Awesome time! - Nicolas was an amazing guide! Extremely knowledgeable about the hike and flora and fauna. I previously wanted to do other hikes but due to weather conditions and closings it was not possible. Nicolas suggested this hike and I wasn't disappointed. Thank you Nicolas it was great spending the day hiking with you!

Unique day in La Campana National Park - We were looking for a full day active adventure before leaving Santiago to spend a week hiking on Easter Island. Prior to leaving home we searched several options and were intrigued by the Coigue Expeditions website and reviews. We emailed and expressed interest in the Darwin's route and Pacific Coast Gardens, Juncal and Morado hikes, and said that we wanted to spend the day hiking, but weren't acclimated or in shape for a long climb. Gabriel responded promptly and suggested that Darwin's route best fit our objective. We were picked up at our hotel by guide Nicolas and driver promptly at 7:30 AM, made the 1.5 hour drive north to the park and started our hike. The first part is an uphill hike through the Chilean palm forest on the coastal side of the mountain. Since it was morning the coastal fog was still present and lifted as we reached the highest point on the hike and had our lunch. The downhill portion was entirely different as the forest on the inland side is Santiago Oak. Along the way we saw the giant hummingbird. We got back to our hotel about 6:30 PM. It was a perfect day. We were entirely satisfied and so arranged with Nicolas to do the Pacific Coast Gardens hike upon our return from Easter Island.

This excursion with Coigue... - <p>This excursion with Coigue Expeditions is a wonderful full on day hike through Parque Nacional La Campana declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO set in the dry, dusty mountains of the coastal range. It is a good hour and 45 minutes drive each way from Santiago 110km NW of but as the trip is limited to a small group this was a comfortable car journey rather than being in a cramped minibus. The walk commences in the northern Sector Ocoa and follows a 7km Sendero through the beautiful Palmar de Ocoa, a grove of Chilean Palms in their natural habitat and one of just two remaining in the country. A steepish climb leads to the Portezuelo Ocoa viewpoint from where a 5.5km sendero descends in the shade through the beautiful contrasting woods of southern Sector Cajon Grande. An enthusiastic walking companion accompanied us on this cross-park trek in our friendly guide Nicolas who shared his knowledge and local insights to enhance our experience of this unspoilt natural environment. Apart from a brief encounter with a local horse rider we had the path to ourselves - unbelievable for such an attractive national park. Sadly wildlife, especially bird encounters were limited but such is the vagary of nature. Walking sticks and lunch are provided but additional bottled water is a must. The guidance notes concerning level of difficulty, sunscreen, clothing etc is sensible, important and not to be ignored! Our car with driver Felipe was waiting for us on our return and further welcome insights, including on local music, added to our enjoyment as we drove the Pan American Highway chatting all the way back to Santiago.<br/> Understandably not a cheap option but highly recommended if you want a different, challenging and more personalised experience away from the hustle and bustle of Santiago rather than the standard mass day trips out in the Andes foothills.</p>