Greater Patagonian Trail Section 33: Torres de Avellano

Greater Patagonian Trail Section 33 — Torres de Avellano — is an approximately 135-km point-to-point trail in Chilean Patagonia's Aystén Region, gaining around 4,200 m of elevation over roughly seven days. Rated strenuous, this remote IWN-designated route traverses the dramatic Torres del Avellano granite formations and wild river valleys in one of Patagonia's least-visited backcountry corridors.

About the Greater Patagonian Trail Section 33: Torres de Avellano

Section 33 of the Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) — officially designated GPT33H — is part of one of the world's most ambitious long-distance hiking projects: a network of routes stretching from the outskirts of Santiago to Cabo Froward at the southern tip of South America. The route carries International Walking Network (IWN) designation, placing it among the world's most significant long-distance trails alongside routes like the European E-paths and the American Discovery Trail. The Greater Patagonian Trail was pioneered by German-Chilean hiker Jan Dudeck, who spent years documenting, verifying, and improving the route with a global community of contributors.

Section 33 earns its name from the Torres del Avellano, a cluster of jagged granite spires that rise abruptly from the forested valleys of the Aystén Region. Unlike the famous Torres del Paine to the south, these towers attract almost no tourist infrastructure — you earn the views entirely on your own terms, through remote valleys, unbridged river crossings, and snow-dusted high passes. This is Patagonia as very few hikers ever see it.

The section sits immediately south of GPT32 (Cerro Castillo), one of the GPT's most celebrated sections. Section 33 transitions into terrain that grows progressively wilder as it moves toward the heart of Chilean Patagonia. The trail follows a broadly north-to-south alignment along the Avellano River system before climbing into upper valley terrain approaching the Torres themselves. The section is designed as a point-to-point route, with no practical loop option.

Navigation requires GPT track files downloaded in advance from Wikiexplora GPT33H — the route is not waymarked in the field. All serious hikers on GPT33 carry the official GPS files, a detailed topographic map, and confidence in off-trail navigation through dense lenga beech forest and across glaciated terrain. Route-finding is one of the defining challenges — and rewards — of this section.

The “H” in GPT33H denotes a hiking-optimised variant of the route, as distinct from equestrian tracks. Riders and those with pack animals follow a different alignment. Most independent hikers walk GPT33H. Route-specific notes, including Option 07 — an alternative alignment for when the main Avellano River ford is impassable — are documented on Wikiexplora and are essential reading before departure.

Route Overview & Stages

The full GPT33H covers approximately 135 km with roughly 4,200 m of cumulative elevation gain. Most parties complete it in 6–8 days; seven days is the most common itinerary. The daily average of around 19 km feels modest on paper but is consistently demanding due to elevation changes, river crossings, snow on high terrain, and the absence of any maintained trail surface.

Direction recommendation: Walk north to south. This is the conventional direction for the GPT through this region and allows you to use Villa Cerro Castillo as a natural trailhead town after the previous section. Walking southward also means approaching the Torres del Avellano from the valley floor, giving a more dramatic reveal of the towers than the reverse direction provides.

Stage distances are approximate proportions of the ~135 km total. Verified waypoint-by-waypoint data, including GPS track files, is available from Wikiexplora GPT33H. Always cross-reference with the latest hiker reports before departure.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Torres del Avellano: The section's namesake — a cluster of granite spires rising sharply from the valley, comparable in character to Torres del Paine but entirely undiscovered by mainstream tourism. On a clear day, the towers are visible from a great distance and form the dramatic centrepiece of the whole route.
• Río Avellano crossings: The Avellano River is the primary navigational challenge of the section, requiring multiple unbridged crossings that can be thigh-deep or higher in high-water conditions. An alternative alignment (Option 07) exists for when the main ford is impassable — know about it before you commit to the valley.
• High snow passes: GPT33 crosses several elevated passes where snow persists from autumn well into early summer. Early-season hikers should carry microspikes or lightweight crampons. The upper pass terrain also generates extreme wind — the Patagonian westerlies are fully exposed at ridge height.
• Lenga beech forest: The lower portions of the route wind through dense lenga beech (Nothofagus pumilio) forest, turning vivid orange and red in April. The forest provides shelter from wind and rain and is a defining aesthetic of Chilean Patagonian hiking at this latitude.
• Andean condors: The remote corridors of GPT33 offer outstanding condor sighting opportunities. The birds regularly ride thermals above open ridgelines. Huemul deer — Chile's endangered national animal and the animal on the national coat of arms — have also been reported in the Avellano valley.
• Patagonian steppe transition: The southern end of Section 33 transitions from dense forest and mountain terrain into drier Patagonian steppe, with big-sky views and a landscape that feels like the edge of the world. This geographic diversity makes GPT33 one of the more varied sections within the full trail network.
• Cerro Castillo connection: GPT33 picks up directly from the endpoint of GPT32 — Cerro Castillo — one of the GPT's most celebrated and visually spectacular sections. Combining both gives a formidable two-week Patagonian itinerary with the Castillo massif as the opening act and the Torres de Avellano as the remote, wild sequel.

Best Time to Hike the Greater Patagonian Trail Section 33: Torres de Avellano

The hiking season on GPT33 runs from November through April, with conditions varying significantly across those months. As of 2026, unpredictable weather patterns across Chilean Patagonia make planning around weather windows more important than ever — always check recent hiker reports on Wikiexplora before setting out.

November–December: Early season. Daylight is long (up to 16 hours near the solstice), wildflowers are emerging, and the lenga beech is vivid green. However, snowmelt raises river levels significantly — the Avellano crossings are at their most challenging, and snow on high passes requires microspikes or crampons. Not recommended unless you are experienced with high-water fords and snow travel.

January: Conditions improve rapidly. Rivers drop as peak snowmelt passes, most passes clear of snow, and temperatures reach their warmest. January is the most popular month across the wider Carretera Austral region, making trailhead logistics easier to arrange — but the section itself remains very quiet compared to established trails like W Trek or the O Circuit.

February: the single best month to hike GPT33. River levels are manageable, snow is largely gone from the main passes, weather windows are more stable than in mid-summer, and daylight is still generous at 13–14 hours. Temperatures are mild, and biting insects are less troublesome than in January. If you can only choose one month, choose February.

March–April: The lenga beech forest turns orange and red, creating outstanding autumn colour that rivals anything the trail offers in summer. Weather grows increasingly unstable and temperatures drop noticeably at elevation, but experienced hikers who can tolerate cold camps are rewarded with deserted trails and extraordinary light. Rivers are typically low in March. By late April, snow returns to high passes and the section becomes unsuitable for most parties.

Practical Information

Accommodation

GPT33 has no established huts, mountain refugios, or official campgrounds along the route. The trail relies entirely on wild camping — flat ground beside rivers, forest clearings, or exposed ridgelines where a storm-rated tent is essential. Carry a four-season tent with a solid wind rating; freestanding designs are strongly preferred given the rocky, peg-resistant ground at high camps.

Before and after the trail, Villa Cerro Castillo (northern access) offers the best range of services in the area. Guesthouse and hostel beds run approximately €15–30 per night; organised camping around €8–12. A handful of basic estancias along the Carretera Austral south of the trailhead may offer a floor and a meal for similar rates, but do not rely on this without prior arrangement. There is nowhere to resupply once you leave the trailhead town — carry all food for the full trip.

Getting There & Back

The closest airport is Balmaceda (BBA), served by LATAM and Sky Airline from Santiago. From Balmaceda, take a taxi or shared transfer to Coyhaique (approximately 30 minutes, ~€10–15), then a bus south along the Carretera Austral (Route 7) to Villa Cerro Castillo — roughly 88 km, about 1.5 hours, several buses weekly, approximately €5–8. From Villa Cerro Castillo, the trailhead is reachable on foot or by taxi.

Returning from the southern end of GPT33 is more logistically involved. The southern exit is remote and has limited public transport. Most hikers arrange a private shuttle with a Coyhaique-based operator in advance — do not leave this to chance. Budget approximately €50–80 for a private transfer from a southern trailhead back to Coyhaique. See TrekkingChile's GPT overview for broader logistical context on reaching and exiting the Aystén Region.

Permits & Fees

No dedicated GPT permit exists. The trail crosses a mix of unmanaged public wilderness and private estancia land under a traditional open-access arrangement. If the route enters any portion of the Cerro Castillo National Reserve (administered by CONAF), expect an entrance fee of approximately CLP 5,000–10,000 — around €5–10 for foreign nationals as of 2026. Carry Chilean pesos; card payment is rarely possible at remote CONAF checkpoints.

When crossing private land, always knock at farmhouses, ask permission if in doubt, and leave all gates exactly as you found them. The access that makes the GPT possible depends entirely on the goodwill of landowners — the trail community asks hikers to treat it accordingly.

Gear & Packing List

GPT33 is a serious backcountry route with unbridged river crossings, exposed ridge camping, and the full force of Patagonian weather. Every item counts and every gram you carry you carry for 135 km. Prioritise shelter, navigation, and food weight above all else.

• Backpack: A 50–65L capacity handles 7 days of food plus full camping kit. Weight-conscious hikers favour the Zpacks Arc Blast 55L (450 g) or the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 40L (540 g) — both manage a remote multi-day food carry without punishing your back on the long river-valley days. For those preferring a more conventional suspension system, the Osprey Aether 65 (2,210 g) provides a padded hip belt and load-lifter system well suited to heavier carries. For the full breakdown of how pack weight affects multi-day performance in remote terrain, see Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026: 7 Sub-1 kg Packs Tested.
• Shelter: A four-season, freestanding tent with a solid storm rating is non-negotiable. Patagonian winds can exceed 100 km/h at exposed campsites — a trekking-pole shelter is only appropriate if you have extensive Patagonian storm experience with that specific design.
• Footwear: Waterproof trail runners or lightweight hiking boots. Your feet will be wet for extended periods during Avellano River crossings — neoprene socks are worth considering for the most significant fords.
• Snow gear: Microspikes are advisable for any hike before late January or after April. Early-season parties tackling steeper passes may need lightweight crampons. Check current snow conditions on Wikiexplora before committing to a departure date.
• Navigation: Download GPT track files from Wikiexplora before departure — there is no waymarking in the field. A Garmin inReach Mini or equivalent satellite communicator is strongly recommended for a section this remote.
• Food: Carry at least 7 full days from Villa Cerro Castillo with a buffer day built in. Calorie requirements are high on demanding backcountry terrain — see How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day? for detailed guidance on food planning for remote multi-day hikes in demanding conditions.

Similar Trails You Might Like

GPT33 sits within a remarkable cluster of Greater Patagonian Trail sections across central and southern Chile. If the remote granite landscapes, demanding river crossings, and pure wilderness character of Torres de Avellano appeal to you, these neighbouring and comparable sections are worth exploring next:

• Greater Patagonian Trail Section 6: Volcán Descabezado (Chile, 112 km) — volcanic terrain in the Chilean pre-cordillera, a dramatic contrast to the fjord-carved south.
• Greater Patagonian Trail Section 8: Volcán Chillán (Chile, 128 km) — active volcanic landscape with geothermal areas and challenging high-altitude terrain.
• Greater Patagonian Trail Section 9: Volcán Antuco (Chile, 49 km) — a more accessible section ideal for testing your GPT legs before committing to longer sections like this one.
• Greater Patagonian Trail Section 10: Laguna El Barco (Chile, 48 km) — centred on the striking Laguna El Barco, a shorter section with outstanding lake scenery.
• Greater Patagonian Trail Section 11: Cerro Dedos (Chile, 33 km) — a compact but technically interesting section with dramatic rock formations at its focal point.

For something entirely different in character, the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania offers a European mountain-to-mountain point-to-point experience with similar wilderness appeal but far more accessible logistics and infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike GPT Section 33: Torres de Avellano?

February is the single best month. River levels are manageable after peak snowmelt, the high passes are clear of snow, weather windows are more stable than mid-summer, and daylight runs to 13–14 hours. The full hiking season runs November to April, but early season (November–December) requires experience with high-water fords and snow travel, and late season (April) brings cold temperatures and returning snow to high passes.

How difficult is GPT Section 33: Torres de Avellano?

GPT33 is rated strenuous and is suitable for experienced backcountry hikers only. The challenges include multiple unbridged river crossings that can be waist-deep in high-water conditions, snow on high passes in early and late season, off-trail navigation requiring GPS competence, sustained exposure to Patagonian weather, and no rescue infrastructure along the route. The standard H variant requires no technical climbing or scrambling.

How far can I expect to hike each day on GPT33?

Most parties cover 16–22 km per day, averaging around 19 km across a 7-day itinerary. Days involving significant river crossings or high-pass navigation typically run shorter — 14–16 km — while straightforward valley days can exceed 22 km. Build at least one buffer day into any plan: Patagonian weather delays are common and cannot be predicted in advance, regardless of season.

Where do you sleep on GPT Section 33?

Entirely wild camping — there are no huts, refugios, or official campgrounds on GPT33. Wild camp spots are plentiful along river terraces and in forested clearings, but exposed ridge camps demand a storm-rated four-season tent. Wild camping is legal and accepted across the Chilean wilderness areas the GPT crosses. On private estancia land, ask permission at farmhouses and follow leave-no-trace practices throughout.

Do you need a permit to hike GPT Section 33?

No dedicated GPT permit exists. If the route crosses any portion of the Cerro Castillo National Reserve (CONAF-managed), expect an entrance fee of approximately CLP 5,000–10,000 — roughly €5–10 for foreign nationals as of 2026. The remainder of the section crosses unmanaged public wilderness and private land where informal access is a long-standing tradition. Carry Chilean pesos for any CONAF checkpoints encountered along the way.