Introduction

A beautiful lake nestled in the cordillera, Laguna Garañino is located in the secondary canyon of the Río Colina river basin, which is born when the waters flowing through this canyon unite with those from the river Las Minas. From the shores of the lake, you will have beautiful views of the south face of the volcano San José and the slender east face of Cerro Morro Negro. As well as flocks of crested duck (Lophonetta specularioides), you will be able see curious circular depressions in the ground around the lake, known as sinkholes.

The lake is referred to as El Azufre in the Instituto Geográfico Militar (IGM), but the name Garañino is more generally used by porters and locals, and has hence become its preferred name. The origin and meaning of this name remains a mystery.

Appropriate season

Summer and autumn are the best times of year to visit, ideally from the middle of January until the first snowfall (normally in May). During spring and the start of summer the water level of the river Río Colina is much higher due to the thawing of the snow in the cordillera, and which makes fording it a little more difficult.

Access

From Santiago follow route G-25 into Cajón del Maipo towards the town of San Gabriel, where there is a police checkpoint – here you should notify the police of your excursion. To this point is 64km along a paved road in good condition which should take a little more than 1h. This same road starts to snake along, following the southern bank of the river Río Volcán, and after approx. 20km you will come to the tiny town called Lo Valdés (1845m). Up until this point the road is paved.

From Lo Valdés, continue to follow the southern bank of Río Volcán. 7km on from this settlement, the road crossing the river to the other bank. From here the route continues for another 5km following the course of river until arriving at Baños Colina, where you will need to pay the entry fee, even if you do not plan to use the thermal baths (in 2015 it cost CLP$8000 (approx. USD$16) per person per day).

See the route from Las Vizcachas to Termas de Colina in Google maps.

Permits / Prices

The entry fees to Baños Colina are CLP$8000 (approx. USD$16) per person per day, regardless of whether you use the facilities or not. Fees for children between 4 and 13 years old are CLP$6000 (approx. USD$12) and children under 3 enter for free.

Accommodation / Facilities

There are no facilities as such, but at the start of the route there is a refuge near to the thermal baths. It costs CLP$30,000 (approx. USD$60) per person, and booking is essential. The entry fee allows visitors to use the campsites set up around the baths. For more information visit Termas Valle de Colina.

Recommendations

• If you are in a group, you can try to get a group discount to the thermal baths.
• When you finish the route, we recommend that you take some time and recuperate in the thermal baths.
• Take care when crossing the rivers, especially during the thaw (spring and the start of summer).
• Do not drink the water from the lake, it is shallow and full of mud as well as being frequented by crested ducks. There are streams that flow into the lake from which you can obtain drinking water. 

Gear

• Trekking boots and clothing.
• Warm clothing for cold weather.
• Sandals for the river crossings (optional).
• Trekking poles (optional).
• Camping equipment.

Schedule

1. Santiago - Laguna Garañino
2. Laguna Garañino - Santiago