Cajón del Maipo is a large canyon and river valley carved by the Maipo River, lying east of Santiago in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. It is also known as the Maipo Canyon. For many visitors it is the first stretch of the Andes they meet when leaving the city.
What the valley offers
The landscape changes as you travel upriver. Near the lower end, the land is farmed, with fields and orchards lining the road. Further in, the valley narrows and the slopes rise steeply, and the terrain becomes high-mountain country with glaciers at its upper reaches. The contrast makes the valley a rewarding day trip for anyone who wants to see the range of Andean scenery without travelling far.
The valley is also the main access route to Valle Nevado and the other Andean ski resorts nearby. In winter, the road is busy with visitors heading for the slopes, while in the warmer months it serves walkers, photographers and those who simply want to sit by the river.
Planning a visit
- Allow a full day if you plan to drive up the valley and back, since the road climbs steadily.
- Check conditions before you go in winter, when snow can affect access to the higher areas.
- Bring layers, as temperatures drop noticeably as you gain altitude.
- Combine the trip with a stop in Santiago, which is the natural starting point for the journey.
Cajón del Maipo suits travellers who enjoy mountain scenery and a change of pace from the city. Its combination of farmland, river gorge and glaciated peaks makes it one of the clearest introductions to the landscapes of central Chile.
