Drive from Santiago into the high Andes to stand beside El Yeso Reservoir and scan the Maipo Valley. This private full-day tour pairs short shoreline walks and scenic viewpoints with wildlife chances and a mountain picnic.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road climbs out of Santiago and the city’s concrete grid falls away, replaced by river-steeped gullies and the dry scrub of the Andean foothills. Windows frame jagged ridgelines; the Maipo River hurries below, daring you to look away. After roughly 100 km of switchbacks the road opens onto Embalse El Yeso—an alpine reservoir whose milky-turquoise water sits like a bowl under grey granite peaks.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for short shoreline walks and coping with altitude; comfortable walking for 1–2 km.
Wildlife
History
Embalse El Yeso was constructed in the 20th century to store mountain runoff for Santiago’s water supply and power needs; the Maipo Valley has long been a corridor for local communities and miners.
Conservation
The upper Andean environment is fragile—stay on paths, pack out picnic waste, and avoid disturbing nesting birds or foxes to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Private Andes Day Excursion to Maipo Valley and El Yeso Reservoir today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate to altitude
Spend a half day in Santiago or drink extra water before the trip—altitude approaches 2,500 m and can cause light breathlessness or headaches.
Sun protection
High-elevation UV is intense—wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat even on cool days.
Footwear for rocky shorelines
Choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes with grip for the 2 km walk around the reservoir; loose gravel and wet patches are common.
Respect wildlife
Keep distance from condors and foxes and avoid feeding animals; use binoculars and a telephoto lens for photos.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects ankles on gravelly shoreline paths and uneven viewpoints.
Layered jacket (windproof)
Wind and rapid temperature change at 2,500 m make insulation essential.
fall
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
High-altitude UV can burn quickly; protection improves comfort and safety.
summer
2+ liter water bottle or hydration bladder
Hydration reduces altitude effects and keeps energy up during walks.
spring