Outings and excursions · Los Ángeles
Wild Waters
Text: Pablo Etchevers · Photos: Jorge González
The famous Laja Falls lie 37 kilometers to the North of Los Ángeles. These four waterfalls of singular beauty attract thousands of tourists all year round.
It is said that when these lands belonged to the Araucanos, this was a site of worship where the elders would gather to meditate and chew pine nuts (the fruit of the monkey-puzzle tree) and where the youths would turn into “men” if they managed to cross to the other side of the largest fall on foot.
The white man saw this place when the Mapuche and Pehuenche tribes resolved to parley with the then governor of the province imposed by Spain, don Manuel de Amat y Juniet.
It was 1756 and, ever since, the place has been a center of disputes and conquests and, obviously, one of the natural boundaries of the territories known as Laja Island.
Getting There
To reach this place from Route 5, take the by-pass leading to a small concrete bridge that crosses the old plentiful Laja River.
Before the new Panamericana Road existed, this was the official route joining the Cities of Los Ángeles and Chillán. However, although this stretch may be avoided, most drivers who already know about it choose to see it again and those who have not seen it yet always wish to cross it for the first time.
The view from the bridge is wild from the very first moment. A huge live waterfall roars in the background, where our eyes get lost as the rain and the spray generated by the water are tinged by a huge rainbow that crosses above it from side to side.
Much More Than Four
This tourist attraction in the Bío-Bío region is made up by 4 waterfalls that may be accessed on foot through a footbridge that lets the water splash us.
The main waterfall, which may be appreciated from the bridge on the road, is the highest fall. It appears in almost all postcards and photographs of this place. It is 35 meters high and has a unique panoramic sight that offers an almost complete view of the entire waterfall. The other falls, though smaller, preserve the fierceness of these waters intact and attract visitors to shoot some photographs.
Adventure Sports
Downstream, a group of motorboats invites visitors to come close to the falls, this time from the water. A special tour for the most adventurous which takes all safety measures so as to avoid any risks. This is only about freshening up for a few moments.
In addition to much fresh water, the Laja Falls feature excellent accommodation options which include inns and cabins that invite visitors to stay and see the surroundings of this picturesque spot. They can practice adventure sports such as river rafting, horseback riding, swimming, and hiking and, obviously, photograph these marvelous waterfalls.
