Introduction

The Achibueno canyon, located in the cordillera sector of the commune of Linares, is the first “Santuario de la Naturaleza” (Nature Sanctuary) in the Maule region of Chile. The river which flows through the canyon is born from the waters of Laguna Achibueno, flowing down through the valley with the same name and edging round the skirts of the snow-capped peak Longaví. Its rivers and pools are known for their attractive green and turquoise hues, as well as for their impressive population of rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (salmo trutta), as well as torrent duck (Merganetta armata). The flora is mainly native pre andina to andina woodland as well as temperate Valdivian rainforest and Sclerophyll scrubland.

The Nature Sanctuary is home to various endangered species including the following vulnerable species of flora: ciprés de Cordillera (austrocedrus chilensis), hualo (nothofagus glauca), huala (nothofagus leonii); and the following rare species: Chilean citronella tree (citronella mucronata), radal enano (orites mirtoidea), nirrhe (eucryphia glutinosa), the latter growing only on the river banks. A number of studies have mentioned the importance of this canyon as its flora is principally made up of deciduous species of the nothofagus genus. There is a rich variety of species as these are Sclerophyll forests with striking elements characteristic of forests from wetter zones. This combination makes for a large quantity of endemisms, i.e. a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as rare and endangered species of tree (Benoit, 1989; Donoso, 1993). In fact, this area is a hotspot of global importance for the conservation of biodiversity (Myers et al., 2000; Arroyo et al.)

The fauna inhabiting the zone include great flocks of burrowing parrots (cyanoliseus patagonus), as well as black-chested buzzard-eagles (geranoaetus melanoleucus), condors (vultur gryphus). If you are lucky you may also glimpse the Magellanic woodpecker (campephilus magellanicus) or the chestnut-throated huet-huet (pteroptochos castaneus).

Appropriate season

It is best to attempt this route from September to the end of May, as in winter the snow can make the trek quite difficult. That said, it is still possible to complete parts of the route during this time of year. On the other hand, in summer the temperatures can be extremely high in the valley, especially in January and February.

Access

Private Transport

From Linares, follow route L-45 towards the foothills of the Andes. Continue along this paved road, always taking the right fork leading southeast. You will cross the bridge Puente Arcos over the river Ancoa. After 12.5km the paved road ends and a well-maintained gravelled track takes its place. Follow this road until you come to the village of Pejerrey (34km) and continue to the police checkpoint (35.6km) where you may notify the police of your excursion and ask for more information about the sector. After the checkpoint there is a fork where you should go right towards Vado Azul. The road from this point is not in such good condition. After 56.6km you will come to the Fundo Punta Tricahue where you can park your car.

Public Transport

There is no public transport to the start of the route. There are, however, buses to Pejerrey which is located some 34km from Linares via route L-45.

For information regarding the timetable for buses to Pejerrey go to Linares bus terminal.

Permits / Prices

There is no permit or entry fee required for this route.

Accommodation / Facilities

Within the sanctuary there are various large areas to camp, but these are not signposted. There are no facilities at these sites, but there is easy access to rivers, streams or lakes.

Recommendations

• When you come to the police checkpoint you may notify the police of your excursion and ask for more information about the sector.
• In spring and autumn, it is sometimes be difficult to cross the rivers as the water level can rise considerably.
• It is possible to find potable water along most of the route.

Gear

• Complete trekking and camping equipment
• Trekking poles
• Waterproof clothing and gaiters (in autumn and spring)
• Warm clothing
• Sandals for river crossings
• Swimwear

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1. Linares - Bank of Río Achibueno
2. Bank of Río Achibueno - Círculo Místico
3. Círculo Místico - Laguna Achibueno - Círculo Místico - Laguna Añintunes - Círculo Místico 
4. Círculo Místico - Bank of Río Achibueno
5. Bank of Río Achibueno - Linares

Alternative Itinerary

1. Linares - Bank of Río Achibueno
2. Bank of Río Achibueno - Círculo Místico - Laguna Achibueno - Círculo Místico
3. Círculo Místico - Laguna Añintunes - Círculo Místico - Bank of Río Achibueno
4. Bank of Río Achibueno - Linares