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==Season 2025/26==
'''2026-01-21 to 2026-01-23/ 3 days/ Hiking/ SOBO/ Option 2, RR, Variant D, Variant E, RR, Option 4, RR/ Greg Carter'''
Overall
Incredible volcanic terrain and vistas!
Attraction: 5
Difficulty: 3
Access on Variant D
I contacted (full name) Enrique Fernando Nuñez (+56 9 8817 1134) on WhatsApp to arrange access on Variant D. He asked me to come to his house in Riñinahue so he could give me a key, and said the access cost is CLP 10,000 per person. Unfortunately he lives almost 2km from the start of Option 2, here: -40.32940, -72.22500. I walked to his house, had a nice chat and found out that he manages the forest in the vicinity of the black gate (-40.42611, -72.11122) on Variant D. He showed me a video of where he hides the key for the gate. However when I arrived there the gate was not locked!
I suggest that if you want to arrange access you ask Enrique to meet you in Riñinahue town when you arrive, to avoid the hassle of a 4km round trip to his house.
Day 1
I hitched easily a few times, up to the new bridge under construction [37.3/296] (Rio Nilahue). The RR from there is a tedious walk up a MR. On the way I found a spring flowing across the road: -40.39866, -72.09008. There is also a bridge with a flowing stream: -40.40579, -72.10656, and good flowing water in a gully: -40.40810, -72.11114.
At the intersection of the RR and Variant D I saw that the gate across the RR was locked, so considering that I had arranged access, I turned right up variant D. See the note above for access through the black gate. Not far beyond this is another gate, which was also open.
Needing water and curious about the availability of water I turned onto Variant E. I found a little stream at -40.42948, -72.11325.
I then rejoined the RR.
Day 2
This day was far more enjoyable and interesting, especially once above the treeline, with geysers, numerous lava fields, ridge walking and mountain views (despite low cloud for most of the day).
I encountered no water until the good flowing spring (previously noted) at -40.56313, -72.14318.
The next water encountered was at -40.59196, -72.13544, a good flowing stream.
I camped close to the next water [71.9/ 1610], where there is a large flat circular area: -40.60241, -72.13381. This is a good base camp for the summit climb.
Day 3
This day started with clear blue sky and no wind, perfect for the summit. The caldera was stunning, as were the 360 degree views to all the other peaks and volcanoes in the region. For me this bumped the attraction up to 5/5 from 4/5.
The walk out was easy but involved a lot of steep downhill sections. When I passed Santiago’s place I said I had paid Enrique, and was not asked for money. There is cellular coverage around Santiago’s place.
At the main road I hitched to the Chile/ Argentina border, intending to get to Bariloche. To my surprise the border officials wouldn’t let me through on foot unless I had arranged transport with someone with a vehicle. Only then could I get an exit stamp. I found a ride by hanging out in the car park and approaching people who looked the most likely to help.
''' GPT19/ 2026-1-5 to 2026-1-7/3 days/ SOBO/RR/Denis, Robert '''