Santiago: Cajon Del Maipo & El Yeso Reservoir Trip With Picnic

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, the Cajon del Maipo region offers a captivating escape from the bustling city of Santiago. An 8-hour excursion to this enchanting destination promises an immersive journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes, culminating in a serene encounter with the stunning El Yeso Reservoir. Set out on a guided tour, explore the historic Tinoco Tunnel, and savor a delightful picnic amid the natural beauty. As you indulge in local Chilean wines, artisanal sandwiches, and gourmet cheeses, the tranquility of the Andes will envelop you, leaving you with an unforgettable experience. Discover why this captivating adventure has captured the hearts of many.

Key Points

• This 8-hour excursion in Cajon del Maipo region includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, guided tour, and a picnic with wine.
• The tour highlights the Tinoco Tunnel, El Yeso Dam, and scenic drives through the Andes Mountains, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
• The guided tour provides live narration about local folklore, traditions, and historical insights into the Cajon del Maipo region and El Yeso Dam.
• The 1-hour picnic in a private area features a selection of local Chilean wines and a variety of gourmet picnic foods.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 633 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking mountain and lake views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

The "Santiago: Cajon del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso Trip with Picnic" is an 8-hour excursion that takes travelers through the scenic Cajon del Maipo region just outside of Santiago.

Priced from CLP 810 to CLP 1,081 per person, the trip includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned van, and a guided tour with live narration about the area’s folklore and traditions.

Highlights include a visit to the Tinoco Tunnel, exploration of the El Yeso Dam, and a picnic with wine in a private area.

Optional add-ons like shopping at Casa Chocolate in San Jose de Maipo are available.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The scenic drive through Cajon del Maipo takes visitors past high mountain passes, serene lakes, and the picturesque Maipo Canyon.

The first stop is the Tinoco Tunnel, where guests can explore for around 30 minutes.

Next, they’ll visit the El Yeso Dam, a major water source for Santiago, and take in the scenic views for 80 minutes.

The highlight is a 1-hour picnic with wine in a private area, allowing travelers to relax and soak in the stunning surroundings.

Optionally, visitors can explore the nearby Casa Chocolate and San Jose de Maipo for shopping, though this incurs an extra fee.

Experience Details

This guided tour offers a live narration from the knowledgeable guide, providing insights into the local folklore and traditions of the region.

Visitors will admire the breathtaking high mountain passes, serene lakes, lush forests, and the picturesque Maipo Canyon during the scenic drive.

The tour also explores the Tinoco Tunnel and the El Yeso Dam, a major water source for Santiago, as travelers learn about their fascinating histories.

With a relaxing picnic and the option to visit Casa Chocolate and San Jose de Maipo, this comprehensive experience immerses guests in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cajon del Maipo area.

Transportation and Comfort

For transportation and comfort, the tour provides an air-conditioned van that picks up guests from their accommodations.

The driver waits up to 5 minutes past the scheduled pickup time, ensuring guests have ample time to get ready.

After the tour, participants are dropped off at the same locations as the pickup.

The air-conditioned van offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore the scenic Cajon del Maipo and El Yeso Dam.

With this personalized transportation, travelers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes without worrying about navigating the roads.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences on the Santiago: Cajon del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso Trip with Picnic. Based on 633 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provide live narration about the region’s folklore and traditions. The breathtaking views of high mountain passes, lakes, and the picturesque Maipo Canyon also receive rave reviews.

Guests appreciate the comfortable transportation and the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful picnic with wine. While the service rating is slightly lower at 4.0, the overall value for money is considered excellent, with many customers noting the trip’s exceptional quality relative to its price.

Scenic Drive Through Cajon Del Maipo

Winding through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes Mountains, the scenic drive through Cajon del Maipo immerses travelers in a breathtaking natural wonder.

As the air-conditioned van ascends the winding roads, passengers are treated to panoramic views of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests.

The drive showcases the region’s diverse geography, from the arid high-altitude terrain to the lush vegetation of the valley.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the area’s history, geology, and unique ecosystem, making the journey both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.

This scenic drive is a highlight of the excursion, setting the stage for the exploration of the remarkable El Yeso Dam and the enjoyment of a picnic in a private area.

Exploring El Yeso Dam

After the scenic drive through Cajon del Maipo, the tour moves to the next highlight – the exploration of the impressive El Yeso Dam. Visitors will spend approximately 80 minutes exploring this major water source for Santiago. The dam provides stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Visitors can learn about the history and importance of the dam through the guide’s live narration.

Feature	Description
Location	In the Andes Mountains, near San José de Maipo
Purpose	Primary water source for the city of Santiago
Construction	Completed in 1942
Height	112 meters (367 feet)

The exploration of El Yeso Dam offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and understand the critical infrastructure that supports the city of Santiago.

Picnic With Wine

One of the highlights of the Cajon del Maipo trip is the 1-hour picnic with wine in a private area.

After exploring the Tinoco Tunnel and El Yeso Dam, visitors can relax and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch.

The experience includes:

• A selection of local Chilean wines to sample
• A variety of delicious picnic foods, including:
• Artisanal sandwiches
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Gourmet cheeses and charcuterie
• A scenic setting with views of the surrounding mountains
• An opportunity to learn about the region’s traditions and culture from the knowledgeable guide.

The picnic provides a perfect chance to unwind, refuel, and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Cajon del Maipo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Picnic?

You can bring your own food and drinks for the picnic. The tour provides a private area to enjoy your personal picnic, but they also offer a picnic option that includes wine and snacks.

Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements for This Trip?

There are no strenuous physical activity requirements for this trip. Participants will enjoy scenic drives, short walks to viewpoints, and a relaxed picnic. The overall experience is designed to be comfortable and accessible for most travelers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Trip?

There’s no mention of the option to extend the duration of the trip. The trip is fixed at 8 hours, with a detailed itinerary that includes stops at key destinations. Extended tour options aren’t included in the overview provided.

Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, customers can request a private tour for their group. The tour operator offers private options that allow groups to customize the itinerary and have a more personalized experience compared to the standard group tour.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Tour?

The recommended attire for this tour is casual and comfortable. Guests should dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. The tour involves outdoor activities, so dressing for the weather is advised.

The Sum Up

This captivating excursion to Cajon del Maipo and the stunning El Yeso Reservoir offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the Andes. With a guided tour, exploration of the historic Tinoco Tunnel, and a delightful picnic set against the backdrop of nature’s beauty, this experience promises relaxation, culture, and lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: