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Aguas calientes

Chillán

A roundtrip to the thermal waters

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
7.5 km
Ascent
943 m
Descent
601 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
1.7 km
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
31˚
Aguas calientes Map

This is a roundtrip of varied adventures and incredible landscapes, where you can ski excellent lines and enjoy a bath in the thermal waters influenced by the volcanic complex.

Description

It is a full day outing, which requires an intermediate technical level, but it will test your fitness.

To avoid walking up the resort, you can buy the ski touring ticket and you will be able to reach the top of the Otto chair lift. Those who decide to do the complete hike from the parking lot will have to walk between 2 to 3 hours to reach the top of the Otto chair lift. The quickest way up is to start at "novicios", on the left traverse. Then continue straight up the T- Bar to the last part, to finally turn east and head towards to the top of the Otto chair lift. Leave the ski centre at the top of the Otto ski lift towards the east, heading to the portezuelo between Pirigallo hill and the Chillan Viejo volcano.

From here, start the descent to the river - at this point you can decide - according to your level - whether to go straight down to the river or up to the Pirigallo slope for a more radical descent.

At the end of the descent, be sure to cross the river in the marked area to follow the route on the east side of the river, as it will be more difficult to cross later.

To enjoy a well-deserved relax in the hot springs and rest from the physical effort you have made, you will have to reach the second river, which is the hot water river.

Finally, after resting in the natural hot springs, return along the same route through the valley towards the portezuelo and enjoy the last descent back to the parking lot.

We recommend you to go with the local guides from BackChillan as it is a long trip with river crossings. They are the ones who know the route and the secret spots.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area