trip report by besthike editor Rick McCharles
day 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | info Condor Circuit
High season on a mid-summer weekend, Valle las Catas campground was full.
We were in no rush. Enjoyed the morning.
Sendero Los Cipreses (Cypresss Trail) is free entrance from Valle las Catas campground leading to the Siete Tazas (7 cups). Pedro, Victor and myself did the famous tourist attraction as a day hike.
… seven consecutive natural pools with their respective waterfalls along Claro River. These waterfalls range from 1 to 10.5 metres. There are also two high waterfalls called El Velo de Novia (The Bridal Veil) and La Leona (The Lioness), with single vertical drops of 40 and 20 metres respectively. …
On return to the campground I enjoyed one last restaurant meal – 4 eggs.
By far the most popular back country campground in the area is El Bolsón. I planned an afternoon start. Tried to get organized at the Ranger station.
In fact it was 4pm before I reached the trailhead.
Christian and his family had been there before. I followed them from the Park office and we stayed together for much of the 12km. All uphill.
Many groups ride horses up here. Or take pack animals.
Very pretty.
On the steepest section, I dropped my heavy load and went back to carry the 10yr-olds pack for about one km. However, when we finally got to Bolsón, she looked less tired that I did.
The sun going down, I set up my tent in a gorgeous spot. And went to sleep.
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