Santiago is not just a concrete jungle

Chile’s capital is known by its urban views. However, that is not everything this vibrant city has to offer. With the Andes at the east, the Coast Mountains at the west, and the Metropolitan park in the middle, Santiago has over 22 hiking paths, with breath taking landscapes, native flora and fauna.

On a Saturday we are going to Parque Aguas de Ramon, an 11-mile journey through the lower part of the Andes Mountain, following San Ramon´s waterway. The day is beautiful and the weather is nice. We ascend 2.382 feet, for 6 hours surrounded by nature and a view of Santiago that you only can get by walking on the Andes.

We start our journey on the Peumos path. Peumos are a “evergreen” tree, their leaves never fall, so it’s said that they cheat autumn and live on an eternal spring. As we began walking, the noises of the city are left behind: the flow of the river, the birds singing, the wind going through the leaves of the trees, a group of bees flying and our steps, those are the only sounds around us.

After we cross a bridge, the Peumos path ends, and the Saltos de Apoquindo trail begins. Here the vegetation of the Andes mixes trees with cactus.

Finally, we arrive to Saltos de Apoquindo, a 65 feet tall waterfall. The water comes directly from glaciers, is not only safe to drink, but it’s also delicious, almost sweet. We are staying here for almost an hour: we will eat something, fill our water bottles, enjoy the fresh air and the view.

The chance to view this side of Santiago gives us the opportunity to get out of the city life, relax, reflect on the experience of being abroad, and meditate about the coexistence of urban areas with this breathtaking unimaginable landscape, just minutes away from the city.

Until our next adventure!