Explore the majestic Mount San Lorenzo massif

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Undiscovered Patagonia

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Trail stats

Distance: 74.28 mi
Elevation gain: 9,314 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 10,023 ft
Max elevation: 6,125 ft
TrailRank: 37
Min elevation: 6,125 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 2038
Uploaded: July 4, 2014
Recorded: July 2014

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near Cochrane, Aisén (Chile)

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Itinerary description

When mountaineers set their sights on Patagonia, one of their biggest dreams is reaching the summit of Mount San Lorenzo. The tricky climate of this area makes the climb extremely technical; in fact, you can count the number of expeditions that have reached the top on both hands. Nevertheless, the entire San Lorenzo Sector is filled with interesting hikes and activities, making this mountain and absolute “don’t miss”.

Waypoints

Cochrane

With close to 3,000 inhabitants, Cochrane is the largest town in the Baker - O'Higgins Cultural Area and the best place to find supplies and services in the southern part of the Aysén Region. Cochrane offers access to banking services and an ATM, fuel, pharmacy, hospital, a good supermarket, mechanics, and border control services, among others. Cochrane’s strategic location amongst parks, reserves and conservation areas makes it a magnet for fans of mountain climbing, kayaking and rock climbing. Each year, the outdoor community grows; new people arrive and locals discover hidden talents and passions. In addition, Cochrane is an excellent place to soak up Patagonian traditions; many locals still maintain gaucho traditions and lifestyles linked to farming and ranching.

Monte San Lorenzo

The second highest mountain in Patagonia, considered one of the most challenging peaks for seasoned mountaineers. It is not uncommon to encounter climbers in the sector’s basecamps impatiently waiting for a window of good weather to attempt their climb to the top.

Fundo San Lorenzo

If you would like to visit the sector and do some hiking or horseback riding, contact Don Luis Soto and his wife, Senora Lucy Gomez, pioneers of the area, who have a wonderful farm and camping area at the foot of San Lorenzo, and a mid-mountain refuge that’s perfect as a basecamp for multi-day hikes. You meet them in Cochrane and drive the 90 minutes route together, which takes you through spectacular landscapes along secondary and farm roads. When you arrive in the Fundo San Lorenzo, you’ll feel like you have found your very own bit of mountain paradise, completely isolated from the modern world. Here, surrounded by incredible peaks of the southern Andes, Luis and Lucy have built one of the best campgrounds in the Region, with a great quincho where guests can cook, and bathrooms with hot water and a washing machine.

Cerro Mirador

From their camp, there are self-guided day hikes in all directions, but everything is “off-trail”, so you need to have maps, GPS, and the experience associated with this type of hiking. For example, there’s a great day hike that climbs the southeast face of Cerro Mirador, ascending approximately 1,000 m, over a distance of 4 kilometers. It is challenging, but the views from the overlook, which include the wide open valleys, enormous glaciers and jetting peaks of the San Lorenzo Range, are breathtaking - be sure to have your camera ready!!! In good weather, your view extends further; to the main peaks of the Northern Ice Field and the wide valleys surrounding Cochrane and the Tamango National Reserve. If you don't have previous experience with this type of trekking you can contract Luis as your guide; either for hiking or horseback riding in complete gaucho style.

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