We will revive the expedition that Darwin did over 180 years ago. The hike starts at the entrance of La Campana National Park in the southern sector of El Granizo, accessed through the town of Olmué (Region of Valparaiso), where we begin the ascent of La Campana by taking the path of “El Andinista» that goes through a perennial forest represented by boldos (Peumus boldus), litres (Lithraea caustica), bellotos (Beilschmiedia miersii) molles (Schinus latifolius) and canelos (Drimys winteri).

After walking around two hours the vegetation opens allowing us to admire the surrounding landscape and a subtle marine presence from the western horizon. Oak trees (Nothofagus macrocarpa) come into scene as we ascend by a meandering path.

At 1,260m (4,150ft) ASL, we will find an old quartz mine located in an open area, good time to rest and replenish energies for the second tranche. The last hour is more demanding, the slope increases and we start feeling tired as we approach the summit through granite rocks, finally reaching an elevation of 1,920m (6,300ft).

La Campana is one of the highest mountains in the Coastal Range, and its summit, one of the best places to see the country in these latitudes, with the imposing Andes Range to the east and the Pacific Ocean westward. Within this large field we can observe mount Aconcagua, the highest of America! and coastal cities like Valparaíso and Viña del mar.