Exploring a destination is about much more than simply visiting it. It is about experiencing it, connecting with nature, and immersing yourself in its landscapes. That is why we created this Embalse El Yeso Mountain Tour & Trekking Experience, a unique full-day adventure designed to let you discover one of the most spectacular destinations in the Chilean Andes.
Your journey begins with a visit to the breathtaking Embalse El Yeso (El Yeso Reservoir), famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain scenery. From there, you’ll venture deeper into the heart of Cajón del Maipo, one of Chile’s most iconic mountain valleys, where a scenic trek leads you through pristine landscapes of rivers, waterfalls, towering peaks, and untouched wilderness.
To complete the experience, you’ll relax in the rustic Termas del Plomo Hot Springs, natural thermal pools fed by crystal-clear waters emerging from the Andes Mountains. Hidden deep within the valley, this remote and peaceful location remains one of the least explored gems of Cajón del Maipo, offering the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking and adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a private mountain tour from Santiago, an unforgettable day hike in the Andes, or the best way to experience Embalse El Yeso, Laguna de Los Patos and Termas del Plomo, this full-day experience combines nature, trekking, local gastronomy and breathtaking scenery into a truly memorable adventure.
This mountain tour/trek is best done between October and March. In winter, it is not possible to go on this mountain tour/trek because the pass leading to Valle del Yeso Park is closed to all vehicles starting at the El Yeso Reservoir due to weather conditions, and it becomes a pedestrian-only path at that first stop.
No prior experience is required.
Health appropriate for the activity.
Make sure you have the appropriate clothing for the activity.
If you are a minor, you must have written permission from your parents or guardians.
Hours of activity: Full day.
Full-Day Itinerary
Important: The estimated return time is subject to change depending on traffic conditions, road conditions, access times to Valle del Yeso Park, and other factors beyond our control. On weekends, public holidays, and during the high season, heavier traffic in Cajón del Maipo is common, which may result in a later return to Santiago.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR 3-IN-1 MOUNTAIN TOUR/TREKKING IN THE CAJON DEL MAIPO
This Mountain Tour & Trekking Experience begins with a scenic drive from Santiago to Embalse El Yeso (El Yeso Reservoir), located in the heart of Cajón del Maipo, approximately 108 km (67 miles) from the city and about 2.5 hours away.
Built in 1964 after nearly a decade of construction, El Yeso Reservoir is the largest and most important freshwater reserve supplying the Santiago Metropolitan Region, with a storage capacity of more than 253 million cubic meters of water. Today, it remains one of Chile’s most remarkable engineering projects and an essential source of drinking water for millions of people.
Our first stop offers the opportunity to experience one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Chilean Andes. The striking turquoise waters of the reservoir, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and dramatic mountain scenery, create one of the most iconic destinations near Santiago. Whether you visit during summer or winter, Embalse El Yeso captivates visitors with its spectacular natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for photography, sightseeing, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring Cajón del Maipo.
Laguna de Los Patos is a beautiful high-altitude lake hidden deep within the Andes Mountains of Cajón del Maipo. To reach this spectacular destination, you’ll enjoy an easy hike of approximately one hour, starting from the historic Termas del Plomo Hot Springs.
The trail winds through a stunning Andean landscape, following the crystal-clear waters of the Yeso River, crossing scenic streams and passing a beautiful waterfall before reaching the lagoon. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by impressive mountain scenery and the peaceful wilderness that makes this region one of the best hiking destinations near Santiago.
Once at Laguna de Los Patos, you’ll discover its remarkably clear waters and enjoy breathtaking views of Marmolejo Volcano (6,108 m), the southernmost 6,000-meter peak in the world. This hidden gem offers a unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the Chilean Andes, making it one of the highlights of this unforgettable mountain tour and trekking experience.
After completing the scenic hike to Laguna de Los Patos, we’ll return to the trailhead at Termas del Plomo, where you’ll have time to relax in natural hot springs located at an altitude of 2,980 meters (9,777 ft) in the heart of the Andes Mountains.
The Termas del Plomo Hot Springs are one of the best-kept secrets of Cajón del Maipo. Unlike commercial thermal resorts, these pools remain completely natural and rustic, offering an authentic mountain experience surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery. Because the pools are exposed to the natural environment, water temperatures vary throughout the year. During winter, snow and lower air temperatures may cause the water to feel cooler than in the warmer months.
Located approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) beyond Embalse El Yeso (El Yeso Reservoir), these remote hot springs provide the perfect setting to unwind after your hike, immersing yourself in one of the most pristine and least-visited landscapes near Santiago.
This full-day tour includes:
1 Person: $490.000.- CLP (Trekking privado)
2 Persons: $290.000.- CLP (Per person)
3 Persons: $240.000.- CLP (Per person)
4 Persons: $200.000.- CLP (Per person)
5 Persons: $180.000.- CLP (Per person)
To confirm your reservation, a 50% deposit of the total program price is required. This deposit will be deducted from the final balance of the activity.
Reservations can be paid using any of the following methods:
Important information:
We operate exclusively with fully equipped 4WD vehicles designed for mountain travel, providing comfort, safety, and excellent performance on high-mountain roads.
We work with small groups, generally limited to a maximum of six participants per trip, allowing us to provide a more personalized, safe, and enjoyable experience in a friendly environment.
Allmountain is officially registered and certified by Sernatur (Chile’s National Tourism Service) for Adventure Tourism, including High Mountain Expeditions, Hiking, Trekking, and Rock Climbing. We are also listed in the National Tourism Service Providers Registry.
Our mountain guides are experienced professionals who hold internationally recognized certifications required for these activities, including the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, which is regularly renewed and updated.
During every activity, we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. We use recyclable and organic products whenever possible, follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, and actively support local tourism and communities.
If you would like to join one of our treks or expeditions but don’t have the required technical equipment, Allmountain provides it whenever necessary, including items such as tents, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and other essential mountain gear.
Every trekking adventure, mountain expedition, mountain tour, and climbing experience we organize is guided by our commitment to sustainability through the following principles:
Cultural Sustainability
We encourage our guests to discover local artisans, cultural centers, museums, and traditional markets, supporting local communities while providing an authentic cultural experience through their customs, gastronomy, and heritage.
Environmental Sustainability
We use environmentally friendly soaps and biodegradable cleaning products that help protect the soil and water sources in the natural areas we visit.
Whenever possible, we prioritize reusable and glass containers, and after every activity we separate and recycle the waste generated during our trips.
We also strive to leave every place cleaner than we found it by collecting litter whenever possible.
Energy Sustainability
We use portable solar battery chargers to power our mobile phones, cameras, GPS devices, and other electronic equipment during our mountain adventures.
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