Mendoza Aconcagua Day Trip: Puente del Inca, Uspallata & Park Hike

Summary

Andes peaks, stone bridges and mountain air from mendoza

You’ll join locals for mate in Uspallata, cross mountain tunnels toward Potrerillos Dam’s glassy water, touch the mineral-streaked stones of Puente del Inca, and walk beneath Aconcagua’s silent peak. With a local guide leading and lunch in a mountain parador included, you’ll feel both small and lucky—like you’re part of something bigger than yourself for a day.

What’s the experience like?

The first real moment was at a tiny café in Uspallata. Our guide Lucía ordered us mate and medialunas—she laughed when I tried to say “medialuna” with my accent (I still can’t get it right). The air was thin but smelled like dust and something sweet, maybe from the bakery. Locals came in for coffee, boots muddy from the morning. It felt less like a tour and more like we’d stumbled into someone’s routine.

Driving out of Mendoza, the mountains started closing in. Potrerillos Dam looked almost fake—water so clear it mirrored everything above it. Lucía pointed out the Cordón del Plata range and told us how it feeds Mendoza’s vineyards. She knew every peak by name. We stopped by the side of the road just to take it all in; I nearly forgot we were headed for Aconcagua Provincial Park at all.

At Puente del Inca, I touched the stone bridge—warm from underground springs, streaked orange and yellow. There were vendors selling knitted hats and old postcards (I bought one, probably overpriced, but who cares). The wind picked up as we walked back to the van. Not sure if it was altitude or excitement making me lightheaded.

The short hike inside Aconcagua Park felt bigger than I expected. We got our permits from rangers who joked about “gringos” getting sunburnt (fair enough). The trail was rocky but not hard—just slow going because you keep stopping to stare at that wall of mountain ahead. At Laguna de Horcones, we stood quietly for a while. No one said much; even Lucía just let us look at Aconcagua’s summit with its snow cap catching weird afternoon light. I still think about that view sometimes, especially when city noise gets too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aconcagua Provincial Park and Surroundings

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

Top questions

How long is the Mendoza Aconcagua day trip?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 10 hours including stops and hiking.

Is lunch included on this Aconcagua tour?

Yes, a hot regional lunch at a mountain parador is included during the tour.

Do I need to bring my passport for Aconcagua Provincial Park?

Yes, all passengers must carry their passport to enter Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Is hotel pickup included on this Mendoza day trip?

Round-trip transportation with pickup is included as part of your booking.

How difficult is the hike in Aconcagua Park?

The hike is moderate and lasts about two hours; some physical fitness is recommended due to altitude.

Are entrance fees to Aconcagua Park included?

No, entrance fees are not included and must be paid separately in Argentine pesos.

What are some highlights on this Mendoza day trip?

You’ll visit Potrerillos Dam, Uspallata Valley, Puente del Inca, and hike inside Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Can dietary needs be accommodated for lunch?

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at booking so they can be accommodated if possible.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Mendoza with pickup by a bilingual local guide, technical stops for snacks with tea or coffee and pastries along the way, entry permit assistance for Aconcagua Provincial Park (entrance fee extra), a short guided walk to Laguna de Horcones viewpoint beneath South America’s highest peak, plus a hot regional lunch served at a cozy mountain parador before heading back down through valleys and villages toward evening.