Regional Meal, Spanish Guide

Overview

Matacanes is a full-day canyoning run through the Sierra de Santiago, and this tour from Nantli Living covers the whole route: 18 kilometers of caves, waterfalls, natural slides, turquoise pools and around 20 jumps into water, plus two rappels of 27 and 17 meters. The operator rates the difficulty as medium, but the canyon itself takes about 6 hours to descend once you start.

The day begins at Hotel Hacienda Cola de Caballo in Cieneguilla, Santiago. From there you ride an off-road vehicle for an hour and a half along a dirt road to the Potrero Redondo ejido, where a light breakfast and gear fitting happen before a hike of about an hour and 20 minutes through pine forest to the first rappel. Once down that first descent, the route continues through the canyon with swimming sections, jumps and slides, plus a snack break along the way.

When the canyon ends, you change into dry clothes and eat a regional meal by the river before the drive back to the meeting point. The whole tour runs about 9 hours. Guides lead the trip in Spanish.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Hotel Cola de CaballoThe meeting point is Hotel Hacienda Cola de Caballo, Carr. a la Cola de Caballo 6, Cieneguilla, Santiago. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Off-road drive to Potrero RedondoGuides transport the group along a dirt mountain road to the Potrero Redondo ejido. The drive takes 1.5 hours.
3. Breakfast and gear fittingA light breakfast is served at Potrero Redondo, and each participant receives the safety gear needed for the canyon.
4. Hike to the first rappelThe approach hike through pine forest takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the top of the first rappel.
5. Descend the canyonThe canyon portion lasts about 6 hours, starting with a 2-meter jump, then a 27-meter rappel, jumps, slides, swimming and a second rappel of 17 meters, with a snack break along the way.
6. Regional meal by the riverAfter the canyon, participants change into dry clothes and eat a regional meal by the river.
7. Drive back to the meeting pointThe return transfer to Hotel Cola de Caballo takes about 1 hour.

What To Expect From The Tour

This is a long, physical day in remote mountain terrain, so preparation matters. The listing is specific about gear, footwear and fitness demands, and most of what you need to know is set out below.

• Footwear rules. Hiking boots or sneakers are required, and the listing bans Vans, Converse, similar brands and any canvas sneakers without a snug fit or with a smooth sole. Bring breathable sportswear or a swimsuit, plus a spare pair of shoes and dry clothes for after the canyon.
• Fitness and pace. The operator lists the difficulty as medium, but the numbers add up: an 18 kilometer route, two rappels, around 20 jumps and roughly 6 hours inside the canyon. You should be comfortable swimming with a life jacket and hiking for extended stretches. Snacks are provided during the tour.
• Spanish only. Guides lead this tour in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, plan for that before booking, since the listing does not offer another language option.
• Food and drink. A light breakfast, snacks during the descent and a regional meal at the end are all included. The listing still advises bringing a thermos with hydration for the transport legs, since drinks on the drive are on you.
• Practical kit. Pack a comfortable backpack without wheels, fingerless gloves such as gym or mechanic gloves, biodegradable sunblock, mosquito repellent and a windbreaker or jacket depending on the forecast. Bring government-issued ID, such as a passport, INE or driver's license.
• Photos included. Photos from the tour are included, so you do not need to risk your own camera in the canyon. A wetsuit, helmet, harness, canyoning vest, descent system and lifeline are all provided as personal safety gear.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup, so every traveller must make their own way to Hotel Hacienda Cola de Caballo in Cieneguilla by the start time. Alcohol, drugs, weapons and sharp objects are not allowed. Gratuities for guides and any gear not listed in the inclusions are extra. The tour lasts about 9 hours in total, with no transport to the meeting point provided.

Questions About This Tour