Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas Mining Circuit

The mining roads threading through Radal Siete Tazas cut between abandoned copper workings and the famous seven-tiered waterfalls that give this reserve its name. Your route starts at the CONAF station near Molina, climbing through dense native forest before breaking into open mining country where old ore trucks carved permanent ruts into granite bedrock. The technical challenge comes at Quebrada del Indio crossing — a rock-strewn ford that’s claimed more oil pans than park rangers care to count.

This is solid intermediate 4×4 territory demanding good clearance and skid plates. Best tackled April through October when river levels drop but roads stay passable. No permits required beyond park entry fees, but fuel up in Molina — nearest gas is 80km away. You’ll earn some of Chile’s most dramatic waterfall camping, plus solitude that’s rare this close to Santiago.