Basic ecotouristic information on Radal Siete Tazas National Park (Chile) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
Central Chile, 200 km south of Santiago, 55 km of Molina.
Access
Easy. The main access is the road coming from the area called Parque Inglés along the road K-15. The first 7 km of this road are paved and the rest is gravel. Nevertheless, the last 9 km are difficult in winter due to the snow fallen in June and July.
Characteristic
5,148 km2; Mounainous park lies in a pre-Andean area close to Descabezado Grande volcano. The park's elevations range from 650 m to 2,600 m. The park's most popular feature is the area known as Siete Tazas (Seven Cups), which consists of seven consecutive natural pools with their respective waterfalls along Claro de Molina River. These waterfalls range from 1 to 10.5 metres. There are also two high waterfalls called El Velo de Novia (The Bridal Veil) and La Leona (The Lioness), with single vertical drops of 40 and 20 metres respectively. Moderate Mediterranean climate with long dry season. To the west there is mountain weather due to the higher altitudes. It is common to find snow in winter and spring, specially on the south and east slopes. The average year temperature is 14,7 ºC, and the precipitation index is 980 mm per year. Typical ecosystems: mixed forests of temperate zone, mountain forest, freshwater ecosystems.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Trekking in the different areas of the park - many trails.
Baths in ponds in Claro river, horseback riding, mounatin biking, whitewater kayak (only experienced kayakers).
Note
Many kayakers paddle the smaller falls ranging from 1 to 10.5 metres. Once kayakers enter the steep canyon the only way out is down. At the end of the run kayakers must make a quick move to shore in order to avoid the 40 meter waterfall.
Park is accessible all the year round, anyway the best time is IX-V.