Cordillera Province: Mountains, Thermal Pools and Wine

Cordillera Province offers travelers several distinct highlights: high-mountain landscapes, thermal waters, wine culture and the traditional architecture of San José de Maipo. If you’re looking for a hotel for a specific trip, it helps to first sort out which activities you want to shape your stay. Options range from hiking trails and viewpoints to thermal pools, winery visits and local handicrafts.

High Mountains and Nature at El Morado Natural Monument

El Morado Natural Monument is a high-mountain area at more than 1,750 meters above sea level. Its U-shaped mountain basin was formed by the movement and deposition of glacial moraines. The elevation and glacially formed basin landscape make geology a distinct highlight alongside the viewpoints and hiking trails in the natural area. Trail availability can change with the weather, so check current conditions before your visit, especially if you have firmly scheduled the outing.

Pirque offers further options for nature enthusiasts. Río Clarillo National Park is suitable for hiking; birdwatching is also possible there, though specific sightings are not guaranteed. These are distinct from the opportunities to explore Pirque’s mountain landscapes on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. Check current admission requirements with CONAF before visiting the national park.

Thermal Pools in the Municipality of San José de Maipo

Baños Colina, also called Termas del Valle de Colina, consists of natural thermal pools in the municipality of San José de Maipo. Baños Morales is a settlement in the same municipality; it has thermal water pools rich in mineral salts. The two places therefore offer different options for a stay focused on thermal waters. Visits to Baños Morales are seasonal. Check current visiting options before your trip rather than assuming a fixed schedule.

Wine Tourism in Pirque

Wine tourism in Pirque includes visits to nationally and internationally recognized wineries. Visitors can learn how wine is made, discover the traditions associated with it and taste different wines. The wine experience therefore encompasses both the production process and tastings. Visiting hours and the availability of tastings vary by winery. So contact each winery directly in advance about its visiting options if you’d like to include a visit in your travel plans.

Architecture, Handicrafts and Getting There

San José de Maipo is the municipal capital. Its picturesque architecture preserves the classic style that has shaped the town as it stands today. On weekends and public holidays, visitors can find traditional local handicrafts; the participation of individual vendors may vary. If you’re particularly interested in handicrafts, take these days into account when planning and check current options in advance.

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, so plan your journey with the conditions on your travel date in mind. The range of travel interests in Cordillera Province complement one another: mountain landscapes and hiking trails, thermal waters, wine culture, and architecture and handicrafts each offer a distinct focus to help you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pirque, San José de Maipo, Puente Alto, Chacabuco Province, Maipo, Santiago Province, Melipilla Province, Talagante Province.

For the broader travel overview: Metropolitan Region.