altos de Lircay, where we found a camping spot right next to a very nice swimming hole in the river and met the first people after 5 days of loneliness. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Altos de Lircay - park entrance<br /> Easy walking in the shade of the forest. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-29 to 2024-Jan-3 / 6 days / NOBO / Variant 5+3+RR+GPT05(VarG+RR)+RR / Matthias + Johanna '''<br /> <br /> The route:<br /> Basically the route is the Condor Circuit: Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay - Descabezado Grande - PN Siete Tazas. <br /> We bypassed the part from km 19.4 (Termas) to km 27.4 (pass Portezuelo Las Cruces) via GPT05(VarG+RR) due to the reports of Lilian and Michael &amp; Cassia. By the time we started our tour, Michael had written only a much less intimidating post on the Facebook group (only indicating difficult route conditions). So it was a lucky ad-hoc decision after the difficult descent from pass La Calle the day before not to try their route!!<br /> <br /> The conditions: <br /> Snow +- above 2250m, rivers below snow-filled watersheds with high water levels! Overall quite demanding to us!<br /> <br /> Day 1+2: Easy walking from park entrance (Lircay) to Vegas Blanquillo („basecamp“ Descabezado).<br /> <br /> Day 3: Ascent to Descabezado <br /> Easier than expected but tedious above 3400m due to volcanic ash and steepness. Snowfields below 3400m can be bypassed or safely crossed (surface like a mogul piste). The steep snowfields above can by bypassed. We climbed the right (southern) „couloirs“ on the right margin (beneath the red rock), loose rocks are the main difficulty.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Vegas Blanquillo - Termas Azufre<br /> About 5 km on snow. Some short steep snow passages, soft snow on snow bridges. High water levels.<br /> Easy walking until a height of ca. 2550 (km 32.5) when going down into the valley of Estero Volcán. Next 250hm downhill tricky as while we tried to avoid the quite steep snow on the slopes, we faced the difficulty of avoiding unstable snow bridges in the valley floor. We were happy to have our microspikes with us! Also parts of the summer path seemed to be washed away (around km 30.5) as seen from afar. Forded the river ca. 500m upstream of the place indicated on the track files (50m south of the now collapsed snow bridge of Lilian). Strong current, water up to mid of thighs. Additional fording of the (today roaring) creek coming down from Cerro Colorado (km28.5).<br /> <br /> Day 5: Termas Azufre - Valle del Indio: Difficult fordings <br /> Trail washed away ca. 1 km after Termas. We went up 100 hm to bypass (possibly you could also bypass by descending ca. 50 hm).<br /> Edgy fording of Estero Volcán at ca. 35°28'56&quot;S 70°46'13&quot;W. Strong current, water up to lower waist on the far side for me (188cm) and up to upper waist for Johanna (163cm). I could give her a hold from a rock there! Then ca. 500m north 2 easier fordings back to the western side of the there split river. <br /> We did not stick to RR here (we did not divert from path at „trailhead“), as there was no possible crossing of the river visible and the path seems to be very difficult with large loose rocks and steep slopes). But possibly one could avoid the two fordings by RR and then climbing the rocks near the riverbed.<br /> There are no further fordings of Estero Volcán (km 24.6) as river is flowing on the eastern side of the valley this season.<br /> Loose volcanic ash on parts of the ascent to pass Portozuelo Las Cruzes. Snowfields easy (could be bypassed or safely crossed on the afternoon of the hot day). Laguna Las Animas partly ice-covered, we swam next to the ice :-)<br /> After the pass going down to Valle del Indio there is steep snowfields (former wedges) on most of the rim. Only 4-5 m, but even with microspikes it was too dangerous for us. You can bypass snow by walking some meters to the right (west) from the pass and walking/climbing down the rock pillar (solid).<br /> <br /> Day 6: Easy walk down to Park entrance Parque Ingles<br /> <br /> Camp sites: Valle Venado - Vegas Blanquillo (Descabezado basecamp) 2 nights - 500m north and 50 m uphill of Termas - valleyfloor Valle los Indios<br /> <br /> Basecamp Descabezado - Right of way:<br /> No access given to hikers without a guide to cross the NP to Descabezado. We chose to hire a local arriero who accompanied us the first three days (Pancho 997635447), who got a permission to camp from the land owner in advance. Even though he is a local and has his own cows feeding up there, he had to discuss at the three „checkpoints“ at park entrance, as he had no written prove with him.<br /> The man living at the basecamp was not there in the end, selling some cows in the valley ! <br /> Nice swimming pool with tepid water 5m north of camping site, for drinking water go the long way round the swampy valley to a source on the other side ca. 20m west of the hut.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2024-Dec-25/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR/ Michael and Kasia '''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> We had camped at Rocas Basalticas campground the night before. When we arrived at the gate they asked to see our permission to camp at Bolson. We didn't know that that was required and spent some time going back and forth with them. We finally went to Rocas Basalticas down the road and got them permission to camp at Bolson and they finally let us in. The walk up is pretty, all the snow is gone. All fords are easy. There were a few tábanos, but not many. CONAF did a reroute on a small section of the trail higher up. If you're watching GPS you go off the route, but just follow the sign to Bolson and it goes there. Campground has water and toilets.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> We hiked up through Valle del Indio. The route is a little tricky to find and we were moving slow so getting a lot of meander in the GPS marker. Looking for cairns was helpful. Two thirds of the way up there was still snow. By that time it was slushy. We had opted not to buy crampons at the last minute, so we made our way across kicking into the snow. The last 15 m to the pass was an almost straight up in snow. After the pass there was very little snow until the rise up to Laguna de las Ánimas. After that it was a complete snow field and the lake was frozen. We managed to kick out a pad for the tent and camped in the snow. Really beautiful sky that night.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> A long day with very little distance covered. Full sun, we both got sunburns despite sunscreen and covering. The snow was heavily pockmarked so it was hard to walk through. It took much longer than we anticipated. We ended up camping just below the pass. We were concerned about wind, so we tied the tent down really well. Fortunately it was a calm night.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> We continued on RR. There were several steep ups and downs, mostly on snow, as well as some intimidating traverses. The snow was getting to the point where we were a little uncertain if it would hold or not. We saw a single set of tracks, assume it was Lillian as it looks like she was a day or two ahead of us. 2 km before Termales Azufre we crossed a very steep section of snow. On the way down Kasia fell and hit some small rocks. She got some bruises and cuts, but nothing broken. I tried to slide with the backpack off and in front of me, but I fell too and the bag started tumbling down a steep sandy slope. I chased the bag, fell and rolled twice, and finally managed to jump and tackle the bag about 5 m before it went over the edge. It was a dangerous move, but I had not had a chance to take the GPS off the bag before it started sliding, and without it we couldn't get out and couldn't call for help. It was a long hike back up due to the incline and sand. We made it a little further and then ran into an area of trail wiped out by a landslide where it was impossible to get footing, even without the packs. Every step would cause more sand and rocks to slide down. It was about 18:30 at that point. We backtracked about 100 m to a gap between a snow wall and a large rock and set up a provisional shelter for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> After waking up the next day, we tried to see if rest and fresh eyes would give us a better perspective. After discussing it we realized that there was really no way forward or back. We decided it only option was to use the SOS button on the Garmin. I pushed the button at 10:00, and by 16:00 there was a helicopter flying through the valley looking for us. I was surprised that it happened so quickly. They had to land in the valley, and since we could not get ourselves down, they sent a GOPE team of three guys up and the helicopter left for the night. It took them about an hour to get up to us, and then another two hours to do enough provisional maintenance on the trail for us to get down. We camped with them in the valley for the night and the helicopter came to get us in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-25 to 2023-Dec-26/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / off RR / Jens, Nolwenn, Yannick'''<br /> <br /> To enter the Hydroelectrico Los Cipreses you need a permit, which we did not get in advance. The guard at the gate said we could get it by emailing his boss. <br /> As it was Christmas Day, it was not possible to get the permit. <br /> The guard told us to take a route along the perimeter fence. We did that until we couldn't get further. We entered the compound through a hole in the fence and walked to the end of the road on the right side of the river. The bridge on the map is destroyed. The current was too strong to cross. Turned around and went back.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-18 to 2023-Dec-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+{06-D} / Lilian'''<br /> It is the most amazing section from GPT01 to here so far!<br /> <br /> I hiked RR, it is still covered by tons of snow, i recommend use ice axe and micro spikes if you want to hike from Portezuelo Las Cruces(pass) to El Estadio(pass), there is some really steep snow slope. (RR-TL-V)<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles have a restaurant and a tiny store selling food, fruits, drinks and some 230g gas canisters.<br /> <br /> I hopped the gate to the park at 6:30. No one was there.<br /> <br /> There are 3 main pass for RR.<br /> <br /> First pass, snow start at km14.3(2050m), not difficult for climbing up to pass[15.4/2257].<br /> <br /> Laguna Las Animas(lake)[16.7/2286] is still frozen, very beautiful. I climbed up on some rocks at the north side of the lake, then mostly choose my own way to climb up to pass, because RR look steep.<br /> <br /> Arrive the pass[19.4/2547], if you are not comfortable with snow, it is the LAST CHANCE to turn back.<br /> <br /> Pass is flat and dry, you can camping here but windy.<br /> <br /> There are no RR after the pass because covered by many snow, find a way go down to valley by snow slope, then walk all the way on snow to km20.2, you can see the trail but on the other side at km20.2, steep go down the snow slope then connect to RR.<br /> <br /> Follow the trail about 5min, you will go into a big valley, trail and the whole valley covered by snow, but you can see a trail is at the far away other side of valley.<br /> <br /> Go your own way to water[22.0/2279], i think it is lot ways to go down, but dont too close to cliff side, it is steep and easily to fall off.<br /> <br /> After you arrive water[22.0/2279], then straight forward to km22.6.<br /> <br /> A large flat area can fit lot of tents at the downhill side of km22.6.<br /> <br /> After km22.6, the most dangerous part begins, from here to km26, lot of steep snow slope you need to cross, be careful, kick step and don't slide.<br /> <br /> Km26 is another large flat area for camping, i camped here with nice sunrise.<br /> <br /> Snow continues to km26.6, but easy way. The first pass's snow end.<br /> <br /> About the second pass, snow start at ford[29.4/2190], strong flow and look like up to thighs, i cross it on snow bridge.<br /> <br /> Stay on east side until km31.25, then stay down walking in the valley, easier than on the slope.<br /> <br /> Although full of snow, but I think it is easy to go to the pass[33.8/2695] from here, so i dont mention the details. It is also easy to go down, most of them are gentle slope.<br /> <br /> Snow end at km41.4, but mostly you can find some flat sandy spot start at km39.1.<br /> <br /> Hot spring[45.6/1881] : completely dry. Some camping spots with rock wall nearby.<br /> <br /> Water,camp[48.1/1837] : amazing oasis in desert! Clear and cold water, some shade, also lot of swallows flying in the sky catching some food for their kid.<br /> <br /> Km49.1 - km49.8 : best view point of Volcán Descabezado Grande and Volcán Azul! If you want to camp with stunning views, bring water at oasis then climb up here, lot of sandy spots beside some rocks, enjoy you sleep with volcano.<br /> <br /> Km53.2 - km54.7 : Laguna del Caracol(lake), maybe because too much snow melts? Trail underwater, you need to walk in the lake shore for a while.<br /> <br /> Camp[56.3/2034] : oasis again! Crystal clear and cold water! It is possible to cut off from km56 to x[57.3/2073] directly, stream flowing slow and up to knee.<br /> <br /> Third pass, steep climb up to km57.9, if you follow RR, then you will turn right and face some steep snow climbing up.<br /> <br /> If you look up at left side, there is some foot steps straight climb up on a dry slope, which is no snow but looses sand.<br /> <br /> I go for the left one to the pass, ok but steep and really tried.<br /> <br /> Most of the snow is after pass, from pass[59.3/2518] to km61.5, first go to east side go around the snow, then you will find a trail, follow it a little then go your own way in snow valley. <br /> <br /> I follow RR, mostly easy to go down until km61.5, a steep slope. I don't want to take the risk, so i crossed a snow bridge to a sandy slope at south side. Go down the slope and rejoin RR about km62.1.<br /> <br /> Ford[63.4/1909] : i crossed the river before a huge rock, below knee at morning. The huge rock also provide some wind protection, i saw some camping trace beside it.<br /> <br /> Volcán Los Hornitos : km65.3, {06-D}, just beside RR, no need CC, a trail leads you to the top, just climb up 70m! Go for it!<br /> <br /> Lastly with no luck, i saw a car going down just 10min before i arrived the road, then no more cars, so i walk all the way to Los Cipreses.<br /> <br /> Met a super friendly worker at Los Cipreses, he give me some cherry to eat and a ride to Los Alamos. A tiny shop there , if you are not picky, a little pricey but enough food resupply for 1 people six days. It have a sign &quot;Almacen&quot; at its front gate. You can ask locals where it is, i saw many workers go to there buy things.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-3/ 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; 6 option 1 / Lukas en Tess'''<br /> <br /> As this was our first section on the GPT and there still was a lot of snow in the mountains we decided to play it safe and folow option 1 from el Bolsón. It is less steep and less long above the snoweline about 2000m at the time. It went great but Tess burned her eyes so good sunglasses are definetly a must when hiking in the snow. From there we continued the RR at Laguna del Caracol we had to walk in the lake on the edge, no idea if that's normal but it was funny. The next and final big obstacle was the pass on k59 we decided to try and bypass it because it looked very steep with a lot of snow and ice and Tess with her burning eyes had a hard time looking at any snow at her feet. So we went up right next to it (north). Realy though rock scrambling but we managed. Going down the next valley was okay with the snow but crossing rivers covered in snow is tricky so try to avoid it. Walking into los Cipreces we were told we were not supposed to be there but still we had lunch in the cafeteria and they fixed a ride to bring us to the road, realy nice people there. From there we hitchhiked to el colorado where we stayed for two days to let Tess' eyes heal.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-14 to 2023-Mar-19 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Parque Ingles - Los Cipreses / Noemie'''<br /> <br /> Parque Inglés - El Bolsón - Termas de Azufre - Blanquillo - Laguna Hornitos - Los Cipreses<br /> <br /> First try on the GPT and amazing section to start. There were buses from Molina at 10am and 5pm going to Parque Ingles. You must arrive there before 1pm and buy an entrance for El Bolson (with camping) to enter the Park. It's also possible to camp in Parque Ingles (7.000 CLP/night). When I entered, CONAF asked me where I was going, if I had a GPS, and gave me some kind of permit to show in Los Cipreses. I wasn't asked to show it when I arrived there though. <br /> Landscapes and panoramas were extremely beautiful and very impressive. There was still water in all marked points and fords were easy to cross. Trail is easy to follow almost everywhere, except after Termas de Azufre (be careful to look for the right pools on the map and do not go up too much, I ended up in a place with almost boiling water). The whole section is full of beautiful sand dunes, so gaiters were extremely useful. In Blanquillo, you are supposed to get an authorization from the dueño to stay there, but it looks like it is not really enforced. I spent a day in Blanquillo to rest, drink maté and learn how to make sopaipillas with Umberto. I hitchhiked from Los Cipreses to San Clemente (one hostel, two supermarkets, decent to resupply) so I can't comment on the bus schedule. However, to come back to Los Cipreses/Termas del Médano, be aware that there is now only a bus leaving at 3pm from Talca, going up until La Mina. I took a small bus to Colorado on morning (every 45 min.) and hitchhiked easily back until Laguna del Maule for GPT 07.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-21 to 2023-Mar-25 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Vilches — Volcan – Parque Ingles / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Our last section on the GPT for this year! We started in Vilches Alto with the option 06-05 because we rented horses with the arriero Jose Lopez. The beginning is placed in the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, which requires a permit to go until the Volcan. The entrance fee is also 7k pp. We finished our first day at Camp, CONAF {06-05} [10.2/1158]. I believe we mostly followed the GPS track. <br /> <br /> On the second day, we continued with the horses until Hot Spring {06} [45.6/1881] (Banos del Blanquillo) still following the track. We then were disappointed because the arriero left us here whereas our agreement (clearly stated by messages before the rent) was to climb the volcano with the horses (it turns to be not possible, too steep).<br /> Thankfully, we had an excess day of food so we could attempt the climb the next day. We also met Umberto, the guy staying in the refugio, who was extremely friendly. He told us to start the volcano climb early in the night to avoid heavy winds. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we started the ascent at 2am with our headlights. 6h30 later we were on the top, with the morning lights rewarding us and stunning landscape. The ascent was extremely tiresome (sand material), as always with volcanos, and it was very cold but the crater and the views were very worth it. After a breakfast at the top, the descent, mostly running, took us about 2h. We rested for the rest of day at Banos del Blanquillo and even got a sopapilla making class with Umberto.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we followed the RR in the beautiful Descabezado landscape. Expect no shade but stunning dunes of white sand. There is plenty of water during the day because you will cross at least 2 rivers that were not dry this late in the season. The trail is easy to follow (because that is the only one) and is also part of the Circuit of the Condores. However, after Ford {06} [29.4/2190], you have about a dozen of options and the navigation until Hot Spring {06} [27.4/1986] (Hot Sping del Azufre) is more challenging. We decided to ignore the GPS and follow our instinct - just aim for the fumerolles. There you can enjoy a hot bath in one of the three hot natural pools (along some weird soft alguees). <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we simply followed the RR until Parque Ingles. The trail is well marked until the end, you just have to enjoy multiple highlights in the landscape. Of note, when reaching El Bolsón, the CONAF ranger forbid us to bath in the pools because it was too late (3PM) and told us to leave the park before 5:30. He was not friendly and also checked the entrance tickets of Livan Ray. We got extremely lucky and caught a bus leaving Parque Ingles when we reached it (it leaves at 5:00).<br /> <br /> This hike concludes our GPT adventure. We loved to start it riding horses to feel a bit more like the trails main user. The final day hiking and the volcano ascent were astonishing, truly one of (or even the) best section of our GPT.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-03 to 2023-Feb-08 / 6 days/ Hiking / SOBO / RR + Descabezado / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé'''<br /> <br /> Our first trip on the GPT, plenty of water, we didnt carry more than 1.5L each. Here is our trip :<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Laguna Las Animas - 18km - +1200m/-100m<br /> We entered the parc illegally at 7:30 in the morning as some others hikers have done reading the wiki. We did this because the parc was full for the next 3 days. I can only advise you to book in advance on internet (conaf). We slept at a camping in front of the entrance for 7k CLP per person. Plenty of buses goes up there from Molina in 2 hours. At least a dozen. Same for going back. If you buy your ticket online : if you sleep at El Bolson, you can enter the park until 3pm, if you go further with only the El Bolson ticket, you can entered until 11am only!<br /> So, we hiked until the Laguna las Animas, a rather long day for the first one.<br /> The camp on the beach was quite windy too.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Termas de Azufre - 11km - +400m/-700m<br /> A short day, nice to enjoy the hot springs in the afternoon. The pass in the morning was very windy too.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Refugio El Blanquillo - 20km - +800m/-900m<br /> A long but beautiful day. Leave early the camp to avoid hot temperatures while ascending the pass. Well welcomed by the arrierio Umberto ! Very kind.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Volcan Descabezado Grande - 16km - +2000m/-2000m<br /> We did the ascent without our bags, we went back to our camp in the night. It's long and hard. According to Umberto, 12h are needed in total, we did in 10h. Same, Leave early to avoid hot temperatures. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Laguna los Hornitos - 20km - +900m/-900m<br /> Another nice day, passing next to Laguna Caracol. The descent from the pass is a bit annoying if you didnt follow the track (as we did). So, advice : follow the RR and go down on your right. The Laguna is very dry, just enough to have a bath. Hard to maintain the pitch of the tent in the dry dirt.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Los Cipreses - 15km - +100m/-1000m<br /> Last short day to end this beautiful section. The gravel road is a bit boring but passing pickup are proposing you to get you down to the main road. Here, only one bus at 7am. And a little shop selling ice cream, chips and drinks. We hitchiked to El Colorado where plenty of buses are going down to Talca for 2 000 CLP (+ 400 CLP per bag)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-24 to 2023-Jan-30/ 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Descabezado / Martial'''<br /> <br /> First trip 6 days on GPT being a wonderfully intense experience ! Lunar landscapes, silent and remote, few but great people. No particular difficulty.<br /> Started park ingles with a mandatory 7000peso night at quiet camping near the river and bought ticket for Bolsón overnight 8$. Finally did not stay at Bolson a half day walk from entrance and camped in Laguna de las Animas instead. Great spot for Condors watching. After that follow Will’s advice and put on your mandatory gaiters till the end of the section ! + Walking on sand can be tough for the ankle. Don’t resist and don’t do too much !! Learned it the painfull way.. Trail visible but don’t get confused at termas Azufres especially if you try the (very) hot pools ! RR way is up the valley. Camp with water possible before the pass. The way down called « la Calle » is beautifull sandy dune remote desert. Exceptional. Aimed for Blanquillo refugio aka best basecamp for Descabezado intent. Meet Umberto the arriero at the hut and ask him where the termal pool and the drinking water are. He may be offended if you don’t show up and is a nice generous guy ! Also had a Chilean horse riding group intended the Descabezado so were a nice bunch by the camp fire. As weather window was fine, I decided to try a high camp in order to preserve weak foot from a very long ascent (10h). Took plenty of water as they are only glaciar dirty patches up there and aimed for Descabezado to Cerra Azul osm trail just as Nat and Tomas did (so i could have a chance to summit both also). Finally chose not to cross the nasty glaciar but found a very well sheltered highcamp here (-35.60569, -70.76147). Incredible sunset ! Not advisable in case of rain coming (a storm was growing in Argentina so stayed prepared for an emergency descent). Next day summited Descabezado at 11AM with no wind ideal conditions. Dive your front foot flat in sand just like snow climb when it gets to steep ! Nice ski descent sensations straight to the termas for a well deserved rest at the termas ! Also met Carlos a local climbing half way up so we would share joy later at the camp :).<br /> Exit through RR is also nice but regreted haven’t camped here (-35.67102, -70.83649) for there was some playfull trouts to catch with my survival fishing kit !<br /> Beautiful view from the pass to sandyland and then landscape changes and recommend OH variant C descending (less overgrown). Trail not so visible till laguna los hornos witch i climbed volcano to enjoy the crater caldera. After that descent to los Cipreses is kind of boring and hot so was definitely happy to find a camping by the bridge after the gate with lovely Victorina and her family here (-35.81524, -70.83224). They have been incredibly carring, fed me and brought me to the termas caves (also worth it) in El Medano !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-16 to 2023-Jan-25 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / Descabezado Circuit variant: OH 06-02 &amp; 06-03 Laguna Maule to Vilches w/ volcans / Natalie &amp; Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> An extremely long description so my apologies but hopefully it will help someone. We Started in Laguna del Maule and ended in Vilches with inclusion of volcanoes Descabezado Grande, Azul, Descabezado Chico and Colorado.<br /> <br /> All fords super easy or jump-able. Only times water was scarce was Descabezado and Azul (technically there is melt water from glaciers at Azul), the afternoon around Descanezado Chico and also water was scarce around the Laguna Acquas Calientes because I would not trust drinking that water (some springs are cold water though). Weather turned bad only once while we were climbing Azul, the change happened rapidly and we went from blue skies to total white out (~10m or less visibility) within an hour. Other than that weather was amazing, a little cold at night and a little warm in the day.<br /> <br /> Happy we started in Laguna del Maule and finished in Vilches. This saved elevation gain and let us decide whether or not we had enough food in the end to climb Descabezado, Azul, Chico and for Tomáš Colorado.<br /> <br /> Day 1.<br /> Starting in Talca, due to a certain someone (me) I accidentally sent Tomáš and I to Molina on a bus instead of &quot;La Mina&quot;, so our day was very messed up, but we still managed to take a bus to Colorado and hitchhike to the start of this route. Buses from Talca to la Mina go at: 7:00am, 1:00pm (only to la Suiza), 3:00pm and 7:00pm. We took a bus to Colorado due to time and hitched the rest of the way. The last hitch was in a snowplow truck and he dropped us off miraculously at the start of the trail and before any customs or checks.<br /> <br /> OH-TL-V {06-02} (109.1). Straight away the trail is hard to see, do not take the road-looking trail on the side of the mountain because it ends, stick to the gps. However, soon we were walking on the correct route through the sand and down to a creek with fun boulders. Easy to follow. After this first creek we followed option OH-CC-A (06-02) {98} For only ~5km until making camp in -between a river and canal with flowing water. Bogs in this area slowed us down a lot.<br /> <br /> Day2. <br /> OH- {06-02} -[ (93) &amp; (86) ]<br /> This day seemed long, we crossed two passes, one small (-35.94909, -70.45347) and one much larger (-35.88855, -70.46776). I liked the entire area south of the second pass, many beautiful camp spots, water was available almost to the top of the pass and there is also a nice waterfall/swimming pool located roughly around (-35.90452, -70.45218). Trail to first pass was easy, but trail between first and second was much more cross country, there are many animal tracks, I followed the GPX and Tomáš followed a trail closer to the river and we both ended up at the same spot... After the second pass, the GPX goes cross-country right away, but one can follow a trail that goes left and later reconnects with GPX.<br /> <br /> After the second pass, there is a small plateau and then it follows down a creek with water until you must cross an east hill and go towards your first mountain puesto to the east (noone home). There is only a little bit of water here, better water at the creek you came from and or a few creeks ahead. <br /> <br /> From the puesto (-35.86707, -70.47589), there is a good trail that traverses the slope ahead. We should have camped but we continued. There were a few nice creeks that we passed along the way. We were forced to make a &quot;make-shift&quot; camp before hitting a much nicer plateau because it was dark and I was not having a good day 😅. It is about 6 km between the puesto and the plateau.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> OH {06-02} [78.6] + [75.7] + [63.6]<br /> Easy day, only one small pass. There is an ex-carabiniero puesto at (-35.84277, -70.40285) and a highlight was two rivers, one at (-35.76317, -70.42051) and one river at (-35.74734, -70.45623). The GPX is marked as trail a bit further than the actual trail goes (the trail continues to a puesto down-river). You need to go down a ridge and ford the river, there were some footsteps that can be followed. We walked near {06-02E} along a river filled with sand and not great for drinking but there is a creek that starts/ends here (-35.72759, -70.44125). We camped near this way point in the sand but it got windy at night, we wished we camped a bit further from the river in the little hills where it was considerably less windy. <br /> <br /> Day4<br /> OH {06-02} [59.6] + [29.1] + {06-02D}<br /> <br /> This day we passed a large pass (-35.65200, -70.43356) via {06-02D}. This option was more direct and involved a very short and easy scramble onto a windy plateau. Surprisingly lots of water up towards the pass, last one being (-35.66343, -70.42666) , however the water available had a lot of sand in it, fyi. From camp we followed a cow trail until a lake like feature (-35.70057, -70.42733) and then went cross country. I hope my cairns marking the turn for {06-02D} survive. <br /> <br /> After the pass the true Descabezado environment begins. We both made note of how terrible it would be to be on this plateau in bad weather, very open and CC. Next water source would be a couple of creeks here (-35.61215, -70.42156). From a break at this creek we ended up going straight down the creek bed. Kind of exhausting mentally and would not be possible in early season due to water levels but it shot us out directly in line for making a green camp here (-35.56164, -70.44009). <br /> <br /> Day 05<br /> OH {06-02} [29.1] + [20]<br /> Laguna Aquas Calientes day. <br /> An easy day with a lot of time spent at Aquas Caliente, true to the name. <br /> Trail from camp was easy to follow until (-35.53519, -70.46551) and then it went CC to the Laguna. If shelter is needed in this open landscape, we found a rock shelter (agains wind, not rain) here (-35.51276, -70.51035). The creek feeding the Laguna was fabulously warm in places - either at the source of the creek or at a spring on the right side about 100m upriver. Tomáš found the proper source of the spring here (-35.50395, -70.52347). It is easy to get sunburn while bathing mid-day though. There are some camping spots near the creek. After this Laguna there is a nasty and windy sand stretch until a creek located here (-35.48980, -70.57667). On this stretch I chose not to follow the sand but detoured on more solid ground to the east (-35.48839, -70.56200) and was glad I did. Later on we found snow melt here (-35.48544, -70.59940) and loaded all the water we would need for night/morning and exploring Descabozado Chico the next day. <br /> <br /> Day 06<br /> OH {06-02} [20] + {06-02C Chico} + [4.5]<br /> Descabozado Chico + Vulcan Colorado (Tomáš)<br /> <br /> Went up and around the crater of Descabozado Chico in the morning which I highly recommend. The crater is easy to walk around and gives an amazing 360 experience. The climb up is tedious but non-dangerous scree that makes for a super fast decent. Make sure you have enough water because water is scarce there. I saw a waterfall on the NE side the lake but did not go to it, Tomáš got water somewhere off trail around here (-35.51226, -70.65626) and I drank out of the next lake -35.52036, -70.65873 (questionable, but nothing happened to me). <br /> From the lake the next pass begins and I stupidly made Tomáš and I carry 5L of water up it because I did not think there would be water on the south side (both of us overlooking the river indicated on the map)...I was wrong, no water high up but lots of water down low. For the pass we opted not to follow the route because it was thick steep sand so we instead climbed a more solid ridge here (-35.52506, -70.66854). Tomáš went to continue up Vulcan Colorado and I boringly traversed to the normal pass and enjoyed a very fun sand ski down the south side. The Vulcan is a steep but not technical hike up, the crater can be walked around with a steep but fun sand descent on the other side in SW direction. This pass would be very tiresome climbing up due to sand. If you are coming from the opposite direction and do not trust the lagoon water, then you should aim for (-35.51226, -70.65626) or bring water.<br /> <br /> Everything this day was CC. I found it to be the hardest day navigation-wise but still not troublesome. We finished the day in a nice valley before the next day's climb here (-35.55427, -70.70793). The water around this area is a bit sandy but better further up.<br /> <br /> Day 07 <br /> Last pass and New route possibly. <br /> <br /> From camp a trail existed to the pass at -35.55228, -70.73791. There was a little bit of snow at the top but since there were already steps made, it was zero problem. Lots of water on the SE of this pass but only a trickle of water on the NW side at -35.54575, -70.75672. This water trickle point is where we left the trail to make a short cut to Descabezado. To our surprise our route worked and in 4hrs we were making a camp at 2630m next to the approach trail to Descabezado, therefore saving a lot of time, distance and elevation. In our route there was only one difficulty and that was a deep gorge and creek &quot;jump&quot; at -35.57904, -70.77929. Personally I would not recommend this in early season because the consequence of falling in the river might take you down a waterfall and the traverse may otherwise be nasty if there are still snowfields around altitude 2700m. The gorge is fed by the glacier in the crater of Descabezado so in the morning, it should be better but the water is very dirty.<br /> <br /> I drew the route on my photos of the pass if anyone wants them. Otherwise here is my description of our route.<br /> <br /> From the small trickle creek at -35.54575, -70.75672 head SW up the creek bed in the direction of this easy pass -35.55513, -70.76977. Nearby spots would work too except for the pass directly above the creek bed, the other side of that one had snow and rocks. After this pass I believe it is easiest to just go straight down and up like a half pipe rather than trying to traverse and keep elevation, we aimed for a middle looking plateau on the other side, this middle plateau took us to the proper crossing of the gorge here, -35.57923, -70.77864 (más o menos). We jumped the gorge and climbed easily up the other side although the other side looks like a scramble, it was actually just walking. We travesed at this altitude for a little longer (although I would suggest easier walking a little lower) until we made camp in a ravine very close to the Descabezado approach route. Our camp even had a small amount of flowing snow melt so it was heaven in my mind! (Camp with water; -35.59280, -70.78723). <br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> Descabezado &amp; Azul.<br /> <br /> This is turning into a novel so I will keep this short. We left our tent in place and set off early to do Descabezado and Azul as a day trip. Descabezado was straightforward, it seems the trail will change slightly every year depending on who makes the tracks (neither the route in OSM or GPT seem to follow the actual trail from about 2600 to 3300). If wanting to make the true summit, it looks like you have to go down into the crater, cross the glacier and approach it from the other side. Coming down Descabezado was very fast but we made a huge mistake and left the GPT trail to follow the other osm route that heads east then west called &quot;Descabezado Grande - Quizapu - cerro Azul&quot;. <br /> <br /> This route should be avoided [2024: Tomáš removed it from OSM] for many reasons apart from the fact that the other route is easier despite elevation gain (we took the other route back). This osm route took us here -35.61301, -70.75604 which was actually a glacier covered in sand with a small hanging glacier above causing a lot of rockfall. It was a very ugly place and we carefully got out of there and made or way to the proper route to Azul. Despite losing almost 2hours on an already tight day we continued (although I wasted an extra 30min due to making up my mind🙄). Once again on the way up to Azul, we did not follow the normal way but went to the east side of the crater of Azul where the bad osm route is. There were a foot print here and there but it was CC. The crater was amazing but too windy to enjoy much, we saw a few fumaroles. We continued CC to the base of Azul, a tiny bit of snow (or glacier remnants?) but posed no difficulties. The base of Azul is beautiful with melt water if needed. We followed the ridge to Azul, it was more involved than Descabezado but no more than a low 3rd class (it is a bit exposed and steep but almost exclusively hiking). There is an interesting summit tower on Azul but because of the wind and time we had no desire to stretch our limits. Weather moved in fast and before we were off the ridge of Azul, we were completely covered in a white out, maybe maximum 10m of visibility. Navigation was incredibly hard, but we took our chances and took the other (&quot;valle&quot;) OSM route down and luckily it was a very easy route and we were down below the clouds and able to see again. The rest of the night was CC back to our camp ~1030pm. It was a good day. <br /> <br /> Day 9.<br /> <br /> From our camp in the ravine we headed CC and then onto the trail that lead to the puesto at basecamp Blancquillo and from then on we were on a good trail. While walking down we opted to stay in sandals and just walk in the river, it was refreshing. We didn't have clean water until the valley bottom at the CONAF camp (valley El Venado) where there was also lots of pear trees and yellow plum-like trees. Many people there (first people seen). We made camp at the river before the pass (Mirador del Valle del Venado) but the walk from the CONAF camp until then was slower than expected because it was along a river bed with confusing tracks.<br /> <br /> Day 10.<br /> <br /> Good trail up and down from Mirador del Valle del Venado with lots of water and trees for shade. Took us almost half the time we thought it would take. Note that you cannot actually camp at campsites/resting areas on this trail after the Mirador. The CONAF guards asked us where we were coming from and when we said Laguna del Maule, he just sounded impressed and let us go on our way. There was a decent restaurant with empanadas, beer, etc. near the bus stop . There was a posted schedule of the bus but it clearly did not follow this schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus. <br /> <br /> Great trip, beautiful views and details and just the right amount of challenge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-20 to 2023-Jan-23 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> I got to Parque Inglés from Santiago de Chile by taking a train to Curico (advice: if you want to travel by train, buy a ticket online at least 2 days in advance as it books out quickly). From Curico I took a blue collectivo to Molina and then a bus to Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> At the park entrance I was turned away by a CONAF officer because I bought a “day trip” ticket (El bolson - para día) and not the one with overnight camping. For the ticket I bought they allow entry only by 11:00am. I did not explain that I will continue beyond El Bolson - maybe I should have done that but did not want to get myself into more unnecessary discussions. CONAF said they cannot change my ticket to the “camping” type and when I tried to book the other one, it was booked out for the next two days, so the advice is book early and the right ticket type (el bolson - camping)!<br /> <br /> I ended up camping at the Rocas Basilicas for the night.<br /> <br /> On the first hike day hopped the gate to the park at 7:00. No one was there so no issues. I hiked to Thermas de Azufre. It was a very long day. There is no shade at all after El Bolson. I made a provisional shade using my tent’s footprint during lunchbreaks. Once I arrived to the Azufre hotsprings, a few arrieros were there. I decided to camp further up the river.<br /> <br /> On the second day I hiked to Refugio Blanquillo, met a settler who resides there for three months each year (if I understood correctly). The scenery before the refugio was otherwoŕldy and beautiful. Gaiters, good hat, sunscreen and sunglasses were my most loved pieces of gear. I camped at the first “camp” waypoint after Refugio Blanquillo. Amazing place to camp (but no grass), with a good stream and even some small shade thanks to the bushes. <br /> <br /> My third day was quite straightforward, I made it almost to Los Cipresses but decided to camp close to the last “water” checkpoint, shortly before the gate with the guard. It was alright but I would recommend walking all the way to the shop and camp there for the night.<br /> <br /> On the fourth day I walked through the gate with the security guard. I also met a number of the power station workers and all were friendly. We waved at each other. The guard at the gate was nice, took my passport number and name. Once at the shop I found it was closed (9am). I needed to get to El Medano to join GPT07 and decided to continue hiking through Los Alamos. It might have been to early (10am) as also the almacén in Los Alamos was closed. The road after Los Almacén was uneventful and a bit sketchy at places, so I forded the river at the “bridge” waypoint after Los Alamos to get to the main road and hitchike to El Medáno. Got a ride in approx 20 min. El Medáno is a great base - the thermals are nice and there is an electricity socket next to the toilets. They have shade for the tent too. There is also a restaurant with filling foods and a small shop.<br /> <br /> Overall a fantstic section but I wasn’t expecting the heat to be that oppresive!<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-31 to 2023-Jan-3 / 5 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / David and Erika'''<br /> <br /> Get to TH Parque ingle before 1:00 pm, otherwise they close it for entrance. We did get internet and got the correct CONAF ticket -the one heading to El Bolsón. Once you get out of the park and into the Cuesta Las Anima, the wild parts begin. Hope you got your dirty girl gaiters; cause you’re going to need them. Sand city. Gaiters worked great. Remote and desolately beautiful. Water up at the end of Laguna del Caracol, at the river that comes out of the ground, you have a dry climb ahead. Walk out was straightforward. Got a lift from ENEL employee.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2022-Dec-29 / 2 days/ Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I connected in Thermas Azufre from GPT 05. I recommend it as a camping spot. I have seen the tracks of people staying on the western side of the valley but I think it is better to ford, there is a nice trail there on the eastern side. There is a place with an island where I needed to remove my shoes just for about three meters (the stream was not strong enough for me to keep the shoes on).<br /> <br /> I took a detour to the lake at the pass - nice. No snow anymore. Reached the Refugio Blanquillo (which is a puesto, an arriero had two dogs and a thousand shep there), met a group of tourists on horses and two Chilean hikers there, so crowded all of a sudden. The pool there is indeed lukewarm. The water from the stream is said not to be good - I filtered it (for the first time on GPT) and was fine. But if not climbing the volcano, I would recommend to camp 2 km further at the next water source. I no longer carry water with me and just drink a lot when I find a source, there is a lot of them, even in the semidesert (the sand is actually white pumice from the volcanoes). It is quite dusty, my hands got dry and that normally does not happen to me. I agree with the recommendation to apply sunscreen at least three times a day! <br /> <br /> The second day I walked all the way to the main road. In the pass, there is still a bit of snow but quite manageable. Going down from the lake, there is no water until around half or one third of the minor road in the valley, beware. Walking-wise, this was the easiest section on GPT for me. At the mainroad, the camping at the shop after the bridge was closed. I hitched somebody in a truck who knew the owners, called them and they came to open it for me. 5000 pesos but I gave the lady 10000 as she had to drive here to open the camping for me. There is electricity and cold shower and shadow. Almost nothing at the shop. The bus is said to leave at seven. I slept and now will try hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-24 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Amazing trail! It's quite desolate but the landscape varies enough to always keep things interesting. Trudging up the sandy hills could be demoralizing, but getting to run down the other side more than made up for it. Water was still plentiful though not much snow was left, I only had to cross a few small patches. Thankfully heat wasn't a problem at all for me, I even felt cold a few times with the altitude and wind.<br /> <br /> Caught the 5pm bus from Molina to Radal for 3000 pesos, then a van came by a few minutes later to take us to parque inglés for another 3000. Was nice to meet a bunch of Chilean hikers, who were all going to El Bolson and back. We camped at the Rocas Basílicas campsite right at parque inglés, 7000 pesos next to a beautiful river.<br /> <br /> I had phone signal at parque inglés, so I bought the pass online for 8 USD. There was no one at the Conaf office at 7 30 the next morning, so I just hopped the gate and walked through. <br /> <br /> I ran into a few arrieros relaxing at the Azufre hot springs, the only people I saw along the trail. They were friendly but it was tough to understand their heavy Chilean Spanish. They said I could camp with them but there wasn't a ton of room so I walked on.<br /> <br /> There were some geysers shooting up from the muddy riverbank near the gpx track so I took a wider route around. An arriero also told me to take a trail higher up along the dunes so I followed that to the ford. The ford looked tough so I kept walking 2ish km along the other side until I could easily hop across. But it was slow going, probably not worth it.<br /> <br /> I ended up having to camp on a random sand dune. I had some trouble getting my tent to stay up tied to rocks, since I couldn't get stakes in. I'd definitely recommend using tieouts you can really secure to rocks, or even a freestanding tent.<br /> <br /> The rest of the hike went smoothly. I easily made it to los cipreses in three days of hiking from parque inglés. The guard was super friendly, inviting me in and giving me a bunch of water. I camped across the street from the shop near the bus stop, ask at the shop if you want to camp there. The guy running the camping was also super nice, he messaged the bus driver and told me it would be at 9 or 9 30 the next morning, because it was a Saturday (it was also Christmas eve). The bus ended up showing up at 9 45, and costed 3200 pesos to Talca.<br /> <br /> The side trip up Volcan Los Hornitos was very worth it, there's a fairly gradual trail up and you can just sprint straight down. I didn't even need to bring any water (just some gummy bears).<br /> <br /> I got by without gaiters, but bring them if you can. I should have used more sunscreen, the reflection off the sand is strong.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-17 to 2022-Dec-20 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Joining section 6 directly from the previous one with a little challenging connection trail (see our comment from section 5), we continued to the Hot Spring del Azufre. On the way there is one steep traverse. We used hot spring to cook our rice which really saved us as we run out of gas. The landscape on the whole section is amazing, we really enjoyed it! Ascent to the pass is nice and gradual, hiking in the sand is a little slower, but the opposite when going down. We camped at the El Estadio, almost no wind that day, great place to sleep . In the morning we continued on a nice and easy trail, great views around the volcanos… short break by the laguna thats great for swimming. We camped a little before the camp marked in the gps, there is one place, probably used by arrieros, with a fireplace and a few rocks around it. Being out of the gas we set a fire using wood that was already in there and some others we gather during the day. The view to the volcanos must be one of the best we have seen here so far! The next day we continued to the last Hornitos pass and through the valley, again really nice hiking on a clear trail. Last few kms on the road and since we missed the only bus to Talca that is leaving early in the morning (7:00) and did not have luck with hitchhiking, we stayed in a camp right next to the road. Its just a few meters before it, in the same direction we came from. On the left side is a house with some old advertisment sign (coca-cola or similir) on its fence, and the lady there has a small shop. The camp is on the other side - cold shower, toilets, electricity and access to the river, all for 5000 for 2 people. We even got sandwiches for dinner as there was no other place around to eat. Overall, when combining both sections we recommend to plan carefully, but its definitely worth the effort, especially this section 6.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-16 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Anna&amp;Christopher '''<br /> <br /> The section is pretty tough, but beautiful with a quite unique landscape. We definetly would do it again.<br /> <br /> Recomendations: bring lots of suncreme, a good hat, gaiters.<br /> <br /> How to get there:<br /> We took a bus from Santiago (terminal at the metro station Universidad de Santiago) to Curico. Across the street from the bus terminal in Curico leaves a blue bus to Molina for 1k CLP. From Molina we hitchhiked to Parque Inglés.<br /> You have to be there before 3 pm to be allowed to hike up to El Bolson. To camp they charge 8k CLP p.p and the park entry is also 8k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> The first day we started early from El Bolson. From midday on it was super tough due to the white sand which makes walking really tiring and reflects the sun which makes it super hot without shade. The next day was pretty similar.<br /> The whole section there was plenty of water. There was no much snow left at the passes, so we had no trouble without spikes.<br /> On the last day, after arriving to the dirtroad (8 km from los Cipreses), we got offered a ride after a while and the guy brought us directly to El Médano.<br /> The shop there has pasta, rice, bread, tomato salsa, mayo, chips, biscuits/chocolate and suncreme (but quite pricey).<br /> In El Médano we camped for 6k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-03 to 2022-Dec-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Véronica'''<br /> <br /> Route: Parque Inglés - Laguna Ánimas - Termas del Azufre - Termas del Blanquillo - Laguna del Caracol - Laguna de los Hornos - Los Cipreses<br /> <br /> A beautiful, remote section of true mountain wilderness. It took me 4 days, but only 2 hours hiking the dirt road to Los Cipreses on the last day (so very doable in 3 days). The only people I saw were a couple of arrieros at Termas del Blanquillo who told me they hadn't had a winter as snowy as this one in over 10 years. I was glad to have my microspikes for the vast snow fields near/on the passes. A couple places would have felt quite unsafe without them. <br /> <br /> Notable tidbits: <br /> <br /> Took a bus from Molina at 5pm (on a Friday) to El Radal, then hitchhiked to Parque Inglés. I camped there the first night for 7000 pesos. Pricey, but at least I had a beautiful and secluded spot by Rio Claro. <br /> <br /> The stretch between Las Ánimas Pass and Termas de Azufre had some sketchy traverses across disintegrating scree slopes that were downright nerve-wracking. I suppose if you go down to Laguna Mondaca, then back up to the Termas, you may not encounter this hazard. But I did get to observe a condor soar above my head on thermals for an hour as he surveilled his domain, that was super cool. <br /> <br /> For the first ford after Termas de Azufre, I crossed further upstream than indicated on the GPS track (see Carlos's comment below). It looked a lot safer there than downstream. There's continuous snow for about 3 km going over the pass after Thermas de Azufre, best to cross in the morning to avoid postholing when the snow gets too soft. <br /> <br /> Los Hornitos pass has a large, very steep lip of snow (leftover cornice) on its south side. It's possible to go around it by heading north for 50-100 meters and then making your way down on the volcanic sand.<br /> <br /> The spring between Termas del Blanquillo and Laguna del Caracol is a beautiful little desert oasis in an orherwise hot and dry stretch. It was a splendid spot to camp. <br /> <br /> There is LOTS of water. Laguna del Caracol and Laguna de los Hornos are both full of clear, refreshing water. A lot of the &quot;water&quot; GPS waypoints are actually fords this time of year (easy ones), and there's a lot of other water sources not listed on the tracks. But the section is very exposed, no shade, and very hot in the midday sun unless a breeze is blowing. <br /> <br /> No issues with the guards at Los Cipreses, they were friendly and let me pass no problem. From the first bus stop on the road, I hitched easily to Talca to resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-20 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Molly '''<br /> <br /> Amazing section! I found the landscape to be very varied despite the lack of vegetation - and even with many pretty flowers near the streams. I personally found it to be a great ending to my GPT journey, a big contrast to the landscapes further south. Would make for a tough start though.<br /> Plenty of water. Met one hiker doing Circuito el Cóndor and three Chilean tourists on horseback. No arrieros, but plenty of cows and horses. The weather was cold and windy, sometimes veritable sandstorms which meant I almost couldn't open my eyes - maybe sunglasses could have helped. I wore my long pants over my boots instead of gaiters - should have listened to the advice, so much sand! <br /> <br /> Signs on the way to parque inglés say that you can only buy tickets online - don't know how strict they are, but no cell phone coverage at parque inglés and long before in case they insist. You have to be there before 15 to be let through to El Bolsón.<br /> Easy 11 km to El Bolsón through a young forest. No water at the first &quot;ford&quot; waypoint. Campground has toilets and showers, it's the only place you're allowed to camp until after Valle del Indio. Nice enough place next to the impressive Colmillo del Diablo. In hot weather it might be nice to camp here to take the long ascent in the morning.<br /> Laguna de las Animas would be a good campsite plus a nice place to swim. The first &quot;water&quot; waypoint afterwards is also great for camping - there is a nice little meadow.<br /> Las Animas pass is gorgeous!<br /> After Termas Azufre there are many confusing paths. They mostly seem to lead to the same place, but keep an eye on the GPS. When descending from the 2700 m pass towards Termas Blanquillo, you don't have to cross the stream to your right even though many paths do it. As noted by others, the hot springs Baños del Blanquillo are luke warm - but fine if you want to wash yourself a little and the stream is too cold. The refuge is locked.<br /> The next camp waypoint is in a cute valley with many streams, bushes and flowers. No grass, though. <br /> Laguna Caracol is beautiful as well, but very bare, surrounded by sand. I really liked the campsite afterwards, with views of both Volcán Descabezado and Cerro Azul. From there, a small CC section to the ascent where the path picks up again towards the Hornitos pass. Even more gorgeous with great and very different views to each site. Volcán Hornitos and the other little craters look really funny and special. Some hail was coming in, though, so I quickly slided down to the next camp waypoint, again a nice flat meadow. No water on the ascent. The first streams at the top of the pass were dry, but the path crosses a stream in 2100 m altitude. If you fill up at the water waypoint before the pass I agree you wouldn't have to carry extra water, the time between these two water points is around 2-3 hours.<br /> I climbed to the rim of Volcán Hornitos, there's nothing in there, but if you walk to the highest point the view is nice enough. It took me 20 minutes in total, and it was about worth that.<br /> The gravel road is nice the first kilometres, but then it gets pretty boring. The security guard at the end was very nice and welcoming.<br /> I camped at the shop just before the road - nice place by the river, 3000 per person with toilets and a cold shower, or 50,000 for a cabaña. From there I hitched the 3 km down the road to Restaurant Cordillera, nice enough, great with a beer, meat and fries. <br /> Bus left from the bus shed at 7:20 next morning - think it depends whether it goes to El Médano or not <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-20 to 2022-Jan-25 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Carlos '''<br /> Route: Parque Inglés - El Bolsón (Colmillo del Diablo summit) - Termas del Azufre - Termas del Blanquillo - Laguna Caracol - First bus stop on CH115 road.<br /> <br /> I hiked this route only a couple of days after Verónica &amp; Jo. Not much to add except:<br /> <br /> First day just hiked to El Bolsón (easy 4 hours), pitched my tent on the gorgeous campsite, left the heavy load and climbed the imposing &quot;Colmillo del Diablo&quot; (easy hike on a trail that goes around the back of the mountain).<br /> <br /> From Termas del Azufre climbing to the pass I followed a faint track on the steep loose slope instead of crossing at the first river ford. After a few hundred meters the track takes you to a flat wide rocky area (just before the slope becomes impossibly steep), where you can very easily ford the river (I didn't even get my feet wet).<br /> <br /> Plenty of buses Molina - Parque Inglés. But only one bus from el Médano - Los Cipreses to Talca, at around 7 am, which returns at 15:00. Only week days. Basic camping just in front of Los Cipreses shop (only ice cream, drinks, choco bars, biscuits): $4.000 pp.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 to 2022-Jan-15 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> Route: Parque Inglès -&gt; Laguna de las Animas -&gt; Termas de Azufre -&gt; Descabezado base camp -&gt; Laguna del Caracol -&gt; Laguna Hornitos -&gt; First bus stop on 115-CH<br /> <br /> The five nights we just spent in a tent was the longest stretch we have ever gone without a decent bed on a hike. We skipped Radal, Laguna Mondaca and Termas de Medano, but still hiked in 6 days what others did in 3-4. We're basically easing into the GPT, gaining some fitness and experience before taking on the harder challenges.<br /> <br /> As others have said: the views are otherworldly and stunning. We felt like Touaregs traveling from oasis to oasis in the Saharan desert. Except that there actually are plenty of springs and little rivers flowing in most valleys.<br /> <br /> Useful tidbits:<br /> <br /> - There really is no shade after El Bolsòn. Either you make your own (e.g., adapting your tent to not trap heat) or you dress like a Touareg (loose clothing fully blocking the sun). For us, this was the hardest to deal with. We got up early but often stopped hiking at 13:00, enjoying the lakes or even just sitting down doing nothing that takes energy.<br /> <br /> - High-heeled boots and long trousers work well to keep the sand out.<br /> <br /> - Confirming Shn0rhelez: going up from Termas de Azufre until the second ford indeed passes plenty of water, no need to carry any.<br /> <br /> - Laguna Hornitos is drying up and hence less beautiful than the other lakes. Maybe it's better to camp at the start of the Hornitos plateau (SOBO, so north entry) as the area is flat and there is reasonably clean running water there.<br /> <br /> - There is no bus to Talca from Los Cipreses on saturdays or sundays. We asked at the shop and got a ride to Colorado from the brother-in-law of the shopkeeper for 15000 CLP.<br /> <br /> - In supermarkets, you can buy alcohol desnaturalizado cheaply in the nail polish section, or alternatively, use alcohol de quemar from the combustibles section.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-26 to 2022-Jan-04 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / '''<br /> <br /> From Parque Inglés to the entrance of Reserva Achibueno<br /> Buy your ticket online for “El Bolsón” on the CONAF website and get to the trailhead before 3pm<br /> 4hrs hike to El Bolsón, a great place with waterfall, great views, nice camping spots, hikers<br /> TO CHECK: Bus from Molina to Parque Ingles leaves at 9 am (not positive) on week-ends and holidays <br /> Easy hitch from Radal to Parque Ingles coz lots of campers going there on week-ends<br /> Be careful a ranger told me the park closes on Mondays <br /> It took me around 4 days from Parque Siete Tazas Park entrance to the road Q115 (Central Cipreses)<br /> From Road 115 I hitched to a village by Colbún lake where I resupplied : good supermarkets (a little on the expensive side), food truck , pastry shop <br /> I didn't like Altos de Lircay NP : after El Bolson (4 hrs in) no fucking shade for 3 days and an half except that of a shelter a little off trail, blazing sun all day, sand sand sand, I found the place so inhospitable, monotonous sights : sand dunes for ever, quite some struggling pedalling in the soft sand, plus I had no gaiters (stupid me) and low heels shoes so that was a bummer. However the place is super special, feels like on the moon (beautiful pictures) and I can understand why many love it<br /> Some “hot springs” are actually just luke and others just a hole or boiling hot (I added these informations to the track and waypoints I sent to Jan Dudek) so don't be like me fantasizing all day on that fantastic bath you will get or wait for Jan's update (thanks so so much for all you do mate).<br /> After resupplying I hitched on option 7 XXX all the way the Mellado cañon (really nice, by the river all the time), communities. After hiking South from Carizales (which has a very limited “store”) I was short on time and food and realized bare landscapes over the tree line were not my cup of tea (I prefer hiking below 1700 m in this part of Patagonia) so I left RR and took another option all the way to the West to Reserva Achibueno which I really enjoyed : great landscapes, lakes, rivers and met some cool hikers and fishermen<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-09 to 2021-Dec-12 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / AR past Laguna Manatial Pelado / Vera &amp; James'''<br /> <br /> We arrived the day before at Parque Ingles and camped the night there. From Molina there is a bus to Radal at 5pm wed-fri, and direct to Parque Ingles on weekends. The only way to pay for park entry is online at www.aspticket.cl.<br /> <br /> As an aside, we really liked Molina. It has plenty for resupply whilst being nice and small. There is a fishing shop opposite the Santa Isabel supermarket that sells gas.<br /> <br /> Day 1 we headed up the RR as far as just above Laguna de las Animas by 2pm, a brutal climb in the midday sun! At this point the sun disappeared and clouds quickly rolled in, within 10 minutes lightning was hitting the peaks directly around us. We beat a hasty retreat back to El Bolsen and camped there.<br /> <br /> We decided to take the alternate route past Laguna Manatial Pelado. A beautiful route if hot and sandy. We have realised the best time time to take on a long, sandy ascent in sunny weather is very early in the morning, after 9am it was brutally hot. <br /> <br /> We then continued on the regular route. As has been said before, it's remote and stunning. We had some strong winds coming over Pass de Hornitos, and even some sleet on the final day!<br /> <br /> Arrived in Los Cipreses on a Sunday and we didn't see a single person except the security guard. We got mixed messages from him and then the mini shop owner about buses to Talca. I would assume there isn't one on a Sunday. We hitched to El Colorado then got a bus from there to Talca.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH to Laguna Manantial / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles I registered with Conaf, they record your route &amp; where you will camp. Deregistered by email later. Easy 3 hour walk to El Bolson, lots of people camping there but they don't go any further. Took optional route to Laguna Manantial. At 2160M there is a small meadow &amp; stream, this is last water &amp; last camp before the lake. You go over a pass @ 2560M then drop 80M to the lake. Camped on the lakeshore. <br /> Termas Blanquillo were only tepid. Camped on a small beach @ S end of Laguna de Los Hornos. The lake is nearly dried out, only a little semi stagnant water left. Best to carry water in from one of the streams a little above the lake. Last 11KM are on dirt roads, you could hitch easily if you want. Met 2 security guards, they were both friendly, no access problems if you are Southbound. Small campsite @ shop on way out. Amazing section, some tough uphill on sand but scenery is like Mars. Definitely use small gaiters or you will be emptying sand out of your shoes every 10 mins.<br /> <br /> At the end of GPT06 if you go on the north bank of Rio Maule the route is blocked by a cliff beyond Los Alamos &amp; you need to cross the river to continue. Better to go on the road. After 2KM on the road you pass 2 shops, better food selection than in El Medano. They have accommodation also. At Bridge 17 you can rejoin RR or continue on road but RR is nicer.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties:<br /> It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights:<br /> Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Shn0rhelez'''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles to El Medano southbound/main route ... 7 days duration(2 nights spent on laguna Las Animas)...section passable...Strong sun, no shadow after the park... Gaiters strongly recommended...the SUBsection between termas del azufre and second ford Before the pass (2700m) is full with water... my personal opinion is the backpack weight can be minimized... Good luck! <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-09 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Bruno &amp; Martin'''<br /> <br /> Parque Inglés to El Medano<br /> 5 days for this amazing section. We started in Parque Inglés in Radal 7 Tazas National Park. Had to wait for one more day because of limited hiking permits towards El Bolsón. 80 daily permits allowed and delivered at 8:30 in the morning, to be minded on weekends when the park is full. Followed Regular Route Laguna Las Ánimas, Azufre Hotsprings, Descabezado base camp, Laguna Caracol and then down to Los Cipreses. Cold section and bad weather towards the end, some rain and freezing wind. Had to camp in Laguna Caracol waiting for the storm to pass and hike the last pass. <br /> The use of lightweight gaiters is advised for keeping the sand out of your shoes.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles to El Medano. Very beautiful (and exposed) section. Lots of water. The track from Los Cipreses to El Medano suffered from a few landslides meaning the route was slower than anticipated. I would consider taking the road next time as there is no loss of scenery. We resupplied in El Medano by basically buying all the food at the tienda (60000 CP for food for two people for the next section). Selection was good enough. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR from Vilches Alto / Tyler &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> A Stunning section. Vilches Alto made for a great optional start; rather than returning to Parque Ingles. (We came from Talca by bus - 2100 CP). Entrance fee was 6000 and camping 3000 PP. All trails were beautiful and a bit more trodden that sections before. Arrieros at thermal pools (not hot) were welcoming and friendly for us to camp. We took our sweet time in the beautiful section. We bussed from the first road access (south of town Los Cipreses/ OH-MR-V@06-E-#001) to Talca for a good re supply before the long next section, 2200 CP. Bus leaves this stop around 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR with optional start coming from GPT 5 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 5 and 6 via optional trail. <br /> GPT06 took us 2 days and bit (first day we did just 4km from 6th section).<br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates.<br /> Nice sandy trails. Mornings were freezing cold. No problems while crossing rivers. After optional start regular trail didn't correspond with any trail. We finally took one on the right side and after while they merged. And I don't know who was so commited, but thanks for marking the trail 😊<br /> <br /> There is a small tienda with coke and crisps before entering a main road from Los Cipress. If you continue by main road toward El Medano there is restaurant Cordillera where we refueled again. Accomodation in El Medano. I will edit with ressuply options later. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-14 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (mainly) / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> As we came from GPT05 and didn't want to go all the way &quot;back&quot; to the Paso Las Animas, we tried the Optional Investigation Route which starts at Parque Ingles right at the other side (South) of Rio Claro. It leads through private property, so we went to the guard, showed him the CONAF Permit (we bought one just in case, and of course they said it's not possible to walk on the other side of the river), explained him that we would only hike through and gave him some cerezas. He informed his Colleagues via radio to let us pass. It was a nice and easy hike. Nothing to add to Linda's remarks for the rest of the trail.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Linda '''<br /> <br /> Start = Parque Ingles <br /> Finish = Las Termas El Medano<br /> <br /> GENERAL FEELING<br /> <br /> Amazing section !!!! Incredible mineral landscapes as soon as you go beyond Laguna Las Animas. It was tough because of the passes (and this was also my first hiking days and I carried too much food ... ) and the ground around the volcanoes is sand ! So it makes each step even more difficult. I loved the contrast between the areas around the volcanoes and the Laguna Caracol is just one of the most beautiful place I've ever seen !!! <br /> <br /> LOGISTICS<br /> <br /> - Bus from Molina to El Radal (off season and weekdays = only one bus at 5pm in Molina that stops in El Radal. Weekend : it goes directly to Parque Ingles and the schedule may also be different)<br /> <br /> - Hitchhiked from El Radal to Parque Ingles<br /> <br /> - First night in a camping in Parque Ingles = 5000 CLP<br /> <br /> - The day after, I had to register to CONAF. Office opening at 8:30 am. Entrance fee = 6000 CLP<br /> Some people (5 or 6) were going to El Bolson for the day but after Laguna Las Animas, there was absolutely nobody till the end !<br /> <br /> - Still snow when you go beyond the 2300 meters high<br /> <br /> - Be careful for the last pass Las Hornitos, a lot of snow at the top and it makes it impossible to follow the GPS track to go down. I found my way on the left when you face the valley and then got back to the GPS track<br /> <br /> - No problem to go out from the mine. Actually, workers I met on my way down to Los Cipreses suggestedto drop me by car to the main road. The guard was just smiling when he saw me in the car and when I told him I was hiking<br /> <br /> - Mini market where you can find basic food (eggs, spaghetti, chocolate ...) in Las Termas El Medano<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-07 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arnaud'''<br /> <br /> Amazing but hard section with a lot of denivelation. <br /> As we did not walk the section 5, we took the bus from Molina to Parque Ingles-7 Tazas (many buses, 4-5 buses per day). We registered to the Conaf Office and paid the entrance fee 6000 clp for foreigners. They gave us a mail adress so that we can announce our exit of the parque, to check the security.<br /> We walked the first 11km to the campspot El Bolson. It costs 4000 clp per person but has no interest. As the zone is protected, it is possible to freecamp only after el Bolson, before, it is prohibited.<br /> The Laguna Las Animas is very very beautiful and is welcome for a bath with the heat of this season.<br /> Then the paso las animas is easy and ashes are fun for downhills!<br /> We met nobody on the trail after el Bolson. So great! Except at one spot with termas with full of chilenos there.<br /> We lacked a bit of water at the laguna el Caracol but found 3kms further (just before the strong uphill) a source with drinkable water.<br /> No problem then to exit los cypress. We hitchhiked on the road with workers until the road to los Medanos.<br /> We stayed one day in los termas de los Medanos, at the camping and exit quickly (too many noise, people). The water is hot and nice after a hard section like this one. <br /> We resupplied at los termas (with pasta, arros, pancito, manjar). No gas available there.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> You need to carry all the food for the entire trail. There is no food supply after Parque Ingles. If you meet arrieros at one of the Puestos you may ask for some goat or lamb meet but if you are not ready to take an entire or at least half an animal they may be reluctant to sell. Refill your water supply at the marked river crossings and the camps. In between these waypoints your will find only ocasinally some trickling water because water trickles away easily into the volcanic soil.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> <br /> * 02-2025 / Clara : <br /> Los alamos : Hostal la Riviera 25k/n con desayuno. Possible to have lunch and dinner also (9500). <br /> <br /> El colorado is a good for full resupply. Several bus per days to and from Talca. 1 per day to and from El medano<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2023 / Michael and Kasia<br /> Molina: Hostal Nativos is three blocks off the main square. Run by very nice people, they have private rooms with shared bathroom for 25.000 CLP for the room. They also have a nice garden area with space if you need to clean gear. Ferreteria Franco had gas canisters for stoves. Unimarc on the plaza had cans for recharging, but didn't carry the screw route for stoves.<br /> <br /> * 2021 / Vera &amp; James<br /> <br /> Molina: It has plenty for resupply whilst being nice and small. There is a fishing shop opposite the Santa Isabel supermarket that sells gas.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> * 2022 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> <br /> Los Cipresses: small shop (only ice cream, drinks, choco bars, biscuits) + camp with cold shower, toilets, electricity and access to the river, all for 5000 for 2 people. We even got sandwiches for dinner as there was no other place around to eat. <br /> <br /> * 2022 7 Anna&amp;Christopher <br /> <br /> El Médano: The shop there has pasta, rice, bread, tomato salsa, mayo, chips, biscuits/chocolate and suncreme (but quite pricey).<br /> In El Médano we camped for 6k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> * 2020 / Frank <br /> After 2KM on the road after Los Alamos (to El Medano) you pass 2 shops, better food selection than in El Medano. They have accommodation also.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route= <br /> <br /> ==Parque Ingles==<br /> <br /> During the main season in January and February several buses go from Molina and Curico to Radal and some even go all the way to Parque Ingles. Outside of the main season there is only one daily bus from Molina to Radal leaving in the afternoon from the rural bus station in Molina.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> The Bus between Molina and Parque Ingles is run by the company &quot;Buses Hernández&quot;. You can check the departure times on their website.<br /> <br /> *2020 / Frank In summer there are 6 buses a day Molina-Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> Mon-Sat they leave Molina @ 10:20, 11:30, 12:40, 3PM, 6:15PM, 8:15 PM Sunday Molina- Parque Ingles 7:45, 9:30, 2PM, 7:30PM, 10PM 2 hours to Parque Ingles, buses leave from terminal near main plaza in Molina. Parque Ingles-Molina 7:10, 11, 1PM, 3:45PM, 4:45PM, 6:30PM Mon-Sat Sun. 10:30, 1:30PM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM, 6:45PM <br /> <br /> *2019/ Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> ==Los Cipreses / El Medano ==<br /> <br /> * Dec 2024 / Sean <br /> One bus a day from El Medano to Talca 7:15 and Talca to El Medano 15:00 Monday to Saturday:<br /> [[Archivo:IMG-20241229-WA0000.jpg|thumbnailimage|Talca bus timetable December 2024 - Sean]]<br /> <br /> <br /> * 7 am in front of Los Cipreses - someone has to call in advance for the bus to go all the way to el Médano - loads of tourists there, though, so someone might have called. Other connections should be at 9:15 and 17:20 (one at 1620 l3aves from further downstream). The other way around, the buses leave Talca at 7, 13, 15 and 19, according to the schedule at Talca bus station.<br /> <br /> *This trail section finished at the Route 115 to Talca. Big road with many cars (hitchhiking possible)<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé <br /> <br /> From Los Cipreses only one bus at 7am. We hitchiked to El Colorado where plenty of buses are going down to Talca for 2 000 CLP (+ 400 CLP per bag)<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Natalie &amp; Tomáš <br /> <br /> Buses from Talca to la Mina go at; 7:00am, 1:00pm (only to la Suiza), 3:00pm and 7:00pm. <br /> Vilches: bus clearly did not follow the posted schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus. <br /> <br /> * 2022 / Veronika &amp; Jo <br /> <br /> - There is no bus to Talca from Los Cipreses on saturdays or sundays. We asked at the shop and got a ride to Colorado from the brother-in-law of the shopkeeper for 15000 CLP.<br /> <br /> == Vilches ==<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Natalie &amp; Tomáš <br /> <br /> Bus clearly did not follow the posted schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * CONAF does register all trekkers at Parque Ingles (GPT01-WP004) but does not charge an entrance fee. Camp fires are not permitted within the national park that reaches from Radal (GPT01-WP001) to the Laguna las Ánimas (GPT01-WP013).<br /> <br /> * 2024 SOBO Permit required at Parque Inglés:<br /> - payment 8500 Pesos online! (not in cash) with online your Conaf account<br /> <br /> https:// shop.pasesparques.cl/evento/2564/radal-siete-tazas<br /> <br /> - offline formular at Conaf station<br /> <br /> - payment 7000 Pesos for Campsite El Bolsón in Cash (not possible with credit card, 200m from Conaf Station)<br /> <br /> * 2023<br /> <br /> When starting from Vilches and going northbound, a permit to access the Volcano (or the Condor Circuit) is required. CONAF won't let you enter in Altos de Lircay without it. Call them or write an email to get the correct number. The number ending with 554 works on WhatsApp, and a WhatsApp message from the land owner counts as &quot;written permission&quot;. Moreover, you have to pay the entrance fee to the reserve and it is closed on Mondays in March.<br /> <br /> *2023 <br /> <br /> Start at Parque Ingles: <br /> Entry ticket for Bolsón overnight needed: $10 USD (book it before online at www.aspticket.cl + get to the trailhead before 13:00) It needs to be purchased online in advance. There is good Entel service at the gate for last minute purchases. After purchase one change can be made to the date of the ticket, and there is no additional charge. After that you need to repurchase the ticket. Entrance for the camping permit is until 13:00. After that they refuse entry.<br /> In addition, you need to show CONAF proof of permission to camp at Bolsón, even if you do not plan to camp there. Bolsón is a privately operated concession within the park. Camping is 7.000 CLP pp and you buy the tickets at Rocas Basalticas campground about 50 meters down the road on the opposite side of the street from the entrance. The only way around this is to have contacted land owners that live beyond the park boundary and show CONAF proof of permission to camp on their land.<br /> They also require that you show them your gas stove, as all other cooking systems (alcohol, wood, etc.) are prohibited within the park, so have it handy.<br /> <br /> The parc can be entered illegally in the morning (around 7 pm).<br /> <br /> * 2019<br /> <br /> Optional start Vilches Alto: Entrance fee was 6000 and camping 3000 PP.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT06 - Volcán Descabezado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:18 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|In the huge ash field]]<br /> [[File:10 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (9).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT06 - Volcán Descabezado]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (5).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Greater Patagonian Trail]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (17).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Cerro Azul]].]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (11).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 6]]<br /> [[File:01 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, El Bolsón.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|El Bolsón]]<br /> [[File:02 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving El Bolsón.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Leaving El Bolsón]]<br /> [[File:03 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:04 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Las Ánimas.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Las Ánimas]]<br /> [[File:05 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Pass 2560 m.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Pass 2560 m]]<br /> [[File:06 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Approaching Laguna Mondaca.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Approaching Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:07 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Mondaca.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:08 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, that bypasses Laguna Mondaca.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Bypasses Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:09 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:11 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Termas de Azufre.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Termas de Azufre]]<br /> [[File:12 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:13 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:16 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:17 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:19 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:20 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:21 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:23 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:24 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:25 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:26 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande]]<br /> [[File:27 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande]]<br /> [[File:28 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:29 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:31 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:32 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:33 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:34 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:35 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:37 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:38 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:39 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:40 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:41 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:43 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos.jpg|Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:44 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:45 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:46 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:47 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:48 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]</div>

Jandudeck https://wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT06_(Descabezado)&diff=122423 2025-08-09T09:07:39Z

<p>Jandudeck: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> = Overview =<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;overflow: hidden&quot;&gt;<br /> [[Archivo:GPT 06 options.png|450px|right|GPT 06 route options]]<br /> <br /> ===Routes===<br /> Section 6 leads through the spectacular landscape of the Descabezado volcano. There are three main routes: the regular GPT route, from Parque Ingles to La Mina / Los Cipreses (or vice versa), the Condor Circuit from Parque Ingles to Vilches, which is also popular with non-GPT hikers, and the longer, off-the-beaten-path Descabezado Circuit, which begins at Laguna del Maule and ends in La Mina. Optional trips to volcano peaks include Descabezado Grande, Descabezado Chico and Volcán Azul.<br /> <br /> ===Right of way issues===<br /> Most variations of section 6 will pass by Don Victor at km45.5 of the regular route. Even if you don't pass by there, you are likely to meet him at some point on the trail. He requires prior authorization to go through his land, although only some hikers have been able to obtain such authorization, since he seems to not always reply to messages. Without authorization, it is advisable to try to avoid him, especially on the way into his land, since he might turn you around. This makes a start from Vilches unadvisable. You can minimize the probability of meeting Don Victor by taking a CC route closer to Descabezado Grande, described by Natalie below (as of March 2024 this route is not yet part of the track files), but this is not an easy route, especially if there is snow. An alternative is to do the Descabezado Circuit, but finish in Parque Ingles. This shorter circuit still goes through via almost all highlights, but entirely avoids Don Victor. You can also connect to section 5, which similarly avoids him.<br /> <br /> Starting from Parque Ingles also has restrictions, see the trip reports below. In particular, there are only a limited number of hikers allowed, and you should not disclose your plans to go via Don Victor's land if you don't have authorization.<br /> <br /> Notice that starting from La Mina requires authorization from the hydro company. See the GPT manual on section 6 for details.<br /> &lt;/div&gt;<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-08-09: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> - New GPT06 Option 6 (Entrada San Carlos): The right-of-way conflicts and entry restrictions made me look for other options. This new option provides a possible alternative entry route that is reasonable well visible on satellite images but so far not verified and recorded. Access by bus should be relatively easy as the trail head is lower down in the valley where bus frequency is higher. I suggest a northbound investigation somewhen in December to more easily return if the access at San Carlos is denied. the first mandatory river crossing is rather high up in sedimented areas where fording should not be utterly difficult. It's probably also a quite attractive route.<br /> <br /> - GPT06 Option 3 (Cumbre Descabezado Grande): This group of high routes include tracks that avoid getting close to the puesto of Don Victor where permit requirements apply. Especially hikers that consider climbing to the summit of Descabezado Grande may simply stay in an altitude between 2500 m and 3100 m to avoid contact with Don Victor. Remaining snow early in the season may make these high routes difficult and unsafe before January.<br /> <br /> - Eastern routes of GPT05 and GPT06: A demanding but very attractive option is combining GPT05 and GPT06 in one long hike. Combining both sections and taking the remote optional routes east of Descabezado Grande avoids all right-of-way conflicts but the terrain is demanding and the river crossings on section GPT05 must not be underestimated. to avoid the river crossings of GPT05 someone may hike these eastern routes in northbound direction and exit on the Regular Route of GPT06 at Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> - New GPT05 Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo): The upper Rio Colorado provides large pastures where countless cows and horses feet each summer. It is not entirely clear to me on which routes these animals are driven up to their pastures at the beginning of the season. The new Option 9 (Rio Colorado Bajo) documents two suspected routes. Older satellite images show two bridges that were destroyed somewhen in 2023 and it remains unclear to me which of these bridges were rebuild. Fording these large rivers seams not feasible especially early in the season. Anyway, in season 2024/2025 lots of animals were up in the valley so I suspect that at least one of these two bridges was rebuild. It would be brilliant if someone asks local residents which bridges were rebuild and investigates these routes. Once verified, one of the two routes might become the new Regular Route of GPT06 that avoids the entry restrictions of the National Parks (Parque Ingles, Vilches Alto). Also, walking up the valley of Rio Colorado is very attractive and two hot springs add to pleasure of this route.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-22 to 2025-03-26 / 4.5 days hiking / SOBO / OH 05 + OH 01C + OH 01B + OH 01 + RR + RR GPT 5 + OH GPT 5 H + RR / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Now a permit is needed to hike in the Descabezado area. I wrote Tamara Galdames (+56987397559) to apply for this permit. I had to print a form, fill it out and send her pictures of it together with my passport. The permit costs 25k per person. Tell her that you need to make the transferencia with &quot;Caja Vecina&quot;. She will give you the information. Then you go to a shop with &quot;Caja Vecina&quot; sign, show them her message and pay 25k cash. They will make the transferencia for you and give you a piece of paper. Send a picture of it to Tamara. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the 7:15am bus from Talca to Vilches Alto. Bought the entrance for Reseva National Altos de Lircay online and showed Conaf it and gave them the paper from Tamara (the one i filled out). Could start hiking without issues. Lot's of dayhikers at this weekend. Took OH 01C and was alone for the rest of the day. Trail was in good condition, but less obvious than the trails in the Reserva. It's marked with cairns. Found a great camp with flowing water here: -35.513935, -70.910756<br /> <br /> Day 2: Hiked CC to the MR of OH 01. Continued to the RR and hiked to Laguna Animas. Met friendly Arrieros together with lots of cattle. Hiked RR of GPT 5 to have a look at Laguna Mondaca. Very steep downhill, but easy with the soft sand. Magic moment when 10 condors circled above me in the sky. Skipped detour to Laguna Mondaca, because the hot springs were calling. GPT OH 05H was tricky and dangerous. The flat part leads through a very large boulderfield, not difficult but tiring + slow. Ford {06} [24.6+1.5/1590] was knee high and had a strong current. Later a big stone i was stepping fell down together with me. Hurt my elbow. Met two germans, they told me the beginning of the trail to Termas Azufre is eroded and now very difficult. I tried to follow the suggestion of GPT track, but it was very difficult and dangerous. The lower part of the mountain is indeed very eroded. Climbed a very steep mountainside with loose ground and also loose rocks to get to the trail. Can't recommend this, i slipped in the beginning. When i reached the trail, it was ok. Enjoyable evening in the hot springs, but not so good night with ground heating. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Trail was in mostly in good conditions, only the beginning was not always easy to follow. <br /> Ford {06} [29.4/2190] was knee high. Ford {06} [32.5/2565] was low, but not dry. Views from <br /> Pass {06} [33.8/2695] (El Estadio) and while hiking down were incredible! Easy hiking until <br /> Hot Spring {06} [45.6/1881] (Banos del Blanquillo, lukewarm, only 20 C). Had time left and did a detour to Laguna Blanquillo. Was not really worth it, because at 5pm the Laguna had no sun. Spend the night together with a guided group with local arriero at Baños Blanquillo. They spoiled me with tasty dinner, was a very good evening. Their Guide Barbara speaks english very well, knows everything in Maule region, she even found a new yet unknown flower! If someone is interested in guided tours (options depending on the clients) in Maule region she can help you: +56992599639. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Easy hiking 'til Laguna Caracol. Hiked CC to the crater lake next to Laguna Caracol: incredible! Camp {06} [56.3/2034] is sooo beautiful! Also had a look at Laguna Turbia and in Cráter Los Quillayes. The ascent to Pass {06} [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) was very exhausting with the afternoon heat, but great views! Dark clouds and thunder came, hurried down until Camp {06} [62.2/1999]. Only few drops of rain, i liked this place to camp and enjoyed the stars. Water flowing next to the spot. Was my favorite day according to the views.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Easy hiking 'til the MR. Ford {06} [63.4/1909] was rock hopping. Appletree before Los Cipreses. At <br /> Gate {06} [78.9/865] (Central Hidroelectrica Isla) i had to explain where i came from and whether i registered with Carabinieros (no). Got a hitch until a bus stop near Armerillo, where i took a bus to Talca. Can recommend Hostel 1760 - relaxed place to stay!<br /> <br /> Summary: GPT 6 is absolutely stunning. Most tiring was the sand: had tons of it in my shoes although wearing gaiters. <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-24 to 2025-03-28 / 4,5 days / SOBO / RR, Option 2, 3 (Descabezado), 6a, 6D (Cumbre Descabezado) / Thijmen Scholten'''<br /> <br /> As for the permit I met mister Victor and he was not happy to meet me without permit. So if you want to take the RR route apply for a permit (described by Thomas)! If you don't want to, take the high mountain route (variant 2 and 3). Even though you are still on his terrain, you will probably avoid him this way. Going SOBO CONAF will ask for this permit so you have to say you just go to EL Bolson (buy a ticket online?) or you have to sneak past (like Volker explained). <br /> <br /> - First day I hitched from Molina to Parque Ingles , I did not have any ticket or permit but luckely it was Monday which meant CONAF was closed and I could just walk trough the gate on the trail. <br /> <br /> - I met the guard of El Bolson campsite and he was cool with me passing by, even though the park was closed. I wanted to pay him the entrance fee but he wouldn't accept it. <br /> - Camped after the pass at water point 22.0. water point 17.8 before the pass is also a good campspot. <br /> <br /> - Look out after the pass on option 02H that you do not decent too much. I had to climb 200m up again <br /> <br /> - Continued to the high mountain route (02H). There is no water here so fill up at the indicated ford. It's muddy glacial water so if you want to have clear water you have to fill up before the pas. Camped at camp without water. <br /> <br /> - It would have been nice to have some gaiters and sunglasses <br /> <br /> - Summit Descabezado. Take route 03 don't follow the track perfectly but walk on the rocky ridge that's the easiest way to get up. <br /> <br /> - I wanted to climb Vulcan Azul on the same day but when I got to the start of the climb it looked like it was a sandy accent. So I returned packed my tent and went down. Afterwards when I saw the summit from a distance next day I regretted it. I went down to RR and camped at Laguna del Caracol. <br /> <br /> - Next day option 06A which is nice if you have enough time. <br /> <br /> - Look out that you take the right las Hornitos pass and not the one before, I had to climb up again -_-.<br /> <br /> - Camped at Laguna los hornos and next morning down and got a ride from the workers to Talca. <br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-19 to 2025-03-23 / 5 days / NOBO / RR +OH06 / Chloe and Mathieu<br /> <br /> We took the bus from talca to los alamos at 3pm.<br /> We stayed at the hotel la rivera. Nice place for 35,000 pesos per night with breakfast for 2 people.<br /> You need to ask tamara for permission to cross her father's land (+56987397559) . She'll ask you to fill in a form and you'll have to pay 25,000 pesos per person, but she authorizes a minimum of 2 people.<br /> You also need to fill in the Google form to cross the nobo hydroelectric plant in los alamos, and to get permission from the carabineros at la mina.<br /> Day 1:<br /> We started from Los Alamos and went through the hydroectrical central. We went up to the laguna Los Hornitos and camped at camp 62.2. Very exhausting to walk in the sand. <br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> We went up to the pass 59.3 and walked option 6. Camped close to Hot spring 45.6 (not warm). <br /> Day 3 : went up to the Azufre Hot spring, you walk all day long in the sand, a bit exhausting. We camped down the two hot bath and the ground was very warm. We didn’t sleep very well because of that.<br /> Day 4 : walked RR up to camp El Bolson, not difficult <br /> <br /> Day 5 : we ended up at Parque Ingles and took the bus at 5PM up to El Radal (we were on sunday).<br /> <br /> *'''2025-03-18 to 2025-03-23 / 5.5 days / NOBO / Option 3 (Cumbre Descabezado) + OH-CC-A {06-02H} + RR / Tim &amp; Tobias'''<br /> <br /> We did a relaxed hike through this beautiful section. Got the permission to enter NOBO (Los Cypreces) from natali.veloso@enel.com within 3 days. Visit the carabineros in Colorado, they printed and stamped the form and we hitched to the entry. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Went up to Camp {06} [62.2/1999] at 11 a.m from the security guard, where we had to fill in another form. Struggled a bit on the way up because Río Cipreces is dried out and we had little water. Last source is Bridge {06} [72.4/1018] (NOBO).<br /> <br /> Day 2: To avoid Don Victor, we took Option 3 and camped beside a little Glaciar at -35.60736 -70.78212, close to Camp NO Water {06-03} [5.9/2542]. Filtert the water from the Glaciar. Great spot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Took Option 3 to get up to the top of the volcano. Loose sand, difficult but stunning day. Decided to stay another day at the camp beside Glaciar. We highly recommend to take this option to get up to the summit because it is much faster than OH-CC-A {06-03A}. Thank you Adrian for the advice!<br /> <br /> Day 4: Went OH-CC-A {06-02H} and RR to hot spring Azure, where we camped. It stinks a bit during the night, but the hot springs have perfect temperatures.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Short day on RR to laguna las animas. Enjoyed the hot springs in the morning, took some fotos with condors. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Went down to Parque Ingles without difficulties.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-MAR-10 to 2025-MAR-15 / 6,5 days / Hiking / Alex, Andrey, Anton / GPT06 NOBO (Option7, Option2, Option8: a new traverse of the Calabozos volcano), GPT05 SOBO (RR)'''<br /> This traverse from Laguna Maule to Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas offers a memorable—and surprisingly straightforward—journey from south to north. Although not technically difficult, the route presents extended stretches of deep sand and volcanic ash that demand physical endurance.<br /> Key Considerations:<br /> There are numerous sections without a defined trail; navigation relies on waypoint guidance.<br /> Glaciers lie concealed beneath sand in several locations—refer to waypoint comments for exact coordinates and cautionary notes.<br /> Reliable water sources are found throughout the route.<br /> Early‑season fords can be hazardous; plan crossings carefully and monitor snowmelt levels.<br /> Our newly established Calabozos volcano traverse direction from the southern approach is strongly advised. The northern slopes feature steep, deep‑sand sections that are more strenuous when tackled uphill.<br /> Mondaca Valley bears signs indicating private property. During our traverse, valley guards granted passage without issue, but this should not be assumed as guaranteed access. Exiting via Mondaca Valley tends to be easier than entering.<br /> The track and more photos at Wikiloc:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/sand-traverse-laguna-maule-to-reserva-nacional-radal-siete-tazas-205862875<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-09 to 2025-02-14 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 1 (Altos de Lircay) 01, RR / Eric and Jakob'''<br /> <br /> Route: <br /> To avoid Camp Bolson and CONAF we started by taking the Option 1 (Altos de Lircay) 01, which is really beautiful but we recommend taking more water than usual when coming across some water spots since most of the rivers are dry. After completing the Option we continued on the main route until the end.<br /> <br /> Travel: <br /> We started from Parque Ingles. Got there by taking a train from Santiago to Curico. After that we took a bus to Molina and another one driving to Parque Ingles. Worked without any complications. Did cost all together around 50 euros for the two of us. <br /> <br /> Permissions: <br /> As mentioned by other people it is really hard to contact Don Victor. We wrote him a text message but we didn’t get an answer. We talked with Don Victor and got to know a really kind and respectful man, who simply tries to keep his land less crowded and free of trash. As Thomas describes in his section log, permits are available through his daughter. The number is provided by Thomas. Therefore it is necessary that every hiker who is trying to hike GPT06 is doing their utmost to get the permission from Don Victors daughter in order to respect his land and his priorities. If you are not able to get a permission the best and only option is to skip this section and continue with a different one. <br /> Since we didn’t have an official permit we tried to avoid CONAF as recommended which worked out fine for us by taking an alternative route in the beginning to avoid Camp Bolson. Not getting the CONAF permission and trying to avoid them was a mistake we aren’t proud of and wouldn’t do again. We don’t recommend doing it this way. The experience can be enjoyed way more when getting every permission necessary before starting with the hike. <br /> <br /> Resupply: <br /> There is no way to resupply on the trail. After the trail there is the possibility in Los Alamos to resupply in a small shop which got everything a hiker needs. We were also offered an apartment for one night in Los Alamos. It included a kitchen, a bath and two sleeping dorms for 46 euros per night. The name of the owner is Samuel.<br /> <br /> Attractiveness: 5/5<br /> Difficulty: 3/5<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEB-15 to 2025-FEB-17 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin '''<br /> <br /> Combined sections 5 and 6.<br /> Joined section 6 at the hot springs [27.4/1986]. Got there around 7 pm. And there were two Chilean guys sitting in a hot pool so I joined. It was good to finally meet someone. <br /> <br /> I took the lower camping spot and the ground was a bit warm, so the night wasn’t cold. <br /> <br /> Next day, I went up to the pass. The soft sand makes the climb hard. The way down to the refugio was easier, but still not easy. No sign of Don Victor. The Chileans entered via Parque Inglés and didn’t know about him at all. <br /> <br /> The landscape is out of this world and amazing, but the suck factor on the sand is high for me. I got to camp at km 56.3. Beautiful place for camping. But very cold night. I left the water bottle in the tent vestibule and there was a good amount of ice in it in the morning. <br /> <br /> The last climb was an again challenging for me. Also because I got a cold and I was cold, so I didn’t sleep much. <br /> <br /> Then the way down is more sand. I wanted to get it over with, so I was going fast, around 2000 vertical m/hour. When I got to the gravel road, I had sand everywhere. I do have light gaiters, but they just couldn’t keep up. <br /> <br /> Then it was just a few hours in the heat on the road. I got to the small shop after the bridge over Rio Maule. Got ice cream and coke for 3500 or so. <br /> <br /> Then I washed in the river and tried to hitch hike to Talca. I stayed there from 17:15 to 18:00, but no luck. Not many cars to begin with. So I got to Hostal La Rivera as somebody suggested. Single room with breakfast was 25 USD and together with pasta for dinner and beer it was 35 USD or 36000 pesos. Paid by debit card. I will take the 7 am bus from Medano to Talca. Should be here on the main road around 7:20. <br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-02-10 to 2025-02-13 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 5 (vilches alto), option 3 (Descabezado Grande), RR / Thomas '''<br /> <br /> As right-of-way issues increased recently, and parque ingles CONAF seemed to be more and more intransigent, I chose to take my chances on Vilches Alto entry (which is easily reached by direct bus from Talca).<br /> I arrived on sunday morning but the park was closed with wildfire red alert. I waited there the opening on next morning. <br /> Walking at the park entrance, I was lucky and met Sebastian, Anete y Tono which was started the Condor Circuit. A week ago, they contacted Don Victor daughter, Tamara, which gave a permit to cross the property. Rangers verified carefuly the permit to let them go. I take my chance then and contact Tamara to ask the same permit. <br /> <br /> &gt;&gt; There is usefull information to planify GPT6 with serenity : <br /> <br /> - From this year, Don Victor's family exiges a permit to enter the property in order to limit the area crowd and waste associated<br /> <br /> - Permits are given by Tamara Galdames, Don Victor daughter : +56987397559<br /> <br /> - She asks for passport picture and a bank transfer of 25,000 per persona to make the permit<br /> <br /> - She told me that she only give permit to 3 people or more<br /> <br /> - CONAF rangers (at least at Vilches) verify very carefully the Tamarla autorization<br /> <br /> - Don Victor checks also every hiker/horse rider he can see at this period (at least between laguna Caracole and Refugio Blanquillo)<br /> <br /> So I was very lucky to met Sebastian &amp; co and I told her I can walk with them, and she said OK. A ranger directly called Tamarly after to make sure I'm not tcheating.<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Vilches Alto &gt; Valle Venado camping <br /> No difficulties, a lot of shadow during the ascent, good views from the valle venado mirador. The camping is fine (shower) but without spectacular view. <br /> <br /> Day 2 : Valle Venado &gt; Camp without water {06-03} [5,9] <br /> Path to Blanquillo refuge is well marked (also a lot of horse poop). Only difficulty : a water canal crossing at the end of the Blanquillo lake (water until my hips with 1m77), but without any flow. <br /> I met Don Victor at Blanquillo refuge which verified my permit (I show him my WhatsApp conversation with Tamara and it was fine). Then he was pretty warm with me and show me water source. <br /> The beginning of Descabezado ascent is well marked equally. At Camp without water [3,3], it becomes easy CC to the second camp [5,9].<br /> Amazing moon landscape there !!<br /> <br /> Day 3 : Descabezado ascent &gt; Laguna de los Hornos by the RR<br /> Start at 6:40, summit at 9:20, only 35min to get back to the camp. Wonderfull sunlights on the moonfield and area volcanos. The way up is demanding, but without any difficulty issue (I followed option 3). The only water source near of the trail is the glaciar crater at this time. <br /> I returned to Blanquillo refuge to get water and met Don Victor and his guests again. They asked me about the volcan and we tchated about previous visitor incivilities and how they want to limit affluence in there. <br /> Then I followed RR SOBO without any issue during the rest of the day until Laguna de los Hornos where I camped. Very scenic and variated views, I definitively recomand this part of RR ! <br /> Near los Hornos, I met a group with guid, horses and montain bike which has been kindly returned by Don Victor the day before at the laguna Caracole because they don't have the permit (and potentially because Victor doesn't like the idea of bikes on the montain...).<br /> <br /> Day 4 morning : Laguna Los Hornos &gt; Los Cipreses<br /> The Volcan los Hornitos ascent and tour worth the extra mile. Easy sandy descent to the minor road and half hitchhike the minor road.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-02-05 to 2025-02-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR/ Emilie '''<br /> <br /> Day 1: departed from Molina at 9:30 with the bus. Arrived at the trail (parque ingles) and had purchased a day pass for the park. Seeing my big backpack the guards asked me where I was planning to sleep, I said laguna the las animas and they said I couldn’t go there without proper authorization. I then asked if I could simply change my plans and sleep at el bolson (campsite inside the park) and they said it was full for the next 2 days. I was really disappointed and asked where I could find some wifi to look at other passes/trails I could do, they sent me 3kms down at the Conaf office of Radal Sieste Tazas. I walked about 300m and saw the gate and decided to try my luck and jump it to bypass them. It worked although I was really stressed and surely enough I ran into a guard on a motorcycle checking the entry permits. I showed him the day pass but Conaf is supposed to give a registration card which I did not have. He asked me how I came in and I had to explain that I jumped the gate. He was ready to send me back (VHF radio in hand and all) but I asked him if I could try to explain myself which I did, showed him my planned route, explained that I knew abt don victor etc, I told him I would be out of the park by nightfall. He agreed to let me pass but it was a close one. You should definitely buy a pass for el bolson campsite, even if you don’t camp there, you look suspicious with your backpack. Went all the way to laguna las animas and camped there. <br /> <br /> Day 2: started my day with an encounter with wild horses! They ran towards me, there were about 15 of them! Saw them running down a hill up until 2m of me, they were curious and friendly. It’s was surreal. Camped at S (35.508517° O 70.751605°) on an empty pasture that was not wet. <br /> <br /> Day 3: woke up to that empty pasture being filled with cows! One was trying to snatch my bag which woke me up. They were curious and friendly aswell. Hiked until the Refugio camped right next to it (S 35.594815° O 70.825999°) there were other Chileans aswell. All super friendly!<br /> <br /> Day 4: my feet were extremely blistered after day 3. I initially wanted to hike up the volcano but decided for an afternoon at the beach instead to rest my feet; hiked about 8km until Laguna del Caracol where I spent the afternoon, reading swimming and cooking, it was great. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it was a big day, I hiked all the way to water at [73.5/1014] camped right next to it on the shore of the river (S 35.775444° O 70.802768°). Initially wanted to camp at Laguna de los Hornos but the lake seemed pretty eutrophized (? Not sure if it’s the right word) and I did not want to drink it, even filtered. Since it’s downhill from there, it wasn’t too too long. <br /> <br /> Day 6: hiked the remaining few Kms and hitchhiked to Talca. If ever you need accomodation here Hostel 1760 is like a peaceful haven; 30 000cpl and there’s a pool and the rooms are around an interior garden with a fountain. Exactly what I needed. <br /> <br /> The takeaway is to definitely not underestimate the terrain, it is rough on your feet, the sand and dust will stick to your face and lips which made me feel thirsty all the way, I always started the day with 2,5L of water which isn’t necessary since there are a lot of streams but I was still always glad to not have to ration my drinking. The river crossing for me was knee high, not sure if I crossed at the wrong place, the water was lower or if I’m especially tall;) did not meet don victor. <br /> <br /> *'''2Fev2025 - 6fev2025 / hiking SOBO / RR - OH2A-2-2H - OH3A-3 - RR / 5 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles : I did the same as Volker (see below) to enter the park cause I couldn't buy a ticket for the park the day before. But I was afraid and I think it would have been bad if I encountered a park ranger. Hopefully I didn't and they didn't ask for park reservation at El Bolson Camping. When I said that I won't come back by this path but go further he didn't say anything (only the owner).<br /> <br /> Camp at laguna las animas. Very nice camp spot and lake to swim. No shade. Some stonewall to pitch the tent and protect a bit from the wind.<br /> <br /> Ford 29.4 : not so easy, up to mid thighs (1.57) but fast flowing in the begining of afternoon. Then it's a loooong way up in soft volcanic sand, very physical. Lot's of water all the way up till ford 32.5. Then there are also still some smaller water flowing around begining of OH2H and the place I camped.<br /> <br /> Camp here -35,54404, -70,75932 : I found a good wind protected spot (for the NNO wind, less for the NNE of the night end but hopefully it decreased) and I made an almost flat spot there. There is multiple little streams with good water flowing just around that spot.<br /> <br /> Up to the pass on 2H was easier that I thought but walking down (or more traverse) on the other side was way more harder. Very steep ups and downs in some canyons in soft sand or sometimes big but no stable rocks, snow covered by sand. Last and only water for now after the pass of 2H is at the ford. Took me almost 4h to get to OH3A.<br /> <br /> I took an OSM path before 3A to gain few meters, a trail is well visible when you arrive from 2H. Around 2900m I went CC to joined OH3A and I found on the way, few meters left to the 3A tracks, some footsteps going up on either big stable rocks or not so soft sand until around 3300m, looks easier than exactly on tracks for the ascent ! Then it's physical soft sand. Went with very small backpack and took me a bit more than 3h to the summit. Descent way much faster.<br /> <br /> Descending at Don Victor refuge, I met a group of chileans. They offered me harina tostada and food (maybe when they see my terrible face after this exhausting day), and we ended up sharing dinner, fried fishes and evening there. If I understood well, they told me that since this year, Don Victor make people pay (25k?!) to camp at his place (or just pass through?), not the locals but the tourists. But since he was not here I didn't need to care about this.<br /> <br /> They learned me their fishing technic the day after at Laguna del Caracol and I had 2!! (They had 10kg in half day). Magic encounters with theses so generous and nice persons. Camp at 62.2 (just a bit upper than the waypoint) is nice.<br /> <br /> Nothing special to add for the last day except not much workers going down the MR even on week days.<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-01-20 to 2024-01-22 / 2.5 days / Hiking /SOBO / RR, option 2 &amp; 2H, option 3 &amp; 3A (Ascended Descabezado), Variants G / Elijah &amp; Michael '''<br /> <br /> Plenty of available water from the pass to Descabezado (option 2), however no water available on the climb up. Almost no water around Descabezado, but was able to locate small flow from a snow field. No water available south of Descabezado until end of option 3.<br /> <br /> Descabezado climb took approx 4.5 hours, 1 hour descent. Incredibly draining due to soft ground and fall-line trail.<br /> <br /> Shop at bridge after Los Cipreses had snacks and accomodation but not appropriate for resupply. <br /> <br /> Hostal La Rivera in Los Alamos offered great accommodation for 50,000 CLP per night (including desayuno). Hostal able to provide lunches and dinner.<br /> <br /> Almarcen in Los Alamos looked like it had good options but was closed in afternoon (4pm) and morning (10am) and no one was around.<br /> <br /> Minimarket in La Mina had limited options, possible but difficult resupply.<br /> <br /> Minimarket in El Medano had slightly better options, but still limited resupply.<br /> <br /> * '''25-01-13- 25-01-18/ 5,5 days / SOBO/ RR-OH2A-OH2H-OH3-OH3A-OH4-OH3-RR / Volker / Flowers on the moon… Just a magic section / Parque Ingles - Volcan Descabezado Grande - Volcan Azul - Laguna del Caracol - La Mina'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bus from Molina, terminal rural, to Parque Ingles at 8.20. Started there at 10.30. Avoided Conaf: The bus carried a group for the camping in P.I. and stopped 200m after the Conaf. Instead of going back to register (or taking the MR of OH1) I turned left before the bridge and walked on a path along Rio Claro, a fence to my left. After 500m an open gate allows you to go left and enter a huge camping (nobody there). At the very end of the camping the fence is down, once out, I walked CC to join the RR. Minimum three dozens of young Chileans on their way to El Bolson, when I arrived, still nobody there except the owner, who asked me to register. I told him, I go to Laguna Las Animas - all fine. Camped at the Laguna, short day.<br /> <br /> Day 2: 30 min after the Laguna another, smaller lake with camp spots. At the pass I made the short detour for Cerro Las Animas (nice view back on the Laguna) then along volcanic slopes with a lot of various flowers to the hot spring (no bassin, just a hot swamp, go for Fango). For various reasons I changed my original plan to continue on Option 2b direction V. Descabezado Chico, one reason was the (non indicated) ford, which looked very dangerous, at least for a solo hiker. So I continued on RR, quite swampy, the trail dissappears in wet meadows. If you know you want to continue on the RR - better don‘t go down to the river and the hot ‚spring‘, but cut this CC without elevation loss. Lots of cows on the way to the pass. Many small rivers, which all feed Estero El Volcan, therefore the two fords on the RR are way easier. I took Option 2A, then Option 2 and then Option 2H and camped not far from the start of 2H. <br /> <br /> Day 3: On 2H CC to the pass and then down to the start of Option 3a for the V. Descabezado. Ford easy. At S 35.592096° W 70.786105° don‘t go down into the canyon as indicated, but bypass it left by going a bit upwards. Started with a small backpack on option 3a for the summit at noon, arrived at 2.30. At 3400m ff. easy rock climbing some 20 meters left of the indicated route - less physical and more fun than on the gravel/sand. Almost no wind on the summit, just wonderful, highly recommend it! Very quick down to the backpack, while resting there for 15min 6 condors in the air, circling very low directly over me. Breathtaking minutes. Then continued until camp at 06-03: 5,9. The indicated spot is protected, as there was close to no wind, I climbed the next dune with an extraordinary view to the west (sunset!) and camped there. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Volcan Azul - What a great summit! You might think, Descabezado is the highest, why climb another volcano, which is so close? Nothing could be more wrong. They are completely different and V. Azul beats Descabezado in nearly every sense: the landscape, the views (on Laguna La Invernada), the geology. You even can climb the finger at the summit (only the last two meters are technical, there’s a fixed rope, use it, if you trust it, I didn’t). But V. Azul is also way more demanding and you should have a good head for heights for the ascent on the ridge. Very important: when on the ridge, always look, if there are other hikers above or below you: I was alone, but when going down, I several times caused very dangerous falling rocks. All in all the whole way up and down is not difficult, just very steep. But the gravel is very different from Descabezado. This is felt mainly when going down. In large parts you can‘t ski or hop down as on Descabezado. Either the sort of gravel doesn‘t allow it, or the underground (hidden rocks, e.g.). So you have to walk very carefully (it makes no difference if you follow the track files or an OSM route). This slows you down very much and partly is as physical as going up. I started at 6.30 a.m. and it took me 7,5 hours to go up and down (sure, you can camp closer to the ascent, but as I wanted to take option 2H and then option 3 to join the RR at the hot springs, I didn‘t want to walk back with my big backpack). Water: At noon running on the east side of the glacier in the crater, took also snow). Back from the summit I walked the mentioned CC options (however stayed lower to the left and even found a path there, sometimes marked with cairns). When approaching the junction with the RR I saw a lot of horses and people at the refuge. Don Victor had guests. I decided not to bypass them, but to show up and explain, what I am doing here. Good decision! I was offered bread and wine, we chatten, nevertheless I was asked, if I had a permission (could honestly answer, that asking for it is why I came here). Before I left Don Victor and I took a joint selfie… He is not at all a bad guy, he just wants you to show, that you respect his property rights. I also took water there, which allowed me to camp on the magic plateau, that follows on the RR, instead of going down to the indicated camp at 48,1. <br /> <br /> Day 5; A short day, very easy on RR to camp at 62,2. Just enjoyed the landscape and the lagunas. After the pass at 59,3 on the way down I went CC left of the RR, crossed 5 brooks to join variant C. In this part a multitude of flowers, at least a dozen different species in all colours: an integral and unforgettable part of this volcano section.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Very short day, Down to the MR, then an 8km walk to La Mina. The last 2 km I got a ride from a local, who also drove me to the shops on the PR. The changing nature makes the MR walking more interesting, than one might think. You come from a lunar landscape and some hours later almond trees and ripe mirabels! For NOBO hikers: Chilean day-hikers parked their car at the end of the MR. So it should be possible to get a permit from Entel for the entry by car (Uber or arrangement with a local).<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-13 to 2025-Jan-18 / 5,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Chris &amp; Jule'''<br /> <br /> TLDR: no problems with snow, dusty &amp; exhausting gravel/ashes, absolutely stunning views all along, Don Victor was busy.<br /> <br /> We had an issue with our GPSMAP67 (updated the firmware just prior departure), resulted in weird frozen mode with full backlight brightness in three occasions which drained half the battery. Due to this (despite backups) I was a bit paranoid, so the GPS remained mostly off and we followed footsteps &amp; paths. This worked very well, only one time followed a valley too long. The paths are very obvious, it was easy to navigate. <br /> <br /> Water: in all marked locations and many more. Usually every 1-2hrs we passed some stream. We had expected much worse and were a bit overprepared in the beginning. The ashes take water easily, but also give it as easy.<br /> <br /> Rivercrossings: one, hip-high, quite some current but managable. we crossed where the OSM path crosses the river. Besides, dry feet all along.<br /> <br /> Snow: some snowfields, one at the descend towards laguna las animas had to be crossed, all others were avoided. <br /> <br /> Due the GPS turned off we were very surprised as we suddenly stood infront of Don Victors refugio. We waved and yelled hola, there were about 5-ish tents, so we thought he may have opened a camping space recently. As we wanted to go a bit further, we continued. He either didnt see us, or wasnt too happy - none from the refugio waved back. One person standing at the tents waved back though. <br /> Next morning we met Volker who had gone to Don Victor and had a good chat and a drink with him. He had visitors, therefore was too busy to care for us. Later that day a group from the refugio passed on horses, everyone just friendly hola-ed back to us. <br /> We met some chilean hiker that had tried to obtain all permits for a certain hike, CONAF told them, that since a few days Don Victor does not allow anyone anymore.<br /> <br /> Going back to Talca: we heard busses leave at 7am, 1pm, 3pm, 7pm (at least on saturdays). <br /> We ended up hitchhiking as we didnt want to want for 2hrs. It took us maybe 10min (maybe fourth car) to squeeze into a ride with wonderful chileans returning from bathing in some hotsprings. <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-03 to 2025-Jan-10 / 7,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan'''<br /> <br /> We started our GPT journey with this section and were amazed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape.<br /> <br /> Challenges were the rocky and sandy terrain, sometimes dangerous paths and the hot summer sun. Sometimes the path disappeared and we lost it, but with a GPS device it was easy to notice and get back on track.<br /> <br /> Dangerous snow bridge at (S 34°31.4980’ W 070°44.8453’). <br /> <br /> River crossings were no problem, one was hip high (we’re 1,75 m and 1,83 m), all the other ones knee high or less.<br /> <br /> Didn’t meet Don Victor.<br /> <br /> Definitely follow Jan Dudeck’s recommendation and use gaitors. We didn’t as we opted for hiking boots instead of low trekking shoes and kept on collecting enough sand and gravel in our boots to build a children’s playground.<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Molina to Parque Inglés and hiked to El Bolsón on the first day, where we camped. Only had tickets for one day for the Parque Nacional Siete Tazas and weren’t sure if we technically would’ve needed one for two days, but the official let us camp there nonetheless after checking our tickets.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Hiked to Laguna de las Ánimas where we met Sean &amp; Neele on their way NOBO and had a nice quick chat with them.<br /> <br /> At the end of the ascent out of Valley del Indio, right below the pass, there was an icey snowfield, which we traversed using crampons - it would’ve been possible without but felt safer with them. We camped at Laguna de las Animas, which was beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> From Laguna de las Ánimas we continued over the pass at [19.4/2547] after which we encountered some sketchy paths along steep gravel slopes: At some parts the path had slipped downhill and if doing one wrong step, we would’ve too. Take care at this part of the section! Camped near the Hot Spring del Azufre.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> We weren’t sure if we could drink the water near the hot spring because it all stank like sulfide so we hiked uphill a bit before refilling our water. There, we also encountered the only bigger river crossing at [29.4/2190] - hip high and a bit of a current but still doable at the right spot.<br /> <br /> Higher up that valley (S 34°31.4980’ W 070°44.8453’) we found a pretty dangerous snow bridge over a creek and decided to walk/climb around it which was also a bit dangerous as it took us over very loose rocks right next to an at least 20 m drop but way more controllable than the snow bridge next to it.<br /> <br /> We left the valley behind us and camped at a beautiful spot right next to a river and with a wonderful view of the surrounding rocks and mountains (S 35°31.9714’ W 070°47.4839’).<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> <br /> Descended the valley, met two French hikers who did the Condor Circuit and had a quick chat with them, passed Descabezado Grande and the Refugio at [45.5/1887] but didn’t meet Don Victor. We camped at the Water/Camp at [48.1/1837] - what a beautiful little oasis!<br /> <br /> Day 6<br /> <br /> Hiked past the Laguna del Caracol and originally wanted to reach the camp at [62.2/1999]. However on the ascent to the pass at [59.3/2518], Farah’s knee started to hurt and the pain got worse, so we decided to take some rest and camped in a small depression right next to a snow field roughly 100 hm below the pass. Despite the exposed location there was almost no wind and we got to enjoy a breathtaking view on the two Descabezados and the valley at their feet.<br /> <br /> Day 7<br /> <br /> Farahs knee got better, we ascended the remaining roughly 100 hm to the pass and from there descended to the water at [73.5/1014] We camped on the shore of the Rio Cipreses nearby.<br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> <br /> In the morning we woke up by the sound of people: Some local fishers from San Clemente walked past our tent, we wished them buenos días and had a friendly chat with them. Later that morning, they gifted us three freshly caught trouts which we happily ate right on spot.<br /> <br /> We then descended the remaining 6 km to the bus stop at {06-E} [0.5/862], where we wanted to catch an afternoon bus to Talca that we found on the bus services Facebook page. However, the bus didn’t come and we learned from the owner of the shop at {06-E} [0.5/856] that the buses only leave once a day at 7 am. He sold us Coca Cola, chips and chocolate bars and rented us a room (without private bathroom but access to his own bathroom) for 30.000 CLP and we spent the night there. The 7 am bus didn’t come either so we hitchhiked to a bus stop west of San Clemente and took a bus to Talca there.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Dec-31 to 2025-Janv-6 / 5.6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 3 (Descabezado) / Peggy &amp; Dorotà'''<br /> Magnificent, grandiose, and isolated section. Difficulty: dryness, sandy and volcanic rocky terrain, sometimes tiring. No water issues, but be sure to drink plenty.<br /> <br /> First part, each on our own. I (Peggy) started the GPT with this section from El Bolson. I chose to take an Uber to get to the entrance of the Siete Tazas park (30k CLP). I had bought the park ticket online beforehand but it wasn't the right one. I should have purchased a ticket specifically for the El Bolson trail. However, the park ranger was accommodating. On my driver's advice, I paid 7k CLP for the El Bolson camping to enter the park but didn't spend the night there. I was given a document that I had to hand over on my way down. I followed this advice for convenience, although maybe it wouldn't have been an issue if I had just explained where I was going?<br /> <br /> I didn't encounter Don Victor throughout the section, though I had sent him a message he didn't see.<br /> <br /> Upon arriving at Laguna de las Animas, I met Dorota, and we decided to do this section together.<br /> <br /> There was little snow, with a few rare snowfields that were easily passable or avoidable, except for a large section where it helped us cross a river. Indeed, after the Termas de Azufre, at the ford at kilometer 29.4, finding the river too strong in the morning, we followed the right bank of the river until we found snow covering the river. After leaving the dangerous start behind us, we crossed the snow where it was thick and could walk on it for a while before crossing to the other side.<br /> <br /> No problems with the other fords.<br /> <br /> A bit past the refuge at the foot of Descabezado Grande (km 45.5), there are good bivouac spots (S 35°35.7470’ W 070°49.5695’).<br /> <br /> We climbed Descabezado Grande from this refuge, starting early in the morning. We made a big mistake by forgetting to take water! It seems we both had a moment of &quot;temporary unconsciousness&quot;! We also thought we would find water from the snow higher up, which we did, but only in the form of snow. We managed to collect what we could by putting the snow in our bottles to melt a bit. There was also a bit of water flowing from a snowfield but only in the last part. So, make sure to think about water! Moreover, it’s better to sleep on the volcanic plateau to get closer to the summit, avoiding the 2000m elevation gain all at once (that was actually our initial plan…) with water! Especially later in the season when the snow has melted.<br /> <br /> The 2000m elevation gain with little water was difficult, especially moving from 3000m to 4000m with some altitude sickness. Nevertheless, it was a good learning experience for both of us. Once at the top, we could appreciate the magnificent view of the snowy crater of Descabezado and the surrounding scenery. The climb is not technical but can be long if started from the bottom and strenuous. But it’s definitely worth it!<br /> <br /> It took me (Peggy) two days to realize that by keeping my pants on, I no longer suffered from sand and stones in my high-top shoes! And yet, I wasn’t suffering from altitude-induced brain fog! ;)<br /> <br /> In summary, a magnificent, wild, grandiose, and isolated section. Perfect to start with!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Dec-30 to 2025-Jan-5 / 6.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + option 6 + option 3 (Descabezado) / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Tldr: beautiful section! No problems with snow. Didn't meet Don Victor. Water at all waypoints plus more due to snow.<br /> <br /> Emailed Natali (natali.veloso@enel.com) to get authorisation to enter NOBO, theres a simple form to complete and return. took the bus from Talca to El Colorado to visit the cabinieros they signed and stamped the completed form Natali sent us. Hitched to Central Cipreces, wasn't too difficult, a worker dropped us off right at gate 78.9km. Security guard was very friendly and helpful he was happy with our authorisation and after filling in another form we were on our way.<br /> <br /> Went up to Volcan Los Hornitos took only 10 minutes to get to the crater rim from the pass. Well worth it.<br /> <br /> Camped near camp 62.2km<br /> <br /> Pass 59.3 a patch of snow on the south side but easy to walk around it to the east.<br /> <br /> We decided to do the option 6 loop to see laguna la turbia. Nice enough and easy, western side of the pass is pretty steep.<br /> <br /> Camped at 56.3km - lots of really nice camping around here we couldn't walk past it.<br /> <br /> At water camp 48.1km we went CC straight to camp without water 5.9km to avoid any right of way disputes and to climb dezcabezado grande in the morning. It worked, not sure if I'd recommend it. <br /> <br /> Plenty of snow for water at camp 5.9km we didn't even need to melt it, it was flowing.<br /> <br /> Descabezado (03) 9.4km was surprisingly simple. 4 hours to the crater rim from camp 5.9km, Another 30 minutes to go to the summit and back, hour and a half down. From around 3,700m to the crater rim routes 03 and 03A separate. We took 03A up and 03 down, 03 is much better I'd recommend it.<br /> <br /> Took option 3 to refuge 45.5km all good.<br /> <br /> Pass 33.8km snow mostly avoidable now. We camped up there snow for water.<br /> <br /> Pass 19.4km - small patch of snow easy to avoid <br /> <br /> Pass 15.4km - small patch of unavoidable snow but easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bolson - pretty busy on a Saturday.<br /> <br /> Short walk out to catch the bus to molina at 11<br /> <br /> No entel signal in parque ingles<br /> <br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-15 to 2024-DEC-21 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, OH option 3, CC not on trail from [5.9/2542] to camp [48.1/1837] / Tamar &amp; Nimrod'''<br /> <br /> In short:<br /> A lot of water everywhere.<br /> A lot of snow as well, but we managed without spikes.<br /> The CC ascenting Descabezado is free of snow. The one ascenting Azul might be covered by snow but we didn't climb it.<br /> <br /> First day- We started from Molina on Sunday, and took the bus from the main station that departed at 9:30am (we think on other days of the week it leaves at 11:00am) to parque ingles. The ride took us about 1.5 hours, and costs 4000 clp. At parque ingles there was no phone signal anymore with entel sim card. We payed in advance online 8900 clp per person for entering the park and sleeping at El Bolson. When we arrived we had to pay another 7000 clp each. <br /> Started walking up to El Bolson at noon and got there at 17:00. A ranger on a motorcycle asked to see our ticket in the middle of the trail. <br /> <br /> 2nd- went towards Laguna Las animas. While Ascending to first pass [15.4/2257] there was a lot of snow but we managed to cross without spikes, though it was quite scarry.<br /> It was a long day because the descending from the second pass [19.4/2547] was harder and longer then expected, some parts felt dangerous so we climbed a little to cross at a place with vegetation Wich was less slipery. <br /> We slept at terms de azufres. Beautiful! Extraordinery! Needed time to find a good pool but it had a lot of algae so we didn't go in. There were many pools with different temperatures. <br /> <br /> 3rd- climbed to pass [33.8/2695] (El astadio) a lot of snow along the trail and patches of snow that had to be crossed very carefully, because if falling ment no coming back. The pass itself was completely covered withe snow field! There was some exhusting walk on the spiky snow but then we found foot prints of a horse and poop of sheep and followed it down the pass. Slept at a beautiful place aprox(-35.54190,-70.79507) with a stream from melted snow waterfall (don't know how long it will last). <br /> <br /> 4th day- went towards refugio. There were some cows but no people. Didn't find hot spring. Walked up to camp without water [5.9/2542]. Very good camp, no wind, but watch out from the glacier that looks like it's going to collapse. Drank water from snow we melted. <br /> <br /> 5th day- DESCABEZADO- woke up before sunrise to ascend. We thought there will be snow on the trail that will be easier to climb when frozen. It was not necessary because although there were snow fields along the way, the trail was snow free. <br /> It took us 6 hours to ascend and 3 hours to descend. The view was amazing! Seems that the trail on Azul has more snow on it. The inside of the mountain was covered with snow.<br /> We walked back to our camp and then walked to camp [48.1/1837], not on a trail, which was ok, and camped there.<br /> <br /> 6th day: we continued on RR and camped near Laguna De Los Hornos - approx. (-35.72217, -70.81903).<br /> Sandy and soft ground but quite windi.<br /> <br /> 7th day: hoped to get to El Medano at noon, but got there only by 18:00 :(.<br /> We ran out of food because we planned 6 days hike, so we stopped in the shop in Los Alamos. We bought canned tuna, cheese, and not very fresh bread.<br /> After paying we were invited to seat and eat in the families yard and given tons of fresh bread, cheese, and coke.<br /> We continued on RR. TL (81.2+1.8), and the start of MR (83.0+0.8) are gone because of a big flood (we were told there was a big flood 2 years ago) and it took us almost 2 frustrating hours to walk this trail.<br /> Finally we made it to the bridge, crossed it, and walked on the PR.<br /> A man in the entrance to El Medano arranged us a cabaña and we accepted it.<br /> We stayed 2 nights and continued to GPT07.<br /> The shop in El Medano is very basic and aiming tourist, and we regretted not buying more food in Los Alamos.<br /> We stayed in: cabañas y colaciones sra. Isabel ±56978397080- jose ±56975762613- Isabel.<br /> Very generous warm and friendly people. Helped us with laundry for free, acomidation for 50,000 clp for a night for 2 people and diner for 8,000 clp per person. Also took us to natural sauna and gave us cheap or free products which we couldn't find in the expensive and basic minimarket.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-17 to 2024-DEC-20 / 4 days / hiking / NOBO / RR+option GPT06-01e / Michal a Anna ​'''<br /> <br /> How to obtain the permit to enter the Hidroeléctrica Los Cipreses:<br /> 1. Contact Mrs. Natali Veloso Zuñiga from Enel (natali.veloso@enel.com) to obtain an authorization to visit. It is a simple form, she replied within a day.<br /> 2. With the authorization visit carabinieros at Reten La Mina or El Colorado and obtain permit to enter Los Cipreses. It is a multi-page document summarizing your trip.<br /> 3. Now you can enter and begin your hike NOBO. :)<br /> <br /> Day1: When we came to the Enel gate [78.9/865] we realised that we have to obtain yet another permit from Carabineros at Reten La Mina (as described above). Getting to Reten and back took us 2 hours but Carabinieros were friendly and helpful and there wasn’t any problem with getting the permit. After that we build our first camp at Laguna de Los Hornos [aprox 64.8].<br /> <br /> Day 2: Pass [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) wasn’t fully under show but we used our microspikes to climb two snowfields more easily, but would be definitly ok without them. Then the out-of-this-world beauty began.<br /> <br /> Day 3: We didn’t meet Don Víctor at Refugio [45.5/1887] or around. Just a few cows. Pass [33.8/2695] (El Estadio) was almost completely under snow, microspikes very useful and made our progress faster. When descending from pass there was a lot of melting snow. At [S 35°31.4964', W 070°44.8531'/2427] where the RR goes on the east side of the valley there was a big snow bridge across creek/waterfall which we consider unsafe to step on. We couldn’t find a safe alternative way (only a combination of short downclimb, ford in steep creek and crumbly longer upclimb), so we decided to turn and came back to X [36.7/2423] where we spent night.<br /> <br /> Day 4: We took a variant [GPT06-01e (Laguna Manatial Pelado)] and without a problem descended to Park Inglesé. At [35°28.61331'S, 70°59.63836'W] is a gate where we were informed that we are on private property. Semi friendly guy opened the gate after a while and some negotiations.<br /> <br /> Generally the trail was ok, but it pays off to be very careful this time of year because of the melting snow and rivers flowing under it creating many snow bridges. It may turn you back. Anyways this section is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to, we were left speachless many times!<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-DEC-09 &gt; 10 / 1,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / Variante Volcan Colorado(voir GPT05)&gt;RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT04+GPT05+GPT06<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : attaque d'oiseaux<br /> <br /> Des Cairns indiquent souvent la route. Beaucoup de poussière sur cette etape.<br /> J'ai subit 1 attaques d'oiseaux apres le lac Caracol sur la partie herbeuse, puis 1 autre le long du lac Hornitos. J'ai marché sur les parties sableuse et degagées pour ne pas ecraser de nids. Apres le volcan Hornitos, la descente est monotone et sans interet.<br /> DEC-11&gt;12 : Repos Talca. A-R bus.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-07 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. C) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 5 and 6.<br /> <br /> We joined section 6 at the hot springs [27.4/1986]. Most tributaries of the river carrying water from the hot springs are too hot for bathing, but one of them has a reasonable temperature. It’s slightly overgrown and more lukewarm than hot, but fine for washing.<br /> <br /> The fords on the Estero El Volcán river [29.4/2190 and 32.5/2565] were both covered by snow, so we didn’t need to ford. Generally, there is still quite a lot of snow, and the area around the pass is almost entirely covered. However, with good equipment (appropriate clothing, microspikes, sunglasses...), it’s not difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water everywhere due to the melting snow.<br /> <br /> The water at [44.6/1884] is currently a fairly strong flow. We eventually found a spot where we could hop across dry-footed, but it took some time to find. We were there in the morning; by the afternoon, the water level would likely be higher and will by necessery to ford.<br /> <br /> We didn’t meet Don Victor. However, we met another group of hikers near the refugio.<br /> <br /> The climb to the pass [59.3/2518] (Hornitos) from Laguna del Caracol is almost snow-free, except for a few small patches. On the other hand, the southern slope is still covered by a significant layer of snow. Regardless of the trackfiles, we descended in a way that avoided difficult snow patches. Our route was very close to variant C, and it was fine.<br /> <br /> Around km 68, we left the trail and went cross-country directly south, looking for a good campsite. We eventually found one at -35.7569975, -70.7919536, with a nice flat spot and access to water.<br /> <br /> The shop in Los Alamos, marked as a resupply point, is open. It’s very small, but we managed to buy supplies for the next two days. Don’t worry if it seems hidden in someone’s garden—it’s there!<br /> <br /> On the road on the opposite bank (Variant E), there are several small shops where it might also be possible to resupply. There’s also a nice restaurant, Cordillera, where we celebrated the end of the stage.<br /> <br /> <br /> (2024/Nov/26 -2024/Nov/30)/4 Days/ Hiking/ SOBO/ Entry Variation from 05, RR form Banos del Blanquillo/ Lukas, Basil &amp;Tabea<br /> <br /> The national Park was still closed and entry was not possible so we chose a different entry point over lago frio (La Ruca). The expedition guide from the touring company offert to drop us off at this alternative entry point for 15$ p.p. After 10km on good trials we arrived on variation 05, which we followed until the main route. The route was duable, no critical river crossings or hard snow fields. the mountain pass horintos still had snow on the south side, nobo crossing not advisable. Exit at los zypresses.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-04-03 to 2024-04-05 // 2,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel (GPT6)'''<br /> <br /> What an amazing section ! <br /> <br /> I was lucky enough to have all the volcanoes and mountains covered by snow as it was heavy rainy just before I begun this section ! <br /> <br /> The result is blowminding landscapes, but struggle near the pass, to deal with the mix of snow and soft volcanic ground aha. <br /> <br /> I started from El medano, where the shop and most of the cabanas were closed (there's few options to sleep here, cabanas and camping too, but as it was the end of the season, everything was closed). I was lucky enough to found a nice habitant that purpose me to stay at his house for the night for 20K CLP and saved me from a big storm and heavy rain.<br /> <br /> I took the option F then E (basically the road from El Medano to the central hydrauelectruca) because I needed to resupply as the shop in El medano was closed. I found my happiness in La Mina where there's two basics shops (pasta, tomato sauce, biscuits, chips... (but no bread, or fresh products like fruits, cheese, ham ...). Here there's possibility to sleep on cabanas as well. There's a hotel/restaurant just one kilometer before La Mina, but no-one was there. <br /> <br /> I arrived at the gate of the central, knowing that it will be hard without authorisation. I've sent an email to Rene gaillardo as mentioned on the hiker's manual, but no answer. So I dealt with the security guards at the entrance.<br /> <br /> After long negociations the best option (and fastest one to let me pass this day) was to have a writing authorisation to pass from the carabineros. I've been driven to the carabineros by the security guard, and then have hard negotiations again. They finally wrote a paper where I had to explain my expedition and give lot of informations. And they asked me to go on a police station when I finished the section for let them know that I'm still alive aha. <br /> <br /> Anyway, this allowed me to pass. <br /> <br /> But if you're going NOBO and don't want to struggle like that, don't contact Rene Gallardo, he's not working at the Central anymore, the key contact is now Natali Veloso, that you can contact on that mail address : Natali.veloso@enel.com<br /> <br /> Then you hike threw the central on a boring gravel, and arrive to the junction where you find lovely volcanic ground and going up up up to the pass of Los Hornitos. From there it's just landscapes from an other planet, with a very easy to follow path, but not in an easy ground as it's quite sandy. <br /> <br /> Views on Laguna del Caracol was amazing ! As the whole circuito condor on RR ! One of the best section of my GPT so far, alone in the world in this absolute incredible landscape ... Blowminding ! <br /> <br /> I continued threw the pass El estadio PK 33,8, here the snow was very present and the path harder to follow. I continued to the amazing spring del Azufres, very nice landscape to have a hot bath and quite big vapores, nice break during the day ! <br /> <br /> The crossing over Estero El Volcan (X2) was quite demanding and I had to figure it out and check during long times for the best way to cross. Then I took the variant H to linked the GPT 6 to GPT 5. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-08 to 2024-Mar-16 / 8.5 days / Hiking / Descabezado Circuit / Control Fronterizo Laguna del Maule - Los Cipreses/ Option 02 + RR + Descabezado Chico / Alex &amp; Christophe '''<br /> <br /> This 170km loop was our last section after 3 months on the GPT. It has been one of the most hard, exhausting, and technical section but also one of the most remote, wild, and magnificient we did. We didn't see any humans during 8 days. The extrem wind and cold temperatures, the infinite CC in open areas, the white landscapes without any shadow, and the D+ in soft sand were constantly forgotten thanks to the lunar landscapes. Here are some added informations for the GPT06-02 to the ones given by Natalie &amp; Tomáš. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : We took the bus at 7:30 from Talca to Armerillo. Then we hitchhiked to the beginning of GPT06-02 and began at 11am. After the first pass (-35.94909, -70.45347), we followed the track but going down thru the landslide seems to be a better option. We slept next to the river where there was a good wind shelter (more or less) at (-35.934832, -70.459308). That's a good spot to have the sun early in the morning, which was appreciated since it was -4°C during the night.<br /> Day 2 : The second path (-35.652, -70.43356) was pretty steep and unstable in the last meters but easily doable. The puesto seemed to be unoccupied. There was water every 1 or 2 hours. Then we took the {06-02F} as it looked to avoid swamps and we slept next to the river at (-35.827017, -70.399535) to have the sun as long as possible and to have it early in the morning.<br /> Day 3 : After the pass at (-35.785707, -70.403584), the landscape changed drastically! We took the {06-02E} to avoid the swamps of the other side. It worked but we had to cross the rio san Francisco. Small ford, but not jumpable. We stopped at (-35.693111, -70.427244). There was a clear source and a blue lagoon to take a quick bath. We had wind all night long, maybe there's a better place next to the lagoon. <br /> Day 4: It must be possible to find a camp spot around (-35.667931, -70.422663). After that point, it begins to climb and there's no more flat place. We took the {06-02D} and it was a good option out of the elevation and the crazy wind. When we arrived at the snow limit, we went 20m down to find a good way in the snow. Then we had to run in the flowing sand to the rocks and had to clamber the last meters between two wind gusts throwing us sand in the eyes. It was pretty scary because of the wind conditions but doable. Finally on the plateau, we had to manage with winds at 80km/h and sandstorms. I would definitely not pass in case of bad weather or with stronger wind. We took a break at (-35.613055, -70.423114), first water since the pass. Then we followed the GPX track but the OSM offers to take the westside of the river and it looked to be better as we had to go up and down in the sand many times. Finally after this exhausting day, we found a camp spot with a kind of wind protection at (-35.560315, -70.441588).<br /> Day 5: After a long morning with a NW crazy constant cold wind, we stopped at the hot springs. We tried many places but never found a source warmer than 30°C. After a quick bath, we filled our water bladder at the last point mentioned by Tomas &amp; Natalie (-35.48544, -70.5994) to go to sleep to the pass. There was still a ton of snow next to the pass but didn't see melting snow on the way. There are different camp possibilities with a stunning view in the last 600m before the pass but we slept at (-35.494194, -70.622529) to climb the Descabezado Chico the next day. Ok wind shelter.<br /> Day 6 : We woke up at 6am to go to Descabezado Chico before the sunrise. We crossed a melting snow river at (-35.49828, -70.621259). Even if the last part is steep rocky and sandy, the climb is easy. We reached the summit in 1h20 and had one of the best sunrises of our lives ! There are some places to be sheltered from the freezing wind and enjoy the view. Back to the pass, we followed more or less the track because there was still a lot of snow and some ways didn't look to be the best to follow. Next to Lago de la Mollera (-35.49782, -70.635864), we went down to the lake because we didn't see how to avoid a snow wall and because it was looking to be a nice path to go down (breaking news : no)... We managed to go up a little bit further (-35.501361, -70.641377). When we arrived below Cerro Colorado, we took water in a blue lagoon and we hiked the crest on the left side to avoid deep sand (-35.524775, -70.661721). Then we stayed on the left side of the Cerro Colorado to go down (-35.525073, -70.670594) until the river. That was a quick and good choice. Finally we managed a flat and more or less wind sheltered camp at (-35.55463, -70.708441).<br /> Day 7: There was still a ton of snow at the pass and made our own track in the snow slope a little bit upper than the GPS track to cross more safely. We wanted to follow the high route described by Natalie &amp; Tomás to avoid Don Víctor but as we saw how much snow there still was, how already tired we were (but not as much as our shoes) we decided to take the RR to go south. When we watched the high route from the RR, there was still a lot of snow patches. We finally stopped at Water, Camp [48.1/1837]. Not the best idea because it becomes a freezing hole during the night.<br /> Day 8-9: We followed the RR, nothing more to add to other posts except that we never met Don Victor !<br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-29 to 2024-03-07 / 7.5 days / Descabezado Circuit - Laguna del Maule to Los Cipreses / option 02, off-trail variant, 03, RR + Descabezado Grande and chico / Marilyne (+Fangwen and Tobi for first 3 days)'''<br /> <br /> First section on the GPT and I found it amazing! I won’t repeat anything that Tobi and Fangwen have mentioned below that also applies to my trip.<br /> On day 5, I used the variant suggested by Natalie&amp;Tomas that avoids Refugio Blanquillo and Don Victor. I had met with 3 park rangers earlier in the day who questioned me about my plans and asked if I was planning to go to Refugio blanquillo. When I assured them that I would not they went on their way. I watched them and their 6 horses run over a steep patch of snow and it gave me the confidence to cross it too, otherwise I may have tried to find a different route as a fall there would have been highly consequential.<br /> <br /> Had to cross many patches of snow on Natalie &amp; Tomas alternate route and it includes a stream crossing that could be very dangerous in the wrong season as it is above a waterfall.<br /> <br /> I climbed Descabezado Chico on day 4 and Descabezado Grande using route 3 on day 6. The Grande climb took 6+ hours and I didn’t have any desire to keep fighting scree fields after so I skipped Azul. At the end of that day all my stuff and me were very dusty from that climb.<br /> On day 8 I exited at the hydroelectric station Los Cipreses. A security guard that saw me running down the road to catch the bus offered me a ride to the main gate and we had a pleasant chat. Caught the 3:30pm bus to Talca around 4pm. They seem to start late from Medano.<br /> Very sunny section, I used a small solar panel on my backpack and ended up the section with all my electronics fully charged. <br /> <br /> * 2024-02-29 to 2024-03-08: Fangwen and Tobi (+ parts together with Marilyne) / 8.5 days Descabezado Circuit variant, Laguna del Maule to Vilches (option 02 -- variant 02D -- RR -- option 05)<br /> <br /> What a fantastic trip! Two experienced GPT teams had independently recommended this circuit to us, and both described it as their favorite experience on the GPT. Natalie&amp;Tomas have an extensive trip report below. I don't have a trip report from Markus&amp;Jenni, who hiked this circuit in 2019, but they provided us with very useful waypoints. If you are interested, message us ([[Special:Emailuser/Tobfang]]) and I'll ask if I can share this data.<br /> <br /> It is advisable to start this trip from Laguna del Maule. This way, you can easily lengthen the trip (by climbing the three volcanos) or shorten it (by exiting in Parque Ingles) towards the end of the trip. Also, you start at 2000m, which is a nice in the summer heat. It took us 8.5 days; we had food for 10 days and intended to climb some volcanoes, but when we got there it was quite windy, so we simply went straight to Vilches.<br /> <br /> This hike is definitely off the beaten path: the arriero Christian at S 35° 50.549', W 070° 24.114' said that we were the first hikers this season (in March!). He was very friendly and shared a delicious melon with us.<br /> Our favorite places were a beautiful valley with white sand, and a refreshing Laguna at S 35° 41.643', W 070° 25.651' and the Laguna Aquas Calientes at S 35° 30.441', W 070° 31.990'. The latter is not actually a hot lake, but there are several small streams of warm water. We camped right at S 35° 30.129', W 070° 31.514', right next to a really nice hot pool.<br /> <br /> Things to watch out for: although water was generally abundant, there are some spots where water is a bit more sparse (especially late in the season) and you might have to carry for up to one day. See Natalie's trip report for details. Additionally, earlier in the season there might be snow fields. The winter in 2023 had a crazy amount of snow, so even though we went in March we had a lot of water from snow melt and the two passes at 02D (S 35° 39.116', W 070° 26.016') and S 35° 33.137', W 070° 44.275' had steep snow fields. It was a bit sketchy, but okay. For the first pass, there are other options up, which may open up earlier. For the second pass, Option 2B traverses a lower pass (we didn't go there). A lot of hiking is on cross country, much of it on sand or gravel of different firmness. Sometimes you sink in, sometimes not. Flat or downhill travel is generally efficient, uphill is slow. Bring (mini)-gaiters, not just because of sand but also spikey plants. Also, sun protection is crucial, you won't have any tree for a week.<br /> <br /> Logistics: Interbus (call them on WhatsApp: +56 9 9886 5872) runs a bus Mon-Fri from Talca to Medano (which is a bit further than la Mina). As of March 2024, this bus left at 12:30 and 19:00, returning to Talca from Médano at 7:20 and 15:30. From Médano hitchhike to the border checkpoint. It's not super easy, and you might only get as far as the furthest mine, roughly 5km before the border checkpoint. Alternatively, use a ride sharing app to go to the border checkpoint. We were able to get via multiple rides all the way to the border checkpoint, but it took some time (we arrived at 5.30pm). If you want to check out Laguna del Maule, tell the border guard that you're not crossing into Argentina, and they will let you pass. But the border checkpoint is closed at night (between 6pm and 9am?) and you're not supposed to cross it then. We quickly went to the lake and back before it closed.<br /> Vilches Alto has a daily bus service to Talca at 12:30 and 16:00.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 22 to 2024-Feb-27/ 6days/hiking/SOBO/06/RR + volcano Decabezado/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> Amasing section!<br /> <br /> Day 1 <br /> I took a bus from Talca to Molina ( a lot of buses per day, still in February and later to Parque Ingles ( several buses per day in the season, most of them till 12 pm). <br /> As it was a rainy day, my plan was to walk only to El Bolson. I did not have the entrance because I could not pay on the website with my card. I told to the Rangers that I would like to go to Los Cipreses, they where like I need the permition of the landowner to do it. I just ignored it. At first they were saying that it would not be possible to camp on El Bolson the next 2 days. But I waited about one hour, reasked several times, and finally one of the Rangers went with me to the place where you can buy ticket for camping El Bolson ( 7000 CHP), also they told me that I did not need to buy the park entrance. <br /> The El Bolson camping is just huge, I don't understand all the mess with the acces. When I came up, the guy from the camping just took my name and passport number, but did not ask to show the camping payment confirmation, or park payment. <br /> <br /> Day 2 ( El Bolson- Termas de Azufre)<br /> The trail was visible all the time. At this time of the season, no snow on the pass. Termas de Azufre are amasing, so it's good to come there not very late to enjoy them. Just next to the river, there are a few spots for tents.<br /> This day I also met one chilean couple doing curcuito condor, and at Termas a chilean family with kids on horses with an arriero. <br /> The famous owner of the land did not show up this day and the next days. <br /> <br /> Day 3. To refugio Blanquillo<br /> At first there are a lot of animal trails, so you need to check with gps which one is a good one. <br /> The ford on the river on the way to the pass was short but kind of difficult ( almost to the waist, I'm 1,69 cm, strong current). It's because of a heavy 2 days rain two day before. Later I met people doing curcuito condor from the other side and they told me that the rangers did not want to let them do the trail because of this river high level. But I think that after some.more days of a dray weather it's not a difficult ford.The rest of the trail was easy to follow with beautiful views.<br /> At refugio, I met one couple doing curcuito condor and two chilean couple who came to climb Volvano Decapezado. Very nice meeting.<br /> The refugio was already closed. The hot spring was not really hot.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> Together with chilean hikers, we climbed Decapezado Grande. It's a long hiking day, but it's really worth to do it. The way down is easy and very fast. <br /> <br /> Day 5 to Laguna de los Hornos<br /> <br /> About 20 min. from the refugio, there are a lot of different animal paths ,so you will need to consult a gps to see which one is a GPT one.<br /> The views around Laguna Caracol are amasing, I think it was my favourite part on this section of an extreme beauty. No navigation difficulties on the trail. Indeed,laguna de los Hornos is in a big part dried. <br /> <br /> Day 6 till La Mina<br /> <br /> I agree that it's really worth to climb the volcano<br /> Los Hornitos. It's a very short way up.The rest of the trail is at first a descend in a deep sand ( so you can go very fast) and than a walk on a gravel road ( I found the valley very nice, I was amased how fast the landscape changes). I got a ride about 2 km from Los Cipreses, very nice people, they took me to the shop in los Alamos , but as the owner was not there they took me to a shop in La Mina ( 500 m before the restaurant La Cordillera). You can find there several little shops, if you go around you can complete the resupply for the next section ( mostly pasta, tuna, tomato souce, ramen, eggs, instant souls). No camping gas.<br /> I camped in a little, very nice camping/ garden with a grape shade in a restaurant La Cordillera place ( 3000 ChP), they have also cabanas but I don't know the price. A really nice place to stay and chill, you can eat all the fruits in the garden. The lady from the restaurant was very nice, they serve nice,food, not expensive ( I paid 18000 for camping, breakfast, big dinner, juice, and a good portion of pisco sour).<br /> <br /> For the next section, it's kind of easy to hitch-hike ( there are a lot of local workers on the road) to the beginning of the trail. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-18 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR / Gabriele - Trails of Wander'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Parque Ingles - Laguna Las Animas. Hernandez bus from Molina to Parque Ingles 8:10 am. I had park entry and camp permit for El Bolson that I bought on-line. I indicated to the Guardiaparque my 6 days itinerary RR to Los Cipreses, no issues but had been told several areas are private land. Met only one hiker after El Bolson (See note below).<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Laguna Las Animas - Termas de Azufres. <br /> <br /> Day 3 - Termas de Azufres - Camp along Rio Blanquillo near Vegas Manantial Pelado RR + small section of OH-Tl-V 06-01. I did not ford Estero El Volcán at Ford 06 [29.4/2190] as with the high snow/water year I felt it was unsafe or risky at best and made little sense to try at that spot. I continued CC on the right bank of Estero El Volcán for about 300-400 m to reach the snow field where I crossed safely without even touching water at all. The CC section had only a handful of spots requiring short scrambles, but no issues. For reference, I crossed the snowfield to reach RR at -35.31196, -70.44898. Given the current water level condition I think this is an easier and safer option.<br /> Originally intended to camp at Laguna Manantial Pelado for the night but the valley below looked great with all surrounding peaks so I camped there.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Camp near Vegas Manantial Pelado - Camp South of Laguna Caracol (Camp 06 56.3/2034). Based on the conversation I had two days earlier with a Chilean hiker who was doing the Circuito Condor regarding Don Victor the dueno/owner of the land traversed on day 4, including Descabezado Grande, I decided to avoid encountering Don Victor if at all possible. I did not follow the RR directly to the refuge Blanquillo at 45.5/1887 but kept away from it and walked CC to reach RR further South where it climbs up. I did not meet him and cannot say if he was at the refuge, which I only saw from the distance. After reading and listening to multiple reports regarding the situation with Don Victor land ownership it seems to me that the best approach is to avoid or minimize contact with him if possible, in order to reduce escalation of further problems for future hikers, in particular Chileans hikers who appear to really have very hard time gaining approval from him to simply traverse his land.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Camp South of Laguna Caracol - Laguna de los Hornos.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Laguna de los Hornos - Los Cipreses. I reached Los Cipreses at about 1 pm on Sunday. The guard at the gate of the Hydroelectrico Los Cipreses told me there are no buses down to Talca on Sunday. I hitchhiked on 115 and got a ride to Talca fairly quickly.<br /> <br /> Water was plentiful for the entire route. Limited snowfields traverse with no issues. 100% full sun exposure all day after El Bolson. Windy at higher elevations. Harsh and dry environment with a lot of sand and dust. Lots of steep climbing in sand. Overall easy orientation and easy trails to follow but GPS track needed. Magnificent hike. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-08 to 2024-Feb-14 / 5.5 days / SOBO / RR 01c 01e 03 03a/ Matthias de Austria'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Curicó to Molina at 9am, immediate connecting bus to Parque Inglés. Buy a ticket online for the national park (8500 for foreigners, 100% surcharge! If the international debit card selection doesn't work, just try the national one, my card only worked there). You can also add the authorisation for El Bolsón online, but you have to pay for it in cash at a ticket office in Parque Inglés. 80 people per day are allowed for Bolsón, everything is sold out at lunchtime. Night in Parque Ingles at Hostal Valverde 40k for one person in a 4 bed room (solo use) with own toilet and washbasin but shared shower, towel costs extra, quiet, next to river for bathing (lots of local families though).<br /> <br /> At 8am next day, a Wednesday, there are around 50-60 people at the ticket office for Bolsón. I went to the locked gate at the start of the RR and quickly climb over it hoping noone saw me, as I'm not planning to stay in Bolsón anyway. Better not to mention that to the rangers. Also, only gas cookers are allowed. After about an hour, I'm just a little way off by a stream when a ranger rides past on a motorbike. I don't know if he saw me, maybe he thought I was coming back from Bolsón. So if you hear a motorbike, it's might best to change direction shortly and head towards Parque Inglés, or even better, start much earlier in the morning. <br /> <br /> I bypass Bolsón heading south at 01A, shortly after the bridge at -35.4973,-70.9052 is a large private area, no trespassing sign. I don't want to set a bad example for the numerous day trippers around and take a path along the stream (southern side) to the waterfall. Once out of sight of people and Bolsón, I briefly climb up the steep slope and CC to option 1. Water shortly before start of 01c. Next water at -35.5226,-70.8653, even with a small pool.<br /> <br /> Don Victor is the large landowner in the area. His hut is, as far as I understood, the refuge Blanquillo at 45.5/1887. Hikers used to be welcome on his land, but after they left a lot of rubbish behind and invaded his hut, he no longer allows them and sends them back. However, he (sometimes?) makes exceptions for foreigners. You could ask him for permission via whatsapp, but he was so flooded with requests that he can no longer be contacted during the season. I just took a chance and went to his land. A rider around 37.1/2382 asked me what I was doing here, I asked him if he was Don Victor, to which he replied in the affirmative. I then introduced myself, said what my destination was, where I came from and that I am aware of the problem of dirty hikers, but that I am very careful with nature. He then allowed me to continue. I met him twice more in the following days, at Blanquillo 45.5/1887 and at Water 48.1/1837, and he reminded me not to throw away any rubbish.<br /> <br /> At the refuge I met a Chilean-German couple camping, they came from Los Cipreses and didn't know that it was forbidden to enter this land, but Don Victor allowed them to stay after they argued with German cleanliness (I guess he had never been hiking in the Alps before the regular cleaning teams cleaned everything, otherwise his trust in the Europeans would probably not be so great).<br /> <br /> Fordings: All very easy, path at Laguna del Caracol is no longer under water. No snowfields to cross. The water level of the lagunas (except Manantial Pelado) is dropping rapidly, I estimate about 10 to 15cm per day.<br /> <br /> Water: Plenty, except for hiking up Descabezado. Bring as much as possible from Blanquillo.<br /> <br /> Summit day Descabezado: Very strong, cold winds all day. A good windbreaker, hat and gloves are essential. Only cloudy day since I've been in Chile, 20 minutes after I left the summit it cleared up. Extremely strenuous ascent on very loose gravel, almost every step sinks in deeply and slips (I weigh 100kg), takes 6 hours from base camp to the summit, even on the easier route. Descent effortless, under 2h.<br /> <br /> Camps:<br /> Day 1: Laguna Manantial Pelado <br /> Day 2: Basecamp -35.5978,-70.7957 (I widened it, smoothed it out, deepened it and extended the stone wall. Nevertheless, the winds up there can be massive, you have to brace the tent well.)<br /> Day 3: Next to the not existing anymore hot springs at 45.6<br /> Day 4: Laguna la Turbia<br /> Day 5&amp;6: Laguna des los Hornitos (rest day, just beeing naked all day swimming and lying around in the sun)<br /> Hornitos and Turbia were nice for swimming, the others really cold.<br /> <br /> No problems at Los Ciprese, friendly guard spoke good english, gave me water and wifi.<br /> Bus to Talca (3500 peso) at main street came around 15:50-16:00.<br /> <br /> Absolutely incredible landscape. I'm here for dream routes like this. Perhaps the best hiking week of my life. GPT01-04 was nice, but GPT06 is in a completely different league. I loved it and I deeply miss this kind of remoteness in central europe.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-2 to 2024-feb-6 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Juliet and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 parque ingles - Lagunas las animas<br /> 18km d+1200 d-100<br /> Departure at 6:30 a.m. to pass the conaf. No worries <br /> First part to el bolson. At el bolson we can refuel with water. The campsite attendant asked us for our conaf ticket. After explaining to him that we were going to laguna animas, he let us pass without any trouble. Continuation to laguna animales without shade but no snow. Bivouac spot on the beach but no shade, or to the west on meadows to pitch your tent, but used by a herd of horses. <br /> The trail is generally easy to follow as it is marked by stone markers.<br /> <br /> Day 2 laguna las animas - Therma de azufre<br /> 11km D+400 D-700<br /> Shade-free day. Lots of trails in the sand. <br /> We didn't manage to find a good bivouac spot (mainly because of the heat coming from the ground). <br /> Water spots regularly, especially early in the day. <br /> <br /> Day 3 Therma de azufre - El banquillo refuge <br /> 20km D+ 900 D- 900<br /> The indicated crossing point was not crossable for us in our opinion (no experience in river crossings), so we decided to walk along the river bank in the rocks for several km. We crossed the river higher than indicated thanks to the snow. <br /> Water spot regularly as several rivers crossed. <br /> Arriving at el banquillo, we were disappointed not to meet Umberto. Very good bivouac spot with several pitches already made. <br /> <br /> Day 4 El banquillo refuge - laguna de los hornitos <br /> 20km D+ 900 D- 900<br /> Most of the climb is up to the pass after the laguna. Quite a physical climb in the sand. But we did it in about 1h30. The rest of the day was pretty much the same. <br /> Regular water stops too. <br /> No problem following the trail. <br /> A little extra for a new encounter with a herd of horses. <br /> Bivouac spot around the lake. Nice possibility before descending to the lake (indicated waypoint camp).<br /> <br /> Day 5 laguna de los hornitos - los alamos<br /> All downhill to los cipreses. The first part is in sand, so it's a quick descent. Once on the road, we were often overtaken by cars. No one asked us for a permit (or offered to hitchhike). <br /> We passed guards at the exit/entrance to the power station, who offered us water and no problem getting through. <br /> In los alamos, a small store selling a few products such as pasta, ice cream, batteries, etc. It's run by a lady and her husband. They also sell beds for sleeping. They're very welcoming<br /> <br /> Buses to Talca at 7.30am and 3.30pm. Not many cars passing through. We didn't get picked up hitchhiking. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-27 to 2024-Jan-30) / 3.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 01+03+06/ Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0-10,1] + OH06-01A + OH06-01[10,7-25,1] + RR [36,9-44,6]<br /> <br /> A few small streams at OH-01 and one bigger one near Laguna Manantial Pelado (ankle high ford). A few snow patches above 2300 m, but you can easily walk over or around them. Water is flowing at all the marked locations.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [44,6-45,8] + to Descabezado and back on OH06-03 and OH06-03A + RR [45,8-55,7]<br /> <br /> River at 44,8 was a little over ankle high ford in the morning. The climb up to Descabezado has a lot of steep gravel slopes, which makes it tiresome. Water is flowing at all the marked locations.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [55,7-58,3] + to Los Quillayes and back on OH06-06 and OH06-06A + RR [58,3-59,6] + OH06-C + RR [62-69]<br /> <br /> OH06-06A is a steep gravel climb, but worth it. Really nice view from Los Quillayes (but similar to the view from Pass Hornitos. Pass Hornitos has some bigger snowfields on the southern side, but its easy to walk around them. OH06-C was pretty steep at the end, so maybe the RR is more convenient. Little above ankle high Ford north of Laguna de los Hornos in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [69-80] + OH06-E + OH06-F<br /> <br /> Small Shop (I bought some Pasta) and Restaurant in Los Alamos. I tried to continue on the RR from Los Alamos to El Medina. But at 81,3 km the trail vanished and I wasn't able to continue. Therefore I walked back and walked on the paved road OH E+F to El Medano. Camping + Thermas in El Medano costs 7000 Pesos. There is a small shop, but it is very expensive (e.g. 1 Ramen Cup costs 2000 Pesos).<br /> <br /> GPT06 has some really spectacular views. Especially Pass Hornitos and Volcan Descabezado. There is no shade, so the sun is gonna burn you all day. This + the sand/gravel is demanding for your body and your equipment. <br /> <br /> * '''Jan-26-2024 to Jan-30-2024 / 4.5 days / SOBO / Oh5, Oh 3, RR / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section, from the entrance in Vilches to the end in los cipreses. Sand and lack of shadow are the main difficulties. <br /> <br /> Right of way : that was my first fear. Concerning guardia parques : en parque ingles, they say that they cannot let officially hikers go to the volcan, as duenos asked (OH1 passes by 4 differents private properties). But if you have a message by don victor it's ok. So no need for discussion there just take a ticket to el bolson and no more words. El bolson was closed for a few days for maintenance, so i just got out of parque ingles. At Alto de Lircay, guardiaparque told me that it was my responsability to enter don Victor's property without his permission. You can legally turn back into the park (or coming from parque ingles) paying for another day at the end, at the entrance, if you want to come back by altos de Lircay after the volcan. <br /> - Don Victor : I had the chance to meet him near the valle del venado, on a horse. I asked for permission to enter his lands and continue south, that he offered me easily with promess to not let garbage in the zone. I was glad to meet him out of his lands, I don't know how he would react into. He especially asked to guardaparques to say to hikers that it was not permitted to go on his lands because it's always full of trash, and he has to clean it up all the time. He told me that foreigners were more respectfull than locals though. His phone is off all season because it became a public number, and he has to many calls to enter the volcan. So if you want permission better send a message before season. To note, his lands go at least to the laguna caracole, don't know after.<br /> I saw another chilean hiker walking up the volcan, didn't seem to be a problem for him. <br /> <br /> Water : often present on RR, in the lagunas or the oasis. A good stream just before the top of the volcan to. No need to carry kgs of it. <br /> No water at the volcan basecamp though, so I carried it from the puesto. <br /> <br /> Snow : From now on, no snow issues from the entrance in Vilches to the end at los cipreses, so no need for crampons (with entrance by option 5, I don't know for the entrance by RR). Few patches you can easily bypass before and after the third pass 59km. <br /> No patches on the way to the top of volcan. <br /> <br /> River crosses (1.78m) : only once Rio blancillo, at the first Ford (water to knees). Then I stayed on the right side of the river until the end. I had to walk inside for 1 minute, water to hips, but no current so it was easy. I bypassed the two other crosses this way. <br /> <br /> Camp : valle venado (conaf), really friendly worker there. - Basecamp Volcan : beware, I made the mistake to not plant my tent well with heavy rocks, and the pikes in the sand are no use... so when I came back from the volcan it was upside down with strong wind... a whole adventure to pack everything ! - Oasis at water 48km. - Around 70 kms, some nice camping spots near the river at the right side of the road. <br /> <br /> Volcan : up to the top by option 3, then down by variant 3A. Taking the variant directly seems like hell, lot of sand. More rocks on regular option 3. Physically demanding, but no other particular difficulties.<br /> <br /> Proposition of new option : as the right of way may evolve badly in the future, I suggest a new option road from el camping valle venado to tricehue, following the rio claro. I asked to the guardaparque at the campsite, he said that there are people doing it usually. This year the river is to strong though, so maybe in march or next year. <br /> <br /> Buses at the end : the lign is from talca to el medano, a stop at the exit of los alamos on the road. From el medano : buses 7h30 and 15h30, monday to Friday (dont know for week ends).<br /> From talca : 12h30 and 19h<br /> At el colorado, buses to talca more often.<br /> * '''2024-Jan-11 to 2024-Jan-17 / 7 Days / Hiking / NOBO / O5, O3, O3A, RR, O1 / Vlad'''<br /> <br /> A spectacular section to end my 5-week trip on the GPT. I’ve never experienced a landscape like this before and the weather (straight up sunshine for the whole week) was a welcome change after the unrelenting wind and rain of Patagonia. There were no other people outside of the start and end of the trail in national parks. Beautiful and desolate wild camping near the volcano. That said, it was very rough on my gear. The dry sand, abrasive rocks, spiky bushes did some damage to my shoes (erased on tread on the soles after sliding down scree slopes for 2 days), socks (holes after rubbing on rocks since I did not have gaiters), trekking poles (they were in a poor shape already but the rocks and sand finished them and the tips got sanded off), pants (got some holes as well). <br /> <br /> Day 1: I took an overnight bus from Puerto Montt to Talca (22k CLP, very comfortable, booked through Rodovairro.cl). After arriving in Talca, there was a bus to Vilches at 10:30. I got off at the last stop and made it to the PN Altos de Lircay entrance around 1 PM. I asked the ranger about access to Descabezado land since I texted the owner, Don Victor (WhatsApp +56998863554) but he didn’t respond to me. The ranger said that Don Victor doesn’t respond at the moment but he said it was okay for the rangers to allow hikers to leave the park and go to his land. <br /> <br /> I was charged 8.5k CLP for park entrance and 10k CLP for 2 nights camping inside the park. This is because I wasn’t allowed to start hiking to Valle el Venado the first day (trail closes at 11:00 am even though it’s only 19 km 🙃) and had to camp at the park entrance, then another night once I get to Valle el Venado. It was a bummer as I already had limited time for this section, but it allowed me to go for a day hike up the mountain in Altos de Lircay and watch a beautiful sunset. The forest in Altos de Lircay is beautiful with teeming wildlife and abundant wildflowers. I saw a woodpecker, a fox, colorful iguanas, a snake, giant spiders, and endless wildflowers. <br /> <br /> You could maybe get to Altos de Lircay on time to start hiking the same day if you leave on the 7 am bus from Talca. They give you a paper at the park ranger’s office and I was asked for it 3 times by different rangers throughout my trip. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Walked from Altos de Lircay to Valle el Venado with a side trip to see the waterfall. Met a group on horses. A few river fords that were all below knee level. Got to the campsite at Valley el Venado which wasn’t very nice. Horse poop everywhere, had to clear the spot for a tent. No one asked to check if I paid for the campsite. The group on horses camped somewhere up the valley from the refugio as I heard them and saw some come down to use the bathroom. <br /> <br /> Day 3: I did the 3 fords of river Blanquillo as suggested on the GPS track. The first one is at the spot where river is widest, so it was only knee deep. On the second ford, it’s narrower and the current was strong, it was crotch deep for me (178 cm). Third ford knee deep. In hindsight I should’ve just stayed on the left side of the river and only crossed it once in the end. <br /> <br /> It was a very short day, 10 km, but I thought it would be nice to arrive at Blanquillo refugio early in case Umberto was there. However, when I got there, the refugio was empty, and I couldn’t find any hot springs. I don’t think the bathing pool is there anymore. I scouted around for half an hour and only saw horse and cow poop in every little stream and pool of water. I followed one of the streams about 100 m uphill to get clean drinking water but I still saw poop on the banks. <br /> <br /> Since Umberto wasn’t there, I cooked dinner by the refugio and kept going to the Descabezado basecamp (-35.59773, -70.79645) 3.4 km further and 600 m of elevation higher up from the Banquillo refugio, which made the next day’s climb up the volcano shorter.<br /> <br /> The sunset at the Descabezado basecamp was out of this world. <br /> <br /> Day 4: I left from basecamp at sunrise since I didn’t want to walk in the dark. I had to cross a few not steep snow fields at the beginning but nothing at higher elevations. Every snow field higher up is easily bypass-able. That said, the climb up to the crater still felt brutal to me. There’s absolutely no sure footing, everything is just a scree slope. When ascending, you can either climb up the 45 degree scree slope or try to walk on the rocks which are easier to plant your foot on. I chose the rocks but they too were sliding sometimes, even large boulders, so I had to be careful not to let a giant rock fall directly on my other foot. It took me 4.5 hours to reach the crater from the basecamp following the less steep option 3. It was very windy, cold, and the sun was shining directly in my face early in the morning as I was climbing up the volcano so it was a little difficult to see the path sometimes.<br /> <br /> On the way down, I saw my tent and was trying to slide down the scree slope directly towards the basecamp roughly following the steep option 3A. Going down was actually really fun and effortless. But be careful and still check GPS regularly when you descend, as there are some scree slopes that end directly in a vertical plunge down to the ice field below. <br /> <br /> I refilled my water bottles with ice cold water flowing from the snow field here (-35.60455, -70.78525), using my trowel as a spout. I’m glad I did because when I got back to basecamp, the water I stashed there in the morning was as warm as a hot soup after baking in the tent in direct sunlight all day. <br /> <br /> I was considering staying at basecamp location for another night because it’s such a visually stunning spot with gorgeous sunsets and incredible stars at night, but it was just way too hot to remain there so I packed up and went back down to Banquillo refugio. Unfortunately, Umberto was still not there so I just enjoyed the company of cows and went to sleep. <br /> <br /> Day 5: I went north in the white sand dunes following Banquillo river which nurtures a breathtaking oasis in the desert. I thought this area was way more beautiful than the Banquillo refugio (especially with all the cow poop there) so I wished I kept going a little further the previous night and set up camp somewhere by the river in this area (-35.53354, -70.79191). Disclaimer: I didn’t actually look for a spot that was flat and sheltered but that whole area just felt like a paradise so I think one could find a suitable spot for a tent there. <br /> <br /> Right at the fork of the trails where one can choose to take Option 1 or continue on RR to Termas del Azufre, I ran into arrieros transporting hundreds of goats through the snow-covered slopes, it was a beautiful scene and a blessing for me as their footprints helped me find a safe way in some semi-steep snow sections I had to cross after 2400 m. I chose to follow Option 1 to El Bolson because the RR on the right at the fork looked like it had loads of snow still. Even on Option 1, I had to be careful and kick-step my way through the snow fields as I had no crampons and my trail runners had virtually no tread left on them after being ground on the volcanic rocks and sand the previous couple of days.<br /> <br /> One particularly dangerous spot is here (-35.51932, -70.82684) just after Laguna Manantial Pelado. It’s a big snow field that started melting and formed a lake that’s not on the map. It was breathtakingly beautiful going west, but if you were coming from the other direction you could not see the collapse of the snow field until it’s too late and you’re on the edge, so stick to the trail and walk on the side of the valley in that spot. <br /> <br /> I got to El Bolson just before sunset. It was surprisingly a beautiful and scenic campground and not too crowded on a Monday night. I spoke a few words to the people in the refugio, they just told me to set up my tent and didn’t ask to pay for camping. <br /> <br /> At Bolson, I met a group of Chilean students from Talca who spoke really good English and we had a lot of fun eating dinner together, smoking weed and going to swim in the nearby waterfall the next morning. There are trails going down the cliff to the swimming pools here (-35.49801, -70.90767). It’s a really pristine swimming spot, just be careful and don’t get too close to the waterfalls as we heard there was an accident the previous night where a rock fell off and pushed a person over the edge of the waterfall so they plunged down into a pool below. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Hiked from Bolson to Parque Ingles entrance, where the ranger once again asked for my paper registration from Altos de Lircay documenting my trip. The shops at Parque Ingles are really tiny and would not be sufficient for another section resupply in my opinion, I just bought some fresh fruit and hitched a 3 KM ride to Siete Tazas. By the time I got there (19:00) all the trails were closed and the ranger told me to go find camping at Valley de las Catas. It was 13k CLP (ouch) for 1 night camping with inclusion of the ticket for a 3-km loop on the southern bank of river Claro to see Siete Tazas. The campground had a hot shower which was very welcomed, but otherwise I think Siete Tazas was not worth it and I wish I spent my last day attempting to hike up to Laguna de las Animas instead. Though I don’t know if it would even be possible as the entire rim of the mountain seemed snow covered so there must’ve still been a very steep, yet short, snow field one would need to cross to get over the pass. <br /> <br /> Day 7: I took a morning walk out of the campground and caught a 11:30 bus back to Molina, then a bus from Molina to Santiago for a flight home the next day. <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Jan 07 / 4.5 days / SOBO / RR / Anh'''<br /> There are many good reports, so I'll keep it short.<br /> <br /> With my information, I could simply walk from Parque Inglés without registration. But I want to hike legal &amp; support Conaf. So I had to register and pay online (not in cash at other national parks) with my conaf account, then offline paper formular. Fortunately, the 2nd payment for Campsite El Bolsón (compulsory) was in cash (200m from Conaf). It had taken me more than an hour.<br /> <br /> There is a lot of hiking in volcanic sand (rough, fine).<br /> At this time there are still many snowfields from 2000 Hm upwards. There are streams under the snowfields, some of which only have a thin layer of snow (danger of collapse).<br /> Ford km 29.4 is quite critical (hip, strong flow in the morning)<br /> <br /> I met two boys at Refugio Blanquillo. They had been hiking for two days on a different route (no RR GPT06) with a text description from the internet (no hiking map/GPS track). They learned &amp; understood that it was very dangerous and could get lost at any time. Luckily they met a hiker with GPS &amp; inReach, otherwise I would have taken them with me.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-03 to 2024-Jan-08 / 6 days / Hiking / round trip anticlockwise / O5 - O3 - RR - O1 - O1c (Condor Circuit) / Lotti and Alex'''<br /> <br /> Originally we wanted to do the Cóndor Circuit, but after we read about the troubles some of you had, we decided to take the safer option 1 to avoid the snow and landslide above Termas de Azufre. This route felt very safe and the snow was not a problem at all. We ended up with a beautiful round trip from Altos de Lircay to Valle Venado, then to the summit of Descabezado, then Valle del Indio and back to Altos de Lircay. The landscape is incredibly beautiful and diverse, and we enjoyed it a lot. The scariest part for us was fording the Rio Blanquillo on day 2.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Altos de Lircay - Valle Venado on option 5 (Sendero de Chile) <br /> We stayed at Hotel Picamaderos in Altos de Lircay, which is a very nice and relaxed place right next to the park entrance of Altos de Lircay. To enter the park we had to show the CONAF officers the WhatsApp message that Victor send us as a permission for entering his land at Refugio Blanquillo. <br /> The hike through the forest was very nice and shady and we enjoyed the view from the mirador where we got a nice overview of our route for the next days. Crossing Rio Claro was easy, not deeper than knee deep. We camped in a shady spot next to Valle Venado.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Valle Venado - Refugio Blanquillo - Descabezado base camp (option 5 and option 3) <br /> Easy walking until Laguna el Blanquillo which was really beautiful. After that the path crosses Rio Blanquillo several times. We tried to avoid it at first because it looked quite intimidating, so we followed some stone men to climb around and walk higher up the valley. When it was not avoidable any more, we forded it. For me, with just 152cm of height, it was intimidatingly deep (almost to the hip) and it had really strong currents. Alex had to help me across, and with him walking in front of me, it worked. We arrived at an empty Refugio Blanquillo, picked up some water there and walked up to Descabezado base camp which has no water. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Descabezado Summit<br /> We left the base camp early at 6:00 and took the southern option 3 trail which was well marked by stone men at the beginning. We used our crampons to climb up some ice fields effectively, but I think they could have been bypassed as well. On the way down we took the steeper option 3A sliding down on soft pumice stones which was a lot of fun. We picked up our tent, walked back down and set up our camp at Refugio Blanquillo. There we searched a while for the hot springs, but couldn't find them.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Refugio Blanquillo - Valle del Indio (RR and option 1 NOBO)<br /> We walked on the regular route for about 8 km until the junction where we changed to option 1. After that we crossed several smaller streams that were not on our map. Snow started around 2300m, but it was easy to walk on and we didn't need our crampons. Laguna Manantial Pelado was incredibly beautiful with its icy shores. There were some camp spots there, but it was much too windy for us to stay there for the night. We kept walking over the pass and down the valley until we found a shady spot in the middle of the valley floor of Valle del Indio. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Valle del Indio - Altos de Lircay (Option 1C)<br /> After the wild vulcanic landscapes of the days before, this day's scenery was not as spectacular, but the hiking was easy and we even met some wild horses. We camped at Punta 6 inside the park Altos de Lircay, where we found a camping spot right next to a very nice swimming hole in the river and met the first people after 5 days of loneliness. <br /> <br /> Day 6: Altos de Lircay - park entrance<br /> Easy walking in the shade of the forest. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-29 to 2024-Jan-3 / 6 days / NOBO / Variant 5+3+RR+GPT05(VarG+RR)+RR / Matthias + Johanna '''<br /> <br /> The route:<br /> Basically the route is the Condor Circuit: Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay - Descabezado Grande - PN Siete Tazas. <br /> We bypassed the part from km 19.4 (Termas) to km 27.4 (pass Portezuelo Las Cruces) via GPT05(VarG+RR) due to the reports of Lilian and Michael &amp; Cassia. By the time we started our tour, Michael had written only a much less intimidating post on the Facebook group (only indicating difficult route conditions). So it was a lucky ad-hoc decision after the difficult descent from pass La Calle the day before not to try their route!!<br /> <br /> The conditions: <br /> Snow +- above 2250m, rivers below snow-filled watersheds with high water levels! Overall quite demanding to us!<br /> <br /> Day 1+2: Easy walking from park entrance (Lircay) to Vegas Blanquillo („basecamp“ Descabezado).<br /> <br /> Day 3: Ascent to Descabezado <br /> Easier than expected but tedious above 3400m due to volcanic ash and steepness. Snowfields below 3400m can be bypassed or safely crossed (surface like a mogul piste). The steep snowfields above can by bypassed. We climbed the right (southern) „couloirs“ on the right margin (beneath the red rock), loose rocks are the main difficulty.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Vegas Blanquillo - Termas Azufre<br /> About 5 km on snow. Some short steep snow passages, soft snow on snow bridges. High water levels.<br /> Easy walking until a height of ca. 2550 (km 32.5) when going down into the valley of Estero Volcán. Next 250hm downhill tricky as while we tried to avoid the quite steep snow on the slopes, we faced the difficulty of avoiding unstable snow bridges in the valley floor. We were happy to have our microspikes with us! Also parts of the summer path seemed to be washed away (around km 30.5) as seen from afar. Forded the river ca. 500m upstream of the place indicated on the track files (50m south of the now collapsed snow bridge of Lilian). Strong current, water up to mid of thighs. Additional fording of the (today roaring) creek coming down from Cerro Colorado (km28.5).<br /> <br /> Day 5: Termas Azufre - Valle del Indio: Difficult fordings <br /> Trail washed away ca. 1 km after Termas. We went up 100 hm to bypass (possibly you could also bypass by descending ca. 50 hm).<br /> Edgy fording of Estero Volcán at ca. 35°28'56&quot;S 70°46'13&quot;W. Strong current, water up to lower waist on the far side for me (188cm) and up to upper waist for Johanna (163cm). I could give her a hold from a rock there! Then ca. 500m north 2 easier fordings back to the western side of the there split river. <br /> We did not stick to RR here (we did not divert from path at „trailhead“), as there was no possible crossing of the river visible and the path seems to be very difficult with large loose rocks and steep slopes). But possibly one could avoid the two fordings by RR and then climbing the rocks near the riverbed.<br /> There are no further fordings of Estero Volcán (km 24.6) as river is flowing on the eastern side of the valley this season.<br /> Loose volcanic ash on parts of the ascent to pass Portozuelo Las Cruzes. Snowfields easy (could be bypassed or safely crossed on the afternoon of the hot day). Laguna Las Animas partly ice-covered, we swam next to the ice :-)<br /> After the pass going down to Valle del Indio there is steep snowfields (former wedges) on most of the rim. Only 4-5 m, but even with microspikes it was too dangerous for us. You can bypass snow by walking some meters to the right (west) from the pass and walking/climbing down the rock pillar (solid).<br /> <br /> Day 6: Easy walk down to Park entrance Parque Ingles<br /> <br /> Camp sites: Valle Venado - Vegas Blanquillo (Descabezado basecamp) 2 nights - 500m north and 50 m uphill of Termas - valleyfloor Valle los Indios<br /> <br /> Basecamp Descabezado - Right of way:<br /> No access given to hikers without a guide to cross the NP to Descabezado. We chose to hire a local arriero who accompanied us the first three days (Pancho 997635447), who got a permission to camp from the land owner in advance. Even though he is a local and has his own cows feeding up there, he had to discuss at the three „checkpoints“ at park entrance, as he had no written prove with him.<br /> The man living at the basecamp was not there in the end, selling some cows in the valley ! <br /> Nice swimming pool with tepid water 5m north of camping site, for drinking water go the long way round the swampy valley to a source on the other side ca. 20m west of the hut.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-19 to 2024-Dec-25/ 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR/ Michael and Kasia '''<br /> <br /> Day 1<br /> We had camped at Rocas Basalticas campground the night before. When we arrived at the gate they asked to see our permission to camp at Bolson. We didn't know that that was required and spent some time going back and forth with them. We finally went to Rocas Basalticas down the road and got them permission to camp at Bolson and they finally let us in. The walk up is pretty, all the snow is gone. All fords are easy. There were a few tábanos, but not many. CONAF did a reroute on a small section of the trail higher up. If you're watching GPS you go off the route, but just follow the sign to Bolson and it goes there. Campground has water and toilets.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> We hiked up through Valle del Indio. The route is a little tricky to find and we were moving slow so getting a lot of meander in the GPS marker. Looking for cairns was helpful. Two thirds of the way up there was still snow. By that time it was slushy. We had opted not to buy crampons at the last minute, so we made our way across kicking into the snow. The last 15 m to the pass was an almost straight up in snow. After the pass there was very little snow until the rise up to Laguna de las Ánimas. After that it was a complete snow field and the lake was frozen. We managed to kick out a pad for the tent and camped in the snow. Really beautiful sky that night.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> A long day with very little distance covered. Full sun, we both got sunburns despite sunscreen and covering. The snow was heavily pockmarked so it was hard to walk through. It took much longer than we anticipated. We ended up camping just below the pass. We were concerned about wind, so we tied the tent down really well. Fortunately it was a calm night.<br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> We continued on RR. There were several steep ups and downs, mostly on snow, as well as some intimidating traverses. The snow was getting to the point where we were a little uncertain if it would hold or not. We saw a single set of tracks, assume it was Lillian as it looks like she was a day or two ahead of us. 2 km before Termales Azufre we crossed a very steep section of snow. On the way down Kasia fell and hit some small rocks. She got some bruises and cuts, but nothing broken. I tried to slide with the backpack off and in front of me, but I fell too and the bag started tumbling down a steep sandy slope. I chased the bag, fell and rolled twice, and finally managed to jump and tackle the bag about 5 m before it went over the edge. It was a dangerous move, but I had not had a chance to take the GPS off the bag before it started sliding, and without it we couldn't get out and couldn't call for help. It was a long hike back up due to the incline and sand. We made it a little further and then ran into an area of trail wiped out by a landslide where it was impossible to get footing, even without the packs. Every step would cause more sand and rocks to slide down. It was about 18:30 at that point. We backtracked about 100 m to a gap between a snow wall and a large rock and set up a provisional shelter for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 5<br /> After waking up the next day, we tried to see if rest and fresh eyes would give us a better perspective. After discussing it we realized that there was really no way forward or back. We decided it only option was to use the SOS button on the Garmin. I pushed the button at 10:00, and by 16:00 there was a helicopter flying through the valley looking for us. I was surprised that it happened so quickly. They had to land in the valley, and since we could not get ourselves down, they sent a GOPE team of three guys up and the helicopter left for the night. It took them about an hour to get up to us, and then another two hours to do enough provisional maintenance on the trail for us to get down. We camped with them in the valley for the night and the helicopter came to get us in the morning.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-25 to 2023-Dec-26/ 2 days / Hiking / NOBO / off RR / Jens, Nolwenn, Yannick'''<br /> <br /> To enter the Hydroelectrico Los Cipreses you need a permit, which we did not get in advance. The guard at the gate said we could get it by emailing his boss. <br /> As it was Christmas Day, it was not possible to get the permit. <br /> The guard told us to take a route along the perimeter fence. We did that until we couldn't get further. We entered the compound through a hole in the fence and walked to the end of the road on the right side of the river. The bridge on the map is destroyed. The current was too strong to cross. Turned around and went back.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-18 to 2023-Dec-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+{06-D} / Lilian'''<br /> It is the most amazing section from GPT01 to here so far!<br /> <br /> I hiked RR, it is still covered by tons of snow, i recommend use ice axe and micro spikes if you want to hike from Portezuelo Las Cruces(pass) to El Estadio(pass), there is some really steep snow slope. (RR-TL-V)<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles have a restaurant and a tiny store selling food, fruits, drinks and some 230g gas canisters.<br /> <br /> I hopped the gate to the park at 6:30. No one was there.<br /> <br /> There are 3 main pass for RR.<br /> <br /> First pass, snow start at km14.3(2050m), not difficult for climbing up to pass[15.4/2257].<br /> <br /> Laguna Las Animas(lake)[16.7/2286] is still frozen, very beautiful. I climbed up on some rocks at the north side of the lake, then mostly choose my own way to climb up to pass, because RR look steep.<br /> <br /> Arrive the pass[19.4/2547], if you are not comfortable with snow, it is the LAST CHANCE to turn back.<br /> <br /> Pass is flat and dry, you can camping here but windy.<br /> <br /> There are no RR after the pass because covered by many snow, find a way go down to valley by snow slope, then walk all the way on snow to km20.2, you can see the trail but on the other side at km20.2, steep go down the snow slope then connect to RR.<br /> <br /> Follow the trail about 5min, you will go into a big valley, trail and the whole valley covered by snow, but you can see a trail is at the far away other side of valley.<br /> <br /> Go your own way to water[22.0/2279], i think it is lot ways to go down, but dont too close to cliff side, it is steep and easily to fall off.<br /> <br /> After you arrive water[22.0/2279], then straight forward to km22.6.<br /> <br /> A large flat area can fit lot of tents at the downhill side of km22.6.<br /> <br /> After km22.6, the most dangerous part begins, from here to km26, lot of steep snow slope you need to cross, be careful, kick step and don't slide.<br /> <br /> Km26 is another large flat area for camping, i camped here with nice sunrise.<br /> <br /> Snow continues to km26.6, but easy way. The first pass's snow end.<br /> <br /> About the second pass, snow start at ford[29.4/2190], strong flow and look like up to thighs, i cross it on snow bridge.<br /> <br /> Stay on east side until km31.25, then stay down walking in the valley, easier than on the slope.<br /> <br /> Although full of snow, but I think it is easy to go to the pass[33.8/2695] from here, so i dont mention the details. It is also easy to go down, most of them are gentle slope.<br /> <br /> Snow end at km41.4, but mostly you can find some flat sandy spot start at km39.1.<br /> <br /> Hot spring[45.6/1881] : completely dry. Some camping spots with rock wall nearby.<br /> <br /> Water,camp[48.1/1837] : amazing oasis in desert! Clear and cold water, some shade, also lot of swallows flying in the sky catching some food for their kid.<br /> <br /> Km49.1 - km49.8 : best view point of Volcán Descabezado Grande and Volcán Azul! If you want to camp with stunning views, bring water at oasis then climb up here, lot of sandy spots beside some rocks, enjoy you sleep with volcano.<br /> <br /> Km53.2 - km54.7 : Laguna del Caracol(lake), maybe because too much snow melts? Trail underwater, you need to walk in the lake shore for a while.<br /> <br /> Camp[56.3/2034] : oasis again! Crystal clear and cold water! It is possible to cut off from km56 to x[57.3/2073] directly, stream flowing slow and up to knee.<br /> <br /> Third pass, steep climb up to km57.9, if you follow RR, then you will turn right and face some steep snow climbing up.<br /> <br /> If you look up at left side, there is some foot steps straight climb up on a dry slope, which is no snow but looses sand.<br /> <br /> I go for the left one to the pass, ok but steep and really tried.<br /> <br /> Most of the snow is after pass, from pass[59.3/2518] to km61.5, first go to east side go around the snow, then you will find a trail, follow it a little then go your own way in snow valley. <br /> <br /> I follow RR, mostly easy to go down until km61.5, a steep slope. I don't want to take the risk, so i crossed a snow bridge to a sandy slope at south side. Go down the slope and rejoin RR about km62.1.<br /> <br /> Ford[63.4/1909] : i crossed the river before a huge rock, below knee at morning. The huge rock also provide some wind protection, i saw some camping trace beside it.<br /> <br /> Volcán Los Hornitos : km65.3, {06-D}, just beside RR, no need CC, a trail leads you to the top, just climb up 70m! Go for it!<br /> <br /> Lastly with no luck, i saw a car going down just 10min before i arrived the road, then no more cars, so i walk all the way to Los Cipreses.<br /> <br /> Met a super friendly worker at Los Cipreses, he give me some cherry to eat and a ride to Los Alamos. A tiny shop there , if you are not picky, a little pricey but enough food resupply for 1 people six days. It have a sign &quot;Almacen&quot; at its front gate. You can ask locals where it is, i saw many workers go to there buy things.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-dec-3/ 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; 6 option 1 / Lukas en Tess'''<br /> <br /> As this was our first section on the GPT and there still was a lot of snow in the mountains we decided to play it safe and folow option 1 from el Bolsón. It is less steep and less long above the snoweline about 2000m at the time. It went great but Tess burned her eyes so good sunglasses are definetly a must when hiking in the snow. From there we continued the RR at Laguna del Caracol we had to walk in the lake on the edge, no idea if that's normal but it was funny. The next and final big obstacle was the pass on k59 we decided to try and bypass it because it looked very steep with a lot of snow and ice and Tess with her burning eyes had a hard time looking at any snow at her feet. So we went up right next to it (north). Realy though rock scrambling but we managed. Going down the next valley was okay with the snow but crossing rivers covered in snow is tricky so try to avoid it. Walking into los Cipreces we were told we were not supposed to be there but still we had lunch in the cafeteria and they fixed a ride to bring us to the road, realy nice people there. From there we hitchhiked to el colorado where we stayed for two days to let Tess' eyes heal.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-14 to 2023-Mar-19 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Parque Ingles - Los Cipreses / Noemie'''<br /> <br /> Parque Inglés - El Bolsón - Termas de Azufre - Blanquillo - Laguna Hornitos - Los Cipreses<br /> <br /> First try on the GPT and amazing section to start. There were buses from Molina at 10am and 5pm going to Parque Ingles. You must arrive there before 1pm and buy an entrance for El Bolson (with camping) to enter the Park. It's also possible to camp in Parque Ingles (7.000 CLP/night). When I entered, CONAF asked me where I was going, if I had a GPS, and gave me some kind of permit to show in Los Cipreses. I wasn't asked to show it when I arrived there though. <br /> Landscapes and panoramas were extremely beautiful and very impressive. There was still water in all marked points and fords were easy to cross. Trail is easy to follow almost everywhere, except after Termas de Azufre (be careful to look for the right pools on the map and do not go up too much, I ended up in a place with almost boiling water). The whole section is full of beautiful sand dunes, so gaiters were extremely useful. In Blanquillo, you are supposed to get an authorization from the dueño to stay there, but it looks like it is not really enforced. I spent a day in Blanquillo to rest, drink maté and learn how to make sopaipillas with Umberto. I hitchhiked from Los Cipreses to San Clemente (one hostel, two supermarkets, decent to resupply) so I can't comment on the bus schedule. However, to come back to Los Cipreses/Termas del Médano, be aware that there is now only a bus leaving at 3pm from Talca, going up until La Mina. I took a small bus to Colorado on morning (every 45 min.) and hitchhiked easily back until Laguna del Maule for GPT 07.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-21 to 2023-Mar-25 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Vilches — Volcan – Parque Ingles / Iris, Alexis '''<br /> <br /> Our last section on the GPT for this year! We started in Vilches Alto with the option 06-05 because we rented horses with the arriero Jose Lopez. The beginning is placed in the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, which requires a permit to go until the Volcan. The entrance fee is also 7k pp. We finished our first day at Camp, CONAF {06-05} [10.2/1158]. I believe we mostly followed the GPS track. <br /> <br /> On the second day, we continued with the horses until Hot Spring {06} [45.6/1881] (Banos del Blanquillo) still following the track. We then were disappointed because the arriero left us here whereas our agreement (clearly stated by messages before the rent) was to climb the volcano with the horses (it turns to be not possible, too steep).<br /> Thankfully, we had an excess day of food so we could attempt the climb the next day. We also met Umberto, the guy staying in the refugio, who was extremely friendly. He told us to start the volcano climb early in the night to avoid heavy winds. <br /> <br /> On Day 3, we started the ascent at 2am with our headlights. 6h30 later we were on the top, with the morning lights rewarding us and stunning landscape. The ascent was extremely tiresome (sand material), as always with volcanos, and it was very cold but the crater and the views were very worth it. After a breakfast at the top, the descent, mostly running, took us about 2h. We rested for the rest of day at Banos del Blanquillo and even got a sopapilla making class with Umberto.<br /> <br /> On Day 4, we followed the RR in the beautiful Descabezado landscape. Expect no shade but stunning dunes of white sand. There is plenty of water during the day because you will cross at least 2 rivers that were not dry this late in the season. The trail is easy to follow (because that is the only one) and is also part of the Circuit of the Condores. However, after Ford {06} [29.4/2190], you have about a dozen of options and the navigation until Hot Spring {06} [27.4/1986] (Hot Sping del Azufre) is more challenging. We decided to ignore the GPS and follow our instinct - just aim for the fumerolles. There you can enjoy a hot bath in one of the three hot natural pools (along some weird soft alguees). <br /> <br /> On Day 5, we simply followed the RR until Parque Ingles. The trail is well marked until the end, you just have to enjoy multiple highlights in the landscape. Of note, when reaching El Bolsón, the CONAF ranger forbid us to bath in the pools because it was too late (3PM) and told us to leave the park before 5:30. He was not friendly and also checked the entrance tickets of Livan Ray. We got extremely lucky and caught a bus leaving Parque Ingles when we reached it (it leaves at 5:00).<br /> <br /> This hike concludes our GPT adventure. We loved to start it riding horses to feel a bit more like the trails main user. The final day hiking and the volcano ascent were astonishing, truly one of (or even the) best section of our GPT.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-03 to 2023-Feb-08 / 6 days/ Hiking / SOBO / RR + Descabezado / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé'''<br /> <br /> Our first trip on the GPT, plenty of water, we didnt carry more than 1.5L each. Here is our trip :<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Laguna Las Animas - 18km - +1200m/-100m<br /> We entered the parc illegally at 7:30 in the morning as some others hikers have done reading the wiki. We did this because the parc was full for the next 3 days. I can only advise you to book in advance on internet (conaf). We slept at a camping in front of the entrance for 7k CLP per person. Plenty of buses goes up there from Molina in 2 hours. At least a dozen. Same for going back. If you buy your ticket online : if you sleep at El Bolson, you can enter the park until 3pm, if you go further with only the El Bolson ticket, you can entered until 11am only!<br /> So, we hiked until the Laguna las Animas, a rather long day for the first one.<br /> The camp on the beach was quite windy too.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Termas de Azufre - 11km - +400m/-700m<br /> A short day, nice to enjoy the hot springs in the afternoon. The pass in the morning was very windy too.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Refugio El Blanquillo - 20km - +800m/-900m<br /> A long but beautiful day. Leave early the camp to avoid hot temperatures while ascending the pass. Well welcomed by the arrierio Umberto ! Very kind.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Volcan Descabezado Grande - 16km - +2000m/-2000m<br /> We did the ascent without our bags, we went back to our camp in the night. It's long and hard. According to Umberto, 12h are needed in total, we did in 10h. Same, Leave early to avoid hot temperatures. <br /> <br /> Day 5 - Laguna los Hornitos - 20km - +900m/-900m<br /> Another nice day, passing next to Laguna Caracol. The descent from the pass is a bit annoying if you didnt follow the track (as we did). So, advice : follow the RR and go down on your right. The Laguna is very dry, just enough to have a bath. Hard to maintain the pitch of the tent in the dry dirt.<br /> <br /> Day 6 - Los Cipreses - 15km - +100m/-1000m<br /> Last short day to end this beautiful section. The gravel road is a bit boring but passing pickup are proposing you to get you down to the main road. Here, only one bus at 7am. And a little shop selling ice cream, chips and drinks. We hitchiked to El Colorado where plenty of buses are going down to Talca for 2 000 CLP (+ 400 CLP per bag)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-24 to 2023-Jan-30/ 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Descabezado / Martial'''<br /> <br /> First trip 6 days on GPT being a wonderfully intense experience ! Lunar landscapes, silent and remote, few but great people. No particular difficulty.<br /> Started park ingles with a mandatory 7000peso night at quiet camping near the river and bought ticket for Bolsón overnight 8$. Finally did not stay at Bolson a half day walk from entrance and camped in Laguna de las Animas instead. Great spot for Condors watching. After that follow Will’s advice and put on your mandatory gaiters till the end of the section ! + Walking on sand can be tough for the ankle. Don’t resist and don’t do too much !! Learned it the painfull way.. Trail visible but don’t get confused at termas Azufres especially if you try the (very) hot pools ! RR way is up the valley. Camp with water possible before the pass. The way down called « la Calle » is beautifull sandy dune remote desert. Exceptional. Aimed for Blanquillo refugio aka best basecamp for Descabezado intent. Meet Umberto the arriero at the hut and ask him where the termal pool and the drinking water are. He may be offended if you don’t show up and is a nice generous guy ! Also had a Chilean horse riding group intended the Descabezado so were a nice bunch by the camp fire. As weather window was fine, I decided to try a high camp in order to preserve weak foot from a very long ascent (10h). Took plenty of water as they are only glaciar dirty patches up there and aimed for Descabezado to Cerra Azul osm trail just as Nat and Tomas did (so i could have a chance to summit both also). Finally chose not to cross the nasty glaciar but found a very well sheltered highcamp here (-35.60569, -70.76147). Incredible sunset ! Not advisable in case of rain coming (a storm was growing in Argentina so stayed prepared for an emergency descent). Next day summited Descabezado at 11AM with no wind ideal conditions. Dive your front foot flat in sand just like snow climb when it gets to steep ! Nice ski descent sensations straight to the termas for a well deserved rest at the termas ! Also met Carlos a local climbing half way up so we would share joy later at the camp :).<br /> Exit through RR is also nice but regreted haven’t camped here (-35.67102, -70.83649) for there was some playfull trouts to catch with my survival fishing kit !<br /> Beautiful view from the pass to sandyland and then landscape changes and recommend OH variant C descending (less overgrown). Trail not so visible till laguna los hornos witch i climbed volcano to enjoy the crater caldera. After that descent to los Cipreses is kind of boring and hot so was definitely happy to find a camping by the bridge after the gate with lovely Victorina and her family here (-35.81524, -70.83224). They have been incredibly carring, fed me and brought me to the termas caves (also worth it) in El Medano !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-16 to 2023-Jan-25 / 10 days / Hiking / NOBO / Descabezado Circuit variant: OH 06-02 &amp; 06-03 Laguna Maule to Vilches w/ volcans / Natalie &amp; Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> An extremely long description so my apologies but hopefully it will help someone. We Started in Laguna del Maule and ended in Vilches with inclusion of volcanoes Descabezado Grande, Azul, Descabezado Chico and Colorado.<br /> <br /> All fords super easy or jump-able. Only times water was scarce was Descabezado and Azul (technically there is melt water from glaciers at Azul), the afternoon around Descanezado Chico and also water was scarce around the Laguna Acquas Calientes because I would not trust drinking that water (some springs are cold water though). Weather turned bad only once while we were climbing Azul, the change happened rapidly and we went from blue skies to total white out (~10m or less visibility) within an hour. Other than that weather was amazing, a little cold at night and a little warm in the day.<br /> <br /> Happy we started in Laguna del Maule and finished in Vilches. This saved elevation gain and let us decide whether or not we had enough food in the end to climb Descabezado, Azul, Chico and for Tomáš Colorado.<br /> <br /> Day 1.<br /> Starting in Talca, due to a certain someone (me) I accidentally sent Tomáš and I to Molina on a bus instead of &quot;La Mina&quot;, so our day was very messed up, but we still managed to take a bus to Colorado and hitchhike to the start of this route. Buses from Talca to la Mina go at: 7:00am, 1:00pm (only to la Suiza), 3:00pm and 7:00pm. We took a bus to Colorado due to time and hitched the rest of the way. The last hitch was in a snowplow truck and he dropped us off miraculously at the start of the trail and before any customs or checks.<br /> <br /> OH-TL-V {06-02} (109.1). Straight away the trail is hard to see, do not take the road-looking trail on the side of the mountain because it ends, stick to the gps. However, soon we were walking on the correct route through the sand and down to a creek with fun boulders. Easy to follow. After this first creek we followed option OH-CC-A (06-02) {98} For only ~5km until making camp in -between a river and canal with flowing water. Bogs in this area slowed us down a lot.<br /> <br /> Day2. <br /> OH- {06-02} -[ (93) &amp; (86) ]<br /> This day seemed long, we crossed two passes, one small (-35.94909, -70.45347) and one much larger (-35.88855, -70.46776). I liked the entire area south of the second pass, many beautiful camp spots, water was available almost to the top of the pass and there is also a nice waterfall/swimming pool located roughly around (-35.90452, -70.45218). Trail to first pass was easy, but trail between first and second was much more cross country, there are many animal tracks, I followed the GPX and Tomáš followed a trail closer to the river and we both ended up at the same spot... After the second pass, the GPX goes cross-country right away, but one can follow a trail that goes left and later reconnects with GPX.<br /> <br /> After the second pass, there is a small plateau and then it follows down a creek with water until you must cross an east hill and go towards your first mountain puesto to the east (noone home). There is only a little bit of water here, better water at the creek you came from and or a few creeks ahead. <br /> <br /> From the puesto (-35.86707, -70.47589), there is a good trail that traverses the slope ahead. We should have camped but we continued. There were a few nice creeks that we passed along the way. We were forced to make a &quot;make-shift&quot; camp before hitting a much nicer plateau because it was dark and I was not having a good day 😅. It is about 6 km between the puesto and the plateau.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> OH {06-02} [78.6] + [75.7] + [63.6]<br /> Easy day, only one small pass. There is an ex-carabiniero puesto at (-35.84277, -70.40285) and a highlight was two rivers, one at (-35.76317, -70.42051) and one river at (-35.74734, -70.45623). The GPX is marked as trail a bit further than the actual trail goes (the trail continues to a puesto down-river). You need to go down a ridge and ford the river, there were some footsteps that can be followed. We walked near {06-02E} along a river filled with sand and not great for drinking but there is a creek that starts/ends here (-35.72759, -70.44125). We camped near this way point in the sand but it got windy at night, we wished we camped a bit further from the river in the little hills where it was considerably less windy. <br /> <br /> Day4<br /> OH {06-02} [59.6] + [29.1] + {06-02D}<br /> <br /> This day we passed a large pass (-35.65200, -70.43356) via {06-02D}. This option was more direct and involved a very short and easy scramble onto a windy plateau. Surprisingly lots of water up towards the pass, last one being (-35.66343, -70.42666) , however the water available had a lot of sand in it, fyi. From camp we followed a cow trail until a lake like feature (-35.70057, -70.42733) and then went cross country. I hope my cairns marking the turn for {06-02D} survive. <br /> <br /> After the pass the true Descabezado environment begins. We both made note of how terrible it would be to be on this plateau in bad weather, very open and CC. Next water source would be a couple of creeks here (-35.61215, -70.42156). From a break at this creek we ended up going straight down the creek bed. Kind of exhausting mentally and would not be possible in early season due to water levels but it shot us out directly in line for making a green camp here (-35.56164, -70.44009). <br /> <br /> Day 05<br /> OH {06-02} [29.1] + [20]<br /> Laguna Aquas Calientes day. <br /> An easy day with a lot of time spent at Aquas Caliente, true to the name. <br /> Trail from camp was easy to follow until (-35.53519, -70.46551) and then it went CC to the Laguna. If shelter is needed in this open landscape, we found a rock shelter (agains wind, not rain) here (-35.51276, -70.51035). The creek feeding the Laguna was fabulously warm in places - either at the source of the creek or at a spring on the right side about 100m upriver. Tomáš found the proper source of the spring here (-35.50395, -70.52347). It is easy to get sunburn while bathing mid-day though. There are some camping spots near the creek. After this Laguna there is a nasty and windy sand stretch until a creek located here (-35.48980, -70.57667). On this stretch I chose not to follow the sand but detoured on more solid ground to the east (-35.48839, -70.56200) and was glad I did. Later on we found snow melt here (-35.48544, -70.59940) and loaded all the water we would need for night/morning and exploring Descabozado Chico the next day. <br /> <br /> Day 06<br /> OH {06-02} [20] + {06-02C Chico} + [4.5]<br /> Descabozado Chico + Vulcan Colorado (Tomáš)<br /> <br /> Went up and around the crater of Descabozado Chico in the morning which I highly recommend. The crater is easy to walk around and gives an amazing 360 experience. The climb up is tedious but non-dangerous scree that makes for a super fast decent. Make sure you have enough water because water is scarce there. I saw a waterfall on the NE side the lake but did not go to it, Tomáš got water somewhere off trail around here (-35.51226, -70.65626) and I drank out of the next lake -35.52036, -70.65873 (questionable, but nothing happened to me). <br /> From the lake the next pass begins and I stupidly made Tomáš and I carry 5L of water up it because I did not think there would be water on the south side (both of us overlooking the river indicated on the map)...I was wrong, no water high up but lots of water down low. For the pass we opted not to follow the route because it was thick steep sand so we instead climbed a more solid ridge here (-35.52506, -70.66854). Tomáš went to continue up Vulcan Colorado and I boringly traversed to the normal pass and enjoyed a very fun sand ski down the south side. The Vulcan is a steep but not technical hike up, the crater can be walked around with a steep but fun sand descent on the other side in SW direction. This pass would be very tiresome climbing up due to sand. If you are coming from the opposite direction and do not trust the lagoon water, then you should aim for (-35.51226, -70.65626) or bring water.<br /> <br /> Everything this day was CC. I found it to be the hardest day navigation-wise but still not troublesome. We finished the day in a nice valley before the next day's climb here (-35.55427, -70.70793). The water around this area is a bit sandy but better further up.<br /> <br /> Day 07 <br /> Last pass and New route possibly. <br /> <br /> From camp a trail existed to the pass at -35.55228, -70.73791. There was a little bit of snow at the top but since there were already steps made, it was zero problem. Lots of water on the SE of this pass but only a trickle of water on the NW side at -35.54575, -70.75672. This water trickle point is where we left the trail to make a short cut to Descabezado. To our surprise our route worked and in 4hrs we were making a camp at 2630m next to the approach trail to Descabezado, therefore saving a lot of time, distance and elevation. In our route there was only one difficulty and that was a deep gorge and creek &quot;jump&quot; at -35.57904, -70.77929. Personally I would not recommend this in early season because the consequence of falling in the river might take you down a waterfall and the traverse may otherwise be nasty if there are still snowfields around altitude 2700m. The gorge is fed by the glacier in the crater of Descabezado so in the morning, it should be better but the water is very dirty.<br /> <br /> I drew the route on my photos of the pass if anyone wants them. Otherwise here is my description of our route.<br /> <br /> From the small trickle creek at -35.54575, -70.75672 head SW up the creek bed in the direction of this easy pass -35.55513, -70.76977. Nearby spots would work too except for the pass directly above the creek bed, the other side of that one had snow and rocks. After this pass I believe it is easiest to just go straight down and up like a half pipe rather than trying to traverse and keep elevation, we aimed for a middle looking plateau on the other side, this middle plateau took us to the proper crossing of the gorge here, -35.57923, -70.77864 (más o menos). We jumped the gorge and climbed easily up the other side although the other side looks like a scramble, it was actually just walking. We travesed at this altitude for a little longer (although I would suggest easier walking a little lower) until we made camp in a ravine very close to the Descabezado approach route. Our camp even had a small amount of flowing snow melt so it was heaven in my mind! (Camp with water; -35.59280, -70.78723). <br /> <br /> Day 8<br /> Descabezado &amp; Azul.<br /> <br /> This is turning into a novel so I will keep this short. We left our tent in place and set off early to do Descabezado and Azul as a day trip. Descabezado was straightforward, it seems the trail will change slightly every year depending on who makes the tracks (neither the route in OSM or GPT seem to follow the actual trail from about 2600 to 3300). If wanting to make the true summit, it looks like you have to go down into the crater, cross the glacier and approach it from the other side. Coming down Descabezado was very fast but we made a huge mistake and left the GPT trail to follow the other osm route that heads east then west called &quot;Descabezado Grande - Quizapu - cerro Azul&quot;. <br /> <br /> This route should be avoided [2024: Tomáš removed it from OSM] for many reasons apart from the fact that the other route is easier despite elevation gain (we took the other route back). This osm route took us here -35.61301, -70.75604 which was actually a glacier covered in sand with a small hanging glacier above causing a lot of rockfall. It was a very ugly place and we carefully got out of there and made or way to the proper route to Azul. Despite losing almost 2hours on an already tight day we continued (although I wasted an extra 30min due to making up my mind🙄). Once again on the way up to Azul, we did not follow the normal way but went to the east side of the crater of Azul where the bad osm route is. There were a foot print here and there but it was CC. The crater was amazing but too windy to enjoy much, we saw a few fumaroles. We continued CC to the base of Azul, a tiny bit of snow (or glacier remnants?) but posed no difficulties. The base of Azul is beautiful with melt water if needed. We followed the ridge to Azul, it was more involved than Descabezado but no more than a low 3rd class (it is a bit exposed and steep but almost exclusively hiking). There is an interesting summit tower on Azul but because of the wind and time we had no desire to stretch our limits. Weather moved in fast and before we were off the ridge of Azul, we were completely covered in a white out, maybe maximum 10m of visibility. Navigation was incredibly hard, but we took our chances and took the other (&quot;valle&quot;) OSM route down and luckily it was a very easy route and we were down below the clouds and able to see again. The rest of the night was CC back to our camp ~1030pm. It was a good day. <br /> <br /> Day 9.<br /> <br /> From our camp in the ravine we headed CC and then onto the trail that lead to the puesto at basecamp Blancquillo and from then on we were on a good trail. While walking down we opted to stay in sandals and just walk in the river, it was refreshing. We didn't have clean water until the valley bottom at the CONAF camp (valley El Venado) where there was also lots of pear trees and yellow plum-like trees. Many people there (first people seen). We made camp at the river before the pass (Mirador del Valle del Venado) but the walk from the CONAF camp until then was slower than expected because it was along a river bed with confusing tracks.<br /> <br /> Day 10.<br /> <br /> Good trail up and down from Mirador del Valle del Venado with lots of water and trees for shade. Took us almost half the time we thought it would take. Note that you cannot actually camp at campsites/resting areas on this trail after the Mirador. The CONAF guards asked us where we were coming from and when we said Laguna del Maule, he just sounded impressed and let us go on our way. There was a decent restaurant with empanadas, beer, etc. near the bus stop . There was a posted schedule of the bus but it clearly did not follow this schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus. <br /> <br /> Great trip, beautiful views and details and just the right amount of challenge.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-20 to 2023-Jan-23 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> I got to Parque Inglés from Santiago de Chile by taking a train to Curico (advice: if you want to travel by train, buy a ticket online at least 2 days in advance as it books out quickly). From Curico I took a blue collectivo to Molina and then a bus to Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> At the park entrance I was turned away by a CONAF officer because I bought a “day trip” ticket (El bolson - para día) and not the one with overnight camping. For the ticket I bought they allow entry only by 11:00am. I did not explain that I will continue beyond El Bolson - maybe I should have done that but did not want to get myself into more unnecessary discussions. CONAF said they cannot change my ticket to the “camping” type and when I tried to book the other one, it was booked out for the next two days, so the advice is book early and the right ticket type (el bolson - camping)!<br /> <br /> I ended up camping at the Rocas Basilicas for the night.<br /> <br /> On the first hike day hopped the gate to the park at 7:00. No one was there so no issues. I hiked to Thermas de Azufre. It was a very long day. There is no shade at all after El Bolson. I made a provisional shade using my tent’s footprint during lunchbreaks. Once I arrived to the Azufre hotsprings, a few arrieros were there. I decided to camp further up the river.<br /> <br /> On the second day I hiked to Refugio Blanquillo, met a settler who resides there for three months each year (if I understood correctly). The scenery before the refugio was otherwoŕldy and beautiful. Gaiters, good hat, sunscreen and sunglasses were my most loved pieces of gear. I camped at the first “camp” waypoint after Refugio Blanquillo. Amazing place to camp (but no grass), with a good stream and even some small shade thanks to the bushes. <br /> <br /> My third day was quite straightforward, I made it almost to Los Cipresses but decided to camp close to the last “water” checkpoint, shortly before the gate with the guard. It was alright but I would recommend walking all the way to the shop and camp there for the night.<br /> <br /> On the fourth day I walked through the gate with the security guard. I also met a number of the power station workers and all were friendly. We waved at each other. The guard at the gate was nice, took my passport number and name. Once at the shop I found it was closed (9am). I needed to get to El Medano to join GPT07 and decided to continue hiking through Los Alamos. It might have been to early (10am) as also the almacén in Los Alamos was closed. The road after Los Almacén was uneventful and a bit sketchy at places, so I forded the river at the “bridge” waypoint after Los Alamos to get to the main road and hitchike to El Medáno. Got a ride in approx 20 min. El Medáno is a great base - the thermals are nice and there is an electricity socket next to the toilets. They have shade for the tent too. There is also a restaurant with filling foods and a small shop.<br /> <br /> Overall a fantstic section but I wasn’t expecting the heat to be that oppresive!<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-31 to 2023-Jan-3 / 5 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / David and Erika'''<br /> <br /> Get to TH Parque ingle before 1:00 pm, otherwise they close it for entrance. We did get internet and got the correct CONAF ticket -the one heading to El Bolsón. Once you get out of the park and into the Cuesta Las Anima, the wild parts begin. Hope you got your dirty girl gaiters; cause you’re going to need them. Sand city. Gaiters worked great. Remote and desolately beautiful. Water up at the end of Laguna del Caracol, at the river that comes out of the ground, you have a dry climb ahead. Walk out was straightforward. Got a lift from ENEL employee.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-28 to 2022-Dec-29 / 2 days/ Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I connected in Thermas Azufre from GPT 05. I recommend it as a camping spot. I have seen the tracks of people staying on the western side of the valley but I think it is better to ford, there is a nice trail there on the eastern side. There is a place with an island where I needed to remove my shoes just for about three meters (the stream was not strong enough for me to keep the shoes on).<br /> <br /> I took a detour to the lake at the pass - nice. No snow anymore. Reached the Refugio Blanquillo (which is a puesto, an arriero had two dogs and a thousand shep there), met a group of tourists on horses and two Chilean hikers there, so crowded all of a sudden. The pool there is indeed lukewarm. The water from the stream is said not to be good - I filtered it (for the first time on GPT) and was fine. But if not climbing the volcano, I would recommend to camp 2 km further at the next water source. I no longer carry water with me and just drink a lot when I find a source, there is a lot of them, even in the semidesert (the sand is actually white pumice from the volcanoes). It is quite dusty, my hands got dry and that normally does not happen to me. I agree with the recommendation to apply sunscreen at least three times a day! <br /> <br /> The second day I walked all the way to the main road. In the pass, there is still a bit of snow but quite manageable. Going down from the lake, there is no water until around half or one third of the minor road in the valley, beware. Walking-wise, this was the easiest section on GPT for me. At the mainroad, the camping at the shop after the bridge was closed. I hitched somebody in a truck who knew the owners, called them and they came to open it for me. 5000 pesos but I gave the lady 10000 as she had to drive here to open the camping for me. There is electricity and cold shower and shadow. Almost nothing at the shop. The bus is said to leave at seven. I slept and now will try hitchhiking.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-20 to 2022-Dec-24 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Will '''<br /> <br /> Amazing trail! It's quite desolate but the landscape varies enough to always keep things interesting. Trudging up the sandy hills could be demoralizing, but getting to run down the other side more than made up for it. Water was still plentiful though not much snow was left, I only had to cross a few small patches. Thankfully heat wasn't a problem at all for me, I even felt cold a few times with the altitude and wind.<br /> <br /> Caught the 5pm bus from Molina to Radal for 3000 pesos, then a van came by a few minutes later to take us to parque inglés for another 3000. Was nice to meet a bunch of Chilean hikers, who were all going to El Bolson and back. We camped at the Rocas Basílicas campsite right at parque inglés, 7000 pesos next to a beautiful river.<br /> <br /> I had phone signal at parque inglés, so I bought the pass online for 8 USD. There was no one at the Conaf office at 7 30 the next morning, so I just hopped the gate and walked through. <br /> <br /> I ran into a few arrieros relaxing at the Azufre hot springs, the only people I saw along the trail. They were friendly but it was tough to understand their heavy Chilean Spanish. They said I could camp with them but there wasn't a ton of room so I walked on.<br /> <br /> There were some geysers shooting up from the muddy riverbank near the gpx track so I took a wider route around. An arriero also told me to take a trail higher up along the dunes so I followed that to the ford. The ford looked tough so I kept walking 2ish km along the other side until I could easily hop across. But it was slow going, probably not worth it.<br /> <br /> I ended up having to camp on a random sand dune. I had some trouble getting my tent to stay up tied to rocks, since I couldn't get stakes in. I'd definitely recommend using tieouts you can really secure to rocks, or even a freestanding tent.<br /> <br /> The rest of the hike went smoothly. I easily made it to los cipreses in three days of hiking from parque inglés. The guard was super friendly, inviting me in and giving me a bunch of water. I camped across the street from the shop near the bus stop, ask at the shop if you want to camp there. The guy running the camping was also super nice, he messaged the bus driver and told me it would be at 9 or 9 30 the next morning, because it was a Saturday (it was also Christmas eve). The bus ended up showing up at 9 45, and costed 3200 pesos to Talca.<br /> <br /> The side trip up Volcan Los Hornitos was very worth it, there's a fairly gradual trail up and you can just sprint straight down. I didn't even need to bring any water (just some gummy bears).<br /> <br /> I got by without gaiters, but bring them if you can. I should have used more sunscreen, the reflection off the sand is strong.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-17 to 2022-Dec-20 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Joining section 6 directly from the previous one with a little challenging connection trail (see our comment from section 5), we continued to the Hot Spring del Azufre. On the way there is one steep traverse. We used hot spring to cook our rice which really saved us as we run out of gas. The landscape on the whole section is amazing, we really enjoyed it! Ascent to the pass is nice and gradual, hiking in the sand is a little slower, but the opposite when going down. We camped at the El Estadio, almost no wind that day, great place to sleep . In the morning we continued on a nice and easy trail, great views around the volcanos… short break by the laguna thats great for swimming. We camped a little before the camp marked in the gps, there is one place, probably used by arrieros, with a fireplace and a few rocks around it. Being out of the gas we set a fire using wood that was already in there and some others we gather during the day. The view to the volcanos must be one of the best we have seen here so far! The next day we continued to the last Hornitos pass and through the valley, again really nice hiking on a clear trail. Last few kms on the road and since we missed the only bus to Talca that is leaving early in the morning (7:00) and did not have luck with hitchhiking, we stayed in a camp right next to the road. Its just a few meters before it, in the same direction we came from. On the left side is a house with some old advertisment sign (coca-cola or similir) on its fence, and the lady there has a small shop. The camp is on the other side - cold shower, toilets, electricity and access to the river, all for 5000 for 2 people. We even got sandwiches for dinner as there was no other place around to eat. Overall, when combining both sections we recommend to plan carefully, but its definitely worth the effort, especially this section 6.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-14 to 2022-Dec-16 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Anna&amp;Christopher '''<br /> <br /> The section is pretty tough, but beautiful with a quite unique landscape. We definetly would do it again.<br /> <br /> Recomendations: bring lots of suncreme, a good hat, gaiters.<br /> <br /> How to get there:<br /> We took a bus from Santiago (terminal at the metro station Universidad de Santiago) to Curico. Across the street from the bus terminal in Curico leaves a blue bus to Molina for 1k CLP. From Molina we hitchhiked to Parque Inglés.<br /> You have to be there before 3 pm to be allowed to hike up to El Bolson. To camp they charge 8k CLP p.p and the park entry is also 8k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> The first day we started early from El Bolson. From midday on it was super tough due to the white sand which makes walking really tiring and reflects the sun which makes it super hot without shade. The next day was pretty similar.<br /> The whole section there was plenty of water. There was no much snow left at the passes, so we had no trouble without spikes.<br /> On the last day, after arriving to the dirtroad (8 km from los Cipreses), we got offered a ride after a while and the guy brought us directly to El Médano.<br /> The shop there has pasta, rice, bread, tomato salsa, mayo, chips, biscuits/chocolate and suncreme (but quite pricey).<br /> In El Médano we camped for 6k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-03 to 2022-Dec-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Véronica'''<br /> <br /> Route: Parque Inglés - Laguna Ánimas - Termas del Azufre - Termas del Blanquillo - Laguna del Caracol - Laguna de los Hornos - Los Cipreses<br /> <br /> A beautiful, remote section of true mountain wilderness. It took me 4 days, but only 2 hours hiking the dirt road to Los Cipreses on the last day (so very doable in 3 days). The only people I saw were a couple of arrieros at Termas del Blanquillo who told me they hadn't had a winter as snowy as this one in over 10 years. I was glad to have my microspikes for the vast snow fields near/on the passes. A couple places would have felt quite unsafe without them. <br /> <br /> Notable tidbits: <br /> <br /> Took a bus from Molina at 5pm (on a Friday) to El Radal, then hitchhiked to Parque Inglés. I camped there the first night for 7000 pesos. Pricey, but at least I had a beautiful and secluded spot by Rio Claro. <br /> <br /> The stretch between Las Ánimas Pass and Termas de Azufre had some sketchy traverses across disintegrating scree slopes that were downright nerve-wracking. I suppose if you go down to Laguna Mondaca, then back up to the Termas, you may not encounter this hazard. But I did get to observe a condor soar above my head on thermals for an hour as he surveilled his domain, that was super cool. <br /> <br /> For the first ford after Termas de Azufre, I crossed further upstream than indicated on the GPS track (see Carlos's comment below). It looked a lot safer there than downstream. There's continuous snow for about 3 km going over the pass after Thermas de Azufre, best to cross in the morning to avoid postholing when the snow gets too soft. <br /> <br /> Los Hornitos pass has a large, very steep lip of snow (leftover cornice) on its south side. It's possible to go around it by heading north for 50-100 meters and then making your way down on the volcanic sand.<br /> <br /> The spring between Termas del Blanquillo and Laguna del Caracol is a beautiful little desert oasis in an orherwise hot and dry stretch. It was a splendid spot to camp. <br /> <br /> There is LOTS of water. Laguna del Caracol and Laguna de los Hornos are both full of clear, refreshing water. A lot of the &quot;water&quot; GPS waypoints are actually fords this time of year (easy ones), and there's a lot of other water sources not listed on the tracks. But the section is very exposed, no shade, and very hot in the midday sun unless a breeze is blowing. <br /> <br /> No issues with the guards at Los Cipreses, they were friendly and let me pass no problem. From the first bus stop on the road, I hitched easily to Talca to resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Feb-20 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Molly '''<br /> <br /> Amazing section! I found the landscape to be very varied despite the lack of vegetation - and even with many pretty flowers near the streams. I personally found it to be a great ending to my GPT journey, a big contrast to the landscapes further south. Would make for a tough start though.<br /> Plenty of water. Met one hiker doing Circuito el Cóndor and three Chilean tourists on horseback. No arrieros, but plenty of cows and horses. The weather was cold and windy, sometimes veritable sandstorms which meant I almost couldn't open my eyes - maybe sunglasses could have helped. I wore my long pants over my boots instead of gaiters - should have listened to the advice, so much sand! <br /> <br /> Signs on the way to parque inglés say that you can only buy tickets online - don't know how strict they are, but no cell phone coverage at parque inglés and long before in case they insist. You have to be there before 15 to be let through to El Bolsón.<br /> Easy 11 km to El Bolsón through a young forest. No water at the first &quot;ford&quot; waypoint. Campground has toilets and showers, it's the only place you're allowed to camp until after Valle del Indio. Nice enough place next to the impressive Colmillo del Diablo. In hot weather it might be nice to camp here to take the long ascent in the morning.<br /> Laguna de las Animas would be a good campsite plus a nice place to swim. The first &quot;water&quot; waypoint afterwards is also great for camping - there is a nice little meadow.<br /> Las Animas pass is gorgeous!<br /> After Termas Azufre there are many confusing paths. They mostly seem to lead to the same place, but keep an eye on the GPS. When descending from the 2700 m pass towards Termas Blanquillo, you don't have to cross the stream to your right even though many paths do it. As noted by others, the hot springs Baños del Blanquillo are luke warm - but fine if you want to wash yourself a little and the stream is too cold. The refuge is locked.<br /> The next camp waypoint is in a cute valley with many streams, bushes and flowers. No grass, though. <br /> Laguna Caracol is beautiful as well, but very bare, surrounded by sand. I really liked the campsite afterwards, with views of both Volcán Descabezado and Cerro Azul. From there, a small CC section to the ascent where the path picks up again towards the Hornitos pass. Even more gorgeous with great and very different views to each site. Volcán Hornitos and the other little craters look really funny and special. Some hail was coming in, though, so I quickly slided down to the next camp waypoint, again a nice flat meadow. No water on the ascent. The first streams at the top of the pass were dry, but the path crosses a stream in 2100 m altitude. If you fill up at the water waypoint before the pass I agree you wouldn't have to carry extra water, the time between these two water points is around 2-3 hours.<br /> I climbed to the rim of Volcán Hornitos, there's nothing in there, but if you walk to the highest point the view is nice enough. It took me 20 minutes in total, and it was about worth that.<br /> The gravel road is nice the first kilometres, but then it gets pretty boring. The security guard at the end was very nice and welcoming.<br /> I camped at the shop just before the road - nice place by the river, 3000 per person with toilets and a cold shower, or 50,000 for a cabaña. From there I hitched the 3 km down the road to Restaurant Cordillera, nice enough, great with a beer, meat and fries. <br /> Bus left from the bus shed at 7:20 next morning - think it depends whether it goes to El Médano or not <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-20 to 2022-Jan-25 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Carlos '''<br /> Route: Parque Inglés - El Bolsón (Colmillo del Diablo summit) - Termas del Azufre - Termas del Blanquillo - Laguna Caracol - First bus stop on CH115 road.<br /> <br /> I hiked this route only a couple of days after Verónica &amp; Jo. Not much to add except:<br /> <br /> First day just hiked to El Bolsón (easy 4 hours), pitched my tent on the gorgeous campsite, left the heavy load and climbed the imposing &quot;Colmillo del Diablo&quot; (easy hike on a trail that goes around the back of the mountain).<br /> <br /> From Termas del Azufre climbing to the pass I followed a faint track on the steep loose slope instead of crossing at the first river ford. After a few hundred meters the track takes you to a flat wide rocky area (just before the slope becomes impossibly steep), where you can very easily ford the river (I didn't even get my feet wet).<br /> <br /> Plenty of buses Molina - Parque Inglés. But only one bus from el Médano - Los Cipreses to Talca, at around 7 am, which returns at 15:00. Only week days. Basic camping just in front of Los Cipreses shop (only ice cream, drinks, choco bars, biscuits): $4.000 pp.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan-10 to 2022-Jan-15 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Veronika &amp; Jo '''<br /> <br /> Route: Parque Inglès -&gt; Laguna de las Animas -&gt; Termas de Azufre -&gt; Descabezado base camp -&gt; Laguna del Caracol -&gt; Laguna Hornitos -&gt; First bus stop on 115-CH<br /> <br /> The five nights we just spent in a tent was the longest stretch we have ever gone without a decent bed on a hike. We skipped Radal, Laguna Mondaca and Termas de Medano, but still hiked in 6 days what others did in 3-4. We're basically easing into the GPT, gaining some fitness and experience before taking on the harder challenges.<br /> <br /> As others have said: the views are otherworldly and stunning. We felt like Touaregs traveling from oasis to oasis in the Saharan desert. Except that there actually are plenty of springs and little rivers flowing in most valleys.<br /> <br /> Useful tidbits:<br /> <br /> - There really is no shade after El Bolsòn. Either you make your own (e.g., adapting your tent to not trap heat) or you dress like a Touareg (loose clothing fully blocking the sun). For us, this was the hardest to deal with. We got up early but often stopped hiking at 13:00, enjoying the lakes or even just sitting down doing nothing that takes energy.<br /> <br /> - High-heeled boots and long trousers work well to keep the sand out.<br /> <br /> - Confirming Shn0rhelez: going up from Termas de Azufre until the second ford indeed passes plenty of water, no need to carry any.<br /> <br /> - Laguna Hornitos is drying up and hence less beautiful than the other lakes. Maybe it's better to camp at the start of the Hornitos plateau (SOBO, so north entry) as the area is flat and there is reasonably clean running water there.<br /> <br /> - There is no bus to Talca from Los Cipreses on saturdays or sundays. We asked at the shop and got a ride to Colorado from the brother-in-law of the shopkeeper for 15000 CLP.<br /> <br /> - In supermarkets, you can buy alcohol desnaturalizado cheaply in the nail polish section, or alternatively, use alcohol de quemar from the combustibles section.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-26 to 2022-Jan-04 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / '''<br /> <br /> From Parque Inglés to the entrance of Reserva Achibueno<br /> Buy your ticket online for “El Bolsón” on the CONAF website and get to the trailhead before 3pm<br /> 4hrs hike to El Bolsón, a great place with waterfall, great views, nice camping spots, hikers<br /> TO CHECK: Bus from Molina to Parque Ingles leaves at 9 am (not positive) on week-ends and holidays <br /> Easy hitch from Radal to Parque Ingles coz lots of campers going there on week-ends<br /> Be careful a ranger told me the park closes on Mondays <br /> It took me around 4 days from Parque Siete Tazas Park entrance to the road Q115 (Central Cipreses)<br /> From Road 115 I hitched to a village by Colbún lake where I resupplied : good supermarkets (a little on the expensive side), food truck , pastry shop <br /> I didn't like Altos de Lircay NP : after El Bolson (4 hrs in) no fucking shade for 3 days and an half except that of a shelter a little off trail, blazing sun all day, sand sand sand, I found the place so inhospitable, monotonous sights : sand dunes for ever, quite some struggling pedalling in the soft sand, plus I had no gaiters (stupid me) and low heels shoes so that was a bummer. However the place is super special, feels like on the moon (beautiful pictures) and I can understand why many love it<br /> Some “hot springs” are actually just luke and others just a hole or boiling hot (I added these informations to the track and waypoints I sent to Jan Dudek) so don't be like me fantasizing all day on that fantastic bath you will get or wait for Jan's update (thanks so so much for all you do mate).<br /> After resupplying I hitched on option 7 XXX all the way the Mellado cañon (really nice, by the river all the time), communities. After hiking South from Carizales (which has a very limited “store”) I was short on time and food and realized bare landscapes over the tree line were not my cup of tea (I prefer hiking below 1700 m in this part of Patagonia) so I left RR and took another option all the way to the West to Reserva Achibueno which I really enjoyed : great landscapes, lakes, rivers and met some cool hikers and fishermen<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-09 to 2021-Dec-12 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / AR past Laguna Manatial Pelado / Vera &amp; James'''<br /> <br /> We arrived the day before at Parque Ingles and camped the night there. From Molina there is a bus to Radal at 5pm wed-fri, and direct to Parque Ingles on weekends. The only way to pay for park entry is online at www.aspticket.cl.<br /> <br /> As an aside, we really liked Molina. It has plenty for resupply whilst being nice and small. There is a fishing shop opposite the Santa Isabel supermarket that sells gas.<br /> <br /> Day 1 we headed up the RR as far as just above Laguna de las Animas by 2pm, a brutal climb in the midday sun! At this point the sun disappeared and clouds quickly rolled in, within 10 minutes lightning was hitting the peaks directly around us. We beat a hasty retreat back to El Bolsen and camped there.<br /> <br /> We decided to take the alternate route past Laguna Manatial Pelado. A beautiful route if hot and sandy. We have realised the best time time to take on a long, sandy ascent in sunny weather is very early in the morning, after 9am it was brutally hot. <br /> <br /> We then continued on the regular route. As has been said before, it's remote and stunning. We had some strong winds coming over Pass de Hornitos, and even some sleet on the final day!<br /> <br /> Arrived in Los Cipreses on a Sunday and we didn't see a single person except the security guard. We got mixed messages from him and then the mini shop owner about buses to Talca. I would assume there isn't one on a Sunday. We hitched to El Colorado then got a bus from there to Talca.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-03 to 2021-Dec-09 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We also decided to combine sections 5 and 6 to avoid in’n’out to and from Parque Inglés. It took us 6 and a half days and some of it was bloody hard. I have never before experienced my ass being handed over to me by a trail. We got beaten to the point where first signs of weakness started to show and I have to admit we kind of even started discussing a plan B and bailing this ditch trail. But only for a moment, once you hit the rock bottom there is only one way to go - up! It was literally and figuratively, and as terrain improved so did our mood and we laughed off the silly thoughts we had had earlier. <br /> <br /> The first 45km of the section 5 were great, awesome hiking and then shit hit the fan real quick. Ascent up from the ford at km 45 was hard but alright. And then came the descent down to Rio Negro (51km), very steep and very loose scree slope. We wanted to make it to Rio Colorado for the night to cross it early in the morning in case there is no bridge. But because the trail or I must rather say the lack of it was really taking more time than we expected, by the time we got to Rio Negro it was already getting dark. The river was very rapid and murky so you couldn’t gauge the depth of it and couldn’t see where to step, we had to really concentrate to cross it, luckily it was only balls deep.<br /> <br /> It was dark as we got across it and we continued the fun, albeit type 2 fun, illuminated by our headlamps. Then came the insanely steep gully that allowed you to enter the valley of Rio Colorado. Something was off with the elevation lines on Gaia and it showed that we will be descending right over the cliff, it was luckily only a glitch. As we couldn’t see much ahead we kept descending ever so carefully on this very very challenging terrain, I would even go as far as to say that it was stupid and outright dangerous. But there was no other way, you just had to stay focused. There were also some rocks falling off the cliff under which we were descending. In a sense night was a good time to do it because you couldn’t see all the dangers - only what lie within the beam of the headlamp. <br /> <br /> Then came an extremely slow going, pretty much crawling speed traverse down to Rio Colorado, which we fully improvised as there was no trail anyway and got down to Rio colorado about a kilometer before the bridge, where we set up camp abit past midnight. <br /> <br /> So yes, the bridge was there - a decent one, seemed permanent and it was a relief that we at least don’t have to start the day by risking our lives fording Rio Colorado. The river was pretty wide and the current seemed pretty fast, it wasn’t murky though but you couldn’t see how deep it really was. But we think it could have been forded in case there would be no bridge. There were a few places that looked doable with somewhat laminar flow. The excitement of the existence of the bridge didn’t last too long as we were slapped back into reality by the difficult terrain, it wasn’t as dangerous anymore as the previous night but difficult nevertheless. Once we got closer to the pass the trail appeared and it was actually pleasant hiking once again. <br /> <br /> To sum it up the descent down to the Rio Colorado valley, then traversing it and the first part of crawling out of the valley sucks big time, but the rest of the section is really nice and not too challenging terrain-wise. I wouldn’t want to skip this section because it had some breathingtaking views. Just that on the hard part of it you can’t really enjoy any of it as all your effort is elsewhere. <br /> <br /> The guards at Laguna Mondaca were the nicest people we have met in Chile so far. They invited us to stay at the property, gave us food and drinks. They insisted we don’t use any of our supplies or gear. They even provided us with a room with a bed and we got to recharge all of our electronics and got a hot shower aswell. It was perfect! And just to make it clear there are no fancy villas there just a few small simple houses where the owner of the property comes for fishing once in a while. And guards weren’t armed either.<br /> <br /> It took us 4 days to get to Laguna Mondaca and not far after it we joined the section 6 which took 2 and a half more days. <br /> <br /> Section 6 was really something, we haven’t had such a strong otherworldly experience anywhere else. It was really like being on another planet at times. The blue sky was the only thing that gave it away that we were still on Earth. Really bizarre landscape and definitely the most beautiful breathtaking section of the six that we have done so far. <br /> <br /> Regarding the difficulty, compared to section 5 it didn’t feel that difficult at all. Walking on sand is challenging, yes, especially going uphill. But on the other side going down is much easier on the soft sand - you can just run/jog without much impact on your body as the sand absorbs it all. Shoes got completely wrecked and we took many “shoe-emptying” breaks because they were just filled with rocks and coarse sand. <br /> <br /> We even took a dip in one of the lakes close to Descabezado and seeing how water is just coming out of the sand and turning into a river was really really cool, just as the whole landscape around there. <br /> <br /> We camped at the lake about 5km from Los Cipreses. When we arrived to the road to take bus to Talca the bus stop didn’t have any schedule and the shop close by was closed. So we couldn’t find out about the bus schedule and the traffic on the road seemed pretty dead. But luckily after 15 min of waiting a car that was going to Talca picked us up, perfecto! <br /> <br /> Overall plenty of water on both sections, a lot of exposure to the sun, and some challenging terrain. It all together made for a great experience, just what we were looking for. It humbled us and we definitely had to adjust our expectations and recalibrate our way of hiking, it is GPT - not more and not less. <br /> <br /> 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<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH to Laguna Manantial / Frank '''<br /> <br /> At Parque Ingles I registered with Conaf, they record your route &amp; where you will camp. Deregistered by email later. Easy 3 hour walk to El Bolson, lots of people camping there but they don't go any further. Took optional route to Laguna Manantial. At 2160M there is a small meadow &amp; stream, this is last water &amp; last camp before the lake. You go over a pass @ 2560M then drop 80M to the lake. Camped on the lakeshore. <br /> Termas Blanquillo were only tepid. Camped on a small beach @ S end of Laguna de Los Hornos. The lake is nearly dried out, only a little semi stagnant water left. Best to carry water in from one of the streams a little above the lake. Last 11KM are on dirt roads, you could hitch easily if you want. Met 2 security guards, they were both friendly, no access problems if you are Southbound. Small campsite @ shop on way out. Amazing section, some tough uphill on sand but scenery is like Mars. Definitely use small gaiters or you will be emptying sand out of your shoes every 10 mins.<br /> <br /> At the end of GPT06 if you go on the north bank of Rio Maule the route is blocked by a cliff beyond Los Alamos &amp; you need to cross the river to continue. Better to go on the road. After 2KM on the road you pass 2 shops, better food selection than in El Medano. They have accommodation also. At Bridge 17 you can rejoin RR or continue on road but RR is nicer.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-24 / 7 days (GPT 05 + 06) / Hiking / SOBO / Ian Hikes + Tobias'''<br /> <br /> Overview: <br /> So, I decided to combine GPT sections 5 and 6 in order to avoid a 30k out and back resupply section into parque ingles. I thought this was a good decision for me and really enjoyed being out there for a week. In my opinion this was the hardest section of the GPT in between sections GPT 01-10. I went the first 5 days without seeing another person which I thought was quite cool. So, these two sections are quite remote, and you are way out there in the mountains. There was also some pretty intense river crossing in “GPT Section 5” that I found to be manageable (keep in mind I’m 185cm and have lots of thru hiking experience.) but still a little difficult. The rivers were also very dark and murky which made it hard to see where you would step. There was also an improvised bridge crossing the Colorado River that I used, and thought was safe to use. These two sections are dominated by a volcanic profile with much of the route on ash and volcanic rock. Most of the route is very exposed and there are not many trees or vegetation that grow in the volcanic ash/rocks. There was plenty of water with springs coming out of the hills everywhere and then disappearing into the sand.<br /> <br /> Difficulties:<br /> It was slow going walking thru the sand, especially when hiking vertically. Exposure to the sun. River crossings. Isolation and remoteness. Hiking up and down lose rock and scree fields.<br /> <br /> Highlights:<br /> Hot Springs. Great views of the volcanic region. Mountain Lakes. Sunrise and Sunsets were epic with the landscape. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at ultratrailca@gmail.com<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-23 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Shn0rhelez'''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles to El Medano southbound/main route ... 7 days duration(2 nights spent on laguna Las Animas)...section passable...Strong sun, no shadow after the park... Gaiters strongly recommended...the SUBsection between termas del azufre and second ford Before the pass (2700m) is full with water... my personal opinion is the backpack weight can be minimized... Good luck! <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-09 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Bruno &amp; Martin'''<br /> <br /> Parque Inglés to El Medano<br /> 5 days for this amazing section. We started in Parque Inglés in Radal 7 Tazas National Park. Had to wait for one more day because of limited hiking permits towards El Bolsón. 80 daily permits allowed and delivered at 8:30 in the morning, to be minded on weekends when the park is full. Followed Regular Route Laguna Las Ánimas, Azufre Hotsprings, Descabezado base camp, Laguna Caracol and then down to Los Cipreses. Cold section and bad weather towards the end, some rain and freezing wind. Had to camp in Laguna Caracol waiting for the storm to pass and hike the last pass. <br /> The use of lightweight gaiters is advised for keeping the sand out of your shoes.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Parque Ingles to El Medano. Very beautiful (and exposed) section. Lots of water. The track from Los Cipreses to El Medano suffered from a few landslides meaning the route was slower than anticipated. I would consider taking the road next time as there is no loss of scenery. We resupplied in El Medano by basically buying all the food at the tienda (60000 CP for food for two people for the next section). Selection was good enough. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR from Vilches Alto / Tyler &amp; America '''<br /> <br /> A Stunning section. Vilches Alto made for a great optional start; rather than returning to Parque Ingles. (We came from Talca by bus - 2100 CP). Entrance fee was 6000 and camping 3000 PP. All trails were beautiful and a bit more trodden that sections before. Arrieros at thermal pools (not hot) were welcoming and friendly for us to camp. We took our sweet time in the beautiful section. We bussed from the first road access (south of town Los Cipreses/ OH-MR-V@06-E-#001) to Talca for a good re supply before the long next section, 2200 CP. Bus leaves this stop around 11.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR with optional start coming from GPT 5 / Matus &amp; Anna'''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 5 and 6 via optional trail. <br /> GPT06 took us 2 days and bit (first day we did just 4km from 6th section).<br /> I agree with everything what was written in previous updates.<br /> Nice sandy trails. Mornings were freezing cold. No problems while crossing rivers. After optional start regular trail didn't correspond with any trail. We finally took one on the right side and after while they merged. And I don't know who was so commited, but thanks for marking the trail 😊<br /> <br /> There is a small tienda with coke and crisps before entering a main road from Los Cipress. If you continue by main road toward El Medano there is restaurant Cordillera where we refueled again. Accomodation in El Medano. I will edit with ressuply options later. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-14 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR (mainly) / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> As we came from GPT05 and didn't want to go all the way &quot;back&quot; to the Paso Las Animas, we tried the Optional Investigation Route which starts at Parque Ingles right at the other side (South) of Rio Claro. It leads through private property, so we went to the guard, showed him the CONAF Permit (we bought one just in case, and of course they said it's not possible to walk on the other side of the river), explained him that we would only hike through and gave him some cerezas. He informed his Colleagues via radio to let us pass. It was a nice and easy hike. Nothing to add to Linda's remarks for the rest of the trail.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-06 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Linda '''<br /> <br /> Start = Parque Ingles <br /> Finish = Las Termas El Medano<br /> <br /> GENERAL FEELING<br /> <br /> Amazing section !!!! Incredible mineral landscapes as soon as you go beyond Laguna Las Animas. It was tough because of the passes (and this was also my first hiking days and I carried too much food ... ) and the ground around the volcanoes is sand ! So it makes each step even more difficult. I loved the contrast between the areas around the volcanoes and the Laguna Caracol is just one of the most beautiful place I've ever seen !!! <br /> <br /> LOGISTICS<br /> <br /> - Bus from Molina to El Radal (off season and weekdays = only one bus at 5pm in Molina that stops in El Radal. Weekend : it goes directly to Parque Ingles and the schedule may also be different)<br /> <br /> - Hitchhiked from El Radal to Parque Ingles<br /> <br /> - First night in a camping in Parque Ingles = 5000 CLP<br /> <br /> - The day after, I had to register to CONAF. Office opening at 8:30 am. Entrance fee = 6000 CLP<br /> Some people (5 or 6) were going to El Bolson for the day but after Laguna Las Animas, there was absolutely nobody till the end !<br /> <br /> - Still snow when you go beyond the 2300 meters high<br /> <br /> - Be careful for the last pass Las Hornitos, a lot of snow at the top and it makes it impossible to follow the GPS track to go down. I found my way on the left when you face the valley and then got back to the GPS track<br /> <br /> - No problem to go out from the mine. Actually, workers I met on my way down to Los Cipreses suggestedto drop me by car to the main road. The guard was just smiling when he saw me in the car and when I told him I was hiking<br /> <br /> - Mini market where you can find basic food (eggs, spaghetti, chocolate ...) in Las Termas El Medano<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-07 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arnaud'''<br /> <br /> Amazing but hard section with a lot of denivelation. <br /> As we did not walk the section 5, we took the bus from Molina to Parque Ingles-7 Tazas (many buses, 4-5 buses per day). We registered to the Conaf Office and paid the entrance fee 6000 clp for foreigners. They gave us a mail adress so that we can announce our exit of the parque, to check the security.<br /> We walked the first 11km to the campspot El Bolson. It costs 4000 clp per person but has no interest. As the zone is protected, it is possible to freecamp only after el Bolson, before, it is prohibited.<br /> The Laguna Las Animas is very very beautiful and is welcome for a bath with the heat of this season.<br /> Then the paso las animas is easy and ashes are fun for downhills!<br /> We met nobody on the trail after el Bolson. So great! Except at one spot with termas with full of chilenos there.<br /> We lacked a bit of water at the laguna el Caracol but found 3kms further (just before the strong uphill) a source with drinkable water.<br /> No problem then to exit los cypress. We hitchhiked on the road with workers until the road to los Medanos.<br /> We stayed one day in los termas de los Medanos, at the camping and exit quickly (too many noise, people). The water is hot and nice after a hard section like this one. <br /> We resupplied at los termas (with pasta, arros, pancito, manjar). No gas available there.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> You need to carry all the food for the entire trail. There is no food supply after Parque Ingles. If you meet arrieros at one of the Puestos you may ask for some goat or lamb meet but if you are not ready to take an entire or at least half an animal they may be reluctant to sell. Refill your water supply at the marked river crossings and the camps. In between these waypoints your will find only ocasinally some trickling water because water trickles away easily into the volcanic soil.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> <br /> * 02-2025 / Clara : <br /> Los alamos : Hostal la Riviera 25k/n con desayuno. Possible to have lunch and dinner also (9500). <br /> <br /> El colorado is a good for full resupply. Several bus per days to and from Talca. 1 per day to and from El medano<br /> <br /> <br /> * 2023 / Michael and Kasia<br /> Molina: Hostal Nativos is three blocks off the main square. Run by very nice people, they have private rooms with shared bathroom for 25.000 CLP for the room. They also have a nice garden area with space if you need to clean gear. Ferreteria Franco had gas canisters for stoves. Unimarc on the plaza had cans for recharging, but didn't carry the screw route for stoves.<br /> <br /> * 2021 / Vera &amp; James<br /> <br /> Molina: It has plenty for resupply whilst being nice and small. There is a fishing shop opposite the Santa Isabel supermarket that sells gas.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> * 2022 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> <br /> Los Cipresses: small shop (only ice cream, drinks, choco bars, biscuits) + camp with cold shower, toilets, electricity and access to the river, all for 5000 for 2 people. We even got sandwiches for dinner as there was no other place around to eat. <br /> <br /> * 2022 7 Anna&amp;Christopher <br /> <br /> El Médano: The shop there has pasta, rice, bread, tomato salsa, mayo, chips, biscuits/chocolate and suncreme (but quite pricey).<br /> In El Médano we camped for 6k CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> * 2020 / Frank <br /> After 2KM on the road after Los Alamos (to El Medano) you pass 2 shops, better food selection than in El Medano. They have accommodation also.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route= <br /> <br /> ==Parque Ingles==<br /> <br /> During the main season in January and February several buses go from Molina and Curico to Radal and some even go all the way to Parque Ingles. Outside of the main season there is only one daily bus from Molina to Radal leaving in the afternoon from the rural bus station in Molina.<br /> <br /> * Jan-24 / Joscha<br /> The Bus between Molina and Parque Ingles is run by the company &quot;Buses Hernández&quot;. You can check the departure times on their website.<br /> <br /> *2020 / Frank In summer there are 6 buses a day Molina-Parque Ingles.<br /> <br /> Mon-Sat they leave Molina @ 10:20, 11:30, 12:40, 3PM, 6:15PM, 8:15 PM Sunday Molina- Parque Ingles 7:45, 9:30, 2PM, 7:30PM, 10PM 2 hours to Parque Ingles, buses leave from terminal near main plaza in Molina. Parque Ingles-Molina 7:10, 11, 1PM, 3:45PM, 4:45PM, 6:30PM Mon-Sat Sun. 10:30, 1:30PM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM, 6:45PM <br /> <br /> *2019/ Martina &amp; Ivo <br /> <br /> Monday to Thursday: Molina-Radal: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Friday: Molina-P.Ingles: 17:00 // Radal-Molina: 07:30<br /> <br /> Saturday: Molina-P.Ingles: 11:30 // 13:30 / P.Ingles-Molina: 18:00<br /> <br /> Sunday: Molina-P.Ingles: 09:00 // P.Ingles-Molina: 15:30 / 17:00<br /> <br /> ==Los Cipreses / El Medano ==<br /> <br /> * Dec 2024 / Sean <br /> One bus a day from El Medano to Talca 7:15 and Talca to El Medano 15:00 Monday to Saturday:<br /> [[Archivo:IMG-20241229-WA0000.jpg|thumbnailimage|Talca bus timetable December 2024 - Sean]]<br /> <br /> <br /> * 7 am in front of Los Cipreses - someone has to call in advance for the bus to go all the way to el Médano - loads of tourists there, though, so someone might have called. Other connections should be at 9:15 and 17:20 (one at 1620 l3aves from further downstream). The other way around, the buses leave Talca at 7, 13, 15 and 19, according to the schedule at Talca bus station.<br /> <br /> *This trail section finished at the Route 115 to Talca. Big road with many cars (hitchhiking possible)<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé <br /> <br /> From Los Cipreses only one bus at 7am. We hitchiked to El Colorado where plenty of buses are going down to Talca for 2 000 CLP (+ 400 CLP per bag)<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Natalie &amp; Tomáš <br /> <br /> Buses from Talca to la Mina go at; 7:00am, 1:00pm (only to la Suiza), 3:00pm and 7:00pm. <br /> Vilches: bus clearly did not follow the posted schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus. <br /> <br /> * 2022 / Veronika &amp; Jo <br /> <br /> - There is no bus to Talca from Los Cipreses on saturdays or sundays. We asked at the shop and got a ride to Colorado from the brother-in-law of the shopkeeper for 15000 CLP.<br /> <br /> == Vilches ==<br /> <br /> * 2023 / Natalie &amp; Tomáš <br /> <br /> Bus clearly did not follow the posted schedule so if you are there just ask the many locals around what time the bus comes, we caught the 1230 bus.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * CONAF does register all trekkers at Parque Ingles (GPT01-WP004) but does not charge an entrance fee. Camp fires are not permitted within the national park that reaches from Radal (GPT01-WP001) to the Laguna las Ánimas (GPT01-WP013).<br /> <br /> * 2024 SOBO Permit required at Parque Inglés:<br /> - payment 8500 Pesos online! (not in cash) with online your Conaf account<br /> <br /> https:// shop.pasesparques.cl/evento/2564/radal-siete-tazas<br /> <br /> - offline formular at Conaf station<br /> <br /> - payment 7000 Pesos for Campsite El Bolsón in Cash (not possible with credit card, 200m from Conaf Station)<br /> <br /> * 2023<br /> <br /> When starting from Vilches and going northbound, a permit to access the Volcano (or the Condor Circuit) is required. CONAF won't let you enter in Altos de Lircay without it. Call them or write an email to get the correct number. The number ending with 554 works on WhatsApp, and a WhatsApp message from the land owner counts as &quot;written permission&quot;. Moreover, you have to pay the entrance fee to the reserve and it is closed on Mondays in March.<br /> <br /> *2023 <br /> <br /> Start at Parque Ingles: <br /> Entry ticket for Bolsón overnight needed: $10 USD (book it before online at www.aspticket.cl + get to the trailhead before 13:00) It needs to be purchased online in advance. There is good Entel service at the gate for last minute purchases. After purchase one change can be made to the date of the ticket, and there is no additional charge. After that you need to repurchase the ticket. Entrance for the camping permit is until 13:00. After that they refuse entry.<br /> In addition, you need to show CONAF proof of permission to camp at Bolsón, even if you do not plan to camp there. Bolsón is a privately operated concession within the park. Camping is 7.000 CLP pp and you buy the tickets at Rocas Basalticas campground about 50 meters down the road on the opposite side of the street from the entrance. The only way around this is to have contacted land owners that live beyond the park boundary and show CONAF proof of permission to camp on their land.<br /> They also require that you show them your gas stove, as all other cooking systems (alcohol, wood, etc.) are prohibited within the park, so have it handy.<br /> <br /> The parc can be entered illegally in the morning (around 7 pm).<br /> <br /> * 2019<br /> <br /> Optional start Vilches Alto: Entrance fee was 6000 and camping 3000 PP.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT06 - Volcán Descabezado]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:18 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|In the huge ash field]]<br /> [[File:10 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (9).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT06 - Volcán Descabezado]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (5).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Greater Patagonian Trail]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (17).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|[[Cerro Azul]].]]<br /> [[Archivo:Greater Patagonian Trail (11).jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Greater Patagonian Trail, section 6]]<br /> [[File:01 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, El Bolsón.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|El Bolsón]]<br /> [[File:02 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving El Bolsón.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Leaving El Bolsón]]<br /> [[File:03 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:04 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Las Ánimas.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Las Ánimas]]<br /> [[File:05 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Pass 2560 m.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Pass 2560 m]]<br /> [[File:06 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Approaching Laguna Mondaca.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Approaching Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:07 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Mondaca.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:08 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, that bypasses Laguna Mondaca.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Bypasses Laguna Mondaca]]<br /> [[File:09 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:11 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Termas de Azufre.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Termas de Azufre]]<br /> [[File:12 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:13 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:16 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:17 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|GPT 06]]<br /> [[File:19 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:20 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:21 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:23 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:24 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:25 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:26 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande]]<br /> [[File:27 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|thumb|1100px|center|Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande]]<br /> [[File:28 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:29 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:31 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:32 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:33 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:34 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:35 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:37 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:38 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:39 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:40 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:41 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:43 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos.jpg|Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:44 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:45 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|thumb|1100px|center|Laguna Los Hornitos]]<br /> [[File:46 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:47 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]<br /> [[File:48 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg|thumb|1100px|center]]</div>

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