Cajón del Maipo facts for kids
The Cajón del Maipo is a beautiful canyon found in the Andes Mountains of central Chile. It's located southeast of Santiago, the capital city. This area is where the Maipo River flows through a narrow valley, carving its way through the mountains. Many smaller rivers and streams join the Maipo here, like the El Volcán, Yeso, and Colorado rivers.
The main town in this area is San José de Maipo. It's the center of the whole Andean part of the Santiago region. The valley stretches from near Pirque all the way to the border with Argentina. It's surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the area, including San José, Maipo, and Marmolejo. Marmolejo is special because it's the most southerly mountain in the world that is taller than 6,000 meters (about 19,685 feet)! Some of these mountains are active volcanoes, like San José, which last erupted in 1960.
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Exploring the Cajón del Maipo
The Cajón del Maipo is a very popular spot for people who love the outdoors. It's a great place for hiking and camping adventures. Many visitors come to see its amazing natural beauty.
Popular Places to Visit
Two of the most visited places in the Cajón del Maipo are the Embalse El Yeso reservoir and the El Morado Natural Monument.
Embalse El Yeso: A Big Lake in the Mountains
The Embalse El Yeso is a large reservoir, which is like a big artificial lake. It holds a lot of water from the Yeso River. This water is very important for supplying drinking water to the city of Santiago. The reservoir is surrounded by stunning mountain views, making it a popular spot for photography and enjoying nature.
El Morado Natural Monument: Glaciers and Nature
The El Morado Natural Monument is a protected area that showcases the natural wonders of the Andes. It's famous for its beautiful landscapes and its glaciers. A glacier is a huge, slow-moving river of ice. Inside El Morado, you can find the San Francisco glacier. Visiting this monument allows you to see incredible mountain scenery and learn about these icy giants.
Rivers and Streams of the Canyon
The Maipo River is the main waterway flowing through the canyon. However, many other rivers and streams feed into it, creating a rich water system.
Major Rivers Joining the Maipo
- El Volcán River: This river flows down from the mountains and adds its water to the Maipo.
- Yeso River: The Yeso River is important because its waters are collected in the Embalse El Yeso reservoir.
- Colorado River: Another significant river that joins the Maipo, contributing to the canyon's water flow.
Smaller Streams in the Area
Besides the larger rivers, there are several smaller streams that wind through the Cajón del Maipo. These include San Gabriel, Manzanito, Coyanco, El Sauce, El Manzano, and San José. Each of these streams adds to the natural beauty and water resources of the canyon.
Mountains and Volcanoes
The Cajón del Maipo is surrounded by impressive peaks, some of which are active volcanoes.
Notable Mountain Peaks
- San José Volcano: This is an active volcano that last erupted in 1960. It's one of the prominent peaks in the area.
- Maipo Volcano: Another significant volcano that adds to the dramatic landscape of the canyon.
- Marmolejo: As mentioned, this mountain is over 6,000 meters tall and is the most southerly peak of its height in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Cajón del Maipo para niños
