Santiago: Cajón del Maipo Hot Springs, Waterfall & BBQ

Summary

Andes sunset drive, wild hot springs and Chilean barbecue with local wine

You’ll leave Santiago behind for an afternoon drive through Cajón del Maipo valley, pausing at a quirky chocolate house before feeling the spray of Veil of the Bride waterfall. Sink into volcanic hot springs as dusk falls over snowy peaks, then gather for a slow Chilean barbecue dinner with local wine under an Andes sky full of stars—you might find yourself thinking about it long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding out of Santiago before I realized how far the city lights would fade behind us. The road into Cajón del Maipo hugs the river so close you can hear it rushing under the tires—like it’s trying to keep up. Our guide, Felipe, kept pointing out tiny villages tucked into folds of the mountains. He slowed down at this place called Casa de Chocolate; honestly, I thought it was going to be some tourist trap, but the smell—warm sugar and something nutty—actually made me want to linger longer than we did. The sun was starting to dip behind these jagged peaks and everything felt kind of blue-gold. I didn’t expect that part.

After that we stopped at the Veil of the Bride waterfall. It’s not huge but it’s loud—the spray hits your face if you get close enough, which I did (and then regretted because my glasses fogged up). There were a few local families picnicking nearby; one kid kept waving at us like we were celebrities or something. Then came the bit I’d been waiting for: the natural hot springs up in the hills. Seven pools, all different temperatures—Felipe said they’re fed straight from a volcano but honestly I just remember how my skin prickled slipping into that first pool. Steam everywhere, and this weird mineral smell that somehow makes you feel cleaner instead of dirtier.

The sky went pink and then suddenly dark while we sat in those pools. You could see snow on some peaks even though it was warm where we were sitting. Dinner happened around a campfire—Chilean barbecue with Carmenère wine from Colchagua Valley (I tried pronouncing it right; Felipe laughed). Four courses felt ambitious after soaking for so long, but somehow everyone managed. The air got cold fast but no one seemed to care—someone put on music from their phone and people started sharing stories about other places they’d been in Chile.

I still think about that silence after dinner when everyone just looked up at the stars—no city glow anywhere, just black sky and pinpricks of light over the Andes. It’s not really something you can photograph right. We drove back late, windows cracked open to let in mountain air that smelled like woodsmoke and dust. So yeah…if you’re wondering about this day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo with hot springs and barbecue—it’s not polished or fancy, but it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Andes excursion with hot springs and BBQ

• Start tour at 3 pm in Santiago
• Travel through Cajón del Maipo valley
• Follow the Maipo River
• Pass through unique villages
• Visit the Chocolate House
• Admire Veil of the Bride Waterfall
• Relax in natural hill hot springs
• Enjoy sunset viewpoint over volcano
• Have traditional Chilean barbecue dinner
• Marvel at starry Andes skies

Top questions

What time does this Cajón del Maipo tour start?

The tour starts at 3 pm from Santiago.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included for guests in Santiago.

Do I need to bring my own towel for the hot springs?

This isn’t specified—best to bring your own just in case.

Is dinner included on this Cajón del Maipo tour?

Yes, a four-course Chilean barbecue dinner with local wines is included.

Can children join this hot springs & waterfall tour?

No, this experience is not recommended for children.

How many hot spring pools are there?

There are seven natural pools ranging from 30°C to 55°C.

Are there vegetarian options at dinner?

This isn’t mentioned; contact the operator directly to ask about dietary needs.

What should I wear for this Andes day trip?

Wear comfortable layers—you’ll want swimwear for the hot springs and something warm for after sunset.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from Santiago by air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for both Veil of the Bride waterfall and Hill hot springs (with access to seven volcanic pools), a traditional four-course Chilean barbecue dinner paired with wines from central and southern Chile—including Carmenère—and drop-off back in town after stargazing by campfire.