Full-Day Andes Hiking in Vallecitos: Cordón del Plata from Mendoza

Vallecitos•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Full day (8–10 hours) with 4–5 hours on trail

Fitness Level

Active hikers comfortable with 6–10 km and 400–900 m of elevation gain at altitude; steady pacing and acclimatization help.

Overview

Trade city streets for high-altitude trails on a customizable day hike in Vallecitos, Mendoza’s classic gateway to the Cordón del Plata. With a local mountain guide, choose from mellow ravines to ridgey scrambles and soak up big Andean views, homemade lunch, and bright, high-country light.

Full-Day Andes Hiking in Vallecitos: Cordón del Plata from Mendoza

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Wildlife

Hiking

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

Dawn breaks over Mendoza as the Andes draw a hard line on the horizon, teasing blue ridges that seem to move closer with every kilometer. By the time the road winds into Vallecitos, the air thins and the mountains feel awake—ridges shouldering the wind, gullies whispering with meltwater. Boots hit volcanic grit and the day opens wide: a high-altitude hike tailored by a local mountain guide to match your pace, your goals, and the weather the range delivers.

Adventure Photos

Full-Day Andes Hiking in Vallecitos: Cordón del Plata from Mendoza photo 1

Adventure Tips

Respect the altitude

Plan an easy day in Mendoza beforehand and hydrate; the hiking ranges from 2,700–3,600 m where pace and breathing matter.

Layer for four seasons in one day

Wind can flip from warm to biting quickly—carry a windproof shell, sun hat, and a warm midlayer even in summer.

Footing on scree

Short stretches of loose rock reward trekking poles and deliberate steps—keep heels low and weight centered.

Sun is strong year-round

High UV at elevation means sunglasses, SPF 50+, and lip balm; reapply regularly.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Andean condor
Culpeo (Andean fox)

History

Vallecitos hosted Mendoza’s first ski area in the mid-20th century; today the Cordón del Plata is a classic training zone for local alpinists.

Conservation

You’re in the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park corridor—stay on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and protect fragile high-Andean vegetation and scarce water sources.