Chile · CAJóN DEL MAIPO & THE ANDES
15 reviewed
Ninety minutes out of the capital the tarmac ends and the Embalse El Yeso appears, a turquoise reservoir under snow at 2,500 metres. These are the 15 best Cajón del Maipo day trips: which include the terraced hot springs at Termas de Colina, which stop for a proper Chilean barbecue, which add the Volcán San José hike, and what each costs with hotel pickup.
Van trip from Santiago into Cajón del Maipo and Embalse del Yeso, with mountain towns and a wine-and-cheese picnic snack.
“Trip worth this money, we had fun. Picnic is only a little snack (salami, cheese), but there was a chance to eat in the restaurant (grilled beef).”
Small-group Andes day trip from Santiago to Embalse El Yeso, with a real picnic and wine, plus canyon views in Cajón del Maipo.
“Very interesting, but a lot of driving on winding mountain rods. We wanted to see rural Chile and this met our requirements.”
Andes day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam, with guided stops and a picnic with wine and snacks for $38.
“The day was amazing! It was the perfect way to escape the heat of the city and enjoy cooler temperatures and the pristine nature of Maipo. Pablo was a fabulous guide and host. Every aspect of the trip was executed to perfection! I highly recommend this trip!”
Small-group 8K hike from Santiago through Cajón del Maipo to Volcán San José, with guided insights, picnic wine, and Andes views.
“This was a great day. Really enjoyed taking in all the views which were amazing. Had good conversations and laughs with the rest of the group. A special mention to our guide (Laura) who was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information with us which added to the whole experience. Thank you for the the surprise at the end of the trek - unexpected but very welcome!”
Andes canyon, volcano-heated hot springs, and El Yeso’s reservoir on a long but good-value Santiago day trip with hotel pickup.
“The tour was great. It wasn’t a problem that we barely spoke Spanish because the guide shared little information about sights — we didn’t feel left out on essential information. For us, scenery and termas were primary reason for booking this tour and we got exactly what we wanted.”
Santiago to Cajón del Maipo hot springs: Andes canyon views, Tinoco Tunnel stories, 7 warm pools, hotel pickup, about 10 hours.
“It was a great trip, our guide Gonzalo was so nice, experienced and thoughtful. I really enjoyed the day.”
Andes views, volcanic hot springs in Cajón del Maipo, and a big Chilean barbecue with wine and stargazing, from Santiago.
“It was long but worth it. The hot springs were amazing as was the star gazing and the Andes. It is very bumpy so if you don't like that you may not enjoy it. Guide was great. Food and wine were good too.”
Private Andes day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam, with hotel pickup, guide, and iconic chocolate and tunnel stops.
“Sebastian was a GREST driver we were on some scary roads. He did a great job. Our tour guide was very nice but the tour itself seems unorganized. We left very early and went to a town that non of the vendors had set up yet. Not much to see. The canyon itself was beautiful and the lake near the dam was very peaceful. The Andes are different from any mountains I have seen. I really expected more but what we saw was ok.”
Explore Maipo Canyon, hike to San José de Maipo volcano viewpoints, then soak at Baños Colina hot springs from Santiago.
“A great tour, with a fun and knowledgeable guide. The hike was great, with the best views at the mountains and all the different colored rocks. With the explanations of the guide about the forming of the mountains we appreciated it even more. The plain and the lunch at the river were beautiful spots. And the hot baths were a good closure of a wonderful day. The best tour we did in Santiago!!”
Andes day trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso, with goat cheese tastings, handmade chocolate pastries, and Chilean picnic.
“It was a very well organized and punctual tour. We were offered alternatives not staying at the retreat points suggested the best option as we did not know the place. The guide was very friendly. It was all very niceAuto-translated”
Maipo River whitewater rafting near Santiago: class 3-4 rapids, pro guides, gear, photos, hot showers, and optional faith jump.
“I had such a good time, it was such a crazy, fun experience, new, exciting, and unforgettable. They made us feel very comfortable, and Manuel, Felipe, and Angelo were all great. They were friendly, fun, and professional, and really made the experience special.”
Andes Day Lagoon trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo, San Jose de Maipo, and Embalse El Yeso for wine, lunch, and mountain air.
“Sebastian was a delight and made our trip fantastic”
Swap Santiago traffic for Cajón del Maipo Andean scenery and six thermal pools at Termas de Colina, with round-trip transfers.
“1. While booking, it says english guide. But it turned out to be all spanish..the co travellers and the guide (speaks broken little english often taking help of intetnet translations). 2. The guide admits the tour is his first trip as well. Hence seems helpless. 3. The driver is more active virtually taking over control. He is excitedly speaking throughout, sometime even getting his both hands off the steering... 4. The tour wad supposedly to start at 6.30. I was sent a text at 10 pm earlier night that the pick up will be at 5 am. I missed thay and when they arrive in the morning and threatened to…”
Private Andes day trip from Santiago to Maipo Valley and El Yeso Reservoir with free hotel pickup, a private guide, and picnic.
“Christian was informative and very generous. The experience was one we shall remember for as long as we are alive. A gorgeous piece of our planet.”
Early Santiago hike to El Morado, trekking about 16 km to the San Francisco Hanging Glacier lookout, with lunch, water, and transport.
“Excellent 16km hike with Fransico, Javier and Philippe! I would highly recommend this full day hike and the views were breathtaking.”
