The Beagle continued north from Valparaiso, and Darwin set out on 27th April, on his longest ride through the Andes: 220 miles to Coquimbo, and then on to Copiapó, where Fitzroy had agreed to call for him. Accompannied once again by Mariano Gonzales, and travelling without guides, they took four horses and two mules for the baggage, slept in the open and cooked their own meals.
They found the coast road of little geological interest, so turned in-land to visit some copper mines in the district of Los Hornos. These copper mines were owned by Charles’ friend Alexander Caldeugh of Santiago.
Two days further north, they found the Beagle in the harbour of Herradura, being refitted for the long journey across the Pacific. Darwin lodged here for a few days and then rode up the Rio Elque to visit some silver mines. He found some petrified shells at the junction of the Rio Elque with the Rio Claro. He then journeyed back to Coquimbo, arriving on 27th May.