El Valiente Lagoon Hiking Tour

Immerse yourself in the stunning flora and fauna of the Ñuble region in Chile. This hiking experience will take you around the scenic El Valiente lagoon, allowing you to appreciate its mesmerizing natural surroundings.

Hiking Adventure at El Valiente Lagoon

Your journey commences with a pickup at 8 am from your accommodation in San Fabián de Alico. We will proceed to the Maitenal sector, marking the start of our hike through this remarkable natural setting.

The trek will initiate in a verdant forest, where we will pause frequently to uncover insights about the local plant and wildlife. An intriguing part of our path will lead us through wetlands filled with captivating botanical species. Keep an eye out for the Canelo, the native cypress of this mountain region, along with coigües and mañíos.

During spring and autumn, you may also spot vibrant local flowers, including the cherished copihues roses. In addition to the rich plant life, we will be on the lookout for wildlife, such as black woodpeckers and chucaos.

A refreshing waterfall will serve as the perfect rest stop before we continue our journey to the stunning El Valiente lagoon. Upon reaching the lake, we can take a moment to enjoy a swim, condition permitting, and savor a delightful picnic lunch while admiring the striking vistas. The menu features two sandwiches, a piece of fruit, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, and crackers, with the option of coffee or herbal tea to drink.

After our meal, should you choose, we can hike a bit further to a viewpoint that offers spectacular sights of El Valiente lagoon and its surrounding valley. Eventually, we will retrace our steps back to the Maitenal sector, where transportation will return you to your accommodation in San Fabián, with expected arrival between 5 and 6 pm.

Hiking Difficulty Levels

Upon arrival at the Maitenal sector, depending on your preference, you can select between two hiking routes:

• Medium difficulty option: 10 km (6.2 miles) with an elevation change of 380 meters (1,250 feet) and a peak altitude of 1180 meters (3,870 feet). This route follows a path suitable for 4x4 vehicles and is accessible only in favorable road conditions.
• Medium-high difficulty option: 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), with a 730 meters (2,400 feet) change in elevation and reaching 1180 meters (3,870 feet).

The pricing remains consistent for both trails, and the itinerary will proceed as previously outlined. The primary distinction is the level of challenge presented by the respective paths.

Pickup Information

The tour incorporates hotel pickup from locations in the center of San Fabián de Alico. For those in more distant accommodations, we will arrange to meet you at the Plaza de Armas, adjacent to the Tourist Office.