Mt. Manchón (3.720 masl)


Cerro Manchón: A Great Mountain Adventure in the Andes Near Santiago!

 

Cerro Manchón Trek (3,720 m / 12,205 ft)

 

Cerro Manchón, located in Chile’s Metropolitan Region, is an impressive 3,720-meter (12,205 ft) summit and an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging full-day medium to high mountain trekking experience near Santiago.

The proposed route follows the Corral Quemado sector on the mountain’s western face, starting near Los Bronces at approximately 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level. The route covers approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) round trip with a total elevation gain of around 1,720 meters (5,643 ft).

As you gain altitude, the scenery gradually changes from mountain shrubs and grasslands to rocky terrain, sustained slopes, and more exposed areas where wind, cold, snow, or ice may be present depending on the season and daily conditions.

From the summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of some of the most iconic peaks of Chile’s Central Andes, including El Plomo, La Paloma, and El Altar, as well as deep valleys, snow-covered mountains, and the city of Santiago stretching out in the distance.

 

A highly recommended experience for hikers with good physical fitness, previous trekking experience, and the motivation to complete a long and rewarding mountain adventure.


Where is Cerro Manchón located?

 

Destination: Cerro Manchón (3,720 m / 12,205 ft), Corral Quemado Route, West Face.

Access Point: Near Los Bronces, Metropolitan Region.

Region: Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile.


How far is it from Santiago?

 

Approximate distance from Santiago to the trailhead: 40 km (25 miles).

Approximate return distance to Santiago: 40 km (25 miles).

Total driving distance: approximately 80 km (50 miles).

Estimated driving time: approximately 50 minutes each way, depending on traffic and road conditions.


Pick-up & Drop-off

 

Pick-up will take place between approximately 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Each participant’s exact pick-up time will be confirmed through the WhatsApp group created for the expedition.

We can pick you up from your home, hotel, hostel, airport, bus terminal, or another previously arranged meeting point within the Santiago metropolitan area or along the expedition route.

Estimated drop-off is between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, although this may vary depending on group size, hiking pace, mountain conditions, and road conditions.


Technical Information

 

Starting Elevation: Approximately 2,000 m (6,562 ft), parking area near Los Bronces.

Maximum Elevation: Cerro Manchón Summit – 3,720 m (12,205 ft).

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,720 m (5,643 ft).

Total Trekking Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles) round trip.

Estimated Ascent Time: 6 to 8 hours.

Estimated Descent Time: 4 to 5 hours.

Duration: 1 day.

Activity Type: Medium to High Mountain Trekking.

Physical Difficulty: Moderate to High.

Season: Year-round.


Highlights of Cerro Manchón

 

Reach the summit of a beautiful 3,720-meter (12,205 ft) peak located just outside Santiago.

Enjoy a long and physically demanding mountain adventure—perfect for building endurance and mountain experience.

Hike through mountain shrublands, alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and exposed alpine terrain.

During the winter season, experience snow travel and use technical equipment such as crampons when conditions require.

Enjoy spectacular views of El Plomo, La Paloma, El Altar, and many other peaks of the Central Andes.

From the upper sections of the route and the summit, admire deep valleys, snow-covered mountains, and panoramic views over Santiago.

An outstanding training objective for future high-altitude expeditions and more demanding mountain climbs.


Best Season

 

This trek can be completed year-round. During autumn and winter, snow, low temperatures, and more demanding conditions transform the activity into a true winter mountaineering experience. In spring and summer, the route generally has less snow, although it remains a long, exposed, and physically demanding mountain day.

Weather and snow conditions may vary considerably. The final equipment requirements and any necessary program adjustments will be communicated by the guide or activity coordinator during the days leading up to the departure.


What are the requirements?

 

Previous trekking and/or mountaineering experience is recommended.

You must have an appropriate level of physical fitness for approximately 10 to 13 hours of mountain activity.

You must be in good health and physically capable of handling the altitude, elevation gain, and duration of the trek.

Participation is not recommended for individuals recovering from recent surgery, experiencing active injuries, or presenting medical conditions incompatible with the physical demands of the activity.

Appropriate personal technical clothing is mandatory for cold, wind, intense solar radiation, snow, and changing temperatures.

You must wear previously used high-cut trekking shoes or boots with good traction.

All participants must complete and sign the required medical form and documentation before the activity.

Minors must provide written authorization from their parents or legal guardians.

Throughout the activity, participants must respect the schedule, pace, instructions, and safety decisions established by the guide.


Available Programs

 

You may choose between the Basic Program and the Full Program. Both include private 4×4 transportation, professional guiding, communications, a first aid kit, and individual technical equipment whenever conditions require.

The Full Program also includes a complete trail ration for the day.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 1-DAY BASIC ITINERARY – CERRO MANCHÓN TREK

1-Day Basic Itinerary – Cerro Manchón

 

  • Duration: 1 day.
  • Departure Point: Santiago.
  • Route: Santiago – Los Bronces / Corral Quemado – Cerro Manchón – Santiago.
  • Maximum Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft.
  • Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles round trip.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate to high.

Day 1

Santiago – Los Bronces / Corral Quemado Area – Ascent of Cerro Manchón via the West Face – Santiago.

Included:

    • Pick-up from your home, hotel, hostel, airport, bus terminal, or another previously arranged meeting point.
    • Private 4×4 transfer to the trailhead.
    • Introduction to the guiding team and safety briefing.
    • Inspection of clothing, footwear, backpack, and personal equipment.
    • Professional guiding throughout the entire activity.
    • Pace management, rest breaks, hydration, and control of maximum turnaround times.
    • Continuous assessment of the participants’ general condition.
    • Summit attempt subject to physical condition, weather, terrain, and safety considerations.
    • Guided descent to the vehicle.
    • Private transfer back to Santiago.
    • Drop-off at the previously arranged location.

Included Services – Basic Program:

  • Pick-up and drop-off according to the program.
  • Private 4×4 transportation.
  • Mountain guide/driver with IML-UIMLA and WFR NASAR certifications.
  • Assistant guide with ANGM and WFR NASAR certifications, depending on group size.
  • Individual technical equipment: trekking poles, helmet, and crampons when conditions require.
  • Satellite communication.
  • Garmin InReach GPS and VHF radios.
  • First aid kit for remote areas.
  • Photographic coverage and delivery of a selection of images through a shared link.

This Program Does Not Include:

  • Meals or box lunch for the day.
  • Personal technical clothing.
  • Personal medications.
  • Accident or rescue insurance.
  • Services or expenses not expressly mentioned.
  • Gratuities.

Basic Program Price

Price in CLP – VAT Included

 

1 Participant (Private Trek): CLP $250,000

2 or More Participants: CLP $100,000 per person

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 1-DAY FULL ITINERARY – CERRO MANCHÓN TREK

1-Day Full Itinerary – Cerro Manchón

 

  • Duration: 1 day.
  • Departure Point: Santiago.
  • Route: Santiago – Los Bronces / Corral Quemado – Cerro Manchón – Santiago.
  • Maximum Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft.
  • Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles round trip.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate to high.

Day 1

Santiago – Los Bronces / Corral Quemado Area – Ascent of Cerro Manchón via the West Face – Santiago.

Included:

  • Pick-up from your home, hotel, hostel, airport, bus terminal, or another previously arranged meeting point.
  • Private 4×4 transfer to the trailhead.
  • Complete trail ration for the day.
  • Introduction to the guiding team and safety briefing.
  • Inspection of clothing, footwear, backpack, and personal equipment.
  • Professional guiding throughout the entire activity.
  • Pace management, rest breaks, hydration, and control of maximum turnaround times.
  • Continuous assessment of the participants’ general condition.
  • Summit attempt subject to physical condition, weather, terrain, and safety considerations.
  • Guided descent to the vehicle.
  • Private transfer back to Santiago.
  • Drop-off at the previously arranged location.

Included Services – Full Program:

  • Pick-up and drop-off according to the program.
  • Private 4×4 transportation.
  • Mountain guide/driver with IML-UIMLA and WFR NASAR certifications.
  • Assistant guide with ANGM and WFR NASAR certifications, depending on group size.
  • Complete trail ration for the trekking day.
  • Individual technical equipment: trekking poles, helmet, and crampons when conditions require.
  • Satellite communication.
  • Garmin InReach GPS and VHF radios.
  • First aid kit for remote areas.
  • Photographic coverage and delivery of a selection of images through a shared link.

Meals Included:

  • Complete cold box lunch or trail ration for the day.
  • The contents may be adapted to dietary requirements communicated in advance.

This Program Does Not Include:

  • Personal technical clothing.
  • Personal medications.
  • Accident or rescue insurance.
  • Services or expenses not expressly mentioned.
  • Gratuities.

Full Program Price

Price in CLP – VAT Included

1 Participant (Private Trek): CLP $270,000

2 or More Participants: CLP $120,000 per person

 

 


Recommended Clothing and Equipment:

    • Upper-body base layer.
    • Lower-body base layer or thermal pants, depending on conditions.
    • Fleece or insulating mid-layer.
    • Waterproof and windproof jacket.
    • Trekking or mountaineering pants.
    • Down jacket or additional insulation for rest stops.
    • Warm hat.
    • Cap or sun hat.
    • Buff or neck gaiter.
    • Mountain gloves, ideally waterproof.
    • Spare dry gloves during winter.
    • High-cut trekking boots or shoes with good traction.
    • Gaiters recommended when snow is present.
    • Backpack of approximately 25 to 35 liters.
    • Two hydration bottles.
    • Sunglasses with UV protection.
    • Sunscreen.
    • Lip balm.
    • Personal medications.
    • Personal identification documents.
    • Spare shoes and socks to leave in the vehicle during winter.

 


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