![]() |
Image: Fundo San Lorenzo, Cajon del Maipo |
"Cajon del Maipo" is a canyon located in the Metropolitan Region, one hour (just over 50 km.) to the southeast of Santiago, it is formed by the upper basin of Rio Maipo. If it comes to adventure tourism this is the right place, in a setting where in the Winter you can make a variety of snow-related activities and the rest of the year rafting, visits to hot springs and swimming pools, bungee jumping, canyoneering, horse riding, and visiting countless tourist attractions in a unique nature, at a short distance from the Chilean capital. The main urban and commercial center of the area is San Jose de Maipo, of 14,000 inhabitants.
Main attractions in Cajon del Maipo
Rafting along Rio Maipo
It is well known that the rivers of southern Chile are the most famous for kayaking and rafting, however in Central Chile, a few kilometers from the capital, on the foothills of the Andes mountains, you can feel the same adrenaline as on the watercourses further south.
The descent of Maipo River takes place for approximately 15 kilometers between beautiful views of canyons and green valleys and, although rafting is considered a risky sport, the Rio Maipo does not represent a special danger and no previous experience is required to carry out the navigation. Rafting in Rio Maipo has an intermediate level of difficulty (Class II and III rapids), which makes it ideal for both beginners and the more experienced. In Santiago and the town of San Jose de Maipo you can find many Tours available, prices generally hover around US $ 60 per person.
The descent of Maipo River takes place for approximately 15 kilometers between beautiful views of canyons and green valleys and, although rafting is considered a risky sport, the Rio Maipo does not represent a special danger and no previous experience is required to carry out the navigation. Rafting in Rio Maipo has an intermediate level of difficulty (Class II and III rapids), which makes it ideal for both beginners and the more experienced. In Santiago and the town of San Jose de Maipo you can find many Tours available, prices generally hover around US $ 60 per person.
Tour to Concha y Toro Vineyard
![]() |
Tour to Concha y Toro Winery Image: conchaytoro.com |
Parque Nacional Rio Clarillo
![]() |
Image: Javiera Ferreyra - MMA Chile |
Centro de Ski Lagunillas
An alternative to the major Winter sports resorts near Santiago, this small ski center run by the Club Andino, at 2200 mts. altitude, has the characteristic of being the only Chilean club of its kind of non-commercial character. There are in total 17 kilometers from San Jose de Maipo to the ski center, which has 200 hectares of skiable terrain and 13 tracks whose difficulty degrees range from easy, medium, difficult and only for experts. In a normal winter, the season should go from mid-June to mid-September. Off the ski season, there are no facilities available nor where to buy. Besides the traditional winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, in summer the surrounding nature invites to activities like trekking, mountain biking and camping.
Embalse El Yeso
![]() |
Image: Santiago Tours Tours in Santiago & Chile |
Termas del Plomo
Thermal waters from the San Jose Volcano, consisting of 3 rustic small pools, there are no facilities, however a dip in these waters is great, in an unspoilt, isolated environment, at the Cordillera de Los Andes, 115 km. East of Santiago and 68 km. of San Jose de Maipo. Although it is not a long road, but being a place of high mountains (almost 3000 meters a.s.l.) you must go prepared to face low temperatures and stocked with provisions. You can also go trekking, or simply take beautiful pictures of the Andean landscape.
Baños Morales
Baños Morales is a small village and thermal bath center located to the southeast of San Jose de Maipo and 92 Km. From Santiago, at the confluence of rivers Morales and Volcan. It is also gateway to Monumento Nacional El Morado, one of the most visited protected areas in Chile. This thermal center is made up of three light brown color pools, rich in potassium, iodine, sodium and chlorine. The average water temperature is always above 25 ° C., very suitable for people with rheumatic and skin problems, and to escape from the stress of the city.
Termas Valle de Colina
Monumento Natural El Morado
![]() |
Image: trekkingandino.cl |