The Altos de Lircay national reserve is one of the finest in central Chile, and is just a 2 hour drive from Fundo Meza. The reserve boasts 12,163 hectares with multiple trekking routes, exhilarating mountain scenery, and a strong Conaf infrastructure for camping sites, route details, and registration. The 2 treks below are just a sample of the vast array that the park has to offer
Travel: Altos de Lircay National Reserve can be reached by car or bus. It is 125 km from Fundo Meza (a 2 hour drive). Alternatively, you can get a bus from Talca bus terminal to Vilches Alto, where the final stop is the entrance to the reserve. The bus costs between 3,500-5,500 pesos depending on the service you take, and takes 1hour 30 minutes from Talca. Return buses to Talca depart from Vilches Alto at 0700, 0900, 1200, 1400 and 1800, but it is best to check at the Conaf hut what time the final bus leaves, as this schedule can change.
Accommodation: There are several camping sites throughout the reserve. When you enter, ask for a map and details at the Conaf hut. There are also a limited number of hostels in Vilches Alto, at the entrance to the reserve, if camping doesn’t take your fancy.
Entry fee: Most national reserves and national parks in Chile have a small entry fee, to be paid when you register with the Conaf at the park entrance. They are usually extremely helpful and readily offer advice on routes, camp sites, and weather conditions, so be sure to ask plenty of questions! Altos de Lircay costs 3,500 pesos for a non-Chilean (2,000 for Chilean national), and 600 pesos for a child.
Useful links: Altos de Lircay park website: http://www.altosdelircay.cl
Conaf website: http://www.conaf.cl
