Spend a full day ascending to 3,650 m in the Cordón del Plata range, a single-day private hike from Mendoza that pairs dramatic high-Andes scenery with non-technical but altitude-demanding terrain. Expect 5–7 hours of hiking, private transport, snacks, and flexible pacing.
Spend a full day ascending to 3,650 m in the Cordón del Plata range, a single-day private hike from Mendoza that pairs dramatic high-Andes scenery with non-technical but altitude-demanding terrain. Expect 5–7 hours of hiking, private transport, snacks, and flexible pacing.
A thin, icy wind cuts across the valley as the van climbs away from Mendoza and the city lights shrink behind you. By the time hikers sign the park register at Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata, the Andes loom close—raw, stony ridgelines that demand steady breathing and steady feet. The trail climbs into an open, high-altitude world where rock and scrub give way to scree fields and, if the season allows, small alpine pools reflecting the sky.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Malbec Transfer · Mendoza, Mendoza
A thin, icy wind cuts across the valley as the van climbs away from Mendoza and the city lights shrink behind you. By the time hikers sign the park register at Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata, the Andes loom close—raw, stony ridgelines that demand steady breathing and steady feet. The trail climbs into an open, high-altitude world where rock and scrub give way to scree fields and, if the season allows, small alpine pools reflecting the sky.
Cordón del Plata is part of the frontal Andes uplift and a familiar route for local mountaineers. The area has long been used by indigenous peoples and later by miners and shepherds; traces of past routes and seasonal grazing remain in cairns and animal paths. Geologically, the range is young and tectonically active, composed of folded sedimentary and volcanic rock that sheds talus onto the slopes.
Culturally, Mendoza’s wine country lies just east of these peaks—so it’s common to pair a hard day on the trail with an afternoon tasting back in town.
Practical guidance: the standard option tops out at about 3,650 m (12,000 ft) and typically requires 5–7 hours round trip with roughly 1,000–1,300 m of elevation gain and 8–14 km of walking depending on route and approach. The route is non-technical but exposed; expect rocky ground, short scree sections, and strong sun. Hydrate well, pace conservatively for altitude, carry warm layers, and allow extra time for photo stops. Private transport from Mendoza typically covers trailhead logistics and a small snack pack is included, but acclimatization and good footwear remain the hiker’s best insurance.
challenging.
5–7 hours.
Moderate to high cardiovascular fitness recommended; regular hill-walking experience makes acclimatization easier.
The trail is non-technical but challenging because of altitude and sustained climbing; expect steady uphill sections and plan for 5–7 hours total.
Yes—spend a day or two in Mendoza (750–900 m) with easy activity beforehand; those sensitive to altitude should consider additional acclimatization days.
Private transportation from Mendoza city center to the trailhead and return is typically included in the tour price as noted in the listing.
Photography is welcome; many guides offer photography or drone shots when conditions and park rules permit—confirm drone permissions with the operator and park authorities ahead of time.
The Cordón del Plata area sits on traditional routes used by indigenous Huarpes and later saw seasonal grazing and small-scale mining during colonial times.
This is a protected provincial park—register with park rangers, stick to durable surfaces to protect fragile high-altitude vegetation, and pack out all waste.
Malbec Transfer operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A thin, icy wind cuts across the valley as the van climbs away from Mendoza and the city lights shrink behind you. By the time hikers sign the park register at Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata, the Andes loom close—raw, stony ridgelines that demand steady breathing and steady feet. The trail climbs into an open, high-altitude world where rock and scrub give way to scree fields and, if the season allows, small alpine pools reflecting the sky.
A thin, icy wind cuts across the valley as the van climbs away from Mendoza and the city lights shrink behind you. By the time hikers sign the park register at Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata, the Andes loom close—raw, stony ridgelines that demand steady breathing and steady feet. The trail climbs into an open, high-altitude world where rock and scrub give way to scree fields and, if the season allows, small alpine pools reflecting the sky.
Cordón del Plata is part of the frontal Andes uplift and a familiar route for local mountaineers. The area has long been used by indigenous peoples and later by miners and shepherds; traces of past routes and seasonal grazing remain in cairns and animal paths. Geologically, the range is young and tectonically active, composed of folded sedimentary and volcanic rock that sheds talus onto the slopes.
Culturally, Mendoza’s wine country lies just east of these peaks—so it’s common to pair a hard day on the trail with an afternoon tasting back in town.
Practical guidance: the standard option tops out at about 3,650 m (12,000 ft) and typically requires 5–7 hours round trip with roughly 1,000–1,300 m of elevation gain and 8–14 km of walking depending on route and approach. The route is non-technical but exposed; expect rocky ground, short scree sections, and strong sun. Hydrate well, pace conservatively for altitude, carry warm layers, and allow extra time for photo stops. Private transport from Mendoza typically covers trailhead logistics and a small snack pack is included, but acclimatization and good footwear remain the hiker’s best insurance.