Cambios

'''This information has been taken directly from [http://www.travelaid.cl/esp/excursiones/caminatas/caminatas.htm Travelaid], with permission'''.

==Season==

Salen buses desde Pucón hasta el centro de ski sólo en los meses de invierno (PRECISAR)

===Centro de ski - Chinay===

[[Imagen:Villarrica_Traverse_1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Mapa tramo Centro de ski - Chinay. Imagen: [http://www.travelaid.cl/esp/excursiones/caminatas/caminatas.htm Hans Liechti, Travelaid] ]]

The trail Challupén – Chinay starts in the last curve 200 meters before the Ski Center. There is a big informative sign with a map. Here we are above the limit of the forest, and the landscape is very sterile, but there are still some spectacular views towards the smoking volcano. After 10 minutes we cross a wide ravine, “Zanjón Correntoso”. The cracked lava, almost black, belong to the last eruption of the Villarrica in 1984. Twenty minutes later we get to the “Zanjón Molco”, a ravine which goes all the way down to the lake, half road between Pucón and Villarrica. Then the path begins to slowly climb until getting to the mark of the 1.550 m.a.s.l, which we will keep during the next half hour. This area of lava, barren dumps is the highest of the trail.

Finally we get into an area with a characteristic high land grass and the trail descents towards a small lenga forest, which we reach 30 minutes later. Due to the high land climate and the rocky soil, the lenga grows small. Soon afterward the trail gets down to a deeper ravine, “Zanjón Voipir”. Normally it brings melted water, which comes from an impressive hanging glacier, but for the amount of ashes it has, the water is muddy and not good for drinking.

====Distance and duration from Ski Center to Chinay====

From the Ski Center until the end of the path in the public road Coñaripe – Palguín there are 29 kms with 905 m total ascent. With light luggage it is possible to do it in one day (9 to 11 hour-hike) if you have organized the transport to take you back. More common is to do it in two days camping half way, or taking it as the first part of the Villarrica Traverse, which takes between five to six days. With the proper luggage you must calculate with two days of 5 to 7 hours walks.

===Chinay - Laguna Azul===

[[Imagen:Villarrica_Traverse_2.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Mapa tramo Chinay - Puesco. Imagen: [http://www.travelaid.cl/esp/excursiones/caminatas/caminatas.htm Hans Liechti, Travelaid] ]]

[[Imagen:Laguna_Azul.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Laguna Azul. Imagen:[http://www.travelaid.cl/esp/excursiones/caminatas/caminatas.htm Hans Liechti, Travelaid] ]]

The beginning of the trail is well marked, and starts about 50 meters before reaching the CONAF’s rangers’ office. Through a catwalk you must cross the Chinay River and then we get closer to the mountains on the other side. After 30 minutes the trail starts to climb a mountain slope with continue zigzags. Take it easy, the climb is very long, and there are about 700 meters to gain. The forest is mixed, with raulíes, coigües, colihues and many notros which in springtime bloom fire-red. 15 minutes later the first araucarias appear. Soon you will have the first views towards the valley of Palguín Alto, and the Villarrica volcano with the Pichillancahue valley on the other side. Farther ahead you will find a sign that indicates that there is water 20 meters downhill; even though the access is not easy, it is better to get some here, since the next chance to find clear water again is several hours ahead.

===Laguna Azul – Laguna Avutardas (Sendero "Las Avutardas")===

[[Imagen:Laguna_blanca.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Laguna Blanca Imagen: [http://www.travelaid.cl/esp/excursiones/caminatas/caminatas.htm Hans Liechti, Travelaid]]]

Including the detour to Laguna Blanca there are 16,9 kilometers with a total ascent of 520 meters. Carrying a backpack it will take you 5 to 6½ hours.

===Laguna Avutarda – Puesco===

[[Imagen:Laguna_avutardas.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Laguna Avutardas Imagen: [http://www.travelaid.cl/esp/excursiones/caminatas/caminatas.htm Hans Liechti, Travelaid]]]