26
ediciones
Cambios
→Season 2025/26
=Overview=
=Comments to GPT Track File Updates and Options=
*'''2025-08-26: Track file update 2025 and investigation suggestions of Jan Dudeck'''
- New GPT02 Variant B: A clear visible trail a bit higher up avoids some bush bashing on the regular route and should offer good better view from higher up. This higher trail should not add a additional ascent (SOBO) or descent (NOBO). Once verified and recorded I might change the regular route.
- New GPT02 Option 1 (Filo Cerro Horizonte): This new route is well visible on satellite image and offers more kilometers high up on the ridge. It looks more demanding and exposed compared to the regular but might be interesting for experienced hikers with appetite to verify new routes.
=Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=
==Season 2025/26==
* '''GPT02 | 2025-11-29 to 2025-12-04 | 5 days | hiking | SOBO | Route: Variant A - RR - Variant B - RR - Variant D - RR - Variant E - RR - Variant M | Michaela '''
• I had to pay 6,000 at the gate to Reserva Coyanco.
• All river crossings were easy.
• At Pass Cerros de Peuco there were many snowfields. I could bypass the first steep one by staying on the ridge. Later snowfields were easy to cross. The road was partly not visible under the snow.
• From the bridge labeled “Last reliable water source SOBO,” I took 5.5 liters of water with me. At the point labeled “GPT02 SOBO: Probably last water on next 25 km when no drought {02}” there was only a small stream, but it seemed quite contaminated.
• I took variant m. Right at the beginning I was stopped at a checkpoint, which called the mine security to escort me out. Everyone was very friendly. The mine security gave me lots of snacks and drinks and drove me to Coya, where they even helped me find accommodation.
Attraction: 3,5/5 Difficulty: 3/5
• 1. Camp -33.703109, -70.347766
• 2. Camp -33.771637, -70.367963
• 3. Camp -33.861047, -70.422445
• 4. Camp -33.961494, -70.426981
• 5. Camp -34.0674, -70.492837
• Hostal in Coya: -34.205711, -70.530671 (red building)
''' GPT02 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-20/SOBO/variant A/RR/Denis Rosa/ Robert Hanulík '''
It took us 4 days to hike second section, we combined it with GPT01.
There is water until bridge almost every hour from snow. After bridge one refill spot on -34.06783, -70.49324.
Snow conditions are pretty good we didn’t use microspikes at all. Biggest snow fields are after highest point on the trail (foto).
Difficulty 3/5
Attractiveness 3,5/5
* '''2025-Nov-10 to 16 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO (Northbound) / RR and Variant B and new exit from Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra to Codegua / Greg Carter, Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck '''
Access from Santiago to northern trail head of GPT02 very uncomplicated. Metro Linea 4 to Las Mercedes and then taxi collectivo (Cajon de Maipu) for only 2500 CLP per person to Bridge Camino Toyo.
Entrance fee was 6000 CLP per person. We negotiated the entrance fee down from 12000 CLP to 6000 CLP with the argument that we will not camp at the established camp site.
Water, Bridge {01} [36.2+0.2/1044] is destroyed. Fording was easy.
Water ? {02} [8.7/1298] without water. But a spring about 50 m downstream hidden under vegetation provided clear cold water. A vague trail after crossing the dry river bed leads down to the hidden spring. Location: -33.721410, -70.345563
Variant B is slightly longer but scenic and recommended. Will become Regular Route.
Snow started from around 2700 m elevation especially on south facing slopes. We deviated from the regular route in numerous locations to avoid steeper snow fields.
Last reliable water is at Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra. There a permanent spring is located outside of the buildings. Hikers are welcome to refill and camp.
Shortly after Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we left the regular route and descended towards Codegua on a new route since we did not plan to continue with GPT03. This new route is the standard route on which arrieros bring up animals. The regular route on the ridge in 1500 m to 2000 m elevation is generally hot and dry so the descent to Codegua is the more convenient alternative to exit GPT02 when reaching Coya is irrelevant. This exit route will be added to the GPT track files starting from 2026.
When reaching the large parking lot at hotel Leonora we hitchhiked out.
There are numerous camp spots along most of the route. Water was not an issue in November but in January or February some smaller streams may fall dry. In November carrying micro spikes is strongly recommended.
It was an attractive but demanding hike.
Between the start and Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra we met only two arrieros. At Puesto Huitriera Casa de Piedra normally arrieros are present.
New Routes are available in DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/emsjcb3ddd1r9pk2nopg3/ACEXH1HBs5ojBSQlXcPHpO8?rlkey=soufuizo473odklpq756v0b94&st=1sssczkz&dl=0
(New recommended Regular Route similar to Variant B and new Exit Route to Codegua to avoid walking into the mine when only hiking GPT02 and not connecting via Coya to GPT03)
* '''GPT02 / 06–11–2025 to 12–11–2025 / 6 hiking days / Hiking SOBO / Combined with GPT02 / Route: Variant A – RR – Variant E – Variant H – Variant I – RR / Athena Jones
'''
The first 2.5 days were smooth sailing, though with some long ascents. The trail was mostly easy to navigate, with only a very minor section of bush bashing. River crossings were just above my knee (I’m 178 cm).
Snow became unavoidable roughly from the Trail V for GPT01 Option 1 (NOBO route) and GPT02 Variant D. At this point, the trail became much more challenging, with many steep ascents and descents in and out of valleys. Often, the south-facing side of the valley would be completely snow-covered, and the other side a bit more bare. I took Variants E and H (road). Since everything—including the roads—was snow-covered, the roads were a little easier to follow. From Trail V to Variant H took me a day and a half, and I would highly recommend having a good weather window for this part, since the elevation sits between 2,500–3,100 m.
I didn’t need to use my microspikes since the snow was soft enough, but I was glad to have them because I would have needed them if the snow conditions were different.
From the bridge labelled “Last reliable water source SOBO,” I took 6 liters with me and found two small streams that I could top up from—one about 8 km from the bridge and the other about 12 km before the first emergency exit. (Wouldn’t skimp on the water filtering!) I camped 27 km from the bridge on a ridge before the first cell tower, and the following day I hiked to the road and hitchhiked to Coya. I had to walk for a bit to find a hitchhiking spot.
Attraction: 4/5
Difficulty: 4/5
Accommodation: I had to ask around since there’s nothing on Google Maps. Google Maps linkhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVyqMAVV8dFcLcJb8 This is where I am staying—I’ll put a photo on FB. It was 20 pesos per night; she did my laundry for me with no extra charge. There is a kitchen you can ask to use.
Resupply: Good supermarket with options for dietary needs, including soya TVP and vegan protein bars.
Extra: Almost stood on a snake.
==Season 2024/25==
* ''' GPT02+01 / 2025-04-02 to 2025-04-06 / 4 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V {02-C} +OH-TL-V {01-02} / Tim & Tobias ''' *
We combined GPT02 + 01 through the new option OH-TL-V {01-02} over the ridge and ended up in El Principal. It is a great option, especially going NOBO, because of the stunning view towards Santiago. Going SOBO can be difficult with water supply. We were also lucky with the heat and water supply, since it was snowing 4 days before departure. Did not meet anyone during the 4 days of hiking. For creators: Camp ? {02-C} [0.6/2646] could be shifted to -33.86167 -70.42479. It is much safer in terms of wind protection. More details on wiki.
