Aconcagua Horcones Lagoon Day Hike from Mendoza with Argentine Asado
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most active travelers comfortable walking 1–2 miles at altitude with brief inclines.
Overview
Trade the tour bus for a relaxed, small-group day into Aconcagua Provincial Park. Walk the easy Horcones Lagoon trail beneath the highest peak in the Americas, then cap it with a classic Argentine asado in Uspallata.
Aconcagua Horcones Lagoon Day Hike from Mendoza with Argentine Asado
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Dawn breaks over Mendoza as the Andes draw a hard blue line against the sky, inviting and a little intimidating. The road threads west up Route 7, past poplar windbreaks and vineyards giving way to rock and river. At Potrerillos Dam the water goes electric-turquoise, a still mirror that dares you to linger. Higher still, Uspallata offers a warm stop—coffee, a croissant, a last breath of low-elevation comfort—before the mountains take over the conversation.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Respect the altitude
Horcones sits near 2,900–3,100 m. Walk slowly, hydrate often, and skip alcohol until lunch if you’re sensitive to elevation.
Sun is stronger up high
UV intensity is fierce year-round—wear SPF 30+ and a brimmed hat even on cool days.
Layer for mountain mood swings
Carry a light windproof jacket and a warm midlayer; the valley can switch from calm to gusty within minutes.
Footing is gravelly
Sturdy walking shoes or light hikers with good grip make the short loop more comfortable and stable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Guanaco
History
This corridor carried pre-Columbian trails and, later, General José de San Martín’s Army of the Andes during the 1817 campaign for independence. Puente del Inca’s mineral arch once hosted a famed 19th-century spa along the trans-Andean route.
Conservation
Stay on signed paths to protect fragile alpine soils and vegetation; wind makes litter highly mobile, so pack out all trash and favor refillable bottles.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight windproof jacket
Gusts funnel through the Horcones Valley; a shell keeps windchill in check.
High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
High-altitude UV can burn quickly, even on overcast days.
1–2 liters of water in a reusable bottle
Hydration helps manage altitude; refill in town to reduce plastic use.
Sun hat and sunglasses (UV400)
Bright rock and snowfields amplify glare on the trail and at viewpoints.