El Morado Natural Monument

El Morado protects a valley above Banos Morales where a trail of about eight kilometres climbs to the Laguna Morales and on towards the San Francisco glacier, a hanging mass of ice on the flank of Cerro El Morado, which reaches 5,060 metres. It is the most accessible glacier view from Santiago and is walked as a long day trip from the city. The glacier has retreated substantially in recent decades, and the difference between older photographs and the present ice is one of the clearer local demonstrations of it. The trail gains height steadily from about 1,900 metres and the altitude is felt.

What you'll find

• A hanging glacier - the San Francisco, on El Morado's flank.
• Laguna Morales - the lagoon partway up the trail.
• A 5,060 metre wall above - Cerro El Morado.
• Visible retreat - the ice much reduced from older photographs.

When to go

October to April; the trail is closed or snowbound in winter. A full day.

Before you go

Entry closes early in the day for the full walk - arriving late means being turned back. The trail is exposed with no shade and the altitude tells. Weather changes fast. Banos Morales has minimal services.

Nearby

Termas Valle de Colina are further up the valley; El Yeso is across it.