Small Group Tour: Cajon del Maipo with Hotsprings and Picnic – Includes Entrance

Cajón del Maipo is one of those Andes side trips that feels like a whole different Chile, fast. You get open-air natural hot springs in the mountains, plus canyon scenery and a few refreshingly odd stops like an abandoned railway tunnel. It is a long day, and the roads can be bumpy.

I especially like the balance here: hot springs time plus a real picnic instead of just snack crumbs. I also like the small-group vibe, capped at 15, with pickup and drop-off at Santiago hotels. On the flip side, the day is packed, and not every stop will feel meaningful if you want a slow, luxury-style spa outing.

One more practical note: the experience can hinge on your guide and how talkative they are. Some guides, including Gonzalo, get praised for being on the ball and driving confidently, while others focus more on getting you from place to place than telling stories.

Key Points Before You Go

Natural hot springs with views at Termas Valle de Colina (7 pools)

Early, long day from Santiago with pre-dawn pickups that can start around 5am

Rustic facilities (mud, sulphur smell, steps, basic bathrooms)

Picnic is included with cheeses, olives, salami, wine, and juices

Short stops along Cajón del Maipo include a dark abandoned tunnel and local squares

No Wi-Fi at the hot springs so plan to go offline

Cajón del Maipo Starts Before Sunrise, Then Delivers the Andes

This is a Santiago day trip with a real sense of urgency, in a good way. You roll out early into the Andean foothills while the city is still waking up. The upside is that you avoid the full crush and you arrive with enough time to settle in.

The canyon area around Cajón del Maipo is known for dramatic scenery and birdlife. Even if you do not memorize every geographic detail, you’ll feel the canyon shape in the drive, with the road carving through narrow valleys of the upper Maipo River basin.

The big “yes” factor is the hot springs. Termas Valle de Colina is set in the Andes, and you soak in seven natural thermal pools. The not-so-glam “consider” is that this is not a polished spa. Expect rustic conditions, mud around the pools, and a strong sulphur smell.

Hotel Pickup, Small-Group Feel, and What the 9 to 10 Hours Really Means

The tour price includes transport by air-conditioned minivan and hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago. That matters because Cajón del Maipo is far enough that the driving alone would cost you a chunk of time, plus the hassle of arranging everything.

Duration is about 9 to 10 hours. In real life, that means you will likely spend the morning mostly in transit and scenic stops, then land at the hot springs around late morning. After the springs, you still have time for food stops and the ride back.

Also, this is a small-group setup. The service highlights say group size is capped at 15, which helps keep the day from feeling like a giant bus tour. Just be aware of one recurring theme from the experience: the day can feel long once you’re relaxed from soaking.

First Stops in San José de Maipo and the Tinoco Tunnel: Quick, Strange, and Free

Before you settle into the main thermal highlight, you’ll get a few “taste” stops that add context to the region.

Cajón del Maipo canyon views

The first major stop is inside the Cajón del Maipo area itself, where the Maipo River has cut into a narrow valley. This is the part that justifies the trip: mountains in close range, and that canyon feeling that is hard to fake with city life.

Tunel Ferroviario del Tinoco: the chilling detour

Next comes the abandoned Tunel Ferroviario del Tinoco. The description you’ll hear is simple: it was used by rail service in the past, but now it is abandoned, fully dark, and has a strange smell. It is not a long stay, but it is memorable.

This stop is valuable if you like travel that includes place-based atmosphere, not only nature. It also gives your legs a break before the final push to the hot springs.

Plaza de Armas in San José de Maipo: the small-town reset

Then you reach Plaza de Armas in San José de Maipo. It is a main square with picturesque architecture and a classic town layout. There’s usually enough time to stretch your legs, and weekends or holidays can include artisanal samples typical of the area.

If you are hungry or tired from early pickup, this square stop is the psychological reset. It helps break up the day so you do not feel like you’re stuck in a van until your bath towel goes under your arm.

The Drive Through Towns Like La Obra, El Canelo, and San Gabriel

Once you’re moving deeper along the route into Cajón del Maipo, you pass several towns and sectors that shape the region’s identity. These are short stops and photo moments more than long museum-style visits, but each one has a detail that helps the drive make sense.

La Obra: tied to canal work from 1802

You’ll pass La Obra, whose beginnings date back to 1802 because of work connected to the San Carlos canal. It’s the kind of detail that turns a scenic road into something more grounded.

El Canelo and the Mapuche sacred tree

El Canelo is linked to a sacred tree of the Mapuches, found in wet streams in the area. From here, you can access Purgatory Hill at 2,466 meters, and the stop connects the region to local wines and spirits.

Even if you do not taste much, this stop is a reminder that Cajón del Maipo is not just a backdrop for hot water. It has agricultural and cultural layers.

El Manzano: vegetation and a rugged feel

El Manzano is described as a fourth town with sectors where you see boldos, thorns, and quillayes. The point is not to become a botanist on day one. It’s to notice how the plants adapt to dry conditions and how the canyon environment shapes what grows.

San Gabriel: quarries, mines, and Los rodados

San Gabriel grew from livestock work plus quarries and mines. It is also tied to a specific natural feature: the Cypress of the Cordillera, one of the rare conifers in the country. Another standout name you may hear is Los rodados de San Gabriel, a notable attraction in the area.

This is one of the stops that can feel more interesting if your guide offers even a small amount of context. If your guide is less talkative, it still works as a quick look at why people travel beyond Santiago.

Termas Valle de Colina: Seven Pools, Mud Paths, and That Natural Sulphur Smell

This is the main event. Termas Valle de Colina (also referred to as Baños Colina) has 7 natural thermal pools and sits in the heart of the Andes. The experience is open-air, and the views are part of why the soaking feels special.

One important reality check: the springs are natural. That means mud around the paths, sulphur smell, and a rustic feel. You’ll see tiered pools with varying heat levels, and in busier moments some pools can feel crowded until people spread out.

What to expect when you arrive

You’ll likely start with a setup period, using the facilities and walking from where the buses park to the pool area. There can be steps, railings, and a short walk on uneven ground. Reviews also mention basic bathrooms and limited shower comfort, so do not plan on a full spa-level rinse-off.

Mobility and comfort

If you have mobility issues, treat this as a caution. There are steps, slippery mud, and at least some walking between areas. If you are comfortable on uneven terrain and can handle slippery surfaces with care, you’ll probably be fine.

Practical soaking tips that actually help

Bring sandal-style footwear you trust. Mud can be slick, and you want something that grips but does not ruin your day. Pack a towel that you do not mind getting a little “thermal” smelling.

Also plan to go offline. The hot springs area does not have Wi-Fi signal, so your phone should be for photos only, not for checking work messages.

Picnic and Food Stops: Included, But Not Always What You Want to Spend Time On

The tour includes a picnic with snacks like cheeses, olives, and salami, plus wine and juices. That is a genuine value add. It means you are not trapped paying for every bite while you’re out in the hills.

But the day can include additional food stops beyond the picnic, such as coffee or chocolate, depending on the flow that day. The key is timing. Once you are relaxed and warm from soaking, long extra stops can feel like a slow drag.

The picnic itself is the part I would plan around. Think of it as your mid-afternoon anchor, not just a bonus. If you are vegetarian or have dietary preferences, be ready that the included picnic and lunch style can vary, and you might have less choice than you hope.

A smart move is to bring a couple of backup snacks in your bag. That way you are covered if a food stop is too short, too crowded, or not your style.

Transport, Roads, and Why Motion Sickness Is a Real Issue Here

The minivan is air-conditioned, which helps on the long return. Still, the roads in this part of Chile are winding and can be very rough. Several experiences describe bumpy sections and dusty stretches, and a few mention motion sickness.

If you get car sick easily, take medicine before you leave and sit where you feel most stable. Also pack layers. You can start cold in Santiago early morning, then get warmer as the day moves along.

One more driving-related note: the tour includes live commentary on board, but the level of explanation you get may vary. Some guides focus mostly on driving, while others add more detail about the places you pass. The good news is that the hot springs do not depend on the narration. The bad news is that you might crave more storytelling than you get.

Price and Value: What You Pay For at About $58.90

At $58.90 per person, this tour is priced like a budget-friendly way to get from Santiago to the Andes and actually use the hot springs. What makes it good value is that it includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned minivan
Live commentary
Picnic

• Hot springs entrance

You are not just buying a ticket to a bath. You are buying transportation, time-saving, and entrance fees that would be a pain to line up on your own.

The trade-off is that you are not paying for luxury. The springs facilities can be basic, pools can be rustic, and bathrooms may not be what you expect from a resort. If your personal definition of a great day is polished comfort, look for a different style of tour. If your definition is nature + soaking + views, this price can feel fair.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

You’ll likely love it if you want…

A true Santiago day trip into Andes scenery, with a real soaking break at the main thermal pools. You like small-group days, and you’re happy with a mix of canyon stops plus a longer hot springs portion.

If you want an outing that is more about the outside air and the pools than about hiking for hours, this fits. Also, if you enjoy quirky place stops like the Tinoco tunnel, you will probably appreciate the variety.

You should probably skip or choose another option if you…

Need a spa-like experience with top-tier facilities, hot showers, and a calm schedule. You also might want to skip if you strongly dislike early mornings and long days, since pickups can be reported around 5am and the day runs close to 10 hours.

If you have mobility limitations, the steps, mud, and uneven walk between bus and pools could be a problem.

Should You Book Cajón del Maipo with Hot Springs and Picnic?

If you want natural hot springs with mountain views without the stress of arranging transport, I think this is a solid choice. The included picnic and hot springs entrance make it feel complete for the price, and the small-group cap helps the day feel less chaotic.

Book it if you can handle a rough road ride and rustic springs. Pass if you want luxury comfort, lots of guided storytelling, or a schedule that stays focused on only one activity. This trip is built around soaking and scenery, with enough extra stops to fill the drive, so align your expectations with that shape and you’ll probably have a great day.

FAQ

How long is the Cajón del Maipo hot springs and picnic tour?

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $58.90 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included in Santiago?

Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at Santiago hotels.

Is the hot springs entrance included?

Yes. Admission to the hotsprings is included.

Do you get a picnic, and what’s included?

Yes. The picnic includes snacks such as cheeses, olives, salami, wine, and juices.

Are alcoholic beverages included, and do I need to be of legal drinking age?

Alcoholic beverages are included, and you must be of legal drinking age to consume them.

What is the group size like?

The experience highlights say the group size is capped at 15.

Is Wi-Fi available at Termas Valle de Colina?

No. There is no Wi-Fi signal at Termas Colina.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

The hot springs area includes steps, railings, and muddy slippery ground, plus a short walk from where buses park. Based on that, it may not be a good fit if you have limited mobility.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

It requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.