Cajón del Maipo

Cajón del Maipo serves as the primary outdoor recreation area for the Santiago Metropolitan Region. The main road follows the Maipo River past small settlements like San José de Maipo, which was founded in 1792 to support silver mining. At the canyon's upper reaches sits the Embalse El Yeso, a major reservoir at 2,500 meters altitude that supplies drinking water to the capital. Activities focus on the mountainous terrain, including trekking to the El Morado Natural Monument and observing the San José Volcano, which peaks at 5,856 meters. The river itself is heavily utilized for whitewater rafting during the spring melt. Geothermal activity in the Andes provides several natural hot springs, such as Baños Morales and Baños Colina. Traditional food available along the route includes empanadas baked in clay ovens and kuchen, a direct legacy of German immigrants. The area is accessible via a 50-kilometer drive from central Santiago. While the summer months are popular for hiking, winter brings heavy snow to the higher elevations, often restricting road access to the reservoir.

Nearby cities

Santiago

The capital and largest metropolis of Chile, located in a central basin.

Puente Alto

One of the most populous cities in Chile, located south of the capital.

Maipú

A historic suburb of Santiago, famous for the Battle of Maipú.

Viña del Mar

Known as the "Garden City", this coastal resort town offers expansive sandy beaches, manicured parks, and upscale architecture.

Puerto Montt

The dynamic southern port city that marks the beginning of the Carretera Austral and the primary entry point into the Patagonian fjords.

Temuco

The commercial heart of the Araucanía region, Temuco is a pivotal city for experiencing Mapuche culture and exploring southern forests.

Concepción

A vibrant university city known for its dynamic music scene, cultural institutions, and resilience to earthquakes.

La Serena

Chile's second oldest city, known for its Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and long sandy beaches.

Chillán

A central agricultural hub famous for its extensive traditional market and access to nearby alpine hot springs.

Osorno

Osorno is a major agricultural center in Chile's Lake District, acting as the perfect gateway to surrounding volcanoes and pristine natio…

Valdivia

A historic city surrounded by rivers, known for its vibrant waterfront market, Spanish fortifications, and prominent German brewing herit…

Villarrica

A bustling lakeside hub in the Araucanía region, serving as a cultural gateway to Mapuche heritage and outdoor volcanic adventures.

Coyhaique

The capital of the Aysén Region serves as the primary service hub for the Carretera Austral.

Concón

Chile's gastronomic capital, famous for its extensive sand dunes and excellent seafood restaurants along the coast.

Castro

The geographic capital of Chiloé Island, famous for its rows of vivid palafito stilt houses and the striking yellow San Francisco Church.

More places

Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary

A protected area in the Andes near Santiago, providing an important high-altitude habitat for condors, foxes, and other mountain animals.