AndoAndes Chile

Glacier Hike (El Morado National Park, San Francisco Glacier)

Cordillera Province 12 hours

We are going to a unique area close to the city of Santiago, named Cajon del Maipo. This is the place where you can do adventure tourism activities and enjoy the nature and the majestic Andes Mountain range. This spectacular excursion at El Morado Natural Monument located at 93 kms away from Santiago, is one of the most emblematic hikes from Santiago surroundings. We are going to start our walk from Ba√±os Morales, a small mountain town located at an altitude of 1.900 meters above sea level. The pathway will bring us up to the impressive San Francisco Glacier (2500 meters) and to Morales lagoon, of glacial origin. On our way we will have a refreshing stop at ‚ÄúAguas de Panim√°vida‚Äù, a water enriched by minerals which springs out directly from the ground. Once at Morales lagoon we are going to eat a delicious sandwich and we can fill our bottles with pure and crystalline water from the glacier. We will find native birds and flora from this place, and two unmatched beauties of the Andes mountain range: El Morado and San Francisco mountains, both above 5.000 meters of altitude.

During winter the trek includes the use of snowshoes provided by us, and winter conditions. The total distances in summer would be 12 kms.

Difficulty: High. From 16 to 70 years old. It requires a good physical condition, without respiratory illnesses like asthma, heart problems, obesity or people who have undergone a surgical operation in recent time. The maximum altitude is 2.500 meters above sea level. Difference in latitude of 600 meters. Previous experience is required, and love for this kind of activities too, comfortable clothes adapt for wind and sun and good trek shoes are necessary. Maximum time of walk 6 hours. Tour subject to changes due to climatic condition like rain or snow.