Private Hiking Cordón del Plata from Mendoza: Cerro Arenales

Climb to high altitude and see the Cordón del Plata spread below you

A private hike in Cordón del Plata Provincial Park near Mendoza takes you from the Vallecitos refuge at 2,900m up Cerro Arenales to 3,400m, where the summit view opens across the park and down to the towns below. The route is easy to moderate, with trekking poles and warm gloves provided. A guide leads in English or Spanish, and hot empanadas wait at the top.

The experience

The drive from Mendoza takes you 100km into the Andes to the Vallecitos refuge area, where the hike begins. You start at 2,900m and climb to Cerro Arenales at 3,400m. A gain that brings the altitude into the day's rhythm, but the pace stays pleasant and the path has no technical difficulty. Many mountaineers use this hill for acclimatization before tackling higher peaks, which means the route is well-traveled and the footing is clear.

At the summit, the view opens across much of Cordón del Plata Provincial Park, with the towns of Potrerillos visible below. The Andes flora and fauna appear along the way: the landscape shifts as you climb. Your guide carries a first aid kit and VHF communication, and trekking poles and warm gloves are included so you're equipped for the altitude and the terrain. At the top, you eat hot empanadas, a picada (charcuterie board), and drink something warm.

The full day runs about 10 hours from pickup in Mendoza at 8:30am, with the hike itself at an easy-to-moderate pace. Children from age 14 are welcome. This is a private experience, so the timing and the route stay yours alone.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Mendoza.
• trekking poles and warm gloves.
• hot empanadas, picada and hydrating drink at the summit.
• first aid kit and VHF communication.
• activity insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 73 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Go Mountain

Is this one for you?A private hike means you set the pace and the timing stays yours alone: ideal if you want to acclimatize to altitude without the rhythm of a group, or if your schedule doesn't fit a fixed departure time.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 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 is Cerro Arenales like as a hike?

Cerro Arenales is a simple, non-technical climb to 3,400m used by mountaineers for acclimatization. The difficulty comes from the altitude gain after arriving by vehicle at 2,900m, but the pace is pleasant and the path is well-established.

How high is the Vallecitos refuge where the hike starts?

Vallecitos sits at 2,900m above sea level, located in the Luján de Cuyo department about 100km from Mendoza city.

What does the summit view show?

From the top of Cerro Arenales, you see across much of Cordón del Plata Provincial Park and down to the towns of Potrerillos below, with the Andes landscape stretching around you.

What food and drink are included?

Hot empanadas, a picada (charcuterie board), and a hydrating drink are provided at the summit.