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.
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.
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.
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.
Prefer to go with just your group?
This tour is also available as a private version, with a vehicle and guide just for you.
Private Cajón del Maipo Tour: El Yeso Reservoir from Santiago
08:30
Stop in San José de Maipo, time to shop or have breakfast
10:00
Arrival at Embalse El Yeso
11:30
Visit to Salto El Yeso
12:30
Visit to Túnel Tinoco
13:30
Stop at Casa de Chocolate
14:00
Lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Chilean food
15:30
Return to Santiago
17:30
Arrival at the departure point
The reservoir sits at over 2,500 meters, so it's normal to feel the thinner air. We recommend staying hydrated and eating a light breakfast before heading out. If you have any medical condition, check with us before booking.
It's a family-friendly excursion, though it includes a somewhat demanding initial stretch of walking due to the altitude; we suggest bringing a jacket and an extra snack for younger kids.
The tour runs year-round, except in exceptional circumstances. With snow, the reservoir's scenery is even more impressive.
The El Yeso Reservoir sits at over 2,500 meters above sea level, at the far end of Cajón del Maipo; the Colina Valley also exceeds 2,500 meters.
The tour costs $39,900 CLP per person and includes round-trip transportation and the guide. Lunch and drinks are not included.
More plans on the same theme, shared or private.
Adventure and natureFrom $55.000 per personGroup excursion from Santiago to Maipo. Enjoy relaxing thermal baths in rustic pools of medicinal mineral waters, right in the heart of the Andes!
Private Cajón del MaipoFrom $109.000 per personA horseback ride through the hills of the Maipo Valley with a local arriero guide (no riding experience needed.)
Private Cajón del MaipoFrom $99.000 per personNatural hot spring pools at the end of the mountain road, on a private tour with exclusive transportation and guide.
From
$39.900