Altos de Lircay National Reserve
A flat basalt plateau high above the Maule, which folklore turned into a landing strip for something else.
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Altos de Lircay covers the transition forest of the Maule cordillera - roble, hualo and coigue giving way to alpine ground - with trails climbing to the Enladrillado, a plateau of flat basalt slabs at around 2,200 metres that look laid rather than formed, and which folklore and a persistent local industry have turned into a supposed landing site for aircraft of unexplained origin. The geology is simply columnar basalt eroded to its flat tops. The walk up is about eight kilometres each way. Beyond it the Descabezado Grande volcano and the Laguna del Alto lie further into the range.
What you actually see
- The Enladrillado plateau - flat basalt slabs at about 2,200 metres.
- A UFO story attached to it - folklore rather than geology.
- Transition forest below - roble and hualo giving way to alpine ground.
- Descabezado Grande beyond - the volcano deeper in the range.
When to go
December to April; snow closes the high ground otherwise. A full day or two.
Honest expectations
The Enladrillado walk is long, steep and unshaded, and people underestimate it. Water must be carried. The reserve closes sectors in high fire risk. The road up from Talca is partly gravel.
Nearby
Radal Siete Tazas is north; Talca is west in the valley.
What to pack for Altos de Lircay National Reserve
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.