Introduction

The lake Laguna El Alto is a body of water 500m long in the cordillera, nestled at some 2000m altitude at the bottom of a great hole at the foot of the mountain Cerro Peine’s summit on the southern face. It is one of the classic trekking route within the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay (commune San Clemente, Maule Region of Chile).
There are at least two main routes that lead to the best viewpoint of the lake on its eastern shore, situated on a stunning beach. The first and most direct route coincides with much of ascent of Cerro Peine from the Conaf administration point. It climbs directly up the mountain face to 1000m to reach a pass then it descends 150m to the lake. This route is ideal for those who are visiting the park for just one day and are looking for a physically demanding activity.

The second route – described here – takes you from the Conaf administration point to a campsite some 9km to the east on the first day, and on the second day it leads to the popular area known as El Enladrillado which is a spectacular plateau approximately 2h to 3h walk from the lake. This leg involves a traverse from east to west via a chain of gentle slopes. Hence the route to Laguna El Alto via El Enladrillado is a better option for visitors who have more time and want the opportunity to gaze into the deep Río Claro valley from the famous viewpoint that is El Enladrillado. However, despite the fact that this second route makes the ascent to the lake a little more easy-going by dividing it into 2-3 days, depending on how you plan the excursion, there will still be an unavoidable day of steep climbing up to the lake and back down to the campsite. This day’s leg is 18km in distance and an ascent of approximately 600m.

And for those who still have enough energy to continue, it is possible to ascend to the summit of Cerro Peine (2448m) in a relatively easy ascent that takes between 1½h and 3h. However, do not forget that on the same day you will also have to descend to the campsite as it is not permitted to camp by the lake.
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 2. 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.

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

Entrance fees to the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

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

• This route passes near to Enladrillado – a famous attraction in the reserve. Although you can bypass this point, we recommend that you take the time to visit, especially if you have not done so beforehand. 
• Once you reach the lake and if you have enough energy, you can attempt the ascent to the summit of Cerro Peine.
• It is prohibited to camp at the lake or at Enladrillado.

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

1. Vilches – Campsite
2. Campsite – Enladrillado – Laguna Alto – Enladrillado – Campsite
3. Campsite – Vilches