El Morado Natural Monument, Maipo Valley Travel Guide
Discover breathtaking glacial landscapes and hiking trails at El Morado Natural Monument in the heart of the Chilean Andes.
El Morado Natural Monument, nestled in the Cajón del Maipo, offers a stunning escape into the Andes Mountains. Established in 1974 to protect the region's ecosystem and glaciers, the park features the iconic Cerro El Morado and the San Francisco Glacier. Visitors can experience breathtaking views and challenging hikes, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
A brief summary to El Morado Natural Monument
- Baños Morales, San Jose de Maipo, Santiago Metropolitan Region, CL
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- Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring El Morado Natural Monument.
- Check weather conditions and road status before you go, especially during winter months, as the road to Baños Morales may be closed due to snow.
- Book your entry in advance at pasesparques.cl to ensure access, especially during peak season.
- Wear appropriate trekking clothing, including layers for cold weather, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options within the park are limited.
- Be prepared for a challenging hike; wear sturdy shoes and consider hiking poles.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Santiago, take a bus from Terminal de Metrobuses Bellavista de la Florida to San Gabriel. Tur Maipo operates this route once daily, with tickets costing $1–5. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes. From San Gabriel, take a taxi or a colectivo (shared taxi) to Baños Morales, the starting point for the hike into El Morado Natural Monument. This final leg is approximately 22 km. Expect to pay around CLP 15,000-25,000 for the taxi. Total cost: CLP 1,000-3,000 (bus) + CLP 15,000-25,000 (taxi) = CLP 16,000-28,000.
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Driving
From Santiago, take Route G-25 (Camino al Volcán) southeast towards Cajón del Maipo. Continue past San José de Maipo and San Gabriel. The total distance from Santiago to Baños Morales is approximately 93 km, and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. Be aware that the road can be narrow and winding, especially in the final stages. Parking is available near the entrance to El Morado Natural Monument in Baños Morales. Parking fees are approximately CLP 3,000-5,000 per day. Note that during winter (May-September), the road may be closed due to snow. Check road conditions with Carabineros at San Gabriel (+56228611008 y +56228612290) before you travel. Total cost: CLP 3,000-5,000 (parking).
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