Adventure in Santiago, Chile!

Bellavista

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour Itinerary: Exploring the Thrills of Bellavista

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Fly into Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. From here, travel by taxi or bus north for around 2 hours to reach the lush, misty slopes of the Tandayapa Valley, your gateway to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. Check into one of the charming eco-lodges nestled in the heart of the cloud forest. Spend your evening relaxing amidst the symphony of frogs and nocturnal birds.

Day 2: Hiking and Birdwatching

After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for a guided trek through the verdant trails of Bellavista. Your guide will help you spot some of the 300 bird species that make this area a birder"s paradise, including the dazzling Andean cock-of-the-rock. Trek to hidden waterfalls and learn about the delicate ecosystem of the cloud forest. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, then venture out for an afternoon hike to different trails, aiming to spot rare orchids and vibrant hummingbirds.

Day 3: Mountain Biking and Night Walk

Embrace the thrill of mountain biking down lesser-traveled paths around Bellavista. These routes offer breathtaking views and a chance to see some of the area"s unique wildlife. Post-lunch, gear up for a night walk, a unique opportunity to experience the forest"s nocturnal life. Discover creatures like the elusive puma if luck is on your side, and learn about the habits of nocturnal birds and insects.

Day 4: Departure

Wrap up your adventure with a serene morning birdwatching session or a peaceful walk through the forest, soaking in the tranquility and lush scenery. After breakfast, transport will be available to take you back to Quito for your onward journey or flight home.

Explore Bellavista - where each twist and turn in the path offers an exciting new discovery!

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Cajón del Maipo

Why Visit?

Adventure Awaits in Cajón del Maipo

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Begin your journey into the heart of Chile"s rugged wilderness by arriving in Santiago, the closest major city to Cajón del Maipo. From here, rent a car or hop on a local bus for an hour"s journey southeast to San José de Maipo, the gateway to your mountain adventure. Settle into a cozy lodge and spend your day soaking in the tranquil vibes of this quaint town. Don’t miss the Museo del Tren for a brief touch of local history.

Day 2: Embark on the El Morado Trek

Rise early and gear up for the El Morado Natural Monument, a paradise for hikers. The drive to the trailhead at Baños Morales is scenic and straightforward. Embark on a 16km return trek that unveils the majestic El Morado Glacier and the stunning Laguna Morales. The trail, gaining about 600 meters in elevation, offers breathtaking views and a chance to spot Andean wildlife. The trek takes about 6 hours, perfect for a fulfilling day"s adventure.

Day 3: Explore the Thermal Baths

After yesterday"s exertion, take a soothing day. Drive to the nearby Termas Valle de Colina, a series of natural hot springs nestled at the foot of the Andes. Spend the day relaxing in the thermal waters with picturesque views of the snow-capped peaks. Each pool varies in temperature, creating a perfect spot for everyone.

Day 4: Rafting the Maipo River

Gear up for some thrilling white-water rafting on the Maipo River. Various local operators offer half-day tours that cater to all experience levels, providing all the necessary equipment and safety briefings. The river’s rapids are exhilarating, lined with beautiful scenery that adds to the thrill.

Day 5: Departure

Cap off your adventure in Cajón del Maipo with a leisurely morning before making your way back to Santiago, filled with unforgettable memories and stories of your thrilling Chilean escapade.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Termas Valle de Colina

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour: Termas Valle de Colina

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the Termas Valle de Colina, a hidden gem nestled in the majestic Andes mountains just a couple of hours’ drive from Santiago, Chile. Renowned for its natural hot springs, this destination offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Day 1: Journey to the Springs

Start your adventure early in the morning from Santiago, taking the scenic route via the road to Cajón del Maipo. This breathtaking drive offers stunning views of rugged mountain landscapes and the Maipo River. As you approach the Termas Valle de Colina, located at an altitude of about 2,500 meters, the terrain becomes more dramatic with the impressive San José volcano as your backdrop.

Activity Spotlight: Hiking & Photography

Upon arrival, gear up for a guided hike around the area. This is a fantastic opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the raw beauty of the Andes. The trails offer varying difficulty levels, ensuring there"s something for every adventurer.

Day 2: Thermal Baths & Star Gazing

Spend your day soaking in the sulfurous pools, which are naturally tiered on a hillside and vary in temperature. These mineral-rich waters are known for their healing properties, perfect after a day of rigorous hiking.

As the sun sets, prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars. The remote location offers minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Interesting Fact

The hot springs are formed by geothermal activity associated with the volcanic area, which heats the underground water. The minerals in the rocks are believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting wellness seekers from around the globe.

Getting There

Most visitors rent a car from Santiago for flexibility. Alternatively, several tour operators in Santiago offer day trips or overnight packages including transportation, meals, and guided tours.

Whether you"re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Termas Valle de Colina promises an adventure that rejuvenates both body and spirit.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Farellones and El Colorado

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure tour to the majestic Andes with a visit to Farellones and El Colorado, two of Chile’s most beloved skiing destinations. Just an hour’s drive from the bustling capital of Santiago, these spots offer a perfect blend of thrilling sports, breathtaking landscapes, and cozy mountain charm.

Day 1: Arrival in Farellones

Start your adventure early in the morning by renting a 4x4 vehicle in Santiago to navigate the mountain roads comfortably. As you ascend the snaking paths of the Andes, each turn offers a more stunning view than the last. Upon arriving in Farellones, a quaint mountain village at about 2,300 meters above sea level, check into a rustic lodge. Spend your day exploring the village on foot and get acclimated to the high altitude. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, indulging in hearty Chilean cuisine alongside spectacular views.

Day 2: Adventure Activities in Farellones

Farellones is not only about stunning scenery; it’s also a hub for adventure sports. During winter (June to September), hit the slopes for some unforgettable skiing or snowboarding. If visiting in summer, mountain biking and hiking are excellent ways to soak in the natural beauty. The village offers various rental shops for all necessary equipment, making it easy for you to engage in these activities.

Day 3: Explore El Colorado

Just 5km further up from Farellones, El Colorado beckons with its impressive ski runs and panoramic mountain vistas. Known for having some of the most challenging slopes in the region, it’s a paradise for ski enthusiasts. Spend your day carving down the well-maintained pistes or, if visiting off-season, embark on a guided mountain trek.

Interesting Facts

- Farellones is one of the oldest ski resorts in South America.

- El Colorado forms part of the "Tres Valles" (Three Valleys) which includes Valle Nevado and La Parva, offering extensive terrain for all levels.

Wrap up your tour by watching a sunset from the top of El Colorado, a fitting end to an adventure-packed trip. Return to Santiago filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso)

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the heart of the Andean mountains where the breathtaking El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) awaits, nestled in the dramatic landscapes of the Cajón del Maipo. This adventure is not just a feast for the eyes but also a challenge for the spirit, perfect for those who itch for the wild and the untamed.

Starting Point: Santiago, Chile

Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Santiago. Early morning, gather your gear and spirit for an adventure. Rent a 4x4 vehicle as the roads can become rugged and challenging, offering a perfect preamble to the adventure that lies ahead. The drive to Embalse El Yeso takes about 2.5 hours, tracing along the Maipo River, with the scenery shifting from lush vineyards to stark, awe-inspiring mountain vistas.

Arrival at El Yeso Dam

Upon arrival, the turquoise waters of El Yeso Dam, set against the stark high-altitude backdrop, are simply mesmerizing. Sitting at an elevation of about 2,500 meters, this reservoir is vital, providing water to Santiago. Here, the adventure intensifies with options for kayaking in the cold, pristine waters. For the trekking enthusiasts, numerous trails beckoning with promises of panoramic views and wildlife encounters surround the area. The winter months cloak the landscape in snow, turning the area into a playground for snowshoeing and ice-climbing.

Photography and Picnics

Don’t forget your camera - the photogenic vistas of rugged mountains, the changing hues of the water, and the unique high-altitude flora and fauna demand it. Find a perfect spot for a picnic by the reservoir, a moment to relax and soak in the vastness and silence, punctuated only by the calls of Andean condors.

Return to Santiago

As the day wanes, drive back to Santiago under the glow of a setting sun, the memories of El Yeso’s wild beauty vivid in your mind, promising to call you back to its tranquility and majesty.

This excursion to El Yeso Dam combines the thrill of adventure with the serenity of nature, offering an unforgettable escape into Chile’s wild heart.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.