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=
*'''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'''
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.
* '''24-11-20 - 24-11-24/ 4,5,days / RR and variants/ Volker'''
An amazing hike in these spring conditions!
Gate at 3.3/1049 open at 9 a.m., nobody there
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
* '''2024-Nov-11-15 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil'''
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.
Because of the extratime needed we ran out of food and took the emergency exit which worked just finde (described in the manual).
In Coya we recommend to stay in the red painted hostel in the main street.
* '''2024 Nov 3 - Nov 7 / 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR - A / Karin'''
At the entrance of the natural reserve, the guard charged me 6000 pesos for entrance. There were barking but friendly dogs.
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.
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.
The ascent is still worth and nice until the snow.
* '''2024-Nov-03 to 2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO /Variant A - RR / Lukas & Sarah'''
We combined GPT01 & GPT02 with a new route. (written in section alerts GPT01)
Crossed the river where Vatiant A crosses. River crossing was ok.
Camped at -33.72787, -70.35214 no water present here. Not the best option. One more spot if you hike around 1km further.
Water at 11.8.
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.
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.
River crossings in the evening are possible but would wait for the morning. Water was up to to 1m/1.2m with strong current.
Camped at -33.81604, -70.39475.
We turned around due to Karin and Neele & Seans alert of snow at approx. km 33.
Hiked back out on RR river crossings were again high after 4pm. Camped at -33.82688, -70.39684
Took variation A on the way out. Gate at 3.3km was open. Small Shop at el Melocoton.
* '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-06 / 4.5 days / Hiking / RR (turned around at 35.6km) / Sean & Neele'''
Warning: We turned around due to snow. Snow present from 30km onwards at 35.6km we decided it was too much for us.
Gate at 3.3km was open at around 3pm at no point approached regarding a fee
Crossed the river where the bridge used to be was about knee deep at 4pm (1.76m tall)
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.
River crossings between 21.6km and 27.5km all fine. No more than thigh deep for me (1.76m).
Snow present from 30km onwards all manageable until 35.6km at which point we decided it was too much for us.
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.
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.
==Season 2023/24==
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.
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.
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.The N variant is partly completely overgrownwith 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.
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.
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.
* '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and variants A D F J / Matthieu'''
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.
Some annoying but short cross country/bush bashing part in the spiky herbs after km 15.6, but good visibility.
Variants
- 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 ! ;
- 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).
Water : all the markers were still flowing. Bring filter with you as there are cows everywhere in the mountain
-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.
-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.
Snow patches : now only on east and south exposed slopes. No problems with snow at this moment, i didnt have to cross any :
- No patches blocking the RR after variant D end
River Crossings :
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 !
* '''2023-Dec-6 to 2023-Dec-11/ 5 days / SOBO / RR, variants A+D+E+G+J+M / Matthias'''
GPT02 was a great hike in these spring conditions.
- on the ridge south of Cerro Alto El Paico (km 90.4) - no water
*'''2023-Dec-07 to 2023-Dec-10 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian'''
Gate[3.3/1049] : gate is opened, nobody there on 7am.
Ford,camp?{27.5/2209} : look like no camping spot here?
Climb up steep but easy to follow.
Still lot of snow after the pass. The last snow slope you need to cross is at km54.1
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.
Km67 : camping spot on valley side, some tree covers and great view, some side trail leads you to there.
Km68.6 : camping spot beside the road.
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.
Lastly, i took 4.5L water go over the ridge, and water all gone, better bring more in January and February.
Coya have a small shop for resupply, not the best but enough, also friendly!
Beside the store is Bar Catalán Coya, they make nice sandwiches!
*'''2023-Dec-04 to 2023-Dec-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina & Kris'''
Half the bridge gone at the beginning.
You can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures
* '''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 & Nolwenn'''
- Gates :
==Season 2022/23==
* '''2023-Feb-25 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa & Hannes '''
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...
*2023-Jan-05 4 days RR SOBO Frank
Once over the pass the landscape changes & 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 & will have no problem giving you water if they are there. Best to camp at or near the puesto, fill up & 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 & 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 & 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.
* '''2022-Dec-06 to 2022–Dec-08 / Hiking / SOBO / Tomáš'''
About 1 10 km from the puestofurther on, there is a horse trail going to the left (not mapped)puesto - it has water, I took it. It goes up and then it us easy CC downhill. I took a detour you need to south-east due to misunderstanding what go in the mine looks like (it is that large flat white-yellow valley - probably debris from the mine). Thanks to that Ihave not met any gatespuesto. There was a trickle of water nobody there so I slept there in the last water point ( i crossed it somewhat upstream from RR)yard. Walked under the dam and along the fence of the mine. Kept up from the RRFrom here on, its suggested track lose some altitude for no reasonthere was 4G Entel coverage pretty much everywhere.
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.
* '''2022-Nov-26 to 2022-Dec-01 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin & Helena'''
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.
Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka
* '''2022-Nov-28 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR / tom&miky '''
We left on the 24 of November north to south, hard sun, no water on the second spot marked (water?) Around +/- 5 km
We also found water at Sobo 25 km to finish this section.
* '''2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli '''
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.
==Season 2021/22==
* '''2021 Nov-20 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&Stiina'''
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.
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
* '''2021-Nov-12 to 2021-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hiking / Marc Anthony '''
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’
Ended up in a place called Hostel Vista al Cerro in Coya.
* '''2021-Nov-02 / Hiking / SOBO / Yannic & Mirjam'''
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).
==Season 2020/21==
* '''2020-Nov-07 / Hiking / SOBO / Fran & Rodri'''
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 "you can't pass", 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 "El Melocotón".
==Season 2019/20==
* 2019'''019-Nov-28 / Family Size '''
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'.
There was a dead goat further up in the water.
* '''2019-Nov-24 / Matus & Anna'''
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.
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.
* '''2019-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Martina & Ivo'''
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.
* '''2019-Nov-14 / Hiking / Ty & America / SOBO'''
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.
==Season 2018/19==
* '''2018-Dec-20 / Hiking / Martin Lizondo / Regular Route Southbound'''
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.
=Resupply and Accommodation=
=Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=
=Links to other Resources=