Puente del Inca & Aconcagua: High Mountain Tour from Mendoza

Stone bridge, highest peak and mountain lake in one long day

A guided high mountain tour from Mendoza climbs into the Andes to Puente del Inca, a UNESCO-protected stone bridge from the colonial era, then continues to viewpoints of Aconcagua at 6,960 meters and the Potrerillos reservoir. The route passes through Uspallata and Los Penitentes, stopping at thermal springs and a waterfall before returning to the city. A guide in English or Spanish leads the full day. Hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Potrerillos1h
2. Uspallata30m
3. Puente del Inca2h

Explore Andes and Potrerillos area

• Visit Potrerillos reservoir
• See colonial stone construction
• Explore Uspallata area
• Visit Los Penitentes ski center
• Discover Puente del Inca natural bridge
• View Cerro Aconcagua hill
• Visit Christ the Redeemer monument

The experience

The tour departs early from Mendoza and heads into the high Andes, climbing through Uspallata and past Los Penitentes ski center toward the Chilean border. Puente del Inca sits at the heart of the route: a natural stone bridge carved by the Río de las Cuevas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological and historical weight. General San Martín used this pass to cross the mountains during the wars of independence. The bridge itself dates to the colonial period and stands as a working monument to that era. You stop here to walk and photograph the formation and the surrounding landscape.

The afternoon swings toward Potrerillos, a reservoir that stretches across 1,500 hectares of the Andes foothills. The route includes a stop at a viewpoint of the dam and the lake beyond, then time to walk the shoreline or simply sit with the water and the mountains. El Salto Potrerillos, a waterfall near the lake, closes the day: a quieter stop where the combination of falling water and rock makes for the kind of photograph that justifies the long drive. Throughout the day you pass through terrain between 1,900 and 2,500 meters of elevation, with views toward Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, though the tour does not climb to it.

The guide speaks English or Spanish and travels with the group for the full 10 to 11 hours. Bottled water is provided. Hotel pickup from Mendoza is included, and the route is suitable for all fitness levels, though the altitude and the length of the day mean it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• hotel pickup from Mendoza.
• guide in English or Spanish for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by BIG TRIP TOURISM

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both thermal springs and mountain scenery in a single day with set departure and return times, rather than piecing together separate half-day trips.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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

Puente del Inca is a natural stone bridge carved by the Río de las Cuevas, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological and historical significance. Built during the colonial era and later used by General San Martín as a route across the Andes, the bridge stands as a landmark of both natural formation and historical passage. The tour stops to walk around it and photograph the structure and the surrounding landscape.

Does the tour go all the way to the top of Aconcagua?

No. The tour passes through terrain at elevations between 1,900 and 2,500 meters and includes viewpoints toward Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6,960 meters, but does not climb to the summit or approach the base. The focus is on the high-altitude landscape and the stops along the route through the Andes.

What happens at Potrerillos and how much time is spent there?

Potrerillos is a large reservoir in the Andes foothills, covering about 1,500 hectares. The tour includes a viewpoint stop of the dam and the lake, then time to walk along the shore or rest by the water. The day ends nearby at El Salto Potrerillos, a waterfall in a quiet setting where the landscape of water and mountain makes for photography before the return to Mendoza.

How long is this tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 10 to 11 hours total. It departs early in the morning from your Mendoza hotel, which is included in the booking, and returns to the city in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is this tour suitable for someone who gets tired easily at high altitude?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The day is long, 10 to 11 hours, and much of it is spent at elevations between 1,900 and 2,500 meters, so altitude sensitivity and stamina matter. If you have concerns about how your body handles elevation or long days, discuss them with the operator before booking.