High mountain, very demanding: 5,800 m altitude, about 33 km and 3,463 m of elevation gain over a 4 to 5 day program. It requires good physical condition, previous mountain experience and good tolerance to altitude, with long hikes and overnight stays. Acclimatization is key and is managed by the guide.
A classic high mountain expedition that takes you to the border between Chile and Argentina. San José impresses with its altitude, its history and its active crater: an intense journey where the mountain reveals who you are.
PriceFrom US$1,600 |
San José Volcano: A frontier of rock, ice and altitude
A multi-day expedition to a broad, imposing summit in Cajón del Maipo.
Climbing San José Volcano is one of the most intense and complete experiences you can have in the mountains of central Chile. The route starts at Lo Valdés, continues to Refugio Plantat and then heads into high Andean terrain with open views, a progressive challenge and nights under the stars.
This summit, right on the border between Chile and Argentina, crowns a journey of sustained effort and total reward. It's not just about reaching the crater: it's about living the whole process, from the valley to nearly 6,000 meters
Ready to take on one of the most imposing giants of the central Andes?
Altitude
5800M
Distance
33K
Elevation gain
3463M
Duration
4-5 days
Moments that make the difference
The moments that make this trip a one-of-a-kind experience.
You'll start next to a historic refuge
Refugio Plantat, at the foot of the volcano, is a mountain landmark and a meeting point between tradition and adventure.
You'll cross snow and rock at high altitude
The climb crosses glaciers, moraines and exposed sections where your body is pushed and the landscape amazes.
You'll reach the crater that divides two countries
The summit marks the border with Argentina. From there, the silence and the views are another way of seeing.
ITINERARY
- Day 1 – Ascent to 3,800 m
- Day 2 – Ascent to high camp
- Day 3 – Volcano summit
- Day 4 – Descent and return
We leave Santiago early, heading to Cajón del Maipo. After a 2.5-hour drive we reach Cabrerío, where we begin the approach. The heavy gear is carried by mules while we climb light to the Las Lajas area, at 3,800 m. From there, we shoulder our backpacks and make one last push to reach the campsite. Once settled, we have dinner, hydrate and rest in an arid, awe-inspiring setting.
We have breakfast and set off on a short but intense day. With full backpacks, we climb over rocky, exposed terrain to El Mirador, at 4,800 meters. This will be our base camp for the summit push. We spend the afternoon hydrating, organizing gear and preparing our minds for the most demanding day.
We start very early, while it's still dark, with a light breakfast and headlamps. The climb to the summit is long, sustained and physically very demanding. We cross plains, snowfields, ridges and stretches of volcanic rock. On reaching 5,856 meters, we find ourselves at the crater of San José Volcano, with an impressive view toward Argentina and the heart of the Andes. After an emotional and much-needed pause, we begin the descent back to camp, where we spend our last night at altitude.
After a restorative night, we have breakfast, break camp and begin the descent toward the valley. We pick up the gear with the help of the mules, hike back to Cabrerío and return to Santiago. We finish the expedition with the satisfaction of having lived one of the most iconic and challenging summits in central Chile.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
REQUIREMENTS
The Puma seal behind every experience
We design private experiences with safety, closeness and attention to detail
We're Vicho and Javi, the founders of Puma Adventures. Every experience is designed to our standard of safety, closeness and attention to detail. Even when the trip is led by different professionals on our team, the Puma seal is there before, during and after the mountain.
EXCELLENT
Based on 171 reviews
Based on 171 reviewsI cannot emphasize enough how much I have appreciated this experience with Vicho and Javi.
The adventure itself a lovely mix of challenges and magic. Most of all, this couple were the best people to share this experience with, I appreciate all their knowledge, expertise, mental and physical support, thoughtfulness, hospitality, friendliness and flexibility according to my needs and preferences. This was especially important for me since this was the first time I did something of this kind, and I felt safely out of my comfort zone.
Until next time!
Trekking incrível nos Andes
A experiência com Raquetes de neve foi maravilhosa e recomendo totalmente. O local da trilha foi lindo. Desde o início tratei com os donos da agência, que são muito atenciosos, muito focados e dedicados para que a experiência seja incrível. Quando estiver no Chile novamente, irei procurá-los para outro trekking de montanha.
Agência muito segura e profissional. São muito atenciosos e amigável. Recomendo a todos. Quando retornar ao Chile, farei nova atividade com a Puma Adventures.
Increíble experiencia! Vicente y Javiera estuvieron atentos a cada detalle y a la necesidad de cada miembro del grupo. Sin duda volvería a realizar un trekking con ellos. Fue un día soñado!
Excelente
Fue una experiencia muy gratificante, los guías muy amables y preocupados, disfrutamos de paisajes maravillosos .
Todo lo que buscas en un guía. Comunicación fluida y rápida antes de contratar, profesionalidad, atención continua… detallistas y muy amables. Repetiré seguro!
We had the best experience with Vicente on our climb. We are new to hiking and he was patient with us and gave great instruction. I would recommend him to all who want to try hiking in Chile. The hike was worth the breathtaking views once we reached the top. We made it just in time for sunset!
Tuvimos una hermosa experiencia en la montaña gracias a nuestro guia Sebastian! Nos compartió muchísima información interesante durante nuestro trekking y toda la jornada fue muy disfrutable. Recomiendo 100%
Went on a solo guided hike up Cerro Provincia in Chile, Sebastian was incredibly knowledgeable and make it such an awesome experience! The Puma team kept me up to date and informed well before the trip making booking from South Africa so easy. I got picked up from my hotel, had great lunch included in the hike! with a beer to finish it off! Can Recommend!
Gran aventura en Santiago.
Son sumamente profesionales, atentos y cordiales. La seguridad del cliente es muy importante. Los recomiendo ampliamente.
Super excursion con un guia muy prifesional y agradable que conoce muy bien la région. Paisajes magnificos y recuerdos fabulosos.
Escalada en cajón del Maipo
Muy recomendable, el guía muy bueno
✅ This experience is for you if...
⛔️ It's not for you if…
Frequently Asked Questions
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🥾 How hard is it and do I need previous experience?
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📍 Where is it and where does the route start?
San José Volcano is in the upper Cajón del Maipo, in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, about two and a half hours from Santiago, on the border with Argentina. That's where access to the massif begins; on the expedition we coordinate transportation and logistics and pick you up.
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🧭 What is the route like and how long does it take?
It takes 4 to 5 days. We climb gradually with high camps to acclimatize and choose the summit window at 5,800 m. In total, about 33 km and 3,463 m of elevation gain; the descent happens on the final days.
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📅 When is the best time to climb it?
The mountain season, roughly from November to April, when the weather and snow at altitude are most stable. Outside the season it turns to winter conditions that demand more technique and gear.
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⛰️ Can I climb it without a guide?
San José is a high-altitude volcanic expedition with camps, logistics and real altitude and weather risks; going with a professional guide makes all the difference in safety, acclimatization and mountain management. That's why we run it as a private guided expedition.
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🎒 What should I bring?
For this activity, bring:
- 30+ liter hiking backpack
- Large 50+ liter backpack or duffel for the mules
- Mountain boots
- Technical clothing for extreme temperatures
- Gloves for extreme temperatures
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- At least 2 liters of water for the first day
We'll confirm the gear based on the weather conditions. -
🧍 Can I go alone, with children or pets?
You can come on your own: many people come alone and make new friends on the mountain. But this expedition is not suitable for children or pets, since it requires good physical condition, previous mountain experience and proper gear.
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🥗 Vegetarian, celiac or other dietary options?
Yes. We adapt the food to your needs: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other restrictions. Just let us know when you book and we'll take care of the rest.
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📝 How do I book?
Just fill out the form on this page. Once we receive it, we'll confirm the date and all the details. Then we'll send you the payment link and, after payment, you'll fill out a medical form.
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❌ What happens if I cancel or the weather is bad?
We have a clear cancellation policy, with refunds or credit depending on how far in advance you cancel. We only call off a trip due to extreme weather or safety risks; in that case, we offer to reschedule or refund your money.
What our pumas say
Those who did the San José Volcano expedition with us
★★★★★"The experience and services of Puma Adventures were a 10 out of 10. They're very well prepared, explain everything clearly and take safety extremely seriously. The service at base camp is top-notch: a dining dome, toilets and everything you need. Since they only take small groups, the service is much more professional and personalized."
– G. Rent · Google Reviews
★★★★★"First-class professionals. Attentive to every detail: a dining dome with a table and chairs, snacks on arrival, a delicious dinner and a varied breakfast for all tastes. Luxury service! Thank you Javi and Vicho for all your care."
– Leyda Saa · Google Reviews
Puma Adventures ★ 5.0 on Google (80 reviews) · #1 Outdoor Activities in Las Condes on TripAdvisor