El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Cajon del Maipo: El Yeso and Spa Reservoir River Sanctuary

• Cajon Del Maipo Including Wine with Picnic and Empanada

• Andes Day Lagoon—Embalse del Yeso, Cajón del Maipo

• Tour Cajón del Maipo and Embalse el Yeso

• Cajon del Maipo/ Embalse del Yeso, Tradition Folk Picnic included

There’s no cost to visit El Yeso Dam, though you may have to factor in parking fees if you drive there independently. However, given the nature of the roads and the remote location of the Dam itself, it’s more common to opt for a tour with a driver. Expect to pay from around US$40 for a shared excursion and closer to US$200 for private options.

Yes, you should definitely plan to stop by El Yeso Dam when you're touring Chile's Cajón del Maipo region—it's one of the most-visited attractions in the area. This large reservoir is a scenic addition to any itinerary; as such, most travelers combine a visit here with Cajón del Maipo, including the town of San José del Maipo.

Per one customer who booked the Tour Cajón del Maipo and Embalse el Yeso, "It was an amazing trip! Just an hour away from the big metropolis, finding yourself surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Andes! Our guide, Diego, was so informative and well-acquainted with the area we visited. I loved his quick wit and sense of humor."

Yes, there are guided tours of El Yeso Dam available, including private tours and small-group tours, some of which include picnics and wine tastings. Many people take day tours to El Yeso Dam from Santiago, and virtually all trips to Cajón del Maipo stop at the reservoir.

If you're coming from Santiago by car, the journey to El Yeso Dam takes about 2.5 hours. The easiest way to travel is by joining a tour that includes round-trip transportation. If you prefer to drive yourself, you’ll need to rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive, as the roads near the dam can be rough and rugged.

The best time of year to visit El Yeso Dam is in spring and summer—September through February—when the weather near the dam is at its most pleasant. The fall season can bring plenty of rain, while winters can be snowy and block the roads leading to the dam.

No, there aren't many dining options near El Yeso Dam. While you'll find a few hotels and restaurants in the general vicinity, it's recommended to bring a packed lunch instead. Many tours to El Yeso Dam and Cajón del Maipo include picnic lunches.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting El Yeso Dam. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Santiago:

• Viña del Mar

• San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal)

• La Moneda Palace (Palacio de la Moneda)

• Plaza de Armas

• Santa Lucia Hill (Cerro Santa Lucia)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in and around Santiago.