Chile · Geological Wonders

9-Hour Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso Tour with Picnic

9 Hours Round trip from Santiago Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic drive through Cajón del Maipo and the Andean foothills
  • 02 Picnic with snacks and wine beside Embalse El Yeso's turquoise waters
  • 03 Breathtaking mountain views at a 2,500-meter-high reservoir
  • 04 Visit the charming town of San José de Maipo and Casa Chocolate

Explore the natural beauty of Cajón del Maipo on a full-day tour from Santiago, with a scenic drive through the Andean foothills to Embalse El Yeso. Enjoy a picnic with snacks and wine beside the reservoir's striking turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crisp mountain air. The day also includes time in the charming town of San José de Maipo and a stop at the whimsical Casa Chocolate, offering a balanced mix of relaxation, mountain scenery, and local character.

Arrive at Embalse El Yeso, a stunning turquoise reservoir nestled at 2,500 meters above sea level.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Santiago
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cajón del Maipo, Embalse El Yeso and Picnic Experience

09:00 - Pickup in Santiago

  • Meet your driver and local guide at a pre-arranged location in Santiago.

Begin your private journey heading southeast toward the Andean foothills, as the city gives way to open valleys and winding rivers.

09:10 - Transfer to Cajón del Maipo - 2 Hours

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Maipo Canyon, a dramatic landscape carved by the Maipo River.

Marvel at the changing terrain-from lush vineyards to rugged peaks-as you ascend toward the heart of the Andes.

11:10 - Embalse El Yeso & Picnic - 4 Hours

  • Arrive at Embalse El Yeso, a stunning turquoise reservoir nestled at 2,500 meters above sea level.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this pristine setting offers breathtaking views and crisp mountain air.

Stroll along the shoreline, take memorable photos, and enjoy a picnic in nature's amphitheater.

Your guide will share insights into the reservoir's history, its role in Santiago's water supply, and the unique geology of the region.

15:10 - Transfer to San José de Maipo - 1 Hour

  • Descend through the canyon toward the charming town of San José de Maipo, gateway to the Andes.

16:10 - San José de Maipo & Casa Chocolate - 30 Minutes

  • Stop at Casa Chocolate, a whimsical café whose architecture evokes a fairytale cottage made of sweets.

Take a short walk through San José's colonial plaza, admire its historic buildings, and browse local artisan shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

16:40 - Transfer Back to Santiago - 1 Hour

  • Relax during the return journey as the sun begins to set over the valley.

18:00 - Arrival in Santiago

  • Return to your hotel around 6:00 p.m., enriched by a day of natural beauty, cultural charm, and high-altitude serenity.
Embalse El Yeso turquoise waters, Cajón del Maipo canyon, San José de Maipo colonial plaza

Where this trip takes you

Embalse El Yeso turquoise waters, Cajón del Maipo canyon, San José de Maipo colonial plaza

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Santiago 1 city · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Private transportation
  • Picnic with snacks and wine
  • Bottled water on board

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses and other costs

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun protection
  • Hat
  • Appropriate clothing according to the weather forecast
  • Additional water (based on your consumption)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Santiago, Chile
Tour start
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Santiago.

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