Valle de Uco, Aconcagua & Alta Montaña
★★★ Valle de Uco — The New Wine Frontier
The Valle de Uco, 80 km south of Mendoza, is the most exciting wine-growing region in Argentina — and perhaps the world. At 1,000–1,500 m elevation, right at the foot of the Andes, the most concentrated and elegant Malbecs in the country are produced here. The wineries are architecturally stunning, the landscape surreally beautiful: vineyards in front of snow-capped 5,000-meter peaks, interspersed with dry riverbeds and cacti.
The Valle de Uco comprises three sub-regions, each with its own character:
- Tupungato: The most well-known — home to Salentein and The Vines of Mendoza
- Tunuyán: The up-and-coming — Zuccardi and dozens of small boutique wineries
- San Carlos: The wildest — less developed, but with potential for the most exciting terroir wines
★★★ Alta Montaña Route — The Andes Crossing
The Ruta 7 from Mendoza to Chile over the Paso Los Libertadores (3,832 m) is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world — and the route on which General San Martín crossed the Andes with his army in 1817 to liberate Chile. Even without traveling to Chile, the route is a day tour highlight:
- Potrerillos: Reservoir at the entrance to the mountains, rafting on the Río Mendoza (Class III–IV)
- Uspallata: Small Andean village, filming location of "Seven Years in Tibet" (Brad Pitt)
- Puente del Inca: A natural stone bridge over the Río Las Cuevas, stained orange-yellow by minerals. Next to it: the ruins of an old thermal bath. Mystical and photogenic
- Mirador del Aconcagua: From the park entrance (Laguna Horcones) you can see the Aconcagua (6,962 m) on clear days — the highest mountain in the Americas. Short hike (2 km, 30 min) to the viewpoint. Entrance fee: approx. 10,000 ARS
- Las Cuevas: The last Argentine village before the Chilean border. From here, a side road leads to the Cristo Redentor — a 7 m high Christ statue on the border pass (3,832 m), symbolizing peace between Argentina and Chile (erected in 1904 after a near-war). Accessible only in summer (Dec–March) when the road is snow-free
Alta Montaña as a day tour from Mendoza: approx. 30,000–50,000 ARS organized, or by rental car (Ruta 7, paved, 200 km to Las Cuevas). Duration: full day (8–10h). Bring warm clothing — it can be below 0°C on the pass even in summer!
★★ Aconcagua — The Highest Mountain in the Americas
The Cerro Aconcagua (6,962 m) is not only the highest mountain in South America but also in the entire American continent — and the highest mountain outside Asia. Its massive south face (3,000 m vertical!) is one of the most impressive rock faces on Earth. Climbing to the summit takes 15–20 days and requires high-altitude experience, but there are shorter options:
- Mirador (Laguna Horcones): 2 km hike (30 min), easy. View of Aconcagua on clear days. Entrance to Parque Provincial: approx. 10,000 ARS (day permit)
- Trekking to Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas, 4,350 m): A 2–3-day trek through the Horcones Valley. Permit required (approx. 100 USD for trekking permit, online via aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar). Only Nov–March
- Ascent: 15–20 days, summit permit: approx. 800–1,000 USD (high season). Not technical, but extremely challenging due to the altitude. Success rate: approx. 30–40%
★★ Adventures Around Mendoza
- ★★★ Rafting on the Río Mendoza: Class III–IV rapids in a spectacular gorge with views of the Andes. Half-day tours from 30,000 ARS (30€). Providers: Argentina Rafting, Ríos Andinos. Season: Oct–March
- ★★ Horseback Riding: Multi-hour to multi-day rides through the foothills, partly on the historic paths of San Martín. From 20,000 ARS (half day)
- ★★ Termas de Cacheuta: Natural hot springs in a gorge of the Río Mendoza, 40 km from Mendoza. Pools with various temperatures (30–45°C), surrounded by rocks. Perfect relaxation after a day of trekking or wine tasting. Entrance: approx. 15,000 ARS. Shuttle from Mendoza bookable
- ★ Canopy/Zipline: Over the gorge of the Río Mendoza — not for the faint-hearted! From 15,000 ARS
★ San Juan & Valle de la Luna
The neighboring province to the north offers the Parque Nacional Ischigualasto (also known as "Valle de la Luna" / Moon Valley) — bizarre rock formations in a moon-like landscape and one of the most important dinosaur sites in the world. Triassic dinosaurs, 230 million years old, were found here! UNESCO World Heritage. Can be combined with the neighboring Parque Provincial Talampaya (red sandstone canyons with petroglyphs). 330 km from Mendoza — doable as a 2-day tour.