Just 90 minutes from Santiago, Darwin’s Route offers a unique hike across the Coastal Mountain Range, showcasing the rich biodiversity of central Chile’s Mediterranean climate.
The adventure begins in the northern sector of La Campana National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1985. From here, we hike south across the entire protected area until reaching the town of Olmué, where our driver will meet us for the return to Santiago.
The first stage is a three-hour ascent along a scenic trail surrounded by native sclerophyll forests and the iconic Chilean Palm (Jubaea chilensis), one of the park’s most emblematic species. Reaching the Ocoa Hill pass, we pause for lunch and take in sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
From there, the trail descends through a forest of Santiago oak (Nothofagus obliqua var. macrocarpa), a rare relict species growing near the northern limit of its distribution. The hike continues southward until we reach Olmué, completing a memorable crossing of one of Chile’s most ecologically significant landscapes.
Darwin’s Route is more than a hike; it is an immersive journey through native forests, palm groves, and the living history of Chile’s natural heritage.
Note: Between April and June mushrooms can be found, like the fungi we photographed Oct 2nd 2016.
Summary
- Activity: Hike across
- Tour length: Full day
- Difficulty: Medium/hard
- Season: During all the year
- Total distance*: 14km (8.7mi)
- Elevation gain: 720m (2,360ft)
- Max elevation: 1,127m (3,697ft)
* One way trek
Price Per Person
| PAX | USD |
|---|---|
| 4 + | 170 |
| 3 | 190 |
| 2 | 250 |
| 1 | 350 |
Itinerary
- 07:30 Pick up at your hotel
- 09:30 Hike begins in Ocoa Palms
- 13:00 Ocoa hillpass, lunch
- 13:30 Descent to Olmué town
- 16:00 Car ride back
- 18:00 Back in your hotel
Include
- Guide ENG / ESP
- Transport and driver
- Box lunch: one sandwich and a large salad; cereal bar; chocolate or cookies; tea or an isotonic drink; two fruits and water.
- Tel. signal most of the route
- First aid kit
- Park entrance fee
- Trekking poles
Not included:
- Accident insurance
- Personal clothing
Recommendations
- Pre-hydration and good breakfast
- Hiking shoes
- Long sleeves shirt if possible
- Shorts on summer
- Hut and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Warm, windproof clothing on winter
📷 Pictures taken on October 12, 2014 (spring)
La Campana Mountain
La Campana Mountain
Sunset view of one of the highest peaks of the Coastal Range minutes before arriving La Campana National Park, named by the mountain which means The Bell.
Chilean Palm
Chilean Palm
The sup from the trunk is boiled down into a syrup called locally 'miel de palma' (palm honey), and the seeds and coconuts are used confectionery.
Palmar de Ocoa
Palmar de Ocoa
This natural forest has the highest number of chilean palms. Jubaea chilensis, endemic of Chile, is the most austral continental palm of the world.
La Campana National Park
La Campana National Park
Great view of the Chilean Palm Forest at the feet of La Campana Mountain from the Ocoa sector.
Quisquito
Quisquito
You can find the Eriosyce curvispina, known locally as 'Quisquito', at the north facing slopes of the Andes and the Coastal Range of central Chile.
Oak Tree
Oak Tree
A wonderful south facing oak tree accompanies Trinidad in her path towards the Olmué commune.
Quisco Cactus
Quisco Cactus
A quisco cactus near an oak tree facing Olmue town in the afternoon at La Campana National Park.
La Campana National Park
La Campana National Park
Panoramic view towards Quillota from a few meters below the Ocoa hillpass. The coastal range is older than the Andes.
Serpent Path
Serpent Path
After almost an hour of hiking the route narrows into this smooth serpent-like path.
Traveler Review
What travelers say“We were met by Nicholas and M. They came a bit later so we could eat breakfast in our hotel. We had a really great day with Nicholas as our guide :) the expedition itself was beautiful with breathing taking views. We were a bit worried that we were not going to be able to see much as it is autumn but Nicholas had an impressive and extensive knowledge of the plants along the way, we saw some wildlife and the views were amazing so we really didn't need to worry! My mum was very interested in knowing the names of all the birds and animals and Nicholas patiently spelled out each one for her. Very fair price for such a great day. The journey back just felt like a bunch of friends coming back from a hike. Reasons to choose this company: professional yet really personable service with quick responses to emails, informative and great website, brilliant treks that are incredibly only available with Coigüe Expeditions. Decision made ;)”
Lucy EEngland
