The Region of Aysén is a privileged area for lovers of virgin and untamed nature. Beyond the well-known Carretera Austral, there are a number of places and beautiful corners that are known only by a few adventurous souls.
The route that joins the National Reserve Lake Jeinimeni with the Patagonia Park is counted among some of the most beautiful and least traveled routes in the country that during 3 days of adventure in the middle of lakes, mountains and Patagonian steppe turn this route into an incredible destination for the more adventurous.
Patagonia Park, currently a private park limited to the Chacabuco Valley area, seeks in the near future the creation of the Patagonia National Park, which will incorporate the Lake Jeinimeni National Reserve.
This is a somewhat difficult path. Whether it is accessed by the north or the south (this route can be done in both directions) there is the disadvantage that there is no public transport. In addition, this is a route that only has a one-way stretch, so going by private vehicle is not an option.
The north access is through the entrance and administration of the National Reserve Lake Jeinimeni, located about 65 km from the town of Chile Chico (accessible from the city of Coyhaique by bus). In Chile Chico there are mainly informal transport services that lead to the reserve. The cost of the trip is approximately CLP 50,000. There is always the alternative of negotiating with local people or hitchhiking (in summer the flow of vehicles going to the Lago Jeinimeni Reserve increases). The route, made from north to south, ends at the Casa de Piedra campsite, very close to where the X-83 route passes, where you can hitchhike (hitchhiking) to reach the city of Cochrane.
The route begins at the entrance to the National Reserve Lake Jeinimeni, 65 km south of Chile Chico, and ends at the Casa de Piedra campsite in the Patagonia Park, after 47 km of walking. The difficulty of this route is that it is very physically demanding, with days that exceed 7 hrs of walking and some sections of high slope (first section). Additionally, rivers and estuaries must be crossed several times.
It is advisable to be in good physical condition and have some experience in this type of activity.
The route that runs through the Lago Jeinimeni Reserve and the Patagonia Park presents the opportunity to enjoy nature in a virgin state, being a little known and visited destination. The route passes next to spectacular green and turquoise lakes, rivers and estuaries, mountain passes, forest sectors and Patagonian steppe, crossing what was once a route used by settlers.
Venture on this route and get to know one of the most important conservation projects in Chile and the world!
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