About us
We are a French-German couple who decided to escape the city buzz and stress , to settle in a quieter place, near the sea, so we chose Guanaqueros.
Since we both are curious minded, we decided to take advantage of the spaces of the plot, keeping the native vegetation as much as possible, and we designed and built an alternative accommodation with well-defined characteristics:
- Tranquility, no Wi-Fi (unless absolutely necessary) and,
- Definitely “zero” television, to give the mind a time-out.
We put our idea into action without hesitation, even though we had not the slightest idea of how we would accomplish it. Between an Electrical Engineer and a Translator, we had to learn a lot about construction techniques, furniture making, space distribution and a long etc.
We are still learning, but we succeeded, and here we are!
Ocho Águilas – The story
The name «Ocho Águilas» originates from eight tiuques, which we called eaglets; that constantly flew over our plot while we were developing the project.
The construction of the cabanas was made in wood seeking to maintain harmony with the existing manor house. Several months of study were necessary to achieve the best distribution of the cabanas, in order to guarantee the maximum comfort for our guests, as well as the best views of the surrounding landscapes.
The compound integrates a watching tower that, from its second story, allows to see even the sea; enjoy the sight of flocks of birds flying over the plot in the late afternoon, specially during the migratory season; and, for the more adventurous, the sighting of celestial bodies without telescope.
The swimming pools, one for adults and one for children, were built using blocks of recycled material, and the decks where you can meditate or do yoga outdoors, were assembled using wood leftovers.
The area of the compound is large enough, with a slightly sloping terrain , very convenient if you want to start a trekking training, or simply feel like getting a light physical workout.
Vision
We are committed to the following motto:
- To be environmentally friendly
- Efficiency in the use of materials
- Recycling and Water Harvesting (Camanchaca)
We designed our project in the most environmentally friendly way possible, keeping the native vegetation of the plot as much as possible. The cabanas were built using the chosen materials as efficiently as possible. The leftovers were used to manufacture the furniture on site, even the aviaries, with the consequent saving of fuel: less trips to look for construction materials.
We have a vermicompost (vermiculture) to make compost and nourish the plants that have been planted, and in the short term we plan to install a greenhouse to grow our fruits and vegetables. As per the management of inorganic waste : plastics and glass are separated and taken to a recycling point in Guanaqueros.
Our story
A French girl and a German guy – together in Guanaqueros
Going to the countryside!
Our adventure bagan on 2019, when we decided to switch the city lifestyle for the tranquility and open spaces that rural life has to offer.
The beginnings: a house and dry bushes
Initially, the pot had only one house built and the land had almost entirely been deprived of vegetation. Only a few eucalyptus, a guayacan tree and two litres survived.
The rear part of the land did retain traces of xerophytic vegetation characteristic of the area, combined with a rocky terrain bordering an old creek.
From second home to life center
Originally, the house was used for vacations. Later, it would become our main home. Analyzing the potential of the land given the tranquility and beauty of the sunsets and the surrounding nature, we decided to start a lodging project for those seeking tranquility and reconnection with nature.
Slowly but steady
The process has been progressive but without pause. The initial setbacks in selecting species to create green areas gave way to a more structured process, where resistant species were planted to create an oasis for native fauna, mainly birds, to later initiate a reforestation project exclusively with species native to the IV Region.
Wooden cabanas made on site
The cabins were built on site, after several months of study to achieve the best distribution and ensure the maximum comfort to our guests, as well as the best views of the surrounding landscapes.
As its name indicates, Ocho Águilas is a self-sustainable project: all the remains of any process are reinserted into the ecosystem that is being created:
- Pruning waste is used in combination with the compost produced by vermiculture.
- The leftovers from the construction of the cabins have been used to make furniture, decks and aviaries (a plus for our feathered visitors).
We have created a haven of peace and tranquility – we can host up to 26 people
Our premises, defined by a palisade, welcomes closed groups, families or companies, our maximum capacity is 26 people.
The distribution of the cabanas is the perfect combination of relaxed atmosphere and privacy: each unit has its own terrace where you can have breakfast if the idea is to wake up late.
We have incorporated relaxation areas and large spaces that invite you to discover “secret hideaways” where you can settle down to read a book, contemplate nature; decks that can be used to practice yoga or meditation, recharge your energy in the quartz bed, or climb the watching tower to enjoy a 360º view of the surroundings, including the Guanaqueros hill.
All these options add up to materialize our motto: “ Disconnecting from routine and stress”.
A Tribute to the Diaguita – this region is yours!!
As a tribute to one of the ancestral cultures of the area, we replicated, with the help of Ricardo Romario, a local artist, motifs of Inca-Diaguita inspiration, different in each of the doors of the cabanas; based on ceramic vestiges found in the various excavations that have been carried out in the village of Guanaqueros, and that Ricardo has also captured in spots of the “Caleta la Safá”, the work of his father, known as “El loco Careo” (The crazy Careo).
The cabanas internal decoration is simple: an allegory to nature always present, either in the colors used, or in the motifs of the sheets that are associated with the vegetation that grows in the area after the rain.
Wood is the material mostly used in the facility to create a harmonious whole with the patronal house that was the first building of the compound as stated earlier.
Reforestation with native plants of the zone
In order to contribute to the preservation of the environment and in an attempt to recreate the original vegetation of the area, we decided to create a reforestation area with native plants, in the area of the land that has remained unaltered since the beginning: where a second litre dominates the view, complementing the one that is closer to the cabanas.
In this area we have planted quillay trees, aromos, capers, molles.
And in order to have variety, according to the approaches of syntropic agriculture; we have added some fruit trees: papaya, mandarin and almond ; besides a variety of cactus that we recovered from debris on the road to Tongoy.
We keep creating following our inspiration
As time goes by and without a master plan, we incorporate details as inspiration leads us. The idea is to enjoy the process of making something new each time.
We believe we are well on our way, the young trees are growing strong and the cacti have already started to show their first buds.
Our new hobby: night sky photography (astrophotography).
We are located in an area with scarce light pollution, which means that a visit to Ocho Aguilas can be transformed into an experience of observing the stars with the naked eye, or be inspired by a beautiful starry sky and experiment with astrophotography, for which the illumination of the plot is kept to the minimum necessary to not interfere with the celestial sight.