Vallecitos Full-Day Trek from Mendoza: Andes Hiking in Potrerillos
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours total (5–6 hours hiking)
Fitness Level
Comfortable hiking 6–8 miles with 400–700 m gain at 2,800–3,200 m elevation.
Overview
Spend a full day on high Andean trails in Vallecitos, where steady climbs and big views meet Mendoza’s clear desert light. This guided trek balances approachable mileage with real altitude, offering geology, local lore, and a taste of the Cordon del Plata’s rugged character.
Vallecitos Full-Day Trek from Mendoza: Andes Hiking in Potrerillos
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Morning light lifts over the Mendoza River as the Andes shake off their night chill. The van hums west from the city, vineyards thinning into ochre foothills, and the reservoir at Potrerillos flashes blue like a dare. At Vallecitos, the trail rises immediately, a steady ramp through broom shrubs and slate-gray scree. The wind tests your balance, then eases; the mountains set the tempo, asking for patience and a measured stride.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate early and often
Start drinking water before you reach the trailhead and carry at least 2 liters per person; the dry, high-altitude air dehydrates quickly.
Layer for four seasons in a day
Mornings can be near freezing and afternoons hot in the sun—pack a light puffy, wind shell, and breathable base layers.
Mind the altitude
Pace yourself and use rest steps on steeper pitches; if you feel a headache or nausea, tell your guide and descend.
Footing is rocky
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good tread are important; trekking poles add stability on scree and during descents.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean fox (zorro culpeo)
- Guanaco on higher, quieter slopes
History
Vallecitos sits within the Cordon del Plata, long used by arrieros and later as a training zone for Aconcagua expeditions and local ski touring.
Conservation
Stay on established paths to limit erosion in fragile alpine soils, and pack out all waste—wind scatters litter quickly in this open terrain.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight hiking boots with traction
Rocky, uneven paths and scree demand ankle support and reliable grip.
Trekking poles
Helpful for balance on loose rock and to ease knees on the descent.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
High UV at altitude makes sun coverage crucial, even on cool days.
summer specific
Insulating midlayer and windproof shell
Rapid weather shifts and afternoon winds make adaptable layers a must.
winter specific