Maipo Valley (Cajon de Maipo) A very nice day trip from Santiago is this picturesque valley or canyon southeast of the city. We went there with Peter and Dawn in January and again at the end of April with Ann and Dom. On each visit we were looking for the volcano that can be seen in that area. Each time we saw different things, and both times were very enjoyable with beautiful wild scenery. Perhaps the next time we'll actually find the right road to get to where we can see the volcano! Maybe when you visit.

My favorite summertime photo of this valley

Here are more summertime views in this area. Although there is snow on the top of the mountains, it was hot everywhere that we wandered on this summer day, January 17, 2001.

On our April 30th visit, it was no longer summer. We found a lot of ice and snow in the higher elevations. Once again we were hoping to find the volcano that is reportedly visible in this area. We reached the end of what we thought was a promising dirt road which actually threaded through a dry river bed and ended at a somewhat primative thermal spring. There were connected pools which got cooler as the water moved down the hill from the volcanic spring.

We had no towels so we couldn't go in.
The late sun painted high peaks with gold as we headed home.

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