THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Escape Santiago for a private 4x4 into Cajón del Maipo to reach Embalse El Yeso, natural hot springs, and a short high-altitude hike to Los Patos Lagoon. Expect dramatic mountain views, a riverside waterfall, and a mountain-side roast beef picnic.
Escape Santiago for a private 4x4 into Cajón del Maipo to reach Embalse El Yeso, natural hot springs, and a short high-altitude hike to Los Patos Lagoon. Expect dramatic mountain views, a riverside waterfall, and a mountain-side roast beef picnic.
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Operated by Terraventura Outdoor · San José de Maipo, Metropolitan Region
A thin wind pushes through the black rock ribs above the valley as your 4x4 climbs out of Cajón del Maipo, and the city’s hum drops away beneath the mountains. In an hour the road opens to turquoise — Embalse El Yeso — a high-altitude reservoir that looks as if it borrowed its color from the sky. The vehicle grinds up a rugged track; peaks lean in like watchful companions. At 3,200 meters a 50-minute guided hike to Los Patos Lagoon reveals a small watery eye in the high Andes and a waterfall that insists on moving the air.
moderate.
10–12 hours.
Suitable for moderately fit travelers comfortable with a 50-minute uphill hike at high altitude and a long day in a vehicle.
The round-trip drive with stops typically takes 10–12 hours; the ascent into Cajón del Maipo is about 1–2 hours each way depending on traffic and stops.
Yes, when conditions allow; guides monitor temperatures and access, and some springs are primitive—respect rules and brief soaks are recommended.
Yes—Los Patos reaches roughly 3,200 m; symptoms can occur for unacclimatized travelers. Hydrate, avoid alcohol before hiking, and descend if symptoms worsen.
The tour is private and flexible, but the short high-altitude hike and rough 4x4 track may be difficult for very young children or those with mobility or cardiovascular issues.
Embalse El Yeso was developed as part of 20th-century waterworks supplying Santiago; the valley also holds older transit routes used by indigenous peoples and miners.
Alpine soils and springs are fragile—stick to trails, pack out waste, and avoid soaps in hot springs to protect water quality and vegetation.
Terraventura Outdoor operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Terraventura Outdoor
Book directly with Terraventura Outdoor for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now