Low-cost winter holidays in Santiago: Cajón del Maipo

Santiago, the Chilean capital with hundreds of activities to do and places of interest, has a great plus compared to other Latin American cities: its proximity to the Andes mountain range, the longest one in the world, a place with incredible views, which they grow every winter season bathed in white. The ski centers near the city are filled every year with locals and foreigners in search of the best slopes to practice winter sports or spend time with the family in the snowy nature. Within the different spaces, today we choose the Cajón del Maipo, one of the environments with the most activities and free green spaces to enjoy the winter season with the family. 

In this region, several of the most popular snow destinations are located just a few kilometers from Santiago, without leaving the Metropolitan Region. Its distance, approximately 45 minutes by car, makes it an ideal weekend destination, with hardly any time spent traveling from the city.

What to visit in the Cajón del Maipo (Maipo Canyon)

Embalse el Yeso (Yeso Reservoir)

The Yeso Reservoir is about 2,500 meters above sea level, so its panoramic view is one of the most spectacular in the area. If you visit it with family and children, we especially recommend the Antiguo Refugio del Yeso and the beach area. If the snow allows access, they are the most beautiful places to play and have fun among the white magic. Furthermore, as it does not require too much physical effort (from where you can leave your car or where the tourist vans drop you off), it is ideal to go with the little ones in the family, because it is a small sample of what trekking can be like. 

Baños Colina (Hill Baths)

Baños Colina are known for their authenticity. Located on the slopes of the San José Volcano, 2,500 meters above sea level, a few years ago they began to open to the public also in winter, and the snowshoe excursion is one of everyone's favorite activities of the season. There, you can relax in its hot springs and renew your energy to free yourself from mid-year stress, while you enjoy the amazing landscapes of the mountain range and renew yourself with its fresh air. Its waters are highly mineralized, of magmatic origin, and come from the bowels of the San José Volcano, so they have a series of healing properties: relief of rheumatic ailments, healing of dermal wounds, purification of toxins, and even improvements in depressive states and stress.

Lagunillas

The Lagunillas ski center is especially beautiful just after heavy snowfalls, since, due to its geographical condition, it loses the white blankets more quickly. With a base at 2,250m, this winter center is the only non-commercial one in Chile, dedicated to promoting winter sports and the appreciation of the mountains and their nature. If you are new to winter sports, this is an ideal place to take your first steps in skiing. Its 13 slopes and 3 lifts offer space for all learners and levels. And, if you prefer to do something less physical, Lagunillas offers you a sledding area with free entry.

Baños Morales (Morales Baths)

The town of Baños Morales, at 1800 meters above sea level, offers thermal baths that, with their waters at more than 28º C, offer a haven from the snow at very affordable prices. 

Cajón del Arenas (Arenas Canyon)

Cajón de las Arenas offers different moderate-level trekkings. The most famous of them is the Morado Glacier, which in winter can be done on snowshoes. There is also the possibility of sledding in some sectors of the caisson. 

Cajón del Maipo: activities for all ages and budgets

Cajón del Maipo offers a space with fascinating views and a natural environment to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax while we enjoy one of the wonders of the world: snow. Its different spaces offer activities and sports for everyone, and all you have to do is plan your weekend to visit the place. Less than 2 hours by transport from the capital, you don't even need to book hotel accommodation as you can get there and back within the day. Start planning your visit to Santiago and its winter recreational spaces and choose accommodation that suits your needs and not the other way around. With Zip Housing, discover a new way to travel!