Condor Circuit

Remember "The Lord of the Rings"?

Starting point: Talca

How to get there: The trail starts at Vilches which can reached easily by public bus.

Duration: 8 - 10 days

Magical landscapes like those in "The Lord of the Rings" await trekkers on this circuit, which so far only a few have hiked fully. The Condor Circuit which forms part of the "Huaso Trails" network leads through thick forests and wild rivers, past lakes, glaciated mountains and active volcanoes. Those who find the 8 days too long or too tiring can take shorter routes such as the "Mondaca Trail" or "Enladrillado Trail".

The first part of the circuit goes through the Altos del Lircay nature reserve, where you can learn more from the park rangers. At the beginning, the trail leads through dense forest and then down to the Claro River Gorge, then goes back up into the Blanquillo River Valley. An additional day is required for the ascent over lava fields to reach the Descabezado Grande Volcano at 3850 m (12631 ft.). Depending on the season, this part of the trail can require special equipment such as picks and crampons. The effort is rewarded with a beautifully located campsite near some hot springs and a spectacular view of the glaciated Cerro Azufre mountain.

The trail continues downhill, following along the Río Volcán River until it reaches the next hot springs located in a magnificent area right next to a campsite. From here, you can do a day hike to Laguna Mondaca, a mountain lake in the middle of the Andes above the tree line. The circuit continues uphill crossing a pass at 2000 m (6562 ft.), passing Laguna Ánimas, and then downhill into the Valle del Indio. Here you can finish the tour and leave the circuit through the Siete Tazas nature reserve. At the park administration in Parque Ingles you can get public transport to the nearest town, Molina.

Those who wish to do the entire circuit, follow the trail crossing the Guamparo mountain range at 2000 m (6500 ft.) and return to the starting point in Vilches.

Even though there is a trekking map for this last stretch, we recommend guides and pack horses that can be hired for a reasonable price on the spot. This tour is a hike through pure wilderness where you are unlikely to meet other trekkers, which is why detailed planning is recommended.

Planning is made easy with the help of the Condor Circuit trekking map, published in January 2003, with information at a scale of 1:50,000, which can be ordered here.