March 17, 2013
Contributed by Tracye Martin and Sandra Neal | |
| Tracye Martin and Sandra Neal |
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cascada de las Animas, is a private wildlife sanctuary that offers Chileans an opportunity to escape city life and enjoy beautiful scenery in the Andes. These 3,600 acres started out as a horse ranch in 1840, and now the sanctuary offers activities such as horseback riding, zip lines, massages, a pool, whitewater rafting, and picnic areas.
The ProMBAteers arrived at Cascada de las Animas around 10 am Sunday morning. We learned that the Astorga-Moreno family, which has owned and operated the facility since its beginning, has fought hard to protect the land from energy developers that want to alter the natural landscape. As the family grows, so does the business of ecotourism, preservation, and awareness of Chile's natural beauty.
The morning's activities began with horseback riding and hiking. The equestrian group of approximately 20, along with tour guides, trekked high into the mountains enjoying scenic views on the ride up and on the way back down. Sights along the way included a mountain plateau, canyon, and a brief stop at a natural spring.
Upon returning from hiking and horseback riding, our group enjoyed a delicious family-style lunch with steak, chicken, potato salad, corn, salad, and fresh fruit for dessert--all topped off with chocolate ice cream.
After a relaxing lunch, ProMBAteers could choose to participate in a waterfall hike, a zip line, or a massage. Hikers and horseback riders throughout the day got to see parrots and eagles that were in captivity for recuperation or reproduction. The waterfall hike was short, but the view and the mist were refreshing.
The zip line ran across the river canyon and was a new experience for many ProMBAteers. Massages were also popular in the afternoon--we kept therapists busy from 4 to 7:30 pm, and several naps were taking during and after the massages.
The end of the day at Cascada de las Animas was quite peaceful with the sound of the river and the occasional whoosh of the zip lines overhead. Leaving Cascada de las Animas, ProMBAteers piled onto the bus heading back in to Santiago to get ready for St. Patty's night festivities.
