MENDOZA DAY TRIP 🗺️ High Mountain Tour of THE ANDES in Argentina ⛰️🌉 Inca Bridge and Aconcagua 🇦🇷🚐

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Come join us on a day trip from Mendoza, Argentina as we take a high-mountain tour of the Andes. After several days spent touring wineries and vineyards, and sampling our fair share of wine, we decided it was time to see a bit more of Mendoza, so we booked a full-day excursion to the High Mountains to get a taste of the Andes. In this video, we’ll be visiting the natural wonder of the Inca Bridge, gazing at Aconcagua which is the highest peak in the Americas, and trying not to get blown off the mountain at Christ Redeemer on the border with Chile. This was a high-altitude excursion and our bodies were definitely feeling it, but we’ll do our best to show you what the province of Mendoza has to offer once you leave the vineyards in the rearview mirror.

Our first stop of the day was at the Potrerillos Dam which sits on the Mendoza River at 1380 metres above sea level. We had been driving about an hour when we got here, so we enjoyed a quick stop to snap some photos and also stretch our legs. From there, we continued onwards to the town of Uspallata which was another hour away.

Once we arrived in Uspallata, we had some free time to walk around. The tour had started very early so we were desperate for breakfast, and went in search of coffee and a quick bite. Others enjoyed a little stroll through town, but it was still quite early in the day so not many businesses were open.

From Uspallata, we drove another hour along Route 7 enjoying dramatic mountain landscapes and passing through small villages and hamlets, until we reached our next stop: the Inca Bridge.

We then stopped at the Aconcagua Lookout Point right along Route 7. On a clear day, you can see the peak of the highest point in the Americas, and we got pretty lucky with the weather that day! For any of you visiting by car with a bit more time, the entrance to Aconcagua Provincial Park is right next to the lookout, and there are multiple trails should you be in the mood for some trekking. Our tour just stopped for photos, but this is a place where the mountains beckon, so maybe give yourself more time here.

We then drove on to the village of Las Cuevas and began the climb towards Christ Redeemer of the Andes, which sits on the border between Chile and Argentina at a rather dizzying height…and we were feeling it!

After visiting Christ Redeemer, we started our descent into Las Cuevas where we had a lunch stop. Lunch is not included in this tour, so you either have to pack your own, or you can eat at one of the few restaurants in the village. Meals are simple and quick. We got some empanadas and some French fries since none of us had a big appetite at that altitude.

Las Cuevas was the final stop of our High Mountain tour, so this is where we did a U-turn and started the 3-hour drive back to Mendoza. But let’s fast forward to the next day so we can actually sit down and share some of our thoughts and impressions.

#mendoza #uspallata

🏔️ Full-Day High Mountain Tour from Mendoza: Inca Bridge, Aconcagua & Christ the Redeemer 🇦🇷🚐

🚐 Early Morning Departure & Potrerillos Dam

Our adventure kicks off with an early start from Mendoza city. After about an hour’s drive, we make our first stop at Potrerillos Dam, perched at 1,380 meters above sea level. It’s the perfect spot to stretch our legs, snap some photos, and get a first glimpse of the mountainous terrain ahead.

🥐 Coffee Break in Uspallata

We continue west along scenic Route 7, reaching the small Andean town of Uspallata after another hour. It’s still early, so we search for coffee and a quick breakfast, enjoying a peaceful stroll while the town slowly wakes up. This is the last true outpost before the landscape turns wild!

🌉 Puente del Inca: The Inca Bridge

Next, we arrive at the remarkable Puente del Inca—a natural rock formation and hot springs site. The bridge’s rainbow-colored minerals make it look almost painted, and the remains of a once-bustling spa hotel add to the atmosphere. You can’t walk over the bridge now, but it’s a great stop for photos, souvenir shopping, and learning about the region’s geology.

🏔️ Aconcagua Lookout: The Highest Peak in the Americas

Continuing up the winding mountain road, we pause at the Aconcagua lookout point for incredible views of the tallest peak in the Americas (6,961 meters / 22,838 ft). On a clear day, you’ll see the snow-capped summit—so have your cameras ready! If you have extra time, the adjacent provincial park offers hiking trails for every fitness level.

🗺️ Climbing to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes

The next leg is the highlight for many: a dramatic ascent to the Christ the Redeemer monument on the border with Chile. Sitting at a dizzying 4,200 meters (13,800 ft), the drive is a zig-zagging adventure with stunning views at every turn. Up top, we’re lightheaded from the altitude and the biting wind—but the panoramic vistas and the iconic statue are unforgettable.

MENDOZA DAY TRIP: High Mountain Tour of THE ANDES in Argentina ⛰️