Tours & experiences

Private Tour from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam

About this experience

Escape Santiago’s urban buzz on this private full-day tour to Cajón del Maipo and the El Yeso Reservoir, where dramatic mountain scenery and turquoise glacial waters await. Your English-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic drive through the Cajón del Maipo Gorge, passing cliffs, valleys, and snowcapped peaks. Enjoy free time at El Yeso Reservoir for photos, short walks, or peaceful relaxation. Optionally, stop by the mysterious Tinoco Tunnel, an abandoned railway steeped in local legend. Savor a traditional Chilean lunch at a countryside restaurant or picnic spot before visiting San José de Maipo, a charming Andean village with artisan shops and cafés. Fully customizable—extend your time, add hot springs, or tailor the route to your pace and interests.

At a glance

  • Duration: 9 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Private Tour from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour9 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Fuel and Tolls
  • Water
  • WiFi on board
  • Hotel or custom pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking local driver/informal guide
  • All taxes and handling charges

Not included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • El Yeso Reservoir (Embalse El Yeso)
  • Licensed guides available to accompany you inside the attractions

Itinerary and highlights

Cajón del Maipo Scenic Drive.
Begin your journey through this dramatic canyon carved by rivers and framed by soaring Andean peaks.

El Yeso Reservoir (Embalse el Yeso).
One of Chile’s most photogenic spots—this turquoise mountain lake is perfect for photos and a relaxing walk.

Tinoco Tunnel (Optional exterior visit).
A mysterious and historic abandoned railway tunnel with local legends and dramatic mountain views.

Stroll the streets of this quiet Andean town with artisanal shops, local crafts, and a peaceful plaza.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting for you at the selected pickup location and time. Before your ride, you’ll receive your driver’s details — including their name, phone number, and car information — so you can easily recognize them. Your driver will arrive on time and be ready to assist you and any special requests before starting your journey. Please note that our sightseeing tours does not automatically include airport pickup or drop-off. If you wish to start or end your tour at the airport, simply select the option with airport pickup included when booking if available. Kindly share any special requirements, such as traveling with a service animal or needing extra assistance, when booking your ride. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Welcome Pickups

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For 1–3 people: A comfortable sedan will be assigned to your group.
  • For 4-5 people: A spacious minivan will be assigned to your group.
  • Throughout your ride, our drivers serve as informal local guides—sharing stories, history, and local tips at every stop. Please note that drivers are not permitted to enter museums or archaeological areas, but they’ll ensure you make the most of your visit with suggestions and background information before you explore on your own.
  • Some stops on your itinerary may be closed on the date of travel due to public holidays, maintenance or special events. We recommend verifying opening hours on the attraction’s official website or contacting us before your tour. If a stop is unexpectedly closed, we will try to offer a suitable alternative.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 9 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting for you at the selected pickup location and time.

Before your ride, you’ll receive your driver’s details — including their name, phone number, and car information — so you can easily recognize them.

Your driver will arrive on time and be ready to assist you and any special requests before starting your journey.

Please note that our sightseeing tours does not automatically include airport pickup or drop-off. If you wish to start or end your tour at the airport, simply select the option with airport pickup included when booking if available.

Kindly share any special requirements, such as traveling with a service animal or needing extra assistance, when booking your ride. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 0+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.