Introduction

Due to its ecological, scientific, educational, cultural and recreational importance, Parque Nacional la Campana has been declared one of the nine Biosphere Reserves in Chile by UNESCO. The park is divided into three sections, each one with distinct characteristics: Granizo, Palmas de Ocoa and Cajón Grande. This last sector is the most southern in the park and is mainly dominated by Sclerophyll forest; hardy perennial trees which have had to adapt to resist the difficult conditions brought on by summer droughts. Among the native species of trees in the forest you will find the Boldo (Peumus boldus), Soapbark (Quillaja saponaria), Litre (Lithraea caustica) and Northern belloto (Beilschmiedia miersii).

Thanks to there being direct access to the Alvarado Ravine from Olmué via this sector of the park, there has long been a procession between both places heading to the Chapel of Niño Dios de las Palmas. The legend says that a local farmer found a modestly dressed religious figure in the area. In 1780, the figure was taken to the Alvarado Ravine where she was considered to be a miracle. After this, the chapel was built around her and a pilgrimage was completed every 24th of December to this point. From the XIX century this pilgrimage is accompanied by the so-called “Chinese dances” (“bailes chinos” in Spanish).

The Plateau trail is via the same route as the pilgrimage up to the border of the park. After the Plateau route ends, you could also descend towards the Alvarado Ravine, but for this you would have to leave the park. The Plateau is a small plain on the mountainous ridge which offers views of the Alvarado Ravine and Cerro El Roble.

Appropriate season

All year round.

Access

To reach the Granizo sector of the Parque Nacional La Campana, you will need to reach the village of Olmué. See here how to get to Olmué.

From Olmué to Parque Nacional La Campana

From Olmué, head east towards the sector of Granizo, which is just next to the village and accessible via the main street, Arturo Pratt, which then becomes route F-590 or Avenida Granizo. When you reach the bus stop N°40 in Granizo (signposted), you will see a turning to the right (southeast) to Cajón Grande in the Parque Nacional La Campana. Continue for another 3km (only the first 2km are paved) until you reach the Conaf guard post, where you can your car. Always follow the signs for “Sector Cajón Grande, Parque Nacional La Campana”.

From the centre of Olmué or from the bus stop N°40 in Granizo, you can hire a taxi for approx. CLP$5000 (USD$10) to take you to the Conaf guard post.

Permits / Prices

The entry fees to Parque Nacional La Campana are as follows: Chilean adult CLP$2000 (approx. US$4), Chilean child CLP$1000 (approx. US$2), foreign adult CLP$2500 (approx. US$5), foreign child CLP$1500 (approx. US$3).

Accommodation / Facilities

In the sector of Granizo in the park there is a campsite run by Conaf. It costs CLP$6000 (approx. USD$12) for a site for 6 people, and an extra CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2) for each extra person. There are toilets at the campsite.

In the last few years there has been a severe drought in the area, and Conaf has had to close the campsite on occasions due to a lack of water. We recommend that you contact the park before visiting to find out what the current water situation is at the time of travel.

Recommendations

• We recommend that you bring sufficient water with you as there is no water available on the route.
• You can ask for a leaflet with a map of the area from the Conaf hut. This leaflet also included the park ranger’s number, who you should contact in the event of an emergency.
• Alongside the registration hut there is a large sign with a map of the zone. This map contains some errors. You can find a newer and more precise map at the campsite some 5 minutes from the registration hut.

Gear

• Trekking footwear.
• Trekking poles (optional).
• Sun protection.

Schedule

1. Olmué – Plateau - Olmué