Cajón del Maipo (Maipo Valley): The best day trip from Santiago

If the combination of fresh mountain air, steaming thermal springs, acclaimed wineries and jaw-dropping views sound like your perfect day out, then you’ll understand why the day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo was one of the absolute highlights of my two weeks in Chile.

This breathtaking region in the Andes a couple hours drive east of the capital is known for its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and tranquil streams, best explored on two feet along one of the many hiking trails.

Cajón del Maipo (also called Maipo Valley) is the gateway to thrills like rock climbing, cycling, bungee jumping, canyoning and white-water rafting. ‘Soft adventure’ folks can partake in horseback riding, fly fishing, paleontology walks and picnics on the shores of a pristine lake, and cap off the day by relaxing in its natural hot springs with a big glass of red wine (Carménère, specifically) followed by stargazing.

As someone who always picks scenery over cities, I was sold on the idea of spending a day here during my time in Santiago even before the staff at my hotel started going on and on about it when I asked for their tips about ‘must-sees.’ Even though it meant a 5 AM wakeup.

Quick find

Getting to Cajón del Maipo

The area’s close proximity to Santiago makes this a popular day trip or weekend getaway from the city, and is easy enough to get to by car as the route snakes along a well-travelled highway.

However, once you get into the canyon some roads can be rough or nearly impassable if there have been heavy rains, so most tourists opt for an organized day trip instead.

Public transportation options are also available with buses departing from Santiago’s Plaza de Puente Alto, though renting a car or booking a guided excursion is recommended for greater flexibility.

Most guided tours from Santiago require pre-dawn pickups to ensure a full day of fun, given that at least five hours of it is spent driving. Don’t worry, it’s definitely worth it!

A day trip to Cajón del Maipo

Since I was going solo I booked an organized tour, and spent a lot of time poring over online reviews before deciding what to book. Most tours focus on a series of quick photo-ops and leisurely lunch/cafe stops, and perhaps a dip in the hot springs–which might be fine for some people, but it’s a lot of time in the car without much activity.

Luckily, I found this excursion with Ando Andes which combines a moderate, scenic hike with a hot springs soak capped off with charcuterie and wine…so basically my idea of a perfect day.

The drive into the canyon brought us to a trail through an alpine valley, where tranquil streams and towering cacti were framed by snow-capped mountains.

The contrast of lush greenery against the rugged volcanic landscape was breathtaking, and our guide shared fascinating insights into the region’s geography and ecology.

We learned that Maipo means ‘fertile land,’ a fitting name given the area’s climate which is ideal for growing wine grapes. As we continued our trek, we spotted wild condors soaring overhead, caught glimpses of native foxes darting through the underbrush and marvelled at the wild horses grazing by the water.

Hiking in Cajon del Maipo

Cajón del Maipo is also home to the towering El Morado Glacier, an awe-inspiring natural wonder that can be reached via a moderate-to-challenging hike through the El Morado Natural Monument which some people opt to do instead. The well-marked trail leading to the glacier passes through diverse landscapes, from lush meadows to rocky terrain.

The glacier-fed Laguna Morales, with its striking turquoise waters, is another highlight for those seeking a bit of a challenge. A hike to this remote lagoon offers stunning vistas, with the opportunity to witness the reflections of the surrounding peaks on its glassy surface.

Most day trips from Santiago opt to visit Embalse El Yeso, a reservoir surrounded by jagged peaks that’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the region. The trails around the reservoir provide an easy and scenic stroll, making it a great option for families and casual hikers who want to soak in the beauty of Cajón del Maipo without the demands of a difficult trek.

Relaxing at Termas Colina (the Cajon del Maipo hot springs)

After our morning of hiking, we made our way to Termas Colina (also known as Colina Hot Springs), a series of naturally heated thermal pools that cascade down the hillside like nature’s own infinity spas.

The mineral-rich waters range in temperature from a soothing 25°C to a toasty 55°C, and are believed to have therapeutic benefits like helping to alleviate muscle soreness and improve circulation. They’re an incredible place to unwind while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding Andes.

We spent a blissful couple of hours soaking in the warm, milky-blue pools as the steam rose up around us, before heading back down to the van for the drive back to Santiago.

However, there was a surprise in store: our guide had arranged a beautiful picnic spread complete with fresh bread, cheeses and cured meats. As we gathered around the makeshift setup, we clinked our glasses of Carménère and toasted to a fabulous day in the Maipo Valley.

Other things to do in Cajon del Maipo

Those with more time in the region may want to explore on horseback, along trails winding through the valley’s forests, rivers and scenic plateaus. Birders will want to visit the Cascada de las Ánimas Nature Sanctuary, a protected reserve home to condors, eagles, and elusive pumas.

Those looking for a cultural experience can explore the charming mountain village of San José de Maipo, where local markets, artisan shops, and historic colonial architecture provide a glimpse into the region’s heritage.

Best wineries in Maipo Valley

The area’s Mediterranean-like climate makes it ideal for wine production, and visitors can sample a tasting flight while taking in the Maipo Valley’s dreamy landscapes. Some of the best wineries to visit include Viña Alyan which is known for its bold Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viña El Principal, which offers a luxurious wine-tasting experience with breathtaking vineyard views.

Another excellent stop is Viña Santa Rita, one of Chile’s most famous wineries, where guests can tour historic cellars, learn about winemaking traditions and sip on award-winning reds.

Book a wine tasting tour from Santiago:

Guided tours to Cajón del Maipo

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Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a break from Santiago’s high-energy pace, Cajón del Maipo’s combination of stunning scenery, world-class wine and natural wonders delivers the quintessential Chilean experience.