Things to do in Punta de Vacas

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get on the road for a full day of exploration in the Andes. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, begin by taking the dirt roads through Villavicencio where you can catch amazing views of the highest peaks in the Andes. Reach Uspallata Valley and make your first stop at the town of Uspallata where the native Huarpes settled during the pre-Hispanic era. Take your time to soak in the Andean scenery and grab a snack. Then, continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas. Snap some photos before getting to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8,924 feet above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. Journey towards the Chilean border, and stop at a natural viewpoint at Aconcagua, the largest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. From November to April, it's possible to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park and hike to the Horcones Lagoon. Then head to Las Cuevas village for free time and a bite to eat if you so choose. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Ruta 7 and get dropped off at your hotel.

Meet the guide at your hotel and then go on an early-morning drive toward the town of Cacheuta, which borders the Mendoza River. Take in an amazing view of the Cordón del Plata mountain range and the Potrerillos Dam, before continuing to Uspallata, a pre-Hispanic settlement of Huarpe people. Afterward, head to the villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas, and Punta de Vacas, and pass by the Los Penitentes ski resort. Next, check out Puente del Inca, a natural arch that crosses the Las Cuevas River, known for its hot springs. Then, arrive at the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua with your guide. Marvel at the panoramic view from a high altitude. Go to the town of Las Cuevas, a mountain village that sits on the border between Argentina and Chile. See the Swiss-style buildings here. After that, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Following this, visit the Aconcagua Viewpoint. Enjoy the view of the Aconcagua Provincial Park, and access the Monument of Christ the Redeemer, depending on the season. Finally, drive back to your hotel to finish the trip.

The tour offers a delightful mix of colors and landscapes. In the early morning, as we follow the course of the Mendoza River, we'll be treated to stunning views of the Cordon del Plata mountain range and the impressive Potrerillos Dam, which generates hydropower and supports irrigation. Our first stop will be the Uspallata settlement, where we'll explore the remains of the pre-Hispanic Huarpes community and discover the southernmost point of the Inca Empire along the Inca Trail from Peru. Continuing our journey, we'll visit the charming villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas, and Punta de Vacas. We'll then travel along the route of the Puente del Inca, marveling at the natural architectural formations and hot springs. Following that, we'll ascend to the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, a towering presence at 6,959 meters above sea level, surrounded by the serene Laguna Horcones and the Aconcagua Provincial Park. Our final destination is the picturesque European-style village of Las Cuevas, located 3,200 meters above sea level. Here, we'll find the path that leads to the iconic "Cristo Redentor" monument, perched at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level, symbolizing the unity between the people of Argentina and Chile (Only visited during the summer months). As our tour concludes, we'll return to Mendoza, bringing back cherished memories of this enchanting journey.

We begin our exciting tour along the High Mountain Road from Mendoza, picking up participants at their hotels between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. Our tourist trip begins on the famous National Route N°7. The first stop, after traveling through the tunnel of the city of Cacheuta, takes us to the impressive Potrerillos dam located in the Andes mountain range, a place of unforgettable scenic beauty, where you will have the opportunity to take the best photos with the Altas Cumbres. in the background. . We continued our way up the river entering the mountain town of Uspallata. This historic place was the scene of the Huarpe indigenous occupation in pre-Hispanic times and marks the transition between the foothills and the frontal mountain range. We will stop for breakfast in Uspallata and then continue our tour through a mountainous landscape that includes the charming villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas, as well as the ancient Los Penitentes ski resort. Continuing our group tour, we found the iconic Puente del Inca, a natural monument of astonishing geological beauty, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Kilometers further, you will find the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America after the Himalayas. The High Mountain tour culminates at the Chilean border, Las Cuevas, a charming town built in a distinct European style. Here we will enjoy a delicious Mendocino lunch in a typical mountain restaurant. Why book this tour? – Get the best photographs of the Andes Mountains; – Connect with mountain nature; – Discover the Puente del Inca, a natural bridge declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; – Get a magnificent view of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in America; – Discover the mountainous area where the famous film “Seven Years in Tibet”, starring actor Brad Pitt, was filmed;

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get ready for a full day in the Andes. Your route begins along the Mendoza River, up to the border with Chile, and after 62 miles (100km) you will reach the Valle de Uspallata. Then, continue to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8923 feet (2,720m) above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. A short distance from the border, a natural viewpoint allows you to appreciate the magnificent Aconcagua. If the park is open, you can trek over to Los Horcones Lagoon (entrance not included). On the border with Chile, you will find Las Cuevas - 10,500 feet (3,200m) above sea level - a small village built in a European style. Between Las Cuevas and the international Tunnel to Chile, there is a road that takes you to the monument of Cristo Redentor that is 13,780 feet (4,200m) above sea level. This road can be taken with favorable weather conditions, usually during January and February. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Route 7 and get dropped off at your hotel. This tour to the high Andes you have two routes you can choose from. The regular option bordering the Mendoza River, traveling to national Route 7 taking you to Upsalatta. The second option is subject to favorable route conditions, heads north traveling on a mountain route starting in Villavicencio and arriving at Upsalatta giving you a different view of the Andes.