Coyhaique Queulat NP: Full Day Ventisquero Colgante Review

Okay, so, you’re thinking of taking a day trip from Coyhaique to Queulat National Park to see the Ventisquero Colgante, right? Well, honestly, it’s more than just a trip; it’s a chance to see one of those absolutely amazing natural spots that just kind of stick with you. Getting there, actually doing the hike, and then really soaking up everything it has to show you…that’s something worth breaking down so your own experience could be the best it can be.

Planning Your Visit to Queulat National Park

Basically, you have a few choices regarding getting into the park, and each really changes the experience a little. Very often people end up going with a tour, for pretty understandable reasons. Sometimes it is the transportation and a guide all in one package. The other choice is renting a vehicle to get there on your own and doing everything solo, but sometimes it requires just a bit more planning.

Now, for tours, actually, it means you get picked up straight from Coyhaique, typically, and all the logistics end up looked after. This really works well when, maybe, you’re not too keen on driving on roads you don’t really know that well. And too, the guides tend to know the place inside and out, so it’s almost like getting bonus information as you go. Keep in mind that these trips really should be booked in advance, just especially during peak season, which is, commonly, during the South American summer (December to February). Prices can shift some, it is just depending on what’s covered, but you’re usually looking at spending about $100 to $150 USD for one person.

Going it alone in a rental car definitely hands you a level of freedom a group can’t get, so it’s worth it. It gives you a chance to hang back a bit longer in places you like, and not hang about where you don’t want to, so, in some respects, it is what you want. However, keep in mind that the route is not really straightforward the whole time. While it’s being improved, you will find sections of gravel that call for a vehicle that’s up to the task. Make sure to look at the type of rental. And just a little, it’s more planning, just accounting for park entrance fees (a few bucks), petrol, and food since you’ll want it with you.

The Hike to Ventisquero Colgante

The real high point, that, is getting up close to Ventisquero Colgante, this hanging glacier that’s tucked into the mountainside. The main path, called the Sendero Ventisquero, that goes for just about two kilometers, it might be, each way, and could be hiked in about three to four hours, there and back. Don’t be fooled; although, a pretty manageable distance, the trail definitely has parts that can be a bit tricky, especially because of how the ground is.

Early parts of the hike take you right through these kind of super green, pretty thick forests. So, you will definitely find opportunities for shots that pop. The trail is fairly even as you begin. After a bit, the route gets a little steeper, so it requires a small bit of effort, and, that is, to get around some of the rockier sections. Still, you won’t usually have to be an expert hiker to have fun out there.

The very best moment is likely getting out of the forest. Honestly, there, the Ventisquero Colgante shows up in all its splendor. Watching this enormous glacier, you know, which seems stuck on the cliff’s face, is truly astonishing. Every so often, pieces of ice break off and then crash down below, so, too it’s almost like nature reminding everyone exactly how powerful it still is. Honestly, just standing there, you have a real sense of nature’s great scope.

What to Pack for Your Day Trip

Packing the correct items really makes a whole world of difference on this sort of day adventure, but then, packing efficiently isn’t always very natural to many travelers. Weather, very commonly, can really change very quickly in Patagonia. Wearing layered clothing ends up being the thing to do. Starting with a base layer that keeps the sweat away, then, adding an insulating mid-layer, and also, very importantly, a water-proof outer shell gives the most flexibility if you’re confronted by quickly changing situations.

Hiking footwear really needs to be comfortable enough to use for hours, and, naturally, tough enough for varied terrain. Make sure they’re broken in, just a little bit, way before the day trip to head off sore spots. A backpack, one that’s mid-size, is, also, crucial for all of your gear. And so, include necessities such as water containers (at least 2 liters per person), trail bars and maybe even a packed lunch to enjoy along the way.

Don’t leave home without these items. Always carry sunscreen to guard from extreme sun, and wear sunglasses. Cameras need to be with you. Getting some quality photos from this type of spot just would not happen any other way. And lastly, and that’s, to me, most crucially, keep a basic first aid kit with blister treatment with you. Little things end up easily becoming large when you find yourself out far.

Maximizing Your Experience at Queulat

Spending time to maximize the time out there guarantees way more than just passing by. So, arrive rather earlier in the morning if you can, very specially during the busier months, to stay ahead of any possible crowds. Being out early allows for calmer vistas on the glacier. Very commonly you could find that those morning hours could get very spectacular light for top notch shots as well.

Don’t just hurry right through the place without stopping. Seriously consider stopping for quite a few moments at different places on your hikes just to take in the environment completely. Seriously, listen. This kind of forest ecosystem possesses sounds unlike many you may have experienced. Search out nearby plant species or maybe a bird. If you watch closely you might see quite a few things often overlooked. Respect wildlife also by always keeping a polite distance and by, maybe, packing out every bit of waste. The park stays unspoiled, almost, just with mindful seeing.

Try to, also, engage some with your guide when touring. Doing this you find more than information on what you observe; maybe they will bring a few personal tales regarding growing up living near the park or a detail only a local might be aware of. It is always a benefit to expand your personal viewpoints on all facets around you there, so this definitely provides an outstanding method to that exact point.

Photographing Ventisquero Colgante

Snapping pictures with the Ventisquero Colgante within the setting is much more than simply pointing then clicking. Therefore, seriously give it some thoughts on how you might find your absolute top possible photographic viewpoint out on location. Light really can impact the way people sense this specific setting drastically. The golden hours following daybreak then a while before night are apt to provide any of that truly softer more flattering lighting. On days filled with overcast conditions and too little light or perhaps lots coming straight on, try and hunt about for contrasting features or unique textures to give those shots increased attraction.

Give close attention and try some compositions using natural elements here or points elsewhere that might act well enough whenever framing such as leafy boughs combined alongside stones existing nearby on edges plus they will make increased depths combined with context overall to whatever ultimate pic shows back at home while re-viewing post journey!

Bring a wide range if lenses while headed outdoors, starting either short ranged compact lens designed more towards broader landscape settings straight through towards zoom functions giving sharp results whenever bringing items way far, seemingly straight from nowhere extremely upfront; keep steady posture taking crisp photos or probably try tripod which eliminates shakes generating amazing photographs when conditions lack illumination sufficiently without giving issues along roadside or while taking walk about through pathways!