Introduction

The Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón belongs to the Asociación Parque Cordillera (Mountain Park Association) and is located in the commune of La Reina in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago. The association has been working for more than twenty years to conserve and protect the natural mountain resources in the Metropolitan Region as well as encouraging people to get outside and learn about the environment and sports. It unites the seven municipalities that make up Greater Santiago, with almost the entire Sierra de Ramón being under its protection. Visible from all across Santiago, this sierra is made up of numerous mountains and trails which are fundamental to the mountaineering tradition of this sector of Chile, including the mountains Provincia, San Ramón and La Cruz, as well as trails such as Alto del Naranjo and Salto de Apoquindo.

This route follows part of the Ramón River, with the sound of its running waters giving its name to this circuit (Canto del Agua – Song of the Water). The main attraction of this route is based on the educational activities on the environment found on various information boards. Furthermore, it is a perfect outing for all the family, especially if you have young children, as it can be completed by people of all abilities. Along the route you will see specimens of Soap bark and Litre trees, among other species typically found in Esclerophyll forests.

Appropriate season

The Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón is open all year round so you can complete this route in any season.

Access

Public Transport

There are various options for getting to Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón, the most used of which are explained below.

From the metro station Príncipe de Gales, take the D18 bus from bus stop PD1116. Get off just after reaching the corner of Avenida Príncipe de Gales and Valenzuela Llanos (bus stop PD357). Walk one block to the La Reina square from where you can take a colectivo (CLP$1100, approx. USD$2), or walk for 25min along the road Calle Onofre Jarpa towards the mountains (northeast).

From the metro station Francisco Bilbao, take the D08 bus (bus stop PD476). Get off just after reaching the corner of Avenida Príncipe de Gales and Valenzuela Llanos (bus stop PD357). Walk one block to the La Reina square from where you can take a colectivo (CLP$1100, approx. USD$2), or walk for 25min along the road Calle Onofre Jarpa towards the mountains (northeast).

Private Transport

The address of the Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón is Álvaro Casanova 2583, La Reina, Región Metropolitana. See here how to get there.

Permits / Prices

The park is open all year round from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Admission for adults without a guide is CLP$2000 (approx. USD$4). Children up to 12 years and those over 60 years old pay CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2).

Accommodation / Facilities

Toilets can be found at the park entrance, and in the sectors El Peumo and Salto de Apoquindo there are ecological toilets.

Recommendations

• Pets are not allowed in the park.
• You can organise educational guided tours on the environment for schools: CLP$1500 per student (approx. USD43), only on working days, at least 15 students and at least one teacher. This visits should be organised via the email: edu.ambiental@asociacionparquecordillera.cl.
• In case of an emergency call the park warden on 87228118.
• The route can also be completed in the opposite direction. That said, it is easier to complete it in the direction described here due to the gradient of the path.

Gear

• Walking or trekking boots
• Comfortable clothing, windbreaker and warm clothing in winter.
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Sun protection

Schedule

1. Santiago – Salto de Agua - Santiago

• 

  Mario Arias - Ramon River

• 

  Mario Arias - Start of the route

• 

  Mario Arias - Back onto the path

• 

  Mario Arias - Picnic area

• 

  Mario Arias - Bridge

• 

  Mario Arias - River crossing

• 

  Mario Arias - Ramon River