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Travel deep into the Andes mountains to relax in natural thermal pools on a Cajon del Maipo hot springs tour. These guided day trips from Santiago feature scenic mountain views and often include local picnics, beverages, or a traditional Chilean BBQ.
Free Cancellation Spend a day in the Andes visiting mountain villages, soaking in hot springs, and tasting local cheese and wine.
Free Cancellation Soak in volcanic hot springs and enjoy a four-course Chilean BBQ under the stars in the heart of the Andes.
Free Cancellation Soak in six natural thermal pools high in the Andes Mountains, with breakfast and entry fees included.
Free Cancellation Soak in the natural thermal pools of Baños Termas de Colina on a scenic mountain day trip from Santiago.
Free Cancellation Bathe in nine volcanic hot spring pools deep in the Andes with breakfast included.
Free Cancellation A private day trip to the turquoise waters of Embalse El Yeso and the natural thermal pools of the Colina Valley.
Free Cancellation Journey into the Andes for a day at Valle de Colina's thermal springs followed by a guided mountain picnic.
Free Cancellation Explore Cajon del Maipo with optional ziplining, a visit to a local chocolate shop, and a soak in natural hot springs.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cajon del Maipo — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour to Cajon del Maipo and its natural hot springs offers a full-day escape from the bustle of Santiago into the rugged Andes. You will travel through historic mountain villages, take in dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and turquoise reservoirs, and end your day soaking in mineral-rich thermal pools.
Relax in nine natural thermal pools cascading down the mountainside. The mineral-rich waters range from 25°C to 55°C, offering perfect vantage points of the San José Volcano.
Many private tours include a stop at this massive turquoise reservoir. Sitting at 2,500 meters above sea level, it provides Santiago's drinking water and incredible photo opportunities.
Tour operators frequently set up scenic outdoor meals. Expect anything from a light spread of local cheeses, salami, and Chilean wine to a full traditional BBQ cooked over a campfire.
Drive through this historic 18th-century mountain village. You will see colonial adobe architecture, a traditional Plaza de Armas, and have the chance to browse local artisan markets.
Enjoy stops at natural landmarks scattered throughout the canyon. Highlights often include the towering Velo de la Novia waterfall or the Maipo River rapids.
Some itineraries blend nature with Chilean heritage, offering stops at local farms to taste fresh goat cheese, view native wildlife, or visit the famous Chocolate House.
Planning a trip into the high Andes requires a bit of preparation. Here is what you need to know before securing your Cajon del Maipo hot springs tour.
You can choose between shared group tours in air-conditioned minivans or private full-day excursions. Private tours offer more flexibility to add stops like Embalse El Yeso, while group tours are highly cost-effective.
Most guided tours include the entrance fee to Termas Valle de Colina (which normally costs around 10,000 CLP). Always check your specific tour details, as a few budget options might require you to pay this locally.
Because the hot springs are located at high altitudes and involve hot thermal waters, these tours are strictly not recommended for pregnant travelers or individuals with poor cardiovascular health.
You won't go hungry. The vast majority of tours include a meal, ranging from a scenic picnic with wine and snacks to a full Chilean dinner and campfire BBQ. A few budget tours exclude lunch, so you may need to bring your own.
Tours run year-round, but itineraries can change. The best weather is from October to March. During winter (June to September), heavy snow can cause road closures, meaning operators might alter the route for safety.
Dress in 'onion layers' (base, thermal, waterproof) as mountain temperatures can drop by 15°C very quickly. Don't forget your swimsuit, a towel, sturdy shoes, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Booking is generally risk-free. Almost all tour operators on this route offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Even if your tour is all-inclusive, bring Chilean Pesos (CLP). Card machines frequently fail in the canyon due to poor cell service, and you'll need cash for extra snacks or local crafts.
| Standard Group Tour | Afternoon/BBQ Tour | Private Full-Day Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Type | Shared minivan (10-15 people) | Shared or small group | Private 4x4 or SUV |
| Best For | Budget travelers & solo backpackers | Foodies & sunset lovers | Couples & those wanting flexible itineraries |
| Typical Inclusions | Hotel pickup, bilingual guide, hot springs ticket, light picnic with wine | Late departure, hot springs ticket, full Chilean BBQ dinner, campfire, alcoholic drinks | Private transport, Embalse El Yeso stop, hot springs ticket, custom stops, lunch |
| Price Range | $55 - $80 USD | $170 - $210 USD | $250 - $290 USD |
While tour pickup times vary, the natural attractions in Cajon del Maipo have strict operating hours set by local authorities.
Cajon del Maipo begins about 60 km southeast of Santiago's city center. The journey into the canyon follows Route G-25 (Camino al Volcán).
The experience in Cajon del Maipo changes drastically depending on the season.
Accessibility in the rugged Andean terrain is generally limited.
Because this is a remote mountain region, facilities are basic and sparse once you leave the main towns.
Local authorities and CONAF enforce several rules to protect the canyon's delicate ecosystem and ensure visitor safety.
It is possible. Visitors reach altitudes of 2,500m to 3,000m at the reservoir and hot springs. This can cause mild symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath in sensitive individuals. Staying hydrated helps.
Most guided tours include the entrance fee to Termas Valle de Colina, which is normally around 10,000 CLP. However, always check the 'Inclusions' section of your specific tour to be sure.
Dress in 'onion layers'—a base layer, a thermal layer, and a waterproof jacket—because temperatures can drop by 15°C quickly. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sturdy walking shoes, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Yes, winter (June to September) offers beautiful snowy landscapes. However, heavy snowfall and 'viento blanco' (whiteout conditions) frequently cause road closures, so tours may be altered or canceled for safety.
The vast majority of tours include food. Options range from a scenic picnic with wine, cheeses, and salami, to a full Chilean BBQ dinner. A few budget options exclude lunch, so check your itinerary.
No. Cell service is reliable in the town of San José de Maipo, but it becomes completely non-existent once you pass San Gabriel and head higher into the mountains.
It is highly recommended to bring Chilean Pesos (CLP) in cash. While some places have card machines, they frequently fail due to the remote location and poor cell signal.
Tour operators strongly advise against it. The combination of high altitude, bumpy unpaved roads, and hot thermal waters makes the trip unsafe for pregnant travelers.
The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours each way from Santiago. The first part is on paved roads, but the final stretch into the mountains involves slower, winding gravel roads.
While older kids usually love the nature and hot springs, the long drive and high altitude can be tough on toddlers. Some specific hot springs tours restrict children under 5 years old, so check before booking.
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Leave Santiago for a full-day trip into the Andes, traveling through the town of San José de Maipo. Along the way, your guide will explain the history and traditions of the mountain villages you pass. You will have the option to stop for coffee by the Maipo River before visiting local farms to see baby goats and sample regional specialties like fresh goat cheese, artisanal honey, and alfajores. The tour continues to natural hot springs where you can soak in mineral waters ranging from 25°C to 55°C. While at the springs, you will be served a picnic of charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks, accompanied by juice and a wine toast. Throughout the day, you will encounter locals in traditional dress and see regional handicrafts. The vehicle returns to Santiago at approximately 6:00 PM.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Starting at 3:00 PM, we head into the Cajón del Maipo valley, following the Maipo River through several mountain villages. Our first stops include the Chocolate House, known for its distinct architecture, and the Velo de la Novia Waterfall. After visiting the falls, we continue to the Colina hot springs, which feature seven natural pools with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 55°C. These mineral waters flow directly from the volcano, offering a place to relax as evening approaches. As the sun sets over the Andean peaks, we gather at a mountain viewpoint for a traditional four-course Chilean barbecue. The meal includes wines sourced from central and southern Chile. We finish the night by stargazing in the clear mountain sky before returning from the valley.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Take a trip into the heart of the Andes to visit a series of six natural hot springs. Set against a backdrop of high mountain peaks, these thermal pools offer a quiet place to relax in nature. This tour runs during the warmer months from October to April, providing a reliable way to reach the springs while the weather is at its best. To make the morning easier, we include a light breakfast for everyone and cover the cost of admission to the pools. It is a practical, all-in-one option for those looking to escape Santiago for the day and experience the rugged landscape of the mountains.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This tour takes you two hours outside of Santiago into the Cajón del Maipo to visit the Baños Termas de Colina. These natural thermal baths are situated high in the Andes mountains, providing a quiet retreat from the city among the high peaks of the cordillera. Upon arrival, you can walk through the mountain trails to see the local landscape before heading to the pools. The mineral-rich waters are naturally heated by the San José Volcano and are distributed across several stone terraces with varying temperatures. It is a simple, direct way to experience the rugged scenery of the Andes while relaxing in a natural setting.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, Spanish
This trip takes you into the Cajón del Maipo to visit nine thermal pools fed naturally by the San José Volcano. Located high in the Andes, the pools sit directly beneath the mountain peaks, offering a quiet space to soak in mineral-rich waters while taking in the volcanic landscape. We start the day with a full breakfast overlooking the valley. This excursion is run exclusively by We Love Chile, focusing on a more relaxed pace than typical group tours. You will have plenty of time to move between the pools, which vary in temperature, and enjoy the high-altitude scenery of the central Chilean cordillera.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Spend a full day in the Andes on a private tour that combines the turquoise landscapes of Embalse El Yeso with the natural thermal pools of the Colina Valley. This itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to your preferred pace. You can choose to focus on sightseeing at the reservoir followed by a soak in the hot springs, or replace the reservoir visit with a guided trek through the mountain terrain before heading to the water. The day is structured to allow for frequent stops at scenic viewpoints throughout the mountain range. For those seeking more adventure, additional activities such as horseback riding, quad biking, rafting, or canyoning can be organized upon request for an extra cost, subject to local availability and logistics. A minimum of two participants is required for the standard booking rate. Managed by Explore Los Andes, the tour focuses on local knowledge and a well-paced schedule to ensure you get the most out of the high-altitude environment without feeling rushed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Spend a full day exploring the high Andes alongside a specialized mountain guide. You will head deep into the range to reach Valle de Colina, a series of natural thermal pools set against a backdrop of rugged peaks. After time spent soaking in the mineral-rich waters, the tour concludes with a prepared picnic and a selection of drinks. The experience combines outdoor relaxation with local flavors, providing a straightforward way to see the mountains without the stress of navigating the terrain yourself.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, Spanish
This day trip takes you into the Andes to explore the Cajon del Maipo region. The itinerary includes an optional canopy tour for those interested in ziplining through the canyon, followed by a stop at a local chocolate house known for its traditional sweets. The final part of the tour focuses on relaxation at the natural thermal baths. You will have time to soak in the outdoor pools and take in the surrounding mountain scenery before we head back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish