Mirador de Cóndores tour: Watch condors in Cajón del Maipo

A morning climb through Andean trails to watch condors soar at high altitude

This full-day tour from Santiago takes you into Cajón del Maipo and up a medium-high hiking trail to Mirador de Cóndores, a protected natural reserve at 2,031 meters where you watch Andean condors fly in their habitat. The day includes round-trip transport from Santiago, a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese, a traditional cheese board with salami, nuts and crackers at the viewpoint, and water throughout. Minimum two people per booking. Children are welcome from age 7.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Condors viewpoint and enjoy nature

• Depart from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo
• Drive alongside Maipo River and towns
• Register at Mirador de Cóndores Reserve
• Begin hard climb hike through Cordillera landscapes
• Observe flora, fauna, and mountain views
• Reach viewpoint at 2010 meters high
• Enjoy traditional cheese board and snacks
• Watch condors fly in natural habitat
• Take photos and rest
• Descend to vehicle
• Return to Santiago

The experience

You leave Santiago early and drive east along the Maipo River through Cajón del Maipo, a canyon carved by the river with views of the Andes rising on both sides. The road passes through small towns and crosses different landscapes before turning toward the Maitenes trailhead, where you register at the municipal natural reserve. The hike itself is a medium-high climb, steep in sections, that takes roughly three hours to reach the viewpoint at 2,031 meters. The trail winds through Cordillera vegetation and scrubland where you may spot wild goats and hear mountain birds. Your guide points out the flora and fauna as you ascend.

You arrive at Mirador de Cóndores around midday. This is the moment the tour is built around: from this exposed ridge, you watch Andean condors ride the thermal currents and glide across the sky in their natural habitat. The guide sets out a traditional cheese board with salami, nuts and crackers so you can eat while you watch and take photographs. The reserve is protected, so the guide explains the rules and the ecosystem you are standing in. After time at the viewpoint, you descend the same trail (a gentler walk downhill that takes roughly two and a half hours), and arrive back at the vehicle around 4 p.m. The return drive to Santiago follows the river canyon again, and the operator offers a restaurant stop on the way back if you want a full meal.

Walking poles are provided, and the operator includes one and a half liters of water per person. Bring sunscreen, a hat or cap with mesh protection against insects, and hiking shoes in good condition. The hike is rated medium-high difficulty. The operator notes it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries, and you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour does not run from May to August due to winter weather conditions.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Santiago.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• traditional cheese board with salami, nuts and crackers served at the viewpoint.
• one and a half liters of water per person.
• walking poles.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (28 to 50 years) · Senior (70 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 20 years) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Infant (7 to 9 years): free · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Chiletourfun

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you are comfortable with a sustained three-hour uphill hike at altitude and want to watch Andean condors in their natural habitat without arranging your own transport and guide. The small group size, minimum two people, means you travel with a guide and one or two other visitors, not a large tour bus.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 20 years); Child (10 to 14 years); Infant (7 to 9 years): free. Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

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 is the Mirador de Cóndores and why is it worth the hike?

Mirador de Cóndores is a protected natural reserve at 2,031 meters in the Andes where Andean condors soar and glide in their natural habitat. The viewpoint is the destination of a three-hour uphill hike, and watching the condors from this ridge is the core of the experience: the operator builds the day around time spent there with a guide and a traditional cheese board.

How long is the hike and what is the difficulty level?

The hike to the viewpoint is a medium-high climb that takes approximately three hours uphill, with a descent of roughly two and a half hours. The trail is steep in sections and rated medium-high to difficult. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Walking poles are provided.

What is included in the tour from Santiago?

The tour includes round-trip transport from Santiago, a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, a traditional cheese board with salami, nuts and crackers at the viewpoint, and one and a half liters of water per person. Walking poles are also provided. Lunch and drinks beyond the water are not included, though the operator offers a restaurant stop on the return drive.

When does the tour run and what should I bring?

The tour runs September through April. It is closed from May to August due to winter weather. Bring sunscreen, a hat or cap with mesh protection against insects, and hiking shoes in good condition. You may also want to bring extra water. The hike is in the mountains at high altitude, so dress in layers.