The Route of the Muleteer in the Andean Cordillera

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The Muleteer is a person who is dedicated to caring for animals. There mission is to permanently be concerned incase they lack food, being in the winter or in the summer, they take care of cattle in order to avoid predators like the Puma so that they do not put into risk the survival of these cattle. During three days you will have the option to travel and share with them. An adventure to the Andean Cordillera; with all the magic, splendor and landscape that is characteristic to this zone. Route to Ojos de Agua (Eyes of Water), located at 2800 meters (9,184 ft) above sea level, with a displacement time of approximately 5 hours. The route consists of mild slopes (10° to 15° maximum) and we will cross small plains, crags, and gorges with scarce vegetation. A large part of the route is on firm land, except for small stretches where there are a lot of loose rocks and stones, but in general it is not a slippery route, rather, very secure. After crossing the Peral sector, we will begin to observe deep gorges, ravines, and hilltops that surpass heights of 4000 meters (13,120 ft), crossing over more demanding slopes (varying between 10° and 35°). “Ojos de Agua” is formed by small lagoons that are created in the trench of the Cepo River. We will plan to camp on the shores of the river. Travelers will be able to bathe in the waters of this mountain chain. We will be located in a valley or narrow canyon, surrounded by hills more than 4000 meters (13,120 ft) high. We will be among bushes, shrubs and fertile lowland vegetation, products of the humidity generated by the river. This place will allow us to plan day excursions to nearby destinations and to observe condors and high, mountainous landscapes. Route to Piedra Numerada (Numbered Stone). We will access heights averaging 3500 meters (11,480 ft) with a displacement time of approximately 6 hours. We will observe scarce vegetation and small waterfalls, we will traverse slopes and gorges of various intensities as we remain on the path bordering the river, which we will cross on three occasions until arriving to our destination. The fertile lowland vegetation is mostly very dense green grass. We will camp on the shores of the Cepo River and observe the condors overhead. One can choose to prolong this route until the base of Plomo Hill, the highest point in the central zone (approximately 5240 meters or 17,187 ft) Route to Paso Los Caballos (The Horses Pass). We will access heights averaging 1,200 meters (3,936 ft), with a displacement time of approximately 6 hours. We will advance following the same route used to get to Los Lunes sector, with abundant bushes, shrubs, and mild slopes, enjoying the natural vegetation and waterfalls. We will cross the Cepo river at 4 different parts and enjoy the scenery of spectacular gorges and high hills. The altitude will be less with respect to the Los Lunes destination, which implies a greater number of hills and slopes during the route back to Farellones (approximately 2200 meters or 7,216 ft). There is a lot of vegetation in this zone, mostly trees, bushes and the river, as well as grandiose cliffs reaching heights of 3000 meters (9,840 ft). In this sector the muleteers feed their animals and allow them to hibernate (mainly in Los Caballos, this is how the area originated its name) for approximately 6 months.


Cordillera de los Andes Central - Chile