Exploring the stunning natural beauty of Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam is a must-do activity for visitors to Santiago. This private day trip offers a chance to take in the region’s breathtaking mountain scenery and learn about its vital role as the primary drinking water source for the city. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and a delicious lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for small groups seeking an outdoor adventure. However, it’s important to consider the physical demands before embarking on this journey.
Key Points
- This private day trip offers a scenic excursion to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam, the main water source for Santiago.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, private transportation, and a local lunch, all for $360 per group of up to 4 people.
- Highlights include breathtaking mountain views, a visit to the El Yeso Dam, and personalized attention from the guide, with a 95% traveler recommendation.
- The tour is not recommended for individuals with back problems, medical conditions, or pregnant women due to the winding mountain roads.
- Pickup is at 7:00 AM from hotels, apart-hotels, and B&Bs in Santiago, with an experienced driver ensuring safe navigation throughout the day.
Overview
This private day trip to Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Santiago and take in the stunning natural beauty of the Andes mountains.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, private transportation, and lunch, all for the price of $360.00 per group (up to 4 people).
Boasting a 95% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this personalized excursion allows visitors to experience the fresh mountain air and visit the main source of drinking water for Santiago, the El Yeso Dam.
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Tour Highlights
Visitors can experience beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air in Cajón del Maipo, a picturesque region nestled in the Andes.
Nestled in the Andes, Cajón del Maipo offers visitors beautiful scenery and refreshing mountain air.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to El Yeso Dam, the main source of drinking water for Santiago. Travelers will receive personalized attention from a professional guide throughout the day.
Round-trip transfers from Santiago hotels are included, making the logistics hassle-free. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, medical conditions, or pregnant travelers due to the mountain road conditions.
Smart casual dress is advised, and the tour is stroller-accessible with infant seats available.
Itinerary and Logistics
The tour begins at 7:00 AM with pickup from hotels, apart-hotels, and B&Bs in Santiago.
After breakfast, the itinerary includes:
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Visiting the stunning Cajón del Maipo region to experience the beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air.
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Touring the El Yeso Dam, which supplies drinking water to Santiago.
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Stopping for lunch at local restaurants.
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Returning to Santiago by the end of the day.
The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, serious medical conditions, or pregnant travelers.
Dress comfortably, as the tour is stroller-accessible and provides infant seats.
Transportation and Accessibility
Pickup from hotels, apart-hotels, and B&Bs in Santiago kicks off the tour at 7:00 AM.
Pickup from hotels, apart-hotels, and B&Bs in Santiago kicks off the tour at 7:00 AM.
The private transportation includes a professional driver, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. The vehicle is accessible for travelers with limited mobility, and infant seats are available.
While the roads can be winding and challenging due to the mountainous terrain, the guides are experienced and take precautions to navigate them safely.
Travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions are advised against joining the tour.
Cuisine and Dining
During the day trip, travelers can expect to stop for breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, allowing them to savor authentic Chilean cuisine.
The lunch included in the tour package features a selection of delectable Chilean dishes, giving participants a taste of the country’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Some highlights of the dining experience include:
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Empanadas – Savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables.
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Pastel de choclo – A traditional casserole dish made with corn, meat, and vegetables.
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Cazuela – A hearty stew featuring meat, vegetables, and herbs.
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Pisco sour – The national cocktail of Chile, made with pisco, lime juice, and egg white.
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Safety Considerations
While the day trip to Cajón del Maipo offers stunning natural scenery, travelers should be aware of the potential safety considerations.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, serious medical conditions, or pregnant travelers. The mountain roads can be challenging, and weather conditions may be unpredictable.
Travelers should dress appropriately and be prepared for hikes. The tour company acknowledged issues with the guide’s responsiveness and professionalism, and road conditions can pose risks.
Careful planning and communication with the tour provider are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Customer Feedback
How do travelers feel about this private day trip to Cajón del Maipo? According to 56 reviews, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 95% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
Travelers highlight:
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Knowledgeable guides who provide personalized attention.
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Stunning mountain scenery and fresh air.
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Safe and enjoyable transportation with specific praise for drivers Antonio and Luis.
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Fun and engaging guides like Chris and Pablo.
However, some travelers reported issues with late pick-ups, communication problems, and concerns about road conditions and the guide’s professionalism.
The host acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the difficult mountain terrain.
Addressing Concerns
The host acknowledges the concerns raised by some travelers regarding late pick-ups, communication issues, and the guide’s professionalism.
They express regret over these experiences, emphasizing the challenging mountain road conditions that can impact tour logistics.
The host explains that they’re working to address these issues, including providing more frequent updates, improving coordination with guides, and ensuring a higher level of customer service.
While the remote location poses some inherent risks, the host is committed to mitigating concerns and providing a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants.
Feedback is actively used to enhance the tour’s quality and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size Limit for This Tour?
The group size limit for this tour is up to 4 people per group. The tour includes private transportation and personalized attention from a professional guide.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour, and Is There a Discount?
Children are allowed on the tour, and there’s a discount for them. The tour accommodates up to 4 people per group, and infant seats are available. The price is $360 per group with no additional child pricing mentioned.
Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?
Yes, you can customize the tour to include additional stops. The tour provider may accommodate requests for customizations, though additional fees may apply. It’s best to discuss any special requests directly with the tour operator prior to booking.
What Types of Snacks and Drinks Are Provided During the Trip?
The tour includes stops for breakfast and lunch at local restaurants. Snacks and drinks are not explicitly provided, but travelers can purchase them during the scheduled breaks or bring their own. It’s recommended to pack any desired snacks or beverages.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Stay Longer at Certain Sites?
The tour provider doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration or stay longer at certain sites. The itinerary and timing are fixed, though travelers can request to spend more time at specific locations if needed.
The Sum Up
This private day trip offers a chance to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Dam. With a knowledgeable guide, private transportation, and a delicious lunch, the tour provides a seamless and enjoyable experience. However, it’s important to note the tour may not be suitable for individuals with back issues or serious medical conditions. This trip is an excellent way to explore the natural wonders near Santiago.
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