EL AMARILLO
The entrance to the Amarillo Valley is found at the junction of the road to the Amarillo Hot Springs and the Carretera Austral. Although work is being done in 2005 - 2006 to rehabilitate the rundown ranch El Triángulo, hikers and campers may still walk to the glacier at the upper end of the Amarillo River. The 10 kilometers hike begins from the Ventisquero Campground toward the base of the Michinmahuida Glacier. The walk is very flat and open as you go. We recommend that you begin the hike very early in the morning and cross the river at its widest point, not far from the campground. Remember, the more branches of the river you cross to reach the other side, the shallower the river will be at each crossing. Continue up toward the glaciers on the west side of the river until you reach the glaciers. Remember, during the summer months the rivers rise during the heat of the day in the afternoons and this can make your return crossing more difficult, so plan ahead.
This is one of Pumalín's most beautiful places and camping is spectacular with great views in all directions. This area deserves a few days at a minimum, but a long day still is worth the effort.
