Greater Patagonian Trail Section 36H: Ruta de los Pioneros

The Greater Patagonian Trail Section 36H: Ruta de los Pioneros is a remote, point-to-point wilderness trail of approximately 100 km in Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, gaining significant cumulative elevation across glaciated Andean terrain. Rated difficult, this demanding multi-day route follows the historic path of the region's earliest settlers, delivering glacier panoramas, technical river fords, and total wilderness immersion.

About the Greater Patagonian Trail Section 36H: Ruta de los Pioneros

The Ruta de los Pioneros takes its name from the hardy settlers — Chilean and Argentine homesteaders, Scandinavian immigrants, and itinerant cattlemen — who cut these trails through the southern Andes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Long before roads or ferry services connected the far south of Patagonia, families drove livestock along routes that crossed glaciated passes, forded swollen rivers, and threaded through dense Valdivian rainforest. Section 36H of the Greater Patagonian Trail preserves one of these historic tracks, making it as much a journey through living history as a pure wilderness challenge.

The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) spans over 3,000 km along the Andes from the volcanic landscape near Talca in Chile's Maule Region all the way south to the remote archipelago country around Villa O'Higgins. Recognised as part of the International Walking Network (IWN), it ranks among the world's most significant long-distance hiking routes — comparable in ambition and scale to the Pacific Crest Trail or the Via Alpina. Section 36H is one of the trail's southernmost links, positioned where the Patagonian Ice Field begins to dominate the western horizon and permanent human settlement thins to a scatter of working cattle estancias.

Unlike the more regularly travelled GPT sections further north, Section 36H receives only a handful of through-hikers each season. Trails are unmaintained and frequently overgrown. River crossings — some thigh-deep or higher after rainfall — require confident water-reading ability. Navigation relies heavily on GPS track files, with waypoints widely spaced and fallen timber regularly obscuring the path. The reward is a quality of wilderness that is difficult to find anywhere else at a similar standard of route development.

A clear recommendation: walk GPT36H northbound. Finishing in or near Cochrane — the nearest town of any real size in this corner of Chilean Aysén — means you exit the wilderness into a place with food resupply, hostel beds, and bus connections toward Coyhaique and Balmaceda Airport. Starting from the southern trailhead while your legs are fresh also means tackling the route's most technically demanding river crossings and navigation challenges during the first half of the trip, with full energy reserves rather than the depleted state of late-trip fatigue.

Route Overview & Stages

GPT36H runs in a broadly north–south alignment through the border zone of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. The route divides naturally into three terrain zones based on surface type and technical difficulty, with gravel road-access sections bookending the unmaintained historic track at the centre. For precise waypoint-level distances consult the official GPT track files on Wikiexplora, and verify against the OpenStreetMap relation data for GPT36H.

Segment distances are approximate estimates based on the overall ~100 km route length. Always download current GPS tracks before departure — route conditions and waypoint data are maintained in the official GPT track files on Wikiexplora.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• The Pioneer Corridor: The central track follows the actual route of 19th-century settlers. Occasional remnants of old stone corrals, fence posts, and overgrown clearings that were once homestead sites give the route a haunting, time-capsule quality unique within the GPT network.
• Lago Cochrane / Lago Pueyrredón: This major transboundary lake straddles the Argentine-Chilean border, its waters an intense glacial blue. The lake dominates the regional geography and is visible from elevated sections of the trail across multiple days of walking.
• Southern Patagonian Ice Field Views: The third-largest expanse of continental ice in the world lies to the west of the route. On clear days, unnamed glaciers and hanging seracs are visible from higher elevations, providing a sense of geological scale that is rarely matched on a hiking trail.
• Paso Roballos Borderlands: The route passes near this historic border crossing used by livestock drovers for over a century. The surrounding landscape is classic high Patagonian steppe — wind-sculpted, near-treeless, and immense in every direction.
• Nothofagus Forest: Lower sections descend into lenga beech and coihue forest. In November and December the new growth is luminous green; by March the leaves shift to copper and gold. The wind-trained, gnarled trunks are among the most distinctive landmarks of southern Patagonia.
• Glacial River Crossings: Multiple unbridged river fords punctuate the wilderness section. In good conditions these crossings are among the most memorable moments on the route — knee-deep, crystal-clear glacial water, ice-cold even in January, framed by mountain reflections.
• Working Pioneer Estancias: A handful of working cattle farms survive along and near the route. Some owners have a tradition of welcoming hikers informally — a meal, a dry floor, or camping permission in exchange for a modest payment — keeping the living culture of the Pioneros present on the trail.
• Cochrane Valley Arrival: The northbound exit into the Río Cochrane valley is a gradual transition from total wilderness to working farmland, with the small regional town of Cochrane appearing after days of solitude — an arrival that never loses its emotional weight.

Best Time to Hike the Greater Patagonian Trail Section 36H: Ruta de los Pioneros

The viable hiking window for GPT36H is tightly bounded: late November through late March. Snow lingers on higher ground well into November at this latitude and returns in April; even midsummer storms can bring snowfall above 1,000 m. Plan for a maximum five-month window and treat the shoulder months as genuinely risky.

December is the single best month to hike Section 36H. Daylight runs close to 17 hours at this latitude, giving maximum flexibility for navigation and river assessment. River levels in December are typically lower than in January and February, when the peak of glacial melt raises water across the entire watershed. The Nothofagus forest is in full, vivid leaf, wildflowers peak along sheltered margins, and there are statistically more settled weather windows than in any other month.

• November: Early season; snow still probable at elevation; river temperatures brutally cold. Reward: minimal other hikers and pristine, untracked trail conditions.
• December: Optimal month. Longer days, lower river levels, best weather statistics. Book Cochrane accommodation and transport for the 2026 season well in advance — this is peak Patagonian travel season and capacity is limited.
• January: Peak visitor month across Patagonia. Glacial melt raises river levels significantly — some crossings become genuinely dangerous after warm weeks. Assess each ford individually rather than committing to a fixed daily schedule.
• February: Still viable; often characterised by more settled spells. High river levels from January may persist. A solid choice for those who cannot travel in December.
• March: Lenga beech turns vivid orange and red. Rivers are typically lower again. Weather deteriorates noticeably toward month's end — plan an exit from Cochrane by mid-March to avoid an unseasonable snowstorm.

Patagonia's wind is not a footnote — at the latitude of Section 36H, sustained gusts exceeding 80 km/h are possible in any summer month. Build at least two buffer days into your itinerary specifically to shelter from extreme wind on exposed steppe and ridgeline segments. A tent that fails in wind in this region is not an inconvenience; it is a survival emergency.

Practical Information

Accommodation

GPT36H is a wilderness route with no formal hut system. Wild camping is the default for every night on the trail, and your shelter must be rated for high winds — freestanding or semi-freestanding designs with multiple guy-line anchor points are strongly preferred. Plan to carry 5–7 days of food for the wilderness track section without any resupply point.

A small number of working pioneer estancias lie along or near the route. Some owners have historically offered informal camping permission, a meal, or floor space in exchange for a modest payment — typically around €5–15 per night depending on what is offered. These arrangements are at the landowner's discretion, vary year to year, and cannot be planned around. Approach any estancia respectfully and be genuinely prepared to be turned away.

In Cochrane — the northern gateway to the route — hostels and residenciales offer dorm beds from approximately €18–25 per night and private rooms from around €35–55. Book several weeks ahead for December and January; accommodation fills quickly during the Patagonian summer.

Getting There & Back

The most practical access hub is Cochrane, Chile, reachable by bus from Coyhaique (6–7 hours on unpaved Carretera Austral sections) or by light aircraft from Balmaceda Airport (BBA), which has regular connections to Santiago. Balmaceda lies approximately 340 km north of Cochrane by road.

From the Argentine side, Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) is the nearest airport with regular Buenos Aires connections, sitting roughly 500 km east of the border zone via Ruta 40. The seasonal border crossing at Paso Roballos — near the southern approach to the trail — serves no scheduled transport; most hikers arrange a private transfer from Cochrane or rely on infrequent local traffic on the gravel access road.

For most international hikers the cleanest logistics are: fly into Balmaceda, bus to Cochrane, arrange a vehicle transfer to the southern trailhead, hike northbound, and exit to Cochrane for return bus or flight connections.

Permits & Fees

No formal hiking permit is currently required for GPT36H on either the Argentine or Chilean side, and there are no trail fees. However, the route crosses the international border, so a valid passport is mandatory. Registering your intended crossing with border authorities — Carabineros de Chile on the Chilean side and Gendarmería Nacional on the Argentine side — is strongly recommended as a safety measure rather than a legal requirement, and is treated seriously by SAR services in the event of an emergency.

The seasonal border crossing at Paso Roballos typically operates October through April; verify the current-year opening dates with the CONAF office in Cochrane or the relevant border authority before finalising travel dates. Registration with the CONAF office in Cochrane before departure is also advisable — a timely rescue in this remote region depends on authorities knowing you are out there.

Gear & Packing List

GPT36H demands genuine expedition-grade preparation. The combination of sustained high wind, repeated cold-water river crossings, multi-day food carries in a region with zero resupply infrastructure, and technically demanding navigation puts exceptional strain on both hiker and kit. For a detailed comparison of the best ultralight pack options for this type of terrain, see our guide to the Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026.

Pack selection is the most consequential gear decision for this route. You need enough volume to carry 5–7 days of food alongside a wind-rated tent, full wet-weather layers, and emergency kit — while keeping weight manageable enough for technical river crossings and long days on overgrown trail. Three well-matched options from the HikeLoad gear database:

• Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider (510 g): DCF construction sheds Patagonian rain naturally and the roll-top closure eliminates failure points. At 510 g and 40 litres of capacity, this suits disciplined ultralight hikers who can keep base weight below 5 kg and plan food carries precisely for each segment.
• Zpacks Arc Blast 55L (450 g): Remarkable volume for just 450 g. The structured frame distributes load well on the gravel road sections, and the extra 55-litre capacity allows a more generous food carry — a genuine practical advantage on GPT36H's extended wilderness block.
• Osprey Aether 65 (2,210 g): For hikers who prioritise carrying comfort and organisational features over pack weight, the Aether 65 offers a proven suspension system with ample volume. Factor the 2,210 g base weight into your overall load calculations — it adds up on long days over technical terrain.

Additional essentials for GPT36H: a freestanding tent capable of withstanding 80+ km/h gusts; trekking poles rated for river crossing stability; neoprene socks for repeated cold-water fords; a personal locator beacon (PLB) carried on your person at all times; and detailed offline GPS tracks loaded before leaving mobile coverage. Caloric planning is critical on a loaded multi-day wilderness route — our article on how many calories you need hiking a full day covers the energy maths for exactly this type of travel.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The remote wilderness character of GPT36H has parallels across Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, from compact iconic day hikes to full expedition-level long-distance treks. Whether you want to build experience before committing to Section 36H, or simply extend your time in the region, these are the natural companion trails.

• Vuelta al Huemul (65 km, Argentina) — A demanding, technical circuit in the Los Glaciares area combining glacier approach, challenging river crossings, and high-altitude exposed traverses. Excellent preparation for the navigation and river-crossing demands of GPT36H.
• Sendero Laguna de los Tres (12 km, Argentina) — The iconic return trail to the lake at the foot of Cerro Fitz Roy near El Chaltén. A compact, world-class route ideal for acclimatising to Patagonian conditions before a longer wilderness commitment.
• Greater Patagonian Trail Section 23: Parque Nacional Lago Puelo (92 km, Argentina) — A more accessible GPT section through the lush forests of Lago Puelo National Park, ideal for building GPT navigation skills in less extreme conditions before tackling the southern sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Ruta de los Pioneros?

The viable hiking window is late November to late March, with December being the optimal month. December offers the longest daylight hours at this latitude (close to 17 hours), typically lower river levels than January–February when glacial melt peaks, and the best statistical chance of settled weather. Book transport and Cochrane accommodation well ahead for the December peak; capacity is limited.

How difficult is GPT Section 36H?

This trail is rated difficult and demands prior experience in remote navigation, unbridged river crossing assessment, and fully self-sufficient multi-day wilderness travel. There is no trail marking, no emergency infrastructure, and no reliable communications on the wilderness section. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB), know how to use it, and be prepared to make conservative go/no-go decisions at each river ford.

How many kilometres per day should I plan for?

On the gravel-road access sections, experienced hikers can cover 20–25 km per day. On the unmaintained wilderness track — with navigation demands, deadfall, river crossings, and variable conditions — a realistic daily distance is 12–18 km. Build at least two full buffer days into your itinerary: Patagonian weather and unexpected high water can pin you in camp for 24 hours without warning.

What accommodation is available on the route?

GPT36H is a wild camping route with no hut infrastructure. Carry a wind-rated, freestanding tent and plan for 5–7 days of fully self-sufficient camping on the wilderness section without resupply. A small number of working estancias near the route may offer informal camping or a meal — these cannot be booked in advance and cannot be relied upon for planning. In Cochrane, hostels offer dorm beds from around €18 per night.

Do I need a permit to hike Section 36H?

No formal trail permit is required. However, the route crosses the Argentine-Chilean border, so a valid passport is mandatory. Registering your planned crossing with Carabineros de Chile and Gendarmería Nacional is strongly recommended as a safety measure. Verify the seasonal opening dates for the Paso Roballos border crossing each year and notify the CONAF office in Cochrane before departure — in a remote emergency, that registration could be critical.