The Cajón del Maipo is one of Santiago’s great natural treasures, a picturesque gorge southeast of the Chilean capital. It’s best reached by car—rent a car and drive toward the Termas del Yeso, then begin to descend towards the Central Valley, crossing the Coastal Mountains and eventually arriving by the sea. A rich mountain reserve teaming with native birds and natural thermal springs, it’s a day trip you’re not likely to ever forget.