Andes Day Trip from Mendoza: Aconcagua, Uspallata & Puente del Inca
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking at altitude on short, mostly flat paths; pace is relaxed with frequent coach breaks.
Overview
Ride Ruta 7 deep into the Andes from Mendoza, with stops at Potrerillos, Uspallata, Puente del Inca, and the Aconcagua viewpoints. It’s a high-altitude, photo-forward day with short walks, big scenery, and a crash course in Andean geology and history.
Andes Day Trip from Mendoza: Aconcagua, Uspallata & Puente del Inca
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Dawn breaks in Mendoza and the Andes wake with it—shadows sliding off serrated ridgelines as the bus points west on Ruta 7. Vineyards give way to scrub and sage, then the road climbs in long, steady arcs toward the Potrerillos Dam, where the wind rakes turquoise water and the mountains hint at their true scale. The air cools; the horizon widens. You’re not hiking today so much as moving through a living corridor of geology and history, stepping out often to feel the altitude tug at your lungs and the dry light sharpen every color.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate early and often
High altitude dehydrates quickly—start the day well-hydrated and sip water at every stop.
Dress for four seasons
Temps can swing from warm sun to icy wind; pack layers including a light puffy and windproof shell.
Bring pesos for lunch
Most roadside eateries in Las Cuevas and Uspallata prefer cash (ARS) and may have limited card connectivity.
Short walks, grippy shoes
Viewpoints often involve gravel or uneven paths—wear low hikers or sturdy sneakers for traction.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Guanaco
History
Uspallata marked the southern reach of the Inca network and later the route for San Martín’s Army of the Andes during the independence campaigns. The early-1900s trans-Andean railway once linked Mendoza to Chile through these valleys.
Conservation
Aconcagua Provincial Park protects fragile high-altitude ecosystems; stay on established paths and pack out trash. Extreme UV and aridity slow decomposition—leave no trace matters here.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
UV radiation is intense at altitude, especially in summer—protect skin and face during roadside stops.
summer specific
Insulating midlayer
Temperatures drop quickly near Las Cuevas; a fleece or light down keeps you comfortable at viewpoints.
winter specific
1–2L Water Bottle
Staying hydrated helps mitigate mild altitude effects during the day’s steady ascent.
Cash (Argentine pesos)
Useful for lunch, snacks, and small entrance or restroom fees where cards aren’t accepted.