Cajón del Maipo: Day Trips and Tours from Santiago

Day trips to Cajón del Maipo offer the ideal opportunity to explore a truly wondrous sight — a natural canyon with bright azure lakes and glacier-filled mountains. Cajón del Maipo is a destination for a number of hiking tours and skiing trips from Santiago, but it should be regarded as a destination in its own right.

The Maipo River creates startling, and sometimes otherworldly vistas, as it carves its way through the Andean mountain range. Besides being home to some of the highest peaks in the Andes, this area is also the natural habitat of the majestic Andean Condor — making it an unmissable destination when you are in Santiago.

Here’s everything you need to know about Cajón del Maipo, one of the most spectacular day trips from Santiago.

How to get to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago?

Cajón del Maipo is located just southeast of Santiago, in the central region of the Andes. Although a large part of Cajón del Maipo consists of rugged terrain, there are various parks in the canyon, making it easy to explore. The canyon is relatively close to Santiago, so it's the perfect destination for a day trip.

From Santiago to Cajón del Maipo by car

Cajón del Maipo is an hour-long drive from Santiago’s city center. To reach Cajón del Maipo from Santiago, drive southeast toward the Trinidad district. From this area, it’s a straightforward drive along the scenic Maipo River. The entire journey is between 50 and 60 kilometers long, depending on the route you choose.

From Santiago to Cajón del Maipo by bus/public transport

There are a number of options when traveling to Cajón del Maipo via public transport. The quickest and cheapest option is via Metrobus MB-72. This bus departs from Bellavista de La Florida Station every hour, and a return trip costs roughly US$15 per passenger.

Buses do not operate during winter months due to the dangerous driving conditions in the canyon.

Guided tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago

A guided tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago is a great way to bask in the natural grandeur of the canyon — without worrying about buying entrance tickets or the logistics of getting to and from the canyon. There’s also a variety of different types of tours available, catering to a wide audience.

How much does the entrance ticket to Cajón del Maipo cost?

While the canyon itself has no entrance fees, the parks in Cajón del Maipo do. These are privately owned parks, and the prices are subject to seasonal change — however, the entrance fee is still relatively low.

For instance, the most popular park in the canyon, the Parque Del Yeso, costs 5,000 Chilean pesos (US$6) per person during the peak summer months — a small fee for an unforgettable sight.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago?

A typical day tour from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo starts with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van to the town of San Jose del Maipo. This is the central hub of the Maipo valley and the perfect location to explore the area.

Following your arrival, you’ll either head to the Parque el Yeso, home to the stunning El Yeso Dam — or you’ll head to the El Morado National Monument, where you’ll find the San Francisco Glazier. Either way, you’re in for breathtaking vistas and unforgettable scenes.

The area is a cornucopia of attractions and experiences, and as such, the typical day trip to Cajón del Maipo can last anything between 7 and 13 hours. Don’t let the duration put you off, the longer day trips usually involve activities like wine tasting, soaking in natural hot springs or a traditional Chilean barbecue.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cajón del Maipo?

Tours and day trips to Cajón del Maipo cover a whole range of activities, attractions and experiences. This is great news for the discerning traveler — a wide array of tours makes it easier to find the Cajón del Maipo day trip that’s the best fit.

Day tours cover a plethora of possibilities, from visiting the El Morado glacier, and relaxing in the natural hot springs of Termas de Colina to exploring the Andes on horseback — the choice is up to you.

Day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo with a guided hike

The best way to explore the capital's wilderness is with your feet on the ground, as you traverse through Cajón del Maipo on a hiking tour in Santiago.

This is by no means a leisurely stroll, and a basic level of fitness is required — as you’ll make your way past some of the world’s most active volcanoes, mesmerizing glaciers and beautiful waterfalls.

Your guide is constantly at your side to help explain the physical and geographical history of this area. The hike is 8 kilometers long and culminates at the San Jose Volcano on the Chile-Argentina border.

Small group full-day tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago

A small group tour to Cajón del Maipo allows you a more personal experience while avoiding most of the crowds — the perfect solution if you plan on visiting the area during the peak seasons.

You’ll start your trip in the town of San José del Maipo — an opportune moment to explore the town's enchanting colonial-era architecture before making your way into the canyon by following the river.

Your journey ends with a visit to the breathtaking El Yeso Dam, where you’ll enjoy a glass of wine and some snacks before heading back to Santiago.

Cajón del Maipo day trip and picnic from Santiago

If you’re looking for the perfect couple’s expedition from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo, look no further. This full-day trip will allow you and your loved one to experience unforgettable sights as you explore the Maipo Valley and the canyon proper.

To make things extra memorable, your guide will tell you the ancient folklore of the area as you journey toward the San Jose Volcano. On your way, you’ll pass countless photo opportunities at beautiful vistas and quaint towns.

At your final stop, you’ll brave the snow for a short trek, where after, you’ll enjoy a picnic with wine, cheese, olives and delicious local salami. An apt way to end a wonderful journey.

Full-day tour to Cajón del Maipo with Termes de Colina and Barbecue

If the idea of trekking through the Andes leaves you cold, this full-day tour to Cajón del Maipo with a visit to local hot springs and a Chilean barbecue is sure to warm you up. It’s one of the more unconventional tours available from Santiago, but it’s immensely popular with great reviews.

Start at 3 PM with an air-conditioned car leaving from the pickup point in central Santiago. Following this, you’ll head into the Maipo Valley, passing picturesque towns and awe-inspiring panoramas along the way.

Your first stop is the famous “Veil of the Bride Waterfall” — a legendary waterfall that’s reminiscent of a woman in her bridal gown. Then head to the Termas de Colina, a system of natural hot springs with purported medicinal qualities. After a good soak, you’ll head to a farm to enjoy a traditional barbecue and stargazing session — what more could you possibly need?

Full day Cajón del Maipo horseback tour with wine tour and tasting

For the wild at heart, a full-day in Cajón del Maipo on a horse riding tour is just the ticket. The ranch is a two-hour drive from Santiago and comes with the opportunity to explore 8,000 acres of the Andean mountain range.

At the ranch, you’ll meet your guides for this expedition — a group of local cowboys referred to as arrieros. You don’t need to be a seasoned rider to enjoy this trip, as your guides are well-versed in the landscape and when it comes to handling horses (and inexperienced riders).

Make your way into Santiago’s outer wilds and look out for the iconic Chilean Condor, when not taking in the breathtaking views, of course. Enjoy lunch in the wilderness and cap off an amazing day with a visit to the celebrated Concha y Toro vineyard — where you enjoy a tour and wine tasting.

How much does a tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago cost?

A tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago costs between US$40 to US$80 per person for the basic options, with more expensive options coming in at around US$200 per person. More expensive day trips usually include an elaborate lunch or dinner or a wine tasting and tour.

A Cajón del Maipo day trip and picnic from Santiago is the most affordable option, costing US$40 per person — great news for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

The small group tour to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago costs US$80 per person, offering great value for money.

A guided hike in Cajón del Maipo costs approximately US$150 per person, and this includes all the entry requirements on your 8-kilometer hike.

The full-day tour to Cajón del Maipo with a visit to the hot springs and local barbecue understandably comes in at US$200 per person — as does the Cajón del Maipo day trip on horseback with wine tasting.

What will you see and do?

The Cajón del Maipo is home to a venerable smorgasbord of attractions, landmarks and experiences. This is also why travelers tend to take a couple of trips to the canyon — to explore as much of it as possible.

El Yeso Dam

The turquoise colors of the El Yeso Dam, offering a contrasting sight against the area's subdued colors, is now synonymous with a trip to the Andes. It was built in 1940 and still draws a multitude of visitors that come to bask in its beauty.

Maipo Valley

The Maipo Valley is Chile’s most important wine region, and it’s home to some of the country’s (and the world’s) best wines. Its acclaim is so high that the region is often referred to as the Bordeaux of the Americas.

This is the best area to enjoy a wine tour or tasting, with the region being home to famous vineyards like Concha y Toro, Santa Rita and Undurruga. An absolute must for wine lovers.

El Morado

The El Morado Natural Monument Park is nestled deep in the Andes and is home to the impressive San Francisco Glacier. It’s named after El Morado Mountain that dominates the skyline and offers amazing panoramas. The park is also a main destination for hiking tours in Santiago.

Termas de Colina

The Termas de Colina is a system of naturally occurring hot springs in the Andes mountains. The temperatures range between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius, and the source of the heat is local volcanic activity. Don’t worry, the hot springs are perfectly safe, and some people even swear by their medicinal properties.

When is Cajón del Maipo open over the year?

While Cajón del Maipo is open all year round, (except when roads leading to the canyon are closed due to bad weather), it is best to avoid the canyon during peak winter months due to bad road conditions – especially if you’re traveling without a guide.

What are the opening times?

While the Cajón del Maipo is almost always accessible, the opening times for the two most popular parks in the canyon are as follows:

Parque Del Yeso is open every day from 8 AM to 6:30 PM.

The El Morado Natural Monument (home to the San Francisco Glacier) is closed on Mondays, but open every other day of the week from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

When is the best time to visit Cajón del Maipo?

Different times visiting Cajón del Maipo translates into completely different experiences.

The winter months of May to September allow you to see the canyon in all its winter glory — snow-capped mountains and glaciers set against sky-blue lakes.

Come summer, the usually arid region is transformed into a green paradise, with chilly streams meandering their way down the canyon.

The canyon and its popular parks might be inaccessible during the peak of winter due to inclement weather, and chances of avalanches and rock slides. Travel with a guide to avoid disappointment.

What are the other day trips from Santiago?

• Valparaíso Day Trips from Santiago
• Viña del Mar Day Tours from Santiago
• Day Trips to Casablanca Valley from Santiago
• Valle Nevado and Farellones Day Tours from Santiago

Travel tips

• If your tour involves physical activities, confirm the intensity of the activity with the tour company.
• Wear clothing and footwear that’s well suited to dealing with rugged terrain.
• Take extra water and snacks, especially when exploring outdoors.
• Wear sunscreen — it might feel cold, but snow and arid landscapes can cause higher UV exposure.
• Wear layers of clothing that enable you to adjust to rising and falling temperatures.
• Take cash, most of the areas in Cajón del Maipo do not accept cards, and there are very few ATMs.