Historic stone mountain refuge in the upper Cajon del Maipo, at the foot of Volcan San Jose, run as a lodge with shared rooms and a restaurant. Base for hiking and the thermal baths of Banos Morales; road access depends on snow and conditions.
Refugio Lo Valdes is a historic stone mountain refuge in the upper Cajon del Maipo, in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile, at the foot of Volcan San Jose. The address is on the Camino al Volcan at Lo Valdes, in the commune of San Jose de Maipo, reached by a long mountain road from Santiago that typically takes around two hours or more. Road access depends on snow and conditions, so the refuge can be difficult or impossible to reach during heavy winter weather.
The building is a stone lodge whose rustic character is part of its appeal, run as a mountain lodge rather than a conventional hotel. Interiors are simple and warm, with a fireplace in the common area, and the surroundings are dominated by high Andean scenery, glacial valleys and the volcano above. The atmosphere attracts hikers, climbers, cyclists and photographers.
Accommodation is offered as Dorm Beds, Private Doubles and Family Rooms, with shared bathrooms. Rates are among the lowest in the region, typically CLP 22,000 to CLP 60,000 per night. Amenities include a restaurant, wifi, shared bathrooms, hiking trails from the door and a fireplace. The restaurant serves hearty mountain meals, which is useful given the lack of alternatives nearby, and meals are generally taken at the lodge.
The refuge is a base for hiking in the surrounding valleys, for ascents of nearby peaks, and for visiting the thermal baths of Banos Morales further down the valley. Service is simple and informal, in the manner of an alpine hut, so visitors should not expect hotel-style concierge facilities. Warm clothing is essential even in summer, as nights at this altitude are cold. Visitors should confirm road status, opening dates and availability directly with the refuge before travelling.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Address | Camino al Volcan, Lo Valdes, San Jose de Maipo, Chile |
Room types
- Dorm Bed
- Private Double
- Family Room
Amenities
- restaurant
- wifi
- shared bathrooms
- hiking trails
- fireplace
Location
Camino al Volcan, Lo Valdes, San Jose de Maipo, Chile
-33.8283, -70.0561 View on map
Highlights
- Historic stone refuge at the foot of Volcan San Jose
- Base for hiking and mountain trails in the upper Cajon del Maipo
- Restaurant and fireplace in a simple mountain-lodge setting
- Dorm beds, private doubles and family rooms at low prices
- Close to the thermal baths of Banos Morales
Tips for visiting
- Check road and snow conditions before driving up from Santiago.
- Bring warm layers and a sleeping-bag liner, as nights are cold even in summer.
- Reserve ahead for weekends and holidays, when beds fill quickly.
- Carry cash and a charged phone, as services in the valley are limited.
- Plan a soak at Banos Morales as part of a hiking weekend.
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn (roughly November to April) gives the most reliable road access and best hiking; winter brings snow, closures and ski-touring conditions.
Accessibility
The refuge is a historic stone mountain building with a remote, uneven setting and shared bathrooms, so it is not well suited to wheelchair users. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the refuge to discuss options.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Refugio Lo Valdes?
It is on the Camino al Volcan at Lo Valdes, in the upper Cajon del Maipo near San Jose de Maipo, at the foot of Volcan San Jose.
Can the refuge always be reached by road?
No. Road access depends on snow and conditions, so travellers should check the status before setting out.
What types of rooms are there?
The refuge offers dorm beds, private doubles and family rooms, with shared bathrooms.
How much does a night cost?
Rates generally range from about CLP 22,000 to CLP 60,000 per night (roughly USD 25 to 65).