Cajón del Maipo guide · from the people who live here
Things to do in the Cajón del Maipo. And why to sleep in it.
The valley’s day trips, ordered by what matters when you plan: how long it takes to get to each one. Measured from our door, on Camino a Lagunillas, San José de Maipo.
Day trip, or a night in the valley?
Most visitors see the Cajón del Maipo the same way: a van out of Santiago before dawn, a stop at El Yeso and back after dark. It works. But Embalse El Yeso is 79 minutes from our house, and the house is about 70 minutes from central Santiago: that is over two hours each way.
Sleep here and the maths changes. You leave after breakfast, without an alarm at five, and in the afternoon there is still the pool, the garden and the hot tub facing the mountains.
The day trips, timed from our door
Driving time without traffic, from nearest to furthest.
-
5 min2.6 km
San José de Maipo
The valley town: square, wooden church, grocery stores, pharmacy and petrol station. Further up there is none of that.
-
19 min11.6 km
Cascada de las Ánimas
Nature sanctuary in San Alfonso with trails, rafting and horse riding. Activities are booked directly with them, well ahead on weekends.
-
39 min15.7 km
Lagunillas ski centre
Up the same road as the house. The closest snow to Santiago that is not high-altitude. Check the day’s forecast before driving up.
-
43 min32.5 km
Concha y Toro winery (Pirque)
At the mouth of the valley, in Pirque. Easy to fit in on your way back to Santiago. Visits are booked with the winery.
-
72 min41.9 km
Baños Morales and El Morado glacier
The last village before the high valley. The trail to the El Morado lagoon and hanging glacier starts here; it has entry hours, so check the day before.
-
79 min44.9 km
Embalse El Yeso
The mountain reservoir, the postcard of the Cajón and the trip everyone comes for. Leave early and come back in daylight. From April to August cars may not go past km 21.7 of route G-455 (Las Cáscaras), by order of the Ministry of Transport: in those months, check before driving up.
-
full day
Termas Valle de Colina
Natural hot spring pools at the far end of the valley, past Baños Morales. The furthest point: over 40 km as the crow flies from the house, and the road is much longer. Not an afternoon trip.
Times estimated by route calculation (OSRM), without traffic, from the house’s coordinates. On weekends and with snow the road is slower. Opening hours change: check with each place.
Two nights, unhurried
-
Day 1 · arrival
From Santiago or the airport, about 70 to 75 minutes. Late afternoon in the hot tub as the mountains go dark.
-
Day 2 · the high valley
Breakfast, then up to Embalse El Yeso (79 min, September to March). On the way back, Cascada de las Ánimas (19 min from the house) or just the pool.
-
Day 3 · wine on the way out
Slow breakfast and out through Pirque: Concha y Toro is 43 minutes from the house. Book the visit with the winery.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Cajón del Maipo in a day from Santiago?
Yes, and almost everyone does: a van before dawn and back after dark. Embalse El Yeso is 79 minutes from our house, and the house is about 70 minutes from central Santiago without traffic, so it is over two hours each way. Sleeping in the valley, you leave after breakfast.
How far is Chalet de Piedra from Embalse El Yeso?
About 79 minutes by car (44.9 km), without traffic, by route calculation from the house. From April to August cars may not go past km 21.7 of the road.
Do I need a car?
A rental car is the simplest way to get around the valley. If you are not driving, message us and we will advise on transfers.
Is there snow in the Cajón del Maipo?
In winter, yes. The Lagunillas ski centre is 39 minutes from the house, on the same road. Check road and ski-centre conditions on the day.
Can I combine it with the Concha y Toro winery?
Yes. Concha y Toro is in Pirque, 43 minutes from the house, at the mouth of the valley. Visits are booked directly with the winery.
How much does it cost to stay at Chalet de Piedra?
From CLP 180,000 a night for two, Sunday to Thursday, and CLP 210,000 on Friday or Saturday, with the wood-fired hot tub and home-made breakfast included. Prices in Chilean pesos.
Where to stay in the Cajón del Maipo
Chalet de Piedra is a 1920 stone house with seven themed suites and a family bungalow, a wood-fired hot tub, pool and gardens, 5 minutes from the town of San José de Maipo. The hosts who welcome you live here.
From CLP 180,000 a night for two, Sunday to Thursday · CLP 210,000 on Friday or Saturday · hot tub and breakfast included
Last night before your flight: CLP 190,000 for two, any day of the week, 75 minutes from the airport. We keep your luggage.
We reply in Spanish and English · Camino a Lagunillas 20.890, San José de Maipo, Cajón del Maipo, Chile