Introduction

Alto del Naranjo is a mountain plain with a great old tree right in the centre. It is located on the ridge along the normal route of ascent to Cerro Provincia, this being the most popular and visited mountain in the Sierra de Ramón. Despite its name, it is not an orange tree at the centre of the plain, which is what “naranjo” means in Spanish, but an enormous and beautiful soap bark tree. It is said that this area got its name due to the fact that hikers leave orange peel below the tree as they rest in its shade after the hike up.

As it is so close to Santiago and is an easy day excursion, this route is now frequently visited by Santiago’s residents. it offers excellent views of the Mapocho river basin and of the ring of peaks which surround the capital. Among these mountains, the most visible from here are Manquehue, Pochoco, Plomo, Altar, La Paloma, and peaks of the coastal mountain range. It is also not uncommon to catch a glimpse of condors flying overhead.

Appropriate season

You can visit this route all year round, but it is recommended that you go in autumn and winter when the temperature is more pleasant, and there can also be some snow along the way which adds to the beauty of the surroundings.

Access

To San Carlos de Apoquindo

From Santiago head towards the Club Deportivo Universidad Católica, whose address is Las Flores 13.000, Las Condes, San Carlos de Apoquindo. Local buses 421, C02 and C02 leave you close to the club. It is possible to take any of these buses from the exit of the metro station Los Dominicos. If you decide to go by private transport, see here how to get there:

MAP

Permits / Prices

To reach the start of this route, you will have to pay the entry fee to the Asociación Parque Cordillera. The entry fees are as follows: adults CLP$2000 (approx. US$3), children and older people CLP$1000 (approx. US$1.50). You are allowed to camp over an altitude of 2000m, but note that you will be charged per day in the park.

The park is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday). Opening times are from 8:00 to 19:00.

Accommodation / Facilities

There are toilets located at the entrance to the park.

Recommendations

• Ensure to take enough water from Santiago as there is no water available along the route.
• Look out for the cyclists who share the lower part of the footpath. Some of them cycle down very quickly with very little disregard for hikers.
• Avoid visiting during summer, as the heat can be unbearable.
• There is the option to make a small traverse towards the sector of Puente Ñilhue, but remember that there is no public transport to this area.

Gear

• Basic hiking equipment.

Schedule

1. Santiago - Alto del Naranjo - Santiago

• 

  Luis Salazar - Alto del Naranjo

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Entire route

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Guard Post

• 

  Luis Salazar - Information board

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Path

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Marker

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Fork

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Path

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Fork

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Cancha de Carrera

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Route

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Crossing the fence

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - View facing north

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Route

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Pass

• 

  Daniel Pérez A. - Final leg

• 

  Luis Salazar - Alto del Naranjo