Cajon Del Maipo

The weekend before our semester started at La Universidad de Chile, Liz and I decided to head up to the Andes for a much needed getaway from the smog, overpopulation, and pickpocket-ers of Santiago. Thanks to a recommendation by a group of friends, we stayed at Cascada de las Animas resort in San Alfonso, Cajon Del Maipo for two nights. There was a very fortunate mix- up with our reservation: instead of staying in a hostel, we stayed in a private cabin! We had a great time horseback riding, hiking, and spending time in the sauna-- despite the fact that it snowed two out of three days.
Photo 1: Our private "cabana." So cute, so secluded, but SO COLD. There was a fire place, but the hotel employees had all of the supplies necessary to make a fire. Good thing we came prepared with lots of warm clothes!
Photo 2: Our living room. No big deal. $35 a night? I think yes.
Photo 3: The view from the resort. The Andes are absolutely gorgeous!
Photo 4: The resort itself.
Photo 5: Rio Maipo. We had the option to go white water rafting on the river. However, consider the conditions, we weren't too enthusiastic about that.
Photo 6: Day 2 horseback riding. :) We went horseback riding for two hours with three other people. It was amazing!
Photos 7-8: Beautiful views of the Andes during our horseback ride. These pictures don't do it justice. It's so hard to take pictures while on a semi- out of control horse!
Photo 9: Day 3. Liz and I in front of Cascada de las Animas. We took an hour and a half hike IN THE SNOW to get there. It was worth it though.
Photo 10: I didn't come prepared with snow gear. Thank goodness for my obnoxious umbrella!
Photo 11: On the Indiana Jones bridge that connects the resort to the Andes. Such a great weekend. :)