Cajón del Maipo: Andes Day Trip with Wine, Picnic & Empanada

Summary

Andes canyon roads, lake views and wine under the sun in Cajón del Maipo

You’ll ride deep into Cajón del Maipo from Santiago with a local guide, feel mountain air by Embalse El Yeso’s blue water, share Chilean wine at a picnic spot few tourists find, and taste fresh empanadas in San José de Maipo. It’s not just scenery — it’s laughter over lunch and quiet moments you’ll remember long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

We left Santiago before I was fully awake, honestly — but the city faded fast behind us and suddenly it was just mountains everywhere. Our guide, Felipe, played some old Chilean pop songs on the radio and pointed out where the Maipo River cuts through the rock. The air changed as we climbed — sharper, almost sweet, like someone had just opened a fridge full of wet stones and wild herbs. There was this tiny café at our first stop; I grabbed coffee and tried to chat with a local woman selling pastries. My Spanish is rough, but she smiled anyway.

The drive along Cajón del Maipo is kind of hypnotic — cliffs on one side, river on the other, all those colors you don’t get in photos. At Embalse El Yeso, Felipe led us to a spot away from the bigger groups. The wind came off the water cold enough to sting my cheeks but it felt good. He poured us Chilean wine (red for me) and set out cheese and olives right there by the lake. I still think about that view — snow patches clinging to rock above turquoise water — and how quiet it got for a second when everyone just looked around instead of talking.

Lunch was in San José de Maipo: flaky empanadas straight from the oven, filled with beef and onion so hot they nearly burned my tongue (worth it). Felipe teased me for eating too fast. We sat outside with our glasses of wine while stray dogs wandered past our feet. On the way back we stopped at this odd little house that looked like something out of a fairy tale — apparently famous for chocolate and homemade ice cream. I bought chocolate for later but ended up eating most of it on the bus home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cajon Del Maipo and Andes views

• Pick up at Santiago hotel
• Stop for bathroom and coffee
• Drive through Maipo River Canyon
• Arrive at Yeso Reservoir viewpoints
• Free time to explore and take photos
• Enjoy empanadas and Chilean wine
• Visit fairy tale house and buy local products
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Cajón del Maipo day trip take?

The tour usually lasts about 10 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off from Santiago.

Is lunch included in this Cajón del Maipo tour?

Yes, you get a traditional empanada lunch with Chilean wine during the trip.

Does this tour go to Embalse El Yeso?

Yes, visiting Embalse El Yeso is part of the itinerary except during winter when snow may block access.

Are hotel pickups included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central Santiago areas; otherwise there’s a meeting point option.

What languages do guides speak?

The guide operates in multiple languages including English and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if there’s snow during winter?

If snow blocks vehicle access to Embalse El Yeso (June–Sept), there will be extra walking or stops for snow gear rental as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Santiago (or meeting point), all transport by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver and multilingual guide, entry fees where needed (like small waterfalls), an empanada lunch paired with Chilean wine plus bottled water at San José de Maipo, time at Embalse El Yeso reservoir (weather permitting), stops for snacks or chocolate shopping—and finally drop-off back at your hotel in the evening.