Plantilla:Day 3 Lago Verde - Lago Palena (English)

This section starts at Quinto River’s last crossing on the exact point where the river is born draining water from Quinto Lagoon. The route touches its western shore and continues to the North following the water’s edge.Some minutes later the route regains its altitude and returns to higher lands reaching Guide Post Number 20after 2.2 kilometers.The post indicates a charming nameless stream flowing to Quinto River’s lagoon that must be crossed at this point. The surface is flat but very humid and even swampy at some places.Riding on the stream’s bed is a good idea to avoid obstacles like trunks or mud pools found on the way. Loosing this irregular and not clear trail might be quite easy on these conditions,so special attention must be taken on signs,like the red stakes planted by Sendero de Chile or broken branches and steps left by baquianos riding their horses or driving their cattle through these same areas.
The route continues to the northeast avoiding mud pools and crossing innumerable small streams forming swamps, mud pools and many “meandros”(river sharp bends due to scarce gradient on the surface).Lenga forest is dominant at this stage. Approximately half a kilometer later is Guide Post Number 21.This camp ground area was established and built by Sendero de Chile’s maintenance people.There are basic facilities, including tables and benches,fresh water from a pristine stream and lots of firewood from dead trees.Travelers must be aware that this place is recommended as a camp ground only during late spring to early autumn.It must be avoided during rainy periods because its extreme flatness and poor drainage conditions,force water to accumulate turning the place into a quagmire.
To the north the route reveals many bridges built over muddy areas,high grass zones and Lenga renovales. Guide Post Number 22 (Important Fork), is 600 meters away from number 21, and stands on a fork from where two routes are possible;one heading northwest and the other heading northeast. The Northwest trail goes by a lagoon and huge mallines (wetlands) before heading to the mountains. The Northeast trail must be taken in order to reach Palena Lake,which is the objective of this trail.
Wetlands and muddy areas will start to disappear now as the route climbs up on the side hills.
The surface trail presents a particular an irregular shape. It is covered with Canelilla or Traro (Ovidia andina) and is surrounded by beautiful and gigantic Lenga trees.The route goes up and downhill for about 1.100 meters before reaching Guide Post Number 23, named Rocas del Barranco (Cliff rocks). The place is covered with Lenga trees. This forest is quite particular due to the presence of numerous huge rocks all over the place.These rocks are part of fallen blocks from the surrounding mountain’s rocky cliffs and peaks. It is surprising that one of those blocks fell and remained sitting as a natural roof, very useful on rainy weather.
The route becomes steeper to the north but the surface remains in good conditions not affecting the pace. Heading northeast the trail arrives to a small river flowing south.Its bed is wide enough to support abundant vegetation,mainly Coigue and Lenga renovales. Following the river upstream and having it crossed several times,the route passes trough a vast plateau decorated with several standing dead trunks. Some meters later and without prior notice the route arrives to Guide Post Number 24.At this point the route leaves the river course behind,heading north to penetrate a sloppy hillside with moderate gradient on the western side of Palena Lake. Among the species present Lengas and Canelillos are dominant.

It is important to mention that 400 meters past Guide Post Number 24 is the borderline between XI th and X th regions which indicates the beginning of Reserva Nacional del Lago Palena (Palena Lake’s National Reserve).
At this point the route goes parallel to Palena Lake shore at a distance of approximately 300 meters. Suddenly in the middle of the dense forest the trees uncover an impressive view to Palena Lake.The color of the water is unforgettable. This lookout is where Guide Post Number 25 stands, named Vista al Lago or Lakes lookout.
The green color of the mountains is energizing and Lenga forest makes the ride an incredible and highly enjoyable experience.The route goes by a small lake and after a 2.300 meters ride it arrives to Rio Corto or Short River. The route crosses the river and finds Guide Post Number 26,place chosen by CONAF to build a shelter consistent of two rustic shacks with big open fireplaces, a good quality toilet, dirt floor and rustic roof made out of trunks. The huts are well equipped and have a marvelous sight of the lake, however it is not advisable to spend the night here due to the lack of grass for feeding the horses.
From this point the trails turns to the Northeast and penetrates slopes covered with Lenga forest and a carpet made from Canelilla. It is common to found in this area “cubetas endorreicas” (soil depressions without drainage) forming small lagoons surrounded by wetlands.The trail is well delimited with an acceptable surface so the ride should be one of an easy pace.
Guide Post Number 27will be found after riding for 1050 meters to the northeast at a place called Arroyo Sin Nombre,meaning “Stream with No Name”.Clear waters flow slowly inside the forest forming “meandros”, adding extra beauty to the scenery. Crossing the stream shouldn’t be a problem.The route continues to the Northeast.
After two kilometers riding under an exuberant Lenga forest and on an excellent and clearly limited route,is Guide Post Number 28.The spectacle is magnificent,with many still nameless waterfalls shining all over the place.These waterfalls are formed by conjunction of a few tiny rivers.Later,a short but steep climb presents no challenge for the horses.Lenga trees get bigger every time and the floor covered with Canelilla now mixes with Chaura.
Six hundred and eighty meters on an up and downhill route and Guide Post Number 29 is found.The post indicates the existence of this huge prairie that many years ago used to be mallines area or wetlands. Nowadays animals are brought here during summer time to feed them, allowing valley’s prairies to rest. It is recommended to cross this prairie on a straight line heading northeast. After half a kilometer the traveler will find Guide Post Number 30, where pastures finish and the route is born again.
This is an excellent camp ground, with flat and dry areas,fresh water from a clean stream and dry burning wood from fallen trees.However in order to follow this guide’s itinerary it is recommended to continue. From Guide Post Number 30 onwards,the route heads to the west trough Lenga forest consistent of big adult specimens and a beautiful carpet of Canelilla. Some streams will be crossed and one kilometer further a huge green lagoon appears on a northern direction.The green color of its water may drive the traveler to confusion,thinking that this is Palena Lake.But this is only a small lake on a higher altitude. Heading West on this up and down sloppy trail is Guide Post Number 31 where the renamed Refugio de Sanchez Pobre or “Poor Sanchez’s Shelter” is found.This hut was built with axe carved trunks,has dirt floor and a huge interior fireplace. The shelter’s condition is not optimal and sleeping here is not recommendable. However is good enough for cooking and hiding from bad weather.Some recent “roces”in the area are covered with abundant grass for horses. Firewood and fresh water are easily found.Wooden fences to lock horses in are found, too. The name of the shelter honors Mr Sanchez, a local and famous baquiano,who built this shelter because he used to bring his cattle to this area during summer periods.