Highlight

We will cover a long and varied Andean valley of 17 km. (10.6 mi.) that is Santuario de la Naturaleza (Nature Sanctuary), to then find at the end of it a hanging glacier surrounded by imposing mountains and rock walls.

Description

Day 1:

From Villa Paulina (1.800 m. - 5.902 ft.), in the midst of Andean vegetation and fauna, we will enter the valley of Yerba Loca next to its river. The path ascends regularly by the west bank, entering the deep mountain. We will find ourselves with small plains of grassy land.

The path continues softly, and the vegetation soon disappears, giving way to the naked sediment. We can see interesting slopes of loose rock of various colors and the mountains, as they begin to cram the valley.

After 5 hours of walking, at the base of a tall waterfall, a path ascends in a zigzag up to a large plain, where the Piedra Carvajal is found, a shelter for muleteers at the base of an enormous rock.

Two hours later, after crossing Campos de Marte, the great La Paloma glacier can be seen: white, near, and millenarian. The mountains of Altar (5.180 m. - 16.984 ft.) and La Paloma (4.910 m. - 16.098 ft.) impose themselves before us and are breathtaking. After appreciating this unique setting, we will return through the same path to Piedra Carvajal to install our camp and enjoy an Andean night.

Day 2:

Early in the morning, we will disarm our camp and enjoy inversely the changing landscapes that the valley of Yerba Loca has to offer. Once back in Villa Paulina, the ANDES TERRAEvehicle will be waiting for us. We will be back in Santiago past noon.