Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve

This is a gorgeous reserve, with a surface area of 5,147.51 hectares (11,324.5 acres) whose major attraction is its 7 waterfalls and their respective ‘cups’ (tazas) that the Claro a Molina river has carved over millions of years out of the basalt rock. This reserve is characterized by the ecological transition between the drought-tolerant vegetation of the north to the more humid forests of the south. Here you find woods of mountain cypresses and oak trees, diverse species of singing birds like the thrush and the tenca; big predators like the puma and the colo-colo cat, and two marsupials – the yaca and the mountain monkey. There are also some scattered traces of old nomad villages whose inhabitants were hunters and harvesters, and where you can observe the remains of stone buildings used principally for the grinding of foodstuffs. The park is an attractive destination for kayakers, who can navigate the rapids of the Claro river.

Location

Maule Region, 100km (62 mi) northeast of Talca. 55km (34 mi) northeast is Molina. Location

How to get there

Santiago-Molina by land on Ruta 5 Sur (Route 5 South), until you reach Molina. From here take the way towards the reserve (east). It is a gravel road. See Transportation

When to go

Year round

Other nearby attractions

Altos de Lircay National Reserve, the hot springs at Panimavida, Colbun reservoir, Laguna Torca National Reserve, Los Ruiles National Reserve, Federico Albert National Reserve.

Activities

Photography, trekking, wildlife and flora observation, swimming, white water kayak, climbing, horseback riding. Activities Section

Climate

The park has a temperate (Mediterranean) climate with a long dry season. Since the park is in the eastern region, its high altitude means it has characteristics that are common to mountainous climates. There is frequent snowfall, and therefore snow is permanent here throughout the winter and some of the spring. The coldest month is July, (4° – 8°C or 39°F - 46°F), rising to 22°C (72°F) in January. The mean annual temperature is 14°C (57°F). The annual rainfall is 980 mm (39 in) between April and September.

Services

Trails, rangers, accommodations, food, transportation, trails.

Prices

Adults: Nationals and foreigners CLP $1000 (in USD).

Children: Nationals and foreigners CLP $250 (in USD).