How does this phenomenon of nature occur?

Just stop a little and look carefully. It is necessary to go a little beyond the imperatives of tourism to discover some beauties and raritieswhich even go so far as to defy the laws of nature.

Who has not ever wondered about that geological strangeness -and beauty- called the Submerged Forest in Villa Traful (Neuquén)? How can you not be surprised by the mysterious magnetic hills that exist in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and other parts of the world? The examples could extend to the five continents.

In the Maule Regionlocated in the center of Chile and about 30 kilometers from the Pehuenche International Pass (connects Argentina with the neighboring country through International Route 145), is one of those whims of nature that is worth discovering: The Inverted Waterfall.

“The waterfall is in a valley. It is part of an estuary called Lo Aguirre. It is a point at which, almost always there is wind. That phenomenon makes the water ‘invert’; that is, jump and lift,” says Diego Ignacio Díaz Navarro, a guide in the area, about the fall of more than 50 meters high.

And he adds, “In this way, it causes the opposite effect of a common waterfall. The drops of water reach you while you are at the top of the waterfall. Depending on the wind conditions, you can even end up wet.”

To see this phenomenon in all its splendor, it is best to do a medium difficulty and full day trekking, although half-day vehicle tours are also offered. The tours usually leave from San Clemente or Talca towards the Cordillera. The less intrepid will be able to see the waterfall with little effort because it is about 400 meters from the route.

“The most complete option is to go out to the route, reach the waterfall and start a walk below. The return is through the Valley of the Condors, with its deep, stepped platforms, and through the Los Monjes Blancos rock formation. We also usually go through the paths towards the geological formations which they call Muela del Diablo,” adds the guide.

The place, like all nature in its purest form, requires taking some precautions to be enjoyed without risks.

“The Inverted Waterfall generates a lot of amazement in visitors. To see it, you have to approach the waterfall with great caution. There are no railings and it is usually windy. With care, it is enjoyed without problems and everyone has a good time,” noted the guide about this unique phenomenon in Latin America and which was named an Area of ​​Interest by the Chilean National Tourism Service (Sernatur) for its scenic landscapes.

• The Inverted Waterfall is just one of the waterfalls in the area. Another is Salto del Maule, which comes from the lagoon of the same name.

• The Radal Siete Tazas National Park, the Altos de Lircay National Reserve and the Piedra de la Iglesia in Constitución are some of the attractions of the region, which brings together 30 communes.

• According to Chile Travel, the best time To visit the waterfall is between the months of September and May.

• The tours organized by Díaz Navarro cost 50 thousand Chilean pesos (US$51) for the entire day, with a guide service and snack. More information on the Instagram account @diegiraengira.