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Horseback
riding/trekking through native forests of roble and Chilean palm
La Campana National Park is located in Chile's central Coast Range
in the Province of Quillota, an hour and a half from Santiago and
approximately 45 minutes from Viña del Mar. The park's great
natural beauty makes it well worth an extended visit. Its most impressive
features at first view are the La Campana and El Roble mountains.
We will ride to the top of El Roble, which with an elevation of 2,250
m (7,380 ft) is the highest point in the Coast Range. If the day is
clear, we will be able to see all the way across the breadth of Chile,
from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. The park is
covered with native woodlands of peumo, quillay, and litre among others.
The magnificent forests of roble are the finest to be found in all
the northern part of the country. Wildlife is present, in the form
of culpeo and chilla foxes, quiques, vizcachas, and other small animals,
though seldom seen. On the other hand, birds such as partridges, loicas,
various types of hawks, eagles, quails, and the magnificent Andean
condor are abundant. |
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| Day 1 SANTIAGO
- OLMUE - LA CAMPANA |
| Early departure
from your hotel, shedding for Olmué, Quillota Province, and
the Quebrada Alvarado entrance to La Campana National Park. We begin
our guided ride with an ascent to the beautiful Aguada del Marai forest,
offering an impressive view of the valleys at our feet. After a rest
and lunch, we head downward to the Ocoa Valley home of the lovely
Chilean palm tree. We set up camp near the La Cortadera waterfall,
light our campfire, and relax over supper before turning in for the
night. (L,D) |
| Day 2 LA
CAMPANA - SANTIAGO |
| Breakfast
and mount-up at 10:00 AM to ride up the slopes of El Roble Mountain.
We stop at the pre-Columbian Cristalera quartz mine, where we can
still find considerable traces of the mineral. We then ride through
palm groves, native woodlands, and tumbling waterfalls. We will have
lunch at an elevation of 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in the midst of a forest
of roble. These trees are very fragrant, and in the autumn their colorful
leaves set the landscape aflame. After lunch, two-hour ride to the
summit of El Roble Mountain, 2,250 m (7,380 ft), following an abandoned
road through the stands of roble. From the top we have impressive
views of the Coast Range and the Andes. We retrace our steps back
to our camp for a farewell lunch. Finally, we descend through palm
groves to Quebrada Alvarado, where our bus is waiting to take us back
to Santiago. (B,L) |
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Min 2 - 3 persons
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US$ 310
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4 - 5 persons
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US$ 275
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6 - 8 persons
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US$ 245
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INCLUDED :
- Private round-trip transportation from Santiago
- Bilingual guide and horse wranglers, riding and pack horses
- Meals : breakfast, 2 light picnic lunches, and hearty supper
- Complete camping and mess equipment (tents for 2 person).
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Insurance of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages and any extras not specifically mentioned
in the program.
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| DEGREE
OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: |
| No prior
riding experience required, only a love of the outdoors, good physical
condition, and a positive outlook. |
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| SUGGESTED
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Sleeping bag and air mattress.
Travel pack and small day pack. Binoculars and flashlight. Sun glasses,
sun block, and lip balm. Hiking boots or stout walking shoes, clothing
for both hot days and chilly nights, light-colored sun hat or cap,
warm cap and gloves. |
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ALTUE
ACTIVE TRAVEL
Coyancura 2270, oficina 801, Providencia, Santiago, CHILE
Telefóno: (56 2) 333 1390 - Fax (56 2) 234 9783
Email: info@altue.com |
