El Morado Hanging Glacier Hike | Cajón del Maipo Day Trip

Discover dramatic valleys, pristine rivers, and a glacial lagoon filled with icebergs on one of Santiago’s most iconic day tours, with snowshoeing available in winter.

Located at 3,260 m (10,700 ft) in the Andes, the Morado Hanging Glacier is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks near Santiago. The journey begins in Cajón del Maipo, the most iconic mountain valley of central Chile.

After a two-hour drive through dramatic gorges and ravines, we arrive at Las Arenas Valley, where the trail begins near “Choriboulder,” a popular spot for bouldering. From here, a three-hour hike takes us through wide valleys and up a moraine ridge to reach the glacier itself.

The reward is breathtaking: a glacier hanging from El Morado Mountain, melting into a turquoise lagoon filled with icebergs, all surrounded by steep, jagged peaks. The setting feels like a hidden amphitheater of ice and rock.

Along the way, we encounter pristine rivers, snow-capped summits, and open skies where the Andean condor often soars overhead. Breathing in the crisp mountain air and standing before the Morado Glacier is an unforgettable experience of connection with the Andes.

Summary

Activity: Hike
Tour length: Full Day
Difficulty: Easy
Season: October to May
Total distance*: 9.5km (5.9mi)
Elevation gain: 640m (2,100ft)
Max elevation: 3,260m (10,690ft)

* 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: Join the Maipo sector.
10:00: Arrival to “Choriboulder” sector. Beginning of the trek.
12:30: Arrival to El Morado Glacier. Lunch time.
13:00: Tour around the lagoon and the great walls of ice.
13:30: Start the descent.
15:00: Returning to Santiago in our transport.
17:30: Back in your hotel.

Include

Transport
Bilingual guide (english-spanish)
Box Lunch: 2 sandwichs, cereal bar, chocolate, cookies, fruit, isotonic drink and water
Radio
First aid kit
Park entrance fee
Trekking poles

Not included:

Accident insurance
Personal clothing

Recommendations

Bring warm and windproof clothes.
Sun glasses.
Sun protector.
Hut.
High shoes.
Thermal t-shirt (if possible, bring long sleeves)

Elevation Profile

Traveler Reviews

“

A truly top of the world experience was had on this picture-perfect hike to El Morado Hanging Glacier. The yellow, green, red and brown colors in the sedimentary rock popped against the bluebird sky and snow capped peaks.
Kelly WoessnerBoston, USA

“

During my visit to Santiago I wanted to get out and experience some of the beautiful nature of Chile, so I booked a 1 day hike with Coigüe Expeditions. Nicolas was my guide and he picked me up in the morning at my hotel. Both the drive to mountains and the hike itself were excellent.
Jane H.Melbourne, AUS

“

I went on this tour with Nicolas as my guide and it was an awesome day of snow shoeing! He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the mountains and seemed to know exactly how to let me go at my own pace without letting me slack off too much. It was a massive day of stunning views, amazing natural colours, laughter and knowledge sharing.
KimberlinUSA

“

There is no better way to enjoy nature than with an excellent guide to an amazing location. Nicolas not only takes you to a breathtaking hanging glacier, he passionately shares all of his knowledge about the flora fauna on the way. You feel like you are not only being guided but educated and pampered. This is what I call first class service, two thumbs up!
Alex T.Houston, USA

This glacier is notoriously receding

In a post reflecting on the changes he has observed during his lifetime, our main guide Nicolás notes that it is worth considering the immense age of a glacier compared to human lifespan, and that we will probably be the last witnesses of what once covered most of the southern territory.