The Andes, the world's second greatest mountains dominate
the skyline outside of Mendoza. You can be within these mountains with
about an hours drive from the central part of Mendoza. There are many
tourist agencies offering trekking trips ranging from 1 to 12+ days. In
addition consider a high mountain driving trip which is less rigorous
but still an invigorating way to see the Andes.
We used the following two companies for two different Andean trips.
Fenix de los Andes
- this is a Spanish guiding company only (No
English guides) but their prices are much lower than most of the other
tourist companies. They were extremely friendly and very knowledgeable
about the history, culture and mountain information. They offer the same
trip that you will find at most of the other agencies. They drive you up
route 7 into the Andes where you will stop for a light breakfast after
about 2 hours. Then you will continue up the Andean highway towards the
Chilean border where you will stop at the Mirador del Aconcagua.
This
is an excellent place to gape in awe at the world's highest
mountain outside of the Himalayas. Next you will pass the border
station and continue up to the Christ Redentor statue (unless
the road is covered in snow and then you may only make it to the turnoff
for this statue). On your way back you will stop at the Inca Point
(Puente del Inca) to view a neat geological formation on site of now
shut |
|
 |
|
down thermal baths). The trip starts at about 7:30 in the morning and
returns from 630 to 8pm. Fenix is located in a small shop downstairs at Paseo Sarmiento 127 in
the Galeria San Marcos Local 11. Phone: 420-0779 |
| |
 |
|
Cordon del Plata
- this company came highly recommended and after
trekking with them we could see why. They are very professional
and knowledgeable about trekking and climbing in the Andes. They
offer many treks and climbs including of the Great Giant,
Aconcagua. We drove 90 minutes from Mendoza to their San Antonio
hostel and from here we started the hike up to a small mountain
around 3200 meters.
We were here in mid Autumn and the area had
just received its first major snow storm of the season so
we hiked up to the top in snow the entire way. The entire trek takes
about 5-6 hours (including both ways) and from the top you have
tremendous views of the dominating jagged Andean peaks. We were lucky to
have the clouds directly below us and the sharp peaks jutting into the
clear dark blue sky that is so common on clear days in high mountains
worldwide.
Visit:
www.cordondelplata.com for more information. Also visit our
Other Information
section for a list of travel agencies offering
|
guided mountain trips and other
activities in the Mendoza area. |
Andes Mountains and photo to the right is the great Aconcagua located
on the border of Argentina |
About
Dave's Pick