Trekking Cordon del Plata Andes Hike with Certified Guide

Hike a Mendoza gorge to mountain peaks and see the Potrerillos Dam spread below

A full-day trek in Cordon del Plata Park near Mendoza takes you through Quebrada Estudiantes gorge with a certified mountain guide, ascending to Cerro Andresitos peak where you stop to eat and look out over the Andes and the Potrerillos Dam. The group stays private, only your party hikes, and the schedule can shift to suit your pace. Pickup from your hotel is included, along with trekking poles, meals, drinks and water.

The experience

Eight hours on foot means you leave early and spend most of the day in the mountains. The drive to Cordon del Plata Park (also called Vallecitos) follows Route 7 through Lujan de Cuyo and Potrerillos, then the hike itself starts at Quebrada Estudiantes. A certified mountain guide leads the group up the creek bed, gently ascending the gorge as it narrows and steepens, all the way to Cerro Andresitos. The entire route offers views of the Andes and Cordilleras, and you might spot eagles, condors or guanacos moving through the landscape.

At the peak you stop for a snack and take in the spread of mountain ridges below, plus the Potrerillos Dam cutting across the valley. The descent follows the same path back down. Your guide answers questions throughout and shares details about the geology, flora and fauna of the region: the unique rock formations and the way the Cordilleras shaped this part of Mendoza. Since this is a private tour, only your group is on the trail, and the guide can adjust the pace or the schedule if you need more time at any point.

Pickup happens from your hotel and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive. Trekking poles, breakfast, lunch, drinks and a half-liter of water per person are all included. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness for the full day and the elevation gain, and the hike is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular conditions that limit exertion.

What’s included

• Certified mountain guide in Spanish.
• air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and return.
• trekking poles.
• breakfast, lunch and drinks throughout the day.
• one half-liter bottle of water per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

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 9 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?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or need to arrange your own transport to the trailhead, so the trek works whether you're renting in Mendoza or staying without wheels. The private group format lets your guide adjust the pace to your fitness level and the schedule to your interests, rather than moving at a fixed speed set for strangers.

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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 is Quebrada Estudiantes and how steep does it get?

Quebrada Estudiantes is the gorge you hike through on the way to Cerro Andresitos, following a creek bed that ascends gradually at first then more steeply as the canyon narrows. The certified guide sets a manageable pace for the group, and you can ask to rest whenever you need to.

Will I see wildlife on this trek?

Eagles, condors and guanacos live in the region and you might spot them during the hike, though sightings are not guaranteed. Your guide knows where to look and will point out any animals or birds you encounter.

How does pickup work if I'm staying outside central Mendoza?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price, so the driver collects you from your accommodation and brings you back at the end of the day. Let the operator know your hotel address when you book.