Andes hike from Santiago: 12k private trek to Plomo glaciar

Hike to 4,180 meters and see the Plomo glaciar from the summit

A private 12-hour trek in the Andes foothills east of Santiago, starting with hotel pickup and ending at the 4,180-meter summit of Cerro Pintor, where you stand above the city with views of Plomo glaciar and the Cordillera de los Andes. Your bilingual guide leads the intermediate-level hike through Farellones, a trekking hub minutes from the city. Hotel drop-off, lunch, snacks, water and insurance are included. Minimum age is 16. The operator may cancel within 48 hours if passenger numbers fall below the required minimum, with a full refund or alternative offered.

The experience

How do you reach a high-altitude glacier view without spending days in the backcountry? This trek solves it: you leave your hotel in Santiago and drive straight to Farellones, a trekking base in the Andes foothills, then climb Cerro Pintor in a single day. The hike covers 12 kilometers over 12 hours, gaining elevation to stand at 4,180 meters where the Plomo glaciar comes into view and the city spreads below. A bilingual guide (English, Spanish or Portuguese) leads the route, pacing it as an intermediate challenge: steep enough to feel like real mountaineering, but achievable for anyone with basic fitness.

Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the day, so you don't need a rental car or local transport. Your guide brings bottled water, snacks, lunch and a gourmet sandwich. You cover the hike itself. The operator includes insurance and asks that you bring sunscreen, trekking shoes, a daypack, a camera and a warm jacket: the summit sits high enough that weather changes fast. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them at booking.

The operator requires a minimum number of participants. If that threshold isn't met after you've booked, you'll be notified at least 48 hours ahead and offered either an alternative date or a full refund. Passport details (number, full name, country and date of birth) are needed at checkout for all participants, and the minimum age is 16.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago.
• bilingual guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• lunch and gourmet sandwich.
• travel insurance.
• all route access and mountain guidance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by AndoAndes

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Santiago means you don't need a rental car or local transport to reach the trailhead. You leave your accommodation and the guide handles the drive to Farellones. This matters if you're staying in the city center or don't have a vehicle for the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the hike actually like, is it steep the whole way?

Cerro Pintor is an intermediate-level trek, meaning the climb is sustained but not technical. You gain elevation steadily over the 12 kilometers, and the final push to 4,180 meters is where the grade steepens most. The bilingual guide sets the pace and can adjust for the group's rhythm.

Do I need mountain climbing experience to do this?

No. The hike doesn't require ropes, crampons or climbing skills. It's a high-altitude trek suited to anyone with reasonable fitness and acclimatization. The operator notes it's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

When do we see the Plomo glaciar?

Plomo glaciar comes into view from the summit of Cerro Pintor. On clear days the glacier is visible across the Cordillera de los Andes, along with a panoramic view back toward Santiago. Weather at altitude can change, so visibility depends on conditions on the day you hike.

Can I do this hike if I'm staying outside Santiago?

Hotel pickup is included, but it's limited to hotels in Santiago. If you're staying in a private residence in the area, ask the operator at booking whether they can arrange pickup. This varies by location.