THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a day in the high Andes visiting the vivid turquoise waters of El Yeso reservoir and soaking in the mineral-rich Hill Baths. This accessible full-day trip from Santiago pairs dramatic mountain scenery with a relaxed picnic and thermal pools.
Spend a day in the high Andes visiting the vivid turquoise waters of El Yeso reservoir and soaking in the mineral-rich Hill Baths. This accessible full-day trip from Santiago pairs dramatic mountain scenery with a relaxed picnic and thermal pools.
A ribbon of turquoise cuts through high granite walls as you step off the minivan at El Yeso reservoir; wind pushes at the surface, and the Andes loom like a slow-moving crowd. Photographers and quiet walkers scatter across the moraine, drawn to the lake’s intense color and the glaciers’ fingerprints on the slopes.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Brotherstours · San José de Maipo, Metropolitana
A ribbon of turquoise cuts through high granite walls as you step off the minivan at El Yeso reservoir; wind pushes at the surface, and the Andes loom like a slow-moving crowd. Photographers and quiet walkers scatter across the moraine, drawn to the lake’s intense color and the glaciers’ fingerprints on the slopes.
This corridor of Cajón del Maipo has a working history as both water infrastructure and mountain refuge. El Yeso is an engineered reservoir set within older volcanic and metamorphic bedrock; nearby thermal springs exploit deep heat that rises along faults. Local culture still carries mountain ranching, artisanal chocolate-making and a simple hospitality born of high-altitude life—your picnic may include regional cheeses and small-batch confections.
Expect a full day: a scenic drive from Santiago that climbs steadily into thinner air, a photo stop at the reservoir, time in mineral-rich thermal pools at Baños de Colina, a leisurely picnic, and a brief mountain-café stop. Terrain is mostly paved or compact dirt near viewpoints; the hot springs are developed pools with on-site facilities. Weather shifts quickly—midday sun can burn, afternoons can turn chilly and windy.
Practical guidance: carry layered clothing, sunscreen, a water bottle and cash for small purchases. Moderate fitness keeps the day comfortable—there’s limited walking at altitude and long stretches seated in the vehicle. Plan for a 10–12 hour outing, and allow for flexible pick-up times. This is an accessible Andes day that balances spectacle with low-impact relaxation.
Expect about 1.5–2 hours each way depending on traffic and road conditions; the full tour runs roughly 10–12 hours including stops.
The tour visits developed hill baths with pool access included in the itinerary—these are managed public thermal facilities, not private natural pools.
Children can attend, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; the operator advises against travel if pregnant or with serious heart conditions.
Yes—small vendors, café purchases, or optional extras at sites may accept only cash, so bring Chilean pesos.
Brotherstours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A ribbon of turquoise cuts through high granite walls as you step off the minivan at El Yeso reservoir; wind pushes at the surface, and the Andes loom like a slow-moving crowd. Photographers and quiet walkers scatter across the moraine, drawn to the lake’s intense color and the glaciers’ fingerprints on the slopes.
A ribbon of turquoise cuts through high granite walls as you step off the minivan at El Yeso reservoir; wind pushes at the surface, and the Andes loom like a slow-moving crowd. Photographers and quiet walkers scatter across the moraine, drawn to the lake’s intense color and the glaciers’ fingerprints on the slopes.
This corridor of Cajón del Maipo has a working history as both water infrastructure and mountain refuge. El Yeso is an engineered reservoir set within older volcanic and metamorphic bedrock; nearby thermal springs exploit deep heat that rises along faults. Local culture still carries mountain ranching, artisanal chocolate-making and a simple hospitality born of high-altitude life—your picnic may include regional cheeses and small-batch confections.
Expect a full day: a scenic drive from Santiago that climbs steadily into thinner air, a photo stop at the reservoir, time in mineral-rich thermal pools at Baños de Colina, a leisurely picnic, and a brief mountain-café stop. Terrain is mostly paved or compact dirt near viewpoints; the hot springs are developed pools with on-site facilities. Weather shifts quickly—midday sun can burn, afternoons can turn chilly and windy.
Practical guidance: carry layered clothing, sunscreen, a water bottle and cash for small purchases. Moderate fitness keeps the day comfortable—there’s limited walking at altitude and long stretches seated in the vehicle. Plan for a 10–12 hour outing, and allow for flexible pick-up times. This is an accessible Andes day that balances spectacle with low-impact relaxation.