Wind through the unexplored valleys of La Junta

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Undiscovered Patagonia

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Trail stats

Distance: 31.92 mi
Elevation gain: 1,955 ft
Technical difficulty: Easy
Elevation loss: 1,942 ft
Max elevation: 750 ft
TrailRank: 31
Min elevation: 134 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 631
Uploaded: June 21, 2014
Recorded: June 2014

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near La Junta, Aisén (Chile)

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Itinerary description

Be among the few who have traveled this photogenic route winding through the unknown Mirta, Cuarto and Quinto valleys. The valleys are home to one of the most authentic traditional festivals of the area and several of the ingenious women farmers of the Women’s Agricultural Club of the Valleys. There are also great opportunities for trekking, fishing and horseback riding.

Waypoints

Mirta Valley

To begin this tour, head 12 km north of La Junta on the Carretera Austral and veer to the right where the wooden sign indicates the entrance to the Mirta Valley (Route X-11). You’ll soon catch your first glimpses of the star for the rest of the route: the spectacular and always snowy mountainous range, Barros Arana, which you will have the pleasure of viewing from a number of different angles.

The “El Tramitado” farm

At kilometer 22 you’llfind yourself in front of the “El Tramitado”farm, owned by the Aillapán family, one of the many settlers who inhabit these stunning and hidden valleys. Here, there is a great 8 km hiking trail that crosses their land. It was built by the family with the support of Conaf, the National Forest Service.

Claro Solar Lake

Along the route, you'll have excellent views of the Claro Solar Lake, where there is great fishing and small boat rental or charter. Several of the farmers offer access to the lake, such as Doña Julia San Martin, a member of the Women’s Agricultural Club of the Valleys,who can facilitate access to the lake shore, fresh vegetables for a picnic lunch and boat rides in the sector.

Cuarto and Quinto valleys

Around 31.5 kilometers, you will see an intersection. Turning right leads you to Route X-13,which joins La Junta with Lago Verde; turning left takes you into the Cuarto and Quinto valleys. If you have time, we recommend you take the latter, and spend a bit more time exploring thesesuperb valleys.

Cuarto River Valley

At the end of this road you will reach the Cuarto River, and, at least for now, it will be time to park your car or bike, and start to walk. Approximately a hundred meters to the right you'll see two giant trunks that cross the river and a wire to help you firm your steps: that is the bridge that you're going to have to traverse! As crazy as that sounds, the residents of this sector cross this bridge every day, so go ahead and get a firm footing and slowly crossto the other side. There are some rumors that perhaps this rustic bridge will soon be replaced by a more modern one that can carry vehicles, so if by the time of your visit, the trunks and the wire have disappeared, well…unfortunately, you have lost a good story to tell back home.

The Quinto bridge

Back at the car, return toward the intersection that you crossed a while ago and this time stay straight, following the route toward X-13. You’ll cross over the Quinto River using a very narrow (but new) suspension bridge. Proceed with caution and follow the curvy road to its crossing withRoute X -13 that leads between Lago Verde andLa Junta. To head back toLa Junta you should turn right (west) and proceed another 5 kilometers.

The Festival of the Valleys

The first weekend of February every year, in the Cuarto y Quinto valleys, settlers celebrate traditional customs and heritage in the Festival of the Valleys. There are typical foods and drinks, rodeo events, traditional games and regional music. Plan your visit to coincide if you want to join the festivities.

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