Cascada de las Animas, Santiago

After a week in Santiago we really enjoyed this opportunity to enjoy nature so close to the city. The cabins are rustic with a cosy fireplace and very clean.The transportation van to and from the city is modern and very comfortable. When you check in, ask for the key to the gate so that you can cross the river and hike along the trails there. Joe, who manages the place, is American and married into the large family that owns the property. Many of the family members work on the property and are very invested in making it a success. They were friendly and gave us a great tour of their woodworking/metal workshop in the little village outside of the town. The furniture they make is artwork. The grounds were well-maintained and the restaurant was lovely. There is free wi-fi in the restaurant lounge area and at the office reception. We spent several hours working on a business project in the restaurant lounge and never felt that the staff hurried us to leave the area. We recommend this place as a safe and lovely place to experience the Chilean countryside.

I have just returned from a stay in Cascada de las Animas in March. I found the place a little overrated. We rented a log cabin and it was ok, but really pretty expensive for what it was. We also found that there didn't seem to be much opportunity for independent hiking on the grounds (seem only to be with a guide at very select times). Also,our whole party found the staff at Cascada VERY unhelpful, indifferent and bordering on rude (except for restaurant staff). One of us went on one of their horse treks and the horse fell on the rough terrain, unseating the rider. She ended up slashing open her head and fracturing her wrist and the staff at Cascada were completely unhelpful. She made her own way to (Spanish speaking) local hospital, where she ended up getting several stitches. When we came back to Cascada not one staff member asked whether she was ok, noone knocked at the door of our cabin to see if they could do anything to help, and on check out we were charged for the horse-ride and, again, not one query on her condition. She ended up spending the last day of her holiday in a hospital in Santiago. Several in our party emailed Cascada to complain about their attitude and to date (3 weeks later) we have not had one email from them. Clearly they respond to emails only when they're looking for business, not when there's a complaint. Our experience of Cascada was, on the whole, very disappointing. We had stayed 10 days in Chile and found everyone so friendly and helpful but the staff at Cascada were a world apart in their indifference and rudeness.

I have visited Chile on three occasions with my family and on business. Santiago is a just another noisy, poluted and congested city that unfortunately must be passed through if you fly in or out of the country (I can find THAT at home!). I found Cascada de las Animas while looking for nice place near Santiago but not in the city. It is only an hour away from downtown by bus, but it is like visiting a different planet. Clean air and wilderness - Who would have thought! If you must visit Santiago, get out of town and see some of the 'real' Chile. Cascada de las Animas it the perfect place to go. George Davis