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A full-day trek from Mendoza into the Cordón del Plata to reach Cerro Arenales, with sweeping views of Potrerillos Reservoir and surrounding 5,000‑m peaks. Expect 8–10 km round-trip on mixed trail and scree, bilingual guiding, and a boxed lunch.
A full-day trek from Mendoza into the Cordón del Plata to reach Cerro Arenales, with sweeping views of Potrerillos Reservoir and surrounding 5,000‑m peaks. Expect 8–10 km round-trip on mixed trail and scree, bilingual guiding, and a boxed lunch.
You step out of the minivan and the Andes breathe cold air across your face. A scrubby trail threads upward through native shrubs and rock ribs; ahead, the serrated skyline of the Cordón del Plata pins the horizon. The route to Cerro Arenales climbs steadily, opening onto a summit perch that looks down on the turquoise sweep of Potrerillos Reservoir and the stacked faces of Cerro Plata and Rincón.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tokio Viajes · Mendoza, Mendoza
You step out of the minivan and the Andes breathe cold air across your face. A scrubby trail threads upward through native shrubs and rock ribs; ahead, the serrated skyline of the Cordón del Plata pins the horizon. The route to Cerro Arenales climbs steadily, opening onto a summit perch that looks down on the turquoise sweep of Potrerillos Reservoir and the stacked faces of Cerro Plata and Rincón.
This sector of the Andes is young, tectonic and glacial—granite and metamorphic bones uplifted, carved by ice during the last glacial cycles. Vallecitos has long been a mountaineering corridor for local guides and Mendoza climbers; grazing and small-scale agriculture shaped valley use before recreation grew in the 20th century. Expect high-altitude weather swings: sunlight can be fierce, and winds can reroute your plans.
Practically, the day is a classic Andean summit hike: plan for roughly 8–10 km round-trip with 600–800 m of elevation gain on mixed dirt and scree. The operator provides pickup from Mendoza, a bilingual guide, water and a boxed lunch—so your pack stays light. Move steadily, take acclimation-friendly breaks, and watch for loose rock on the steeper pitches. Hydrate early, cover up against sun and wind, and carry an insulated layer for the summit stop.
This trek delivers both panorama and a taste of high-Andes terrain without technical climbing, making it an accessible objective for hikers with moderate fitness wanting a compact, full-day mountain experience.
moderate.
8 hours.
Moderate — able to sustain steady uphill hiking for several hours at altitude; basic endurance training recommended.
The operator lists a full day (about 8 hours); expect roughly 8–10 km round-trip with 600–800 m of elevation gain—moderate difficulty for hikers accustomed to sustained uphill walks.
No technical gear is required; this is a non-technical trekking route guided by professionals, suitable for hikers with moderate fitness.
Pickup/return from Mendoza, a bilingual professional guide, mineral water, a boxed lunch and personal accident insurance are included per the itinerary.
Acclimate by spending a day or two in Mendoza, hydrate, eat well, ascend conservatively, and inform guides of any symptoms so they can adjust pace or descend if needed.
Vallecitos and the larger Cordón del Plata have long been routes for local herders and became a center for alpine training in Mendoza during the 20th century as mountaineering grew.
The area lies within protected Andean landscapes—stay on trails, pack out waste, and avoid making fires to protect fragile high‑altitude vegetation.
Tokio Viajes operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of the minivan and the Andes breathe cold air across your face. A scrubby trail threads upward through native shrubs and rock ribs; ahead, the serrated skyline of the Cordón del Plata pins the horizon. The route to Cerro Arenales climbs steadily, opening onto a summit perch that looks down on the turquoise sweep of Potrerillos Reservoir and the stacked faces of Cerro Plata and Rincón.
You step out of the minivan and the Andes breathe cold air across your face. A scrubby trail threads upward through native shrubs and rock ribs; ahead, the serrated skyline of the Cordón del Plata pins the horizon. The route to Cerro Arenales climbs steadily, opening onto a summit perch that looks down on the turquoise sweep of Potrerillos Reservoir and the stacked faces of Cerro Plata and Rincón.
This sector of the Andes is young, tectonic and glacial—granite and metamorphic bones uplifted, carved by ice during the last glacial cycles. Vallecitos has long been a mountaineering corridor for local guides and Mendoza climbers; grazing and small-scale agriculture shaped valley use before recreation grew in the 20th century. Expect high-altitude weather swings: sunlight can be fierce, and winds can reroute your plans.
Practically, the day is a classic Andean summit hike: plan for roughly 8–10 km round-trip with 600–800 m of elevation gain on mixed dirt and scree. The operator provides pickup from Mendoza, a bilingual guide, water and a boxed lunch—so your pack stays light. Move steadily, take acclimation-friendly breaks, and watch for loose rock on the steeper pitches. Hydrate early, cover up against sun and wind, and carry an insulated layer for the summit stop.
This trek delivers both panorama and a taste of high-Andes terrain without technical climbing, making it an accessible objective for hikers with moderate fitness wanting a compact, full-day mountain experience.