1. Santiago: Cajon del Maipo Hot Springs & Barbecue Experience
Discover Cajón del Maipo on a day trip from Santiago. Relax in the medicinal hot springs, enjoy a traditional Chilean barbecue, and see the stunning Veil of the Bride waterfall. Leave Santiago early morning, and head into the Andes to see a majestic sunrise. Cross the old train line and the Maipo river to enter Cajón del Maipo. Drive past picturesque towns before stopping at a restaurant for a delicious buffet breakfast. As you eat, marvel at a view of the volcano. After breakfast, continue through the hills in a safari style Jeep to the natural hot springs of Termas Valle de Colina. Relax in any of the 7 pools with temperatures ranging from 130ºF to 86ºF, heated by the nearby volcano. When you're ready, continue to several viewpoints and enjoy panoramic vistas of the volcano and mountains. Head back to the restaurant to enjoy a Chilean barbecue or empanadas, depending on the season and weather. As you eat, drink wines from central and southern Chile. Once you've finished eating, drive to the roaring Veil of the Bride waterfall, fed by the water from a nearby glacier. Return to Santiago in the afternoon.