"You can't understand the Andes by looking at photos. You have to feel the air, the silence and the scale. That only happens by being there." The High Mountain tour in Mendoza is one of the most striking experiences the region offers: a full day through the Andes, with stops combining epic landscapes, historic towns and views of Aconcagua, the highest summit in the Americas. Read our complete Aconcagua guide.

If you're planning your trip, discover our private winery tours in Mendoza — or explore our fine wine experiences.

This guide brings together everything you need to plan the High Mountain tour: stops, distances, the best time of year, what to wear and how to combine it with the rest of your trip. If it's your first time in Mendoza, this is one of the essential plans.

What is the High Mountain tour?

The High Mountain tour is a full-day excursion (10 to 12 hours) that follows National Route 7 all the way to Aconcagua Provincial Park. It's the traditional crossing road between Argentina and Chile, known as the Cristo Redentor pass. The main stops are Potrerillos, Uspallata, Penitentes, Puente del Inca and the Aconcagua viewpoint.

The most important thing: this tour isn't about "getting there fast and coming back". The real value is in getting out of the vehicle, walking, taking photos without rushing and understanding the astonishing geography that connects two countries. That's why we always recommend the private excursion with a bilingual driver over the mass group tour.

The unmissable stops on the tour

1. Potrerillos reservoir (65 km from Mendoza)

The first stop of the route. A turquoise reservoir surrounded by the Andean foothills, with natural viewpoints for your first photos. It's the perfect place to grasp the change of landscape: in less than an hour from the city, you're already in another dimension.

2. Uspallata (100 km from Mendoza)

A historic town that served as the base for General San Martín's crossing of the Andes in 1817. This is where the lunch stop is made, with regional cooking. The air is drier, the mountains change colour and you start to see spectacular rock formations.

To understand the historical importance of this area, 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 are yellow, green and reddish from the sulphur content. A thermal hotel once operated here; it was destroyed by an avalanche in 1965 and its remains are still visible.

4. Aconcagua viewpoint (200 km from Mendoza)

The high point of the tour. From the Aconcagua Provincial Park viewpoint you see the "South Face" of the highest mountain in the Americas (6,961 metres). It's one of the few places where you can see a mountain of that scale without climbing anything. For nature lovers, seeing Aconcagua in person is a transformative experience.

5. Cristo Redentor (optional, summer only)

If weather conditions allow (generally between November and April), the tour can continue to the Cristo Redentor de los Andes, on the Chilean border, at 3,832 metres above sea level. It's optional and depends on the pass being open. When it is, it's a unique experience: literally standing on the border between two countries.

When to do the tour: the best time of year

• Summer (December to March): pleasant temperatures, every stop accessible, the chance to go up to Cristo Redentor. It's high season. Highs in the mountains: 18 to 22°C.
• Autumn (April to May): landscapes in fantastic colours, fewer tourists. Lows can drop to -5°C at altitude.
• Winter (June to August): frequent snowfall and the possibility of the pass closing. It can be combined with skiing at Penitentes. Bring plenty of warm clothing.
• Spring (September to November): snowmelt and fast-flowing rivers, generally good weather. Some areas still under snow.

What to wear and what to bring

The Andes have microclimates: you can leave Mendoza at 30°C and reach the Aconcagua viewpoint at 8°C with wind. The rule is to dress in layers:

• A cotton T-shirt, a fleece and a windproof jacket
• Comfortable trousers (not tight jeans)
• Trainers with a firm sole (trekking boots aren't necessary)
• Sunglasses with UV protection (radiation at altitude is very strong)
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• A cap or hat
• A water bottle and snacks
• A camera with a charged battery (there's a lot to photograph!)

Combining High Mountain with winery tours

The High Mountain tour combines perfectly with wine tourism. A classic Vito Wine Tours suggestion is:

• Day 1: Winery tour in Luján de Cuyo with a gourmet lunch.
• Day 2: the High Mountain excursion (this tour).
• Day 3: Winery tour in the Uco Valley, which already has high-altitude mountain scenery.

For the more adventurous, there's also the , which follows mountain roads off the traditional route.

Is it safe? Health advice

The tour is safe for healthy people of any age. The maximum altitude is 2,900 metres (at the Aconcagua viewpoint), where some people may feel slightly short of breath. If you have heart or respiratory problems, check with your doctor before travelling.

Altitude sickness, known locally as "apunamiento", is rare at this height, but it helps to avoid heavy meals and stay hydrated. Some travellers take coca leaves or coca tea, available in Uspallata.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

Between 10 and 12 hours, leaving the hotel at 8:00 and returning between 18:00 and 20:00.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it's suitable for the whole family. Children especially enjoy Puente del Inca and the chance to see Aconcagua. For the youngest it can be a long day, but the landscapes make up for it.

Is there somewhere to have lunch?

Yes. The lunch stop is made in Uspallata or Penitentes, with regional cooking (kid goat, pasta, grilled meats). Vito Wine Tours private tours can arrange bookings at selected restaurants.

Can it be done in winter?

Yes, but you have to check the state of the pass. With snow, the tour may be shortened to Puente del Inca or Penitentes. The experience has a different charm: snow-covered landscapes that look like another planet.

What's the difference between a group and a private tour?

The group tour runs with 12 to 20 people in a minibus, on a fixed schedule and with no room to personalise. The private tour is just for your group, with a comfortable vehicle, stops to suit you, a bilingual guide and the option to have lunch wherever you like. The difference in experience is enormous.

If you'd like to experience the Andes with the attention and comfort they deserve, message us on WhatsApp and we'll build the perfect plan for your trip. It can be combined with winery tours, a city tour or any other Mendoza experience.

What the full day looks like (typical timings)

• 7:30-8:00 — Departure from the hotel in Mendoza
• 9:00 — Stop at Potrerillos (reservoir viewpoint)
• 10:30 — Arrival in Uspallata (coffee and restrooms)
• 12:00 — Puente del Inca (walk and photos)
• 13:00-14:30 — Lunch at a local restaurant
• 14:30-15:30 — Aconcagua Park (viewpoint and short walk)
• 15:30-16:30 — Cristo Redentor (summer season only)
• 17:00 — Return via Uspallata
• 18:30-19:00 — Arrival at the hotel in Mendoza

Altitude considerations

The highest point of the standard route is the Aconcagua viewpoint (~2,900 m) or Cristo Redentor (3,832 m). Most people feel no discomfort, but some may have mild symptoms: headache, shortness of breath, fatigue. Recommendations:

• Hydrate well the day before and during the trip
• Avoid alcohol the day before
• Eat a light breakfast
• Don't smoke during the trip
• Tell the driver if you feel unwell — all our drivers are experienced with altitude

Private vs group

Group tours (40+ people in a coach) are cheaper but have strict timings, short stops and a guide in Spanish only. For international travellers or anyone who values personalisation, the private tour has clear advantages:

• A comfortable vehicle (SUV or van with air conditioning)
• A dedicated bilingual driver
• Stops at your own pace (more time on what interests you)
• Coordination with your hotel and schedule
• A choice of stops according to your preferences

An important caveat for winter

The excursion runs all year, but in winter (June to August) there's an important caveat: if there's heavy snow and the authorities close a section of the road, you have to turn back from wherever is open. Potrerillos, Uspallata and Puente del Inca are generally accessible. Cristo Redentor is usually closed by snow. The winter experience with the snow-covered Andes is spectacular when the weather cooperates, but reaching every point can't be guaranteed.

FAQ

What does the Mendoza High Mountain excursion include?

The High Mountain excursion is a full-day route (8 to 10 hours) that leaves Mendoza on National Route 7 towards the Andes. The main stops are Potrerillos (1,350 m), Uspallata (1,900 m), Puente del Inca (2,720 m), Aconcagua Provincial Park (the Cerro Aconcagua viewpoint, 6,961 m) and, in season, the Cristo Redentor de los Andes (3,832 m). The route is mainly by vehicle, with gentle walking at some stops.

Can the High Mountain route be done all year?

Yes, we run the excursion all year. From September to May there are no weather restrictions. From June to August (winter) the tour depends on conditions: if the authorities close a section because of snow, it runs as far as the road is open and then turns back. Potrerillos, Uspallata and Puente del Inca are generally accessible, while Cristo Redentor is usually closed.

How much walking is involved?

The route is mainly by vehicle, with gentle walking at some stops. At Puente del Inca you walk around the geological formation (15 to 20 minutes, flat to downhill). At Aconcagua Park there's a short walk to the viewpoint (10 to 15 minutes). No special physical preparation is needed.

How long is the full day?

A typical hotel departure between 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning, returning between 18:00 and 19:00. Total: 10 to 11 hours door to door. The distance is around 400 km there and back, with stops for photos, lunch and gentle walks.

Is it worth doing in a group or better private?

It's the difference between a scheduled excursion and a personalised experience. The group tour (40+ people in a coach) is cheaper but has strict timings, short fixed stops and a guide in Spanish only. The private tour allows stops at your own pace, a bilingual driver, a comfortable vehicle and a personalised choice of stops.

What altitude do you reach?

The highest point of the standard route is the Aconcagua viewpoint (~2,900 m) or Cristo Redentor (3,832 m) if the season allows. Most people feel no discomfort, but we recommend hydrating well, avoiding alcohol the day before and not smoking during the trip.

Can it be combined with wine tours?

Yes. The recommendation is to do High Mountain first (a demanding day because of altitude and distances) and the wine tours on the following days (more relaxed). See suggested itineraries in our 3-day Mendoza article.

Do I need a passport?

It isn't required for the standard route (which stays inside Argentina). If you want to go up to the Cristo Redentor de los Andes on the border, it's wise to bring your passport just in case.

More questions? Take a look at our FAQ with 25 common questions about tours, pricing, logistics and the High Mountain excursion.