The Maipo Canyon

El Cajón del Maipo is one of the top natural attractions in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile. It lies at the foot of the Andes Mountains and offers many kinds of excursions and hikes.

The main town is San José de Maipo, the capital of the commune that covers most of the Andean area in the region.

The area is crossed by several rivers, including:

• Volcán River

• Yeso River

• Colorado River

And streams like:

• San Gabriel

• Manzanito

• Coyanco

• Sauce

• Manzano

• San José

 

Maipo Canyon: how to go?

Cajón del Maipo is about 1 hour from Santiago. It’s a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure sports like:

• Hiking

• Horseback riding

• Mountain biking

• Kayaking

• Rafting

Popular attractions in the area include:

• El Morado Natural Monument

• Lagunillas Ski Center

• Baños Morales

• Baños Colina

• Termas del Plomo hot springs

• El Yeso Reservoir (main water source for Santiago)

Transportation options:

• Take the metro to Las Mercedes Station, then a bus to Cajón del Maipo.

• Rent a car.

• Join a guided tour from Santiago.

Maipo Canyon: Location Map

San José de Maipo is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Santiago, approximately 56 km away.
Check out our location map below:

 

 

 

The Maipo Canyon: what to see? what to do?

Cajón del Maipo offers beautiful natural landscapes and a peaceful escape from Santiago’s busy city life. Some top spots include:

• El Morado Natural Monument

• Cascada de las Ánimas Nature Sanctuary

• Río Clarillo National Reserve

It’s perfect for adventure tourism but also has options for relaxation, like hot springs and vineyard tours.

Other attractions:

• Lagunillas Ski Center (snowboarding, ski touring)

• Scenic trails and viewpoints

Where to Stay:

Check out our list of the best camping and glamping spots in the area.

Trekking to El Morado Glacier

This is one of the most popular and scenic hikes in the canyon. It features diverse flora and fauna and is considered a challenging trek.

Details:

• Location: Baños Morales, 93 km from Santiago

• Open: October to March (closed in winter due to snow)

• Trail: 8 km (about 3 hours up)

• Highlights:

  • Mineral springs

  • El Morado Lagoon

  • El Morado Glacier (San Francisco Glacier)

 

Trekking to Condor Viewpoint

Located in the Alfalfal sector, this is a day hike that leads to a rocky cliff where condors and eagles nest. You can often see them up close.

Tips:

• Open year-round

• Avoid summer due to heat

• Winter is great for snow-capped views

• No permit or fee required

• You can go independently or join a guided tour

 

El Yeso reservoir (Embalse El Yeso)

A classic spot in the canyon, known for its turquoise water and snow-capped mountains. You can visit independently or with a day tour from Santiago.

Nearby:
El Yeso Waterfall is in Salto el Yeso Park, which offers:

• Picnic areas

• Bathrooms

• Kiosk

• Marked trail to the waterfall

• Open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 

Las Melosas

A unique rock formation shaped by thousands of years of wind and river erosion.

How to get there:

1. Drive toward the Volcano, to km 70.

2. Pass San Gabriel.

3. Turn right before Baños Morales.

4. Follow the sign to Los Queltehues, which leads to Las Melosas.

 

Valle de la Colina Hot Springs

One of the must-see spots in the canyon. Located deep in the Andes, surrounded by amazing mountain views.

Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

 

Morales Thermal Baths

Located in the Baños Morales village, surrounded by mountains. The Thermal Center features:

• Three pools

• Mineral-rich waters (iodine, chlorine, sodium, potassium)

• Temperatures above 25°C

• Deep pools for full relaxation

 

Termas del Plomo (Hot Springs)

These are the most rustic hot springs in the area. The water is warm but not very hot, and the surrounding nature is untouched.

Details:

• Distance: 68 km from San José de Maipo

• Location: Near El Yeso Reservoir

• Access: 2.5-hour hike

• Trailhead: After San Gabriel and a Police Station (inform them of your plan)

• Trail: Marked with stones

Tips:

• Bring warm clothing and camping gear

• Best time to visit: spring and summer

• Go with someone experienced in mountain trekking

• Avoid visiting in bad weather

 

Adventure in the Maipo Canyon: Rafting and Horseback Riding

The Maipo River starts in the Andes, fed by rivers like Volcán, Colorado, and El Yeso. It’s perfect for:

• Rafting

• Kayaking

• Other water sports

Experience the adrenaline of navigating its rapids.

Horseback Riding:

There are many options for horseback tours:

• Day rides

• Multi-day rides (2–4 days or more)

Popular routes include:

• San José Volcano

• Valley of the Unicorns

• Laguna del Indio

• Tupungato Volcano

These tours offer the chance to explore the most remote parts of Maipo Canyon on horseback.

 

Book an excursion to enjoy the Maipo Canyon from Santiago de Chile!

From Santiago, you can book the excursion to the Maipo Canyon

 

 

 

Visiting Santiago? check our best tours to enjoy Chile

 #353 – Santiago, Atacama Desert & Easter Island – 9 nights

 #351 – Santiago, Torres del Paine and Atacama Desert – 9 nights

 #363 – Santiago, Atacama, Torres del Paine & Skorpios III Cruise – 12 nts

 #360 – Chilean Patagonia and Atacama Desert  – 12 nts

 

Tours in Chile with Argentina, Peru, and other destinations in Chile

It´s a nice list of four tours including the Santiago, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar in the itinerary. But, a great idea is to combine these places, with other destinations in Chile and why not… Argentina and Peru. Check some great options below:

 

 #1052 – From Rio to Santiago via Iguazu, Buenos Aires and Atacama – 18 nts

 #1081 – Colorful Argentina, Chile & Peru – 17 nights

 #1004 – Argentina & Chile in 12 nights – Option IV – 12 nts

 #1090 – The Great tour of South America – 26 nights

 

More tours to visit Chile

Want to see more tours to visit Chile? Check our complete list of tours to visit Chile

 

For more information, just contact us at info@ripioturismo.com 

Thank you!