Cajón del Maipo & El Yeso Reservoir Day Trip with Picnic

Summary

Andes escape near Santiago with reservoir views, tunnels and mountain air

You’ll step into Chile’s Andes for a day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo & El Yeso Reservoir, where mountain air hits different and silence feels deep. Walk by glacier-fed waters, share a picnic with your group, wander through old tunnels and quirky cafés—and maybe bring home something small that’ll remind you of wide skies and cold wind long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding out of Santiago before I’d finished my coffee, the city falling away behind us as our van climbed into Cajón del Maipo. The morning light was sharp on the hills, and our guide—Cristóbal—kept pointing out little things I’d have missed: a condor circling high above, the way the river cut through rock like it had all the time in the world. It’s not far from Santiago but feels like you’re somewhere completely different. There was this moment when we stepped out for a break and the wind actually smelled cold—like stone and snow, if that makes sense.

I didn’t expect to feel so small next to El Yeso Reservoir. The water was this pale blue-green, almost milky under the sky, and everyone got quiet for a second just looking at it. Cristóbal told us about how they rely on this place for water in Santiago, which made me see it differently—less postcard, more lifeline. We walked along the edge for a bit (I kept stopping to take pictures I knew wouldn’t do it justice), then ended up sharing cookies and fruit while someone tried to pour sparkling wine without spilling half of it in the wind. That part felt oddly perfect.

Later we ducked into Tinoco Tunnel—cold inside, echoey—and then stopped at this place called Chocolate House that looks exactly how it sounds. I ordered hot chocolate just because it seemed required; Li laughed when I tried to say something in Spanish (no idea what came out). Back in San José de Maipo’s plaza there were locals selling crafts under big shady trees. I picked up a tiny carved condor as a souvenir; still have it on my desk now. Sometimes you leave places behind but they don’t really leave you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cajón del Maipo and Yeso Reservoir

• Travel from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo
• Visit San José de Maipo town
• Walk and enjoy mountain landscapes
• See El Yeso Reservoir views
• Explore Tinoco tunnel
• Stop at the Chocolate House café
• Visit Plaza de Armas and local fair
• Enjoy picnic with the group

Top questions

How long is the Cajón del Maipo & El Yeso Reservoir day trip?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including pickup and drop-off from Santiago hotels.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

What is included in the picnic during the tour?

The picnic typically features snacks like cookies, fruit, and sparkling wine shared by the group near El Yeso Reservoir.

Can infants join this Cajón del Maipo day trip?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions.

What happens if El Yeso Reservoir is closed due to weather?

If weather or road closures prevent access to El Yeso Reservoir, alternative scenic areas within Cajón del Maipo will be visited instead.

Are guides multilingual on this day trip?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide depending on group needs.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Santiago, round-trip transfers by minivan with commentary from a professional guide (sometimes multilingual), entry to key sites along Cajón del Maipo including El Yeso Reservoir when open, stops at Tinoco Tunnel and Chocolate House café, plus a shared picnic with snacks and sparkling wine before heading back in the evening.