You are in: Home: Activities

Valley of the dinosaurs

The Andes mountains of central Chile: Practically unknown to foreign tourists, they harbour some of the best kept secrets and unspoilt scenery in South America.

120 million year old fossilized dinosaur footprints, volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, condors and the chance to share with and observe working, the mountain herdsman who inhabit the rugged terrain for much of the year.

Your journey with Tumunan Lodge will take you beyond the normal paths travellers tread.

Day 1: Depart from Tumunan Lodge in the early afternoon to the Termas del Flaco hot springs (1740m / 5724ft). The journey takes you up the dramatic Tinguiririca valley, where you will observe native forest, dramatic rock formations and at the right time of year, burrowing parrots (Tricahues) nesting in the cliff face.

That evening, you will be able to bathe in the hot thermal springs, explore the village and have dinner, then sleep at one of the rustic hosterias in the mountain village.

Day 2: Early breakfast and a hike to the dinosaur footprints. (Visited and remarked upon by Charles Darwin over 150 years ago, the footprints were left by a Suaropod, Iguanodonichus Frenki, they are estimated to be120 million years old. There is only one other place on earth where it is possible to observe such a phenomena). At Midday, the mules are loaded with food, wine and camping gear and you start the top of Mt, Cerro Alto del Padre (3240m / 10,000ft). The path winds up the rock strewn flanks of this extinct volcano, and during the ride, you are very likely to see Andean Condors soaring, vultures, hares and foxes, and if you are lucky a Puma’s paw prints. Close to the summit, we leave the mules and horses and head on foot up scree slopes to the peak.

At the top, the dramatic scenery and silence are awe inspiring. There are dramatic views towards a series of 4000+m peaks, active volcanoes and glaciers, known as the Tinguirica Massif. This is where, in 1972, a plane of Uruguayan rugby players crashed, and their survival story (Alive!) has become an international legend.

Before sunset, you head down to the Laguna de Baule, a picturesque mountain laguna (2700m) with transparent water, where you will camp the night. Enjoy a hearty dinner with abundant wine before retiring to the warmth of your tents and sleeping bags.

Day 3: After breakfast, the mules are packed up and you head back towards the Termas del Flaco (3 hours). At the village, you will transfer to Tumunan lodge for lunch, an afternoon of relaxation followed by a 3 course meal and fine wine.

Day 4: Leisurely breakfast and departure before 12.00 pm.

Total cost per person $240,000 pesos (USD$480)

Includes all food soft drinks and wine.