Cañadón Macho–Loma Guanaco Trail

Cañadón Macho–Loma Guanaco is a 4.4-mile out-and-back through the park’s northeastern Laguna Azul sector. Walk the mapped 2.2-mile ground path from its meeting with Ruta Y-166 to its junction with Camino Laguna Azul, then return the same way. The route crosses open Patagonian grassland and lenga woodland, with a different angle on the Paine massif. Allow about 2½ to 3 hours.

This is a simple out-and-back, not a loop. The line here covers the shorter named footpath; longer guided outings in the area may use a similar name, so confirm the turnaround before comparing mileage. The ground path is rated moderate, but the available route notes do not describe every section of footing or wayfinding.

Open grassland and pockets of lenga beech forest alternate along the corridor. Guanacos are a characteristic part of this valley and may be seen on the slopes. The broad landscape is the draw here: a different northeastern view toward the Paine towers rather than a close-up of the park’s best-known southern approaches.

The mapped start meets Ruta Y-166 near Cañadón Macho, but no designated public parking or independent access arrangement could be confirmed. Some park trails require an accredited guide; check with CONAF or an authorized local operator to find out whether this route does and where you may park. No route-specific services were documented, so bring water and what you need for the walk.