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Explore the Andes mountains at your own pace with a private excursion to Cajon del Maipo and the El Yeso Reservoir. These tailored trips offer flexible itineraries, bilingual guides, and personalized transportation from Santiago.
Likely to Sell Out A private 8-hour journey through the Andes to El Yeso Reservoir, including local history and a mountain picnic.
A private full-day drive from Santiago into the Andes to visit the Maipo Valley and El Yeso Reservoir.
Free Cancellation A private, flexible journey through the Andes where you choose between hiking, scenic drives, and local culture.
Free Cancellation Explore the Andes on a guided trip to Cajon del Maipo, featuring local wine, snacks, and mountain scenery.
Free Cancellation A private day trip to the Andes combining the turquoise Embalse El Yeso with a soak in natural thermal hot springs.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cajon del Maipo — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A private tour to Cajón del Maipo offers a personalized escape into the rugged Andes mountains just outside of Santiago. You can expect dramatic landscapes, winding canyon roads, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace without being rushed by a large bus group.
A massive turquoise reservoir sitting at 2,500 meters above sea level. It's surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and is a prime spot for photography.
A historic mountain village founded in 1792. Most tours stop here to check out the colonial adobe architecture and the traditional Plaza de Armas.
Natural thermal pools cascading down the mountainside. Temperatures range from 25°C to 55°C, offering a relaxing soak with views of the San José Volcano.
Many private tours include a scenic outdoor picnic. Expect local snacks, gourmet sandwiches, and often a glass of Chilean wine served right in the valley.
For active travelers, some itineraries include a hike through El Morado Natural Monument toward the San Francisco Glacier and Morales Lagoon.
With a private guide and vehicle, you dictate the schedule. Spend more time taking photos, adjust the hiking pace, or skip crowded areas entirely.
Booking a private tour to Cajón del Maipo ensures a tailored experience, but there are a few logistical details to keep in mind before securing your spot.
These are full-day excursions. Expect the tour to last anywhere from 8 to 10 hours, factoring in the 1.5 to 2-hour drive each way from central Santiago.
Most private tours include hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and a picnic or box lunch. However, check if entrance tickets (like the 3,450 CLP for El Yeso or 10,000 CLP for hot springs) are covered or need to be paid out of pocket.
Policies vary significantly between operators. Some offer a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, while others have strict 'all sales are final' rules. Double-check this before booking.
While private sightseeing by car is suitable for most, the altitude reaches 2,500m to 3,000m. Travelers with poor cardiovascular health or those prone to severe altitude sickness should consult a doctor.
October through March offers the most stable weather and clear roads. If you book between June and September, be prepared for potential itinerary changes due to heavy snow or road closures.
Wheelchair access is very limited due to the rocky, uneven terrain at the reservoir and trails. However, private tours can often adapt the route for vehicle-based sightseeing if requested.
Dress in 'onion layers'. Temperatures can drop by 15°C very quickly in the mountains. Sturdy walking shoes and high-SPF sunscreen are absolute musts.
| Standard Private Day Trip | Private Tour with Hot Springs | Flexible Custom Hike & Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 - 9 hours | 9 - 10 hours | 9 hours |
| Focus | Sightseeing & Reservoir | Reservoir & Thermal Pools | Adaptable Route / Trekking |
| Includes | Transport, Guide, Picnic/Snacks | Transport, Guide, Hot Springs Entry, Lunch | SUV/Van Transport, Guide, Box Lunch, Hiking Poles |
| Starting Price | ~$192 USD | ~$290 USD | ~$298 USD |
If your private tour doesn't pre-arrange access, be aware of the strict operating hours for the main attractions in the canyon:
Private tours usually time their departures from Santiago between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM to ensure you arrive well within these windows.
Cajón del Maipo is located about 60 kilometers southeast of Santiago's city center. The primary route is Route G-25 (Camino al Volcán).
The experience in Cajón del Maipo changes drastically depending on the season.
Tip: Try to visit on a weekday. The single-lane roads experience heavy traffic jams with Santiago locals on weekends.
Accessibility in the Andes is naturally challenging.
Facilities become increasingly scarce the deeper you go into the canyon.
Local authorities strictly enforce rules to protect the environment and visitor safety.
Yes, it can be. Visitors reach altitudes of 2,500m at the reservoir and up to 3,000m at the hot springs. Sensitive individuals might experience mild symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before ascending.
It depends on the specific tour. Some higher-end tours ($290+) include the admission tickets to Embalse El Yeso and the Colina Hot Springs. Others require you to pay the fees (around 3,450 CLP for the park and 10,000 CLP for the springs) separately in cash.
You definitely need to bring cash in Chilean Pesos (CLP). While there are ATMs in San José de Maipo, card machines further up the canyon frequently fail because there is zero cell service past San Gabriel.
Dress in layers. The Andean sun is intense, but temperatures can drop by 15°C within an hour as the sun sets or if the wind picks up. Sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
Yes, winter tours are available and offer beautiful snowy landscapes. However, the road to the reservoir (G-455) is prone to closures due to heavy snow. Your guide will likely use a 4x4 vehicle and may need to alter the itinerary based on weather.
Bathrooms are available in the town of San José de Maipo and basic facilities exist at the hot springs. However, there are virtually no public restrooms near the Embalse El Yeso reservoir itself.
Most private tours from Santiago are full-day excursions lasting between 8 and 10 hours. This includes about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving each way.
Absolutely. That's the main benefit of booking private. Depending on your interests and the weather, you can usually choose to focus on a scenic drive, spend more time at the hot springs, or do a guided hike in the valley.
Cell service is reliable in the main village of San José de Maipo. Once you drive further into the canyon past San Gabriel, you will lose signal completely. Make sure to download any necessary offline maps beforehand.
Yes, the nature-focused sightseeing is great for kids. Booking a private tour is highly recommended for families because you can request infant seats, control the pacing, and take breaks during the long drive.
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Spend eight hours exploring the Cajon del Maipo on a private tour tailored to your group. Traveling by minivan into the Andes, you will visit the historic town of San José de Maipo and learn about the region's heritage through live commentary from your guide. The trip continues to the El Yeso Reservoir for panoramic views of the turquoise waters and surrounding peaks. After a walk through the mountain landscape, the experience concludes with a picnic served outdoors before the return journey.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This full-day private tour travels 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Santiago into the Maipo Valley. You will head toward the El Yeso Reservoir in a private vehicle, following a route that runs directly alongside the Maipo River. The drive passes through the foothills of the Andes, offering views of the mountain range throughout the trip. The itinerary focuses on the natural landscape of the valley and the high-altitude scenery surrounding the reservoir waters.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This private trip into the Cajon del Maipo swaps rigid schedules for a more adaptable pace. Depending on your interests and the mountain weather, we can focus on a scenic drive through the valley or set out on a hike. The goal is to let the landscape and your own preferences dictate the route rather than following a fixed checklist. You’ll spend the day among the glaciers and volcanic formations of the Andes. Your guide will explain the local geology and point out the wildlife and plants unique to this high-altitude ecosystem. Because it’s a private outing, there’s plenty of time to stop for photos or learn about the mountain culture of the region without feeling rushed. We aim for a relaxed atmosphere that feels more like a day out with a local than a formal excursion. By keeping the timing and route flexible, we can adjust to the day's conditions and ensure you see the best of the mountains at a pace that suits you.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Head into the heart of the Andes for a day exploring the Cajon del Maipo region. Starting from Santiago, the tour stops in the historic town of San Jose de Maipo before winding deeper into the mountain range. The route takes you past waterfalls, through old tunnels, and toward the high-altitude views of the Embalse El Yeso reservoir. Led by experienced mountain guides, you will have the chance to see ancient glaciers and the rugged landscape of the central Andes up close. To round out the day, the group will stop to enjoy a selection of Chilean wines and appetizers in the outdoors before heading back to the city.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This private full-day tour takes you into the heart of the Andes to visit the turquoise waters of Embalse El Yeso and the natural thermal pools of Colina Valley. The itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose between a visit to the reservoir or a guided trek before heading to the hot springs. Since the experience is private, the pace is set by you, with plenty of time for scenic stops along the mountain roads. A minimum of two participants is required for the standard rate. For those looking for more adventure, we can arrange optional activities such as horseback riding, rafting, or canyoning upon request for an additional cost. Our local guides handle all the logistics and timing, ensuring a comfortable day focused on the natural landscape and relaxation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish