Highlights
- 7-hour hike in El Morado Natural Monument with transport from Santiago
- Explore the natural landscape of Maipo Canyon (Cajon del Maipo) with your guide
- See the mineral-rich colors of Aguas Panimavidas
- Learn about endangered and protected flora and fauna, such as the giant hummingbird
- Admire views of El Morado peak and San Francisco Glacier from Lagoon El Morado
- Box lunch, water bottle and round-trip hotel transport included
Useful Information
See native wildlife up close!
Start your excursion with pickup at your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle. Then hop on the trail for an easy, 7-mile hike with an expert guide, learning as you go about endangered animals like the cururo and the silky ratón de Noé.
First, walk for 1 mile (2.8 km) up a gentle incline to Aguas Panimavidas. Notice the colors of this mineral-rich natural spring, encrusted with red and yellow from the iron-carbonated water. Keep an eye out as well for the park’s extensive bird life, such as the giant hummingbird (picaflor gigante), which measures 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) in length!
After snapping a few photos, continue another 3 miles (5 km) through wetlands to Lagoon El Morado. Relax and take in the panoramic views of this pristine landscape; you might even see wild horses gallop across it. In the distance, El Morado’s snowy peak reaches higher than 16,000 feet (5,000 meters) above sea level. With the base of San Francisco Glacier just half a mile (1 km) away, you’ll feel like you can almost reach out and touch it!
Take a break to eat lunch (included), and then follow your guide back down the trail. Your tour ends when you are returned to your hotel.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, warm layers and sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sun block), as temperatures in the Andes can vary.
Reviewed by Ognjenka O, December 2012
Very well organized semi-private tour with an excellent guide. Had plenty of time to take pictures, learn abot the area. The guide was very detailed and ensured were safe onthe trail
Reviewed by Ed, January 2013
The weather was very hot at the time of our hike, thus, our review is affected by those conditions. The hike was NOT easy as advertised. It is long and at an intermediate level. I would recommend bringing a small backpack and filling it with water and snacks. However, I would do it again.
