Prepare to be in awe of the wonderful views of the Andes Mountain range and enjoy an adrenaline rush by climbing to the El Morado lookout (4,320 meters), the San Francisco Glacier (4,320 meters, climbing on ice) and El Morado (5,060 meters, a very difficult mixed climb).
Ride a horse through the Andes, camp under the stars and discover the beauty of endemic species in a place of amazing natural beauty, that’s just a few kilometers from Santiago.
In the Cordillera del Cajón del Maipo, one of the must-see promenades is to visit the Natural Monument (M.N.) El Morado, with an area of 3,009 hectares. It was created in 1974 and is located in the southwest of Santiago, immediately after the town of Baños Morales.
The place is administered by Conaf and its name is due to the dark color of the rock of the hill. Its altitude fluctuates between 1,750 and 5,060 meters above sea level; It has an ice climate, a thermal oscillation, an average of between 10 and 25ºC from December to March. The precipitations, in the form of water and snow, are concentrated between April and September; In winter the snow reaches 2.8 m, which prevents the stay in that period.
The peaks that are found are El Morado (5,060 m) and El Mirador del Morado (4,320 m). From these points you can see a beautiful view of the valley and the mountains that border the impressive glacier at the foot of El Morado hill.
The main channel of water in the area is the Morales estuary, which is the result of the melting of the eternal snow. Other places in which are the mineral waters (carbonated iron) called Panimávidas Waters and the environment of the El Morado lagoon (2,400 m), which remains covered with ice from June to October.
It must be borne in mind that the M.N. It is closed due to weather conditions from May to September. In its interior there is a complete signaling and guided walks are also offered to organized groups.