Trekking in the Valley of Flowers, Heritage of the Glaciers

Description

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HOTEL – VEGAS DEL CHANO

Departure to Río Blanco, a town located at 1,250 meters inland in the Andes. The ride begins on an old dirt road where we will slowly gain altitude and then take a trail that will lead us through estuaries and some forests of Quillayes and Maitenes. The journey will take us along a path of low vegetation typical of the high Andean area. The sensation of height will be impressive as the landscape becomes very Andean and beautiful. Slowly the vegetation will be left behind and the spectacular Andes mountain range will emerge. After 5 hours we will have arrived at Vegas del Chano, located at 2,600 meters above sea level. In this beautiful plain of green pastures, we will set up camp. Night in a tent, barbecue and bonfire.

DAY 2: VEGAS DEL CHANO – ANDEAN LAGOONS

After a hearty breakfast, we'll begin our grand ride, as today is a day of action and beauty. We'll ascend through the Vegas del Chano ravine. It's a narrow canyon with three steps and their respective landings. The view from these heights is formidable. Once we reach the upper pass, we have an unbeatable view of the Cajón de Los Ángeles and the entire Andean mountain range. The descent begins, where we'll see some beautiful lagoons that reflect Cerro Alto de Los Leones at 5,400 meters, Nevado Juncal at 6,100 meters, and other great mountains of the Cajón de Río Blanco. After a brief rest, we'll resume a new ascent toward the Valle de Flores. To do so, we'll climb a steep path that leads us to a narrow pass located at 4,200 meters above sea level. Once over the pass, we'll begin the descent toward the beautiful Valle de Las Flores, where a series of beautiful lagoons will appear, which we can see from the top of the valley. After 6 hours of riding, we will descend again towards the lagoons.

Camp awaits us, along with a well-deserved snack while we wait for dinner.

DAY 3: VALLEY OF FLOWERS (REST and KAYAK)

Breakfast will be later than usual this time, as today is an active rest day. After breakfast we will begin a free tour of the lagoons in the surrounding areas where we will be able to make interesting geomorphological and birdlife observations present in these sensitive ecosystems. Surely they will be part of the landscape, among others, the Piuquen (Chloephaga malenoptera); the Dormilona fraile (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) or the magnificent king of the Andes ... the Condor (Vultur gryphus). In the middle of these lagoons, it will be interesting to explore and recognize a large area of ​​​​rocks, worn with a slight inclination and a typical shine and scratches that denote the passage of glaciers thousands of years ago. This entire area is a formidable outdoor study area that tells us about the last glacial vestiges and inevitably transports us to the great topic of climate change. Double kayak for navigation in lagoons available.

DAY 4: SHORT REST TREKKING

After breakfast, and feeling much more rested, we will begin a short half-day tour in search of high-altitude ferns that reflect the sensitive but harsh Andean ecosystem.

Free afternoon for kayaking activities or photographing Andean flora.

DAY 5: ANDEAN LAGOONS – VEGAS DEL CHANO

After breakfast, we'll begin the ascent toward the Valle de Flores pass and return to Las Vegas del Chano. The landscape will change this time, even though we'll be following the same paths we took on the way out. The perspective, however, will be different, but it will continue to amaze us.

DAY 6: VEGAS DEL CHANO – HOTEL

After a hearty breakfast, we'll arrange our gear and load the mules for the return trip at 11 a.m. The scenery will change this time, even though we'll be following the same trails we took on the way there.

Regreso a Río Blanco 6 de la tarde. A Santiago o Valparaíso/Viña del Mar se arribará a las 21.00 hrs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We will do our best to follow the stated itinerary, although changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Treks are subject to change depending on the weather, location, and terrain difficulty. In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask for your flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!

TRAVEL DATES

A la carte. You choose your travel date at your convenience, and we'll confirm availability.

Operating period: December 15 – April 15

• Reserva a la carta.
  -Puede elegir la fecha que mejor se adapte a su tiempo.
  -Recuerde que el mínimo es de 4  participantes.

INCLUDES

• Guide
• Tents
• Muleteer Guide and assistant.
• Pack Animals
• Touring kayak on a rest day.
• Camping Equipment, Tent, Kitchen and Tableware.
• Food (Breakfast, Snacks and Dinner)
• Radio equipment for internal communication.
• Satellite Phone for emergency calls.

NOT INCLUDED

• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Personal equipment.
• Locker room.
• Tip (Suggested).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Trekking level and good physical condition: There are no technically difficult steps.
• Includes Satellite Phone (emergency calls only)
• Guides: Professional and bilingual.
• Age: The minimum age to participate is 14 years old when accompanied by an adult.

TRAVEL EQUIPMENT

• A warm jacket
• Windbreaker jacket.
• A thick fleece
• First layer outfit
• Trekking shoes (high-top)
• Sunscreen Cream.
• 2 bottles of water, 1 liter each
• Lip cream (lip protection)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen hat and warm cap
• Preindicated medications
• Camera
• Sleeping bag (-10)
• Rest mat
• REGISTRATION FORM: Participants of the “Trekking Valle de Flores” must complete and sign the “RELEASE OF RISK AND REGISTRATION FORM”. This is mandatory and you will not be able to participate in the program without signing the release agreement (all funds paid are non-refundable). Please feel free to review the release agreement prior to your arrival. Parents or legal guardians of minor children must sign the risk acceptance agreement on behalf of their children. Please direct all questions to the office.

• REGLAS: Nos reservamos el derecho de rechazar el servicio a cualquier persona que ponga en peligro la salud, la seguridad y el bienestar de cualquiera de nuestros huéspedes, personal, familiares y miembros de la comunidad, animales y ganado, o que se niegue a seguir las reglas que hemos establecido para su seguridad y bienestar durante su visita con nosotros.