Turquoise meltwater beneath the Andes, where glacial rivers meet volcanic stone
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 7 tours from 19 reviewed
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10 hr
Full-day Andean escape featuring turquoise lakes, mountain villages, artisan tastings, and live Chilean folklore
Reserve
10 hr
Full-day Andes adventure from Santiago featuring mountain vistas, a historic dam, and picnic with alpacas
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10 hr
Full-day mountain escape with turquoise lake views, local tastings, and a scenic wine-and-cheese picnic
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Embalse Del Yeso tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
A 3km trail that traverses the main reservoir wall, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters and Andes peaks.
A high-altitude hiking route providing exclusive views of the glacial lake and dramatic snow-capped surroundings.
The primary viewpoint for observing the reservoir's scale and its importance to the Santiago water supply.
A scenic bridge crossing that serves as a common waypoint for travelers entering the high-mountain zone.
Every Embalse Del Yeso tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | Duration | Rating | Transfers | Pickup | Skip-the-line | Guide | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Guided Experience Most popular
Cajón del Maipo & El Yeso Reservoir with Folk Traditions
|
10 hr | ★ 4.3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | €36 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Maipo Canyon & El Yeso Reservoir with Alpaca Picnic
|
10 hr | ★ 4.5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | €31 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Cajón del Maipo & El Yeso Reservoir with Andes Picnic
|
10 hr | ★ 4.5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | €31 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
The reservoir provides expansive Andean vistas and calm water observation, while the hot springs offer immersive geothermal relaxation; most visitors who prioritize photography choose the embalse del yeso tour for its iconic backdrop, whereas those seeking physical rejuvenation prefer the thermal pools.
| Feature | Top pick Embalse del Yeso | Termas del Plomo |
|---|---|---|
Primary Focus |
Panoramic mountain reservoir views | Natural thermal pool soaking |
Accessibility |
Road access via Ruta G-455 | Requires high-clearance 4x4 vehicle |
Physical Demand |
Minimal walking required | Moderate hiking on uneven terrain |
Weather Sensitivity |
High exposure to wind and cloud | Moderate; sensitive to heavy snowfall |
Best For |
Landscape photographers and sightseers | Travelers seeking relaxation and nature therapy |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: Select the embalse del yeso tour tickets if you prefer a scenic outing with minimal exertion, or choose the hot springs for a more active, wellness-oriented mountain escape.
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Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Embalse Del Yeso tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Wear multiple thermal, breathable layers to handle rapid temperature drops at high altitude. Sturdy hiking boots with strong grip are required for all trails at the Embalse del Yeso tour.
Security staff conduct inspections at the entrance. Keep bags light and prioritize carrying essential gear for a mountain environment.
The turquoise reservoir provides a premier backdrop for photography. Stick to marked paths to capture the best angles of the Embalse del Yeso tour without damaging vegetation.
Trails are primarily natural mountain terrain and are not wheelchair accessible. Prepare for steep, uneven paths throughout the Embalse del Yeso tour area.
Mobile phones are permitted. Keep ringer off inside exhibition spaces.
Families are welcome, but be prepared for long travel times in the mountains. Children should remain under adult supervision at all times near the water.
Carry sufficient water and snacks, as facilities are minimal within the park. Use the Embalse del Yeso tour as a chance to enjoy a picnic in designated areas.
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals with appropriate documentation.
Last entry is typically 1 hour before closing. Check the specific ticket for timing.
Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Full refunds are available for tours cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Entrance fees of 3,450 CLP are subject to the specific terms of your booking platform.
The Embalse del Yeso was completed in 1964 as part of Chile's postwar hydroelectric expansion, impounding the Yeso River at 2,500 meters above sea level to regulate flow into the Maipo basin.
The concrete gravity dam rises 65 meters above the riverbed and holds 253 million cubic meters of snowmelt drawn from the El Morado and San Francisco glaciers. Designed to supply Santiago's growing population during drought years, the reservoir became an engineering landmark within a decade of its inauguration, its turquoise surface a stark contrast to the ochre and grey sediment layers exposed along the surrounding slopes.
Today the reservoir operates within the Parque Cordillera conservation zone, which Asociación Parque Cordillera has managed since 2019 to balance hydroelectric function with low-impact recreation. Access remains strictly regulated: visitor numbers are capped daily, and advance reservations through the association's portal are mandatory. The conservation fee supports trail maintenance, waste removal, and the monitoring of wildlife corridors used by guanaco and Andean condor. The embalse del yeso tour route from San José de Maipo climbs 90 kilometers along Ruta G-455, a gravel switchback that traces the eastern wall of Cajón del Maipo. The road passes the El Morado Natural Monument boundary at kilometer 78 before reaching the reservoir overlook.
The reservoir's color shifts with season and hour. During spring melt, suspended glacial flour scatters blue and green wavelengths, producing the turquoise that draws photographers and tour groups from Santiago. By late summer the sediment settles, leaving a cobalt surface that mirrors the peaks of the Cordillera Principal. Morning light accentuates the contrast between the water and the talus slopes, while afternoon clouds often obscure the upper ridges. Wind patterns funnel through the canyon between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., complicating drone photography and stirring whitecaps across the reservoir's northern arm.
The site's elevation and exposure demand preparation. Temperatures at the dam overlook range from 5°C to 18°C even in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms arrive without warning between December and March. The conservation zone prohibits swimming, fishing, and off-trail hiking to protect the watershed. Tour operators based in Santiago offer day excursions that include transport, guide service, and the conservation entry fee, with most itineraries departing between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. to ensure arrival within the morning window.
"The reservoir's turquoise surface is a stark contrast to the ochre and grey sediment layers exposed along the surrounding slopes."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Embalse Del Yeso tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You depart Santiago before dawn, the highway empty as the city gives way to the vineyard terraces of the Maipo Valley. The tour vehicle turns east at San José de Maipo, entering Cajón del Maipo as the sun clears the eastern ridges.
Ruta G-455 narrows to gravel at kilometer 40, and the road begins its climb through switchbacks carved into the canyon wall. You pass the El Morado trailhead at kilometer 78, where hikers prepare packs for the glacier approach.
The reservoir appears suddenly as the road crests the final rise. The turquoise water fills the valley floor, hemmed by scree slopes that descend in straight lines from the ridges above. You step out at the overlook, the air thin and cool, the wind sharp against your face. The guide points out the dam's spillway to the west and the snowfields of El Morado Glacier to the east. You walk along the gravel margin, scanning the talus for guanaco tracks and the sky for condors.
The group gathers for a picnic at the north shore, seated on boulders worn smooth by meltwater. The reservoir stretches south toward the dam, its surface calm in the morning stillness. You spend an hour photographing the peaks and the play of light on the water before the return descent begins, the canyon walls casting long shadows as the vehicle navigates back toward San José de Maipo.
The park is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, with a strict last entry at 16:00.
Yes, advance reservation is required via Parque Cordillera to secure your spot for the Embalse del Yeso tour.
Families are welcome, though children should be prepared for the long transit times and high altitude of the Embalse del Yeso tour.
The natural terrain is rugged and not wheelchair accessible, making it difficult for those with limited mobility to complete an Embalse del Yeso tour.
Smoking, drones, alcohol, and pets are prohibited to protect the mountain environment during your Embalse del Yeso tour.
The best arrival window is 08:00–11:00 to avoid mid-day heat and ensure you clear the entrance before the afternoon cutoff.
The entrance fee is 3,450 CLP per person, payable as part of your advance reservation for the Embalse del Yeso tour.
There are no formal dining facilities; please bring your own food and water for your Embalse del Yeso tour.
Yes, photography is encouraged, but stay on marked paths to capture the scenery of the Embalse del Yeso tour.
The reservoir is located at Ruta G-455, San José de Maipo, and is best accessed via a professional Embalse del Yeso tour or a 4x4 vehicle.
