Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile

Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic

Outty Ranking 73 4.5 · 172 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $47
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 172 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic worth booking?

Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic is a 8-hour experience in Santiago, Chile, from $47 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 172 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (172)
Duration
8 hours
From
$47 per person

Breathe in the fresh mountain air of Cajon del Maipo on a guided tour from Santiago. Learn about the folklore of this volcanic area and enjoy a light picnic with wine at the El Yeso Dam. During the journey, admire the wonderful views of this natural landscape filled with high mountain passes, lakes and forests. Hear about the traditions of the region and listen to folk tales told by your guide. Along the way, you will pass through the Tinoco Tunnel, a dark and abandoned railway tunnel that runs along the Camino Al Volcán, a remnant of the region's railway era. (optional stop) Not far from here, you will reach the El Yeso Dam. This large reservoir was created in 1964 by damming the Yeso River and today serves as one of Santiago's main sources of water. Stop here to enjoy a picnic lunch served with a glass of wine and some juice.

What you get

    About this experience

    Breathe in the fresh mountain air of Cajon del Maipo on a guided tour from Santiago. Learn about the folklore of this volcanic area and enjoy a light picnic with wine at the El Yeso Dam. During the journey, admire the wonderful views of this natural landscape filled with high mountain passes, lakes and forests. Hear about the traditions of the region and listen to folk tales told by your guide. Along the way, you will pass through the Tinoco Tunnel, a dark and abandoned railway tunnel that runs along the Camino Al Volcán, a remnant of the region's railway era. (optional stop) Not far from here, you will reach the El Yeso Dam. This large reservoir was created in 1964 by damming the Yeso River and today serves as one of Santiago's main sources of water. Stop here to enjoy a picnic lunch served with a glass of wine and some juice.

    What's included

    Included

    • Snacks
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Cajon del Maipo

      El Cajón del Maipo is a surprising tourist destination, made up of wonders that only the Andes Mountains can offer, such as its rivers, waterfalls, valleys, mountains, hot springs and unique flora and fauna in the country, just a few steps from Santiago and with countless attractions waiting to be discovered by you.

      120 minutes here

    2. Embalse El Yeso

      This large reservoir was created in 1964 by damming the Yeso River and today serves as one of Santiago's main water sources.

      120 minutes here

    3. Tunel Ferroviario del Tinoco

      The El Tinoco tunnel is a railway tunnel located 15 kilometers from San José de Maipo. It is part of the G-25 Camino El Volcán route, El Jaboncillo Sector, located at kilometer 43.6 km and is 493 meters long.1 Built between 1911 and 1914, it is considered a Historical Monument because it is part of the route along which the old military railway (now converted into a historic train) passed, connecting the municipality of Puente Alto to the city of El Volcán. This stop is optional for the guide, due to the cleanliness of the place or the weather.

      60 minutes here

    4. Casa Chocolate Tienda Boutique

      The Chocolate House is one of the best-known and most representative tourist attractions in the Cajón del Maipo tourist destination, a mandatory stop for many tour operators. It is a magical place that in its center has a cafeteria with striking vernacular architecture, which emulates a house built with chocolate, surrounded by a small forest, with corridors, a bonfire and resting places taken from a fairy tale, where we can appreciate the details in the design and architecture of one of the oldest and most innovative families in Cajon tourism.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Aprendi a Viajar Chile

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, photo 2Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, photo 3Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, photo 4Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, photo 5Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, photo 6Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic in Santiago, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 172 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    172 verified traveler reviews for Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    141
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    8
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    12
    Sort
    matheusa287 · February 2026

    Terrible experience with the operator, canceled the day before 20h50

    We booked it days ago and thought that it would be a good experience. Today i asked them if the pickup place was ok. But just found out at 20h50 the day before that they canceled it. So now im left with a day with no trip and wont be able to know Cajon Del Maipo with my wife. Dont book with them, they may do the same with you.

    via Tripadvisor

    Doug L · February 2026

    Good tour, guide and excellent scenery

    We were pleased with the tour. Everything went great. it was a good one day scenic tour and we would recommend it for people that do not have a lot of time.

    via Tripadvisor

    Ivana_M · January 2026

    The tour was very...

    The tour was very well-organized. Our guide, Lola, was amazing and very helpful. We received all the necessary information on time and had a wonderful trip. The only thing I didn't like was that the guide kept switching between three languages, even though the tour was supposed to be in English.

    via Viator

    Shaival_J · December 2025

    Amazing views and tour guide

    I think the effective part of the entire 10 hour tour is just 1 hour at the reservoir, rest all stops are for breakfast and ice-creams to make the day longer. Nevertheless, the views at reservoir are amazing, picnic was fun and our tour guide Joana was very kind!

    via Viator

    867aliciac · December 2025

    Great experience

    We had an amazing time with our guide Pablo. Fyi, they did stop to let us buy food for breakfast, so you don't have to worry about not eating.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $47 to $254
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    60
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Aprendi a Viajar Chile, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.3.

    See everything Aprendi a Viajar Chile runs

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)66
    Review evidence (18% weight)72
    Booking momentum (14% weight)67
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santiago.

    How much does Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic cost?

    +

    Prices start at $47 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santiago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santiago is not rushed.

    Is Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 172 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santiago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic?

    +

    Around 60 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santiago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santiago and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santiago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Santiago?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Santiago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Maipo Valley Wine Region: 4 Wineries, Tastings & Foodie Tour, Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting, Tour to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Pablo Neruda Museum and Vineyard. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Santiago?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Santiago?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic?

    +

    Included: Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Breakfast; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 276 listed pickup locations in and around Santiago. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Cajon del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso with Picnic?

    +

    Across 172 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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