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 to get 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 be able to 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 all about the settlement's pre-Colombian and colonial history, before you head south towards Punta de Vacas, or "Cow's Point". From this tiny Andean hamlet, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the distant Tupungato Volcano. Just ten minutes from Punta de Vacas, you'll reach the Los Penitentes ski station.
Then we'll continue on to Puente del Inca, a natural bridge formed from rock that crosses over the Las Cuevas river. Nearby, you'll come across a viewpoint offering you 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).
We'll make our next stop in the town of Las Cuevas and ascend to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes (accessible from January to March, generally), which is located on the border between Chile and Argentina. You'll have an hour of free time for lunch in Las Cuevas, an ideal place to enjoy the typical cuisine of this unique borderland.
After lunch, from Las Cuevas, we'll begin our drive back to Mendoza and, 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, which is 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 the 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 go on an optional 30-minute hike through the Laguna de los Horcones. During the booking process, if this is available, you'll see an additional question where you'll need to indicate if you would like to enjoy this hike.
In winter, you'll have more free time in Puente del Inca, and we'll explore other parts of the high mountain area, as these attractions will 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 get in touch with you, and an alternative meeting point will be arranged.
