6
ediciones
Cambios
→Season 2024/25
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* '''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'''
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<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>
If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this <nowiki><span style="background-color:aqua;"></nowiki><span style="background-color:aqua;">'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''</span><nowiki></span></nowiki>. If (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only "packrafting"., as above):
=Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=
==Season 2025/26==
* ''' GPT18 | 2026-02-12 to 2026-02- 15 I 3 days | hiking | SOBO I Route: RR - Variant C | Michaela '''
Day 1
I took the ferry from Puerto Fuy to Puerto Pirihueico (1,5 h, 1,150 CLP) at 11:00 and arrived at 13:30. I had lunch there and then started walking. It was a very short hiking day. It took me about 1,5 hours to reach Camp {18} [22.3/615].
The MR was slightly overgrown in the first part but not difficult.
I camped here: -40.008089, -71.748051 - very nice spot. I enjoyed a swim and a relaxed afternoon.
Day 2
Beautiful sunrise at the lake. Most of the trail was easy to walk. From km 50,5 the trail became a bit more overgrown, but nothing serious, mostly high grass and some fallen trees that were easy to bypass.
The forecast said there was a small chance of rain (and recently the real weather was always worse than predicted), so I decided to sleep in the abandoned hut: -40.005992, -71.867541
The hut is clean. There are several more or less broken bunk beds, one bed is intact. The roof is good. There are no windows and two sides of the wall are open. I fixed the metal roof a bit because it was very loud in the wind.
Day 3
Sleeping in the hut was a good decision because early in the morning it started raining. Late in the morning the rain stopped and I started hiking. The Garmin forecast said there would be no more rain, but again it was wrong. It started pouring heavily and continued until the afternoon.
Despite rain jacket and rain pants I was soon soaked to my underwear. The trail itself was only strongly overgrown in a few sections, but most of the time the grass was knee- to hip-high, which is very uncomfortable when wet.
I decided to sleep at Camp {18} [73.9/468]. When I arrived the rain stopped and the sun came out, so I hung my clothes on the fence around the beehives, which was not a good idea. A bee stung me directly under the eye and my face swelled massively. Not my most enjoyable day (Happy Valentine’s Day).
Day 4
I took Variante C. Easy MR. I arrived at the main road around noon and could hitchhike without problems to Futrono.
Here I stayed at "Hospedaje Futrono" – very nice place with a small shared kitchen and friendly owners.
Single room with private bathroom: 25.000
Shared bathroom: 20.000
Attractiveness: 1.5/5
Difficulty: 2.5/5
''' GPT18/2026-1-2 to 2026-1-4/ 3 days/SOBO/RR/Denis,Robert'''
Solid resupply option in Puerto Fuy.
We took ferry Puerto Pirehueico. First they told us that there is no space for two of us, but I came again and begged lady behind the desk that we need to go tonight, and she gave us tickets. The schedule is on website. We camped in camp of the other side of lake 7000 pesos per person no warm water no electricity but they were willing to charge our staff in the house. The minimarket is not the best, few things and pretty expensive, I would resupply in Puerto Fuy. Until 64,2 km the trail is in solid shape, not that much overgrown. There is no water only around the highest point of trail 5 km before and after otherwise it is everywhere. Then next 8 km it is still fine some fallen trees but the grass is a bit of issue. It is pretty painful some kind of grass and it catches everywhere. But we had shorts not really appropriate clothing. Then the zig zag close to variant C we didn’t find and there is very steep cliff no possible to cross maybe we missed it somewhere higher. We followed the variant C and jointed the RR by small river maybe 300 meters in river will lead you to the big one.
There is nice supermarket 2 km below Chabronco, we asked if they do have any spot for tent and they let us sleep in their garden.
Attractiveness 2/5
Difficulty 3/5
* <span style="background-color:aqua;">'''2025-12-11 to 2025-12-12 / 2 Days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP + RH / Michel & Lisa'''</span>
Day 1
We hitchhiked from the end of GPT17P to Puerto Fuy and got dropped off right at the ferry terminal. We had been unsure if we should do just the packrafting part of 18 or skip the section all together since there was a window of really bad rain forecast for the next 4-5 days after today. There was also considerable wind and gusts of up to 55 km/h forecast for the afternoon on the lake (northwesterly, so in the right direction). But when we saw the calm water and blue skies, we couldn't help it and really wanted to go. We decided to go as far as we could in one day and accept that we'd get wet the next day and simply take the ferry back to Puerto Fuy.
The resupply marked in Puerto Fuy didn't have a great selection but there are more, better shops on the road Río Pilmaiquén (about here [-39.87319, -71.89129] and close by). We put in where the track files suggested and it was fine, we were in the lake at 11:30 and it was still pretty calm. Nice paddling for a few hours, the wind gradually picked up as forecast and we tried our Tyvek groundsheet as a sail which worked nicely and made us sail at up to 6.5 km/h. We had lunch break at 14:00 at camp [11.4/622] which was super beautiful and sheltered from the wind which made us want to stay there over night, but the forecast made us continue. Around 15:30 we had reached the long N-S arm of the lake (starting right where the private hot springs (13.9+0.5/607] (Not permanently staffed)) are. There the wind and especially the gusts (the forecast 50 - 55 km/h seemed about right) intensified to a level that felt a bit unsafe to us, so we stopped here: [-39.945079, -71.758877] at around 15:30. We waited for the wind to decrease, which was the case at around 16:15 so we continued sailing. The west coast of the lake is really pretty on this arm of the lake and we enjoyed watching our surroundings here a lot. The wind kept blowing until it shut down at about 18:00, which was the same on Lago Neltume the day before.
We arrived at the end of RP at around 19:00 and set up camp, went for a swim and packed the packraft, planning to hike back to Puerto Pirehueico the next day. You could easily camp close by at the marked camp and walk along the coast to the end of RP as well. Here there is a makeshift table and a bit of trash lying around, but not much. Found a fishing hook on the table, so be careful with your things here.
Day 2
Woke up to rain, but not quite as terrible as expected. Packed up and continued on RH-MR towards Pirehueico. Easy walking on the MR which we lost once and had to climb a fence and find back to it, not sure we made a mistake there or if it's the actually intended route as we also somehow lost GPS signal. But we made it to the PR and walked the last km to the ferry. Got our tickets and went back over the lake that we had paddled down the other day in such different weather. We were glad we didn't do it in this weather, although it would probably still have been possible without issues, just colder and more miserable.
*'''2025-08-21: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''
- 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 "downgraded" the changed section of the Regular Route to Option H.
* <span style="background-color:aqua;">'''2025-11-23 to 2025-11-26 / 4 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP (partial) / Dave & Siyuan, Jan & Meylin'''</span>
Day 01: Lovely paddle on the lake. Weather was calm in the morning, and picked up in the afternoon before dying down in the evening. We camped at “Camp {18} [11.4/622]”. Very nice flat camp site.
Day 02: As yesterday, calm weather in the morning and evening, with a windy spell in the early afternoon. We camped at “Camp {18} [22.3/615]”.
Day 03: We had a rest day. The police visited in the afternoon and informed us that there was a no camping rule anywhere around the lake. After some negotiation, they allowed us to stay overnight.
Day 04: Early in the morning we paddled to the ferry terminal at Pirehueico and took the 12:00 ferry back to Puerto Fuy (1200 CLP).
* <span style="background-color:aqua;">'''2025-11-15 to 2025-11-19 / 4 days / Packrafting/ SOBO/ RP, RR, (former variants D, E) / Daniel.s'''</span>
Started right after finishing GPT 17 early afternoon. With a weather front moving in and very strong tailwind I didn't dare going further than Camp {18} [8.0+0.5/632], which is sheltered from the wind.
Day 2 I paddled/ sailed the rest of the lake and took the afternoon off.
I got a visit from Carabineros, asking questions but very friendly and helpful with Intel. They told me that ONE SHOULD REGISTER WITH ARMADA IN PUERTO FUY BEFORE CROSSING THE LAKE.
Day 3 I hiked in a drizzle in my drysuit all day. NO MORE SNOW over the mountain.
Camped at S 40° 00.872', W 071° 52.003'. Trail is as described before, many small obstacles, nothing major.
Day 4 I hiked the new regular route. No problem finding the way. There was one horse trail from a few days earlier visible in the mud and tall grass. Vegetation is only starting to grow, so maybe bring a machete later in the season, as there are a handful of places where bamboo and boysenberry might take over soon. Ended up hiking all the way to Chihuio and camped at the river thermal pools (mice ate my trail mix in the night, beware!)
In the morning I started hiking towards Curriñe but got a lift quite soon. Several shops available for all your needs.
On to GPT 19 in the afternoon.
==Season 2024/25==
08-APR-2025 to 12-APR-2025 / 5 days / hiking / NOBO / RR, Variants E, D and new connector between 2 / Ben, Stephanie
Route from Curriñe to Puerto Pirehueico through Huilo Huilo Biological Preserve, a re-wilding forest.
About the connector:
if going northbound, follow Var. E when it drops down through the brush but only until you cross an abandoned road. Follow this road down, cross creek, and follow it up across the landslide referenced by Natalie. Stay on this until you connect with a new road that will also cross the landslide, which is now behind you. Welcome to Variant D!
If going SOBO, you will miss the connector, so continue on Var. D until you reach the landslide, then backtrack a few hundred meters to a fainter road angling down towards the eventual bottom of the landslide. Welcome to the Connector. Now follow this connector down, across the landslide and creek and continue a short bit until you intersect Var. E. Follow Var. E up into the forest.
*''' 2025-03-18 to 2025-03-20 / 3 days / Hiking/ NOBO / RR, 18A, 18E, 18D / Peggy
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.
That means in NOBO: RR, 18E, 18D and RR again. 18C at the beginning possible?
I didn’t meet any humans during the week in March.
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.
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.
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.
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 "path." 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.
Once there, I decided to extend my route and return to Santa Rosa to take the RR.
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).
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.
The RR until 18E and 18E itself are forest roads.
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.
Then a long descent to Pirihueico the next day.
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.
No issues with the rivers.
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! ;)
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.
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.
* ''' 2025-JAN-08 > 10 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR > river > 18-A > RR / Pierre-Marie '''
Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19
| Meteo : soleil
| Eau : difficile
| Neige : non
| Intérêt : 0/5
| Difficulté : 5/5
| Danger : gouffres sur le sentier, bush-bashing, plantes urticantes, culs de sacs, prise de risques
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.
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.
*'''2025-JAN-05 to 2025-JAN-07 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR+OH (var. 02, 02B, 02A, D, E, C) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''
Almost the entire stage runs through the Valdivian rainforest, which enchanted us with its wildness and vividly demonstrates the power of nature.
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.
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.
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.
* '''Start 2025-01-02/ 2.5d / Hiking / NOBO / RR, Var. D+E/ Mara & Tobias'''
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/
* <span style="background-color:aqua;">'''2024-12-30 to 2025-01-01 / 3 days / Packrafting/ SOBO/ RP, RR, variants D, E / Natalie & Tomáš'''</span>
Day one: The lake, 22 km
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 "Hot spring 13.4" 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 "Hot Springs" 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.
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.
Day two: The road, 28 km
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.
Day 3: No bushbash 21 km
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.
* '''24-12-28 - 24-12-29/ 2 days / SOBO / RR, OH18a / Volker'''
The botanic section
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.
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).
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.
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:
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).
S 40.096544° W 71.891825°
S 40.128486° W 71.904211°
At S 40.121519° W 71.898829° I was „walking“ like the bear under bamboo, but: on the trail!
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.
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“…
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.
* '''Start 2024-11-22/ 4d / Hiking SOBO RR / Mo'''
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.
==Season 2023/24==
* '''2024-Mar-31 to 2024-Apr-1 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR 01 / Matthias de Austria'''
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 eastern Easter monday afternoon).
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 (eastern Easter saturday).
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.
About the details, read GPT19's comment.
* '''2024-Jan-08 to 11 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Argentina, completely new options, San Martín de los Andes to Villa Lago Meliquina / Natalie & Tomáš'''[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:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1763867210785824/.
* Puerto Pirihueico
Several restaurants and a small shop which has coffee, tea, pasta and flour.Cabañas and camp ground.The Hostel Andalue [-39.87164, -71.89047] is a good option for a comfy bed. Next to the ferry terminal, inexpensive (20'000CLP pp) and the owners are really lovely and nice. We could even do laundry here and had it dried in the warmth of the kitchen over night. In summer they also do breakfasts for an additional price, we were told.
==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==