Cajón del Maipo is the closest mountain getaway to Santiago. It is an Andean canyon in the southeast of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, formed by the upper basin of the Maipo River, which runs boxed in between hills and cliffs. The Volcán, Yeso and Colorado rivers and a series of streams also flow into it, which explains the number of lakes, waterfalls and hot springs in the area, according to Wikipedia.
The municipality that covers it is San José de Maipo, in Cordillera province, whose capital is Puente Alto. It can be done as a day trip from Santiago, although to reach the highest points it's best to leave very early or stay overnight.
Cajón del Maipo highlights
| Place | What it is | Key fact |
|---|---|---|
| El Yeso reservoir | Turquoise artificial lake surrounded by peaks | Santiago's water reserve, high in the Andes |
| Baños Morales | Hot springs | About 87 km from Santiago and 1,800 m above sea level |
| El Morado Natural Monument | Glacial cirque with Cerro El Morado behind | Part of the Volcán River basin |
| San José de Maipo | The canyon's main town | Gateway, with shops and restaurants |
| Maipo River | Mountain river | Rafting and kayaking in season |
El Yeso reservoir
The El Yeso reservoir is an artificial body of water formed by a dam in the Andes, and is one of Santiago's sources of drinking water. Its turquoise water, surrounded by snowy peaks for much of the year, has made it the most photographed landscape in the canyon. Swimming and boating are not allowed, but you can walk along the shore and picnic in the designated areas.
The road to the reservoir climbs the Yeso River basin and has gravel stretches. In winter and spring it may close due to snow or require chains, so check the road conditions with the police (Carabineros) before setting out.
Baños Morales and El Morado Natural Monument
Baños Morales are hot springs about 87 kilometers from Santiago, where the Morales and Volcán rivers meet, at about 1,800 meters above sea level. The small village has thermal pools, cabins and simple restaurants, and is the starting point for El Morado Natural Monument.
El Morado is a glacial cirque dominated by the hill of the same name. The main trail climbs the Morales stream valley to El Morado lagoon, with views of the hanging glacier. It is a moderate day hike, and entry hours are controlled by Conaf, the national forest service. In winter the trail may have snow, and the area usually closes in bad weather.
Does your mountain lodge, rafting operator or restaurant in Cajón del Maipo want to reach travelers planning a getaway from Santiago?
See advertising formatsAdventure on the Maipo River
The Maipo River is the closest place to Santiago for rafting. Commercial runs start near San José de Maipo and El Manzano, and the main season is spring and summer, when snowmelt raises the flow. Operators include gear and a safety briefing, and generally no previous experience is needed.
- Hiking: besides El Morado, there are trails in private reserves and on the hills around San José de Maipo.
- Horseback riding: several farms in the area offer rides through the side valleys.
- Cycling: the canyon road is a classic route for Santiago cyclists, with gentle gradients in the lower section.
- Snow: in winter, the Lagunillas area above San José de Maipo has a small ski area. For bigger resorts, see our guide to where to ski in Chile.
How to get to Cajón del Maipo
From Santiago you go through Puente Alto and take the Camino al Volcán, which follows the Maipo River through Las Vertientes, San José de Maipo, San Gabriel and Baños Morales. By car, the road is paved as far as San José de Maipo; higher up it becomes narrow with gravel stretches.
| How to go | Best for | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Own or rental car | Visiting several spots in one day | Gravel on the upper stretches; chains in winter |
| Bus or public transport | Getting to San José de Maipo | Buses leave from the Las Mercedes metro station area; they don't reach every spot |
| Tour from Santiago | El Yeso reservoir without driving | Include transfer and stops; some add a picnic |
Tips for a day trip
- Leave early: on weekends the road fills up from mid-morning and in the afternoon there is a line back to Santiago.
- Carry cash: there are few ATMs in the upper areas and not all shops take cards.
- Sun protection and warm clothes: radiation is strong at altitude and the temperature drops quickly at sunset.
- Respect protected areas: fires are not allowed at El Morado or at the reservoir.
- Check the road: after rain or snow there may be rockfalls.
If you like the mountains near Santiago, Cerro San Cristóbal is a good urban hike to start with, and in winter the Farellones resorts are a little over an hour from the city.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cajón del Maipo from Santiago?
The canyon begins at Puente Alto, on the edge of Santiago. Baños Morales, one of the highest points open to visitors, is about 87 kilometers from the city.
Can you drive to El Yeso reservoir?
Yes, but the last stretches are gravel and in winter chains may be required or the road may close due to snow. Check road conditions before leaving.
Are there hot springs in Cajón del Maipo?
Yes. The best known are at Baños Morales, at 1,800 meters. For other options in the country, see our guide to hot springs in Chile.
