Provincia Cordillera: High mountains, thermal waters and wine

Provincia Cordillera brings together mountain landscapes, thermal waters, wine traditions and places with their own distinctive character. Around San José de Maipo, high-mountain scenery, hiking trails and thermal pools take center stage; Pirque adds wineries and activities in the mountains. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first consider which of these travel experiences interest you most and which place might make a suitable base for them.

High-mountain cirques and hiking trails in San José de Maipo

Monumento Natural El Morado is located in San José de Maipo and has viewpoints and hiking trails. This high-mountain area sits at an elevation of more than 1,750 meters. Its U-shaped mountain cirque was formed by the movement and deposition of glacial moraines—a landform whose origins you can imagine as you look at the terrain. If you are planning a hike, bear in mind that trail availability may depend on the weather, and check the latest visitor information.

Thermal pools with distinct features

Baños Colina, also known as Termas del Valle de Colina, consists of natural thermal pools in the municipality of San José de Maipo. Baños Morales has thermal water pools rich in mineral salts. Visits there are seasonal; check the latest visiting conditions before making plans. Together, the two places give the municipality’s thermal experiences a distinct place in your itinerary, without requiring you to think of them as a single facility.

Wine culture and activities in Pirque

In Pirque, visitors can learn about winemaking and related traditions at nationally and internationally recognized wineries, as well as taste a range of wines. Tasting availability varies by winery; check each winery’s information before visiting. Pirque’s mountain landscapes can also be explored on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. Alongside its wine traditions, the area offers several ways to experience the landscape actively.

Parque Nacional Río Clarillo in Pirque is suitable for hiking; birdwatching is also possible. Sightings are not guaranteed. Check the latest entry conditions with CONAF before visiting. For your plans, this provides a distinct nature-focused experience alongside the wineries: the park is centered on outdoor activity and possible wildlife sightings, while the wineries offer insights into winemaking, traditions and tastings.

Townscape, handicrafts and getting there

San José de Maipo is the municipal capital. Its picturesque architecture preserves the classical style that has shaped the town as it is today. On weekends and public holidays, visitors can find typical local handicrafts; participating vendors may vary. The townscape and handicrafts thus add a cultural dimension to the area’s nature and thermal attractions.

From Santiago, San José de Maipo can be reached via Route G-25, also known as Camino al Volcán, by public bus or private vehicle. Travel times and road conditions vary. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the current schedule.

The wider context of the Región Metropolitana

In the wider destination of Región Metropolitana, Cajón del Maipo offers another mountainous landscape: this valley, shaped by the Andes, is crossed by the Río Maipo. Embalse El Yeso, a turquoise lake at an elevation of 2,500 meters, is also located in Cajón del Maipo. These regional landscapes broaden the perspective on the wider destination, while choosing where to stay in Provincia Cordillera can start with local experiences in Pirque and San José de Maipo.

Discover more places in this destination: Pirque, San José de Maipo and Puente Alto.

Discover more destinations: Chacabuco Province, Melipilla Province, Provincia De Santiago, Maipo, Talagante Province.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Región Metropolitana.