Introduction

The Parque Andino Juncal is a private protected area which is open to the public and has belonged to the Kenrick family since 1911 – currently known as the Kenrick Lyon community. The park is located in the mountains in the V region, close to the Portillo ski centre and the Los Libertadores International Pass. It consists of 13,796 hectares whose main borders are the River Juncal to the west; the Republic of Argentina to the east; the River Monos de Aguas to the south and the stone wall along the access road to the park to the north.

Within the protected area of the park, you will find some beautiful mountains which can reach more than 5000m; rock and ice glaciers; wetlands which have a great environmental importance and were given the distinction of being considered a Ramsar site (internationally important wetland) in 2010. As well as this the park is a well-known place to go mountaineering, and has been visited frequently for decades by those who enjoy this activity.

The route to the Juncal glacier is a moderately difficult route and can be completed there and back in 6 to 8h. Almost 19km in total, it leads to one of the most impressive glaciers in the central Chilean Andes. The route does not change much in altitude (500m) and is well-marked apart from the crossing of various streams and a larger course of water which requires a little more experience. This along with the impressive views if offers to hikers make it without doubt an unmissable hike in the Andes.

Appropriate season

We recommend that you visit the park between the end of spring and autumn. During this period the Parque Andino Juncal is fully operational, and you can reach the Hornitos sector by car. During winter the park is not open due to the significant snowfall, the access road being closed and the low temperatures.

Access

Los Hornitos

From Santiago, follow route 57 towards the town of Los Andes. After approx. 80km, a little before reaching the town, take the signposted exit to the east (right) which leads to route 60 and the Portillo ski centre as well as the Cristo Redentor international pass. After having driven 135km from Santiago, you will reach the abandoned “Hermanos Clark” train station, located just before the “Caracoles” ascent. From the Guardia Vieja sector (Police, km114) the highway’s opening times are subject to the time of year. For up to date information on timetables and dates, visit the Unidad de Pasos Fronterizos webpage and look at the section “Horarios de atención”.
There is a tollbooth directly after the Guardia Vieja sector, but those who are going to Juncal or Portillo do not have to pay. Just advise of your destination at the booth to avoid the additional cost.

It is possible to reach the old station in public transport by taking one of the buses traveling from Santiago to Mendoza (normally you have to pay the full cost of the ticket). To get any further you will have to hire a taxi in Los Andes.

From “Hermanos Clark”, follow the dirt road leading along the eastern bank of the River Juncal heading southeast. Approx. 3km from the start of this road, you will pass a stone wall which marks the private property of the Comunidad Kenrick Lyon, in which the Parque Andino Juncal is located. After another 6km (9km in total from Hermanos Clark) you will reach the old stone refuges, the confluence of the Rivers Mardones, Navarro and River Juncal. This sector is known as Los Hornitos (2400m). It is approx. 20min from Hermanos Clark to this point.

See the route from Santiago to Los Hornitos in google maps.

Permits / Prices

The entry fees to the Parque Andino Juncal are as follows: Chilean adult CLP$3000 (approx. US$5), Chilean child CLP$1000 (approx. US$2), foreigners without a RUT CLP$6000 (approx. US$10). There is also a costs of CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2) to stay the night in the park.

The park also accepts donations.

Accommodation / Facilities

There are three places where you can camp along the route:

1. Hornitos: various areas to camp, basic toilets, washing area and refuge. 
2. Las Morrenas: to the south of the Nacimiento wetlands and before the fences marking the edge of the park, you will find an area of moraines where you can camp protected from the wind.
3. After crossing the Monos de Aguas stream: there is a large plain where various tents can be pitched. 

Recommendations

• If you go by car, be aware that the road is in good condition but can be flooded in spring – it is better to go in a 4x4 vehicle. During winter the road is blocked by snow so it should take an extra 3h to the reach the Hornitos area in these conditions. 
• Take sandals to cross the stream Monos de Agua.
• During some season, the crossing at the stream Monos de Agua is equipped with a rope. Despite this, we recommend that you do no completely trust that it will be installed at the time of your visit, or that it is safe enough to use. The river crossing is only recommended for those with experience.
• In spring and summer the wetlands are full of birdlife so we recommend that you take binoculars to observe them from a distances as it is prohibited to enter the wetlands due to their fragile state.
• We urge visitors not to walk to the Juncal glacier without the appropriate equipment and knowledge: there are crevasses and ice which could cause an accident for those who do not know who do not know how to advance over this type of terrain. 
• The former Hermanos Clark train station, located at the start of the dirt road leading to Hornitos, it well worth a visit. We recommend that you take the time to have a look.
• From the summer of 2016, there will be a maximum number of persons who can enter the park. We recommend that you read the park's webpage or its Facebook page to avoid issues. 
• In summer follow the weather forecast because, although they are infrequent, there can be rainfall in the mountains. 

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots
• Warm clothing
• Sandals for the river crossing
• Trekking poles

Schedule

1. Los Andes - Parque Andino Juncal - Los Andes