Far from the routine of the city and deep in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, the pristine granite faces and snow-capped peaks of Torres del Avellano rise from a hidden valley at the headwaters of the Avellano River.
This place has no hikers' shelters. It is a little known and even less explored destination. Here you can make a cultural, scenic or adventure trip and be one of the privileged few who get to know it.
That's why we want to tell you 5 reasons that will encourage you to discover this inhospitable place, or at least add it to your list of places to visit before you die. Let's start!
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1. Feel like a Patagonian
An experience you should not miss is to ride on horseback along this rough road in the company of the very Patagones who spend their days in this region. Their typical dress and great knowledge of their territory will take you on a journey that will immerse you in their culture.
The Patagones, also known as Gauchos, are very hospitable to their visitors. After finishing your tour they will welcome you in their wooden ranches and it is very likely that they will welcome you with an asado al palo or criadilla, accompanied by some mates, that typical infusion for them. Then you can embark on an adventure through the Cordillera del Avellano, another little explored wonder.
2. Walking its trails for days
Another option is to trek for 2 days along the trails that connect from Cerro Castillo to Torres del Avellano, during the journey along this route we cross a lush forest with some elevations, but without major difficulties. An alternative to going on foot, is to go on horseback with a gaucho, they carry people along the way, carrying their luggage on horseback and giving a unique Patagonian experience to those who travel this way.
This trail must be done leaving from the Carretera Austral by route X-727 (well known in the area) once you are in the forest you can go along the path that is delimited (to a certain point) or go opening your own route, as long as you rely on a GPS or compass that allows you to reach the final destination: Torres del Avellano.
The views of this route are enchanting. That is why these trails are so amazing, and besides, it is very unlikely that you will meet other travelers. You will be able to be alone and safe for most of the time, and only as you go further will you meet authentic local Patagones. When that happens, they can facilitate your access on horseback, and keep in mind that you will only be able to do so if they allow you to, as you will find yourself walking on private land even if you don't notice it.
3. Climbing virgin hills
Here is a very curious fact about the Torres del Avellano... They were discovered by Nacho Grez, a Chilean mountaineer, while he was leading a trek in the area. Before him, cartographers were unable to see their peaks because... they were covered by clouds!
It is a destination that has 4 identified hills, and we can safely say that at the date this article is published, there are still a few more undiscovered. These are some of the ones you can access:
- The last Gaucho
- The Mestizo Ridge
- Torre Avellano South - East
- The Tooth
Some climbers reach the summit in a couple of days or in 5 hours. It all depends on the weather conditions, the equipment you use and your level of training.
4. Breathing in a conservation paradise
There are more than 105,000 hectares that, as mentioned above, we do not have a better record of the fauna and flora that you can find when you walk through it.
What we can assure you is that in a good season you will be able to see birds that are unique to the region, such as the southern woodpecker. More than 100 types of trees, some unnamed and some stretches of rivers with crystal clear water that adorn the road.
5. Appreciate the lagoons
After crossing the Avellano River and going through a rocky road you will arrive at the first lagoon located just in front of the Avellano Norte Towers. An image that deserves to be photographed on your trip.
The second lagoon is located right next to the first one and both are characterized by their turquoise color and the imposing Torres del Avellano that accompany it, making this the perfect postcard.
The south of Chile is waiting for you
This is undoubtedly one of the most recent discoveries of mountaineering in Chilean Patagonia and one of the least visited destinations where you have a lot to do and know. You will feel fortunate to set foot on these lands that so few have visited compared to the rest of the typical Patagonian places.
If after knowing these 5 reasons for sure that when you know this destination you will find many more to recommend it.
We invite you to include this place in your travel list and start organizing with time the Tolhuin Expeditions' Cordillera del Avellano expedition.
You can book for a group of 2 to 4 people. Or if you prefer, you can schedule a videoconference to clear your doubts with our team, and even discuss the possibility of customizing your experience according to your wishes.
