Cascada de las Animas

The Astorga family have held this stretch of the Maipo valley at San Alfonso since the early twentieth century, and from the 1980s turned it into a private nature reserve with cabins, a campsite, horses and guided walks - one of the earlier private conservation efforts in Chile and now a well-established operation. The name comes from the waterfall in the side canyon, reached on a guided walk of a couple of hours. The family have also been prominent in the opposition to the Alto Maipo hydroelectric scheme, whose tunnels run under this part of the valley, which puts the reserve directly inside the argument over the river.

What you actually see

• A family estate turned reserve - held since the early twentieth century.
• A waterfall up a side canyon - reached on a guided walk.
• Horses, rafting and cabins - the reserve's activities.
• A position in the Alto Maipo fight - the tunnels run beneath the valley.

When to go

October to April. A full day.

Honest expectations

Walks to the waterfall are guided only and run at set times. It is busy at weekends with Santiago visitors. Prices are higher than the surrounding valley. Rafting and riding are booked separately.

Nearby

San Jose de Maipo is down the valley; El Yeso and El Morado are above.