Cajón del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso: The 14 Best Day Trips

1.Cajon del Maipo/Embalse del Yeso Tour with Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 3,789 reviews · 8 hours · from $37Our pick

Spend about eight hours leaving Santiago for Cajón del Maipo and Embalse del Yeso in an air-conditioned van. Expect mountain roads, small Andean towns, the Tinoco Tunnel, a reservoir walk, and a picnic with cheese, salami, olives, juice, and wine. Guides may include Francisco, Diego, Edison, or Gonzalo, with commentary in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

“You see a lot for the price you pay which is quite surprising when comparing to the rest of the prices in the city. The tour is very beautiful and the place where they took us for lunch had very good food. They should just balance better the stops so some are not too long and others too short.”

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2.Small-Group Cajón del Maipo Full-Day Tour and Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,277 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $41

Leave Santiago early for Cajón del Maipo and the high-altitude Embalse El Yeso. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned minivan, stop in mountain towns, enjoy a picnic with cheese, olives, salami, juice, and wine, and return in the afternoon. Guides such as Francisco, Edison, and Gonzalo have led recent departures, though the route and pickup time can vary.

“What an impressive tour, with lots of added bonuses. We even saw circling condors which the tour bus stopped so we could look and take photos. Francisco was our tour guide who was totally awesome. Full ok knowledge and a great sense of humour. He made our tour absolutely brilliant.!!!!!”

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3.Cajon del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso Trip with Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,859 reviews · 10 hours · from $38

Leave Santiago early in an air-conditioned van for Cajón del Maipo, the Tinoco Tunnel, and El Yeso Dam. You’ll have time for mountain views and a short walk, then enjoy a light picnic with wine and juice in a private area. Guides such as Pablo, Lola, and Ernesto lead tours in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

“Amazing day trip to Cajon del Maipo. The guide and driver were both very skilled at what they do. We got to know a lot about the surroundings and even enjoyed a nice brunch. The nature around is drop dead beautiful. Would definitely recommend.”

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4.Maipo Valley Wine Tasting Tour with 4 Vineyards

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 450 reviews · 10 hours · from $134

Spend 10 hours in Maipo Valley with an English or Spanish guide, visiting Campo La Quirinca, Santa Ema, TerraMater, and Undurraga. Expect farm life, pisco, premium wine, local snacks, olive oil, and a restaurant lunch at your own cost. Guides such as Nacho, Pablo, Esme, and Alex have helped make the day friendly and informative.

“Great to get out of Santiago into the wine country. It was super fun to meet other tourists and enjoy the wines together.”

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5.Cajón del Maipo and Volcán San José Hike 8K

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 418 reviews · 10 hours · from $150

Leave Santiago early for an 8 km guided hike in Cajón del Maipo, climbing from 2,300 to about 2,600 meters. Guides such as Laura, Elias, Andrés, and Rai explain the Andes, pace the walk carefully, and serve lunch, snacks, water, wine, and cheese. Expect big volcano views and a long day outdoors.

“Really enjoyed my day, it’s not a difficult walk at all and the views are stunning. Elias was a great guide and explained lots about the area and Chile in general. Very friendly and nice to chat with.”

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6.Cajon del Maipo, Termas Colinas & Embalse El Yeso

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 266 reviews · 10h 30m · from $79

Travel from Santiago into the Maipo Canyon by air-conditioned van, stopping at Tinoco Tunnel, Termas Colinas, and El Yeso Reservoir. You get hotel pickup, a guide, hot spring entry, and a picnic snack for $79. Guides speak Spanish and Portuguese, with English help sometimes available.

“As a 100% English speaker with little Spanish it was amazing!! The guide Spanish is easy to understand for novice Spanish speakers. The lagoon, hot springs and chocolate casa 10/10 and the tour was amazing. Highly highly recommend!!!!”

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7.Cajon del Maipo Termas Colina Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · 10 hours · from $66

Travel from Santiago into the Maipo Canyon, passing mountain roads, forests, lakes, and, from September to December, the old Tinoco Tunnel. Then spend about two hours at Termas Colina, where seven volcano-heated pools range from 130°F to 86°F. Guides speak Spanish and Portuguese, and hotel pickup is included in central Santiago areas.

“Great trip to take while visiting Santiago! Only about a 2 hour ride to the hot springs and totally worth it! Friendly, knowledgeable crew and a delicious picnic provided in-between scenic mountain ranges...what's not to love?!”

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8.Cajón del Maipo Hot Springs & Chilean Barbecue

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 157 reviews · 12 hours · from $250

Spend a full day traveling from Santiago into Cajón del Maipo by SUV, with stops in San José de Maipo, at the Veil of the Bride Waterfall, and at seven volcanic hot-spring pools. Guides such as Francisco, Rosario, Axel, and Jaime have earned praise for their warm hosting. End with an all-you-can-eat Chilean barbecue, wine, a campfire, and stargazing.

“This was an amazing experience! Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable, the scenery was breathtaking, and the BBQ and Wine were plentiful and delicious.”

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9.Private Day Trip to Cajón del Maipo & El Yeso Dam from Santiago.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) Top rated

Leave Santiago at 7:00 a.m. for a private drive into the Andes, stopping at Cajón del Maipo, El Yeso Reservoir, Casa Chocolate, and Tinoco Tunnel. Your guide may be Juan, Ignacio, Boris, Oskar, or another member of the TAC Turismo team. Expect big views, a long mountain drive, flexible pacing, and a restaurant stop where lunch is paid separately.

“I am sure this tour experience can vary widely based on guide, but we had an extremely positive experience with Ignacio (and driver Sebastian). Ignacio obviously has a passion for the outdoors and nature while being very friendly and accommodating. It is a long drive to and from but well worth the time. In addition, the van was clean and comfortable.”

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10.Tour Cajón del Maipo + Embalse el Yeso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 91 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $55

Leave Santiago early for Cajón del Maipo and the turquoise waters of El Yeso Reservoir. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Diego, Jaime, or Gonzalo, stop for mountain views and local tastings, and share a simple cheese-and-wine picnic. Expect a long day, cold weather at altitude, and optional lunch.

“First thing need to mention is that the bus was so dirty it’s was personally disgusting to me , empty bottles , a ton of dust all over the bus inside , I was wearing black and that was a big mistake as when I came out of the truck looked like I fell in a dust pit , this needs to be addressed. 2nd the reservoir was Nothing special at all and Cajon del Maipo as well , spending almost 12 hours to get to visit that in my opinion was a waste of time , the picnic that was set up was not enough food and not great…”

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11.Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 9 hours · from $120

Leave Santiago early for a nine-hour Andes outing through Cajón del Maipo. A bilingual guide takes you to Embalse El Yeso at 2,500 meters, San José de Maipo, scenic stops, waterfalls, and a wine-and-cheese break. Pickup serves hotels and hostels in central Santiago areas. Groups are limited to 12.

“Sebastian was a delight and made our trip fantastic”

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12.Cajon del Maipo Region – Hot Springs Termas de Colina

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 74 reviews · 7 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $170

Leave Santiago early for Cajon del Maipo, where you can soak in six warm pools at Termas de Colina beneath the Andes. The day also includes the Tinoco railway tunnel, Casa Chocolate, a small breakfast, drinks, and round-trip transport. The group is advertised at 14 people, though one report describes an overcrowded van.

“1. While booking, it says english guide. But it turned out to be all spanish..the co travellers and the guide (speaks broken little english often taking help of intetnet translations). 2. The guide admits the tour is his first trip as well. Hence seems helpless. 3. The driver is more active virtually taking over control. He is excitedly speaking throughout, sometime even getting his both hands off the steering... 4. The tour wad supposedly to start at 6.30. I was sent a text at 10 pm earlier night that the pick up will be at 5 am. I missed thay and when they arrive in the morning and threatened to…”

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13.Cousiño Macul Vineyard – Maipo Valley – Premium Tasting – HD

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $90

Spend about four hours visiting Cousiño Macul near Santiago with a private guide and vehicle. Learn the winery’s story, tour its cellars, taste three wines, and take home a gift glass. Eugene handles the transfer, while vineyard hosts such as Daniella, Dani, or Tiago lead the winery visit in English.

“Professional guides, Eugene for the tour and Daniella at the winery, made this a great day. Eugene was prompt, organized and friendly. He made certain that everything was to our liking and he was flexible with our time. His passion and knowledge of the area is impressive. The winery is exceptionally beautiful and fascinating. Daniella is a charming and humorous host, and kept the group engaged and informed in the best way. I couldn't resist purchasing a couple of bottles of their excellent wine. Even their caps are classy, so I bought one as well. I highly recommend this tour, and hopefully you will be able to enjoy the fine…”

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14.Private Andes Day Excursion to Maipo Valley and El Yeso Reservoir

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $192

Leave Santiago at 7:30 am for a private drive through Cajón del Maipo and the Maipo Valley to El Yeso Reservoir, reaching about 2,500 meters. You get hotel pickup, an English or Spanish guide, photo stops, a short walk, and an outdoor picnic. Guides have included Francisco, Christian, Mauricio, Juan, and Jose.

“Christian was informative and very generous. The experience was one we shall remember for as long as we are alive. A gorgeous piece of our planet.”

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