Just outside the capital city of Santiago lies the outdoor adventure wonderland of Cajon de Maipo, a mountainous valley of rivers, forests, and snow-capped Andean peaks just waiting to be explored! With the aid of an expert local guide, this full day trip takes you to the impressive surroundings od San José Volcano, deep in the heart of the Andes, the prize after a 3 hour long, moderate hike along rocky trails with stunning views. Then, when the hike is over, rest your aching muscles at thermal hot springs located high up in the mountains.
We’ll depart from your hotel in Santiago, traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned van to El Cajón del Maipo.We’ll follow a curvy mountain road with beautiful views of rushing rivers, verdant vineyards and rock formations. Our first stop is at San Jose de Maipo to appreciate the quaint architecture and have breakfast.
We’ll then continue onwards, traveling further into the Andes. Soon we’ll arrive at the feet of San José Volcano, where the hike will take place. We’ll start by following the guide through a diverse range of nature, encountering steep rocky inclines and lush meadows of blooming wildflowers. Be sure to look skyward at the jagged snow-capped spires of the Andes and keep your eyes peeled for graceful condors gliding up above.
Finally, after a 3-hour ascent, we will arrive at a lookout where we can pause to eat a box lunch of sandwiches, snacks and fruits and enjoy the views of the San José Volcano and surrounding mountains. Then, we will return the way we came and head to the therapeutic healing waters of the Valle de Colina Hotsprings, where we’ll relax in the steaming hot water to soothe our muscles after the long hike. After a relaxing break in the spring, we return to the vehicle and sink into the comfortable seats for the journey back to Santiago.
Private departures available every day on request.
*Note: This trip is not available during the winter months (June, July, August & September)
We’ll start and end at your hotel in Santiago.
The tour consists of an easy to moderate 3 -hour hike. This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure.
Guide to passenger ratio: 1:12. (max)
Private transportation.
Central Chile is mild and temperate. The warmest months are November to February when temperatures reach 29ºC (84ºF).. Nevertheless, during this low mountain trek, the temperature might drop considerably if the day is cloudy and the wind blows strongly, reaching as low as15ºC (59ºF).
We reserve the right to change the order of the itinerary at the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia