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El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) Tours

El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso), which was built in 1964, created a turquoise reservoir that can hold more than 253 million cubic meters of water. Though just a couple hours outside of Santiago, the snow-capped mountains that surround the site are more reminiscent of rural Patagonia than of the bustling metropolis.
The Basics
El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) is a staple of day trips to Cajón del Maipo, a dramatic gorge that boasts some of central Chile’s most arresting scenery. Join an excursion from Santiago to see some of the waterfalls and glaciers that the area is famous for. These tours typically take you to a viewpoint that overlooks the dam, where you can enjoy a picnic that includes Chilean wine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) is a great outdoor attraction for travelers who don’t have time to venture all the way down to Patagonia.
- The dam is a great place to go fishing and windsurfing.
- Sturdy shoes and warm, waterproof clothing are essential if you plan to hike in the gorge surrounding the reservoir.
- You can camp in the areas surrounding the dam.
How to Get There
El Yeso Dam is located on Camino Embalse El Yeso, about 2.5 hours from Santiago. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential on the rough roads that lead to the dam. Guided day trips typically include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the dam is during the spring and summer months (September–February). In the fall and winter, snowy and wet conditions can make the dam inaccessible.
Discovering Cajon de Maipo
While visiting El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso), you can extend your visit and hike to one of several other natural attractions. One popular option is to trek to Termas del Plomo, about 2.5 hours away, to soothe aching muscles with a soak in natural hot springs heated by the San José Volcano. At 9,500 feet (2,900 meters) above sea level, the springs also offer panoramic views.
Address: El Yeso Dam, San Jose de Maipo, Santiago, Chile
38 Tours and Activities to Experience El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso)
Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
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Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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Day Trip to Cajon Del Maipo from Santiago
311
Escape Santiago to enjoy the natural grandeur of the Andes during this day-long excursion to Cajón del Maipo with a small group. Enjoy views of gushing waterfalls, icy glaciers, and towering cliffs as you visit this scenic outdoor area. Cap it all off by savoring an included picnic featuring red wine and a snack made with locally-sourced ingredients.
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From
US$ 109.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 109.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Day Trip to Cajon del Maipo Embalse El Yeso
82
Escape the city for scenic sojourn in the Andes on this full-day tour from Santiago. Journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Cajon del Maipo canyon; stop in the Andean town of San Jose de Maipo; then hike along the Maipo River to the beautiful Embalse el Yeso lagoon. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious picnic before heading back to the city.
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From
US$ 109.00
From
US$ 109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Andes Day Lagoon - Embalse del Yeso, Cajón del Maipo.
67
Depart Santiago for a day trip to Embalse El Yeso, a stunning mountain reservoir tucked within the Andes. Begin with a scenic drive and visit to the town of San Jose de Maipo. Then continue onto Embalse El Yeso, the perfect spot for savoring the beauty of Cajon de Maipo and its ample lagoons and glaciers. Have your camera at the ready as you marvel at these breathtaking sights.
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From
US$ 96.00
From
US$ 96.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Andes Day Excursion to Maipo Valley and El Yeso Reservoir
11
Swap city skyscrapers for scenic countryside on this full-day retreat to the Andes from Santiago. Journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Maipo valley, then embark on a 3 km walk along the Maipo River to reach the beautiful El Yeso Dam. After working up an appetite, tuck into a delicious picnic lunch by the waterfront before heading back to the capital.
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From
US$ 192.00
From
US$ 192.00

Cajon del Maipo Tour + Private El Yeso Reservoir
10
Discover Santiago stands out for the quality of its service, punctuality, kindness and good disposition of the guides, generating a pleasant and friendly atmosphere with all those who accompany us.
On this tour you can enjoy an incomparable view, beautiful landscapes, Chilean fauna and also a small class on History and Geography of Chile.
Our guides are flexible, empathetic, pro-active and speak several languages, so we can communicate easily to deliver information and meet the needs and concerns of our travelers.
* IMPORTANT *
The amount of the tour corresponds to 10% of the value of the service.
The remaining value must be paid the same day of the tour by credit, debit or cash card.
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From
US$ 120.00
per group
From
US$ 120.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Small-Group Cajón del Maipo Full-Day Tour and Picnic
216
Visit the Cajón del Maipo area on this full-day tour from Santiago. Located southeast of the city, Cajón del Maipo is known for its massifs, hills, and rivers and is a great spot for nature lovers looking to explore some of Chile's great outdoors not too far from Santiago. You'll visit San Jose de Maipo to learn about the area's history, and then travel into the mountains and to a lake. A wine and picnic are provided.
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From
US$ 35.90
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 35.90
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Private Mountain Bike Tour to El Yeso Reservoir and Maipo Valley
6
Unleash your inner adventurer on a full-day private bike tour to El Teso Dam and Maipo Valley from Santiago. Alongside a qualified instructor, you’ll travel deep into the heart of the Andes mountain range and embark on a mountain biking excursion around the magnificent El Yeso Dam. On arrival, begin a 12-mile (19-km) downhill bike ride — the difficulty level of which can be adapted according to your skill level — and then enjoy a picnic before returning to Santiago.
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From
US$ 282.67
From
US$ 282.67

Small Group Tour: Cajon del Maipo with Hotsprings plus Picnic and Andinian Zoo
17
Visit the Cajón del Maipo, El Yeso Dam, and mountain hot springs on a full-day tour from Santiago into a dramatic gorge flanked by high peaks. With a picnic lunch and wine served by a gorgeous alpine lake, this tour is a relaxing alternative to more strenuous mountain tours, and all transport is in the comfort of a climate controlled minivan.
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From
US$ 58.90
From
US$ 58.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Embalse el Yeso experience in the Andes
8
Cruise does not sell tourist rides, sells unforgettable experiences, and the El Yeso Reservoir tour is a true proof of this. We created an itinerary specially designed for tourists to really appreciate the mountain and understand what they are seeing.
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From
US$ 62.00
From
US$ 62.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Full day Trip to the Embalse El Yeso reservoir in Cajón del Maipo
4
Experience the nature and culture of the Chilean Andes on this all-day guided adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup in Santiago, visit traditional villages in the Cajón del Maipo, marvel at the region’s picturesque valleys and hills, trek around the beautiful Embalse El Yeso, and enjoy a delicious picnic with local cheese, fruits, olives, and wine.
…More
From
US$ 170.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 170.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Cajón del Maipo - Embalse El Yeso and Termas de Colina
1
Located in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Embalse El Yeso is a large water reservoir, 2,500 meters above sea level, right in the middle of the Andes. More than that, it is a tourist spot with breathtaking landscapes that provide peace, fresh air and tranquility. This tour passes through the Cajón Del Maipo region, formed by small villages, and includes several stops, such as Tunel Tinoco, Refúgio dos Soldado and Cascata El Yeso. At Embalse, a special moment: a picnic with wines, juices, as well as snacks, cheeses and cold cuts to further provoke the senses in the extraordinary landscape. This tour also includes a visit to Termas de Colina, where you can take a relaxing and therapeutic bath with thermal waters from the Andes.
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From
US$ 92.73
From
US$ 92.73

Cajón del Maipo and Embalse el Yeso
Take a tour of Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso. Discover the large water reservoir at more than 2,500 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Andes. Its 250 million cubic meters of water reflect the unique and stunning nature of the region, with colors that change according to the time and day. The trip passes through small villages, and includes several stops to admire and take pictures in places like Puente El Toyo, Tunel Tinoco and Campamento Minero, as well as a picnic to have a good wine or juice and taste cheeses and cold cuts. Chilenjoy picks you up at your hotel or private address in Santiago and takes you back the same day. Everything for you to live this experience with the greatest comfort.
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From
US$ 73.84
From
US$ 73.84

Tour from Santiago to Embalse el Yeso and hidden lagoon in Cajón del Maipo
We will leave at 11:00 am from Santiago to the Cajón del Maipo region, after visiting San José de Maipo, we will visit Embalse El Yeso and then continue walking through the region to a special place, where you take a hike to a small hidden lagoon, and we end with a picnic. This tour is carried out in 4x4 vehicles, includes personal insurance for adventure tourism, and a picnic with wine, beer, juice, cheese, homemade jam from southern Chile, chocolate and etc. * available until mid-May, tour operated only from Monday to Friday.
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From
US$ 100.00
From
US$ 100.00

Tour de luxo desde SCL ao Embalse el Yeso e Termas del Plomo no Cajón del Maipo
17
Experience the best of the Andes with this trip from Santiago. Discover the Cajón del Maipo Valley in a 4X4, admire the turquoise waters of the Embalse El Yeso Reservoir, and take a dip in the Termas del Plomo. Stop at lookout points for stunning mountain and glacier views and check out rarely seen flora and fauna.
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From
US$ 170.00
From
US$ 170.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour
2
Discover the magic of the Andes during your visit to Santiago! The Embalse is one of the best spots of the mountain range. Disconnect yourself from chaos of the city and recover your energy. Be ready with your camera to go through a waterfall, a tunnel, a millenarian glacier and the suggestive main town of San Jose de Maipo.
Our professional mountain guides will show you the best of the area and you will have the possibility to taste appetizzers and chilean wine in the best company!. Live a unique experience and an unforgettable day at Cajon del Maipo!
…More
From
US$ 266.67
From
US$ 266.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Embalse el Yeso - El Plomo Hot Springs - Los Patos Lagoon (PRIVATE EXCURSION)
The tour is only for you (small group) and nobody else
Flexible time tour
Custom service
4x4 transportation
Picnic Barbecue (roast beef) on the mountain
All inclusive
First Aid Kit
FROM SANTIAGO - VALPARAISO - VIÑA DEL MAR Private tour from your hotel/address to Cajón del Maipo from two to four pax. We will have breakfast and visit viewpoints and waterfall. We will visit El Yeso Dam to 2.568 height meter. Then to 23 km we will enter El Yeso Valley Park by off road track and we get to natural hot springs el plomo where if you want to take bath. Then from there we will through a hiking track and waterfall, about 50 minutes get to reach the Los Patos lagoon to 3.200 meters it beautiful and awesome mountain landscape NOTE: A minimum of 02 people per booking is required
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From
US$ 265.60
From
US$ 265.60

Mountain Bike at Embalse El Yeso Private Tour from Santiago
This tour is ideal for mountain bike lovers! The Andes Mountains and a huge turquoise lake awaits you on this excursion, where we will be making a path through the Embalse del Yeso.
With a specialized bilingual private guide that will accompany us, we will be making a path in descent and ascent of approximately 15 km along the edge of the Reservoir, enjoying the impressive views that the area gives us. Reserve your place right now!
…More
From
US$ 250.83
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 250.83
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Mountain Bike at Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago
This tour is ideal for mountain bike lovers! The Andes Mountains and a huge turquoise lake awaits you on this excursion, where we will be making a path through the Embalse del Yeso.
With a specialized bilingual guide that will accompany us, we will be making a path in descent and ascent of approximately 15 km along the edge of the Reservoir, enjoying the impressive views that the area gives us. Reserve your place right now!
…More
From
US$ 95.26
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 95.26
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Embalse El Yeso & Laguna de los Patos 4x4 Private Tour from Santiago
Through this unique excursion, you will go further and know the true heart of the Andes.
Not only will you know the famous Embalse del Yeso, but we will continue inland towards the Termas del Plomo, and we will be able to do incredible trekking to the Laguna Los Patos.
A combination of 4x4 in little-explored terrain, hot springs, and trekking await you on this unique ride that you will love!
…More
From
US$ 249.57
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 249.57
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Reservoir Embalse El Yeso Private Tour from Santiago
Come with us to know the Embalse del Yeso with our privete service, a beautiful reservoir located in the Andes Mountains!
You will have the opportunity to get to know the Maipo Valley and its beautiful landscapes, climbing up to meet the Reservoir. Here we can enjoy a snack while we surround ourselves with the most incredible nature and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Reservoir. Book your place!
…More
From
US$ 216.51
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 216.51
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Reservoir Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago
Come with us to know the Embalse del Yeso, a beautiful reservoir located in the Andes Mountains!
You will have the opportunity to get to know the Maipo Valley and its beautiful landscapes, climbing up to meet the Reservoir. Here we can enjoy a snack while we surround ourselves with the most incredible nature and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Reservoir. Book your place!
…More
From
US$ 91.38
From
US$ 91.38
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Tour: Cajón del Maipo with Lunch and Wine from Santiago
3
Discover the dramatic landscape and wildlife of Cajón del Maipo on a private, 8-hour trip from Santiago that includes a barbecue lunch and wine. Watch for the endangered Andean condor as you explore the rugged mountain scenery, passing through remote villages on your way to El Yeso dam and reservoir. This private tour includes a picnic lunch, bottle of wine, and round-trip transport from your Santiago hotel. If you so choose, there's also an option that include entrance to the Baños Colina Hotsprings, a natural thermal spring with waters as hot as 70º C.
…More
From
US$ 109.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$ 109.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Embalse el Yeso - Cajon del Maipo - Small Group (PRIVATE EXCURSION)
The tour is only for you (small group) and nobody else
Flexible time tour
Custom service
4x4 transportation
Picnic Barbecue (roast beef) on the mountain
First aid kit
All inclusive
…More
From
US$ 201.60
From
US$ 201.60
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Cajón del Maipo Tour (El Yeso Reservoir)
We value the time of the people and their stay in Santiago, so we invest the time in what is really important in this tour as is the nature offered by the reservoir.
_______________________________________________________________
We value the time of the people and their stay in Santiago, so we invest the time in what is really important in this tour as is the nature offered by the reservoir.
…More
From
US$ 60.00
From
US$ 60.00
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