Introduction

Enladrillado is perhaps the most beautiful attraction in the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, located in the commune of San Clemente, Maule region of Chile. Without doubt, it is a unique place given its strange geography, astounding beauty and of course the myths that surround it.

Enladrillado is a large plateau, approximately 2.5 hectares in size, nestled at 2200m altitude in the Andes of the Maule region. It is the perfect viewpoint over the deep River Claro valley below and has excellent views of the tallest peaks of the area to the east.

The trail favoured by extra-terrestrials

Where did the name Enladrillado (meaning “brick-paving” in English) come from? The answer is quite obvious for this trail: the surface of the plateau is covered in strange basalt rock formations which unbelievably are very much like neatly ordered bricks See photo 23. Even though the explanation for this phenomenon is most likely linked to the volcanic activity in the zone thousands of years ago, the sterile lunar landscape has led some to believe that it is in actual fact a landing strip for visitors from other parts of the galaxy. This, along with the fact that there have been a large number of UFO sightings the last decades, has made Enladrillado into one of the most important spots for ufological tourism in Chile.

This route can be completed in 2 or 3 days, and it will lead you deep into the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay. The first leg of the route is made up of gentle changes in altitude and leads through a wonderful forest typical of the Maule region of Chile; in autumn the trees acquire incredible reddish tones which are famous throughout the country. The path remains wide and clearly marked and leads into the valley Valle del Río Lircay and crosses the slopes of Cerro Peine. The second part is more physically demanding as the path climbs uphill, ascending 500m in little more than 3km distance. This last section makes the route a bit more of a challenge, but it more than possible for anyone who loves being outdoors and does not have major difficulties in walking for various hours a day. For those in good physical condition, it may be possible to reach Enladrillado from the reserve entrance in a long day’s walk.

Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

Located 66km to the east of Talca in the Maule region of Chile, this reserve makes up the largest protected area in the region, with a size of 16,684 hectares See photo 10. There are camping areas and an interesting net of paths, including traverses leading to the neighbouring reserve Radal Siete Tazas. Given its great beauty and proximity to multiple cities, Altos de Lircay receives a large number of guests all year round.

Video: Reportaje de Mega acerca del Enladrillado y su cara ufológica

Appropriate season

Spring, summer and autumn. At the end of autumn the forest is at its most colourful with beautiful reddish tones, which makes the scenery even more enchanting (depending on the climate conditions each year, this can be from the middle to the end of May). During summer make sure to take enough water with you. In winter, the snow can make trekking and other activities difficult within the reserve.

Access

Talca – Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay (Vilches)

Private Transport

From the commune of Talca (see here how to get to Talca), follow the road to San Clemente (route 115 or the international route to Argentina via Paso Pehuenche). After approx. 36km from Talca you will come to a signposted turning to the left (east) which leads to Vilches. The road is asphalt at the start and towards the end it is gravelled. You will pass through various sectors including Vilches Bajo, Salto del León, and finally you will arrive at Vilches Alto (approx. 26km). Here there is a gate which is open from 8:00 to 17:30, and then it is chained shut until the following day. Go through the gate and continue along the road for another 2km until you come to the Centro de Información Ambiental Conaf (Conaf Environmental Information Centre). Only 4x4 vehicles can drive the last 2km; if you do not have a 4x4 vehicle you can park just before the gate. It will take approx. 1h-1½h from Talca.

Public Transport

From the bus terminal in Talca there are daily and regular buses to the village of Vilches Alto. The times of the buses are constantly changing, so call beforehand on (71) 2243270. The cost of the bus ticket is CLP$1600 (approx. USD$2.50) per person. The bus journey takes 2h and leaves you approx. 3km from the Centro de Información Ambiental Conaf.

Some 100m before the administration, there is a sign marking the entrance to the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay See photo 1. At the administration centre you will need to register your entry to the park and pay the entrance fee.

Permits / Prices

Daily cost:

• Chilean adult CLP$2500 (approx. US$5)
• Chilean senior citizen (over 60 years old) CLP$1200 (approx. USD$2.50)
• Foreign adult and foreign senior citizens CLP$5000 (approx. US$10)
• Disabled adult CLP$1200 (approx. USD$2.50)
• Chilean child under 6 years old free
• Chilean child CLP$1000 (approx. US$2)
• Foreign child CLP$2500 (approx. US$5)
• Disabled child free

Accommodation / Facilities

In the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay there is an Information Centre, paths, facilities for disabled visitors, picnic areas and campsites.

Recommendations

• The reserve is a natural area of great beauty and a range of scenery, it is worth staying for longer and visiting the other trails.
• If you have time, it is a good idea to spend two nights in the reserve to make the second day of this route a little easier.
• For those in good physical condition, it may be possible to reach Enladrillado from the reserve entrance in a long day’s walk.

Gear

• Camping equipment
• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Windbreaker
• Trekking poles
• 2 litre bottle of water

Take all necessary camping equipment with you. It is important to remember that it is prohibited to light fires in the reserve hence at the entrance you will need to show that you have a stove with you.

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1. Vilches – Campsite
2. Campsite – Enladrillado – Campsite – Vilches

Alternative Itinerary 1

1. Vilches – Campsite
2. Campsite – Enladrillado – Campsie
3. Campsite – Vilches

Alternative Itinerary 2

1. Vilches – Enladrillado – Vilches