The Cajón del Maipo Tour offers a captivating journey into the heart of the Andes, where towering peaks and pristine landscapes captivate the senses. Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a visit to the stunning El Yeso Reservoir, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With personalized attention, knowledgeable guides, and a delightful picnic, the tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s geology and environment. But the true allure of this adventure lies in the opportunity to take in the rugged grandeur of the Andes, a experience that lingers long after the journey has ended.
Key Points

- A full-day excursion to the Andes mountains, offering stunning views of the Andes and El Yeso Reservoir, with a maximum of 18 travelers for a personalized experience.
- Includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, and a picnic lunch with cheese, wine, and snacks, catering to traveler needs throughout the excursion.
- Guided tour with a knowledgeable guide, providing insights into the geological and environmental features of the Andes, and earning an average rating of 4.5/5 from 65 reviews.
- Pickup from central Santiago accommodations, with coordination for pickups outside the central area, and free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Recommendations for itinerary improvements include shortening the tour duration, providing more detailed information on hiking gear, and enhancing the quality and presentation of the picnic.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Inclusions
- Meeting and Pickup
- Participant Requirements
- Traveler Feedback
- Stunning Andes Views
- Picnic Quality Reflection
- Recommended Itinerary Improvements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
- Can Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Be Provided for the Picnic?
- How Are the Restroom Facilities at the Tour Stops?
- Can We Customize the Pickup and Drop-Off Locations for Our Group?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Santiago
- More Tours in Santiago
- More Tour Reviews in Santiago
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Santiago we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This tour, called the Cajón del Maipo Tour + El Yeso Reservoir, is operated by Discover Santiago and takes place in the beautiful natural landscapes near Santiago, Chile.
It’s a full-day excursion that lasts approximately 11.5 hours, running from around 5:45 AM to 5:00 PM. Participants will be picked up from their accommodations in central Santiago, with arrangements made for those staying outside the city center.
The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers and includes various amenities like an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, passenger insurance, and a tasty picnic lunch.
With an average rating of 4.5/5 from 65 reviews, this tour seems to offer an immersive experience in the stunning Andes mountain range.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Santiago.
Inclusions

The Cajón del Maipo Tour + El Yeso Reservoir includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport participants, a knowledgeable tour guide, and passenger insurance for the duration of the experience.
Round-trip transportation to and from the traveler’s hotel, hostel, or apartment in central Santiago is also provided.
Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as a basic picnic with cheese, wine, and salty snacks.
The tour operator, Discover Santiago, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey for a maximum of 18 travelers per tour.
Participants can enjoy the stunning views of the Andes and the beautiful El Yeso Reservoir, while the inclusions cater to their needs throughout the day-long excursion.
Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can get picked up from their hotels, hostels, or apartments located within central Santiago for the Cajón del Maipo Tour + El Yeso Reservoir. For those accommodations outside the central area, the tour operator coordinates the pickup arrangements. Participants receive confirmation of their booking details within 48 hours, including the pickup information.
The tour size is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience throughout the day-long excursion.
The tour offers several convenient features:
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Round-trip transportation to and from the participants’ accommodations
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Coordination for pickups outside the central Santiago area
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Confirmation of all booking details within 48 hours of reserving the tour
Participant Requirements
The Cajón del Maipo Tour + El Yeso Reservoir isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
Travelers should be aware that in case of bad weather, the tour operator may offer an alternative date or a full refund.
The tour operates daily from 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, so participants should be prepared for an early start.
While the tour covers a long duration of approximately 11.5 hours, the stunning views of the Andes and the beautiful El Yeso Reservoir make it a worthwhile experience.
Travelers are advised to wear appropriate gear for hiking and be ready to enjoy the picnic with cheese, wine, and salty snacks provided during the tour.
Traveler Feedback

Overwhelmingly, reviews of the Cajón del Maipo Tour + El Yeso Reservoir have been positive, with travelers praising the stunning vistas of the Andes and the beauty of the reservoir itself.
Many have remarked on the friendliness and informativeness of the guides, who enhance the overall experience.
The picnics provided during the tour have also been enjoyed, with the cheese, wine, and salty snacks proving to be a delightful complement to the stunning natural surroundings.
However, some concerns have been raised about the length of the tour and the lack of information provided on proper hiking gear.
Recommendations include shortening the itinerary and improving communication to ensure guests are fully prepared for the day’s activities.
Stunning Andes Views
As visitors embark on the Cajón del Maipo Tour, they’re greeted with breathtaking vistas of the towering Andes mountains, whose snow-capped peaks seem to pierce the sky. The drive through the rugged landscape offers panoramic views that leave travelers in awe.
From the lush valleys to the dramatic cliffs, the sheer scale and grandeur of the Andes are on full display. Along the way, the tour guide provides insights into the geological and environmental wonders of the region, enhancing the experience.
Whether it’s stopping at scenic lookout points or simply gazing out the window, the Andes’ stunning beauty is the highlight of this excursion, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Picnic Quality Reflection

Amidst the stunning vistas of the Andes, the quality of the picnic on the Cajón del Maipo Tour is a crucial aspect that impacts participants’ overall experience. Travelers often comment on the enjoyment they derive from the provided cheese, wine, and salty snacks, though some express dissatisfaction with the selection and presentation.
While the picnic is generally well-received, there are several areas for improvement:
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More diverse and high-quality food options
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Presentation that evokes a sense of rustic elegance
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Efficient distribution of the picnic items
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Enhanced communication about dietary restrictions and preferences
Recommended Itinerary Improvements

While the Cajón del Maipo Tour offers stunning vistas and an immersive experience, there are several opportunities to enhance the itinerary and improve the overall experience for travelers.
One recommendation is to shorten the tour duration, which some participants found overly long.
Plus, providing more detailed information about the proper gear and equipment needed for hiking would help set accurate expectations and ensure participants are prepared.
Finally, enhancing the quality of the picnic by sourcing higher-quality local products could elevate the culinary aspect of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel within this timeframe, providing flexibility and peace of mind when booking the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
The tour operator does not mention any age restrictions for participants. Most travelers are able to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the long duration and hiking involved.
Can Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Be Provided for the Picnic?
The tour operator can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requirements for the picnic. Travelers should notify the operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour, and the operator will make the necessary arrangements.
How Are the Restroom Facilities at the Tour Stops?
The restroom facilities at tour stops can vary in quality and availability. Some may have basic, clean facilities, while others may be more rustic. Travelers should be prepared for a range of restroom options during the tour.
Can We Customize the Pickup and Drop-Off Locations for Our Group?
Yes, the tour company generally allows customers to customize pickup and drop-off locations. They’ll coordinate accommodations outside the central area and provide confirmation within 48 hours of booking. However, the maximum group size is 18 travelers.
Cajón Del Maipo Tour + El Yeso Reservoir
“It was an amazing trip! Just an hour away from the big metropolis finding yourself surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Andes! Our guide Diego …”
Recap
The Cajón del Maipo Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning Andes.
Travelers can expect breathtaking vistas, a visit to the picturesque El Yeso Reservoir, and a delightful picnic in a magnificent natural setting.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, providing insights into the area’s geology and environment.
This full-day excursion is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking a personalized and immersive adventure in Chile’s rugged landscape.

















