After the Maratón de Santiago: Cajón del Maipo

The Route: Santiago → San José de Maipo → Santiago Logistics: About an hour by car or tour. Check road conditions before going. Marathon Month: May Duration: Day trip

Santiago ──(about 1 hr by car)──> San José de Maipo ──(optional drive up the valley)──> viewpoints
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    └─────────────────────────────(return, about 1 hr)────────────────────────────────────┘

The Maratón de Santiago runs through the middle of the city, and from the start line on a clear day the Andes are visible to the east. Cajón del Maipo, the canyon of the Maipo River, is the nearest place where they can be reached in a morning. It is a drive, not a hike, which suits post-marathon legs.

May in Cajón del Maipo: this is the start of the cold season in the mountains. Snow can fall at higher elevations from May to September, and access to the upper valley can be closed or limited. Lower down the days are cool and clear. Check road and park access with the municipality or a local tour operator on the day, and treat any high-mountain destination as optional.

The valley

San José de Maipo, the main village, sits about an hour from Santiago and is the first sensible stop. The centre is small, flat and walkable, with craft shops, bakeries and cafes. The walk from end to end takes 20 to 30 minutes. Beyond the village, the road follows the river upstream, with several viewpoints and roadside restaurants, some of which serve grilled meat and empanadas. Private nature reserves along the valley, such as the Cascada de las Ánimas, offer short flat walks and day activities. Check which are open in May, as many reduce their programme in autumn.

Public transport exists: the Metro to the end of the line followed by a bus or shared taxi. It is slow and the connection is awkward on tired legs. A hire car, a taxi booked for the day or a small-group tour is easier. Roads are narrow in places and driving is slow on weekends.

Eating and getting back

Lunch at one of the valley's restaurants takes about an hour and a half. Book if travelling on a Sunday. Leave the valley before dusk, because the road is dark and winding. The drive back takes about an hour, longer if there is traffic.