Cajón del Maipo tour: 8 hours in the Andes with guide
Eight hours through mountain villages, tunnels and alpine views
An eight-hour guided tour of Cajón del Maipo in the Andes includes round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and stops at the historic village of San José de Maipo, El Tinoco Tunnel, the Chocolate House, and (October to April) El Yeso Reservoir with its turquoise waters. You choose breakfast and lunch at local restaurants along the way.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Cajón del Maipo and San José de Maipo
- Visit San José de Maipo village
- Stop for breakfast at local place
- View El Tinoco Tunnel and Yeso River
- Visit El Yeso Reservoir (seasonal)
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Visit Casa de Chocolate
What’s included
- Round-trip transfer from your location.
- air-conditioned vehicle for the full eight hours.
- guided tour in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- stops at San José de Maipo village, El Tinoco Tunnel, the Chocolate House, and (October–April only) El Yeso Reservoir with a short hike if conditions allow.
Times
- Every day 06:30
Before you book
Operated by Lucero Travel Chile
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Eight hours means a full morning and afternoon in the mountains. The tour starts with a pickup and drive through Cajón del Maipo toward San José de Maipo, a traditional mountain town where you walk through the village and see its local character and history. Along the route you pass El Tinoco Tunnel and view the Yeso River from the vehicle as it cuts through the canyon.
Between October and April, the tour includes a stop at El Yeso Reservoir, known for its turquoise water and mountain setting. If conditions allow, you hike approximately 25 minutes per section to a designated viewpoint. From May to September, vehicle access to the reservoir closes, so the route changes to other canyon landscapes. You'll also visit the Chocolate House, a locally recognized spot with distinctive architecture and a range of chocolate products to browse and taste.
Breakfast and lunch happen at local restaurants you choose from as you go. Neither is included in the price, so you pay separately for what you order. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on the group, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the mountain roads. The tour requires a minimum of two people to run.
Is this one for you?The guide speaks your language (English, Spanish or Portuguese), so the commentary is live and clear throughout the day. Book this if you want someone who knows the canyon to explain what you're seeing rather than navigate and interpret it yourself.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is San José de Maipo like when we get there?
San José de Maipo is a charming historic village in the mountains where you walk through the town to experience its local culture and authentic character. It's the main stop where you get a real sense of how people live in this part of the Andes.
Can we see the El Yeso Reservoir on every departure?
El Yeso Reservoir is included only from October through April, when vehicle access is open and weather and safety conditions allow. From May to September, the route visits other canyon landscapes instead because the road to the reservoir closes during those months.
Do we hike to see the reservoir?
If conditions allow, you hike approximately 25 minutes per section to a designated area to view the landscape around the reservoir. The hike is not mandatory on every departure because it depends on weather and safety conditions on the day.
What is the Chocolate House?
The Chocolate House is a locally recognized stop with striking architecture and a variety of chocolate products. It's a place to browse, taste and buy if you want to, but it's not a formal tasting or a long sit-down experience.
Are meals included in the tour price?
Breakfast and lunch are not included. You stop at local restaurants along the way and order and pay for what you eat. The guide can recommend places, but the choice and cost are yours.
How does the guide communicate with the group?
The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on who is on the tour. The operator arranges the language based on the group's needs, so let them know your preference when you book.
Cajón del Maipo tour: 8 hours in the Andes with guide
8h · EN · ES · PT · at your hotel
from US$ 78 per person
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