The dramatic peaks of El Morado National Park are located less than 3 hours from Santiago, at the end of the Maipó Canyon. Of the hills that surround the canyon, El Morado is the highest at 5,060 m /16,596 ft above sea level, and one simply cannot miss it. It dominates the landscape of the park which provides a rich habitat for birds. Some of the most notable species are large hummingbirds, cometocino and austral thrush. The flora is composed mainly of Andean hard-leaf thickets, but in the lower areas of the park one can also find mountain olive, white herb and green foxtail plants, among others.

Day 1: Santiago - Maipó Canyon

We will leave Santiago by car and head towards Maipo Canyon. After 3 hours and a stop in San Jose de Maipó, a quiet, characteristic village, we reach Refugio Lo Valdes at 1845 meters / 6053 feet above sea level. Enjoy the afternoon and explore the scenic surroundings of the area. Overnight at the Lo Valdes mountain refuge. The lovely Refugio Lo Valdes is nestled between woodlands overlooking the Cajon del Maipó. This place is definitely off the beaten track, providing basic accommodation with shared bathroom and no electricity at night. A good restaurant and an inviting terrace await us. (L,D)

Day 2: National Monument El Morado

Two of the most spectacular places in the park are the El Morado Lagoon and the San Francisco Glacier. A trail leads to both of these areas, taking approximately 6 hours to hike. The first part of the path leads us to the area of Aguas Panimavidas, and may be covered in about an hour. It is a path of 2.8 km / 1,7 mi in length, climbing gently but continuously. Once we reach our destination we find springs of mineral water (iron carbonated) emerging through cracks of calcite and gypsum. From here on there is no slope, so it is very easy to walk the last 5 km / 3,1 miles to Lagoon El Morado. The majesty and solemnity of the landscape will surround you at all times: the peaks around Morales River, and at the end, El Morado spectacularly appears. In comparison, the peak of San Francisco, whose glacier stands out to the northeast, is quite small. It can be seen from the lagoon and is covered with ice between June and October, 2,400 m / 7875 ft above sea level. Overnight at the Lo Valdes Mountain Refuge. (B, BL,D)

Day 3: Engorda Valley

After breakfast we will start on today's hike through Engorda Valley. The trail is pretty clear. After walking through rocky terrain for some time, San Jose Volcano reappears with Valle de la Engorda (feeding valley in Spanish), which rolls placidly towards the east. The first stretch of the valley is covered with lush grass, which is how the valley got its name. At the beginning of the valley we will cross a small bridge across Engorda river. After crossing several minor water courses we will reach South Creek, at which point we will start gaining in altitude. After the first green terrace the trail winds on through the grass and then turns south. Eventually, we will come upon the small Refugio Plantat (3130 m / 10.270 ft), hidden among the rocks. After a good picnic-lunch we will return to our mountain refuge. Overnight at the Lo Valdes mountain refuge. (You can also do this trip on horse back.) (B,BL,D)

Day 4: Hot Springs of Colina - Santiago

After breakfast we will take an approx. 20 min drive to the Hot Springs of Colina. They offer a swimming pool and bathtubs with thermal water at temperatures that fluctuate between 25° C /77° F and 50° C /122° F. A good place to relax and enjoy a healthy bath. The facilities are rustic but authentic give you the real feel of soaking in a thermal bath out in the middle of nature among snow-capped Andean peaks. Picnic lunch at the Spa before returning to Santiago. (B,BL)

Rates for 2008/2009 - per person

Included:

3 overnights with full board, transfers and excursions with bilingual driver-guide, entrance fees.

Not Included:

International or national airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, tips or gratuities

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Accommodation used for this Itinerary:

Refugio Lo Valdes Refugio Lo Valdes (Also known locally as Refugio Aleman) was built by the 'Deutscher Anden Verein' in 1932. It is situated in the central region of Chile, only 77 kms from the Capital Santiago de Chile, yet, it sits in its own world. At an altitude of 1845m above sea level and surrounded by its own private forest it overlooks the Cajon del Maipo (Maipo Valley). Its stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of San Jose Volcano, San Francisco Glacier and Morado National Park are incomparable. The Refugio provides unparalleled access to great trekking, mountaineering, climbing on rock and ice, ski-mountaineering or backcountry skiing. Throughout the year the Refugio offers the perfect base for bird watching, fossil hunting or just relaxing. The Refugio is an 'off the beaten track' mountain hut, comprising of 11 rustic, wood paneled rooms of varying sizes and offers excellent international cuisine.