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Scouting the Flight of the Condor
With
Cascada Expediciones
Departing from
Santiago
,
Chile
|
Prices from around $79
From Santiago, the Maipo Valley runs deep into the Andes for some 120km until it reaches impassable gorges and rushing rivers where the terrain is only negotiable on horse or on foot. It is in the middle of this rugged scenery that one feels at the heart of the Andes, the geographic feature which domains the whole of Chile. The valley is broad where it meets Santiago and here you will find many of the vineyards whose products have made Chile famous worldwide. As one goes up the valley, mountains get higher and the valley narrower. At an elevation of 1.000m, 60km away from Santiago, the typical mountain village of San Alfonso nestles in the Cordillera. Here, overlooking the wild Maipo river, facing the steep striped sedimentary mountains and under the shade of tall waving pine trees lies Cascada de las Animas (Spirit’s Waterfall) Outdoor Center, declared Nature Sanctuary in 1995.
At this point the only way to get into the mountains is on foot, on horseback or down the river in a raft. However, if you do not want any further physical activity, there are good facilities for staying peacefully at Cascada de las Animas and enjoying a relaxing day away from the city. Experienced, skilled and good-natured guides will assist you since you arrive to Cascada de Las Animas. Their kindness and willingness will make your visit a safe and memorable experience.
09:00 hrs:
Pick up from the Hotel in Santiago;
10:30 hrs:
Arrive in Cascada de Las Animas and start the trekking through the 10.000 acre private Nature Sanctuary. The trek follows narrow and steep trails used by the arrieros (Andean cowboys) to take cattle and herds to higher grazing lands during summer. Depending on the season, there are many waterfalls, streams and pools where cold-refreshing bathes can be taken. On winter and springtime the giant Condors fly down in search of food to a lower altitude where we might have the chance to scout them. The route will vary depending on the interests and physical condition of the participants; this tour is led by our experienced guides who are happy to point out the many spectacular views, as well as the native flora & fauna along the trail.
13:30 hrs:
Come down to the restaurant for lunch. The evening is free for relaxing at the swimmingpool (summer) or for taking a sauna (winter).
17:00 hrs:
Start driving back to Santiago. Arrive at the Hotel around 18:30hrs.
Physical Demands
Moderate trekking.
Included in the excursion cost:
- Transfer: Htl Santiago/Cajon del Maipo/Htl Santiago;
- Lunch at Cascada de las Animas restaurant;
- All excursions as indicated on the itinerary;
- One bilingual guide on excursions;
- Swimmingpool in summer or sauna on winter;
- All entrances and parks fees.
S.I.B Restrictions
- Available only saturday & sunday.
- Transfer to and from Santiago with spanish speaking driver.
What you need to bring
- Trekking: long pants (winter) or short (summer), trekking shoes, sunscreen lotion & lip balm, sun glasses, hat and rain coat (winter).
Climate
The Central Chile enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, mild temperate, being the warmest months November to February when temperatures reach 32°C. June to August are the coolest with temperatures as low as 0°C.
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| Tour Category:
Trekking
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| Company :
Cascada Expediciones
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| Days: 1 |
| Departs :
Santiago
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