A few kilometers from Santiago: What to do in the Cajón del Maipo
Updated on 19 de January, 2026
Nature, hot springs, and stars in the heart of the Andes
2 DAYS
Escape to Cajón del Maipo, a natural sanctuary near Santiago. This journey combines relaxation in hot springs, waterfall hiking, and astronomical observation. Discover the stunning El Yeso Reservoir and enjoy local mountain gastronomy. It is the perfect destination for those seeking total disconnection close to the capital.
DISTANCE
294 KM
DAYS
2 days
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Waterfall, hot springs and stargazing
Starting from Santiago, head to Cajón del Maipo via Puente Alto along the Camino al Volcán route. Your first recommended stop is downtown San José de Maipo, perfect for breakfast and exploring its historic Plaza de Armas.
Continue to Cascada de las Ánimas, a nature sanctuary where a 25-minute hike leads to stunning waterfalls. The area offers birdwatching, puma sightings, and rafting on the Maipo River for adventure seekers. After a traditional empanada lunch, travel an hour deeper into the Andes to Termas Valle de Colina. Nine mineral-rich pools heated by the San José volcano await you for relaxation and detoxification.
On your way back, visit the El Manzano sector to taste local craft beers. Finally, end the day at Parque Pailalén, enjoying an astronomical tour that combines hiking with stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the region.
Photo: @cascadadelasnaimas
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Waterfall, hot springs and stargazing
Starting from Santiago, head to Cajón del Maipo via Puente Alto along the Camino al Volcán route. Your first recommended stop is downtown San José de Maipo, perfect for breakfast and exploring its historic Plaza de Armas.
Continue to Cascada de las Ánimas, a nature sanctuary where a 25-minute hike leads to stunning waterfalls. The area offers birdwatching, puma sightings, and rafting on the Maipo River for adventure seekers. After a traditional empanada lunch, travel an hour deeper into the Andes to Termas Valle de Colina. Nine mineral-rich pools heated by the San José volcano await you for relaxation and detoxification.
On your way back, visit the El Manzano sector to taste local craft beers. Finally, end the day at Parque Pailalén, enjoying an astronomical tour that combines hiking with stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the region.
Photo: @cascadadelasnaimas
Attractions included on this day
Day 2: Dazzle yourself at the El Yeso reservoir
We will start our second day with a climb to the El Yeso reservoir, located an hour and a half away if we consider El Manzano as a starting point. This artificial reserve is located in the middle of an amazing landscape, full of rocky mountains which most of the year are surrounded by snow. In its turquoise lagoons you can do different activities including seasonal fishing.
With a 10-km trip to the mountain range you can visit the Termas del Plomo, where you will find heated water pools, and if you walk for an hour you can get to know the Laguna de Los Patos, a beautiful emerald water postcard located in the middle of a wetland full of vegetation. Moreover, you can find services that offer horseback riding to the border.
Its time to go back to Santiago, but first, put the finishing touch on your journey with dinner in the San Alfoso sector, where you will find a varied gastronomic offer that includes smoked wild boar, stuffed chicken, rabbit, ceviche, cazuela, and other delicious meals.
Photo: @proandestour
Attractions included on this day
Day 2: Dazzle yourself at the El Yeso reservoir
We will start our second day with a climb to the El Yeso reservoir, located an hour and a half away if we consider El Manzano as a starting point. This artificial reserve is located in the middle of an amazing landscape, full of rocky mountains which most of the year are surrounded by snow. In its turquoise lagoons you can do different activities including seasonal fishing.
With a 10-km trip to the mountain range you can visit the Termas del Plomo, where you will find heated water pools, and if you walk for an hour you can get to know the Laguna de Los Patos, a beautiful emerald water postcard located in the middle of a wetland full of vegetation. Moreover, you can find services that offer horseback riding to the border.
Its time to go back to Santiago, but first, put the finishing touch on your journey with dinner in the San Alfoso sector, where you will find a varied gastronomic offer that includes smoked wild boar, stuffed chicken, rabbit, ceviche, cazuela, and other delicious meals.
Photo: @proandestour
What you should know
How to get there by air
Land at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. From there, rent a vehicle or hire private transfers to San José de Maipo. The proximity to the capital allows you to reach the entrance of the Cajón in less than an hour, facilitating city-to-mountain access.
How to get there by land
From Santiago, drive southeast along Camino al Volcan through Puente Alto and San Jose de Maipo. The journey to El Yeso Reservoir takes about two hours. A high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle is recommended for inland dirt and gravel sections, especially near hot springs and high mountain areas.
Climate and clothing
Mountain climate with strong winds. Wear layers, use trekking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Include a swimsuit for the hot springs and a warm jacket for nighttime astronomical observation.
Must-Know Tips
Carry water, snacks, and a trash bag. Some areas require cash for entry fees. Always check road conditions to the Reservoir and prefer Sernatur registered operators for activities like rafting or horseback riding.
