Route Cerro Cincha'o

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Undiscovered Patagonia

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Trail stats

Distance: 6.17 mi
Elevation gain: 2,326 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 2,329 ft
Max elevation: 4,212 ft
TrailRank: 52
Min elevation: 2,017 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 1055
Uploaded: June 29, 2014
Recorded: June 2014

1 Clap

near Coihaique, Aisén (Chile)

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Itinerary description

If you enjoy hiking, one of the most challenging trails in the reserve is the one to the summit of the Cinchao peak. It’s a 4 km climb that can be hiked in about 3 hours, depending on your physical state, the amount of photos that you take on the way, and the wind. The first 2.5 km is along a gently sloping trail that winds between a forest of lenga, ñirre and coigüe. The next kilometer takes you above the tree line and has a markedly steeper slope, so make sure you protect yourself from the wind and walk with more caution. The gusts can be wicked! The last part is the most difficult, with a steep slope and a loose stone surface but if you tough it out, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the whole city and the surrounding mountains, including Mano Negra and Divisadero, when you reach the summit.

Waypoints

Cerro Cincha'o

Laguna Los Mallines

Laguna Verde

There is also a large barbecue area for special events. In the sector you can walk a quiet 800 meters trail that runs along the entire perimeter of the lagoon and count how many rainbow trout you can spot in the transparent waters, and how many different birds you can identify. There is also a wheelchair accessible trail that leads to a fantastic overlook of Coyhaique, far below.

Reserva Nacional Coyhaique

There are hikes for everyone in this National Reserve, located just 3 km from Coyhaique. To get there, you can even walk or bike, but it’s a steep uphill climb so if you prefer a taxi, make your way to the Plaza where they are always ready for action. From there, you’ll head east on Condell to Baquedano and make a left, headed out of town toward the bridge over the Coyhaique River. Just past this bridge, (which is to the right at the intersection of Baquedano with the Carretera Austral), you’ll see the sign for the Reserve on the right. Follow the access road beside the sign for 1.5 km to the entrance and park ranger station. Like many of the region’s National Reserves, this protected wildlife area was created to help avoid erosion after the many large-scale fires that ravaged the area around the city at the start of the colonization. That’s why you’ll encounter approximately 700 hectares of pine trees in the Reserve. They were planted to help shore up the side of the mountain in order to assist the area’s recovery and reduce the amount of sediments in the river below. As curious as it may sound, these introduced species played an important role in the protection of native species during the latter part of the twentieth century, and today, you’ll see an interesting mix of both in the Reserve. The Reserve is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 to 17:30 hrs. In the summer season, the Reserve stays open until 19:30. Entrance fees are as follows: adults - $1000, children - $500, foreign visitors - $3000. Camping is $5000, use of the picnic quinchos is $4000 and rental of the large quincho of $25,000 for groups of 8 - 20 persons. There are several regional guides who offer trekking in the Coyhaique National Reserve. It is important to choose a guide with experience working in the reserve, good equipment, and knowledge of rescue and first aid.

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