Cerro Bayo trek near Mendoza: Climb to alpine views with lunch

Climb Cerro Bayo and rest at the peak with a traditional Argentinian lunch

A full-day trek up Cerro Bayo, a mountain in the Potrerillos region near Mendoza, with a Spanish-speaking guide, private transport from the city, and a picada lunch at the summit. The route follows a zigzag trail through endemic plants like jarilla and tomillo, with views of the turquoise lake below and a good chance to spot Andean condors. The climb takes about two hours. The descent takes roughly ninety minutes.

The experience

The trek starts less than an hour from Mendoza city, so you spend most of the day on the mountain itself. A guide leads the climb up Cerro Bayo on a zigzag trail, pointing out the endemic plants that grow on the slopes and explaining their traditional uses. The views open across the neighboring ridges and down to lake Potrerillos, which was formed by damming the Mendoza river and now feeds the city's water supply. The lake's turquoise water reflects the sky above. Condors often soar above these mountains, and while a sighting is not guaranteed, you have a good chance to see them.

Once you reach the top, about two hours of walking, the guide prepares a traditional picada lunch of locally produced cold cuts and bread, with alfajores or maicenas (Argentinian sweets) for dessert and coffee or tea. You rest here, take photographs and walk around the peak. The descent takes roughly an hour and a half, and private transport brings you back to the city.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Mendoza to the trailhead and back to the city.
• a Spanish-speaking guide for the full trek.
• a traditional picada lunch at the summit with locally produced cold cuts, bread, Argentinian sweets and hot beverages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 12 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Senderos del Oeste

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in Mendoza city and want a full day hiking without driving yourself to the trailhead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (10 to 12 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What plants will I see on the way up Cerro Bayo?

The trail passes through endemic plants like jarilla and tomillo, which grow on the slopes of the Potrerillos region. The guide explains the traditional uses of these plants as you walk.

Is it possible to see condors on this trek?

Condors often soar above the mountains in this region, so you have a good chance to spot them, though a sighting is not guaranteed.

What does the lunch include?

The picada lunch at the summit includes locally produced cold cuts and bread, Argentinian sweets (alfajores or maicenas), and coffee or tea.

How long does the climb to the top take?

The climb up Cerro Bayo follows a zigzag trail and takes about two hours. The descent takes roughly an hour and a half.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the trailhead?

Private transportation from Mendoza is included, and pickup is arranged as part of the booking. The trailhead is less than an hour from the city.