* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia
The central valleys of Chile have a unique beauty. Just like the south and north of this country, the Santiago Basin has a lot to say to the world for its hills and massifs of various heights.
Within this framework, the Chilean territory has four geographical settings that distinguish it worldwide: the Andes Mountains, the Intermediate Depression, the Coastal Mountains and the Coastal Plain. Four dimensions. Four landscapes. Four different sensations. Four types of iconic beauties.
Precisely, in one of these geographical states, I have climbed Pintor Hill, which is 4180 meters above sea level. That, officially, since my watch read 4214. At the time I started the climb from the La Parva ski center, the capital of Chile – Santiago – was smog-free.
Then, of course, the traditional pollution appeared, but on this autumn day in Chile and within several mountain ranges, it was possible to see different buildings of the city and other smaller hills that, likewise, have their own attractions in flora and fauna and They are perfect for trekking, such as the El Carbón, Manquehue, Manquehuito hills and, to the north, El Peñón and La Región hill (visible in the photo of the city from the Pintor summit).
Certainly, I had the best experience after reaching the summit of Cerro Pintor. Beautiful view of Santiago to the west (and the Sierra de Ramón, other successive hills that adorn the surroundings of the city, such as Provincia, Tambor, San Ramón and Punta de Damas) and Cerro El Plomo (my next destination, I don’t know how or when) towards the east.
In short, Cerro Pintor is a high mountain that surprises from start to finish due to the different colors that the front part adopts. A characteristic that can also be seen in its paths, stones and 360-degree views.
With all this, the hills and mountains, there is no doubt: they brighten the life, the mind, the soul and the heart. Mother Nature is our great friend and companion. It must be protected with tourism and responsible exercise. She is our duty.
