La Campana National Park is a natural jewel located a few hours from Santiago, known for its mountainous landscapes, biodiversity and the famous Cerro La Campana. This destination is ideal for a weekend of hiking and contact with nature. Here is an optimized route to enjoy a camper weekend, starting on Friday afternoon and returning on Sunday.
Friday afternoon: Departure from Santiago and arrival at La Campana National Park.
Afternoon:
- Departure from Santiago: Finish your work day and take Route 5 North towards Olmué. The trip takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, which will allow you enough time to settle in and relax.
- First Stop - Olmué: Make a brief stop in Olmué, a picturesque town near the park, to buy supplies or enjoy a coffee before heading to the campsite.
Night:
- Camping in La Campana National Park: Head to one of the campgrounds located near the park, such as Camping La Campana or Camping Los Peumos, which offer areas equipped for campers with services such as bathrooms, showers and picnic areas. Settle in and enjoy dinner in the camper, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest.
Saturday: Exploring La Campana National Park
Tomorrow:
- Breakfast in the Camper: Wake up early and enjoy a nutritious breakfast in your camper while listening to the sounds of nature.
- Ascent to Cerro La Campana: Start the day with one of the park's most emblematic activities: the ascent of Cerro La Campana. This medium-high difficulty trek will take you to the summit, where Charles Darwin was inspired on his visit in 1834. The trail takes about 6 hours round trip, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen, as it is a demanding hike.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in the Park: Return to the campsite or find a suitable place for a picnic inside the park. After the hike, enjoying a relaxed lunch in the open air will be the perfect complement.
- Las Palmas Trail: In the afternoon, opt for a gentler trail, such as the Sendero de las Palmas, where you can admire the famous Chilean Palm, an endemic and endangered species. This trail is shorter and will allow you to explore the flora and fauna of the park in a relaxed way.
Night:
- Dinner and relaxation at the campsite: After a day of adventures, return to the campsite for a simple dinner and enjoy a quiet evening. If the campsite allows, you can light a campfire and relax under the starry sky, sharing stories of the day.
Sunday: Last Adventures and Return to Santiago
Tomorrow:
- Quiet breakfast: Start your day with a relaxed breakfast in the camper, enjoying the peace and quiet of the natural environment.
- Visit to the Quebrada de los Robles: Spend the morning exploring Quebrada de los Robles, a lesser known but equally beautiful sector of the park. Here you can take a gentle hike along trails full of vegetation and perhaps spot some local birds.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Olmué: Before returning to Santiago, stop in Olmué for lunch at one of the local restaurants. The "Parador de Betty" is known for its homemade food and cozy atmosphere.
- Return to Santiago: After lunch, you will head back to Santiago along Ruta 5 Norte. The trip is short, so you will arrive with enough time to rest before starting the week.
Tips for a Camper Weekend in La Campana National Park
- Weather: The park has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Bring adequate clothing for trekking and also some warm clothes for the night.
- Reservations: Some campgrounds and access to certain trails in the park may require reservations, especially during high season, so plan ahead.
- Equipment: Be sure to bring everything you need for camping and cooking. Although Olmué has tents, it is best to go prepared from Santiago to avoid mishaps.
- Alternative Activities: If you prefer something quieter, you can visit the National Botanical Garden in Viña del Mar, which is within walking distance, or enjoy a stroll through the rural areas of Olmué and Limache, known for their orchards and local products.
La Campana National Park offers you the opportunity to connect with nature in a unique environment full of history, an ideal destination for trekking and outdoor enthusiasts!
