Mendoza Andes Adventure: Raft, Zipline, and Trek Aconcagua in 5 Days
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking 2–4 hours at elevations up to ~3,000 m, able to paddle steadily and manage stairs/ladders for ziplines.
Overview
Trade wine tastings for river spray and high-mountain air with five days of rafting, ziplining, and trekking from Mendoza to Aconcagua. Expect big views, dry desert air, and smart logistics that let you focus on the adventure.
Mendoza Andes Adventure: Raft, Zipline, and Trek Aconcagua in 5 Days
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Morning hits different in Mendoza. The irrigation canals murmur through tree-lined streets while the Andes stack the horizon in clean blue layers, calm and colossal. This five-day itinerary trades wine glasses for river spray and high-mountain air, moving from the city’s plazas to Potrerillos’ granite folds and the wide vault of Aconcagua Provincial Park—home to the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate early and often
Mendoza’s desert climate dehydrates fast—sip steadily the day before and during activities, especially on high-mountain day.
Sun and wind are relentless
UV is strong at altitude; wear a brimmed hat, SPF 30+, and a windproof layer for gusts at passes and on ziplines.
Cristo Redentor access varies
The high pass typically opens January–March and closes with weather; expect itinerary adjustments if conditions change.
Footwear for the river
Use closed-toe shoes or sturdy river sandals with heel straps; cotton gets cold when wet—go synthetic or wool.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Guanaco
History
Uspallata sits on the southern reaches of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Road), later used by San Martín’s Army of the Andes during the independence campaigns.
Conservation
Aconcagua Provincial Park protects fragile alpine zones—stay on marked paths, pack out all trash, and be conservative with water in this drought-prone region.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
20–30L daypack with hydration
Carries water, layers, sun protection, and camera during daily outings.
Windproof/light insulating layer
Rapid temperature swings and high-pass gusts make a compact shell invaluable.
Sun kit (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
High UV at altitude and reflective water surfaces demand full-spectrum protection.
summer specific
Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers
Keeps feet protected and warm during rafting when snowmelt chills the river.
spring specific