Glaciar El Morado via Parque Arenas(edit)

Overview

This hike will lead you to a viewpoint over the Glaciar el Morada and the laguna formed below by the melted ice. You will also enjoy the view over intimate Andes peaks of the valley, as Cerro Morado, Loma Larga and Cerro Menson.

The official start of the hike is at the main entrance of Parque Arenas. You have here two options. The first one is to follow the main road leading to Alto Maipo, currently still a construction site. This option is the easiest one to follow but the longest also. The second option is to take all the shortcuts normally obvious.

Once at Alto Maipo, you will need to follow the road the most at the left of Alto Maipo, which is straight and offers a good elevation gain. At the top of the slope, the path goes zigzagging until entering the heart of the Parque. There, a large path will guide you to the Laguna, staying mostly on the left side of the valley. Do not cross the river, which must stay on your right when going up. Just be advised the path has a smaller size when approaching the Laguna, but still obvious to follow.

The return follows the same itinerary.

This hike can be done all year long, but it is generally done with snowshoes or skis in winter, when snow is generally present in quantity.

A permit is necessary to enter Parque Arenas. It is currently free of charge.

Getting Started

Beginning of the hike is at the main entrance of Parque Arenas, located at the end of Cajon del Maipo. There is no public transport to get there so you will need to book a private transport or get there by car. The general direction from Santiago is to go to San José de Maipo, then San Gabriel and finally Baños Morales. Pavement ends there but the dirt road is driveable with a regular car. After Morales, follow the dirt road until passing a wooden bridge, just before an intersection (Cabrerio) where you will need to go left. Parque Arenas is at the end of this road, with a parking spot and, depending on the day, a ranger checking permits.

Depending on the current Parque regulations (changing daily almost), you could start further, either directly from Alto Maipo or at the heart of the valley if you have a good off-road car.

The dirt road could be more challenging during winter as it is exposed to rough weather conditions. It is advised not to stay in the area in case of rain as landslides could block your way out.

Taking Children

The valley is in altitude, so it is not advised to go there with sub 3-year-old children at least. There is no shade, but temperatures are generally pleasant. A river system can offer distraction for the young ones. Rescue is not well organised there; it is strongly advised to carry sufficient water and a medical kit.