Cajón del Maipo, Chile | Know Before You Go
Cajón del Maipo is a scenic natural escape near the eastern border of Chile along the base of the Andes Mountains. It is located in the central part of the country, only about two hours from the capital of Santiago if traveling by car.
Cajón del Maipo is a canyon surrounding the Maipo River as it cuts through the Metropolitan region between Santiago and the Andes. At its highest point along the canyon, Cajón del Maipo stretches higher than 20,000 feet high.
The Cajón del Maipo runs for miles & miles along the Maipo River, with small towns scattered along its path. The most popular spot to visit in the canyon is the Embalse el Yeso (the Yeso Dam). This dam sits along the Yeso Reservoir within the Andes, and provides a primary source for drinking water to the areas around it. Due to its bright turquoise water color and stunning snow-capped backdrop of the Andes, the Embalse el Yeso within the Cajón del Maipo is one of the most popular day trips to take from Santiago.
How To Get To Cajón del Maipo from Santiago
The most common way to get to the Cajón del Maipo from Santiago is to join a private or group day tour, as the drive winds through several backroads in the rural area surrounding the city. The total trip from Santiago through the canyon up to the Embalse el Yeso is only about 56 miles in distance, but takes over two hours due to the winding roads through the mountains.
If you have any trouble with elevation sickness, be sure to bring some medicine along on the ride with you. While Santiago sits between 1600 – 2000 feet above sea level, the end of the canyon at the Embalse el Yeso comes in at 8,425 feet high. That is a relatively big jump to make in the span of a couple hours, so it may affect some sensitive passengers.
Is Cajon del Maipo Worth Seeing?
If you’re wondering whether or not Cajón del Maipo is worth the day trip from Santiago, it’s an easy “yes” from me. This trip into the countryside was a highlight for my visit to Chile, and we chose to prioritize the excursion even with only a 36 hour stay in Santiago. And I would recommend the same for anyone who has the chance to visit!
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
