This change of plan turned out to be an excellent choice. In Patagonia high mountains are rather like islands that rise out of a wild sea of dense tempered rain forest. It’s not as simple as it seems. Option 1: You can take the 10 km dirt road to the regular trail section end where the next part of the Greater Patagonian Trail starts. On many of these trails a customary right-of-way applies but some routes cross private land and you often can’t know what is where the case. But for now this southbound extension is not on the top of my agenda. If the attention span was too short to read to this passage than the GPT is certainly to long and incosistent. In these blogs you find a much more personal account that shows the individual perception of the trail. Keeping my personal stories mostly out and maintaining this documentation rather technical benefits a systematic preparation but makes the Hiker’s Manual and the article on Wikiexplora a bit pale. But we always managed to find passable trail even if it meant returning a day’s hike. Since then we returned twice to Patagonia to hike and paddle the southern extension all the way to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and we investigated various alternative routes in the northern and central area of this trail. The isolation of some parts of the trail demand a self-reliant attitude and cautious behaviour. For the younger generation moving into a town seems more promising than the burden of making a living on the “campo” (English: cultivated land). This adapted velocity allows you to wait in front of a pass if the weather is too volatile to climb up or to spend a day or two waiting at a lake if it is too windy to paddle with your packraft. You should also watch the feature documentary “Unbounded” and read the publications of other hikers and packrafters to learn from the diverse experiences of others on the Greater Patagonian Trail. Most but not all river sections are relatively well wind-shilded. In the last years I had numerous profound talks about the essence of hiking and what it takes to appreciate such an endeavor in a sustainable manner. Both, non-commercial and commercial republications are not permitted without prior written consent by the author and copyright owner. The Greater Patagonian Trail leads partly through rather isolated uninhabited areas with no mobile phone coverage at all. Packrafting and exploring the beautiful lakes and rivers allows to reach even deeper into these wonderful and wild ecosystems. These island-like mountains are separated by wide valleys that were carved by giant glaciers during past glacial periods. These authentic encounters are part of the beauty of this trail. Once the meat is well cooked over the fire you can carry the left overs and consume it during the next two or three days. Internet trail exchange platforms in particular: with more than 1500 km length it’s a greater trail than all other published trails in Patagonia. In theory you can manually submit an "OK" message without purchasing the tracking option but this may result in rather long "black-out" periods since many signals don't get submitted successful and the devise itself does not provide any feedback if the signal was transmitted correctly or not. The Cordon Caulle is a vast open volcanic field next to the volcano Puyehue that you can be roomed freely. The objective of this group is sharing updates and providing feedbacks to the trail. From this point the Hiking-Only-Option of the GPT follows for about 13 km the Huella Andina (See Huella Andina Section 33). Demanding and very slow advance. I had several times a not visible broken off spin in a fingertip that resulted in a small wound that did not heal for days until I removed the spine by cutting into the skin and removing the remaining spine tip manually. You certainly do if you are reading this article but do you know how to prepare a filling and delicious meal with the different supplies available in mountains in Chile and Argentina? If you have questions that are not answered in this trail descriptions then you may send me an email. Read in the Hiker's Manual chapter 1.15 Terms and Conditions for Using the Hiker’s Manual and the Trail Files on page 139 to review these conditions and to understand why these conditions were put in place. Most of this section was planned using Google Earth and Bing Maps. In case of an accident a satellite based emergency communication devise may contribute to your survival. By now, 15 years later, the objective has shifted. When you experience such hospitality be generous. It is designed to be read on a computer or on a smartphone while being online or offline. Bethany and Lauren are on their way to traverse the length of the Americas by non-motorized means to connect stories of the land and its inhabitants. This is one reason why seemingly less prepared hikers enjoyed the trail more and covered more ground than some highly experienced hikers. If your primary interest is visiting the heavily trod, famous places of Patagonia then stick to the national parks and bus in between. Due to the dense forest possible trails are well hidden and. The Greater Patagonian Trail is composed out of existing routes that were mainly made by the local settlers to serve their purposes. For more information see: Wild boar aggression towards humans on wikipedia. Therefore, to get a more personal insight to this trail read as part of your preparation some blogs written by hikers that travelled the GPT in recent years. Such material is made available in the believe that this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material. Rivers should only be crossed with shoes and hiking poles for added stability. The places I've been along the GPT, as a generality, seem more remote than most distance trails I've experienced in the US- think central/northern Montana along the CDT, minus the bears and plus a few more passes. They moved in without being guided by maps and GPS and without your functional ultra-light gear. When being on the GPT: Be a Sustainable Guest, Blogs about the GPT by Hikers and Packrafters, Terms and Conditions for Using the Hiker’s Manual and the Trail Files, Additional Remark to these Terms and Conditions, Trail Files of the GPT for Google Earth and GPS, Lauren "Neon" Reed comparing the GPT with the US Long Distance Trails (CDT, PCT, AT), Remark to "Before you depart: Be careful doing this ...", Remark to Best Practices and Hiking Recommendations, Other notable Long Distance Trails and Hikes, Deia Schlosberg & Gregg Treinish: Across the Andes, Jeannette Leenders & Arlen Hoebergen: Across Chile. This is not a trail for someone who doesn't know how to use a GPS or Compass. With this condition I want to prevent that outdated versions remain in circulation and that this material is published in an inappropriate context. If your expectation of Patagonia is based on a brief Google search and a few articles about Patagonia than you probably have seen primarily these three heavily hyped tourist magnets: These are three truly amazing spots on the eastern edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and are internationally known highlights of Patagonia. Therefore I outlined in chapter 3.16 on page 82 numerous hazards and risks that hikers of the GPT are exposed to. But just living off the land without transforming it like the native nations did not count. On the Argentine side the understanding of the limits can be equally different. This trail is therefore not suitable for hikers who are out to race a clock, that need to have full control and who measure their success in kilometers or miles. If this introduction quickened your appetite to explore this network of trails then don't stop reading here and don't pack your backpack yet. Therefore this service cannot be used to ship resupplies directly to the trail. It inhibits slowing down to fully appreciate the land and share time with the people along the route. Therefore, parts of chapter 2 are important to read during the preparation phase while other parts will become your guide when hiking on the GPT. Therefore the actual length that someone may walk and paddle depends highly on the selected sections, the chosen route and the method of travel (hiking only, packrafting wherever possible or a balanced combination of both). About 86% of the current trail is located on Chilean territory and 14% is on Argentine soil. After an displeasing exchange of emails he actually started to exchange names to stop the inappropriate use of the trail name. You may note on some a small white buzzer which you must press to call attention. There might be a river that is too high and to powerful to be forded safely or a land owner that does not want to let pass anyone. Therefore do no rely on the GPS waypoint for river crossings but always judge the situation yourself before attempting to ford a river. But there are a few exceptions; some are already briefly mentioned above under Hiking Direction. Lingual flowers are neither needed nor welcome in my inspection reports. Stacked in this engulfing forest a disabling accident is enough to be never seen again. ", Carla Lange: "The GPT is not a hiking trail, it's an adventure and words do not do my experience on it justice. The trekking guide book "Trekking in the Patagonian Andes" describes the trail around the volcano Antuco. The trail is simply too long and demanding to attract large crowds. Route that passes through overgrown terrain. I’m not attempting to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Chile and Argentina with the following paragraphs. Both option rejoin briefly on Section 26 in the area of Cerro Castillo. While hiking we were told about several incidents along the trail where local inhabitants and outside tourists got lost, disappeared without trace or froze to death in bad weather. These "low-key" hikers covered more distance and really immersed into the land along the GPT what made it such an stunning experience for most of them. During summer rain is infrequent and short and you can mostly enjoy sunny weather. You can cook at your tent and store all you food in your tent without fearing a visit of a hungry bear. Great care must be taken to leave a river latest at the last recommended exit point because mortal rapids are often downstream even if you don’t see or hear them at the last exit point. of the trail files without sufficiently emphasizing the Code of Conduct and Best Practices jeopardizes the protection and preservation of this region and endangers the currently generally positive relationship between the residents along this trail and hiking guests. He loved the idea to be the first to investigate and record them and so he did! The river Cuacuá from Reyehueico to the lake Neltume appers calm and easy navigable on the satellite images which could be confirmed when floating down this river. Exaggerating the threat to the animal through intense eye contact, loud but calm shouting, and any other action to appear larger and more menacing, may make the animal retreat. Published and Verified but currently unmaintained by Argentine government. Both countries are on a global scale reasonably stable and healthy democracies, Argentina may be with a bit more populism and corruption than Chile. When hiking southbound you will leave the property at the entrance where the guard lives. Since then we returned twice to Patagonia to hike and paddle the southern extension all the way to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and we investigated various alternative routes in the northern and central area of this trail. Whoever “cultivates” a piece of land could apply for a land ownership title after a couple of years. Some of these death are remembered with memorial stones or plaque that an attentive hiker can see along the trail. Round flat dough-cakes are formed with a hole in the middle and gently put into a pot of hot oil of fat over a fire. The trekking map "Condor Cicuit" issued by trekkingchile.com was very useful second source. To minimize the risk of introducing pests, invasive plants and animals such imports are highly regulated and controlled. Wikipedia states: “There is no known antiviral treatment, but natural recovery from the virus is possible with supportive treatment. Guided commercial tours and for-profit expeditions that cross private properties can quickly change the acceptance and the relationship with the land owners. In the last 10 years there were 3 major eruptions on or close to the route and numerous alarming hiccups of not so dormant volcanoes. If the GPT is not (yet?) A good part the trails and cross-country routes remained undocumented until recorded and published digitally for the GPT. Racism dominated the thinking at this time and the ruling class where mostly decedents of white Europeans and they were looking for people of their kind to repopulate the land. Nomad 7 from GoalZero with the Guide 10 Plus Power Pack. Note the publish date on the cover page in the right bottom corner and check occasionally for updates. Knowing at least basic Spanish language skills is a must if you want to feel connected or informed in any of the areas you go through. I can recommend the following more established hiking areas in Patagonia: An other excellent option to explore parts of the GPT in a more controlled manner is a horse riding trip. This local knowledge is essential to thoughtfully select your route on this vast network and to prepare yourself for each section when actually hiking on the GPT. Some milk their cows and make cheese. And the interest in this land is constantly growing, regardless how remote it is; rich Chileans and foreigners will buy it. The trekking map "Condor Cicuit" issued by trekkingchile.com was very useful second source. The first two years we paddled without using a drysuite but I consider this now a beginner's mistake. What if you're not paying attention to your battery life and your GPS dies? In instable weather keep your eyes open and memorize potential protected camp sites and puestos if you are forced to turn around to seek shelter. Patients with suspected hantavirus are usually admitted to the hospital and given oxygen and mechanical ventilation support to help them breathe during the acute pulmonary stage. Region (Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena with the provinces Magallanes, Tierra del Fuego, Última Esperanza and Antártica Chilena). These omnivores range in particular the Araucania and love Araucaria "piñones". Therefore you can refrain from googling this person and simply learn from this "case study" as described here. I can i.e. In particular Piia Kortsalo, Oliver Barker, Bethany Hughes and Lauren Reed were instrumental in putting these advises together. In this region of Chile even the most important road; the Carretera Austral; has a 50 km wide gap that can only be crossed by ferry. If you was forced to skip attractive sections you may come back later and attempt them in the oposite direction if it suites more from a logistical point of view. But after he started his journey it took precisely 7 days till he aborted the would-be thru-hike. 8 kg or 4 kg per person if shared. Female animals are normally preserved to maintain the flock so mainly the male goat get sacrificed(a rare example of male discrimination). It’s no trail for outdoor novices. Download the trail file and virtually hike on the GPT by reviewing the tracks in detail in Google Earth. I’m deeply grateful for their contributions. Mostly visible trail on any terrain i.e. He then took buses to travel primarily from national park to national park to visit a couple of the more established trails in order to take the much-needed selfies. If your curiosity and patience runs out while reading this text then your patience and interest will run out rather quickly on the trail. So is cooking over fire. The Greater Patagonian Trail is not a normal single line long distance trail but a wide discovery trail network with countless options and alternatives. A sail is optional. The trail we took at this time on horseback is now part of the GPT. His careful and humble attitude is key to appreciate the GPT. If you are lucky they have some fresh bread or "tortas" (the shortened word for "tortas fritas" which is bread baked in hot fat). The regular packrafting route of section 11 was planned entirely with Google Earth and Bing Maps. 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