El Morado Hanging Glacier: A Majestic Andean Trek
Hike to a stunning hanging glacier and turquoise lagoon in the heart of the Andes, just a short trip from Santiago.
El Morado Hanging Glacier, nestled in the Andes Mountains near San José de Maipo, offers a stunning hiking experience. The trek leads to Laguna Morales, a serene lake fed by the San Francisco Glacier, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the El Morado peak.
A brief summary to El Morado hanging glacier
- San Jose de Maipo, Santiago Metropolitan Region, CL
Local tips
- Book your entry in advance at pasesparques.cl, especially during peak season, to ensure access to the park.
- Wear appropriate trekking clothing, including layers for cold weather, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bring plenty of water and energy snacks for the 4-5 hour hike.
- Check the weather conditions before setting out, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
- Be aware that the park may be closed in winter (May to September) due to snow.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Santiago, take the Metrobus MB-72 to Baños Morales from the Bellavista de la Florida Metrobus Terminal. From Baños Morales, the trailhead is located west of the village, crossing the bridge over the Morales River. A Conaf post is located a bit farther upwards, where you pay the entrance fee. The bus fare is approximately $2-$3 USD. Check Metrobus MB-72 schedule for current times.
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Driving
From Santiago, drive southeast on Route G-25 towards Cajón del Maipo. Continue past San José de Maipo, San Alfonso, and San Gabriel until you reach Baños Morales. The drive is approximately 93 km and takes around 1.5-2 hours. Once in Baños Morales, park your vehicle and proceed to the trailhead west of the village, crossing the bridge over the Morales River. Parking is limited, especially during peak season. There may be a parking fee of a few dollars. Note that during winter, road closures are possible due to snow.
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