"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.
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.
Book the High Mountain Tour
Full day from Mendoza · Private guide · Transfer included