We returned to Aguas de Ramon a weekend or so ago for a second hike. We thought El Peumo was nice on the previous trip but we wanted to go again but for a little longer. And a little longer we did… We began hiking at 9:45 on Saturday morning. We had a rain storm a few days before so there was a little less smog laying over the city and a lot more snow atop the Andes.
About three hours in we were finally getting close and about to cross the second river when we came across a group of cows quenching their thirst in the stream.
We pondered for a moment whether or not to bother them and to search for another spot to cross when these guys showed up behind us….
There we were on the trail in between the thirsty cows and apparently thirsty wild horses and donkeys. So we scurried down into the stream bed about 20feet down from the cows to watch these two herds interact.
But there wasn’t much question that the horses ruled the terrain. As soon as they felt we were far enough out of their way they galloped right down into the stream forcing the cows up, out and onto the steep slope on the other side. They did not appear happy with all of the ‘moos’ they were letting out. The horses drank happily and proudly as if they had claimed this as their watering hole.
We climbed up on the opposing bank to continue the hike but then had to encourage the vacas along in front of us because they aren’t exactly the type to step a little off the trail to let you pass. They mooed and grunted as Henry drove them up the steep incline.
Within 20 minutes we were finally at the waterfall. I reminisced momentarily on our hikes to the cascades in good old Blacksburg. It was beautiful but pretty chilly in the shade and with all of the mist.
It’s hard to believe that we hiked 10 kilometers away from the far east side of Santiago into this stunning landscape. It felt so good yet again to get out of the city hustle.
All in all we finished our 12+ mile excursion in reasonable time and arrived back to the flat just as the sun was setting.
