Andes High Mountain Day Trip

On this high-mountain bus tour through the Andes from Mendoza, we'll marvel at the steep peaks of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas, and reach the Argentine-Chilean border for incredible views of the dramatic Andean scenery.

Andes High Mountain Tour

Between 7 and 7:30 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel and set off towards the west in search of the majestic peaks of the longest continental mountain range in the world: the Andes. The 120-kilometer (75-mile) trip will take around 3 hours, driving along the beautiful Mendoza River. You'll see the spectacular Potrerillos Dam, a complex feat of engineering that provides flood control, hydroelectricity, and irrigation water to the surrounding area.

The first stop will be Uspallata, a small village with an altitude of over 2000 meters? (6,500 feet). Learn about the settlement's pre-Columbian and colonial history, before heading south towards Punta de Vacas, or "Cow's Point". From this tiny Andean hamlet, you'll be able to glimpse the distant Tupungato Volcano. Just ten minutes from Punta de Vacas, you'll reach the Los Penitentes ski station.

Then we'll continue to Puente del Inca, a natural bridge formed from rock that crosses over the Las Cuevas river. Nearby, you'll find a viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the iconic Aconcagua.

From November to April, the Aconcagua Provincial Park is open. During this period, you can enjoy an optional hike to the Laguna de los Horcones (not included).

Our next stop will be the town of Las Cuevas, where we'll ascend to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes (accessible from January to March). You'll have an hour of free time for lunch in Las Cuevas, perfect for enjoying the typical cuisine of this unique borderland.

After lunch, from Las Cuevas, we'll begin our drive back to Mendoza. After about 2 hours (83 km / 50 mi), we'll stop in Uspallata again to rest and use the bathroom before another 3 hours (120 km / 75 mi) until our arrival back at your hotel, scheduled between 7 and 8 pm.

Itinerary Changes

Please note that the itinerary may slightly vary depending on the season. In summer, and depending on weather conditions, before we stop for lunch at Las Cuevas, we'll climb up to the Christ the Redeemer in Los Andes, a symbol of peace between Argentina and Chile. Plus, from November to April, on Monday, Friday, and Sunday, you can opt for a 30-minute hike through the Laguna de los Horcones. If this option is available during the booking process, you'll see an additional question to indicate your interest in this hike.

In winter, you'll have more free time in Puente del Inca, and we'll explore other areas of the high mountain region, as some attractions may not be operational.

Due to organizational reasons, the order of the visits described may vary.

Hotel Pickup

This tour includes a pickup service from hotels in downtown Mendoza. If your accommodation is located more than 1.2 miles (2 km) from the city center, the guide will contact you to arrange an alternative meeting point.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You will enjoy a day filled with stunning mountain views and cultural insights. The tour includes:

• Hotel pickup from downtown Mendoza.
• Guided tour and transportation throughout the journey.
• Free time for lunch in Las Cuevas.

Not included:

• Optional hike to the Laguna de los Horcones.

The meeting point is your hotel in downtown Mendoza unless otherwise arranged.