Day trip

Santiago: Cajon del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso Trip with Picnic

4.5 / 5

59 reviews

Activity provider: Aprendi a Viajar Chile
Day trip

Santiago: Cajon del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso Trip with Picnic

Activity provider: Aprendi a Viajar Chile
Save up to 15%

From US$ 40 US$ 34 per person

Breathe in the fresh mountainous air of Cajon del Maipo on a guided tour from Santiago. Learn about the folklore of this volcanic area and enjoy a light picnic lunch with wine by El Yeso Dam.

About this activity

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Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Portuguese, Spanish
Pickup included
Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Santiago. Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Your driver will not be able to wait for you for longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Experience

Highlights
  • Marvel at picturesque landscapes on a day trip from Santiago
  • Discover the natural beauty of the Maipo Canyon in the Andes
  • See the large El Yeso reservoir, a major water source for Santiago
  • Enjoy a light picnic lunch overlooking the shimmering El Yeso Dam
  • Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you sip on a glass of wine
Full description

Discover the magnificent Andes Mountains on a guided day trip from Santiago. Pass by the Tinoco Tunnel, admire the picturesque Cajón del Maipo gorge, and enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the El Yeso Dam.

Start your tour early in the morning with a convenient pickup directly from your accommodation. Hop into the air-conditioned van and set out towards the Maipo Canyon.

As you travel, admire the wonderful views of this natural landscape full of high mountain passes, lakes, and forests. Hear about the area's traditions and listen to folktales told by your guide.

Along the way, you'll pass the Tinoco Tunnel, a dark disused train tunnel that runs along the Camino Al Volcán, a remnant from the region's railway days.

Listen as your guide tells you about the history of this unusual attraction and the tragic story behind the shrines located at the tunnel's entrance and exit.

Not far from here, you'll reach the El Yeso Dam. This large reservoir was created in 1964 by damming the Yeso River and now serves as one of the major sources of water for Santiago. Stop here to enjoy a picnic-style lunch served with a glass of wine and some juice.

Then, sit back and relax as you set out on your return journey to Santiago, where your driver will drop you off directly at your accommodation.

Includes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned van
  • Guide
  • Picnic snack
  • Glass of wine

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    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.5 /5

    based on 59 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      4.6/5
    • Value for money
      4.5/5

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    We had such a wonderful time on this tour. The morning pick up worked flawlessly, the drive was comfortable and the views alone were worth the trip! Jaime was a great guide, always patient to answer questions and told us fascinating information about the region. Stops included a little village, where we could explore and have lunch, the lake and mountains and a wonderful picnic with a view of the scenery at the canyon. Overall we had a wonderful day!

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    March 22, 2023

    The places we saw were beautiful, so we were pleased. Our “guide” did not say anything for over two hours other than “we will stop for a bathroom and breakfast”. There was no commentary about the areas we passed, the economy, industry, geography, etc. He actually said very little the entire day. The first stop we made had two toilets - none flushed and no running water to wash our hands. The “picnic” snack stop had no water after a long time without stops or opportunity to purchase water. Jaime was a great driver, but not a “guide” - I’m a tour guide, and I tell my guests all about where we are visiting and make sure everyone is having a great time. We still give this a 4 rating as the views and beauty surpassed all expectations.

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    March 22, 2023

    A fantastic experience! The only criticism is that for those that know their way around Santiago the early morning hotel run around is a bit taxing. Would be good if there was an option for a metro station pickup a bit later. Other than that- a fantastic trip, bring swim costumes for the dam as you are allowed to swim! Very much recommended.

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    March 22, 2023

    Product ID: 430531