Aconcagua Provincial Park tour: Hike to Laguna de Horcones

Walk to the viewpoint where you stand face to face with Aconcagua's summit

A full-day guided tour of Aconcagua Provincial Park from Mendoza includes transport along Route 86 through Cacheuta and Potrerillos, a two-hour hike to Laguna de Horcones with park permits, and stops at Puente del Inca and the Cordón del Plata range. The tour operates with a bilingual guide and includes a mountain lunch. Park entrance fees are paid separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Potrerillos20m
2. Aconcagua Provincial Park1h 30m
3. Puente del IncaEntry included20m

Aconcagua Full-Day Tour Experience

• Travel southwest on Provincial Route 86
• Cross tunnel at Cacheuta village
• View Cordón del Plata and Potrerillos Dam
• Stop in Uspallata for valley view
• Visit Puente del Inca natural stone bridge
• Obtain permits at Aconcagua Provincial Park
• Hike to Laguna de Horcones viewpoint

The experience

The day starts with a drive southwest on Provincial Route 86, crossing through Cacheuta and the tunnel that opens onto Potrerillos. From there you see the Cordón del Plata range, Mendoza's main water source, and the Potrerillos Dam sitting like a mirror between the mountains. A stop in Uspallata gives you a wider view of the valley before the van carries you toward Puente del Inca, the natural stone bridge with hot springs that marks the entry to the high country.

Once you reach Aconcagua Provincial Park, you obtain your permits with the park rangers and begin the two-hour hike to Laguna de Horcones. The viewpoint sits at roughly 3,000 meters above sea level and opens onto the South Wall and the summit of Aconcagua itself: the highest peak in the Americas. The walk is moderate. The operator notes that travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Along the route you move through the park's flora and fauna under the mountain sky.

Transport and a professional bilingual guide are included throughout the day. You'll stop for a morning snack with infusions and pastries, and lunch comes as a hot regional meal at a mountain parador during winter months (May through September) or as a packed sandwich during summer. The total day runs eight to twelve hours depending on conditions and the season. Winter weather can affect road conditions on Route 86, so the exact route may shift. Park entrance fees are paid on arrival in Argentine pesos only and are not included in the tour price.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Mendoza.
• professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• park permits obtained with the rangers.
• a two-hour hike to Laguna de Horcones viewpoint.
• morning snack with infusions and pastries.
• hot regional lunch at a mountain parador in winter or a packed sandwich in summer.
• stops at Potrerillos, Cordón del Plata and Puente del Inca.

Information

Lasts 8h–12h, runs Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 07:30, from US$ 160 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:30Another day? ›

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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

AgesAdult (3 to 65 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kahuak

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Aconcagua's summit and the South Wall without arranging permits, transport or a guide yourself. The operator handles the park paperwork and the drive, so you focus on the walk and the view.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How long is the actual hike in Aconcagua Provincial Park?

The hike to Laguna de Horcones takes approximately two hours and reaches about 3,000 meters above sea level. It is a moderate walk that brings you to the viewpoint where you see the South Wall and summit of Aconcagua.

What is Puente del Inca and why does the tour stop there?

Puente del Inca is a natural stone bridge with hot springs and serves as an iconic landmark of the mountain range. The tour includes a stop there as part of the route through the high country on the way to and from Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Do I need to bring my passport to this tour?

Yes, all passengers must carry a valid passport for this tour. The park rangers require identification when you obtain your permits at Aconcagua Provincial Park.

What kind of lunch is included, and does it account for dietary needs?

During winter (May through September), lunch is a hot regional meal served at a mountain parador. During summer, you receive a packed sandwich. You should advise the operator of any specific dietary requirements when you book.

Are park entrance fees included in the tour price?

Park entrance fees are not included and must be paid separately in Argentine pesos only when you arrive at Aconcagua Provincial Park. The tour price covers transport, guide, permits and meals.

What happens if the tour operates with only two passengers?

If the tour runs with only two passengers, it operates as a private service in a car or van with a driver, or you have the option to switch to the regular shared High Mountain Tour instead.