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Escape Santiago for a scenic day in Cajón del Maipo: soak in mineral hot springs, stand by the turquoise El Yeso reservoir and enjoy a mountain picnic. This guided small-group tour combines geology, local culture and easy access to alpine scenery.
Escape Santiago for a scenic day in Cajón del Maipo: soak in mineral hot springs, stand by the turquoise El Yeso reservoir and enjoy a mountain picnic. This guided small-group tour combines geology, local culture and easy access to alpine scenery.
The minivan peels away from Santiago and the city’s concrete hum gives way to a narrowing valley: rivers begin to speak louder, and the Andes push the sky into a steeper blue. On this full-day excursion travelers move through the carved corridors of Cajón del Maipo—past shuttered railway tunnels and terraced farming plots—until the mountains open to thermal pools steaming against the cold alpine air.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by MTO Tour Chile · San José de Maipo, Santiago Metropolitan Region
The minivan peels away from Santiago and the city’s concrete hum gives way to a narrowing valley: rivers begin to speak louder, and the Andes push the sky into a steeper blue. On this full-day excursion travelers move through the carved corridors of Cajón del Maipo—past shuttered railway tunnels and terraced farming plots—until the mountains open to thermal pools steaming against the cold alpine air.
Geology here is visible at a glance: granite massifs, glacially scoured valleys and the El Yeso reservoir, a turquoise basin formed by runoff and damming that feeds the Maipo River. San José de Maipo anchors the valley with low-slung adobe buildings and weekend artisan stalls, while place names like El Canelo recall Mapuche connections to the land and the sacred cinnamon tree found in local riparian zones.
The highlight is Termas Colinas’ seven natural pools, where water temperatures range from about 25°C in the lower basins to roughly 55°C in the hottest springs—mineral-rich and famed locally for soothing aching muscles. A picnic of cheeses, olives, salami and regional wine is included, offering a simple, outdoor lunch framed by mountain vistas.
Practical notes: the day runs roughly 9–10 hours including round-trip transfer from Santiago, so bring layered clothing for temperature swings, sturdy shoes for short walks, and a refillable water bottle for high-elevation dryness. Expect limited to no cell service at the springs; follow posted pool rules and respect natural flows—leave no trace and use biodegradable sunscreen. For easy access to alpine scenery with thermal relief, this is a straightforward, scenic day out of the city.
easy.
9–10 hours.
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—mostly sitting in a minivan with short, gentle walks at points of interest.
The tour runs approximately 9–10 hours (about 540–600 minutes) with hotel pick-up and drop-off; exact pickup times vary by hotel and operator.
Pools are mineral-rich and generally safe for healthy adults; not recommended for pregnant travelers and those with certain medical conditions—consult the operator and a physician if unsure.
A picnic (cheeses, olives, salami, wine, juices) is included; notify the operator ahead of time about dietary restrictions so alternatives can be arranged where possible.
There is little to no cell service or Wi‑Fi at the hot springs—plan accordingly and download any necessary materials before departure.
Cajón del Maipo developed around mining, irrigation and rail links in the 19th and early 20th centuries; San José de Maipo grew as the valley’s service and trade center.
Visitors should follow leave-no-trace principles—avoid introducing soaps into pools, pack out waste, and stay on established paths to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
MTO Tour Chile operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The minivan peels away from Santiago and the city’s concrete hum gives way to a narrowing valley: rivers begin to speak louder, and the Andes push the sky into a steeper blue. On this full-day excursion travelers move through the carved corridors of Cajón del Maipo—past shuttered railway tunnels and terraced farming plots—until the mountains open to thermal pools steaming against the cold alpine air.
The minivan peels away from Santiago and the city’s concrete hum gives way to a narrowing valley: rivers begin to speak louder, and the Andes push the sky into a steeper blue. On this full-day excursion travelers move through the carved corridors of Cajón del Maipo—past shuttered railway tunnels and terraced farming plots—until the mountains open to thermal pools steaming against the cold alpine air.
Geology here is visible at a glance: granite massifs, glacially scoured valleys and the El Yeso reservoir, a turquoise basin formed by runoff and damming that feeds the Maipo River. San José de Maipo anchors the valley with low-slung adobe buildings and weekend artisan stalls, while place names like El Canelo recall Mapuche connections to the land and the sacred cinnamon tree found in local riparian zones.
The highlight is Termas Colinas’ seven natural pools, where water temperatures range from about 25°C in the lower basins to roughly 55°C in the hottest springs—mineral-rich and famed locally for soothing aching muscles. A picnic of cheeses, olives, salami and regional wine is included, offering a simple, outdoor lunch framed by mountain vistas.
Practical notes: the day runs roughly 9–10 hours including round-trip transfer from Santiago, so bring layered clothing for temperature swings, sturdy shoes for short walks, and a refillable water bottle for high-elevation dryness. Expect limited to no cell service at the springs; follow posted pool rules and respect natural flows—leave no trace and use biodegradable sunscreen. For easy access to alpine scenery with thermal relief, this is a straightforward, scenic day out of the city.