Snowshoe hike Cajon del Maipo from Santiago: 4K Andes trek

Strap on snowshoes and climb into the Andes winter landscape

A full-day snowshoeing hike in Cajon del Maipo from Santiago with a bilingual guide, hotel pickup, snowshoes and trekking poles, box lunch with wine, and views of Cerro el Plomo. The first hour climbs steeply through 600 meters of elevation gain before the terrain flattens. The tour runs June through September and accommodates up to 12 people per booking.

The experience

You start from your Santiago hotel in the morning and drive south along the Maipo River, the main waterway feeding the city, toward San José de Maipo. The guide stops at the town square and a clothing rental shop in case you need extra layers, then continues upriver to the trailhead where the snowshoeing begins. From there, the hike follows the snow-covered slopes of the canyon, with the first hour climbing steeply before the path levels out. The altitude gain totals 600 meters over the full day.

Once on the snow, the landscape opens up. You're surrounded by the Andes in winter: white peaks, quiet air, and views across to Cerro el Plomo. The guide handles the pace and points out the terrain. Snowshoes and trekking poles come with you, and the group stays small enough that you're never crowded. Partway through, you stop to eat: box lunch, appetizers and wine included, eaten in the mountains.

The full day is 12 hours from pickup to return, which accounts for the drive, the hike itself, and the time to settle back into the city. The tour runs only in the southern winter (June to September) when snow sits high enough on the slopes. Weather can shift the itinerary (heavy rain or snow may change the route or timing), so the guide confirms conditions the morning of your departure.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Santiago.
• bilingual guide.
• snowshoes and trekking poles.
• box lunch with appetizers and wine.
• bottled water.
• complimentary insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to10h before

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

GroupUp to 12

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.

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

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

Operated by AndoAndes

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport from Santiago. The guide meets you in the morning and returns you at day's end, so the full snowshoe experience fits into a single day even if you're staying in the city center.

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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.

How steep is the snowshoe hike in Cajon del Maipo?

The first hour climbs steeply uphill, gaining 600 meters in elevation, then the terrain flattens for the rest of the day. The difficulty is rated medium-high, and you should have at least moderate physical fitness to manage the initial ascent.

What's included in the box lunch during the hike?

Box lunch, appetizers and wine are provided partway through the day in the mountains. Vegetarian options are available if you request one when you book.

When does the snowshoe season run in Cajon del Maipo?

The tour operates only from June through September, when snow sits at the elevation where the hike takes place. Tours are subject to cancellation or rerouting if weather turns severe.

What should I bring on the snowshoe hike?

Bring sunscreen, trekking shoes, a sun hat, jacket and warm layers, a camera and a backpack. Snowshoes and trekking poles are provided, and the guide will advise on any extra clothing you might need at the rental shop in San José de Maipo.