Cajón del Maipo, Andean valley in Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile.
Cajón del Maipo is a deep mountain valley in the Santiago Metropolitan Region shaped by the Maipo River cutting through stone walls. The gorge widens and narrows as it travels inland, with tributaries branching off toward alpine lakes and high peaks along its course.
The valley served as a main trade route between Chile and Argentina starting in the late 1700s, with San José de Maipo founded as its central hub. For generations, merchants and travelers used this mountain passage to move goods and cross between the two nations.
Local residents maintain traditions through clay oven bakeries where you can find fresh empanadas and handmade chocolate specialties with caramel. These family practices have been passed down through generations in the small villages scattered throughout the valley.
The valley offers access to numerous hiking trails, climbing routes, and trips to alpine lakes spread throughout the area. Visit during warmer months when roads are clearest and all accommodation and facilities operate without seasonal interruptions.
The peak called Marmolejo rises at the southern end of the valley and holds a rare geographic distinction as the southernmost mountain in the world reaching above 6 km elevation. Climbers seeking extreme locations are drawn to this remote and demanding summit.
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