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ENG:Milodón

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{{Draft}} {{Trekking Chile}} {{Rutas Patrimoniales english}} ==Season== ==Location== Chile Path’s Heritage Route “Milodón:Patagonia in the foothill of the Painemassif” locates immediately to the south of thelarge massif of El Paine, going throughwest costs of Porteño Lake and Toro Lakeuntil the Serrano River, in the east end ofCampo de Hielo Sur. At 47 kilometers tothe north of the city of Puerto Natales, nextto Milodón cave, the start of this heritageroute, is the door of the south access toTorres del Paine National Park, parallel tothe new vehicular road, an alternative forhiking lovers who want to directly knowaustral landscapes and most outstandingguideposts of this heritage route.
==AccessLocation==
To access Chile Paths Heritage Route Milodón: Patagonia in the route from Puerto Natales,take foothill of the route Paine massif locates immediately to Cerro Castillo continuingby this way for 17 kilometers the south of the pavedroadlarge massif of El Paine, where you will find the vehicularaccess to the going through west towards the Milodóncave. Continue by this second way for 9kilometers costs of Porteño Lake and you will arrive to CONAF’s( National Forestal Corporation )information and administration centerwhich is Toro Lake until the access to Serrano River, in the NaturalMonument east end of Milodon Cave with 189hectaresCampo de Hielo Sur. Continue for another 20At 47 kilometers by to the main road. At 600 metersto north direction from of the limit betweenthe district city of Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine,by the west side of the routenext to Milodón cave, you will arriveto the parking lot and start of this route.To Magellan's region and Antarctic Chileanone can accede terrestrial heritage route, airway andsea route. The flights arrive from Santiago,is the capital door of Chile and Port Montt at thePunta Arenas city. The terrestrial south access isrealized crossing to Torres del Paine National Park, parallel to the Argentine territorynew vehicular road,existing five frontier(opposite) qualifiedsteps: Monte Aymond, Rio Don Guillermo,Casas Viejas, Dorotea an alternative for hiking lovers who want to directly know austral landscapes and San Sebastián(in Tierra del Fuego). The maritime access isrealized across the Patagonian channelsfrom the city most outstanding guideposts of Port Montt. A detail of thesediverse accesses you can consult inwww.sernatur.cl and / or www.patagonia-chile.comthis heritage route.<br>
==Access==  To access the route from Puerto Natales, take the route to Cerro Castillo continuing by this way for 17 kilometers of the paved road, where you will find the vehicular access to the west towards the Milodón cave. Continue by this second way for 9 kilometers and you will arrive to CONAFs ( National Forestal Corporation ) information and administration center which is the access to the Natural Monument of Milodon Cave with 189 hectares. Continue for another 20 kilometers by the main road. At 600 meters to north direction from the limit between the district of Natales and Torres del Paine, by the west side of the route, you will arrive to the parking lot and start of this route.<br> To Magellan's region and Antarctic Chilean one can accede terrestrial route, airway and sea route. The flights arrive from Santiago, the capital of Chile and Port Montt at the Punta Arenas city. The terrestrial access is realized crossing the Argentine territory, existing five frontier(opposite) qualified steps: Monte Aymond, Rio Don Guillermo, Casas Viejas, Dorotea and San Sebastián (in Tierra del Fuego). The maritime access is realized across the Patagonian channels from the city of Port Montt. A detail of these diverse accesses you can consult in www.sernatur.cl and / or www.patagonia- chile.com.<br>===By car===
===Public transport===
==Markers==
This Topoguide is an essential aid foranybody who wants to travel thisHeritage Route, since it helps user tolink signs on the route to literature,maps, and images contained in theTopoguide for each segment of thetour.The route is made up by 26 dulysignaled Guideposts of heritageinterest. For better orientation,duration of the tour andunderstanding by visitors, interestingspots have been divided into fourindependent segments.Signs used in this route are dividedinto four types according to theirfunctions:Marker post indicating a guidepostof interest,Marker post of rout continuity,Welcome sign andInterpretative panel<br>
The route is made up by 26 duly signaled Guideposts of heritage interest. For better orientation, duration of the tour and understanding by visitors, interesting spots have been divided into four independent segments.<br>
Signs used in this route are divided into four types according to their functions:<br>
 
Marker post indicating a guidepost of interest,<br>
Marker post of rout continuity,<br>
Welcome sign and<br>
Interpretative panel
==General description==
This Chile Path’s Heritage Route “Milodón: Patagonia in starts south Porteño lake, at the foothill austral end of the Paine massif” is one District of themost extraordinary alternatives for walking and trekking fans, who do not want to visit Torresdel Paine National Park only by . Over its new south accesslayout, but also typical austral latitude ecosystemsperfectly complemented by a wide range parallel to the public road, you will visit 26 Guideposts of panoramic views of one heritage interest along the 45 kilometer track connected to the observation of flora and fauna, water streams and bodies, and strategic points as natural miradors providing the most interestingzones splendid south panoramic views of Chilean Patagonia – Paine cordilleraand Campo de Hielo Sur glaciers, such as Grey and Tyndall, with their adjacent lakes and rivers.<br> This route is opened The path has been divided into four segments:<br> 1.Start to walking and ecotourism fans thanks Ventisquero River 2.Ventisquero river to the contribution made Rincón river 3.Rincón river to El Salto river 4.El Salto river to Serrano river The first segment is born by “humedales” (Riparian habitats) at theMinistry beginning of National Property through its Heritage Routes program the route, and its regional Secretariatof Magallanesends at Ventisquero river. This is an interesting tour for watching wild life oriented to a general audience, from Chile Path programwith no difficulties whatsoever, coordinated by National Environment Commissionexcept climbing fences,the Chilean Armywhich have been provided with structures allowing to overcome them easier, Province Government of Natalesrepresenting a 6 kilometer extension, that with their professionals and supportincluding 5 Guideposts of interest.<br> staff have not only allowed to provide pedestrian access The second segment starts in Ventisquero river and ends in El Rincón river. This is a special segment for wild life watching, but also to such an emblematic site visit a number of miradors of Porteño and Toro lakes, as Torreswell as to observe so many Macizo del Paine National Parktops. This segment provides 14 kilometers of track and includes 7 Guideposts of interest for an audience more specialized in long walks, but also make this guide available with no difficulty whatsoever.<br> The third segment starts in Rincón river and ends in El Salto river. It corresponds to a 7.2 km segment allowing to arrive to all the citizensservice area by El Salto river, allowing an ideal site to travelspend the route safely night and informedkeep walking the day after.<br> Fourth segment starts in El Salto river and ends in Serrano river valley. This is a 45 kilometer walk by the border segment having the highest number of Porteño natural miradors in Macizo del Paine (Paine Mountain Range), and Toro lakesis the longest segment of the route with its 15 kilometer tour. For a specialized audience in walks on rough terrain and exposed to strong winds, crossing this is an endless numberinteresting chance to travel vicinities of rivuletsCampo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, woodswith 10 Guideposts of interest.<br> ==Route description== This Chile Path’s Heritage Route starts south Porteño lake, and prairies until getting to Serrano riverat the austral end of the District of Torres del Paine. Follow by a track Over its layout, parallel to thevehicle public road that will allow , you will visit 26 Guideposts of heritage interest along the 45 kilometer track connected to access to Torres del Paine National Park -the observation of flora and fauna, wold’s biospherereservation - from water streams and bodies, and strategic points as natural miradors providing the most splendid southpanoramic views of Paine cordillera and Campo de Hielo Sur glaciers, such as Grey and Tyndall, with their adjacent lakes and rivers. This The path has been divided into four segments: 1.Start to Ventisquero River 2.Ventisquero river to Rincón river 3.Rincón river to El Salto river 4.El Salto river to Serrano river The first segment is born by “humedales” (Riparian habitats) at the beginning of the route , and ends at Ventisquero river. This is an invitation interesting tour for watching wild life oriented to trekking over Patagoniaa general audience, next with no difficulties whatsoever, except climbing fences, which have been provided with structures allowing to publicroadsovercome them easier, representing a 6 kilometer extension, and including 5 Guideposts of interest. The second segment starts in Ventisquero river and ends in El Rincón river.This tour comprises at least three days is a special segment for wild life watching, but also to visit a number of moderate speed walkmiradors of Porteño and Toro lakes, not only as well as to travel safe observe so many Macizo del Paine tops. This segment provides 14 kilometers of track and savetime enough includes 7 Guideposts of interest for an audience more specialized in long walks, with no difficulty whatsoever. The third segment starts in Rincón river and ends in El Salto river. It corresponds to watch a 7.2 km segment allowing to arrive to the service area by El Salto river, an ideal site to spend the night and keep walking the day after. Fourth segment starts in El Salto river and ends in Serrano river valley. This is the segment having the highest number of natural life miradors in Macizo del Paine (Paine Mountain Range), and landscapes that will be discovered over is the longest segment of the route with its 15 kilometer tour. For a specialized audience in walks on rough terrain and exposed to strong winds, but alsofor the existence this is an interesting chance to travel vicinities of Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, with 10 Guideposts of determined camping sitesinterest.
==Route description=First segment=== This Heritage Route starts after leaving public road in a site allowing to cross a fence parallel to the road. There, you will see a welcome sign. Start walking by an interesting “Ñirres” forest (Nothofagus antarctica), intermingled with beautiful Calafates (Magellan Barberry - Berberis buxifolia), a typical specie of Magallanes region. By 1895, a German settler, Hermann Eberhard, who lived near Puerto Natales, found in these valleys some pieces of skin of an animal that was then unknown, the Milodón (Mylodón darwinii listai). This herbivore mammal, of the genus of the gound-sloths, similar to a big bear, was twice as tall as a human being. Reasons of this mammal extinction, 10 to 13 thousands of years ago, are not yet clear, being possibly due to hunting by the first men who lived in the zone, and to climate changes that altered vegetation cover of these valleys.<br>
This Chile Path’s Heritage Route startssouth Porteño lakeLeaving Milodón steps behind, at the austral endof the District of Torres del Paine. Overits layout, parallel to the public road,you will visit 26 Guideposts ofheritage interest along the 45kilometer follow by a well defined track connected to theobservation of flora and fauna, waterstreams and bodies, and strategicpoints as natural miradors providingthe most splendid south panoramicviews of Paine cordillera and Campode Hielo Sur glaciers, such as Grey andTyndall, with their adjacent lakes andrivers.The path has been divided into foursegments:1.Start to Ventisquero River2.Ventisquero river to Rincón river3.Rincón river to El Salto river4.El Salto river to Serrano riverThe first segment is born passing by“humedales” (Riparian habitats) atthe beginning north-east bank of the route, and endsat Ventisquero rivera riparian habitat. This is aninteresting tour for watching wild lifeoriented to where you will find a general audience, withno difficulties whatsoever, exceptclimbing fences, which have beenprovided with structures allowing toovercome them easier, representinga 6 kilometer extension, andincluding 5 Guideposts beautiful mirador of interest.The second segment starts inVentisquero river and ends in ElRincón river. This is a special segmentfor wild life watchingthis wetland, but also to visita number of miradors of Porteño andToro lakes, as well as to observe somany Macizo del Paine tops. Thissegment provides 14 kilometers of track and includes 7 Guideposts ofinterest for an audience morespecialized recurrent formation in long walksdepressions formed after glacial recession, with nodifficulty whatsoever.The third segment starts in Rincónriver and ends in El Salto river. Itcorresponds to where you may see a 7.2 km segmentallowing to arrive to the service areaby El Salto river, an ideal site to spendthe night and keep walking the dayafter.Fourth segment starts in El Salto riverand ends in Serrano river valley. Thisis the segment having the highestnumber dense cover of natural miradors inMacizo del Paine southern bulrush (Paine MountainRangeScirpus californicus), and is the longest segmentof the route with dry cypresses in its 15 kilometer toursurroundings.For a specialized audience in walkson rough terrain and exposed tostrong winds, this is an interestingchance to travel vicinities of Campode Hielo Patagónico Sur, with 10Guideposts of interestWe are at Guidepost Nr. 2.<br>
===First segment=== This Heritage Route starts afterleaving public road in a site allowingto cross a fence parallel to the road.There, you will see a welcome sign.Start walking by an interesting“Ñirres” forest (Nothofagusantarctica), intermingled withbeautiful Calafates (MagellanBarberry - Berberis buxifolia), atypical specie of Magallanes region.By 1895, a German settler, HermannEberhard, who lived near PuertoNatales, found in these valleys somepieces of skin of an animal that wasthen unknown, the Milodón(Mylodón darwinii listai). Thisherbivore mammal, of the genus ofthe gound-sloths, similar to a bigbear, was twice as tall as a humanbeing. Reasons of this mammalextinction, 10 to 13 thousands ofyears ago, are not yet clear, beingpossibly due to hunting by the firstmen who lived in the zone, and toclimate changes that alteredvegetation cover of these valleys.Leaving Milodón steps behind, youwill follow by a well defined track,passing by the north-east bank of ariparian habitat. This is where youwill find a beautiful mirador of thiswetland, a recurrent formation indepressions formed after glacialrecession, and where you may see adense cover of southern bulrush(Scirpus californicus) and drycypresses in its surroundings. We areat Guidepost Nr. 2.Southern bulrush, pertaining to theCyperacean family, develops inwater-saturated environments. Thisis a perennial specie, with a veryrobust underground stem allowing itto be anchored to the wetlanddeveloping a net from which longgreen cylindrical air stems sprout. Atthe stem end, they produce a littlebrown ear eaten by birds, while stalkswere used in the past to manufacturemats.From Guidepost Nr. 2, keep going for1.2 kilometers by the border of theriparian habitat at a short distanceby open lands. A small river will beflowing by your left, with a shrubbywood in some places, until reachinga fence, that you will have to cross. Aflat land of prairies starts here,connected to an old ranch fromwhich you may still obtain, at a longdistance and in good weather, thefirst views of Macizo del Paine, as wellas evident signs of humanintervention in the valleys.After crossing the access road to abooth you will see to your left, travelaround 800 meters of a soft ascensionbound to the north-west until arrivingto Guidepost Nr. 3, by a little rivulet,obtaining panoramic views of theunnamed lagoon of “Vega Casola” tothe east, an interesting water body,where you can observe black-neckedswans.At Guidepost Nr. 3, in addition to restfor a while, you can see the ”chilco”(Fuchsia magellanica), a trulybeautiful flower specie usuallygrowing along water streams. This isan up to 3 meter high perennial shrubrequiring wet soils, rich in organicmatter, properly drained and withatmospheric humidity.Its flashy and abundant deep redflowers may be seen from mid springto the autumn.From guidepost number 3, followahead a short distance until a roadbifurcation. In this area, payattention to the main trail, becausea frequent animal crossing hadcreate multiple trails.. Go to the left and, a few steps ahead,you will start going down by thehillside and cross a rivulet, where youcan observe old Magellan Coigue(Nothofagus betuloides). Werecommend you to stop here,Guidepost Nr. 4, for a while and takea rest in the shadow of these beautifultrees.Magellan coigüe is a sub-Antarcticwood endemic specie which is veryresistant to climate factors, such as,rain, wind and snow. It grows fromValdivia to cape Horn with sizes of upto 25 meters high, of straight trunkand twisted branches. It flowers inspring time and its small nut-shapedfruits ripen at the end of the summer.Its light-colored wood is usually ofvery good quality and resistant,characteristics that make itappropriate to be used inconstruction and furniture-making,however, further to the north, in theselatitudes, it is not considered as good.“Digueñes” (cup-fungi), also called“Quireñes” (Cyttaria spp.,discomycetes) grow on theirbranches on other Nothofagusspecies’ branches too. They aresphere-shaped and orange-coloredparasite fungi that dominate upperwood strip and ripen on August,September, and October.They have historically been eaten rawand have been used to manufacturechicha. However, one must be carefulsince those growing on Coigue catchan unpleasant flavor and may be alittle toxic. Little is known on thisfungus in spite of its consumption.Some studies have revealed thepresence of compounds with anti-tumoral properties in Digueñes.Continuing the tour from GuidepostNr. 4, pass by the sector having a lessdefined track, a little flooded withrain, around 170 meters until arrivingto a fence, that you will have to cross.From this crossing, follow to the left,slightly climbing up by hillside, beingat all times able to see typical wetenvironment vegetation by the cleartrack, such as, Nalcas (Gunnerascombro), in an adult Coigue wood.Few meters ahead, you will leave thewood and start travelling by themountain side. These are open landsmostly dominated by chauras(Pernettya mucronata) andcalafates (Berberis buxifolia).Keeping elevation by the main track,you will observe in this segment of thetour wide panoramic views of thevalley, of Porteño lake, and of suchriparian habitats from the start of theroute.Pay attention. After going down thehillside, observe to the left interestingwitnesses of glacial erosion in rockywalls, denoted by furrows created byice flowing in ancient times.Once you are back in flat lands, passby a flooded soil sector, continuingthen parallel to public road untilcrossing a fence again. From this lastcrossing, consider 800 meters of tourto the north-west until seeing abeautiful waterfall to your left,connected to Ventisquero river. Fewmeters later, and heading to the east,you will arrive to a camping zone andpublic road, after which you will crossthis river by a vehicle bridge,Guidepost Nr 5.This place, besides its resting role,have an importance, because it is oneof the best know Cerro Tenerife’s andCordillera Prat access point. The CerroTenerife zone represents one of themost important area for the tourismdevelopment, basically, ought to thegreat number of mountain activitiesthat it is possible to practice in thatspace.<br>
===Second Segment===From Guidepost Nr. 2, keep going for 1.2 kilometers by the border of the riparian habitat at a short distance by open lands. A small river will be flowing by your left, with a shrubby wood in some places, until reaching a fence, that you will have to cross. A flat land of prairies starts here, connected to an old ranch from which you may still obtain, at a long distance and in good weather, the first views of Macizo del Paine, as well as evident signs of human intervention in the valleys.<br>
Immediately after passing by After crossing thevehicle bridge allowing to crossVentisquero river, cross the fence,always following the track by thewestern strip, parallel to the publicaccess road. Start of this second segment issignaled and identified with aninterpretative table. The track is hererelatively close to the vehicle roadand usually corresponds to muddylands, although – as you may see –works have been done to make thetour easier. Heading north, a booth you willget to a clear strip among a densewood until arriving to a rustic gate.Here, you may see a typical Liquen ofNothofagus woods, the so-calledbeard of mount beard (Usneabarbata), which is used to dye wooland for its antibiotic properties.After passing the rustic gateyour left, headnorth travel around 500 800 meters untilarriving to some prairies wherebeautiful views of Macizo del Painemay be seen in sunny days. By a littlepond, you will find Guidepost Nr. 6,the first mirador of this route,providing majestic views of thismountain range.Macizo del Paine (Paine MountainRange) is a mountain rangedominated by granite towers and bythe grandiose Paine Grande, toppedby glaciers and surrounded byemerald, turquoise, and deep blue-colored lakes,. Surrounding area hasbeen designated World BiosphereReserve, as well as being a NationalPark.Cerro Paine Grande (that stands for“blue” in Tehuelche language), with3,050 m.a.s.l., is the highest hill in theProvince of Ultima Esperanza. Its firstsoft ascension was in 1957 by thelegendary Italian expedition led byGuido Monzino, and the second wasonly in year 2000, by the ItalianRolando Garibotti and the FrenchBruno Sourac.From Guidepost Nr. 6, keep going foraround 1,000 meters by the road untilarriving bound to the access road to theranch, where you will have to crossthe wooden fence. Then, continue tothe north crossing another fence andfollow a well defined track by openlands, dominated by dense chaurasand calafates. You will start seeingPorteño lake waters immediately tothe east until finding a small rivulet,corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 7, anideal site to obtain a generalpanoramic view of this lagoon waterbody and of typical Patagonianflower species, such as, notro(Embothrium coccineum).Just like coigüe, notro is endemic fromsub-Antarctic woods. It grows insandy, stony and wet soils, from thesea level to 400 m.a.s.l. in theselatitudes. It is a perennial tree of flashylight red asymmetric, tube-shaped,and long leaves. In other countries, itis called “Fire Bush” due to itsflowering, which takes place in Chilefrom September to January. Its fruit,a woody follicle, is open when ripenin autumn.Pale pink-colored wood has a veinwhich is very appreciated in furniture-making industry. Both its bark andleaves are believed to have medicinalproperties to cure dental neuralgiaand improve wound healing. Notroleaf and bark infusion to which asugar-coated red-hot coal is addedheals stomach ache.From Guidepost Nr. 7, walk around thehillside by a clear track while you willencounter big fallen trunks, themanifestation of old fires thatdestroyed virgin woods which coveredmost of these lands.1.2 kilometers to the north, aftercrossing a small water stream, you willfind a rivulet coming from a waterfallthat may be observed around 300meters to the west. This stream, justlike other small rivulets, disappearsduring dry periods, reason why watershould be taken only from rivers orstreams mentioned in this guide.As well as watching Tenerife hill at thesouth-west sector, by the rivuletmentioned above, we recommend until arriving tostop for a while to rest and admirenative flora existing in this site,Guidepost Nr. 8.We can mention Magellan Barberrytypical character and color beauty.This is a 2 to 3 meter high thornyshrub that grows in open lands onthe banks of water courses and inwood borders. It has a typical yellowflower and provided eatable brightblack-colored berries, mostly used infine marmalades, jellies and syrups,as well as having a natural coloringagent used in food industry. Popularmedicine attributes healingproperties to this specie, such as,antidiarrheal and antiseptic.Leaving Guidepost Nr 8 behind, awide panoramic view of Porteño lakeappears a few meters later. Be carefulto travel by the main track, which lessfrom 1 kilometer from previousguidepost, goes down the hillsideuntil arriving to the valley at the levelof Porteño lake, always parallel to thevehicle road heading north.You will get to a quite stream afterpassing by an old fencelittle rivulet, which isanother alternative to take a breakin this walk and admire Tenerife hill,of 1,670 m.a.s.l., providing - with itsconic shape - to those who climb itup obtaining panoramic views to Campo deHielo Patagónico Sur, PaineCordillera, Prat Cordillera, and anumber of surrounding lakes andwoods.It was named out of the first Spanishsettlers (Casola and San RománFamilies) who arrived to the sectorfrom Canary Islands, among which isTenerife.Its first ascension goes back to 1937by the Argentinean Andes mountainclimber from Santa Fe, Dr. GustavoA. Foster. Many climbers have beenthere since then, among whom wecan particularly mention themountain climbers Italian engineerswho worked in the installation unnamed lagoon ofCoal Deposit Río Turbio by the ‘50s.Following the path you will arrive “Vega Casola” toguidepost 9. Here you will find thevehicle roadeast, which you should takefor force majeure reasons. Continuethrough this way with precautionand always by its left sidewalk forapproximately 1,000 m to north untilyou take the path again. The roadyou are currently walking through isa recent work and was constructedto decrease distances between thecity of Puerto Natales and the Torresdel Paine National Park by theMilitary Corp of Work, a unit ofengineers and technicians of theArmy of Chile. These men haveworked even under very roughweather conditions to construct thisroad and facilitate access of peopleto these so important naturalscenarios throughout the world.In order of identify, our return to thetrail, at the left you will find signs anda ladder on a fence. Forapproximately 1,000 m you willcontinue parallel to road and at a fewmeters thereof you will go insidethrough hillsides and streams ofthese small hills with northeastdirection. We are getting close toGuidepost Nr 10.When you go inside through thesmall stream that allows crossingthese hills at your left you will see thatsurrounding hillsides are veryirregular. Originated fromsedimentary rocks (rocks formingfrom pieces and materials, mineralsand organic elements, coming fromdecomposition and deposit of othermaterials), these hills haveexperienced a series of fractures,overturns and slidings of large blocksof rocks forming them from high tolow zones. The above has generateda stepped and abrupt landscape withzones of diverse vegetationdevelopment: ripe forests, youngforests, thickets, only prairie andareas with naked rock. When leavingthe stream, you will have a splendidview of the Tenerife hill and asbackground Macizo del Paine to thenorth. We are in Guidepost Nr 10.During the next 1,500 m,approximately, you should climb andgo down slopes between coigües,ñirres (Nothofagus antarctica),Chaura (Gaultheria mucrata) andsome Notros. In this part, path is clear,you can walk safe. While you keepwalking, you will find a small brook.Refill your canteen, since you will notfind water until you arrive to RincónRiver, approximately at about 3,000meters ahead.Continuing with the tour, the pathpasses by a zone with a thinvegetable layer, with the presenceñirres (Nothofagus antarctica),Notro (Embothrium coccineum)and coigüe (Nothofagusbetuloides) young forests. Go aheadand you will find a beautiful and littlewetland with a pond in its center.Good view to Tenerife hill (1,670m.a.s.l.) and of some tourism cabinslocated by El Rincón river outlet.Porteño lake will always flow to yourright and – as a background – highestpeaks of Macizo del Paine which maybe seen over near hills.Following the path, you will startclimbing down until arriving to aplace where track changes itsdirection dramatically bound to theWest. A segment of permanentclimbing up is here showing its firstsigns.30 meters later, you will find a table-shaped rock with its 5 meter inclinedcover, that you will have to cross afterclimbing up one step. The path, thatis in general wide and well defined inthis sector, will make you climb foraround 150 meters until findingyourself soon within an adult andhealthy forest surrounded by ñirresand Coigues. You will have to pass bytwo natural stairs in the next 200meters, and walk now by a soft, butdry surface. Helechos and someCoicopihues (Philesia magellanica)will start showing up. Your attentionwill also be caught by a robust coigüe(Nothofagus betuloides) with over ameter diameter. Now, path gradientis higher and is zigzagging in such away that you will find yourselfheading south more than once. Youwill be joined by beautiful tall shrubsby both sides of the route, amongwhich we can mention: siete camisas(Escallonia rubra), calafates(Berberis buxifolia), romerillo(Chiliotrichum diffusum), andchauras (Pernettya mucronata).Walking now by flat land, you willfind a continuity marker post, havingPorteño lake to your right. Thisaround 20 km² lake, discharges itsinteresting water into Maravilla lake, a waterbody that cannot be seen from thisroute.Looking to the north, where you may watchPorteño lake final portion by theisthmus that separates it from Torolake. This sector gives rise to Peninsuladel Toro, a wide section of “ElComplejo” Ranch, with over 5,000hectares of unmatchable cattle-breeding and tourism aptitude. Notethat this ranch houses is a fewMayten forest (Maytenus boaria) inMagallanes Region.The path is always wide and welldefined, making you easier todistinguish between a track amongthe little wood and the shrubs. Afterwalking another 200 meters, pathsurface becomes softer for beingmade up leaf dirt. Then, you will startwalking up by rocky ground and bysharp naked rock during severalsegments. 100 meters ahead, you willfind the highest point andunmatchable natural Atalaya withbeautiful panoramic views,corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 11.Now, you may appreciate themajestic south face of Tenerife hill(1,670 m.a.s.l.) at your back. Macizodel Paine is the most grandiose by thenorth and dominates the entire zonehighlighting Cuernos del Paine (2,600m.a.s.l.) and mount Almirante Nieto(2,670 m.a.s.l.). To the west and fromnorth to south, we can see Castillo hill(1,250 m.a.s.l.), Campana hill (1,220m.a.s.l.), Ventana hill (1,180 m.a.s.l.),and Mocho hill to the southobserve black-east(1,350 m.a.s.l.) as part of the sierraManuel Señoret. Keep going by thepath, always on naked rock andcareful to its continuity, since it is notthat clear. Be careful to start climbingdown through the rocks since windcould be dangerous.Few meters later, the route clearlystarts to climb down looking forRincón river eastern bank. Path isclear here and 250 meters ahead, youwill pass by a rustic handrail thatcrosses an old road driving to aquarry. Landscape is always beautifulwith Macizo del Paine as abackground. You will then find a newcontinuity marker post locatedalways to your right.The path is always wide and clear,crossing sectors covered by lowshrubs and thickets. Walk in the samedirection and 300 meters ahead, youwill find the equestrian path junctionthat drives to a ranch spot thatcannot be seen from here.Turn to the right and follow theRincón River, sounding at your left.From the last junction, walk around500 meters until finally getting to adoor. A ladder has been built in oneside to cross the fence and arrive tothe vehicle road and the bridge onRincón river. If you cross the door, donot forget to leave it closed; these aregood manners which are alwaysappreciated in Patagonia.Cross Rincón bridge and continue bythe vehicle road around 150 metersuntil arriving to Guidepost Nr. 12,corresponding to the entrance to thepath and start of the third segmentof this routenecked swans.<br>
===Third Segment===At Guidepost Nr. 3, in addition to rest for a while, you can see the ”chilco” (Fuchsia magellanica), a truly beautiful flower specie usually growing along water streams. This is an up to 3 meter high perennial shrub requiring wet soils, rich in organic matter, properly drained and with atmospheric humidity.<br>
To take the track again, after crossingthe bridge, observe the interpretativepanel installed at one side of the roadIts flashy and that announces the thirdsegment. You will walk on a landcovered with thicket roots, alwayskeeping your position at the west sideof the vehicular road.After crossing, a few steps aheadthere is a very thin water current. Youshould take a general direction to thenorth. During about 400 meters youwill move forward through a forestof beautiful young forest of AntarcticBeech; the surface is now a beautifulfirm-grass prairie. Besides increasingheight, you will enter a forest of leafyand ripe Coigües, crossing again arivulet. Although there is a footbridge,you should take some precautions tocross it. Take advantage to drinkwater and supply with it.Begin to enjoy the appearance ofthe first Guaitecas cypresses(Pilgerodendron uvifera) you willabundant deep red flowers may be finding on your way.Although the track continues throughthe rocky edge it is easily predictable.At both flanks you will find thepresence of cypresses associated toCoigües (Nothofagus betuloides).After moving forward for about threehundred meters you will be enteringin a forest of high Fire Bushed andCoigües; in spite the track is no longerin good conditions, it is clearlysignaled, which will enable walkingwithout difficulties. A large numberof coicopihues (Philesiamagellanica) cover the ground,providing great beauty to theenvironment, depending on theseason of your visit. A few metersahead and next to a short but steepslope you will find a beautiful sightof Tenerife Hill (1.670m.a.s.l.) whichshows its northern face practicallydevoided of vegetation and in strongcontrast to highly forested hillsideswe saw in the north-east; these areindisputable signs of the dominantwinds of the region favoring life insouth-east hillsides. Seize thisopportunity to immortalize thismoment with a couple of photos.Continue in north direction. You willperceive the vehicular road at yourright hand practically during all yourway at no more than 200 meters. Youwill walk on rocks and sometimes onpillows of Líquenes. You will see ahuge dump of dry commodities seen fromrecent construction labors of the newroad. You should displace carefullyon these huge stones. In a low-lyingland you will face some difficulties mid spring towalk through some 200 metersbetween bushes and high pines. Afterthis reef you will pass to anothersector where you will walkcomfortably. The dump will beaccompanying you for about 200meters at your right. Concentrate onthe sight you have on your left whereyou will watch a beautiful mountainhillside almost within hand’s reach.Be careful when crossing a group ofrocks existing in that place, which arerisky because of their humidity.Continuing with the tour by the rightside, you can observe a large forestof Guaitecas Cypresses that hasfavored its development as it locateson a peat surface. Do not doubt tocome close and watch this particularnatural system. You will observe howthis tree species develops solely inflooded zones, feel its special aromaand confirm how the path of a bigfire in 1925 burnt trunks. Now, 80years later, cypresses show their newsprouts, denoting the regenerationof forest in these peat banks.Peat bank corresponds toheterogenic soils constituted bydecomposed vegetal material andminerals accumulated through theyears. Wrong drainage conditionsafter retrocession of ice, in cold andrainy climates favor this type ofpeculiar formations.Most representative species of peatbank areas are musgo de turbera(Spagnum magellanicum),gramíneas, cyperáceas, and specieson cushions mixing with each other.It must be noticed that the highcontent of peat organic matter allowsit is an excellent humus supplier,providing vigor to plants andvegetables and providing higherextension of roots. This hasencouraged its use as fertilizer inseedlings and greenhouses.Continue by the east edge of this peatbank and then enter the adult forest.Consider a bit more than 150 metersin the wood until you arrive to astream, corresponding to GuidepostNr. 13, which can be crossed withprecaution passing by bridgedconstructed thereto. This is anexcellent site protected from strongwinds.Next to the stream, take theadvantage to admire an interestingwood of Coigües, partially intermixedwith Canelo, representing what someday in the past were ripe forests inthese humid valleys.From Guidepost Nr. 13, continue in anorth-west direction for about 300meters across the forest and then getout of it. Always continuing by themain track, continue until reachinga site where land opens facing thesouth end of a riparian habitat withan interesting cypress bank, cross it.This crossing has been enabled withfootbridges and it will lead you to theother end of the wetland or riparianhabitat. We are in Guidepost Nr. 14,a beautiful site to watch thisprotected native specie.Ciprés de las guaitecas(Pilgerodendron uvifera), a nativetree specie from the south cone, mostaustral representative of Coniferae,has leaves laid out in scale positionvery similar to alerce (Fitzroyacupressoides) appearance, butarranged in pairs in one same pointforming a cross.Generally, it is found in small size, butin favorable conditions it can reachup to 40 meters height and 1 meterof trunk diameter. The bark looks likethe Larch but it is not reddish, formingpartly pure woods.In these valleys, the Guaitecas Cypressis present in very restrained areas dueto the extraction of its timber andfires, reason why it does not longerform pure woods but rather itassociates with Antarctic Beechesand Coigüe of Magallanes.From Guidepost Nr. 14, cross thissame riparian habitat in a segmentnot higher than 100 meters which hasalso been intervened to improveconditions of hiking. From the northend of riparian habitat, walk up thepartly rocky hillside gradually withnorth-west direction.Consider no more than 800 meters ofsteep ascent by rocky hillsidescombined with thickets on lands withless marked track. In consequence,you should be a little more aware inthe direction to be followed. Takegeneral north-west direction untilbeginning a short descent by thehillside, where splendid panoramicviews open to Macizo del Paine andToro Lake in all their extension,corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 15, asite exposed to strong winds reasonwhy you should have maximumprecaution to possible falls orhypothermia.Toro Lake with a number ofpeninsulas and small bays is thelargest lake of the region. It has anextension of 202 square kilometersand 320 meters depth. Its crystallinewaters offer great conditions for sportfishing with the presence of browntrout and rainbow trout.From Guidepost Nr. 15, followdirection to the north for 400 metersto arrive to a good benchmark in thispart of the road: A natural bridge ofrocks over a stream which will allowyou to cross and follow across openlands covered by dense thickets anddisperse Fire Bushes.From the previous natural rockbridge, calculate another 400 metersto the north until you reach to astream with a rivulet that provideswater supply.From the rivulet continue with equaldirection for a little more than halfkilometer and you will find an oldfence, cross it watching at your leftside a small waterfall of El SantoRiver, which you will cross later. Fromthe old fence, star a small descentuntil finding a riparian habitat thatyou will see from the distance.Cross the riparian habitat or wetlandand you will enter a woodimmediately. At a few meters insidethis wood of Coigües and Lengas(Nothofagus pumilio) you shouldcross El Santo River, a crossingcorresponding to Guidepost Nr. 16,an ideal place to spend the night in aservice area and continue walkingacross the last segment of this roadthe day afterautumn.<br>
===Fourth Segment===From guidepost number 3, follow ahead a short distance until a road bifurcation. In this area, pay attention to the main trail, because a frequent animal crossing had create multiple trails.<br> .
Before starting this new segment, donot forget Go to bring a good supply ofdrinking water (minimum 2 liters perperson) because, depending on theseason of the yearleft and, it could be yourlast chance to obtain it before arrivingto the Serrano River sector, finish ofthis heritage road.From El Salto River, continue climbingthe hillside slightly changing directionto the north-east until you cross afence. At a short distancefew steps ahead, you willobserve a small lagoon to eastdirection start going downwards down by thehillside until reaching Guidepost Nr.17, an ideal place to observe one ofthe most representative tree speciesin these ecosystems.The endemic sauco (Pseudopanaxlaetevirens ) of sub Antarctic forests,grows up to 1,300 m.a.s.l., althoughin these latitudes it hardly grows morethan 50 m.a.s.l. in humid and forestzones or on banks of water courses.This tree with a growth of up to 8meters height has a grayish andsmooth trunk. It characterizes for itsblue fruits at the end of the summergiving an unequal coloring.From Guidepost Nr. 17 continue theroad to north-east direction whereyou will find at a short distance asmall lagoon. When you cross thiswater body completely, it flows tonorth-west, and climbing by the rockyhillside at no more than 400 metersyou will arrive to a sector, thatdepending on the season of the year,is slightly water-flooded. Be extremelycareful when crossing these humidlands, and then continue by sharprocks with extraordinary panoramicviews for about 200 meters to thenorth-west. After a short descent, youwill enter a Lenga coppice andimmediately after you will arrive to arivulet that during dry seasons doesnot contribute waters, reason whywhere you should take a water provisionbefore in El Santo River.Continue through the same directiongoing round the edge of a wood ofCoigües and Fire Bushes not goingdown the stream until arriving to aninteresting forest of canelo Trees,corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 18.The canelo can observe old Magellan Coigue (Drimys winteriNothofagus betuloides) locatesin swampy lands and next to riversand streams between the Limarí Riverby the north and Cabo de Hornos bythe south at no more than 1,200m.a.s.l.. The trunk is straight andcylindrical, reaches about 30 metersheight up to one meter of diameter.Bark is smooth, light gray, thick andsoft.Sacred tree for the Mapuche people.They adore, venerate, and assignmagic properties to it.Timber of canelo is very attractive,reason why it is used in construction,furniture and manufacture of musicalinstruments. It is not useful as fuel aswhen it burns it generates stingingsmoke.In the past, canelo was used to fightscurvy as it was rich in Vitamin C. Forits tannins, essence oils, antibacterialsubstances, and iron and calciumsalts, it is used in applications to cleanwounds and against rheumatism,stomach affections, throat pain,mange, tinea and even it has beendiscovered that it has properties in thetreatment against cancer.After admiring these wonderfulspecies and their qualities, and takingthe tour again from Guidepost Nr. 18,you will enter a mixed wood of Coigüeand canelo Trees. Consider about 600meters of steep climbing, in part theyare step-shaped naked rocks,abundant thicket and adult wood, soyou will have to be speciallyconcentrated while you walk up.Although this climbing will demandsome effort, do not forget theinnumerable sites that allow todelight with wide panoramic sightsthat give a breath during this ascent.Consistently with the finish of ascents,at a few meters more to north-westdirection, already upon descent, youwill reach Guidepost Nr. 19, anextraordinary mirador with morethan 180º of vision. We recommenda brief break and take some unequalpanoramic pictures. Do not forgetthat in this place as in many otherexposed sites of this road, strongwinds are recurrent. Frequently, theyreach speeds higher than 35 knots,making walking difficult. If you facethem, remember that you are in oneof the most atmospherically unstablezones of the planet that generatethese peculiar phenomena andundoubtedly require that you equipproperly with wind-resistant jacketsand thermal clothes for theselatitudes.From Guidepost Nr. 19, walk about300 meters, always in north-westdirection until you see the first viewsfrom the distance of Grey Glacier.Consider that you are in open landspartially covered by thickets and withcoppice of young forests, where thetrack is less precise. However, in lessthan half an hour you will be forcedto cross a fence going downwards themountain hillside. Already in the lowpart of the valleystop here, you will take a trackfairly clear again direct to northdirection and pass across aninteresting community of Fire Bushes.Approximately 200 meters ahead,after passing a rock step of about 5meters height in the middle of thedescent of open lands, you will arriveto Guidepost Nr. 204, a preferred sitefor those who enjoy with specialattention, the tracks left on the rockssome day in the past by the path ofhuge ice mass and their abrasivepower. They are glaciers of Campo deHielo Patagónico Sur, particularly,Tyndall and Grey glaciers, which withtheir gradual quaternary retrocessionsleft these marks uncovered. They arereal lines in furrows generated by theirconstant transport of detritus inpermanent crash with the motherrock.From Guidepost Nr. 20, always goingdownwards by the clear track, at 800meters more to north direction fromthe last guidepost of interest, youcould see a lagoon on your right side.Try to take your right hand in the nextbranching, entering into a riparianhabitat with east direction. There is along footbridge thereon which nameis “Puente Toro”. Certainly it willfacilitate your pass. Pay specialattention to take your right again,once you have crossed the wetlandfrom where you can continue yourtour when getting near the publicroad, but without going through it.Continue the tour, walkingdownwards across open lands,crossing a small lagoon around itssouth edge. Go around the edge of thisbeautiful water body through a cleartrack until you arrive to a mirador,ideal for watching the bird faunatypical in these environments while and thatcorrespond to Guidepost Nr. 21. Oneagain, if there is strongly windy day,take the necessary precautions.In this site, we can watch, amongother species of birds, the SpectacledDuck (Speculanas specularis), thatcan be observed from Aconcagua toMagallanes in rivers and lagoons ofwoody zones.It has dark brown head and rear neckwith large white spots around the eyesand front neck. This beautiful specieis generally in torrential rivers andforested lagoons of woody zones.They generally look for pools, pondsor puddles, where they are observedin couples or small family groups.Omnivores, they find food on the edgeof rivers or lagoons, avoiding to getdeep inside the open field.They nest in pastured islets and builda voluminous nest coated withplumule, covering it with grass andnormally laying between 5 and 7eggs.From Guidepost Nr. 21 continue untilthe north end of the lagoon and fromthere go round the edge of the woodof Antarctic Beeches. There you willcontemplate silence, the beauty of thesinging of a number of bird specieswondering rest in the wood, among them,the Andean Tapaculo (Currín del Sur- Scytalopus magellanicus) and theThorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrasturaspinicauda). Follow the well-markedtrack, in a few minutes you will crossa small rivulet where you can supplywith water, but, do not be confident,because in dry seasons this rivuletdries and will force you to supply withwater from El Santo River during allthis last segment.From this small rivulet, walk up by asmall perron that will lead you to theeast. Short after, you will arrive to anopen sector, having a new chance tosee interesting sights shadow of thesurrounding places.Continue going downwards thehillside gradually and soon you willarrive to a dump of rocky materialsgenerated by the construction of thevehicular road to the Serrano River.Cross this dump by a segment ofsomething more than 100 metersto north-west direction.After passing a small forest in cleartrack, you will start to climb by openlands with abundant Chaura andwhere panoramic sights of Macizodel Paine, Grey Glacier and ToroLake are predominant. This willundoubtedly draw the attention ofany tourist. At the end of the ascent,you will find Guidepost Nr. 22,corresponding to the sixth miradorof this road, an ideal place tocontemplate the last views ofMacizo del Paine and Toro Lake too.In this part of the tour, due to theexposure to strong winds comingfrom Campo Hielo Sur, werecommend to wear wind-resistantand thermal clothes appropriate forthese austral latitudes.From Guidepost Nr. 22, the trackgoes downwards smoothly by thehillside for about 200 meters untilseeing for the first time in this route,the majestic Serrano River. Continuethe tour leading to the west,crossing 3 small streamssurrounded by beautiful coppices,sites appropriate for short breaksand that will protect you fromstrong winds.After crossing the third stream, youwill arrive to a new mirador,Guidepost Nr 23, number seven inthis route, where, under weatherconditions with good visibility, youwill be allowed to observe the Greyglacier and lake, as well as the valleyof the Serrano River, which iscoming closer. This is a clearannouncement that we are gettingnear the final part of this heritageroute.From Guidepost Nr. 23, you canbriefly climb the hillside by a trackdelimited by rocks, increasinglyobtaining better sights of the valley.Take into consideration if weatherconditions get worst or if you willrequire a sheltered place, because at400 meters from the last guidepostyou will pass across a forest, an idealplace to shelter. Otherwise, continuedownwards, and short after you willarrive to a lagoon surrounded bycentenary Coigües and Lengasproviding the landscape with apeculiar beauty.From the lagoon, walk up by the cleartrack and continue through the forestfor about 200 meters until you reachanother interesting mirador of thisroute, corresponding to Guidepost Nr.24, with a great panoramic view ofthe Serrano River.The Serrano River is part of one of themain hydrographic river basins in theregion. It originates in Toro Lake andflows in Fiordo de Última Esperanza.It has a 7350 km2 basin, is 38kilometers long and has a flowvolume of 61 m3/sec on the upperpart. Its main affluent is the Grey River,in addition to the course of the PaineRiver that flows in the Pehoe Lake andToro Lake, respectively. It has a pluvialfeeding system with snowcontributions in summer. Due to itsclean waters, this river is well knownby the fishing of Brown Trout andRainbow Trout, which weights rangebetween 2 to 3 kilograms.From Guidepost Nr. 24, continuedownwards, at a few meters you willenter a forest of shrubby young forest,and then find a branching of thetrack. Take your right thinking thatin a few minutes more you will meetabreast a beautiful lagoon and a fewmeters beyond(farther), taking theleft bank, the Guidepost Nr. 25.Very soon you will complete theRoute and will access to a placewhere you could spend the night. Inthis lagoon, take a breath and recoverenergy for the last kilometers.Restarting our tour, take the path thatcontinues the riverbed of the lagoonwith west direction. Do not get awayfrom the road. Continue then untilreaching a clear zone dominated byan interesting adult wood of Lenga,which marks the direction to befollowed through an open track thatallows your passing through thicketsuntil a new path bifurcation. Take thepath at your right (the other one hasbeen traditionally used by muleteers).In this part of the road, although notat sight, important archaeologicalvestiges - such as lithic workshops -have been found, remarking theancestral occupation of the land bynative people in these latitudes.Continuing our trek towards the westit will begin a short span of steepraises. Once above up we will walkalong a relatively flat path borderingalways on the hillside of the hill andwith spectacular conference of thetowers. We go direct towards the lastmilestone of our trek. We begin nowthe decrease across a fingerprint fromwhere it will be possible to spy tofullness the zone of services out of theNational Park Tower of the Paine, theHighland river and the area ofadministration of the properly suchpark. A bit later on you will interceptthe way. A table of information anda panel of Welcome indicate us thatwe have come to the Guidepost Nr26, Congratulations! You havefinished the route. Through the roadyou can access the services zone andhave a deserved rest and also reflecton the road run and the naturalwonders appreciated in these 45 kmof watching, learning and adventurethrough the Patagoniatrees.<br>
===The Milodón Cave===Magellan coigüe is a sub-Antarctic wood endemic specie which is very resistant to climate factors, such as, rain, wind and snow. It grows from Valdivia to cape Horn with sizes of up to 25 meters high, of straight trunk and twisted branches. It flowers in spring time and its small nut-shaped fruits ripen at the end of the summer. Its light-colored wood is usually of very good quality and resistant, characteristics that make it appropriate to be used in construction and furniture-making, however, further to the north, in these latitudes, it is not considered as good.<br> “
Milodón Cave is now a referencepoint and a must-see destination totravelers visiting chilean Patagonia.Located 24 km north the city of PuertoNatales, it is currently lodged by the189.5 hectares that make upMILODÓN CAVE NATURALM O N U M E N T. T h i s N a t u r a lMonument is one of the three existingin the Region of Magallanes and isthe most important and more visitedby far – it received over 52,000 visitorsonly in 2005, among whom 55% wereforeigners.As a Unit, it was created in 1978 beingthus incorporated to the StateProtected Area System underCONAF’s management.DISCOVERY OF THE CAVE:Hermann Eberhard, German colonistwho had settled in the surroundingsin 1893, visited in 1895, accompaniedby other people, a huge grotto or cavethat caught their attention by theeast, opening to the western hillsideof Benítez hill Digueñes” (51º36’ S cup- 72º41’ Ofungi).This huge 30 meter high and 80 meterwide cave, located around 160 metersabove the sea level, is over 200 meterslong.On February 1895, the visitors founda piece of dry skin that was semi-buried on the dusty soil. When theytook it out, they all realized they hadnever seen such a thing before,considering that a number of littlebones were located above the hairs.Size of this piece of skin was around1.50 x 1.00 meter. They also found anapparently incomplete humanskeleton next to the piece of skin.The piece of skin was taken to the nearEstate Consuelo, where it was hungand caught the attention ofwhomever visited the district ofUltima Esperanza through this Estate-Port. Among the large number ofpeople who visited the cave, we canhighlight the Swedish geologist OttoNordenskjold who was then, in 1896,directing scientific works conductedin Magallanes by an expedition fromhis country. In sum, Nordenskjoldconcluded that the remains foundwould correspond to an alreadyextinct animal that he calledNeomylodon listai and that couldhave lived in recent times and becontemporaneous to human beings“Quireñes” (Cyttaria spp.The Swedish scientist was followedby a huge number of naturalists,researchers, and study practitionersfrom many countries who are stillmaking their best efforts to unveil thismystery, an interesting fact that hasnot been extinguished by the passageof years.CONCLUSIONS TO THE DATE:Vestiges found correspond to a verybig herbivore that disappeared latethe Pleistocene (8,000 to 10,000 yearsBPdiscomycetes). Scientific interest grew even morewhen recognized that primitivePatagonian man lived in the area,whose date would go back to around12,000 years BP. These beings knownas Paleoindians were land hunterswho traveled into the fiord zone.In addition, the Milodón was ateethed and plantigrade mammal. Itwould have walked grow on all fours or their branches onits two rear legs being supported byits strong tailother Nothofagus species’ branches too.SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCECONNECTED TO THE NATURALMONUMENT:Researchers have made efforts forover one century both in the maincave and in minor caves, as well as inthe number of eaves located in thearea, reason why this sector isrecognized as the best known anddocumented group of deposits inChile and SouthThey are sphere-America with regardto primitive human settlement shaped andnatural life of that time.These works and vestige findingshave thus demonstrated presence inthis end of Patagonia of otherrepresentatives of extinct fauna, suchas, Saberorange-toothed Tiger (Smilodonsp.); Big Camelid (Macchauchenia);Big Bear (Arctodus pamparum); BigFox (Dusicyon avus).ORIGIN OF THE CAVE:The cave has changed very little fromthe times of primitive humanpresence and Milodón itself, onlyminor rock detachments and slightlybigger landslides, which are also veryold.Confirmation of existence of a bigpaleolake called paleolake of UltimaEsperanza, colored parasite fungi that existed around12,500 years BP, a key element forgeneration of proper environmentalconditions for early humansettlement, has allowed to clarifymany doubts dominate upper wood strip and to ascertain thatMilodón Cave is a clear evidence of alutite rocky stratum decompositionprocessripen on August, located below conglomeratelevel. This cave formation action wasassisted by permanent whippingaction of Paleolake of UltimaEsperanza waterSeptember, that subsequentlysuffered its sudden emptying, but thatpreviously carved and shaped currentlandscapeOctober.<br>
They have historically been eaten raw and have been used to manufacture chicha. However, one must be careful since those growing on Coigue catch an unpleasant flavor and may be a little toxic. Little is known on this fungus in spite of its consumption. Some studies have revealed the presence of compounds with anti- tumoral properties in Digueñes.<br>
 
Continuing the tour from Guidepost Nr. 4, pass by the sector having a less defined track, a little flooded with rain, around 170 meters until arriving to a fence, that you will have to cross. From this crossing, follow to the left, slightly climbing up by hillside, being at all times able to see typical wet environment vegetation by the clear track, such as, Nalcas (Gunnera scombro), in an adult Coigue wood.<br>
 
Few meters ahead, you will leave the wood and start travelling by the mountain side. These are open lands mostly dominated by chauras (Pernettya mucronata) and calafates (Berberis buxifolia). Keeping elevation by the main track, you will observe in this segment of the tour wide panoramic views of the valley, of Porteño lake, and of such riparian habitats from the start of the route.<br>
 
Pay attention. After going down the hillside, observe to the left interesting witnesses of glacial erosion in rocky walls, denoted by furrows created by ice flowing in ancient times.<br>
 
Once you are back in flat lands, pass by a flooded soil sector, continuing then parallel to public road until crossing a fence again. From this last crossing, consider 800 meters of tour to the north-west until seeing a beautiful waterfall to your left, connected to Ventisquero river. Few meters later, and heading to the east, you will arrive to a camping zone and public road, after which you will cross this river by a vehicle bridge, Guidepost Nr 5.<br>
 
This place, besides its resting role, have an importance, because it is one of the best know Cerro Tenerife’s and Cordillera Prat access point. The Cerro Tenerife zone represents one of the most important area for the tourism development, basically, ought to the great number of mountain activities that it is possible to practice in that space.<br>
 
===Second Segment===
 
Immediately after passing by the vehicle bridge allowing to cross Ventisquero river, cross the fence, always following the track by the western strip, parallel to the public road. Start of this second segment is signaled and identified with an interpretative table. The track is here relatively close to the vehicle road and usually corresponds to muddy lands, although – as you may see – works have been done to make the tour easier. Heading north, you will get to a clear strip among a dense wood until arriving to a rustic gate. Here, you may see a typical Liquen of Nothofagus woods, the so-called beard of mount beard (Usnea barbata), which is used to dye wool and for its antibiotic properties.<br>
 
After passing the rustic gate, head north around 500 meters until arriving to some prairies where beautiful views of Macizo del Paine may be seen in sunny days. By a little pond, you will find Guidepost Nr. 6, the first mirador of this route, providing majestic views of this mountain range.<br>
 
Macizo del Paine (Paine Mountain Range) is a mountain range dominated by granite towers and by the grandiose Paine Grande, topped by glaciers and surrounded by emerald, turquoise, and deep blue- colored lakes,. Surrounding area has been designated World Biosphere Reserve, as well as being a National Park.<br>
 
Cerro Paine Grande (that stands for “blue” in Tehuelche language), with 3,050 m.a.s.l., is the highest hill in the Province of Ultima Esperanza. Its first ascension was in 1957 by the legendary Italian expedition led by Guido Monzino, and the second was only in year 2000, by the Italian Rolando Garibotti and the French Bruno Sourac.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 6, keep going for around 1,000 meters by the road until arriving to the access road to the ranch, where you will have to cross the wooden fence. Then, continue to the north crossing another fence and follow a well defined track by open lands, dominated by dense chauras and calafates. You will start seeing Porteño lake waters immediately to the east until finding a small rivulet, corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 7, an ideal site to obtain a general panoramic view of this lagoon water body and of typical Patagonian flower species, such as, notro (Embothrium coccineum).<br>
 
Just like coigüe, notro is endemic from sub-Antarctic woods. It grows in sandy, stony and wet soils, from the sea level to 400 m.a.s.l. in these latitudes. It is a perennial tree of flashy light red asymmetric, tube-shaped, and long leaves. In other countries, it is called “Fire Bush” due to its flowering, which takes place in Chile from September to January. Its fruit, a woody follicle, is open when ripen in autumn.<br>
 
Pale pink-colored wood has a vein which is very appreciated in furniture- making industry. Both its bark and leaves are believed to have medicinal properties to cure dental neuralgia and improve wound healing. Notro leaf and bark infusion to which a sugar-coated red-hot coal is added heals stomach ache.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 7, walk around the hillside by a clear track while you will encounter big fallen trunks, the manifestation of old fires that destroyed virgin woods which covered most of these lands.<br>
 
1.2 kilometers to the north, after crossing a small water stream, you will find a rivulet coming from a waterfall that may be observed around 300 meters to the west. This stream, just like other small rivulets, disappears during dry periods, reason why water should be taken only from rivers or streams mentioned in this guide.<br>
 
As well as watching Tenerife hill at the south-west sector, by the rivulet mentioned above, we recommend to stop for a while to rest and admire native flora existing in this site, Guidepost Nr. 8.<br>
 
We can mention Magellan Barberry typical character and color beauty. This is a 2 to 3 meter high thorny shrub that grows in open lands on the banks of water courses and in wood borders. It has a typical yellow flower and provided eatable bright black-colored berries, mostly used in fine marmalades, jellies and syrups, as well as having a natural coloring agent used in food industry. Popular medicine attributes healing properties to this specie, such as, antidiarrheal and antiseptic.<br>
 
Leaving Guidepost Nr 8 behind, a wide panoramic view of Porteño lake appears a few meters later. Be careful to travel by the main track, which less from 1 kilometer from previous guidepost, goes down the hillside until arriving to the valley at the level of Porteño lake, always parallel to the vehicle road heading north.<br>
 
You will get to a quite stream after passing by an old fence, which is another alternative to take a break in this walk and admire Tenerife hill, of 1,670 m.a.s.l., providing - with its conic shape - to those who climb it up panoramic views to Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, Paine Cordillera, Prat Cordillera, and a number of surrounding lakes and woods.<br>
 
It was named out of the first Spanish settlers (Casola and San Román Families) who arrived to the sector from Canary Islands, among which is Tenerife.<br>
 
Its first ascension goes back to 1937 by the Argentinean Andes mountain climber from Santa Fe, Dr. Gustavo A. Foster. Many climbers have been there since then, among whom we can particularly mention the mountain climbers Italian engineers who worked in the installation of Coal Deposit Río Turbio by the ‘50s.<br>
 
Following the path you will arrive to guidepost 9. Here you will find the vehicle road, which you should take for force majeure reasons. Continue through this way with precaution and always by its left sidewalk for approximately 1,000 m to north until you take the path again. The road you are currently walking through is a recent work and was constructed to decrease distances between the city of Puerto Natales and the Torres del Paine National Park by the Military Corp of Work, a unit of engineers and technicians of the Army of Chile. These men have worked even under very rough weather conditions to construct this road and facilitate access of people to these so important natural scenarios throughout the world.<br>
 
In order of identify, our return to the trail, at the left you will find signs and a ladder on a fence. For approximately 1,000 m you will continue parallel to road and at a few meters thereof you will go inside through hillsides and streams of these small hills with northeast direction. We are getting close to Guidepost Nr 10.<br>
 
When you go inside through the small stream that allows crossing these hills at your left you will see that surrounding hillsides are very irregular. Originated from sedimentary rocks (rocks forming from pieces and materials, minerals and organic elements, coming from decomposition and deposit of other materials), these hills have experienced a series of fractures, overturns and slidings of large blocks of rocks forming them from high to low zones. The above has generated a stepped and abrupt landscape with zones of diverse vegetation development: ripe forests, young forests, thickets, only prairie and areas with naked rock. When leaving the stream, you will have a splendid view of the Tenerife hill and as background Macizo del Paine to the north. We are in Guidepost Nr 10. During the next 1,500 m, approximately, you should climb and go down slopes between coigües, ñirres (Nothofagus antarctica), Chaura (Gaultheria mucrata) and some Notros. In this part, path is clear, you can walk safe. While you keep walking, you will find a small brook. Refill your canteen, since you will not find water until you arrive to Rincón River, approximately at about 3,000 meters ahead.<br>
 
Continuing with the tour, the path passes by a zone with a thin vegetable layer, with the presence ñirres (Nothofagus antarctica), Notro (Embothrium coccineum) and coigüe (Nothofagus betuloides) young forests. Go ahead and you will find a beautiful and little wetland with a pond in its center. Good view to Tenerife hill (1,670 m.a.s.l.) and of some tourism cabins located by El Rincón river outlet. Porteño lake will always flow to your right and – as a background – highest peaks of Macizo del Paine which may be seen over near hills.<br>
 
Following the path, you will start climbing down until arriving to a place where track changes its direction dramatically bound to the West. A segment of permanent climbing up is here showing its first signs.<br>
 
30 meters later, you will find a table- shaped rock with its 5 meter inclined cover, that you will have to cross after climbing up one step. The path, that is in general wide and well defined in this sector, will make you climb for around 150 meters until finding yourself soon within an adult and healthy forest surrounded by ñirres and Coigues. You will have to pass by two natural stairs in the next 200 meters, and walk now by a soft, but dry surface. Helechos and some Coicopihues (Philesia magellanica) will start showing up. Your attention will also be caught by a robust coigüe (Nothofagus betuloides) with over a meter diameter. Now, path gradient is higher and is zigzagging in such a way that you will find yourself heading south more than once. You will be joined by beautiful tall shrubs by both sides of the route, among which we can mention: siete camisas (Escallonia rubra), calafates (Berberis buxifolia), romerillo (Chiliotrichum diffusum), and chauras (Pernettya mucronata).<br>
 
Walking now by flat land, you will find a continuity marker post, having Porteño lake to your right. This around 20 km² lake, discharges its water into Maravilla lake, a water body that cannot be seen from this route.<br>
 
Looking to the north, you may watch Porteño lake final portion by the isthmus that separates it from Toro lake. This sector gives rise to Peninsula del Toro, a wide section of “El Complejo” Ranch, with over 5,000 hectares of unmatchable cattle- breeding and tourism aptitude. Note that this ranch houses is a few Mayten forest (Maytenus boaria) in Magallanes Region.<br>
 
The path is always wide and well defined, making you easier to distinguish between a track among the little wood and the shrubs. After walking another 200 meters, path surface becomes softer for being made up leaf dirt. Then, you will start walking up by rocky ground and by sharp naked rock during several segments. 100 meters ahead, you will find the highest point and unmatchable natural Atalaya with beautiful panoramic views, corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 11.<br>
 
Now, you may appreciate the majestic south face of Tenerife hill (1,670 m.a.s.l.) at your back. Macizo del Paine is the most grandiose by the north and dominates the entire zone highlighting Cuernos del Paine (2,600 m.a.s.l.) and mount Almirante Nieto (2,670 m.a.s.l.). To the west and from north to south, we can see Castillo hill (1,250 m.a.s.l.), Campana hill (1,220 m.a.s.l.), Ventana hill (1,180 m.a.s.l.), and Mocho hill to the south-east (1,350 m.a.s.l.) as part of the sierra Manuel Señoret. Keep going by the path, always on naked rock and careful to its continuity, since it is not that clear. Be careful to start climbing down through the rocks since wind could be dangerous.<br>
 
Few meters later, the route clearly starts to climb down looking for Rincón river eastern bank. Path is clear here and 250 meters ahead, you will pass by a rustic handrail that crosses an old road driving to a quarry. Landscape is always beautiful with Macizo del Paine as a background. You will then find a new continuity marker post located always to your right.<br>
 
The path is always wide and clear, crossing sectors covered by low shrubs and thickets. Walk in the same direction and 300 meters ahead, you will find the equestrian path junction that drives to a ranch spot that cannot be seen from here.<br>
 
Turn to the right and follow the Rincón River, sounding at your left.<br>
 
From the last junction, walk around 500 meters until finally getting to a door. A ladder has been built in one side to cross the fence and arrive to the vehicle road and the bridge on Rincón river. If you cross the door, do not forget to leave it closed; these are good manners which are always appreciated in Patagonia.<br>
 
Cross Rincón bridge and continue by the vehicle road around 150 meters until arriving to Guidepost Nr. 12, corresponding to the entrance to the path and start of the third segment of this route.<br>
 
===Third Segment===
 
To take the track again, after crossing the bridge, observe the interpretative panel installed at one side of the road and that announces the third segment. You will walk on a land covered with thicket roots, always keeping your position at the west side of the vehicular road.<br>
 
After crossing, a few steps ahead there is a very thin water current. You should take a general direction to the north. During about 400 meters you will move forward through a forest of beautiful young forest of Antarctic Beech; the surface is now a beautiful firm-grass prairie. Besides increasing height, you will enter a forest of leafy and ripe Coigües, crossing again a rivulet. Although there is a footbridge, you should take some precautions to cross it. Take advantage to drink water and supply with it.<br>
 
Begin to enjoy the appearance of the first Guaitecas cypresses (Pilgerodendron uvifera) you will be finding on your way.<br>
 
Although the track continues through the rocky edge it is easily predictable. At both flanks you will find the presence of cypresses associated to Coigües (Nothofagus betuloides). After moving forward for about three hundred meters you will be entering in a forest of high Fire Bushed and Coigües; in spite the track is no longer in good conditions, it is clearly signaled, which will enable walking without difficulties. A large number of coicopihues (Philesia magellanica) cover the ground, providing great beauty to the environment, depending on the season of your visit. A few meters ahead and next to a short but steep slope you will find a beautiful sight of Tenerife Hill (1.670m.a.s.l.) which shows its northern face practically devoided of vegetation and in strong contrast to highly forested hillsides we saw in the north-east; these are indisputable signs of the dominant winds of the region favoring life in south-east hillsides. Seize this opportunity to immortalize this moment with a couple of photos.<br>
 
Continue in north direction. You will perceive the vehicular road at your right hand practically during all your way at no more than 200 meters. You will walk on rocks and sometimes on pillows of Líquenes. You will see a huge dump of dry commodities from recent construction labors of the new road. You should displace carefully on these huge stones. In a low-lying land you will face some difficulties to walk through some 200 meters between bushes and high pines. After this reef you will pass to another sector where you will walk comfortably. The dump will be accompanying you for about 200 meters at your right. Concentrate on the sight you have on your left where you will watch a beautiful mountain hillside almost within hand’s reach. Be careful when crossing a group of rocks existing in that place, which are risky because of their humidity.<br>
 
Continuing with the tour by the right side, you can observe a large forest of Guaitecas Cypresses that has favored its development as it locates on a peat surface. Do not doubt to come close and watch this particular natural system. You will observe how this tree species develops solely in flooded zones, feel its special aroma and confirm how the path of a big fire in 1925 burnt trunks. Now, 80 years later, cypresses show their new sprouts, denoting the regeneration of forest in these peat banks.<br>
 
Peat bank corresponds to heterogenic soils constituted by decomposed vegetal material and minerals accumulated through the years. Wrong drainage conditions after retrocession of ice, in cold and rainy climates favor this type of peculiar formations.<br>
 
Most representative species of peat bank areas are musgo de turbera (Spagnum magellanicum), gramíneas, cyperáceas, and species on cushions mixing with each other.<br>
 
It must be noticed that the high content of peat organic matter allows it is an excellent humus supplier, providing vigor to plants and vegetables and providing higher extension of roots. This has encouraged its use as fertilizer in seedlings and greenhouses.<br>
 
Continue by the east edge of this peat bank and then enter the adult forest. Consider a bit more than 150 meters in the wood until you arrive to a stream, corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 13, which can be crossed with precaution passing by bridged constructed thereto. This is an excellent site protected from strong winds.<br>
 
Next to the stream, take the advantage to admire an interesting wood of Coigües, partially intermixed with Canelo, representing what some day in the past were ripe forests in these humid valleys.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 13, continue in a north-west direction for about 300 meters across the forest and then get out of it. Always continuing by the main track, continue until reaching a site where land opens facing the south end of a riparian habitat with an interesting cypress bank, cross it. This crossing has been enabled with footbridges and it will lead you to the other end of the wetland or riparian habitat. We are in Guidepost Nr. 14, a beautiful site to watch this protected native specie.<br>
 
Ciprés de las guaitecas (Pilgerodendron uvifera), a native tree specie from the south cone, most austral representative of Coniferae, has leaves laid out in scale position very similar to alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) appearance, but arranged in pairs in one same point forming a cross.<br>
 
Generally, it is found in small size, but in favorable conditions it can reach up to 40 meters height and 1 meter of trunk diameter. The bark looks like the Larch but it is not reddish, forming partly pure woods.<br>
 
In these valleys, the Guaitecas Cypress is present in very restrained areas due to the extraction of its timber and fires, reason why it does not longer form pure woods but rather it associates with Antarctic Beeches and Coigüe of Magallanes.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 14, cross this same riparian habitat in a segment not higher than 100 meters which has also been intervened to improve conditions of hiking. From the north end of riparian habitat, walk up the partly rocky hillside gradually with north-west direction.<br>
 
Consider no more than 800 meters of steep ascent by rocky hillsides combined with thickets on lands with less marked track. In consequence, you should be a little more aware in the direction to be followed. Take general north-west direction until beginning a short descent by the hillside, where splendid panoramic views open to Macizo del Paine and Toro Lake in all their extension, corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 15, a site exposed to strong winds reason why you should have maximum precaution to possible falls or hypothermia.<br>
 
Toro Lake with a number of peninsulas and small bays is the largest lake of the region. It has an extension of 202 square kilometers and 320 meters depth. Its crystalline waters offer great conditions for sport fishing with the presence of brown trout and rainbow trout.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 15, follow direction to the north for 400 meters to arrive to a good benchmark in this part of the road: A natural bridge of rocks over a stream which will allow you to cross and follow across open lands covered by dense thickets and disperse Fire Bushes.<br>
 
From the previous natural rock bridge, calculate another 400 meters to the north until you reach to a stream with a rivulet that provides water supply.<br>
 
From the rivulet continue with equal direction for a little more than half kilometer and you will find an old fence, cross it watching at your left side a small waterfall of El Santo River, which you will cross later. From the old fence, star a small descent until finding a riparian habitat that you will see from the distance.<br>
 
Cross the riparian habitat or wetland and you will enter a wood immediately. At a few meters inside this wood of Coigües and Lengas (Nothofagus pumilio) you should cross El Santo River, a crossing corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 16, an ideal place to spend the night in a service area and continue walking across the last segment of this road the day after.<br>
 
===Fourth Segment===
 
Before starting this new segment, do not forget to bring a good supply of drinking water (minimum 2 liters per person) because, depending on the season of the year, it could be your last chance to obtain it before arriving to the Serrano River sector, finish of this heritage road.<br>
 
From El Salto River, continue climbing the hillside slightly changing direction to the north-east until you cross a fence. At a short distance, you will observe a small lagoon to east direction going downwards by the hillside until reaching Guidepost Nr. 17, an ideal place to observe one of the most representative tree species in these ecosystems.<br>
 
The endemic sauco (Pseudopanax laetevirens ) of sub Antarctic forests, grows up to 1,300 m.a.s.l., although in these latitudes it hardly grows more than 50 m.a.s.l. in humid and forest zones or on banks of water courses. This tree with a growth of up to 8 meters height has a grayish and smooth trunk. It characterizes for its blue fruits at the end of the summer giving an unequal coloring.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 17 continue the road to north-east direction where you will find at a short distance a small lagoon. When you cross this water body completely, it flows to north-west, and climbing by the rocky hillside at no more than 400 meters you will arrive to a sector, that depending on the season of the year, is slightly water-flooded. Be extremely careful when crossing these humid lands, and then continue by sharp rocks with extraordinary panoramic views for about 200 meters to the north-west. After a short descent, you will enter a Lenga coppice and immediately after you will arrive to a rivulet that during dry seasons does not contribute waters, reason why you should take a water provision before in El Santo River.<br>
 
Continue through the same direction going round the edge of a wood of Coigües and Fire Bushes not going down the stream until arriving to an interesting forest of canelo Trees, corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 18.<br>
 
The canelo (Drimys winteri) locates in swampy lands and next to rivers and streams between the Limarí River by the north and Cabo de Hornos by the south at no more than 1,200 m.a.s.l.. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, reaches about 30 meters height up to one meter of diameter. Bark is smooth, light gray, thick and soft.<br>
 
Sacred tree for the Mapuche people. They adore, venerate, and assign magic properties to it.<br>
 
Timber of canelo is very attractive, reason why it is used in construction, furniture and manufacture of musical instruments. It is not useful as fuel as when it burns it generates stinging smoke.<br>
 
In the past, canelo was used to fight scurvy as it was rich in Vitamin C. For its tannins, essence oils, antibacterial substances, and iron and calcium salts, it is used in applications to clean wounds and against rheumatism, stomach affections, throat pain, mange, tinea and even it has been discovered that it has properties in the treatment against cancer.<br>
 
After admiring these wonderful species and their qualities, and taking the tour again from Guidepost Nr. 18, you will enter a mixed wood of Coigüe and canelo Trees. Consider about 600 meters of steep climbing, in part they are step-shaped naked rocks, abundant thicket and adult wood, so you will have to be specially concentrated while you walk up. Although this climbing will demand some effort, do not forget the innumerable sites that allow to delight with wide panoramic sights that give a breath during this ascent.<br>
 
Consistently with the finish of ascents, at a few meters more to north-west direction, already upon descent, you will reach Guidepost Nr. 19, an extraordinary mirador with more than 180º of vision. We recommend a brief break and take some unequal panoramic pictures. Do not forget that in this place as in many other exposed sites of this road, strong winds are recurrent. Frequently, they reach speeds higher than 35 knots, making walking difficult. If you face them, remember that you are in one of the most atmospherically unstable zones of the planet that generate these peculiar phenomena and undoubtedly require that you equip properly with wind-resistant jackets and thermal clothes for these latitudes.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 19, walk about 300 meters, always in north-west direction until you see the first views from the distance of Grey Glacier. Consider that you are in open lands partially covered by thickets and with coppice of young forests, where the track is less precise. However, in less than half an hour you will be forced to cross a fence going downwards the mountain hillside. Already in the low part of the valley, you will take a track fairly clear again direct to north direction and pass across an interesting community of Fire Bushes. Approximately 200 meters ahead, after passing a rock step of about 5 meters height in the middle of the descent of open lands, you will arrive to Guidepost Nr. 20, a preferred site for those who enjoy with special attention, the tracks left on the rocks some day in the past by the path of huge ice mass and their abrasive power. They are glaciers of Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, particularly, Tyndall and Grey glaciers, which with their gradual quaternary retrocessions left these marks uncovered. They are real lines in furrows generated by their constant transport of detritus in permanent crash with the mother rock.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 20, always going downwards by the clear track, at 800 meters more to north direction from the last guidepost of interest, you could see a lagoon on your right side. Try to take your right hand in the next branching, entering into a riparian habitat with east direction. There is a long footbridge thereon which name is “Puente Toro”. Certainly it will facilitate your pass. Pay special attention to take your right again, once you have crossed the wetland from where you can continue your tour when getting near the public road, but without going through it.<br>
 
Continue the tour, walking downwards across open lands, crossing a small lagoon around its south edge. Go around the edge of this beautiful water body through a clear track until you arrive to a mirador, ideal for watching the bird fauna typical in these environments and that correspond to Guidepost Nr. 21. One again, if there is strongly windy day, take the necessary precautions.<br>
 
In this site, we can watch, among other species of birds, the Spectacled Duck (Speculanas specularis), that can be observed from Aconcagua to Magallanes in rivers and lagoons of woody zones.<br>
 
It has dark brown head and rear neck with large white spots around the eyes and front neck. This beautiful specie is generally in torrential rivers and forested lagoons of woody zones. They generally look for pools, ponds or puddles, where they are observed in couples or small family groups. Omnivores, they find food on the edge of rivers or lagoons, avoiding to get deep inside the open field.<br>
 
They nest in pastured islets and build a voluminous nest coated with plumule, covering it with grass and normally laying between 5 and 7 eggs.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 21 continue until the north end of the lagoon and from there go round the edge of the wood of Antarctic Beeches. There you will contemplate silence, the beauty of the singing of a number of bird species wondering in the wood, among them, the Andean Tapaculo (Currín del Sur - Scytalopus magellanicus) and the Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda). Follow the well-marked track, in a few minutes you will cross a small rivulet where you can supply with water, but, do not be confident, because in dry seasons this rivulet dries and will force you to supply with water from El Santo River during all this last segment.<br>
 
From this small rivulet, walk up by a small perron that will lead you to the east. Short after, you will arrive to an open sector, having a new chance to see interesting sights of the surrounding places.<br>
 
Continue going downwards the hillside gradually and soon you will arrive to a dump of rocky materials generated by the construction of the vehicular road to the Serrano River. Cross this dump by a segment of something more than 100 meters to north-west direction.<br>
 
After passing a small forest in clear track, you will start to climb by open lands with abundant Chaura and where panoramic sights of Macizo del Paine, Grey Glacier and Toro Lake are predominant. This will undoubtedly draw the attention of any tourist. At the end of the ascent, you will find Guidepost Nr. 22, corresponding to the sixth mirador of this road, an ideal place to contemplate the last views of Macizo del Paine and Toro Lake too. In this part of the tour, due to the exposure to strong winds coming from Campo Hielo Sur, we recommend to wear wind-resistant and thermal clothes appropriate for these austral latitudes.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 22, the track goes downwards smoothly by the hillside for about 200 meters until seeing for the first time in this route, the majestic Serrano River. Continue the tour leading to the west, crossing 3 small streams surrounded by beautiful coppices, sites appropriate for short breaks and that will protect you from strong winds.<br>
 
After crossing the third stream, you will arrive to a new mirador, Guidepost Nr 23, number seven in this route, where, under weather conditions with good visibility, you will be allowed to observe the Grey glacier and lake, as well as the valley of the Serrano River, which is coming closer. This is a clear announcement that we are getting near the final part of this heritage route.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 23, you can briefly climb the hillside by a track delimited by rocks, increasingly obtaining better sights of the valley. Take into consideration if weather conditions get worst or if you will require a sheltered place, because at 400 meters from the last guidepost you will pass across a forest, an ideal place to shelter. Otherwise, continue downwards, and short after you will arrive to a lagoon surrounded by centenary Coigües and Lengas providing the landscape with a peculiar beauty.<br>
 
From the lagoon, walk up by the clear track and continue through the forest for about 200 meters until you reach another interesting mirador of this route, corresponding to Guidepost Nr. 24, with a great panoramic view of the Serrano River.<br>
 
The Serrano River is part of one of the main hydrographic river basins in the region. It originates in Toro Lake and flows in Fiordo de Última Esperanza. It has a 7350 km2 basin, is 38 kilometers long and has a flow volume of 61 m3/sec on the upper part. Its main affluent is the Grey River, in addition to the course of the Paine River that flows in the Pehoe Lake and Toro Lake, respectively. It has a pluvial feeding system with snow contributions in summer. Due to its clean waters, this river is well known by the fishing of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, which weights range between 2 to 3 kilograms.<br>
 
From Guidepost Nr. 24, continue downwards, at a few meters you will enter a forest of shrubby young forest, and then find a branching of the track. Take your right thinking that in a few minutes more you will meet abreast a beautiful lagoon and a few meters beyond(farther), taking the left bank, the Guidepost Nr. 25.<br>
 
Very soon you will complete the Route and will access to a place where you could spend the night. In this lagoon, take a breath and recover energy for the last kilometers.<br>
 
Restarting our tour, take the path that continues the riverbed of the lagoon with west direction. Do not get away from the road. Continue then until reaching a clear zone dominated by an interesting adult wood of Lenga, which marks the direction to be followed through an open track that allows your passing through thickets until a new path bifurcation. Take the path at your right (the other one has been traditionally used by muleteers). In this part of the road, although not at sight, important archaeological vestiges - such as lithic workshops - have been found, remarking the ancestral occupation of the land by native people in these latitudes.<br>
 
Continuing our trek towards the west it will begin a short span of steep raises. Once above up we will walk along a relatively flat path bordering always on the hillside of the hill and with spectacular conference of the towers. We go direct towards the last milestone of our trek. We begin now the decrease across a fingerprint from where it will be possible to spy to fullness the zone of services out of the National Park Tower of the Paine, the Highland river and the area of administration of the properly such park. A bit later on you will intercept the way. A table of information and a panel of Welcome indicate us that we have come to the Guidepost Nr 26, Congratulations! You have finished the route. Through the road you can access the services zone and have a deserved rest and also reflect on the road run and the natural wonders appreciated in these 45 km of watching, learning and adventure through the Patagonia.<br>
 
===The Milodón Cave===
 
Milodón Cave is now a reference point and a must-see destination to travelers visiting chilean Patagonia. Located 24 km north the city of Puerto Natales, it is currently lodged by the 189.5 hectares that make up MILODÓN CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT. This Natural Monument is one of the three existing in the Region of Magallanes and is the most important and more visited by far – it received over 52,000 visitors only in 2005, among whom 55% were foreigners.<br>
 
As a Unit, it was created in 1978 being thus incorporated to the State Protected Area System under CONAF’s management.<br>
 
'''DISCOVERY OF THE CAVE:'''<br>
 
Hermann Eberhard, German colonist who had settled in the surroundings in 1893, visited in 1895, accompanied by other people, a huge grotto or cave that caught their attention by the east, opening to the western hillside of Benítez hill (51º36’ S - 72º41’ O). This huge 30 meter high and 80 meter wide cave, located around 160 meters above the sea level, is over 200 meters long.<br>
 
On February 1895, the visitors found a piece of dry skin that was semi- buried on the dusty soil. When they took it out, they all realized they had never seen such a thing before, considering that a number of little bones were located above the hairs. Size of this piece of skin was around 1.50 x 1.00 meter. They also found an apparently incomplete human skeleton next to the piece of skin.<br>
 
The piece of skin was taken to the near Estate Consuelo, where it was hung and caught the attention of whomever visited the district of Ultima Esperanza through this Estate- Port. Among the large number of people who visited the cave, we can highlight the Swedish geologist Otto Nordenskjold who was then, in 1896, directing scientific works conducted in Magallanes by an expedition from his country. In sum, Nordenskjold concluded that the remains found would correspond to an already extinct animal that he called Neomylodon listai and that could have lived in recent times and be contemporaneous to human beings.<br>
 
The Swedish scientist was followed by a huge number of naturalists, researchers, and study practitioners from many countries who are still making their best efforts to unveil this mystery, an interesting fact that has not been extinguished by the passage of years.<br>
 
'''CONCLUSIONS TO THE DATE:'''
 
Vestiges found correspond to a very big herbivore that disappeared late the Pleistocene (8,000 to 10,000 years BP). Scientific interest grew even more when recognized that primitive Patagonian man lived in the area, whose date would go back to around 12,000 years BP. These beings known as Paleoindians were land hunters who traveled into the fiord zone.<br>
 
In addition, the Milodón was a teethed and plantigrade mammal. It would have walked on all fours or on its two rear legs being supported by its strong tail.<br>
 
'''SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE CONNECTED TO THE NATURAL MONUMENT:'''
 
Researchers have made efforts for over one century both in the main cave and in minor caves, as well as in the number of eaves located in the area, reason why this sector is recognized as the best known and documented group of deposits in Chile and South-America with regard to primitive human settlement and natural life of that time.<br>
 
These works and vestige findings have thus demonstrated presence in this end of Patagonia of other representatives of extinct fauna, such as, Saber-toothed Tiger (Smilodon sp.); Big Camelid (Macchauchenia); Big Bear (Arctodus pamparum); Big Fox (Dusicyon avus).<br>
 
'''ORIGIN OF THE CAVE:'''<br>
 
The cave has changed very little from the times of primitive human presence and Milodón itself, only minor rock detachments and slightly bigger landslides, which are also very old.<br>
 
Confirmation of existence of a big paleolake called paleolake of Ultima Esperanza, that existed around 12,500 years BP, a key element for generation of proper environmental conditions for early human settlement, has allowed to clarify many doubts and to ascertain that Milodón Cave is a clear evidence of a lutite rocky stratum decomposition process, located below conglomerate level. This cave formation action was assisted by permanent whipping action of Paleolake of Ultima Esperanza water, that subsequently suffered its sudden emptying, but that previously carved and shaped current landscape.<br>
==Recommendations==
Before departure it is necessary to bring thefollowing elements:· Clothes including raincoat and thermalgear for greater safety and comfort,considering that routes are frequentlyunder strong wind and low temperatureconditions.· First aid kit.· UV protection cream and glasses.· Map of the route and watch to calculatetimes.· Bags to keep wastes.Basic elements:· Be previously informed about themeteorological conditions for a betterplanning of your visit.· Take the tour informed and read theguide before beginning each segment. Inorder to achieve an easier walking, thetrail have different types of information,from signs with written information whenhave been possible to do it, to colorribbons on trees and trail boundaries,made of stones and wooden sticks.· Consider seasonal variations that couldpartly alter floristic characteristics andaccess to water as mentioned in thistopoguide.· Pay special attention to the wet andslippery rocks.· Consider fluctuations in displacementtimes according to physical status andload transported. Remember thatsections in the route with extendedascents require good physical conditions.· Do not visit the route in Winter, except forskilled people with previous training forextreme weather conditions.· Special places, with information andfacilities, must be used for entrance andexit to the trail. Visitors should walk juston it. Do not separate from the route.· Do not remove or alter elements of theheritage route.· Do not hunt or disturb native fauna.· Do not remove species of native flora.· Do not leave garbage on the route, bringit with you.· Camp in authorized sites only.· Do not light fires.· Washing of dishes and clothes as well aspersonal cleaning, must be done withbiodegradable soap and at least at 60meters from water sources.<br>
*Clothes including raincoat and thermal gear for greater safety and comfort, considering that routes are frequently under strong wind and low temperature conditions.<br>
*First aid kit.<br>
*UV protection cream and glasses.<br>
*Map of the route and watch to calculate times.<br>
*Bags to keep wastes.<br>
 
Basic elements:<br>
 
*Be previously informed about the meteorological conditions for a better planning of your visit.<br>
*Take the tour informed and read the guide before beginning each segment. In order to achieve an easier walking, the trail have different types of information, from signs with written information when have been possible to do it, to color ribbons on trees and trail boundaries, made of stones and wooden sticks.<br>
*Consider seasonal variations that could partly alter floristic characteristics and access to water as mentioned in this topoguide.<br>
*Pay special attention to the wet and slippery rocks.<br>
*Consider fluctuations in displacement times according to physical status and load transported. Remember that sections in the route with extended ascents require good physical conditions.<br>
*Do not visit the route in Winter, except for skilled people with previous training for extreme weather conditions.<br>
*Special places, with information and facilities, must be used for entrance and exit to the trail. Visitors should walk just on it. Do not separate from the route.<br>
*Do not remove or alter elements of the heritage route.<br>
*Do not hunt or disturb native fauna.<br>
*Do not remove species of native flora.<br>
*Do not leave garbage on the route, bring it with you.<br>
*Camp in authorized sites only.<br>
*Do not light fires.<br>
*Washing of dishes and clothes as well as personal cleaning, must be done with biodegradable soap and at least at 60 meters from water sources.<br>
{{Topoguide|29}}
==Route in Google Earth==
==Expected time==
 *[[Media:.kmz|Route of...]] {{Download waypoints}}
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