Cambios

==Season 2025/26==

Route (includes part of GPT39):

Day 0:

After having completed GPT39 with Emily and returning to town, I started off for GPT38 road walking from El Chalten around 17:00. This was probably late in the day for anyone to be heading to Lago del Desierto, so was unlucky getting a hitch all the way, and with some wind and rain decided to pitch near the GPT39 Valle Eléctrico trailhead: -49.22676, -72.94118

Day 1:

Quickly got a hitch in the morning to Lago del Desierto. Heading north on the trail along the lake was nice, many birds along the way in the forest. Both sides of the border crossing went quickly, but the Argentine officer made sure that I headed straight to the Chilean post the same day. The walk between the two posts is straightforward. I camped at Ricardo’s campground 1km past the Chilean border post. Eggs and pan for sale. Great views of Lago O’Higgins and Peninsula Florida.

Day 2:

In the morning I stopped by the Chilean border post to fill out a form outlining my plans to visit Peninsula Carmela. I told them I was hoping to cross the channel with Don Lucho but they did not seem to notify him. The Valley/Pass along the RR was a nice hike, but a bit boggy at the top, and easy to lose the trail on the west side while descending. I arrived at 16:00 across the channel from Don Luchos. I called out and was answered by his dogs, someone briefly walked around the corner, saw me and then turned back around out of sight. Figuring he was busy, I camped out and waited for the next 4 hours intermittently hollering without trying to be too desperate or bothersome. At 20:00 I accepted defeat and walked back to pitch at Settler {38} [27.1/261]. This was a great peaceful and sheltered place to camp: flat, tall grass, many trees. No one home as I believe this settlement is also owned by Don Lucho who was across the channel at this time.

Day 3:

Went for another attempt at Don Lucho’s, arriving around 7:45. I called out and again saw someone but they made no movements to the channel and walked out of sight. Determining that they weren’t available for a channel crossing, I hiked to the mirador of Glacier Chico instead, Viewpoint {38} [32.2/484] (Piedra Grande). The trail up to the viewpoint was easy to lose and a bit overgrown but not too challenging in good weather. Overall it was worth it and great views. I hiked back to Candelario Mancilla on the same RR through the Valley/Pass. Arrived back at the Chilean border post to close out the expedition form, then camped again at Ricardos. Could connect to WiFi and purchase a ferry ticket to Villa O’Higgins for the next day. Ferry ended up being delayed another day due to wind.

Ferry WhatsApp: ‪+56966278836‬

Beautiful section and well worth the detour - great views of glaciers, easy walking, and no one around. I did an out-and-back on the RR to the first marked viewpoint for Glaciar Chico. Unfortunately I had to cut my route short due to not being able to catch Don Luis, a short weather window, and a need for gear repairs. If you’ve time, I think it would be well worthwhile to spend longer on this section. Attractiveness - 4/5. Difficulty - 1/5.