Cajón del Maipo · Snowmobile
Snowmobiling in the Andes and hot springs, same day.
- Duration10 h
- Departure04:00
- Return14:00
- GuidePortuguese
- Hotel pickupYes
Departure is at 4am towards Cajón del Maipo, passing through small villages up to the mountain refuge. That is where the main event starts: one to one and a half hours riding a snowmobile in Valle Engorda, at the foot of the San José volcano.
Afterwards there is time to enjoy the snow and stop at points around the valley, and on the way back the tour stops at the Casa de Chocolate. Not recommended for children under 9 or people with disabilities, and it runs Monday to Friday.
Season
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
What’s included
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in Santiago
- Transport travel insurance
- Portuguese-speaking guide throughout the tour
What’s not
- Ski resort entry ticket
- Snow clothing, ski or snowboard rental
- Ski or snowboard lessons
- Meals
What to bring
- Sunglasses — snow reflects more light than a beach does
- High-factor sunscreen, even in the cold
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Photo ID
Before you book
Days of operation: Monday to Friday
- Not recommended for children under 9 or people with disabilities
If the mountain road closes
The mountain road can close for bad weather or heavy snow, and that call is the authorities’, not ours. If it happens and the tour is cancelled, we refund 100% of what you paid or move it to another day of your trip, free of charge. Your choice, not ours.
Questions and answers
Will there be snow on the day I go?
The season runs June to September, and in that window snow is all but guaranteed above 2,400 metres. Even so, the mountain decides: if the road closes for bad weather and the tour is cancelled, you get a full refund or move it to another day of your trip, free of charge.
Do I need to know how to ski?
No. Most of the people who travel with us have never put on skis. The tour covers transport and the guide; skiing is optional and arranged on the day.
Is it worth it if I don’t ski?
Yes, and that is the most common case. You can ride the chairlift up, have lunch overlooking the valley, play in the snow and take photos without setting foot on a slope.
Which resort should I pick?
It depends who you are travelling with. Farellones has a snow park with rides and is the one for small children — but it is also the busiest. El Colorado has wide, gentle slopes, ideal for a first lesson. Valle Nevado is the largest and highest. Portillo is on a different route, 164 km away.
What if it’s crowded?
Farellones does get crowded, especially on Sundays and during Brazilian school holidays. To avoid the crowd, pick a weekday or ask about Valle Nevado, which is far larger and spreads people out better.
Where do I rent snow gear?
We suggest renting in Santiago the day before: it is usually cheaper than on the mountain and you go up already dressed. We will tell you where.
What time is hotel pickup?
Five in the morning. The climb takes about two hours on the winding road, and leaving early is what buys you the full day on the snow.
Does the guide speak Portuguese?
Yes, from pickup to drop-off. Not a recording, not a translation app.
Do you pick up at my hotel?
Yes, at any hotel in central Santiago, Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura. If yours is outside that area, we agree on a nearby meeting point.
Can I pay in Brazilian reais?
Yes. We take Pix and cards, at the rate locked when you book. The balance can also be paid in pesos on the day.
What if I need to cancel?
Free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before departure.
Still have a question about this tour?
Send us your dates and how many are travelling. We answer in Portuguese, in your time zone.