Embalse El Yeso

Embalse El Yeso is a reservoir at 2,500 meters in the Andes above Santiago, about two hours east of the city in the Cajon del Maipo. The turquoise water — colored by glacial sediment — sits in a bowl of barren mountains, with snow-capped peaks reflected on calm days. It has become one of the most popular day trips from Santiago, and on weekends the access road fills with cars.

What to Expect

The reservoir is a working water supply for Santiago, not a national park. There are no facilities — no toilets, no food vendors, no marked trails. You drive to the lakeshore, walk along the edge, take photos, and drive back. The appeal is entirely visual: the color of the water against the stark Andean landscape is genuinely striking, especially in the morning when the surface is still.

The drive up is part of the experience. The last 20 kilometers are unpaved switchbacks climbing through increasingly barren terrain. The landscape shifts from scrubby hills to bare rock and scree. In winter, the surrounding peaks are covered in snow and the contrast with the turquoise water is at its best.

Combining with Hot Springs

Most visitors combine Embalse El Yeso with the hot springs at Baños Morales or Baños Colina, both nearby in the Cajon del Maipo. A typical day trip covers the reservoir in the morning and the hot springs in the afternoon. Tour operators from Santiago run this combination for $40-60 per person.

Practical Information

Getting there: Drive from Santiago via San Jose de Maipo (about 2 hours total). The road is paved until the turnoff to the reservoir, then 20 kilometers of gravel. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended but standard cars can make it in dry conditions. Tour operators from Santiago run day trips if you prefer not to drive.

When to go: Year-round, but the access road may close after heavy snowfall in winter (June-August). Spring and autumn have fewer crowds than summer weekends. Go on a weekday if possible — weekend traffic on the gravel road creates dust and delays.

Altitude: At 2,500 meters, most people coming from Santiago (sea level to 500 meters) feel fine. Move slowly and drink water. If continuing to Baños Colina (2,600m) or higher, the effects accumulate.

What to bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, warm layers (temperatures at altitude are significantly cooler than Santiago). Trash bags — there are no bins and litter is becoming a problem at the site.