Valley of the dinosaurs

The Andes of mountains of central Chile. Practically unknown to foreign tourists, harbours some of the best kept secrets and unspoilt scenery in South America.

120 million year old fossilized dinosaur footprints, volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, condors and the chance to share with and observe working the mountain herdsman who inhabit the rugged terrain for much of the year.

Your journey with Tumuñan lodge will take you beyond the normal paths travellers tread. From the renowned vineyards of the Colchagua, you will pass through lush, forested valleys, past thermal springs and prehistoric fossils to a desolate mountain pass(3400m11, 200 ft ), where the dramatic Tinguririca massif unfolds before you, revealing hanging glaciers, ash stained active volcanoes and immense ice fields; the scene of one of the most gruelling survival and rescue true stories ever told (Alive! Fairchild 1972).

Price

From: USD1030 per person (6 days)

Price Includes

• 2 nights in Tumuñan lodge
• Meals
• Wine & soft drinks
• Tents
• Horses
• English speaking guide
• Transfers to and from Santiago
• 1 night in Termas del Flaco hotel
• 2 nights camping

Price Excludes

Day 1. Arrive at Tumuñan Lodge for lunch, afternoon spent walking, swimming in the pool and relaxing. Chilean cocktails (Pisco sour) 3 course dinner in the evening accompanied with fine wine.

Day 2 Breakfast (fresh coffee, toast, eggs, fruit and cereals) then leave to visit a nearby winery (Viu Manent or Casa Silva) return to the lodge for lunch, and in the afternoon head up Tinguiririca valley in comfortable transport to the hot springs, Termas del Flaco (1740m / 5724ft). Explore the mountain village and enjoy for thermal waters and sunset, before dinner and an early night.

Day 3 Early breakfast and a hike to the dinosaur footprints. (Visited and remarked upon by Charles Darwin over 150 years ago, the footprints were left by a the Suaropod, Iguanodonichnus frenki ,120,000 years ago. There is only one other place on earth where it is possible to observe such a phenomena). After lunch, combining riding and hiking, we start our trek into the high Andes. After riding through a narrow canyon, you arrive at camp before dusk and enjoy barbecued lamb and red wine round the campfire, the magnificent southern hemisphere stars, then sleep soundly in your tent.

Day 4. After a herdsman´s breakfast, you are your way to the hanging glacier, Palacios, and to the frontier with Argentina. The path winds alonng the Rio Las Damas, and you are very likely to see Andean condors catching the first thermals of the morning. There is also a good chance of seeing native mountain foxes \"culpeos\", hares, Eagles and vultures, and occasionaly a Puma´s paw prints. the dramatic scenery and silence are awe inspiring. At lunch you stop in front of the \"Palacios\" hanging glacier and observe the immense water falls gushing of the ice field down the cliff face, then continue on to the intenational pass \"Las Damas\" 12,000ft where you afforded a magnificent view into the valleys and pampas of argentina, and of the Tinguiririca Massif, the mountains in which the dramatic events 1972 unfolded. After some pictures and a shot of Chilean brandy to warm the bones, you will head back to the campsite to rest and enjoy food and wine.

Day 5. Herdsman´s breakfast, then follow the Rio Damas down through a ravine and ride back to the hot springs. A quick rejuvenating soak in the thermal baths before heading back to Tumuñan lodge to enjoy the pool and creature comforts of the lodge. Relaxation followed by a sumptuous farewell dinner.

Day 6. Breakfast at the lodge then transfer to Santiago.

Note. similar journeys over shorter periods are available