Darwin's Route: Traversing the Chilean Palm Forest
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Let’s cross La Campana National Park hiking through the Chilean Palm Forest, and explore these lands of great biodiversity, like Charles Darwin did in 1834. This activity offers the chance to contemplate and be enchanted by a rich flora proper to the Chilean mediterranean climate, set in the Coastal Mountain Range.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Minimum age is 13 years
What To Expect
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´ll 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.
Options
Darwin's Route: Traversing the Chilean Palm Forest
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Trekking poles
National Park fees
Professional guide
First aid kit
Binoculars
Confortable transport
Box lunch per person:
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Accident insurance
Personal clothing
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome time!
mmv10,Sep 6, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nicolas was an amazing guide! Extremely knowledgeable about the hike and flora and fauna. I previously wanted to do other hikes but due to weather conditions and closings it was not possible. Nicolas suggested this hike and I wasn't disappointed. Thank you Nicolas it was great spending the day hiking with you!
Unique day in La Campana National Park
davidpS7079AR,Feb 9, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were looking for a full day active adventure before leaving Santiago to spend a week hiking on Easter Island. Prior to leaving home we searched several options and were intrigued by the Coigue Expeditions website and reviews. We emailed and expressed interest in the Darwin's route and Pacific Coast Gardens, Juncal and Morado hikes, and said that we wanted to spend the day hiking, but weren't acclimated or in shape for a long climb. Gabriel responded promptly and suggested that Darwin's route best fit our objective. We were picked up at our hotel by guide Nicolas and driver promptly at 7:30 AM, made the 1.5 hour drive north to the park and started our hike. The first part is an uphill hike through the Chilean palm forest on the coastal side of the mountain. Since it was morning the coastal fog was still present and lifted as we reached the highest point on the hike and had our lunch. The downhill portion was entirely different as the forest on the inland side is Santiago Oak. Along the way we saw the giant hummingbird. We got back to our hotel about 6:30 PM. It was a perfect day. We were entirely satisfied and so arranged with Nicolas to do the Pacific Coast Gardens hike upon our return from Easter Island.
This excursion with Coigue...
Kenneth T,Mar 13, 2017
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion with Coigue Expeditions is a wonderful full on day hike through Parque Nacional La Campana declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO set in the dry, dusty mountains of the coastal range. It is a good hour and 45 minutes drive each way from Santiago 110km NW of but as the trip is limited to a small group this was a comfortable car journey rather than being in a cramped minibus. The walk commences in the northern Sector Ocoa and follows a 7km Sendero through the beautiful Palmar de Ocoa, a grove of Chilean Palms in their natural habitat and one of just two remaining in the country. A steepish climb leads to the Portezuelo Ocoa viewpoint from where a 5.5km sendero descends in the shade through the beautiful contrasting woods of southern Sector Cajon Grande. An enthusiastic walking companion accompanied us on this cross-park trek in our friendly guide Nicolas who shared his knowledge and local insights to enhance our experience of this unspoilt natural environment. Apart from a brief encounter with a local horse rider we had the path to ourselves - unbelievable for such an attractive national park. Sadly wildlife, especially bird encounters were limited but such is the vagary of nature. Walking sticks and lunch are provided but additional bottled water is a must. The guidance notes concerning level of difficulty, sunscreen, clothing etc is sensible, important and not to be ignored! Our car with driver Felipe was waiting for us on our return and further welcome insights, including on local music, added to our enjoyment as we drove the Pan American Highway chatting all the way back to Santiago.
Understandably not a cheap option but highly recommended if you want a different, challenging and more personalised experience away from the hustle and bustle of Santiago rather than the standard mass day trips out in the Andes foothills.
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Operated by Coigue Expeditions