Morado Natural Monument hike from Santiago: Morales Lagoon

Hike a river valley to glaciers and a high-altitude lagoon

A guided hike from Santiago to Morales Lagoon inside El Morado Natural Monument, a 30-square-kilometer protected area in Cajón del Maipo canyon. The route climbs steeply at first through mineral springs at Panimávidas, then levels out to reach the lagoon where Mount El Morado's south face and its glaciers frame the water. Lunch and all trekking gear are provided. The hike runs year-round, with snowshoes available in winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Morales Lagoon in El Morado

• Drive through Cajón del Maipo canyon
• Arrive at Baños Morales sector
• Start hike in El Morado Natural Monument
• Stop at Panimávidas Mineral Waters
• Continue flat trail to Morales Lagoon
• Rest and have lunch at Morales Lagoon

The experience

The drive from Santiago follows the Maipo river through Cajón del Maipo canyon to Baños Morales, where the hike begins inside the Natural Monument declared in 1974. The first section climbs steeply but stays manageable. After roughly an hour you reach Panimávidas Mineral Waters, where iron-rich groundwater seeps from stained rock faces. The mineral outcrops mark a shift in the terrain: the trail flattens considerably from here, and the walk becomes steadier as you move deeper into the valley.

Morales Lagoon sits at the end of the route, ringed by the Andean peaks and the glaciers that feed the water. Lunch happens here, a rest point where the scale of the landscape becomes clear. The hike takes 10 hours total, including transport, stops and the meal. A guide leads in English or Spanish, and the route works in any season: spring and summer bring wildflowers and open trails, while winter requires snowshoes but keeps the high country accessible.

Trekking poles, bottled water and snacks travel with you. The vehicle is air-conditioned for the canyon drive, and parking is covered. Children from age 12 can join. The hike demands moderate fitness: the steep opening and the altitude ask for steady legs and a healthy heart, but the terrain itself is not technical.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Santiago.
• trekking poles and a first aid kit.
• bottled water and snacks.
• lunch at Morales Lagoon.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• parking fees.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 16 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Coigue Expeditions

Is this one for you?The 10-hour commitment and steep opening section suit hikers with moderate fitness who can handle altitude and sustained walking. Children from age 12 can join, though the physical demands mean younger kids or anyone with cardiovascular concerns should consider a different option.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 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 Panimávidas Mineral Waters and what do you see there?

Panimávidas is a sector of the route where mineral-rich groundwater seeps from stained rock faces, visible as iron-oxide deposits on the stone. You stop here roughly an hour into the hike to rest and look at the nearby mountains and the unique geological formations that show the mineral concentrations in the water.

How steep is the hike and does it get easier?

The first section is the steepest part of the route, but it is quite manageable. After you reach Panimávidas Mineral Waters, the trail flattens considerably and stays almost level all the way to Morales Lagoon, making the second half much easier walking.

Can you do this hike in winter?

Yes, the route runs year-round. In winter, snowshoes are provided to make the snowy sections safe and walkable. Spring and summer bring wildflowers and open trails, but the hike is accessible in any season.

What does Mount El Morado look like from Morales Lagoon?

Mount El Morado's south face rises above the lagoon with glaciers resting on the water, shaped by sedimentary rock formations. The mountain and its ice are the main landmark you see when you reach the lagoon for lunch.

What is included in the tour and what do you need to bring?

Private transportation from Santiago, trekking poles, bottled water, snacks, lunch at the lagoon, a first aid kit and an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. Parking fees are covered. You should bring appropriate hiking clothes and footwear. Snowshoes are provided in winter if needed.