La Campana National Park

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Season: September to May

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.

ITINERARY

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)
Tour Operates Year Round (except months of July and August)

Note:

For individual travelers 2 or 3 person, we offer same program with regular transportation from/ to Santiago. Pullman Bus leaves from TurBus Bus Station at 8 a.m. and passengers need to get off in Villa Alemana, where our guide will be waiting.


Difficulty Degree :
No prior riding experience required, only a love of the outdoors, good physical condition, and a positive outlook.

Includes:

All 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).

Not Included:

Insurance - Alcoholic beverages and any extras not specifically mentioned in the program.

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 hot days and chilly nights, light-colored sun hat or cap, warm cap and gloves.