Santiago: Cajon del Maipo & El Yeso Dam Day Trip with Picnic in Santiago – The Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a day trip from Santiago and looking for something special? Then you should consider the popular day trip to the Cajon del Maipo and the El Yeso Dam. Here, you can find pristine landscapes of lush valleys, mountains and ferruginous lake waters. It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that comes complete with a picnic. In this ultimate guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know in order to experience the perfect Santiago day trip.

Why Cajon del Maipo and El Yeso Dam?

The scenery in this area is spectacular. Just be sure not to underestimate it – because you’re going to be doing some walking here. You’ll have to negotiate over rocky trails and streams as you make your way through the lush valleys of Cajon del Maipo. This visit will lead you in and among the crags of the river valleys and begin to take you up into the ranges of the Andean foothills. This area is part of national reserve, so its beauty has been preserved for future generations – making it well worth experiencing for the day.

The El Yeso Dam sits at about 3000 m (10,000 feet), so you’re sure to get some incredible views. This is especially true when walking toward the dam itself, as it’s surrounded by a wealth of (literally) breathtaking vistas.

What Can You Do on This Day Trip?

There’s a great range of activities here, from simply taking in the impressive landscape to getting an adrenaline fix from crazy off-roading. Here are some of the most popular activities:

• Terra Travel: Go for an off-roading adventure in an eight-wheel all-terrain vehicle.
• El Yeso Dam: Go for a swimming in the chilly waters of this mesmerizing dam.
• Lunch Picnic: Enjoy a classic picnic – sandwich with Chilean wine – at one of the best spots of El Yeso Valley.
• Valle Encantado: Explore the Valley of Enchanted, a unique spot full of immense rock formations.
• Inca Trail: Hike through one of Chile’s most renowned trails, passing next to prehistoric walls.

How Much Time Do You Have in Cajon del Maipo and El Yeso Dam?

This is one day trip you really don’t want to rush. However, time constraints mean that simplicity is key here. You should have enough time to experience most (if not all) of these activities, as well as stopping for panoramic photos throughout your journey.

That said, your time may need to be adjusted based on the weather – which can be quite cold in Cajon del Maipo. If this is the case, you may need to reduce the number of activities you do or walk faster so that you can take advantage of any extra warmth from direct sunshine.

What Should You Bring With You for This Trip?

Taking a day trip to Cajon del Maipo & El Yeso Dam requires some planning ahead. Here are some items you should bring with you:

• Firm shoes: Make sure they have a strong grip on slippery and wet surfaces.
• Sunscreen: If it harbors being sunny outside, sunscreen will protect you.
• Sunglasses: Bring along your sunglasses during your trip.
• Hats: Hats will protect you from the sunlight, but an elastic cap also prevents hat loss.
• Wind-Resistant Clothing: Your clothes should be able to resist wind and cold temperatures of the higher altitudes.
• Energy Bars & Drinks: You should bring energy and hydration boosters since hiking can be tireful.

Making Sure You Don’t Get Lost

Given the nature of this trip, it’s important that you don’t get lost on your way to Cajon del Maipo & El Yeso Dam, as doing so can easily steal valuable time that could have been spent on activities.

On this journey to Melipilla, always look for signs that give directions – these will help keep you on the right path and ensure that you don’t risk arriving late at the end of your day. An organized tour can also help you minimize risks associated with navigation, as you can benefit from an experienced guide that has already planned out everything for you in detail.

The Benefits of Doing This Tour With an Informed Local Guide

If you want to make sure your day trip goes as smoothly as possible, consider taking a tour with an informed local guide. A local guide can provide you with some valuable insights on things such as safety recommendations and local attractions not to miss out on. A great guide can even show you secret spots that are otherwise difficult to find — great if photography is one of your hobbies!

You can even book a guided tour with a private picnic, including Chilean wine and a lush lunch! For example, this great tour from GetYourGuide offers all these benefits — and more!

Conclusion

To sum it up, there’s no better way to experience Santiago than with a day trip to Cajon del Maipo & El Yeso Dam — complete with a picnic lunch including Chilean wine. Plus, taking a guided tour can make sure that your day is as efficient and stress-free as possible! So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today!