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Chile🇨🇱 | landmarksCascada de las ÁnimasPrivate canyon reserve, stream cascades, snowmelt pools, horseback and rafting | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Cascada de las Ánimas
👌 Worth visitingunique site ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Cascada de las Ánimas is a private reserve with its own gate, so you pay at the entrance and can book horseback rides, rafting and camping on the same property. It sits in the Cajón del Maipo, in Chile’s Santiago region, southeast of the capital. The wow-factor is moderate: the falls are pretty rather than huge, but the setting of dry Andean slopes, a green stream and a deep canyon gives good photos. Weekends in summer fill up with day-trippers from Santiago, and paying per activity adds up fast, so go midweek and pick one or two. Before heading up the trail, I photographed the map at reception, because phone signal drops inside the canyon, and you can do the same. Hikers, campers and groups wanting easy mountain access will like it most. Travelers chasing remote wilderness or free entry will not.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 unique site in Chile
What makes this unique site worth visiting

Cascada de las Ánimas gives you Andean canyon scenery without the logistics of a big mountain trip. Because the reserve is private and organized, you can do a short hike, ride a horse and sleep in a tent on one property, which is rare this close to a capital city. That makes it an easy first taste of the Chilean Andes if you are new to backpacking.

The Cajón del Maipo setting is the second reason. The valley road runs along the Maipo river, and rafting outfitters, hot springs and trailheads are strung along it, so Ánimas fits into a multi-day loop rather than standing alone. Pair it with the colonial-feeling town of San José de Maipo for supplies and a meal, and with other valley hikes for the following days.

The third reason is the contrast with Santiago. Within a short ride the air turns … read more 👉
Cascada de las Ánimas gives you Andean canyon scenery without the logistics of a big mountain trip. Because the reserve is private and organized, you can do a short hike, ride a horse and sleep in a tent on one property, which is rare this close to a capital city. That makes it an easy first taste of the Chilean Andes if you are new to backpacking.

The Cajón del Maipo setting is the second reason. The valley road runs along the Maipo river, and rafting outfitters, hot springs and trailheads are strung along it, so Ánimas fits into a multi-day loop rather than standing alone. Pair it with the colonial-feeling town of San José de Maipo for supplies and a meal, and with other valley hikes for the following days.

The third reason is the contrast with Santiago. Within a short ride the air turns dry and clean, the streams run cold, and the night sky over a campsite inside the reserve is far darker than anything in the city. Budget travelers can keep costs down by camping and bringing their own food.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Cascada de las Ánimas

  1. The waterfalls on Estero Las Ánimas. The reserve’s namesake sight is a series of cascades along a mountain stream. Short trails lead to viewpoints, and the contrast between white water and dry rock walls makes the best photos.
  2. The canyon trails. Marked paths climb above the stream through native shrub and cactus. They are moderate, suited to ordinary fitness, and give wider views of the valley than the falls do.
  3. Natural pools along the stream. Cold snowmelt collects in pools you can wade into on hot days. The water is bracing, so expect quick dips rather than long swims.
  4. Horseback rides. Guided rides head into the surrounding hills and are among the reserve’s main activities. They suit beginners, since guides lead the horses at an easy pace.
  5. Rafting on the Río Maipo. Outfitters in this part of
… read more 👉
  1. The waterfalls on Estero Las Ánimas. The reserve’s namesake sight is a series of cascades along a mountain stream. Short trails lead to viewpoints, and the contrast between white water and dry rock walls makes the best photos.
  2. The canyon trails. Marked paths climb above the stream through native shrub and cactus. They are moderate, suited to ordinary fitness, and give wider views of the valley than the falls do.
  3. Natural pools along the stream. Cold snowmelt collects in pools you can wade into on hot days. The water is bracing, so expect quick dips rather than long swims.
  4. Horseback rides. Guided rides head into the surrounding hills and are among the reserve’s main activities. They suit beginners, since guides lead the horses at an easy pace.
  5. Rafting on the Río Maipo. Outfitters in this part of the valley run trips on the Maipo, and the reserve’s operators offer them as part of the activity menu. Water level and difficulty vary through the season, so ask what grade is running.
  6. Zip line and adventure circuit. The canopy-style lines cross sections of the canyon and give a different angle on the falls. They are a fun add-on if you are in a group.
  7. Camping and cabins. Staying overnight inside the reserve lets you hear the stream at night and see stars away from city light. It is also the cheapest way to spend more than a few hours here.
Do the waterfall trail first, in the morning, while the paths are quiet and the light is soft on the rock, then spend the afternoon on whichever activity you booked.
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Things to do near Cascada de las Ánimas

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🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Summer (December to March): Dry and hot in the Cajón del Maipo, with valley highs of 28 to 33°C (82 to 91°F) and rafting running at full tilt on the Maipo River. Days are long, with roughly 14 hours of light in December. Weekends bring Santiago crowds and the highest prices.
  • Autumn (April to May): Highs of 17 to 24°C (63 to 75°F), golden poplars along the canyon road and quieter waters. Rafting gets less reliable as snowmelt fades.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold, with highs of 8 to 14°C (46 to 57°F) and nights near freezing. Days run about 10 hours, rain or snow can close the road, and many operators shut down. Rooms are cheapest.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 18 to 26°C (64 to 79°F) and snowmelt that swells the river, making November the strongest rapids month with moderate crowds.
… read more 👉
  • Summer (December to March): Dry and hot in the Cajón del Maipo, with valley highs of 28 to 33°C (82 to 91°F) and rafting running at full tilt on the Maipo River. Days are long, with roughly 14 hours of light in December. Weekends bring Santiago crowds and the highest prices.
  • Autumn (April to May): Highs of 17 to 24°C (63 to 75°F), golden poplars along the canyon road and quieter waters. Rafting gets less reliable as snowmelt fades.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold, with highs of 8 to 14°C (46 to 57°F) and nights near freezing. Days run about 10 hours, rain or snow can close the road, and many operators shut down. Rooms are cheapest.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 18 to 26°C (64 to 79°F) and snowmelt that swells the river, making November the strongest rapids month with moderate crowds.
Go midweek in November or March to get good water and empty trails.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Chile

San José de Maipo is the best base for backpackers, sitting about 25 minutes by road from Cascada de las Ánimas, with a small plaza, bakeries, groceries, and the colectivos and buses back to Santiago. It is the safest and most practical choice, and the easiest place to meet other travelers heading to rafting and hiking outings.
San Alfonso is the closest option, right beside the reserve. Expect a quiet, outdoorsy scene of cabins, campgrounds and a few dorm-style lodgings. Mornings start with rafting briefings, and evenings are about fire pits and shared meals. Food options are limited, so bring … read more 👉
San José de Maipo is the best base for backpackers, sitting about 25 minutes by road from Cascada de las Ánimas, with a small plaza, bakeries, groceries, and the colectivos and buses back to Santiago. It is the safest and most practical choice, and the easiest place to meet other travelers heading to rafting and hiking outings.
San Alfonso is the closest option, right beside the reserve. Expect a quiet, outdoorsy scene of cabins, campgrounds and a few dorm-style lodgings. Mornings start with rafting briefings, and evenings are about fire pits and shared meals. Food options are limited, so bring supplies from San José.
El Melocotón, between the two, and El Manzano, just below San José, suit people who want river views and a rural feel, with camping and rustic lodging. Nights are very dark and quiet, and getting around without a car means relying on the main bus or a taxi.
Santiago itself works if you prefer social hostels and nightlife. Barrio Bellavista and Barrio Brasil are popular with budget travelers, and you can reach the canyon in under two hours each way. Book weekends ahead in summer, when canyon lodging fills.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A realistic budget for a day at Cascada de las Ánimas runs about US$69 to 129 per person when you stay in the canyon and join an activity.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry to the reserveUS$13 to 27Charged at the gate, paid in Chilean pesos. Prices vary by season and activity.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 30Dorm beds or camping near San José de Maipo and San Alfonso. Cabins cost more.
Accommodation (low season)US$10 to 22Winter discounts are common, but some places close.
FoodUS$12 to 22Set lunches and empanadas in San José de Maipo. Self-catering saves money.
TransportUS$4 to 10Metro to Las Mercedes or Bellavista de La Florida, then a bus or colectivo up the canyon, each way.
ActivitiesUS$25 to 40Half-day rafting, canyoning or horseback outings with a local operator.
Total Daily BudgetUS$69 to 129Per person, per day, in high season.


source: chile.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQTraveler FAQ

Cascada de las Ánimas is a private nature reserve in the Cajón del Maipo, in the Andes foothills southeast of Santiago. It covers around 3,600 hectares of canyon, waterfalls and native forest. Visitors come for rafting on the Maipo River, horseback riding, hiking and camping near San Alfonso.
Plan one full day at Cascada de las Ánimas to cover a rafting trip or a horseback ride plus a short hike. A half day is enough for a single activity of two to three hours. Staying one or two nights in San Alfonso or San José de Maipo lets you combine several outings without rushing.
From Santiago, take Metro Line 4 to Las Mercedes or Line 5 to Bellavista de La Florida, then a bus or colectivo up the canyon toward San Alfonso, about 1.5 to 2 hours in total. Driving takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours along Route G-25. Buses and colectivos cost about US$3 to 8 each way, and traffic builds on summer weekends.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Chilean landmarks near Cascada de las Ánimas

Explore more nearby:

  • Cerro San Cristóbal—Funicular and cable car, summit Virgin, city-basin views, hillside gardens and pools| 45 km away
  • Cañón del Río Blanco—Milky glacial river, fractured canyon walls, gated valley road, hydroelectric works| 135 km away
  • Ojos del Salado—6,893 m summit, crater pond, Refugio Atacama, flamingo lagoons| 756 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Cascada de las Ánimas is at its best on a weekday morning in spring or early summer, when snowmelt keeps the stream full and the trails are nearly empty. I would arrive early, hike first, and save any paid activity for the afternoon, when the canyon shade is welcome.

✈️ When did I visit Chile?
I have visited Chile, together with Argentina, in September 2012.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Chile, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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