Cajón del Maipo: El Yeso Reservoir from Santiago, full day

A unique landscape of towering white peaks reflected in the turquoise waters

Unwind completely in the Andes while enjoying views of El Yeso Reservoir and its turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains: a 700-meter walk to the reservoir’s overlook, a visit to El Yeso Waterfall, the historic Tínoco Tunnel… And a hearty bowl of artisanal hot chocolate and local dishes to round out the experience. An 8-hour excursion with an expert guide and transportation included.

Your senses will love this experience! 

We’ll start our tour very early in the morning so we can enjoy a beautiful start to the day at El Yeso Reservoir. The scenery is unparalleled, with the surrounding mountains always covered in a blanket of snow. It’s the perfect backdrop for capturing the moment with a great photo.

Once we reach the mountain range, we’ll stop in San José de Maipo for breakfast to recharge our energy so we can comfortably hike the 700-meter trail that leads to the overlook, where we’ll admire the sky reflected in the reservoir’s waters.

Next, we’ll head to Salto el Yeso, a 15-meter waterfall with a safe viewing area. We’ll take a break here, and if you’d like, you can enjoy a picnic. Then, we will visit the Tinoco Tunnel, built in 1906, through which a small railway once ran, connecting Puente Alto with the mining town of El Volcán.

We’ll round out our outing with a visit to the unique ice cream and chocolate shop La Casa de Chocolate, known for its exquisite artisanal flavors and the architecture and sculptures that adorn its terrace and gardens.

At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the local cuisine with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.  

Embalse El Yeso ( the El Yeso reservoir ) is one of the most sought-after postcards of the Andes: a turquoise mirror of water at over 2,500 meters above sea level, ringed by peaks rising past 5,000 meters. It sits just 90 minutes from San José de Maipo, so there’s no need to plan an expedition to see it (an early start is all it takes).

The route climbs through Cajón del Maipo, with a stop in San José de Maipo, the mountain town that marks the gateway to the valley. Once at the reservoir there’s free time to walk along the shore, take photos and, on a good day, watch condors and eagles circling over the valley.

Why it’s worth it

Embalse El Yeso is one of the most complete day trips near Santiago: high Andes, turquoise water and native wildlife, all without needing more than a single day. It’s also a great first taste of Cajón del Maipo for anyone who has never set foot in the Andes.

El Yeso Reservoir: what to see and when to visit

The reservoir takes its name from the gypsum (yeso), the white mineral of the area, and sits at the far end of Cajón del Maipo, whose name comes from the Mapudungun Maipun (a stretch of cultivated land). Inaugurated in 1964 over an ancient natural lake, it is today Santiago’s main source of drinking water, about 100 km from the city.

From the parking area, a walk of about 700 meters leads to the reservoir viewpoint, with the turquoise water and the Andes straight ahead.

The route also passes Salto El Yeso (a 15-meter waterfall with a viewing area), Túnel Tinoco (a 1906 railway tunnel that linked Puente Alto with the mining town of El Volcán) and Casa de Chocolate, an artisan ice cream and chocolate shop with sculptures in its garden and terrace. It runs year-round; in winter, snow covers the peaks and the landscape changes completely.

How to get to the El Yeso Reservoir

The reservoir is about 90 minutes from San José de Maipo, at the far end of Cajón del Maipo; the full trip from Santiago takes roughly 2 to 3 hours. You can drive yourself, but keep in mind the state of the road and that the altitude (over 2,500 m) makes the climb slower than it seems.

To round out a day in Cajón del Maipo, you can relax at the Valle de Colina Hot Springs.

This excursion handles the whole journey: pickup at your hotel in Santiago Centro, Providencia or Las Condes, round-trip transportation and a guide who knows the road. It’s the way to reach the El Yeso Reservoir without driving or worrying about the vehicle.

Pickup times for this group tour begin at 6:00 a.m. The exact time will depend on your location and the pickup route for the other passengers.

We pick up from all hotels in Downtown Santiago, Providencia, or Las Condes. If you are not in these areas, you will need to come to one of them or book a private tour.

Useful information

• Frequency: daily.
• Season: year-round, except under exceptional circumstances.
• Difficulty level: participants must be physically fit enough to handle the altitude (2,800 meters above sea level) and the short but challenging initial hike.
• Guide: an expert local guide who will take you to the best spots to enjoy the views and take great photos.
• Lunch and drinks: you can bring your own or buy sandwiches or empanadas on site.

Please note

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, unless the family group skips the visit to the El Yeso Reservoir.

The Cajón del Maipo is a natural area with a quite diverse and unique climate. Tours may be modified, or some of the described points may not be reached, if road or weather conditions do not permit. This will be assessed by the guide based on their experience.

You can also book this same tour privately: an exclusive vehicle and guide just for your family or group of friends. Check out the private tour here