"You don't understand the cordillera by looking at photos. You have to feel the air, the silence and the scale. That's only achieved by being there." The High Mountain tour in Mendoza is one of the most impactful experiences the region offers: a full day touring the Andes Mountains, with stops combining epic landscapes, historic towns and a view of Aconcagua, the highest peak in America.
Planning your visit? Discover our private wine tours in Mendoza — or explore our luxury wine tours in Mendoza.
This guide gathers everything you need to know to plan the High Mountain tour: stops, distances, best season, what clothes to bring and how to combine it with the rest of the trip. If you're in Mendoza for the first time, this is one of the must-do plans.
What is the High Mountain tour?
The High Mountain tour is a full-day excursion (10 to 12 hours) covering National Route 7 until reaching Aconcagua Provincial Park. It's the traditional route between Argentina and Chile, known as Cristo Redentor Pass. Main stops are Potrerillos, Uspallata, Penitentes, Puente del Inca and the Aconcagua viewpoint.
The most important thing: this tour is not about "going fast and coming back." The real value is in getting off the vehicle, walking, taking photos without rush and understanding the impressive geography that connects two countries. That's why we always recommend the private excursion with bilingual driver instead of the mass group tour.
Must-see stops on the tour
1. Potrerillos Dam (65 km from Mendoza)
First stop on the route. A reservoir of turquoise waters surrounded by the pre-cordillera, with natural viewpoints to take the first photos. It's the perfect place for the traveler to understand the landscape change: in less than an hour from the city, you're already in another dimension.
2. Uspallata (100 km from Mendoza)
Historic town that served as base for General San Martín's crossing of the Andes in 1817. Here we make a stop for lunch, with regional cuisine proposals. The air is drier, the mountains change color and you start seeing spectacular rock formations.
To understand the historical importance of this zone, we recommend reading our article on San Martín's crossing of the Andes, one of the most important military feats in Argentine history.
3. Puente del Inca (175 km from Mendoza)
A natural formation unique in the world: a stone bridge eroded by thermal waters that created a perfect arch over the river. The mineral walls have yellow, green and reddish colors due to sulfuric content. Previously a thermal hotel operated there, destroyed by an avalanche in 1965, with remains still visible.
4. Aconcagua Viewpoint (200 km from Mendoza)
The culminating point of the tour. From the Aconcagua Provincial Park viewpoint you can see the "South Face" of the highest peak in America (6,962 meters). It's one of the few places where you can see a mountain of that magnitude without having to climb anything. For nature lovers, seeing Aconcagua live is a transformative experience.
5. Cristo Redentor (optional, summer only)
If weather conditions permit (generally between November and April), the tour can continue to the Cristo Redentor of the Andes, on the Chilean border, at 4,200 meters above sea level. It's optional and depends on pass opening. When possible, it's a unique experience: literally standing on the border between two countries.
When to do the tour: best time of year
- Summer (December–March): pleasant temperature, all stops accessible, possibility of crossing to Cristo Redentor. High season. Mountain highs: 18–22°C.
- Autumn (April–May): landscapes with fantastic colors, fewer tourists. Lows can drop to -5°C in high zones.
- Winter (June–August): frequent snowfall and possible pass closures. Combinable with skiing in Penitentes. Bring very warm clothing.
- Spring (September–November): thaw and full rivers, generally good weather. Some areas still with snow.
What clothes and what to bring
The cordillera has microclimates: you can leave Mendoza with 30°C and arrive at the Aconcagua viewpoint with 8°C and wind. The rule is to dress in layers:
- Cotton t-shirt + fleece + windbreaker jacket
- Comfortable pants (no tight jeans)
- Sneakers with firm sole (no trekking footwear needed)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (altitude radiation is very strong)
- Sunscreen factor 50+
- Hat or cap
- Water bottle and snacks
- Camera with charged battery (lots of photos to take!)
Combining High Mountain with winery tours
The High Mountain tour combines perfectly with wine tourism. A classic Discovery Wine proposal:
- Day 1: Winery tour in Luján de Cuyo with gourmet lunch.
- Day 2: Excursion to High Mountain (this tour).
- Day 3: Winery tour in Uco Valley, which already has high-altitude cordilleran landscape.
For the more adventurous, there's also the 4x4 experience in the Andes, covering mountain roads off the traditional route.
Is it safe? Health tips
The tour is safe for healthy people of any age. Maximum altitude is 2,700 meters (at Aconcagua viewpoint), where some may feel slight shortness of breath. If you have heart or respiratory problems, consult your doctor before traveling.
The so-called "altitude sickness" is rare at this altitude, but it helps not to eat heavy and stay hydrated. Some travelers take coca leaves or coca tea, available in Uspallata.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
Between 10 and 12 hours, with departure from hotel at 8:00 AM and return between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.
Is it for kids?
Yes, suitable for the whole family. Kids especially enjoy Puente del Inca and the chance to see Aconcagua. For very young children it can be a long day, but the landscapes compensate.
Where to have lunch?
Yes. Lunch stop is in Uspallata or Penitentes, with regional cuisine (chivito, pasta, grill). Discovery Wine private tours can coordinate reservations at selected restaurants.
Can it be done in winter?
Yes, but pass conditions must be checked. With snow, the tour can be shortened to Puente del Inca or Penitentes. The experience has different charm: snowy landscapes that look like another planet.
What's the difference between group and private tour?
Group tour goes with 12–20 people in a minibus, with fixed schedule and no possibility to customize. Private tour is just for your group, with comfortable vehicle, custom stops, bilingual guide and possibility to lunch where you want. The experience difference is enormous.
If you want to experience the Andes Mountains with the attention and comfort it deserves, contact us via WhatsApp and we'll build the perfect plan for your trip. Combinable with winery tours, city tour or any other Mendoza experience.
Typical day schedule
- 7:30-8:00 AM — Pickup at your hotel in Mendoza
- 9:00 AM — Potrerillos stop (dam viewpoint)
- 10:30 AM — Arrival in Uspallata (coffee/bathroom)
- 12:00 PM — Puente del Inca (walk + photos)
- 1:00-2:30 PM — Lunch at local restaurant
- 2:30-3:30 PM — Aconcagua Park (viewpoint + short walk)
- 3:30-4:30 PM — Cristo Redentor (only in summer season)
- 5:00 PM — Return via Uspallata
- 6:30-7:00 PM — Return to hotel in Mendoza
Altitude considerations
The highest point on the standard route is the Aconcagua viewpoint (~2,900 m) or Cristo Redentor (3,832 m). Most people feel nothing, but some may have mild symptoms: headache, shortness of breath, fatigue. Tips:
- Hydrate well the day before and during
- Avoid alcohol the day before
- Eat a light breakfast
- Don't smoke during the tour
- Tell the driver if you feel unwell — all our drivers have altitude experience
Private vs group: which to choose
Group tours (40+ people in coaches) are cheaper but with strict timing, short stops and Spanish-only guide. Private tours offer clear advantages:
- Comfortable vehicle (SUV or van with AC)
- Dedicated English-speaking driver
- Stops at your pace
- Coordination with your hotel and schedule
- Custom stop selection
Winter caveat (important)
The tour runs year-round, but in winter (June-August) there is an important caveat: if heavy snow falls and pass authorities close a section of road, the tour returns from wherever is open. Potrerillos, Uspallata and Puente del Inca usually remain accessible. Cristo Redentor typically closes due to snow. The winter experience with snow-covered Andes is spectacular when weather cooperates, but reaching every point is not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Alta Montaña tour from Mendoza include?
The Alta Montaña tour is a full-day excursion (8-10 hours) from Mendoza along Route 7 through the Andes. Main stops include Potrerillos (1,350 m), Uspallata (1,900 m), Puente del Inca (2,720 m), Aconcagua Provincial Park (viewpoint of Mt. Aconcagua at 6,961 m), and in season the Cristo Redentor de los Andes on the Argentina-Chile border (3,832 m). The tour is mostly by vehicle with light walks at certain stops.
Can the Alta Montaña tour be done year-round?
Yes, we offer the tour all year. September to May has no weather restrictions. June to August (winter) depends on conditions: if authorities close any section due to heavy snow, the tour goes as far as is open and returns. Potrerillos, Uspallata and Puente del Inca are usually accessible; Cristo Redentor typically closes.
How much hiking is involved?
Mostly vehicle-based with light walks at certain stops. At Puente del Inca a 15-20 minute walk on flat-descending terrain. At Aconcagua Park a short 10-15 minute walk to the viewpoint. No special physical preparation is needed.
How long is the full day?
Typical pickup from hotel between 7:30-8:00 AM, return between 6:00-7:00 PM. Total: 10-11 hours door to door. Driving distance approximately 400 km round trip.
Should I do the tour in a group or private?
Group tours (40+ people in coaches) are cheaper but with strict timing, short fixed stops and Spanish-only guide. Private tours allow stops at your pace, English-speaking driver, comfortable vehicle and custom stop selection. For most international travelers, private is clearly worth the difference.
What altitude is reached?
The highest point on the standard route is the Aconcagua viewpoint (around 2,900 m) or Cristo Redentor de los Andes (3,832 m) when season allows. Most people feel no altitude effects, but stay hydrated, avoid alcohol the day before, and don't smoke during the tour.
Can it be combined with wine tours?
Yes, this is the most popular combination for 3-5 day visitors. Do Alta Montaña first (it's physically demanding due to altitude) and wine tours on following days (more relaxed). See our 3-day Mendoza itinerary.
Do I need a passport?
Not required for the standard route (stays inside Argentina). If you want to reach Cristo Redentor de los Andes at the border, it's safer to bring your passport, though you don't actually cross into Chile.
More questions? Check our FAQ with 25 common questions about tours, prices, logistics, and Alta Montaña.
Book the High Mountain Tour
Full day from Mendoza · Private guide · Transfer included