From valley to valley
3 days/2 nights (2 - 6 participants)
Season: October to April
From valley to valley
An active and challenging experience !!!
From Valley to Valley
3 days/2 nights (2 - 6 participants) Season: October to April
An active and challenging experience !!!
During this program, you´ll get to know the Andean foothills of the Huasco Province and its sunny climate. This is a completely rural sector that guards many secrets.
Our way takes us up the Tránsito Valley also known as the “Valley of the Natives” as it’s been the place of refuge for the original Diaguita inhabitants since the Spanish colonization of this territory.
Along our way we meet some local characters and learn about the past and present life of this ethnic group which is in process to rediscover its roots and revive its culture.
In the tiny little village of Pinte, located in middle of multicoloured mountains and strange geological formations, you can soak up the magical atmoshere of this place and and discover its fossil treassures that reveal life forms of many millions of years ago.
We share a delicious barbecue before camping under the starry sky of the place, which is also the starting point of the demanding two-day trek that we´ll start early the next morning.
Following the trail which once has been used by the different native cultures that inhabited the area, as well as by the Incas who had arrived from the north, we cross the Tatúl mountain range towards the "Valley of the Spaniards," which owes its nickname to the fact that it was the main settlement of the Spanish colonists who arrived in the 17th century.
We hike through lonely mountainous landscapes where we can listen only to the wind and the sounds of birds, and the only human beings who may cross our path are the transhumant goat herders who keep their trade alive until these days.
About halfway of the distance and at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level, we set up camp and share some local stories around a campfire.
In the afternoon of the 2nd day of our passage, an impressive view over the Carmen Valley opens up from the height.
We arrive exhausted but satisfied to San Félix, the main village of the Carmen Valley, where we were awaited with some well-deserved refreshments and snacks. From there we continue down valley by vehicle to finish the program in Vallenar.
Itinerary
1st day: Vallenar (departure 03 pm) – Santa Juana Reservoire – El Tránsito – Pinte, Valle del Tránsito (88 km aprox.)
2nd day: Pinte (departure 7 am) – Sendero de Chile
3rd day: Sendero de Chile - San Félix, Valle del Carmen, Transport to Vallenar (arrival: 7.15 pm approx.)
(Total travel in vehicle: 158 km approx. / total trekking: 35 km approx.)
You should know
Includes: Private transport Vallenar – Pinte (1st day) and San Félix – Vallenar (3rd day) with Spanish speaking Driverguide (certified SERNATUR), 1 night campingien Pinte, shared barbecue (vegetarian option), breakfast in Pinte, drinking water (1st day)
During the trekking (2nd + 3rd day): Spanish speaking Guide (certified SERNATUR), introduction speech, outdoor food, trekking poles, 1st aid kit, GPS, emergency communication device, refreshments and snacks (3rd day) -a tent can be loaned if needed.
Optional (additional cost): English or German speaking guide, pack animal for the trekking
Doesn't include: insurance, other food than mentioned, sleeping bag, sun protection, rescue costs
You should bring: - comfortable, lightweight clothing and mid-calf trekking shoes- lightweight tent and sleeping bag suitable for mid-mountain (it is possible to borrow a tent)- warm clothes for the night- comfortable backpack suitable for trekking- sun protection as sunhat, sunglasses and sunblocker
- bottle for drinking water
Notes:
-Permited age range: 12 – 65 years
-Activity is not suitable for pregnant women, persons with limitations in their mobility, persons who suffer from vértigo, persons with cardiac and respiratory problems,
persons with problems in their knees, persons who do not tolerate a height of 3000 masl
-Any restriction in health of a participant has to be informed with anticipation
-Participants should be experienced in long lasting treks and be able to follow the instructions of the guide
-Every participant should fill out an inscription and acceptance of risk – form before initiating the activity
Prices
Prices per person including tax:
2 participants: 357.000 CLP
3 or 4 participants: 290.000 CLP
5 or 6 participants: 200.000 CLP
Services are subject to availability in the moment of booking !!!
