CAJON DEL MAIPO + EL YESO RESERVOIR

Tucked within the majestic Andes, Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir offer a captivating escape into Chile’s stunning natural landscape. This full-day tour promises a journey through winding mountain roads, picturesque stops, and indulgent chocolate tastings. Visitors can enjoy the area’s rich history and indigenous culture while enjoying a picnic surrounded by the reservoir’s striking beauty. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this excursion provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover the region’s natural treasures. What secrets might these breathtaking destinations hold?

Key Points

• Cajon del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir are located in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, surrounded by hills and cliffs at an elevation of around 900 meters.
• The tour offers a scenic coffee break at Plaza San Jose del Maipo, a visit to the historical Military Shelter, and an indulgence in chocolate creations at the Chocolate House.
• The tour includes a picnic lunch at the scenic El Yeso Reservoir, with opportunities for exploring the natural and cultural elements of the region.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and can be customized for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Recommendations for the tour include bringing sun protection, a camera, and proper footwear, as the journey involves navigating winding roads through mountainous landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This experience encompasses a full-day tour to the stunning Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir in the Metropolitan Region of Chile.

The tour lasts 8 hours and costs from $550.00 per group (up to 4 participants). Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying anything upfront.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offered as a private group experience, ensuring a personalized adventure.

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore Plaza San Jose del Maipo, the El Yeso Reservoir, and enjoy a coffee break, visit to a military shelter, and a stop at a chocolate house.

Experience Highlights

The tour’s highlights include visits to Plaza San Jose del Maipu and the captivating Embalse el Yeso.

At Plaza San Jose, visitors can enjoy a coffee break while taking in the scenic views. The tour then moves on to the impressive Military Shelter, a historical landmark offering insight into the region’s past.

Afterward, guests will have the chance to indulge in delectable chocolate creations at the Chocolate House.

Throughout the experience, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a private group adventure suitable for all.

With a focus on both natural and cultural exploration, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the Cajon del Maipo area.

Historical Context

Situated within the Metropolitan Region of Chile, the Cajon del Maipo area lies in the upper basin of the Maipo River, nestled amidst hills and cliffs at an elevation of around 900 meters above sea level. The region’s rivers, including the Volcán, Yeso, and Colorado, along with estuaries like San Gabriel, Manzanito, Coyanco, Sauce, Manzano, and San José, have historically been home to indigenous Poyas, Chiquillanes, and Puelches peoples. Key historical events include the detachment of the Liberation Army sent by José de San Martín in 1817, the construction of one of the first mountain refuges by the German Andean Club in 1932, and the attack against Augusto Pinochet on Cuesta de Las Achupallas in 1986.

Geography	Rivers	Indigenous History	Historical Events
Metropolitan Region, Chile	Volcán, Yeso, Colorado	Poyas, Chiquillanes, Puelches	1817: Detachment of Liberation Army 1932: German Andean Club refuge 1986: Attack on Pinochet
Upper basin of Maipo River (900 m a.s.l.)	San Gabriel, Manzanito, Coyanco, Sauce, Manzano, San José
Surrounded by hills and cliffs

Tour Inclusions

A live tour guide accompanies participants, providing an audio guide in English throughout the experience.

Hotel pickup is included, ensuring a seamless start to the day.

During the tour, a picnic is provided, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings while refueling.

The experience caters to accessibility, offering a private group setting suitable for wheelchair users.

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Preparation and Recommendations

To ensure a comfortable and successful adventure in the Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir, visitors are advised to come prepared.

Bring a sun hat to protect against the strong Andean sun, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Pack plenty of food and drinks, as well as biodegradable sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.

Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking on the trails. The tour covers diverse terrain, so proper footwear is essential.

Following these simple recommendations will help make the most of this incredible journey through the natural wonders of the Cajón del Maipo region.

Getting There

Reaching the Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir starts with navigating the winding roads that lead through the stunning mountainous landscape.

The journey takes you past quaint villages and scenic viewpoints, offering a glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits. As you ascend, the road becomes more challenging, with hairpin turns and steep inclines.

However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll find ample parking, allowing you to begin your exploration of this remarkable region.

The route is well-marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hike to the reservoir and surrounding areas.

Itinerary

The tour itinerary kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive into the Cajón del Maipo region. Once there, you’ll stop at Plaza San Jose del Maipu to take in the local atmosphere. Next, you’ll head to the impressive Embalse el Yeso reservoir, surrounded by towering mountains. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a coffee break, explore a military shelter, and visit a traditional chocolate house. The tour is wheelchair accessible and can be tailored for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience.

Location	Activity	Duration
Plaza San Jose del Maipu	Explore the local atmosphere	1 hour
Embalse el Yeso	Visit the scenic reservoir	2 hours
Various Stops	Coffee break, military shelter, chocolate house	3 hours

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a well-organized tour that showcases the natural beauty and rich history of the Cajon del Maipo region.

The tour includes:

• Stops at key landmarks like the Military Shelter and Chocolate House, providing insights into the area’s past.
• A picnic lunch amid the stunning scenery of the El Yeso Reservoir, surrounded by towering mountains.
• Accessibility for wheelchair users, making the experience inclusive for all.

Throughout the day, a knowledgeable guide will bring the region’s geography, indigenous history, and significant events to life, creating an immersive and educational experience for participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Difficult Is the Hiking Trail?

The hiking trail is moderately challenging, requiring a moderate level of fitness. It features some steep inclines and uneven terrain, but is suitable for most active travelers with proper preparation and equipment.

Are There Any Shops or Restaurants at the Locations?

According to the activity overview, there are a few stops included in the tour, such as a coffee break, military shelter, and a chocolate house. However, no specific details are provided about shops or restaurants at the main locations of Plaza San Jose del Maipu and Embalse el Yeso.

Is There Any Wildlife We Might See During the Tour?

Visitors may spot a variety of wildlife during the tour, including Andean condors, foxes, guanacos, and other native species that inhabit the rugged Andes mountains and valleys surrounding El Yeso Reservoir and Cajón del Maipo.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for the picnic portion of the tour. The tour includes a picnic, but travelers can supplement it with their own provisions if desired.

Are There Any Safety Precautions We Should Be Aware Of?

For this tour, it’s recommended to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection, and stay hydrated. The guide will provide safety instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the beautiful natural surroundings.

The Sum Up

Cajon del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir offer a breathtaking escape into Chile’s stunning natural landscape. Visitors can enjoy a picnic surrounded by the striking beauty of the reservoir, while knowledgeable guides share insights into the area’s rich history and indigenous culture, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience. This full-day tour features scenic drives, picturesque stops, and indulgent visits, providing an unforgettable exploration of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: