El Morado Natural Monument

An alluring hike up the river to the Morales Lagoon, with breathtaking views of the photogenic south face of Mount El Morado, and the glaciers that rest over the water shaped sedimentary rocks.

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.

Summary

Activity: Hike
Tour length: Full Day
Difficulty: Medium
Season: All year round
Total distance*: 13.3km (8.3mi)
Elevation gain: 620m (2,000ft)
Max elevation: 2,500m (8,200ft)

* Back and forth

Price Per Person

PAX	USD
4 +	180
3	200
2	250
1	380

Itinerary

07:30 Pick up at the hotel
08:15 Entering Cajón del Maipo
09:30 Baños Morales, hike begins
11:30 Panimávidas Mineral Waters
12:30 Morales lagoon, lunch
13:00 Start the descent
15:00 Ride back to Santiago
17:30 Back in your hotel

Include

Transport
Bilingual guide ENG – ESP
Box lunch: one sandwich and a large salad; cereal bar; chocolate or cookies; tea or an isotonic drink; two fruits and water.
First aid kit
Snowshoes if needed
Park entrance fee
Trekking poles

Recommendations

Warm and windproof clothes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunblock
Hiking shoes
Thermal shirt (long sleeves if possible)

Winter:

Sunglasses (important)
Winter hat
Waterproof hiking boots
Parka or waterproof jacket
Gloves

Elevation Profile

Traveler Reviews

“An incredible experience, a wonderful place that although we could not reach the glacier due to weather conditions, Nicolas from Coigue Expeditions made sure that we had a great time, taking care of our safety, a magnificent guide, I will definitely look for him when I have the opportunity to return. Punctual, formal and exceeded my expectations.”
Alberto DMexico

“We went on a private walk to the Morado Laguna, but it was so much more than just a walk, enjoyable though that was, with spectacular scenery. Nicholas went over and above to make sure this was a special experience. My husband is into alpine plants, and Nicholas was able to show him all the examples en route. We were able to appreciate the walk so much more than if we'd gone on our own, and it was a treat to have someone drive us the two hours each way. He even gave us extra advice afterwards on where to go when we are in the Chilean Lake District. We felt we'd made a friend. Would highly recommend.”
Annabel LUK

Winter, spring & autumn photos.