Wild Andes Hike
What the day looks like
I pick you up at 9 am from your accommodation in Mendoza city or nearby. We drive a little over an hour into the range, through Cacheuta and Potrerillos, following the Mendoza river.
From there we walk into an area the local agencies don't use. Between 8 and 12 km depending on the group, 400 to 600 m of ascent, between 2,000 and 3,000 m above sea level. There are several trails here and I choose the day's route once I know your experience and what you're after; the usual one is an 8 km loop. We walk at your pace, stopping whenever there's something to look at. This isn't a challenge or a race.
This is guanaco and condor country. Grey fox, eagles, mountain viscachas and small birds live here too, along with semi-wild horses and cattle, and now and then we come across puma tracks. Nothing is guaranteed with wild animals, but the quiet of the area gives you a real chance. As we walk I'll point out the native plants, how they survive up here, and which ones we'll gather for the mate later on.
At midday we stop for lunch in the middle of the mountains: generous homemade sandwiches made that morning, plus fruit and snacks.
Later we brew several yerbas and compare them, together with the herbs we picked along the trail. If you're curious, I'll tell you where mate comes from, why the Guaraní drank it, and how it became the ritual it is across Argentina.
You're back at your accommodation between 4 and 5 pm.
Included
Round-trip pickup from your accommodation · Licensed trekking guide · Homemade sandwiches, fruit and snacks · Mate with local herbs · Interpretation of native flora and terrain
What to bring
Hiking boots or shoes with good grip, daypack, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, long trousers, windproof jacket, warm layer, change of clothes for the drive back
A full day in the Andes, far from the crowds
USD 260 per person · 8 hours · maximum 4 people
Good to know
No technical experience needed, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven ground. Larger groups welcome with a second guide and vehicle, message me before booking. Valle de Uco pickups available for an extra fee.
Not Included
Personal hiking gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, gratuities
Where we go
No tour buses, no signposts, no one else.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be?
More than for the half day, but less than people think. Most of my guests hadn't hiked in years. I choose the route once I know how you're doing.
Will I see wildlife?
Often, but never guaranteed. Guanacos and condors are the most common.
What's the difference with Hike & Relax?
This is a full day, further out, in an area where you probably won't cross anyone, with a homemade lunch included. Hike & Relax is half a day near Potrerillos, shorter and cheaper, ending at the lake.
© 2026 Andes Inspiration
Andes Inspiration - Damián Peralta
Licensed trekking guide, licence 261
Mendoza, Argentina