Avellano. Mountain Route. Chilean Patagonia.

GPT33H Torres del Avellano.
South bound (East bound).
“Mountain route”,
Difficulty: Difficult/Very Difficult
30/01/2024 - 01/02/2024, 3 days, 78 km
Team of two.
Most of the route is off-trail!
Short resume:
This mountain route is a more difficult and demanding alternative to the regular route and can be an interesting option for those looking for a challenge.
The combination with a regular route allows you to form a full-fledged “eight”, a trip of 6-10 days.
Pass 1 + Pass 2 is a shorter, although more difficult, alternative to the regular route in case the Avellano River cannot be forded.

Notes and recommendations.

All fords do not pose any significant difficulty.
Due to the height and southern exposure the areas between Pass 1 and Pass 2 and descents from Pass 2 in the early to mid-season have extensive areas of snow where microspikes or crampons may be required.
The main difficulty on the descent is overcoming several side washouts, which are small but deep and steep canyons.
There is no water during the first 4-5 hours of ascent to the valley to Pass 3.
The open area of ​​the upper valley at Camp 2 and beyond throughout the ridge is a resort for very strong winds. Setting up camp may be difficult or impossible. A strong hiker can combine and complete this section in one day.
The predominant wind exposure makes passage from west to east highly recommended.
The last reliable source of water is before reaching Pass 3. Further east there is no water until the junction with the regular route, except for temporary streams from seasonal snow.
You can check my report for regular route here:
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/torres-del-avellano-98211524