Introduction

The route to Laguna Aguas Blancas presents a great gain in altitude in a short distance, but compensates visitors with impressive panoramic views of the river Río Bío Bío as they ascend the slopes of the little known Cerro La Pepa. After almost 5h walking you finally reach the hidden lake Laguna Aguas Blancas, which for a long times has been a beautiful secret known only by local residents.

This route leads visitors through dense forests of native Coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi), Hazelnut, Quila (Chusquea quila), Copihue (Lapageria rosea) and Canelo (Drimys winteri) among other species indigenous to the region, making this forest a must for dendrophiles. Furthermore, in an extra day of hiking you can reach the summit of Cerro La Pepa from the lake, from which you will have a beautiful view of the magnificent volcano Callaqui, the indisputable ruler over the zone of Alto Bío Bío.

Appropriate season

The lake can be visited all year round. In Autumn and Winter, the last quarter of the route can be covered in snow but this should not cause any issues. In Summer the route is much drier but as a reward you can take a refreshing dip in the lake at the end of the hike.

Access

From the town of Los Ángeles, follow route Q-61-4 leading east for 42km until coming to the village Santa Barbara. From here follow the road to Ralco until having driven for 68.1km, where you will find the bridge Aguas Blancas, which is well signposted. As a point of reference the bridge is just 100m before the well-known Santuario Sor Teresa de Los Andes de Ralco. On the left hand side (west) of the bridge is the start of the route.

There is public transport from Los Ángeles leaving at midday which continues towards Alto Bío Bío. The bus ticket costs roughly CLP$2000 (approx. USD$4).

Permits / Prices

The route begins on the banks of the river between private properties but there is no checkpoint for people entering, so you can do so without paying but make sure not to leave the marked path.

Accommodation / Facilities

None.

Recommendations

• Even though the start of the route is by the banks of the river, there are no sources of drinking water along the route (except for infrequent spots of melting snow), so we recommend that you take enough water with you. Do not forget to take sunscreen.
• The altitude gained is quite significant, we recommend that you are in good physical condition and start the trail early in the morning. 
• During Autumn and Winter there can be snow covering the last quarter of the route, so it is advised that you take gaiters and waterproof clothing.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Warm clothing
• Trekking poles
• Gaiters (Autumn/Winter)

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1.  Bridge Aguas Blancas – Laguna Aguas Blancas – Bridge

Relaxed Itinerary

1. Bridge Aguas Blancas – Laguna Aguas Blancas
2. Laguna Aguas Blancas – Bridge