Radal Siete Tazas National Park

About this place

Radal Siete Tazas National Park lies in the pre-Andean foothills of Curicó Province in the Maule Region, close to the Descabezado Grande volcano, about 56 km in a straight line south-east of the city of Curicó. It was reclassified as a national park in 2008. Its best-known feature is the Siete Tazas, the «seven cups», a chain of seven natural pools linked by waterfalls on the Claro River, with drops of between 1 and 10.5 m. The park also has two high falls, the Velo de Novia, «bridal veil», with a sheer 40 m drop, and La Leona, with a 20 m drop. After the earthquake of February 2010 the pools dried up when water drained through a rock fissure, and flows are also affected by dry seasons. The river cuts a narrow gorge of dark basalt, pouring from pool to pool in clear green water between rock walls draped in moss and forest. Southern beech and cypress woods surround the area, and higher up lies the El Bolsón valley, with green meadows below the sharp peak of Colmillo del Diablo and clear night skies. An entry fee applies, and viewing platforms and trails run along the rim of the gorge. Water levels change with rainfall, and some river access may close in dry summers, so ask the park about conditions before you go.