Our private El Yeso Reservoir tour is one of the most rewarding Andes day trips from Santiago. The reservoir sits at around 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) in the Cajón del Maipo canyon: crisp mountain air, towering peaks, turquoise water and, in winter, snow all around.
By the water we set up a picnic table with breakfast, cheeses, juices and a toast with wine or sparkling wine. Then we visit El Yeso waterfall, Casa de Chocolate and the main square of San José de Maipo, with its historic church.
There is no strenuous hiking, so it works well for families with kids, older travelers, couples and groups. The tour is private and flexible, with hotel pickup in Santiago. Note that there is no cell signal at the reservoir, and bring some cash for the waterfall entrance.
Itinerary
El Yeso Reservoir
Turquoise water surrounded by mountains, time for photos and gentle walks, and a picnic breakfast facing the peaks. There is no cell signal in the area.
Access depends on the road to the reservoir being open. Please confirm on WhatsApp before booking.
El Yeso waterfall (Salto El Yeso)
A natural waterfall in a mountain setting, with a short walk and photo time. Entrance not included (paid in cash on site).
Casa de Chocolate and food stop
Handmade chocolates and local pastries, optional lunch at a nearby restaurant and a small petting zoo, depending on your timing.
San José de Maipo
The village square and its historic late-19th-century church, with free time.
What's included
- Private round-trip transport from your hotel or home, with assistance and coordination throughout the day
- Climate-controlled vehicles equipped for mountain roads
- Andes picnic at a rustic table: cheeses, salami, ham and appetizers (subject to availability), breakfast, juices and a toast with wine or sparkling wine
- Scenic stops and help with your photos
- Flexible timing
Not included
- El Yeso waterfall entrance (paid in cash on site)
- Lunch (optional, at Casa de Chocolate)
- Personal purchases
Optional add-ons
Optional specialized or bilingual guide, recommended for groups of 10 or more and for travelers who don't speak Spanish.
Specialized guide
Joins you along the way and shares the story behind each stop.
Priced on request in your quote
Guide + companion + photo & video package
Candid photos and videos shot on a smartphone, a short edited Reel/TikTok-style clip and digital delivery. Not a professional production.
Priced on request in your quote
Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
Ideal if someone in your group doesn't speak Spanish. Photo and video not included.
Priced on request in your quote
Snow season and road access
Snow at El Yeso usually arrives in late May or June, is most reliable in July and August, can last into September and, in wet years, into part of October. It depends on winter rainfall, cold fronts, sub-zero temperatures and altitude.
Access to the reservoir depends on the season and on what the park administration authorizes: in autumn and winter the road is often closed because of snow, ice or rockfall risk. That's why access is confirmed when you book, and we'll update you on road conditions before your tour.
Schedule & duration
- Estimated departure: 6:00 am.
- Approximate return: 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
- Duration: about 8 hours. May vary with the weather and road conditions.
What to bring
- Warm clothes in layers
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude)
- Cash for the waterfall entrance and for shopping in San José de Maipo (chocolates, souvenirs, crafts)
How to book
This is a private service: the vehicle is for your group only. We quote based on the number of travelers, the vehicle and the date.
- Message us on WhatsApp with your date, number of travelers and hotel.
- You receive a quote for your private service, based on group size, vehicle and date.
- Confirm with the deposit and you are all set: we pick you up at your hotel.
To confirm your service you pay a 20% deposit of the total price, which is non-refundable. The remaining 80% is paid before the service starts. If you don't show up (no-show), the booking is cancelled and the deposit is not refunded. See Terms and Conditions.
Payment methods: We accept cash in Chilean pesos (CLP), US dollars (USD), euros (EUR) and Brazilian reais (BRL) at the day's exchange rate; a payment link (Flow); and debit and credit cards (Transbank/POS). The conditions for each payment method are shared in your quote.
Gallery
FAQ
When is there snow at El Yeso Reservoir?
Usually from late May or June, most reliably in July and August, and sometimes into September or part of October in wet years. It depends on each winter.
Can you drive all the way to the reservoir?
It depends on the season and on what the park administration authorizes. In autumn and winter the road is often closed because of snow, ice or rockfall risk. We confirm access when you book and update you on road conditions before the tour.
Is there cell phone signal?
No. There is no signal at the reservoir, so let your family know before you leave.
Is the waterfall entrance included?
No. It is paid in cash on arrival, so bring some cash.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes. There is no strenuous hiking and your group sets the pace.
Does the tour include a guide?
A guide is optional and your choice. Every tour includes private round-trip transport with assistance and coordination throughout the day. We recommend adding a specialized or bilingual (Spanish/English) guide for groups of 10 or more and for travelers who don't speak Spanish. You can also add a photo and video package. Each add-on is priced in your quote.
