Trekking Guide

Description

Trekking is an appropriate activity for people of all ages. It consists of simply walking through the countryside, and it can be practised either as a sport or as a recreational activity. Besides keeping you fit, it will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Every season and place is apt for trekking, since it only depends on your preferences. All you need is adequate shoes, clothing, a backpack and willingness to enjoy the walk.

Nevertheless, there are variables that must be taken into account before starting the excursion, such as the physical conditions of the participants, the type of terrain, the duration of the excursion, food, water, and weather conditions.

Destinations

Chile's geographical diversity allows you to trek in different environments, terrains, and climates; from crowded places with good infrastructure to wild and unexplored areas. 

Some of the best locations for trekking are the protected wild areas that are found throughout the country. Either run by the state or privately, these areas have the advantage of offering inofrmation, signposting, clear-cut paths, and safe routes.

In most of these parks and reserves an entry charge applies, which is usually destined to maintenance. The entrance fee is usually around US$2.

However, these areas are not the only choice for trekking. There are other options: if you feel like exploring a certain area, make sure it's not a private land, in which case you'd need to ask for authorization. In some cases you may have to pay an entrance fee.

For more places to visit, check out our destinations section


Related Articles

Alto del Naranjo: The First Step to Heaven
Nature and Tourism in Southern Chile: Torres del Paine National Park
Ecological Tourism in O'Higgins Region: Rio los Cipreses National Reserve
La Campana National Park: The Last Refuge of the Chilean Palm Tree
Trekking in the Pochoco
El Morado Natural Monument: Close to Santiago and to the Sky
Yerba Loca: A Natural Sanctuary in the Mountain Range

 

 

Recommendations

Safety

When trekking, there are three main problems to consider: accidents, weather changes, and desorientation. Because of this:

• Always carry a first-aid kit and trek in groups of at least 3 people
• Prolonged sun exposure may be a risk factor. Wear a hat and sunscreen lotion
• Contact the park staff and your family. Let them know about your itinerary
• If you get lost, the first thing to do is to stay calm, and then, evaluate the situation. If you're with someone, don't split up, make yourself visible (wear bright colours, make noise, use a whistle, scream), check your map and compass, and try to find reference points in the area

• Know all the routes, distances, and make an estimation of the time it will take you to go through them
• Stay with the group
• Pay attention to the characteristics of the area, so as to use them as reference points.

• If you are not experienced, avoid risky areas or dangerous terrains.
• Allow extra time in all your calculations so as to avoid walking at night.
• Be aware that not all water sources are drinkable.
• Take the necessary cautions when camping in areas where the hanta virus or vinchucas (a small insect that carries the Chagas disease) may be present.
• Be aware that litre (Lithraea caustica) is a common tree in the central region of Chile, and it may cause allergies in some people.

Some advice for having a pleasant walk

• Carry enough food and water for the trek. At least 2 liters (5 gallons) of water a day per person.
• Wear adequate clothing for the place and time of the year. Wear plenty of layers so you can put them on and take them off accordingly with the temperature and level of activity.
• Rest 5 minutes per hour.
• Keep a steady and relaxed walking pace, suited to your own capabilities.
• Check the weather forecast beforehand and be cautious with sudden weather changes

 
Ecological recommendations

Considering the fact that trekking is an outdoor activity, that occurs in direct contact with nature, it is necessary to have some ecological behavior.

Equipment

• Adequate shoes for the terrain
• Adequate clothing
• Hat or baseball cap
• Map
• Compass
• Guide
• Food
• Matches
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Penknife
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen lotion
• Rucksack

GoLinks

Webs