26
ediciones
Cambios
→Season 2025/26
Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format:
<!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):* '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or <span style="background-color:aqua;">Packrafting</span> / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''--><nowiki>* '''</nowiki>'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or <span style="background-color:aqua;">Packrafting </span> / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<nowiki>'''</nowiki>
=Overview=
=Comments to GPT Track File Updates and Options=
*'''2025-08-26: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''
- 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.
- 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.
=Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=
==Season 2025/26==
* '''GPT02 | 2025-11-29 to 2025-12-04 | 5 days | hiking | SOBO | Route: Variant A - RR - Variant B - RR - Variant D - RR - Variant E - RR - Variant M | Michaela '''
• I had to pay 6,000 at the gate to Reserva Coyanco.
• All river crossings were easy.
• At Pass Cerros de Peuco there were many snowfields. I could bypass the first steep one by staying on the ridge. Later snowfields were easy to cross. The road was partly not visible under the snow.
• From the bridge labeled “Last reliable water source SOBO,” I took 5.5 liters of water with me. At the point labeled “GPT02 SOBO: Probably last water on next 25 km when no drought {02}” there was only a small stream, but it seemed quite contaminated.
• I took variant m. Right at the beginning I was stopped at a checkpoint, which called the mine security to escort me out. Everyone was very friendly. The mine security gave me lots of snacks and drinks and drove me to Coya, where they even helped me find accommodation.
Attraction: 3,5/5 Difficulty: 3/5
• 1. Camp -33.703109, -70.347766
• 2. Camp -33.771637, -70.367963
• 3. Camp -33.861047, -70.422445
• 4. Camp -33.961494, -70.426981
• 5. Camp -34.0674, -70.492837
• Hostal in Coya: -34.205711, -70.530671 (red building)
''' GPT02 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-20/SOBO/variant A/RR/Denis Rosa/ Robert Hanulík '''
It took us 4 days to hike second section, we combined it with GPT01.
There is water until bridge almost every hour from snow. After bridge one refill spot on -34.06783, -70.49324.
Snow conditions are pretty good we didn’t use microspikes at all. Biggest snow fields are after highest point on the trail (foto).
Difficulty 3/5
Attractiveness 3,5/5
* '''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 '''
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.
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.
Water, Bridge {01} [36.2+0.2/1044] is destroyed. Fording was easy.
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
Variant B is slightly longer but scenic and recommended. Will become Regular Route.
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.
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.
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.
When reaching the large parking lot at hotel Leonora we hitchhiked out.
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.
It was an attractive but demanding hike.
Between the start and Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we met only two arrieros. At Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra normally arrieros are present.
New Routes are available in DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/emsjcb3ddd1r9pk2nopg3/ACEXH1HBs5ojBSQlXcPHpO8?rlkey=soufuizo473odklpq756v0b94&st=1sssczkz&dl=0
(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)
* '''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
'''
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).
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.
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.
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.
Attraction: 4/5
Difficulty: 4/5
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.
Resupply: Good supermarket with options for dietary needs, including soya TVP and vegan protein bars.
Extra: Almost stood on a snake.
==Season 2024/25==
* ''' GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} + OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim & Tobias ''' *
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
* ''' 2025-FEB-12 > 15 / 3,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Arno'''
| Weather : sunny and hot
| water : no issues but refill when you can
| snow : no
| Interest : 4/5
| Difficulty : 4/5
| Danger : none
I was asked 10,000CLP to enter the park at the beginning.
I camped at km 9 on a sort of camping spot made by puestos.
Then the path ascending was not always obvious. I may have missed it but found myself searching for the path a couple times.
I camped at km 24 by the river, really nice spot.
Then I continued ascending up to km 43. It was pretty hard with the hot weather.
I met 3 puestos on their horses, they asked if I was ok.
The last day with final push to the top and then the descent was too long.
I didn’t have enough food so wanted to finish it but would not recommend doing this much.
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).
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.
Stayed at the red house hotel in the main road.
* ''' 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-12 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / GPT02/RR+OH 02A / Dorota Szparaga '''
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
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.
* ''' 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 / 1.5 day / Hiking / SOBO / GPT01/RR+OH 01-03A+OH 01-03+RR / Dorota Szparaga '''
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.
* ''' 2024-01-04 to 2024-01-07 / 4 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Variants D, G, H & K / Elijah & Michael '''
Very hot weather, over 30°.
Flow at Water ? {2} (11.8/1648), Water ? {2}(20.7/2064). Water available in all high elevation basins.
Good campsite at {2} (15.6/1616).
With the exception of the first 10km, there was more water than expected or waypointed. However many were small, possibly seasonal flows.
Existing snowfield and difficult to descend RR at -33.92000, -70.38191, took variant D instead.
Road on variant G at -33.96773, -70.42224 covered by small snowfield, easy to reconnect with road via marked trail.
Existing campsite just south of bridge {2} (64.3/1733) at -34.01617, -70.42623.
Walked by puesto {02} (73.2/1857) early morning, no one awake.
No water at {02} (78.2/1736).
* ''' 2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-20 / 7 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - A, D, K, S / Karin '''
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.
I went into the Reserva Coyanco on the 13th evening. The entrance fee is 6000pesos per person.
The bridge at the beginning of the reserva is still not there, but fording is not a problem.
Water: nothing to add, except that I did not see water at km67.8 (puesto).
The fords from km 21.6 to km27.5 were not deeper than knees.
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.
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.
I stayed at the Hospedaje (S 34°12.3424' W 070°31.8386'). There are some small shops with basic food.
* ''' 2024-DEC-05 to 2024-DEC-10 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR & OH var. D,K,N / Tamar & Nimrod '''
Camps:
1: (33.417580, -70.207266) nice spot without water.
2. Near ford 02 [21.6/2033] there was a small strait patch of sand on the river bank.
3. (-33.524196,-7024.5732) Water from a lot of snow melting around.
4. Camp 02 [49.2/2800]
5. SOBO last water 25 km? - a few meters before the water point there is a nice spot above the road.
Water:
Water? {02} [8.7/1298]- no water.
Water? {02} [11.8/1648] - weak flow on 06.12.24.
Last water for the last 25 km SOBO - weak flow, a lot of algae. Had some taste after filtering (09.12.24).
Besides all water points were OK.
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.
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.
Great section! We lost a green phone near the pass- if anyone ever finds it we would love to know 😉
* ''' 2024-NOV-28 > 30 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie '''
Etape : GPT01+GPT02+GPT03
| Meteo : soleil
| Eau : facile puis impossible
| Neige : oui mais piste degagée
| Intérêt : 5/5 puis 2/5
| Difficulté : 4/5
| Danger : Autorisations de passage, pas d'eau, serpents
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.
Il y a des serpents proche des points d'eau.
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.
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.
* '''2024-NOV-21 to 2024-NOV-25 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. D, H, K) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''