The Andes are not a day trip.

What a day trip gives you

One long day: hours on the road, a quick look at the reservoir and the drive back in the dark. It works if you have only one free day in Santiago.

What staying changes

The long trips in the valley, Embalse El Yeso and the Valle de Colina hot springs, take a full day from here, and a full day plus the drive out and back from Santiago. Staying, you start after breakfast, without city traffic, and finish the day in the hot tub with the mountains in front of you.

Two nights are enough for one long trip and one slow day: the pool, the garden, Cascada de las Ánimas 19 minutes away.

Where you stay

Chalet de Piedra: seven suites and a bungalow in a 1920 stone house in San José de Maipo, run by the hosts who live here. Wood-fired hot tub, pool, gardens and home-made breakfast included. From CLP 180,000 a night for two, Sunday to Thursday.

From the house, by car

• 75 minSantiago airport (SCL)
• 5 minSan José de Maipo village
• 19 minCascada de las Ánimas (rafting, horse riding, trails)
• 43 minConcha y Toro winery, in Pirque
• 72 minBaños Morales, gateway to the Valle de Colina hot springs
• 79 minEmbalse El Yeso reservoir

Questions