Only three volcanoes in the Central Andes remain active, and one of them is the majestic and imposing San José Volcano. The other two are Tupungatito Volcano (5,600 meters / 18,373 feet above sea level) and Maipo Volcano (5,323 meters / 17,464 feet above sea level). Rising to 5,856 meters / 19,213 feet above sea level, San José Volcano dominates the spectacular valleys of Cajón del Maipo, surrounded by rivers, towering rock walls and colorful mountain landscapes. This remarkable volcano invites you to experience the Central Andes one step at a time, connecting with a truly unique environment where you can feel the mountain breeze, enjoy the fragrance of wildflowers and drink crystal-clear water flowing directly from the volcano’s ancient glaciers.

With its demanding slopes, San José Volcano offers an exciting physical and mental challenge. The mountain features three distinct summits, and the one you are able to reach during summit day will depend on the prevailing weather conditions. These include the impressive volcanic crater, the Chilean Summit and the International Summit. Under ideal weather conditions, it is possible to visit all three summits and complete a circuit around the crater. However, when conditions are less favorable, the route generally allows access to the crater and/or the Chilean Summit.

San José Volcano forms part of the San José Volcanic Complex, a volcanic system composed of several aligned eruptive centers trending northwest and forming two overlapping volcanic edifices. The southern volcano, with its flattened summit, is the principal cone and contains four overlapping central craters that form a large depression. Within its northern section lies the active crater, which contains a small lava dome and displays nearly continuous fumarolic activity. The northern volcano features a broad crater open toward the southwest, along with two smaller cones located on its southeastern and northern flanks.

The volcanic complex is covered by extensive glaciers on its eastern side, while several smaller glaciers occupy the western slopes, including the La Engorda Glacier and the Nieves Negras Glacier, the most significant in the area. Numerous reports describe historical eruptive activity, with as many as 21 events believed to have occurred between 1822 and 1960. Although San José Volcano has long been considered historically active, modern studies indicate that there is no clear evidence of major eruptions during this period.

Expansive valleys, powerful rivers and ancient glaciers surround this magnificent volcano, creating one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the Chilean Andes.

Where is San José Volcano located?

What is the driving distance from Santiago to El Cabrerío (trailhead), Cajón del Maipo?

Driving distance from Santiago to El Cabrerío via Route G-25 (outbound): approximately 109 km.

Driving distance from El Cabrerío to Santiago via Route G-25 (return): approximately 109 km.

Total round-trip distance: approximately 218 km.

Altitude

Starting altitude: El Cabrerío (2,349 meters / 7,707 feet above sea level), parking area.
Maximum altitude: San José Volcano Summit (5,856 meters / 19,213 feet above sea level), Santiago, Chile.

What is the total hiking distance?

Distance from El Cabrerío (2,349 meters / 7,707 feet above sea level), parking area, to Base Camp 1 – Las Lajas (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet above sea level): approximately 8.6 km.

Distance from Base Camp 1 (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet above sea level) to Base Camp 2 (4,300 meters / 14,108 feet above sea level): approximately 1.7 km.

Round-trip distance from Base Camp 2 (4,300 meters / 14,108 feet above sea level) to the summit of San José Volcano (5,856 meters / 19,213 feet above sea level): approximately 11 km.

Distance from Base Camp 2 (4,300 meters / 14,108 feet above sea level) back to El Cabrerío (2,349 meters / 7,707 feet above sea level), parking area: approximately 10.3 km.

Total hiking distance: approximately 31.6 km.

Discover the Highlights of San José Volcano

Explore one of the largest active volcanic complexes in the Central Andes, located on the border between Chile and Argentina and continuously monitored by SERNAGEOMIN.

Climb an impressive volcano rising above 5,800 meters / 19,000 feet above sea level, following a demanding and spectacular route in the heart of Cajón del Maipo.

Experience a true high-altitude mountaineering expedition, including approach days, mountain camps, progressive acclimatization and a challenging summit attempt.

Test your physical endurance, mental resilience and adaptability while traveling across volcanic terrain, rocky slopes, snowfields and glaciers.

Discover the history of Cajón del Maipo and gain insight into its remarkable geological evolution, shaped by volcanic, glacial and fluvial processes.

Travel through extraordinary Andean landscapes featuring valleys, moraines, ravines, glaciers and extensive volcanic formations.

Admire the glaciers that cover the upper slopes of the massif, feeding important waterways such as the Volcán River, which originates from the seasonal snow and glacial melt.

Learn about the native flora and fauna of the Central Andes, with opportunities to observe Andean condors, foxes and other wildlife adapted to the mountain environment.

Visit the historic Plantat Hut, built in the 1930s and regarded as one of the most iconic mountain shelters in Cajón del Maipo.

Observe the diverse geological features of the volcanic complex, including its summits, craters and areas with visible fumarolic activity.

Experience the striking contrasts of the high Andes, where volcanic rock, glaciers, snowfields and broad valleys come together in an unforgettable mountain landscape.

Enjoy outstanding views of the surrounding Andes, including the magnificent Marmolejo Mountain (6,108 meters / 20,039 feet above sea level), recognized as the southernmost 6,000-meter peak in the world.

From the camps and upper slopes, take in breathtaking panoramas of the Volcán River Valley, Cajón de la Engorda and many of the iconic peaks of the Central Andes.

Reaching the summit of San José Volcano means completing one of the most classic and demanding ascents in Chile’s Metropolitan Region—an expedition that combines adventure, mountaineering, geology, history and a profound connection with the Andes.

Best Season for This Expedition

We recommend undertaking this expedition between November and April, when access to the mountain and operating conditions are generally at their best.

The expedition can also be completed during autumn and winter, from May to October. However, pack mule and muleteer services are not available during this period, so each participant must carry their own personal and camping equipment throughout the approach and camping days.

Winter conditions may also include snow, ice, low temperatures and increased physical and technical demands. For this reason, both the itinerary and the required equipment must be adapted to the specific mountain conditions encountered during the expedition.

What are the requirements for this expedition?

Previous experience in trekking, mountaineering and/or long-duration mountain ascents is required.

You must have a suitable level of physical fitness to complete long hiking days, significant elevation gain, uneven terrain and travel while carrying a backpack.

You must be in good health and physically capable of coping with the altitude and the demands of a high-altitude mountaineering expedition.

Participation is not recommended if you have recently undergone surgery, have muscle or joint injuries, respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, or any other medical condition that could be aggravated by physical exertion or high altitude.

If you have any medical condition, previous injury, ongoing treatment or regularly take medication, you must inform the guiding team before the expedition.

You must have appropriate personal technical clothing suitable for cold temperatures, strong winds, intense solar radiation, possible precipitation and rapid weather changes.

All personal equipment listed in the program and in the equipment checklist provided by our team is mandatory.

You must have appropriate mountaineering boots that have already been broken in and are in good condition. We do not recommend using brand-new boots during the expedition.

You should be prepared to carry part of your personal equipment over extended sections of rocky, uneven and high-altitude terrain.

A responsible attitude, willingness to work as part of a team, and commitment to following schedules, guide instructions and safety protocols are essential.

Throughout the expedition, you must follow the guide’s instructions at all times, particularly regarding hiking pace, hydration, nutrition, acclimatization, use of technical equipment and all safety-related decisions.

Participation in and continuation of the expedition will be subject to assessment by the guiding team, taking into account each participant’s physical condition, technical ability, weather conditions and overall safety.

Before the expedition, you must complete, sign and submit the Medical Form and any additional documentation requested by our team.

Participants under the age of 18 must provide written authorization from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a responsible adult, in accordance with the conditions of the program.

We recommend having accident and rescue insurance that specifically covers trekking, mountaineering and travel in high-altitude environments.

Participation under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgment, coordination or physical ability is strictly prohibited.