Morado Natural Monument Hike from Santiago

This hike begins in Cajón del Maipo, the dramatic canyon carved by the Maipo River southeast of Santiago. Driving into the mountain valley, we reach Baños Morales, the gateway to El Morado Natural Monument — a 30 km² (7,435 ha) protected area declared a Natural Monument in 1974.

The trail starts with a steady climb, the steepest part of the route but still accessible for most hikers. After about an hour, we stop at the Panimávidas Mineral Springs, where colorful outcrops stained by iron and other minerals create a unique natural setting framed by the surrounding peaks. From here, the path levels out and leads us toward Laguna Morales, a beautiful high-altitude lake and perfect spot to rest, enjoy lunch, and take in panoramic views of El Morado Mountain to the north, Unión to the east, and San Francisco with its glacier to the northwest.

For those eager to go further, an additional one-hour hike from the lagoon brings us to the San Francisco Glacier viewpoint, the ultimate highlight of the trail before returning. The experience changes with the seasons: in winter, the hike can be done with snowshoes across a white landscape, while in spring and summer the valley bursts back to life with flowers and flowing streams.