Catch a Tiger by the tail

Tigre Glacier Trailhead

Tigre Glacier Trailhead The trail becomes less clear as you reach the mid-mountain; however, the area is open and clean, and your guide should be very familiar with the route. It takes around 2½ hours to reach the top, (1,000 M), where you be rewarded with views of the El Tigre Glacier and its turquoise lagoon. Here, the hike levels off. As you get closer to the glacier, you will see the striations, or stripes, that have formed on the rock walls on one side of the narrow valley, marking the direction that the glacier’s ice followed, as it descended along its course. As you descend down into the Valley, notice the signs of the changes that have occurred in this ecosystem over the previous 12,000 years. In the higher reaches the striations of the glaciers movements are especially pronounced. As you leave the ice you will notice a gradual change from bare rocks to rocks covered by lichen and moss. As you continue to descend you'll reach areas with tiny flowers and then, stunted lenga trees, which will get bigger as you continue your downward course. By the time you reach the valley, enormous coigües, thick forest undergrowth, ferns, and mosses will surround you. Always, the presence of water is nearby, carrying rich glacial sediments that provide the nutrients and base for the biodiversity of the wetlands. Special Considerations: The trail is not well marked. We recommend hiking this trail with a local guide who can interpret the natural history of the sector and point out the traces of the glaciers visible during the entire route. You’ll want trekking boots and poles, layered and waterproof clothing, sunglasses, a brimmed hat and sunscreen. Carry water, a snack, and your camera. Reservations: There are several guides in Villa O'Higgins that offer this trek , including: o Alonso Díaz (Coya), Excursiones Entre Patagones – Carretera Austral, located in the north entrance to town; (067) 2431810; (09) 66215046; www.entrepatagones.cl; info@entrepatagones.cl. o Mauricio Melgarejo, Tsonek Expediciones – Carretera Austral, 1.6 km north of town; (09) 78929695; www.tsonek.cl; info@tsonek.cl. o Hans Silva, Villa O’Higgins Expediciones – Carreteral Austral, Km 1240; (067) 2431831 - 2431832; www.villaohiggins.com; contacto@villaohiggins.com. o Andrea Rosas, Vulturpatagonia - Lago Cisne 215; (09) 93508156; andrearosast@gmail.com.