The dramatic peaks of El Morado National Park are less than 3 hours from Santiago, at the end of the Maipó Canyon. Of the hills which 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. The fauna of the reserve is rich in bird species, some of the most notable are the large hummingbirds, the cometocino and the austral thrush. The flora is composed mainly of Andean hard-leaf thickets, but in the lower areas of the park one can also find the mountain olive, the white herb and the green foxtail plant, among others.

Day 1: Santiago - Maipo Canyon
We will leave Santiago by car toward the Maipo Canyon. After 3 hours and a stop in the quiet and typical village San Jose de Maipo, we will arrive at the 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 situated nicely between woodlands overlooking the Cajon del Maipo. It is definitely a place off the beaten track. Basic accommodation with shared bathroom and no electricity at night will be provided and a good restaurant and an inviting terrace await us. (L,D)

Day 2: National Monument El Morado
Some of the most spectacular places in the park are the El Morado Lagoon and the San Francisco Glacier. A trail leads us 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, sloping gently but continuously. Once we reach our destination you will be able to see 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 mi to Lagoon El Morado. The majesty and solemnity of the landscape will surround you

at all times: the peaks around the Morales River, and at the end, the peak of El Morado stands out spectacularly. 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 for today's hike along the Engorda Valley. The trail is pretty clear, and after a while walking in rocky landscape, the San Jose Volcano reappears, together with Valle de la Engorda (feeding valley in Spanish), which extends placidly towards the east and whose first meters covered with abundant grass well deserve the name. At the beginning of the valley we will cross a small bridge over the Engorda river. After crossing several minor water courses we will arrive at South Creek, by which one starts gaining altitude. After reaching a first green terrace, the trail goes on winding through the grass and then turns towards the south, where, at the border of the same stream we will have followed since the beginning of the creek, we will encounter amongst the rocks the small Refugio Plantat (3130 m / 10.270 ft). 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 drive approximately 20 minutes by car to the Hot Springs of Colina. They offer a swimming pool and bathtubs with thermal water at temperatures that fluctuate between 25º C /77º F and 50º C /122º F. A good place to relax and enjoy a healthy bath. The facilities are rustic but give you the real feel of soaking in a thermal bath out in the middle of snow-capped Andean mountains. Picnic lunch at the Spa before returning to Santiago. (B,BL)