This activity offers the chance to contemplate and be enchanted by a great biodiversity of flora characteristic of the Chilean mediterranean climate, just an hour and a half from Santiago, set at the Coastal Mountain Range.
The excursion begins at the northern sector of La Campana National Park, which was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1985. From there we will begin the hike that cross the whole protect area heading south toward Olmué, where our driver will be waiting us to return back to Santiago.
The first stage consists of three hours hiking going up through a beautiful trail surrounded by sclerophyll species and Chilean Palms (Jubaea chilensis) among others.
Following the trail we will reach the Ocoa Hill pass, an excellent spot for lunch and rest while enjoying beautiful views that the place offers. Later, we will begin descent towards the traditional town of Olmué passing among a Santiago oak forest (Nothofagus obliqua var. macrocarpa) which is one of the northernmost relict oak trees.
We invite you to be part of this excursion of excellence and have an exciting encounter with central Chile´s wildlife, hoping your experience with us will become a lifelong memory.
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
In their words
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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.
