Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir: a guide for your day in the Santiago mountains

A little over an hour from downtown Santiago, the landscape changes completely: the city is left behind and a mountain valley appears with turquoise waters, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. This is the Cajón del Maipo, and for many travelers, it is the day they remember most from their time in Chile.

This guide brings together what you should know before heading up: what to visit, when to go, what to bring, and which of our two versions of the tour suits you best.

What you will see along the way

The tour is not a transfer from point A to point B: the route itself is part of the experience. These are the classic stops:

• Tinoco Tunnel. A narrow tunnel carved into the rock, without lighting, which marks the beginning of the wildest part of the road. Crossing it is one of those moments that everyone ends up recording.
• El Cristo Bridge. A natural viewpoint over the river, with the mountain range opening up toward the end of the valley.
• Las Melosas Waterfall. A meltwater cascade between rock walls, ideal for stretching your legs and getting some fresh air.
• El Yeso Reservoir. The highlight. A high-mountain reservoir over 2,500 meters above sea level, with a turquoise color that comes from glacial sediment and changes depending on the daylight.

The Valle de Colina Hot Springs

Higher up than the reservoir, right in the mountain range, there is a series of natural thermal pools staggered along the hillside. They are not an indoor pool or a spa: they are open-air hot water pools with an open view of the valley. The contrast between the warm water and the cold mountain air is exactly why it is worth getting there.

If you want to include them, the experience that covers them is Cajón del Maipo + Hot Springs, which adds the entrance to the hot springs to the full tour.

When to go and what to expect from the weather

The Cajón del Maipo can be visited all year round, but each season offers something different:

• Spring and summer (October to March). Long days, active snowmelt, and the reservoir at its most intense color. It is the best window if it is your first time.
• Autumn (April and May). Fewer people, warm colors in the valley, and pleasant temperatures.
• Winter (June to September). A spectacular snowy landscape, but access depends on road conditions and mountain weather.

An important point: even if it is hot in Santiago, it is always colder up there. The difference between the city and the reservoir can be several degrees, and the wind is noticeable in the mountains. It is also worth taking it easy at altitude: at over 2,000 meters, it is normal to get tired sooner than usual.

What to bring

• Layered clothing: a t-shirt, fleece or light jacket, and a windbreaker.
• Comfortable shoes with good grip (the terrain is uneven).
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. At altitude, the sun is much stronger.
• Water and your own snacks if you have any specific dietary requirements.
• A swimsuit and towel if you are going on the version with hot springs.
• Cash in Chilean pesos for personal expenses: in the mountains, cell signal is intermittent and card payment is not always available.
• A charged battery. You will take more photos than you think.

Two ways to take the tour

We offer two versions of the same valley, and the choice depends on how much time you want to spend up there:

• El Yeso Reservoir — the tour focused on the landscape: Tinoco Tunnel, El Cristo Bridge, Las Melosas Waterfall, and the reservoir. It includes round-trip transport, a guide, and a picnic with snacks and drinks.
• Cajón del Maipo + Hot Springs — the same tour, plus entry to the Valle de Colina Hot Springs. It is the longest and most complete day.

In both cases, transportation is private, with a driver and guide, and we depart from your hotel or address in Santiago. If you are a group of more than six people, it is worth asking about our group rates.