Cajón del Maipo

It is hard to believe this stretch of heaven for adventure seekers is located just southeast of the big-city life found in nearby Santiago. Cajón del Maipo is a magnificent river valley created by the Río Maipo in the shadows of the Andes. Mountain biking, paragliding, horseback riding, rafting and hiking are all common activities in this outdoor paradise.

The mouth of the Cajón at Las Vizcachas is located 25km from the capital. The area is green with orchards and vineyards, while locals line the roads selling homemade treats and fruits. Push onward another 25km to reach the small town in the valley called San José de Maipo. The little town cluttered with one-story adobe homes was founded in 1791 after the discovery of silver in the area. It is also the final opportunity for drivers to refuel on gasoline. Also there are no banks or ATMs, so bring all the necessary money from Santiago.

There is a decent amount of accommodation options in the Cajón del Maipo area.

Tuti Cuanti doubles as a restaurant and hotel in San José. The food is good and the rooms are well-kept. The restaurant/hostel is located one half block from the main plaza at Comercio 19881 (Tel: 56-2-8612547, URL: www.tuticuanti.cl).

Find the beautifully remodeled Italian-style country home Los Castaños located at Camino al Volcán 30846 in San Alfonso. There are only four rooms here that have a capacity to hold eight guests so be sure to call ahead for reservations (Tel: 56-2-8614241).

Cascadas de la Animas (Tel: 56-2-8611303, URL: www.cascadadelasanimas.cl) located at Camino al Volcán 31087 is another option in San Alfonso.

Camping can be found in San José at Parque del Río (Del Río 20.071) for approximately $4 per person.

San Alonso’s La Bella Durmiente offers cabins and has a restaurant open Tuesday - Sunday (Los Maitenes 107, Tel: 56-2-8611525, URL: www.labelladurmiente.cl).

Donde Tío Pepe in El Manzano offers traditional Pastel de Choclo baked in clay dishes and is served all year around (Camino al Volcán 12.305, Tel: 56-2-8711129, URL: www.dondetiopepe.net).

Getting to and away

White and blue Cajón del Maipo buses depart four times daily from a little terminal near the metro outside Parque O’Higgins in Santiago. Buses go as far as El Volcán. Tursmontaña services Baños Morales from Plaza Italia, but call ahead to reserve a seat (Tel: 56-2-8500555). Departures are for the early-morning hours. Or rent a car and make the journey with only a couple of friends, but be warned weekend traffic is awful. It is best to leave around 8 a.m. and return before 3 p.m. or wait until nightfall.

Other neighborhoods in Santiago: Around Santiago, Barrio Ñuñoa, Bellavista, Barrio Brazil, Center, Providencia, Barrio Lastarria and Las Condes.