Reserva Nacional Río Clarillo Backcountry Circuit

Just an hour from Santiago, Río Clarillo’s backcountry roads wind through some of Chile’s last intact Mediterranean forest, where centuries-old quillay trees shade technical creek crossings and rocky climbs toward the Andean foothills. The circuit follows old logging roads and mining tracks that connect the reserve’s remote valleys, passing through dense matorral scrubland and crossing the crystalline Río Clarillo multiple times. Key waypoints include the Quebrada de la Plata mining ruins and the high overlook at Cerro El Roble, where the entire Central Valley spreads below.

Easy to moderate difficulty suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles, though the river crossings can be challenging during snowmelt season. The route is accessible year-round but best enjoyed during the dry months from November to April when creek levels are manageable. No permits required, but fuel and supplies should be secured in Pirque before entering. This circuit offers surprising wilderness just outside Chile’s capital, making it perfect for weekend warriors seeking quick escape from urban chaos.