Quebrada Las Vacas

Quebrada Las Vacas is a protected area in Chile.

Quebrada Las Vacas at a Glance

Location
Central Chile & Valleys, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-30.709017, -71.638420
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Quebrada Las Vacas

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 7 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL), 309 km away.

Big Five in Quebrada Las Vacas

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Quebrada Las Vacas

The warmest temperatures in Quebrada Las Vacas occur in February, averaging 17.6°C (up to 21.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 11.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 80.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 17.1°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • February: 17.6°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • March: 16.7°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • April: 14.8°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)
  • May: 13.2°C (rainfall: 4.8mm)
  • June: 12.3°C (rainfall: 41.5mm)
  • July: 11.4°C (rainfall: 32.6mm)
  • August: 11.8°C (rainfall: 20.2mm)
  • September: 12.4°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
  • October: 13.2°C (rainfall: 2.5mm)
  • November: 14.4°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • December: 15.7°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Quebrada Las Vacas

The best months to visit Quebrada Las Vacas are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 17.1°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 80.2%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.64°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 80.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 16.73°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • April: Good, temperature 14.79°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 82.6%
  • May: Good, temperature 13.23°C, rainfall 4.8mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 81.8%
  • June: Good, temperature 12.31°C, rainfall 41.5mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 82.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 11.43°C, rainfall 32.6mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 84.3%
  • August: Good, temperature 11.81°C, rainfall 20.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 12.44°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 80.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 13.18°C, rainfall 2.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 81.1%
  • November: Good, temperature 14.39°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 80.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 15.74°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 80.4%

Wildlife in Quebrada Las Vacas

Home to 33 recorded species including 14 waterbirds, 13 birds of prey, 3 predators, 2 iconic birds, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Quebrada Las Vacas

Based on average temperature of 14.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 14°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Quebrada Las Vacas

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Chile & Valleys

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Quebrada Las Vacas FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Quebrada Las Vacas for wildlife viewing and comfortable hiking conditions?

The best period is during the Chilean spring and early summer, from October to December. This offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the trails and increases your chances of spotting migratory birds and active local fauna.

What specific types of wildlife and unique geological features can visitors expect to encounter at Quebrada Las Vacas?

Visitors can often spot Andean condors soaring overhead, guanacos grazing in the valleys, and various desert-adapted birds and reptiles. The park is also renowned for its striking red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs, offering a unique blend of natural and cultural history.

Are there specific guided tours or self-guided trails available at Quebrada Las Vacas, and what are the typical durations?

Yes, the park offers several well-marked self-guided trails, ranging from easy one-hour walks along the quebrada floor to more challenging half-day hikes to scenic viewpoints. Local guides are also available for specialized tours focusing on birdwatching, geology, or cultural history, often lasting 3-5 hours.

What are the typical entry fees and any additional costs for activities or services within Quebrada Las Vacas?

The entry fee for Quebrada Las Vacas is generally a modest amount, contributing directly to the park's conservation efforts. Guided tours, if desired, are an additional cost and vary depending on the duration and specialization of the guide.

What essential safety and preparation tips should visitors know before exploring the rugged terrain of Quebrada Las Vacas?

Due to the arid environment and varied terrain, it's crucial to carry plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen. Always inform park rangers or your accommodation of your planned route, especially for longer excursions.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.