Cajon del Maipo & El Yeso Dam: Day Trip with Picnic & Wine

Summary

Andes valleys, old railway tunnels, wine by the reservoir

You’ll ride out from Santiago into Cajon del Maipo’s wild valleys, walk through an old railway tunnel (if weather allows), then share a simple picnic with local wine beside El Yeso Dam’s unreal blue water—all with stories from your guide along the way. Expect cold air on your cheeks and maybe some laughter over spilled juice.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re going to want to see this,” our guide, Pablo, said as we rounded a bend out of Santiago. The city faded behind us and the Cajon del Maipo valley just kind of opened up—like someone pulled back a curtain. It was colder than I expected, even with the sun out. The air smelled sharp, like wet stone and pine needles. We stopped for coffee at this place that looked like a gingerbread house—locals call it the Chocolate House. There were kids running around outside and someone had started a fire in a rusty barrel. I burned my tongue on the coffee but didn’t care; it felt good to just stand there with my hands wrapped around something warm.

Pablo told stories about the old railway as we drove deeper into the mountains. He pointed out places where you could still see bits of track poking through the grass. We stopped at the Tinoco Tunnel, which is long and pitch-black inside—honestly, I hesitated before going in. Some people say it’s haunted (Pablo winked when he said that), but mostly it was just damp and echoey, with our footsteps bouncing off the walls. When we came out on the other side, there was this weird silence except for wind scraping over the rocks. I liked that part more than I thought I would.

The main thing though is Embalse El Yeso—the El Yeso Dam. You don’t really get how blue that water is until you’re standing right next to it. We sat down for a picnic: bread, cheese, fruit, and Chilean wine poured into plastic cups (which made us laugh). The wind kept trying to steal our napkins. Pablo explained how important the reservoir is for Santiago’s water—he seemed proud of it in this quiet way. I remember sitting there with cold fingers and thinking how small everything else felt compared to these mountains.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cajon del Maipo and El Yeso Dam

• Travel from Santiago to Cajon del Maipo
• Discover rivers, waterfalls, and valleys
• Visit the Chocolate House
• Optional stop at El Tinoco tunnel
• Arrive at El Yeso Dam
• Enjoy picnic with wine at the dam

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Cajon del Maipo from Santiago?

It takes about 1.5–2 hours by vehicle from Santiago to Cajon del Maipo.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Santiago is included.

What food is served during the picnic at El Yeso Dam?

The picnic includes bread, cheese, fruit, juice, and Chilean wine.

Can everyone walk through Tinoco Tunnel?

The stop at Tinoco Tunnel is optional and depends on weather or cleanliness; it's up to your guide.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Spanish and often English; check at booking if you need another language.

Are entry fees included in the price?

All necessary entry fees are included in your tour price.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Santiago by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees along the route including optional stops like Tinoco Tunnel if conditions allow, plus a light picnic lunch with Chilean wine or juice served beside El Yeso Dam before heading back in the afternoon.