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WHAT
TO SEE
The natural phenomena which molded
this wonderful landscape, have created contrasting features, which,
along with the development of a diverse vegetation, makes the
reserve a very attractive place to visit.
The Andean landscape seems to go on forever, but
perhaps the most distinct are the peaks of ‘El Indio’, ‘El Agujereado’,
‘Cotón’, ‘Palomo Volcano’, ‘Alto de los Arrieros’, ‘Los Punzones.’
Among the countless waterfalls, the most spectacular are ‘Ranchillos’,
‘Maitenes’, ‘El Relvo’, ‘El Indio’, ‘Cotón’, Los Pangues’, and
‘El Baúl.’ The lagoons ‘Los Piuquenes’, ‘Agua de la Vida’, and
‘Agua de la Muerte’ are other points of interest, which are not
to be missed. And, if you still have time and energy, visit the
glacier ‘Río Cipreses’, the valleys and brooks ‘Piuquenes’, ‘El
Baúl’, ‘Los Arrieros’, and ‘Medina.’
WHAT
TO DO
Swimming: in the following sectors: ‘Ranchillo’, ‘Maitenes’, and ‘Agua de
la Vida.’
Trekking: in all sectors of the park.
Wildlife watching: in all the sectors of the park.
Horseback riding: in ‘Maitenes’, ‘Urriola’, ‘Agua de la
Vida’, ‘Los Piuquenes’ lagoon, and ‘Baúl’ brook.
Watching and cultural tour: Sectors: ‘Agua de la Vida’,
Glacier area, ‘Los Piuquenes’ lagoon, and ‘Baúl’ brook.
Environmental information: in the administration area there
is a museum and an information center.
TRAILS
‘Los Peumos’
Trekking path :
begins in the ‘Ranchillo’ picnicking area. It allows you to observe
the vegetation dynamics, the area's geomorphology, the development
of the landscape and the remains of mining activities, typical
to this zone.
Other excursions can be carried
out in the interior zones of the reserve, but require authorization
from administration, who analyze the reasons for the trip and
enforce the pertinent rules and regulations for use of the park.
FACILITIES
Area Administration:
it is located at the entrance of the reserve. The telephone number
is (072) 297505.
Ranger’s Office: located
in the administration area.
Dining and camping areas:
‘Ranchillo’ picnicking area, 6 kilometers (4 mi) from the administration,
has 23 sites but minimal infrastructure. There is a provisory
camping area maintained in this place, since the ‘Maitenes’ area
is closed due to problems that originated from the 1993 landslide.
Rustic Refuges:
‘Urriola’ refuge, located an estimated 20 kilometers
(12 MI) from the ‘Maitenes’ sector, and 32 kilometers (20 MI)
from the administration.
From the ‘Maitenes’ area there
is a path suitable for both walking and horseback riding, leading
into the Cipreses’ valley. The refuge is located at an approximate
altitude of 1,500 meters (4,920 ft. above sea level). It takes
approximately 5-6 hours walking, and 4 hours riding.
Lodging: the nearest private
facility is the hotel ‘Termas de Cauquenes’, which was established
because of high tourism to the hot springs. It is 15 kilometers
(9 MI) before arriving to the reserve.
Horseback riding: it is
possible to carry out excursions on horseback to camping areas
and beyond, but riding inside the reservation requires the appropriate
authorization from Conaf. Interesting places to visit are the
‘Carrizal’ and ‘Urriola’ sectors, as well as the ‘Piuquenes’,
‘Agua de la Vida’, and ‘Agua de la Muerte’ lagoons.
Facilities outside the area:
Fuel: Rancagua - Coya.
Telephone: Reserve administration (only local calls), Coya,
20 kilometers (12 MI) along a vehicular road, Rancagua (50 kilometers).
First Aid: Ranger Corps of the reserve and Coya hospital.
Food: Coya, Rancagua.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Help us to protect and maintain the
natural resources here, and ensure that each visitor enjoys the
park to the fullest by considering the following recommendations:
-
In the high sector of the
‘Río Los Cipreses’ valley, it is recommended that you take
warm clothes, parka/coat, hat, gloves, boots, sunglasses and
sun block since the sun is strong.
- Take food rich in calories (chocolate, for
example).
- You must inform the administration before excursions
and climbing trips.
- The best time of the year to visit is from
September to December and from February 15th to April, due to
weather and number of visitors. For a snowy landscape, the ideal
time to visit is June or July.
- Respect the rules while you are in the reserve.
- Swim only in permitted areas.
Due to the protection of natural resources, you cannot remove
wood from the reserve, and so it is better to bring coal or
fuel with you.
SERVICES
ARTICLES
OR RELATED LINKS
 Ecological
Tourism in the Region of O'Higgins: Rio de Los Cipreses National
Reserve
THANKS
TO
We would like to thank Reserve Administrator Julio
Vergara, and ranger Jorge Salvo, for their invaluable help
and cooperation with these pages.
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