Cajón del Maipo Day Trip from Santiago: Canyon Hiking and Thermal Baths

Just 45 kilometres southeast of Santiago, the Cajón del Maipo is the city's premier outdoor escape — a dramatic Andean canyon carved by the Maipo River offering some of Chile's most accessible high-altitude adventures. The canyon stretches deep into the Andes, rising from 900 metres at San José de Maipo village to over 2,000 metres at Baños Morales. Hike through wildflower meadows to the glacial lagoon at Laguna El Morado for extraordinary views of the El Morado glacier. Stop at the thermal baths at Baños Morales or Baños Colina to soak after the hike. Whitewater rafting on the Maipo River runs October to March. San Alfonso and San Gabriel villages have rustic restaurants serving cazuela and grilled meats. Rent a car or join a guided tour from Santiago — collective minibuses also run from Parque O'Higgins. Pack layers: temperatures drop significantly at altitude even in summer.