A Night Hike: Magic & Connection

The Ritual of El Abuelo Peumo

Our hike begins with a moment of reflection at the base of the trail, where we honor one of the oldest beings in the forest: El Abuelo Peumo. This ancient tree, with its thick trunk and deeply rooted presence, is a living witness to the passing of time and the cycles of nature. We gather around it as a group, acknowledging the wisdom it represents and the importance of respecting the land that sustains us.

Known as “The Grandfather” of the forest, the Peumo serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the natural world. By pausing to honor this tree before beginning our hike, we remind ourselves of our responsibility to care for the land, just as it has cared for the countless generations of life that have passed through it.

Walking in the Golden Light

As we begin our hike, the fading sunlight casts a golden glow over the Bosque Esclerófilo, a forest ecosystem that thrives in the rugged hills of La Reserva Centenario. The forest comes alive with color and life as we walk beneath the canopy of native trees like Peumo, Quillay, Boldo, Maitén, and Litre. Each tree has a story to tell, from the Quillay’s role in traditional medicine to the Boldo’s medicinal leaves.

In the golden light, the forest feels alive with history and wisdom, offering a deep sense of grounding. The landscape, rich with life, encourages us to slow down and absorb the stories written in the very leaves of the trees. The act of walking quietly through this terrain—learning about each species and its ecological role—brings us into a state of mindfulness, where the present moment feels amplified and everything around us seems to speak of the interconnectedness of life.

The Role of Water in the Forest

As we journey further, we discuss the role of the vertientes—the natural springs that feed the forest. The water, stored deep in the hills and carefully held by the roots of the trees, is the lifeblood of the Bosque Esclerófilo. These springs, hidden beneath the surface, serve as vital sources of water for the entire ecosystem. The trees, with their deep and expansive root systems, help to retain and slowly release the water, maintaining the forest's delicate balance throughout the year.

This is a moment to reflect on the resilience of nature. The forest has adapted over millennia to manage its resources with incredible efficiency, a lesson in sustainability that we can take with us beyond the hike. As we move through the terrain, we learn how the trees and water work together to create a thriving, self-sustaining system, providing both nourishment and shelter for the plants and animals that call this forest home.

A Sunset Like No Other

As we ascend higher into the hills, the sun begins its final descent, painting the sky with hues of pink, orange, and gold. At the summit, we are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Andes Mountains in the distance, their peaks bathed in the soft, pink light of the setting sun. The sight of Volcán Descabezado, far off in the horizon, is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

We take a moment to breathe deeply and absorb the sheer beauty of this landscape. The mountains, the forest, and the sky all come together in a harmonious display, inviting us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the magnificence of the natural world.

The Walk Back in Silence and Stargazing

As the sun dips below the horizon, we begin our descent in silence. There is something profoundly peaceful about walking through the forest at night—being surrounded by the sounds of nature as the world quiets down. The rustling of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the soft flow of water create a peaceful soundtrack that invites reflection.

Under the darkening sky, the stars begin to reveal themselves, each one a distant world waiting to be explored. We stop in a clearing to gaze upward, lost in the vastness of the cosmos. The stillness of the night encourages a deep sense of awe and humility, reminding us of our place in the grand tapestry of life.

When we resume our walk, we turn off our flashlights to allow our eyes to adjust to the darkness. As we make our way back to camp, the forest feels even more alive in the absence of artificial light. The night is our guide, and the journey becomes not just a physical one, but a journey inward—into a space of peace, connection, and quiet wonder.

The Importance of Nature

The Night Hike offers a rare opportunity for our campers to experience nature in a way that’s both profound and transformative. In the stillness of the forest, as we walk beneath the stars and listen to the rhythms of the night, young people are reminded of the power and peace that nature provides.

This hike is not just an adventure—it is a chance to cultivate a deeper connection to the environment, to learn how to respect and care for the land, and to witness firsthand the intricate balance that sustains the natural world. It’s an opportunity to foster a sense of mindfulness, where the act of walking becomes a practice in awareness and presence. Each step is a reminder of the importance of slowing down, of being in tune with the world around us, and of understanding the significance of the earth’s ecosystems.

As our campers

walk in the quiet of the night, they also walk towards a future where they are better equipped to appreciate the beauty of the planet and to protect it for generations to come. The Night Hike provides a unique experience—one that allows young people to understand not only the forest's ecosystem but also their place within it. Through this connection, they gain a sense of responsibility and a deeper appreciation for the natural world—one that they will carry with them throughout their lives.