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Explore the Andes mountains and the stunning blue waters of the El Yeso Reservoir on a full-day trip. These guided tours take you through the historic San José de Maipo region and often include scenic stops for picnics and local wine.
Free Cancellation A full-day trip from Santiago to the Andes featuring Embalse El Yeso, local food tastings, and a mountain picnic.
Free Cancellation A mountain day trip featuring historic San José de Maipo, El Yeso Reservoir views, and lunch at a riverside spa.
Free Cancellation An 8-hour small-group trip to the El Yeso Reservoir and San José de Maipo, including a mountain walk and picnic.
Likely to Sell Out A private 8-hour day trip through the Andes to visit El Yeso Reservoir and the town of San José de Maipo.
Free Cancellation Explore Chile's stunning landscapes and wildlife on a guided tour focused on local history and geography.
Free Cancellation Explore the Andes on a trip to El Yeso Dam and San Jose de Maipo, featuring mountain scenery and Chilean wine.
A private day trip from Santiago through the Maipo Valley to the turquoise waters of El Yeso Reservoir.
Free Cancellation A small-group day trip through the Andes to Cajon del Maipo, featuring El Yeso Reservoir and a mountain picnic.
Free Cancellation Escape Santiago for a day in the Andes, visiting San José de Maipo and the El Yeso reservoir with a wine picnic.
Free Cancellation Explore the Andes with a guided tour of Cajón del Maipo, including hotel transfers and a mountain picnic.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cajon del Maipo — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Leaving the noise of Santiago behind, a tour to Cajón del Maipo takes you straight into the rugged, high-altitude terrain of the Andes. You will spend the day winding through steep mountain roads, passing historic villages, and taking in the dramatic contrast of snow-capped peaks against the bright turquoise waters of the Embalse El Yeso reservoir.
A massive turquoise reservoir sitting at 2,500 meters above sea level. It serves as Santiago's main water source and provides the canyon's most iconic photo backdrop.
A historic 18th-century mountain village. Tours usually stop here to view the colonial adobe architecture and grab a coffee before ascending higher into the mountains.
Many guided tours include an outdoor picnic once you reach the reservoir. Expect a spread of local Chilean wine, cheese, salami, and olives served with a mountain view.
Featured on specific combo tours, these natural thermal pools cascade down the mountainside. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 55°C, offering a warm soak with volcano views.
The canyon is home to over 600 glaciers and towering peaks like the Marmolejo. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and local goat herds along the drive.
Heading into the high Andes requires a bit of logistical planning, especially regarding transportation, weather, and altitude. Here is what you need to know before locking in your Cajón del Maipo tour.
You can choose between shared small-group tours in minivans or private excursions. Most are full-day trips lasting between 8 and 12 hours due to the driving distance from Santiago.
While tours cover transportation and your guide, entrance fees are sometimes excluded. Check your specific itinerary to see if the Parque Embalse El Yeso fee (3,450 CLP) or hot springs access (~10,000 CLP) is covered.
Most operators pick up directly from hotels in Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura, and Santiago Centro. They generally do not pick up from the airport or airport hotels; you will need to meet at a central departure point.
You will reach altitudes between 2,500m and 3,000m at the reservoir. This can cause mild altitude sickness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular issues.
Dress in 'onion layers' (base, thermal, waterproof). Temperatures can drop by 15°C very quickly, and the Andean sun is incredibly strong, requiring high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses.
Due to rocky, uneven terrain, wheelchair access is highly limited at the reservoir and hiking trails. Some private tours can customize a vehicle-based sightseeing itinerary for those with limited mobility.
Most operators offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Because mountain weather is unpredictable, tours might be rescheduled or refunded if road conditions become unsafe.
| Shared Group Tour with Picnic | Hot Springs Combo Tour | Private Day Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-10 hours | 10-11 hours | 8-9 hours |
| Ideal For | Budget travelers and solo adventurers | Relaxation seekers wanting a spa experience | Couples, families, or those wanting a flexible pace |
| Key Inclusions | Transport, bilingual guide, wine & cheese picnic | Transport, guide, thermal pool ticket, lunch/brunch | Private transport, dedicated guide, customizable stops |
| Starting Price | ~$38 - $45 USD | ~$200 USD | ~$190 - $380 USD |
Operating hours vary depending on the specific site you are visiting within the canyon.
If you are on a guided tour, your operator will manage these timings for you, usually departing Santiago between 05:00 and 07:00 AM to beat the traffic and maximize daylight.
Cajón del Maipo is located about 60 km southeast of Santiago City Center.
The canyon experiences distinct seasonal changes that drastically affect accessibility.
Pro Tip: Avoid visiting on weekends if possible. The single-lane mountain roads get heavily congested with Santiago locals escaping the city for the day.
Navigating the Andes presents significant mobility challenges.
Facilities become increasingly sparse the deeper you go into the canyon.
To protect the delicate Andean ecosystem, strict rules are enforced across the canyon's protected areas.
Yes, it is possible. You will reach altitudes of 2,500m to 3,000m at the reservoir and hot springs. This can cause mild symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals before ascending.
No, most tour operators do not pick up from the airport or airport hotels. Pick-ups are usually limited to central districts like Providencia, Las Condes, and Santiago Centro. If you are at the airport, you will need to head to a designated meeting point in the city.
It depends on the specific tour. Some include all fees, while others require you to pay the park entry fee (around 3,450 CLP) separately on the day of the tour. Always check the inclusions list before booking.
Dress in 'onion layers' including a base layer, a warm sweater, and a windproof jacket. Temperatures can drop by 15°C very quickly in the mountains. Sturdy walking shoes and high-SPF sunscreen are also essential.
The main road is paved, but the final stretch (Route G-455) is a narrow, winding gravel road prone to rockfalls. Going with a guided tour is generally safer than driving yourself, as local drivers are experienced with the terrain.
Standard reservoir tours usually do not include the hot springs due to time constraints. However, there are specific combo tours available that include both the reservoir and a stop at Termas Valle de Colina.
Facilities at the reservoir itself are extremely limited or non-existent. Tour guides typically plan strategic bathroom stops in the town of San José de Maipo before heading further up the mountain.
Cell service is reliable in the main town of San José de Maipo, but it becomes virtually non-existent once you pass the town of San Gabriel. It is highly recommended to download offline maps before leaving Santiago.
Yes, the tours are suitable for children, but parents should be prepared for a long day with at least 2 hours of driving each way. Note that infants are usually required to sit on an adult's lap in the minivans.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. If heavy snow or 'viento blanco' (whiteout conditions) force road closures, tour operators will either reroute the trip to safe areas or cancel it entirely, offering a reschedule or full refund.
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This full-day trip departs Santiago in an air-conditioned vehicle, traveling through the mountain villages of San José de Maipo toward the heart of the Andes. After a stop for coffee along the Maipo River, you will visit Embalse El Yeso, a high-altitude reservoir known for its turquoise water and surrounding peaks. The visit is coordinated with Parque Cordillera to follow a safe, marked trail leading to several panoramic viewpoints. Throughout the day, you will encounter local wildlife and visit rural areas to sample regional products like fresh goat cheese, honey, and alfajores. The itinerary includes a performance of traditional Chilean folk dance and a picnic featuring charcuterie, snacks, and a wine toast. You will also have time to browse local crafts before returning to Santiago at approximately 6:00 PM.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
The tour begins in the town of San José de Maipo with a visit to the historic main square and the Church of San José, a National Monument. You will also stop at the Addiction del Maipo workshop to learn about the traditional methods used to create local artisan chocolates. From town, the route climbs to 2,500 meters to reach the El Yeso Reservoir. After a walk along the turquoise waters to take in the mountain scenery, you will be served an outdoor brunch. The day concludes at the Sanctuary of the River, where you will receive a welcome Pisco Sour followed by a traditional Chilean lunch. Guests have the afternoon to use the facility's amenities, including the spa, hot tubs, and both the temperate and outdoor swimming pools. Please note that swim caps are mandatory for pool use.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This eight-hour tour heads into the Andes to explore the Cajon del Maipo region. Traveling by minivan in a small group, you will visit the town of San José de Maipo to learn about its local history before continuing toward the El Yeso Reservoir. Once there, you can walk through the mountain landscape and take in the views of the reservoir while your guide provides live commentary on the area’s geography and heritage. The trip concludes with a picnic lunch shared with the group before the drive back. Please be aware that during the winter season, heavy snow or landslides can lead to road closures near the reservoir. If access is blocked, the tour will visit alternative natural sites within the Cajon del Maipo to ensure a full day of exploration.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, Spanish
This private 8-hour tour takes you into the Cajon del Maipo, a mountainous region in the Chilean Andes. Traveling by minivan, you will visit the historic town of San José de Maipo and continue toward the El Yeso Reservoir. Throughout the drive, your guide provides live commentary on the local history and geography of the area. Once at the reservoir, you can walk along the water and take in the high-altitude landscape. The tour concludes with a picnic served in the mountains before returning to your starting point. This excursion is designed for private groups, offering a more flexible pace for friends and family.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This tour offers a close look at Chile’s natural landscapes and native wildlife. As we travel, our guides provide a practical introduction to the country’s history and geography, making the scenery more meaningful. The experience is designed to be informative yet relaxed, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views. Our guides are multilingual and focus on being helpful and punctual. They are happy to adjust the pace of the tour to answer your questions or accommodate the specific needs of your group. We aim to provide a straightforward, friendly service that ensures everyone feels welcome and well-informed. If you need to cancel your booking or make any changes to your itinerary, please contact us directly to coordinate the details.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Escape the city for a day in the Andes mountains, centered around the Cajon del Maipo region. The tour visits the Embalse El Yeso reservoir, where the blue water is framed by high peaks. The itinerary includes stops at the town of San Jose de Maipo, a mountain tunnel, a waterfall, and views of an ancient glacier. Professional mountain guides accompany the group to share insights about the local landscape. During the trip, you will stop to enjoy a selection of appetizers and Chilean wine in the open air. This excursion offers a direct way to experience the scale of the mountain range and the quiet of the high-altitude environment before returning to Santiago.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This full-day private tour takes you 100 kilometers (62 miles) outside of Santiago into the heart of the Andes. The drive follows the path of the Maipo River, winding through the mountain foothills toward the Maipo Valley. Traveling by private vehicle ensures a steady pace with plenty of opportunities to see the changing landscape as you climb higher into the range. The primary destination is the El Yeso Reservoir, a major water source for the region surrounded by jagged peaks. Throughout the excursion, you will have a direct view of the river and the rugged terrain that defines this part of central Chile.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This eight-hour tour takes you into the Andes Mountains to explore the Cajon del Maipo region in a small group. Traveling by minivan, you will visit the town of San José de Maipo to learn about its history before heading deeper into the range toward the El Yeso Reservoir. A guide provides live commentary throughout the journey, explaining the geography and local culture of these Chilean highlands. After a walk near the reservoir to take in the scenery, the group will share a picnic featuring local snacks and drinks. This allows time to rest and enjoy the mountain environment before the return drive. The small group size ensures a more personal pace and easier navigation through the mountain roads. Please note that during the winter season, access to El Yeso Reservoir may be restricted due to snow, ice, or landslides. If the main road is closed for safety, the tour will visit alternative natural sites within the Cajon del Maipo area to ensure you still see the best of the Andean landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip takes you from Santiago into the heart of the Cajon del Maipo. The tour begins in the town of San José de Maipo to cover the local history before heading deeper into the Andes. You will follow the mountain rivers toward the high-altitude landscapes that define this part of Chile. The main destination is the El Yeso Reservoir, a turquoise lake framed by massive mountain peaks. While there, you will enjoy a picnic and a glass of wine while taking in the scenery. This is a small-group excursion limited to 15 people, allowing for a more quiet and flexible experience in the mountains.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This guided day trip departs directly from your hotel, heading toward the rustic town of Cajón del Maipo in Chile’s Metropolitan Region. As you leave the city behind, you'll travel into the foothills of the Andes to explore the high-altitude landscapes and local character of this mountain community. Throughout the tour, your guide provides context on the region's history and environment. The excursion includes a picnic set against the backdrop of the mountains, offering a break to enjoy the scenery before the return trip. All transportation and logistics are handled from start to finish.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish