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, Cajón Grande y Palmas de Ocoa. Whilst the sector of Ocoa is famous for having the largest existing concentration of Chile cocopalms (jubaea chilensis), Granizo is known for its forests of Roble de Santiago (nothofagus macrocarpa) , and Cajón Grande is mainly dominated by Sclerophyll forest.

The Ocoa Pass is the exact point where these three sectors meet, and it is accessible from all three sides. From here you will have an amazing view of the Ocoa Valley, which has a significant population of Chilw cocopalms. Along the route, you will also have views of Olmué Valley and part of Valparaíso, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the varied vegetation, beginning with Sclerophyll evergreen woods which give way to beautiful Roble de Santiago forests.

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. Continue along the street until reaching the end, where the entrance to the Parque Nacional La Campana is signposted. The last kilometre is along a dirt road in average condition.

Once in the park, you will need to register your entry at the Conaf guard post by the entrance See photo 1. Here you can also ask for a key to open the chain some 700m further on the road via which you entered the park. Continue along the dirt road, only suitable for 4x4 vehicles, until you reach the chain mentioned previously. Once you pass this, continue for another 3km until you reach a bridge; cross the bridge and continue for 100m until coming to the Balmaceda mine. Pass the mine and a few metres on there is a viewpoint with an area to park alongside – here you can leave your car See photo 2. The route begins at the viewpoint.

Public transport

From the main square (Plaza de Armas) in Olmué, take one of the frequent buses to Granizo. These buses go as far as the end of the paved road, 1km before the entrance to the national park.

You can reach the Balmaceda mine from the entrance via the trail called Los Peumos. This takes approx. 1½h.

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

• There is no drinking water available along the route, so we recommend that you have enough when you start.
• 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.
• The road between the guard post and the Balmaceda mine is in bad condition. We recommend that only those with 4x4 vehicles drive this part of the route.
• If you do not have a 4x4 vehicle, it takes approx. 1h from the Conaf guard post to the start of the route.

Gear

• Trekking boots.
• Sun protection.

Schedule

1. Olmué – Ocoa Pass - Olmué

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  Alvaro Vivanco - View of Ocoa Valley

• 

  Alvaro Vivanco - Entrance to National Park

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  Alvaro Vivanco - Parking area by the viewpoint

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  Alvaro Vivanco - First path off the road

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  Alvaro Vivanco - 2nd path off the road

• 

  Alvaro Vivanco - Path through the forest

• 

  Alvaro Vivanco - View of Valparaiso

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  Alvaro Vivanco - Arriving at the pass

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  Alvaro Vivanco - View of the Andes mountain range