High Andes and Aconcagua tour from Mendoza: everything you need to know

The High Andes tour is the one almost nobody wants to miss in Mendoza. In a single day you climb from the city's 750 meters to 3,200 meters at Las Cuevas, on the border with Chile, and stand facing Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.

How long it takes and when it runs

• Duration: about twelve hours, roughly 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
• Days: every day.
• Difficulty: easy. You travel by vehicle and get off at each stop; there are no demanding hikes.
• Includes: transport, a guide all day, and stops for photos and lunch.

The route, stop by stop

Potrerillos

The first postcard: the Potrerillos reservoir, a turquoise lake with the foothills behind it. This is where you leave the green of the valley behind.

Uspallata

The mountains open into a wide valley. The Andes route crossed by San Martín's Army of the Andes runs through here, and it is the usual stop to stretch your legs.

Puente del Inca

A natural bridge of rock and sulfur over the Las Cuevas River, in red and ochre tones. It is the most photographed spot in the province.

Aconcagua viewpoint

The moment everyone waits for. From the viewpoint in Aconcagua Provincial Park you see the 6,961-meter peak with nothing in front of it. On clear days the summit is sharp and bright.

Las Cuevas and Christ the Redeemer

Weather permitting, the tour continues to Las Cuevas and up to the Christ the Redeemer statue on the Chilean border. This last stretch depends on the border police: when it is closed, the tour ends at Las Cuevas.

What to bring

Up high it is 15 to 20 °C colder than in the city, in any season.

• A warm jacket and a windbreaker, even if it is hot in Mendoza.
• Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen: the sun burns more at altitude.
• Water and snacks for between stops.
• Your ID or passport.

What if it snows or the road closes?

Route 7 is the international crossing to Chile and in winter it can close because of snow. The tour still runs: the itinerary adapts and goes as far as the road is open. In winter, the snowy landscape is actually one of the highlights.

Altitude

You reach about 3,200 meters, but you spend little time up there and with no physical effort, so most people feel nothing. Eat light, drink water and tell the guide if anyone feels unwell.

If you are short on time

If you cannot spare a full day, the Short Mountain Circuit is a half-day through the foothills: the Cacheuta suspension bridge, the hairpin bends, the tunnel and the Potrerillos dam viewpoint. And for a rest day after the mountains, the Cacheuta Hot Springs are on the same road.

Pick your day by the forecast: with clear skies Aconcagua looks much better. Message us and we will tell you which date works best.