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Cajon
de Lo Valdes: from behind the Refugio
there is easy access to the valley from which one accesses
the peaks La Vega, Dientes del Diablo, Diablo, Retumbadero
and Corona. Steep to begin with the path soon flattens
out to a typical glacial valley. A LANChile flight crashed
up there in 1965 of which there are still some remains.
From here its possible to see a wide variety of fauna
and flora, condores and peregrin hawks. There is also
a small refugio which provides the perfect place to
stop for lunch or even spend the night.
Morado
National Park: Only 5 minutes by car
from the Refugio, less than ½ hour by foot, this
park is run by CONAF who will charge you CH$1,500 to
enter. Spectacular scenery ringed by 5,000m peaks. 4
km into the park brings you to the Panimavida –
a meadow of bubbling cool mineral springs. Another 2
km brings you to Lake Morales near which it is permitted
to camp. Alternatively proceed 2 km to the foot of San
Francisco glacier. A perfect day hike from the Refugio
which can organize a packed lunch with drinks. (It is
not advisable to drink much of the water in the park
because of the high mineral content.)
Morado
Glaciar and Arenas Valley: A 2 day return
trek up to a stunning coffee colored lake with floating
ice and a hanging glacier behind. An easy, relatively
flat trek along an easily identifiable path through
beautiful glacial scenery. Lower down in the valley
is an area of large boulders some of which are formed
from compressed volcanic mud. With a car it is possible
to do this walk in a day. Transport can sometimes be
organized in the refugio if you don't have the time
for 2 days trekking.
Engorda
Valley and Refugio Plantat: The
starting point for Marmolejo and San Jose, Engorda is
a beautiful wide flat valley at the foot of San Jose.
Full of flowers in early summer, a great trek between
2 fast flowing rivers to the gully which starts the
steady climb up to Refugio Plantat, through stunning
green pastures and cold Andean streams. The refugio
is at 3100m is an open refugio and is generally used
by those going on to climb the volcano. From the refugio
it would be a 2 day trip there and back. You can also
camp next to the refugio.
Clarillo
Valley – this completely green
valley between the cajon of Arenas and Valle Engorda
encloses a sweet water lake where its possible to swim
at around 2000m without it being cold. Camp up there
or do the trip in a day from the road.There are also
wild duck up there called “Taguas” amongst
many other species of birdlife.
Rubillas
Lake
– an interesting lake between 2 mountains at almost
2400m which also gives out on fantastic views of Marmolejo,
San Jose and Corona amongst others. This lake has beautiful
turquoise water but is not for bathing. This is one
of the impressive places that offers a special charm
best seen to believe. Rubillas Lake is also a good place
to look for fossils such as ammonites and molluscs.
By car, enter the Area Canyon, park at the first parking
lot and take the light-colored path. It is approx. 3
hours up and down.
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