This Andean hike offers sweeping views of the Maipo Valley and the surrounding Andes Mountains. The highlight of the route is the fascinating limestone formations that, after thousands of years of erosion, have created a unique complex of natural caves.
Along the trail, you’ll be immersed in native forests and dramatic mountain scenery, with the jagged peaks of the El Manzano range rising all around. The path winds past limestone cliffs and hidden evergreen forests clinging to steep slopes, revealing new landscapes at every turn.
As you approach the caves, the environment becomes even more otherworldly, with narrow passageways and sculptural rock formations shaped by water, wind, and ice. After hiking 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) and reaching 1,650 meters (5,420 feet), we pause for a well-deserved lunch inside one of the caves, enjoying the incredible Andean backdrop.
Exploring El Manzano Caves is a memorable adventure that combines geology, nature, and hiking in one remarkable setting. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time explorer, this trail is one of the most unique outdoor experiences near Santiago.
Summary
- Activity: Hike – Ascent
- Tour length: Full day
- Difficulty: Medium
- Season: All year round
- Total distance*: 9km (5,6mi)
- Altitude: 1,652m (5,420ft)
- Elevation gain: 740m (2,430ft)
* Round trip
Price Per Person
| PAX | USD |
|---|---|
| 4 + | 160 |
| 3 | 180 |
| 2 | 220 |
| 1 | 330 |
Itinerary
- 07:30 Pick up at your hotel
- 09:00 Hike begins
- 12:00 Arrival to the caves, lunch
- 13:00 Descent
- 15:00 Hike ends
- 16:30 Back in your hotel
Include
- Guide ENG / ESP
- Transport
- Box lunch: Two sandwiches; cereal bars; nuts, chocolate or cookies; two fruits and 1,6 liters of water.
- Tel. signal most of the route
- First aid kit
- Park entrance fee
- Trekking poles
Not included:
- Accident insurance
- Personal clothing
Recommendations
- Pre-hydration and good breakfast
- Hiking shoes
- Long sleeves shirt if possible
- Shorts on summer
- Hut and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Warm, windproof clothing on winter
📷 Pictures taken on 2022 and 2023
Traveler Review
What travelers say“Nicolas was an amazing guide. The communication from the start was amazing. The day went so smooth. He picked me up early at the hotel, explained all about the areas we were driving through. The 1 hour drive felt like 15 mins...
We started the hike through a private farm, parked the car right beside a suspension bridge. What a way to start a wonderful hike. We winded our way for about 2km through some farms seeing llamas, goats and horses.Then we started our assent. For the next 3km it was a moderate incline to the ridge, all the time Nicolas was teaching about the flora and fauna. We reached the ridge after an hour with an incredible view of the valley below. We stopped for a quick drink and snack and continued on. The climb became a bit more challenging, some scrambling involved but nothing impossible. After 1.5 hours we reached the caves... incredible views, breath taking views. We sat in a cave and had a delicious lunch,,,provided by Nicolas of course. We watched the condors soaring in the sky with the back drop of snow covered mountains. We then returned back to the start taking about 2 hours to decend...
Ray S.USA
What an amazing day!”
