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{{IndexadaIndexed}}[[category:KMZconTrack]]{{RutaForm2_englishRutaForme
|Actividad=Trekking
|País=Argentina, Chile
|CiudadesArgentina=El Bolsón
|CiudadesChile=CuricóSantiago
|BellezaEscenica=Impresionante
|Atractivos=Vistas panorámicas, Glaciar, Bosque, Flora atractiva, Fauna atractiva, Lago, Laguna, Río, Fiordos, Formación Geológica, Cascada, Parque Nacional
|DuraciónDuracion=más de 90 días
|Sendero=Tramos sin sendero
|Señalizacion=Insuficiente
|Infraestructura=Inexistente
|ComparteIdayRetorno=Cruce
|Latitud1=-38
|AltitudMedia=900
|Primer Autor=Jan Dudeck
|Imágen Principal=Greater_patagonian_trail.jpg
|ComentariosImagen=GPT16: [[Volcán Mocho]] on the background.
|KMLZ=GPT_Minimized_NOT_FOR_HIKING_AND_PACKRAFTING.kmz
|TipoDeMap=HYBRID
|ComentariosMapa=GPT SAMPLE Minimized (NOT FOR HIKING AND PACKRAFTING) {{colores|red|Trail.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}
}}
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==SummaryIntroduction== [[File:GPT01-P0115.jpg|thumb|500px|right|GPT06: The volcanos Descabezado Grande and Cerro Azul with the Laguna Caracol to their feet. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT08-Arriero.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Arriero at the base of the Vulcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT06-P0005.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT11: Araucaria trees in the Pehuenche homeland. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT13-P0028.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Cross Country walking on volcanic ash at Cordon Caulle after recent eruption. File: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT28-Rio_Palena.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Packrafting the Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT_Glaciar_O'Higgins.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT38: Glaciar O'Higgins coming down from the Southern Icefield. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is a long-distance route network in the southern Andes that spans from the outskirts of Santiago all the way to southern Patagonia.
There are also various volcanoes and other summits along the route that can be ascended without rock climbing gear. I have also included optional tracks that get you literally into the last valley on the border between Chile and Argentina. These remote corners of the southern Andes are of particular interest to hikers that love to venture into remote back-country.
If you have questions that are not answered in this trail descriptions introduction quickened your appetite to explore this network of trails then don't stop reading here and don't pack your backpack yet. The GPT is quite different from what you may send me an emailmight expect. Also your feedbacks are very welcomeEspecially if you have thru-hiked the famous long-distance trails in the US (i. Please report any changes e. the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail or errors to correct the trail description and Continental Divide Trail) or if you walked on the trail fileEuropean pilgrimage trails (i.e. All GPS records and waypoints along the route network are very helpful to update and maintain Camino de Santiago) don't assume that the trail file. If GPT will be a similar experience and that you have change are already prepared for it. This region and extension proposals please send the proposal ideally with a GPS record to the authorthis route network is unequal in nature. Alternative routes Some best practices and habits that are attractive for hiking or packrafting will important on established trails in the US and Europe would be included as a trail option or result foolish in a change of Patagonia. Other skills and aptitudes are essential to truly appreciate the regular routeGreater Patagonian Trail.
In the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual] I try to rectify potential incorrect assumptions and outline the essentials for hiking and packrafting on this trail network. You should also read the publications of other hikers and packrafters to learn from the diverse experiences on the Greater Patagonian Trail.
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==Information to the GPT==
The GPT is an informal route network therefore you will not find any “official” information. In the following I list all relevant resources that help to understand the GPT and to get prepared for an adventure on this trail system.
===This GPT Wikiexplora Article===
The Hikers’ Manual consists of three parts:
Chapter 1 provides a general overview and a good understanding of the nature of the GPT. You should read the entire chapter 1 thoroughly if you consider hiking on this route network because this part of the Hikers’ Manual guides you through your preparation.
Chapter 2 familiarizes you with the geography of the southern Andes and describes each section of the GPT. This local knowledge is essential to thoughtfully select your route on this vast network and to prepare yourself for each section while hiking. Therefore, parts of chapter 2 are important during the preparation phase while other parts will become your guide when hiking on the GPT.
Chapter 3 goes deep into specific topics. You will require this expertise for specific tasks e.g. when setting up your GPS or when calculating distances and estimating travel times. The Appendix also contains valuable additional information that contribute to a profound understanding of the GPT and the region.
The limits of Patagonia are as fuzzy as Greater Patagonian Trail is an informal trail network that grows and changes regularly. And creating and updating the imaginations of many when they hear “Patagonia”documentation to this evolving trail network relies on voluntary work only. There Therefore, this Hikers’ Manual is not expected to be completed in the foreseeable future and will remain a growing and evolving document. This unfinished nature has been made intentionally visible by displaying empty chapters with red “To be issued.” remarks and similar comments in red. This shows what topics are some core ideas that most people connect planned to be covered with “Patagonia” like vastness, wilderness future updates and solitude but few have precise knowledgewhere contributions and reviews are welcome.
===The GPT Track Files===
Hikers that feel uncomfortable being guided by a GPS need to learn and adapt to this form of navigation or discard the idea of hiking the Greater Patagonian Trail. Such hikers may resort to the established public trails in Patagonia that are better signposted and more suitable for classic navigation with paper maps.
The track files are provided on personal request by the author free of charge but not unconditionally. Read Chapter 1 of the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] where you find the Code of Conduct on the GPT and the Terms and Conditions for Using the Hikers’ Manual and the Track Files. Review these conditions and read why they were put in place. Should you agree all Terms and Conditions, follow the instructions in Hikers’ Manual.
===The GPT Facebook Group===
The GPT Facebook Group is a communication platform for past, present and prospective GPT adventurers. Here having all hikers can announce their intended plans, seek other hikers to form small groups, post brief summaries after completing a packraft becomes very beneficial in particular from section GPT17P to GPT39 where you can use your inflatable boat on 40% of the distanceor simply ask questions.
The GPT Facebook Group is also the location where I now notify hikers when a new version of the Hikers’ Manual is published, when updated track files are available and where I share other news regarding the GPT.
To become member of the [http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook GPT Facebook Group] you need a Facebook account and request access: http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook
===Publications to the GPT by other Hikers and Packrafters===
There is another reason why my writing is rather technical. I’m an Engineer by trade, I work as an inspector and issue inspection reports on a regular base. For this I need to carefully choose my words to be factual and precise but also legally sound. Storytelling is neither needed nor welcome in my inspection reports. When numbers are available or when information can be structured into tables or charts than this is always preferred over well phrased verbal descriptions. You will notice these writing habits in the Hikers’ Manual and the Wikiexplora article.
The Hikers' Manual provides in chapters 3.7 Distinct Contributors and 3.8 Publications to the GPT a collection of links to videos and blogs that I consider particularly useful.
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====Become a Contributor to the The GPTRoute Network====If you want to become a collaborator on this amazing project you are very welcome. Don’t just be a beneficiary; become a contributor. If you walk on the GPT please continuously record your hike by GPS and share these records with me (Email of author: gpt.jan.dudeck@gmail.com). Save useful waypoints on your GPS and highlight where you got lost or struggled with the trail. This is essential to keep the tracks updated.
[[File:GPT36H-Ruta_de_los_Pioneros.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT36H: Poorly maintained historic horse trail "Ruta de los Pioneros". Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT16-Quetrupillan.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT16: Circling the volcano Quetrupillan with the volcano Villarica in the background. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
The GPT route network starts in the outskirts of the Chilean capital Santiago de Chile and reaches all the way to Tierra del Fuego and Isla Navarino on the southern tip of the continent. The actual length that someone may walk and paddle on the GPT depends highly on the chosen route, the start and the finish point and the method of travel (hiking or packrafting).
The GPT is not a trail that can be hiked efficiently. The trail will change your plans without asking and inevitably stop you from time to time or even turn you around. Also, the period of suitable hiking weather is in parts quite short. Some sections become traversable December or January after most snow has molten and the rivers calmed down and can be forded safely. In late March or during April fierce snowstorms may make the route impassable again.
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==Section Information=={| class="wikitable"|- style="vertical-alignThe GPT Terrain:top;"! styleGreater Patagonia="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Section Name! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Number! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Best<br>Season! style="text-align: left;" | Hiking-<br>Only-<br>Option! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Packraft-Option! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Additional Hiking Options! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Villages and towns '''on the trail''' or ''near the finish'' for resupply|-! style="text-align: left;" | Direction<br>Options! style="text-align: left;" width="85" | Packraft<br>Usage! style="text-align: left;" | Direction<br>Options|-style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Descabezado| GPT01| Dec-Apr| South ↓| Side trips only| South ↓| Summit Descabezado, Hidden Lakes| ''On the way to the start: Santiago de Chile, Curicó, Molina <br> After section finish: San Clemente, Talca''|-style="vertical-align:top;"| Laguna Dial| GPT02| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| May be used| Any ↑↓| Laguna del Maule and El Troncoso, Laguna las Truchas| ''San Fabian, San Carlos, Chillán''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Chillan| GPT03| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Experts only| Any ↑↓| Summit Chillan Viejo, Laguna las Truchas, Rio Nuble and Las Aguilas, Eastern Side of Laguna de Las Lajas | ''Antuco, Los Angeles''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Antuco| GPT04| Nov-May| Any ↑↓| Experts only| Any ↑↓| Summit Antuco, Around Antuco, Eastern Side of Laguna de Las Lajas| ''Ralco, Santa Bárbara, Los Angeles''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Laguna El Barco| GPT05| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Side trips only| Any ↑↓| -| ''Ralco, Santa Bárbara, Los Angeles''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Guallali| GPT06| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Not used| Any ↑↓| Summit Moncol| ''Lonquimay''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Laguna Marinanqui| GPT07| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Side trips only| Any ↑↓| Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde| '''Liucura on the trail''', ''Lonquimay''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Sollipulli| GPT08| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| May be used| Any ↑↓| Summit Sollipulli, Icalma| '''Icalma and Reigolil on the trail''', ''Curarrehue, Pucon'' |- style="vertical-align:top;"| Curarrehue| GPT09| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| Not used| Any ↑↓| Fundo Huililco | '''Curarrehue on the trail''', ''Pucon''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Quetrupillan| GPT10| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Side trips only| Any ↑↓| Summit Quetrupillan, Valle Termal| ''Liquiñe, Coñaripe, Pucon'' |- style="vertical-align:top;"| Liquiñe (Hiking)| GPT11H| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| May be used| Any ↑↓| -| '''Liquiñe and Puerto Fuy on the trail'''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Neltume (Packraft)| GPT11P| Oct-May| -| Required| South↓| -| '''Neltume and Puerto Fuy on the trail'''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Lago Pirihueico| GPT12| Nov-May| South↓| Beneficial| South↓| -| '''Chabranco on the trail''', ''Llifén, Futrono''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Puyehue| GPT13| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| South↓| Summit Puyehue, Hot Spring| ''Entre Lagos, Osorno''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Antillanca| GPT14| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Not used | Any ↑↓| "La Plaza"| ''El Poncho, Puerto Rico, Panguipulli''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Lago Todos Los Santos| GPT15| Oct-May| South↓| Experts only| South↓| -| '''Ralún and Cochamó on the trail''', ''Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Cochamó| GPT16| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| Any ↑↓| -| '''Llanada Grande on the trail''', ''Lago Puelo, El Bolson''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| PN Lago Puelo| GPT17| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| South↓| -| '''Villa Rivadavia on the trail'''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| PN Los Alerces| GPT18| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| South↓| -| '''Villa Futalaufquen on the trail'''|-|}
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[[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo1.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: The summer outpost ("puesto") of the Pehuenche family Carrileo near Guallalí. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo2.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: Being guest of the family Carrileo. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
Therefore, I do not recommend attempting a thru-hike of the GPT. This focus would require rushing and taking less attractive short cuts, in example deviating from GPT to walk on main roads instead of following the trails. It inhibits slowing down to fully appreciate the land and share time with the people along the route. And more importantly, someone who tries to thru->hike the GPT in one season is forced to hike some sections off season. This results in unreasonable risks by attempting to cross torrential rivers and climbing to high elevations when fierce blizzards can kill. And remember, when walking these trails, you are just a guest on the land of others. Just the idea of racing through strangers’ backyards is regarded a rude in these remote regions.
'''From a thru-hiking perspective the GPT is less than a long-distance trail.''' There is no clearly defined and well-marked single trail to blaze along, there is no thru-hiking community to trail talk and there are no “trail angels” providing “trail magic”. On the GPT hikers have no domiciliary rights; they are just unexpected guests. Also, the packrafting options do not benefit thru-hiking as they do not make a traverse faster.
And what might be the biggest disappointment for some thru-hikers on the GPT: There is no trail community and thru-hikers do not receive any special admiration because nobody along the trail distinguishes between thru-hikers, section-hikers, day-hikers, or tourists in general.
'''For respectful explorers the GPT is much more than a long-distance trail.''' It’s a wide network of routes with many hiking options and packrafting in a diverse landscape. A unique blend of people lives along the trails making the hike more of a cultural experience. If approached with respect and interest, then these welcoming people will share much more than just the right-of-way regardless where you are coming from and where you are walking to. On this trail your willingness and capability to immerse yourself in this culture will be more relevant than the weight of your backpack.
If you find Triple Crown Thru-Hikers more credible to speak about thru-hiking the GPT than read in the Hikers' Manual how Lauren Reed (Neon) and Christine Thürmer (German Tourist) experienced the GPT in comparison with the renowned US long distance trails. Lauren was the first hiker to walk the entire length of the GPT in two seasons together with Bethany Hughes (Fidgit).
Someone who wants to explore the entire length of GPT should split this adventure into various seasons. This also facilitates hiking lightly where a packraft would just be a burden and to packraft were the extra weight really pays off. Having more than one season also gives the extra time to take some of the more demanding but rewarding options.
There is one more reason why a thru-hike of the GPT in the literal sense is not viable. Thru-hiking means walking a complete long-distance trail with connecting footsteps from start to finish typically in one season. This is only possible on a well-defined trail with a set start and finish point. This simply does not apply to the GPT.
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==Other notable Long Distance Trails and HikesPackrafting the GPT=====Long Distance Trails=======[[Huella Andina]]====The [[Huella Andina]] is a long distance trail on the Argentine side of the Patagonian Andes with a combined total length of 564 km. This trail is a mostly signposted and marked hiking trail and substantially less demanding when compared with the Greater Patagonian Trail. The Huella Andina was developed considering that hiking novices may walk this trail. Therefore neither optimal equipment nor plenty of hiking experience are a precondition to take this route. The Huella Andina provides a resupply point at least on every second day. A GPS is not required to follow this trail. To the knowledge of the author of this article no full GPS record nor detailed hiking maps are published yet for the Huella Andina but trail descriptions are available on [http://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php/Huella_Andina Wikiexplora].
[[File:GPT_Fjord_Packrafting.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Reaching the sea after paddling down the Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
==Questions and Feedbacks==
If you read this article to this point then you should definitely download the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual from Dropbox] now. Should you have questions that are not answered in the Hikers’ Manual than you may write the author an email. Also feedbacks are welcome.
Email of author: gpt.jan.dudeck@gmail.com
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{{Trekkings Chile}}
[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]
[[category:Parche Greater Patagonian Trail]]