High Andes Day Trip from Mendoza: Aconcagua, Puente del Inca and Cristo Redentor
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking at elevation with a few short trails and stairs; able to sit for longer drives and handle rapid weather changes.
Overview
From Mendoza’s leafy streets to windswept passes at 3,800 meters, this day trip strings together Aconcagua, Puente del Inca, and the Cristo Redentor. Expect big views, short alpine walks, and a crash course in the geology and culture of the High Andes.
High Andes Day Trip from Mendoza: Aconcagua, Puente del Inca and Cristo Redentor
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The day begins as the city of Mendoza yawns awake and the Andes shoulder the dawn. Asphalt unspools west on Route 7, vineyards giving way to raw stone and a river that hurries you upstream. The mountains climb with you, blue at first light, then sharpening into ridgelines that dare you higher. Potrerillos Dam appears like a mirror struck into the valley, the wind teasing whitecaps as you trace the shoreline and the range leans in close.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize early
Eat lightly, hydrate well, and avoid alcohol the night before—altitudes crest 3,800 m and mild symptoms are common.
Dress for four seasons
Layer a windproof shell over a warm midlayer; weather can flip from sun to sleet in minutes at high passes.
Sun is fierce year-round
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a brimmed hat; reflection off rock and snow amplifies exposure.
Carry cash for small stops
Some roadside kiosks and entry points may not accept cards—bring small bills in Argentine pesos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Guanaco
History
The Cristo Redentor statue was installed in 1904 to honor peace between Argentina and Chile, overlooking the historic trans-Andean route once used by mule caravans and early rail lines.
Conservation
Stay on marked paths at Aconcagua Provincial Park and respect fences at Puente del Inca—the mineral formations are fragile and easily damaged. Pack out all trash; high-altitude environments recover slowly.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof/water-resistant shell
Mountain gusts at Potrerillos and Cristo Redentor cut quickly; a lightweight shell keeps you warm and dry.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Gravel viewpoints and short trails in Aconcagua Park are easier and safer with grippy, closed-toe footwear.
Sun protection kit
High UV exposure at altitude makes a hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen non-negotiable.
Insulated midlayer
Temperatures can drop below freezing at the pass; a compact fleece or light puffy adds crucial warmth.
winter specific