Hiking in Mendoza: Ultimate Guide of Best Hikes and More

Imagine standing in front of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. Admiring its grandeur makes us understand how small humans are compared to nature. This landscape, where snow covers the mountain peaks, is located in Mendoza, Argentina, the fourth-largest city, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

As the wine capital, Mendoza, internationally recognized (and proudly defended by the locals), has much more to offer than its famous vineyards and spectacular wine. The region is a hiker’s paradise for visitors worldwide because of the incredible scenery you can discover when trekking in the Andes.

Some of these hiking trails start in small villages in the middle of valleys, where you can taste the region’s typical local cuisine and wines (in moderation if you have to do a long hike).

Suppose you have no hiking experience and are just starting. In that case, you have nothing to worry about, as Mendoza has trails suitable for any level. Beginners can start with simple trails through vineyards or shorter walks. More experienced hikers will have challenges such as climbing Aconcagua (6,961m) on a multi-day route.

So, I’ve written this guide to provide information on some of the area’s most scenic hiking routes for all levels and essential planning tips and ideas to make your Mendoza experience truly unforgettable.

Put on your hiking boots because we are starting!

If you are looking for a more relaxing activity, you can read this post where I talk about Mendoza hot springs.

I’m not going to lie to you—definitely, yes! Mendoza is an amazing place for outdoor enthusiasts. Diverse hiking trails in Mendoza cater to all experience levels, from beginners to more experienced trekkers.

Beyond the trails, Mendoza is a unique region to explore. It deserves to be one of your destinations when traveling to Argentina.

In spring, with warm days, perfect weather awaits you, which is ideal for trekking in Mendoza. Winter transforms the region into a snowy paradise for experienced hikers. Easily accessible by air, Mendoza has various accommodations to suit your budget.

And the adventure doesn’t stop at hiking! You’ll find many activities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and rafting.

After a day of exploration, enjoy the local food and drink a glass of first-class Malbec wine—the perfect reward for an unforgettable adventure tourism experience in Mendoza.

The region attracts many tourists and hiking enthusiasts throughout the year. The best time to hike in Mendoza will depend on your preferences and experience level.

Planning your trip according to the season is essential to avoid unforeseen events affecting your experience.

This is the voice of experience writing this post months after I was convinced to climb the summit of Aconcagua in May and found the road closed due to heavy snowfall.

To help you not to make my mistakes and to have better planning, I am going to break down the weather in Mendoza for hiking according to the season.

Spring is the ideal hiking season in Mendoza. The weather is pleasant during this time of year. It becomes warmer at the end of spring but does not scorch like summer. The temperature varies quite a bit between day and night.

The average rainfall is below 25 mm, which is low. November is the month with the highest probability of rain.

The landscapes become colorful with flowers, and there is still a little snow on the summits.

On the other hand, the best weather conditions attract most tourists at this time of the year. So, if you prefer an experience away from the crowds, consider traveling at another time of the year.

Pros:

• Warm climate ideal for most hikers who prefer pleasant temperatures.
• More colorful passages in the valleys.
• Comfortable conditions for hiking with pleasant temperatures.

Cons:

• There is a probability of Zonda wind.
• Increased tourist footfall by having more people on the trails, especially in late spring.
• Due to the number of tourists, accommodation may be more limited than at other times of the year. Therefore, I recommend you book in advance.

During these months, summer and high season arrive in Mendoza. Do you know what else accompanies the high season? A crowd of tourists everywhere. Remember that during this time, many local events, such as the “Fiesta de la Vendimia”, take place, so planning ahead for your hiking calendar in Mendoza can be very helpful.

In the summer, the city experiences very hot days, which can make hiking quite demanding and require several precautions.

Although Mendoza does not stand out as a region with a lot of rainfall, during these months, there is a greater probability of rainfall exceeding the average of 25 mm. There can be thunderstorms on occasion.

On the other hand, the Zonda wind is more frequent during the summer months, creating very dusty conditions and warm breezes on the trails in Mendoza.

Pros:

• Warmer climate, ideal for those who enjoy the heat (with caution).
• The nights are cool but ideal for hikers who want to camp in the wild.

Cons:

• Sweltering days so that hiking can be tiring and demanding.
• There may be thunderstorms that disrupt your plans.
• The Zonda Wind appears more frequently.
• Some streams may dry up at lower altitudes, reducing water availability.

Autumn arrives with cooler temperatures than summer. The weather becomes much more pleasant for hiking in Mendoza, especially during the first part of the season.

Rainfall at this time of year is scarce, below 15 mm.

The landscape changes and the colors evolve to reds and oranges, making the mountains picturesque.

As autumn progresses, especially during June, temperatures begin to drop, and it is possible to see the first snowfalls in the mountain areas.

Pros:

• Pleasant weather with refreshing temperatures.
• Picturesque landscapes with red and orange colors.
• Fewer tourists than in spring and summer.

Cons:

• Availability of fresh produce may be limited on higher altitude trails in late fall.
• Cooler nights, especially at higher altitudes.

Although the landscapes of Mendoza in winter are beautiful, with all the mountains snow-capped off, it is a challenge for hiking lovers. It is only suitable for the most experienced.

The temperature is low in the city but even lower in the Andes mountain range, where heavy snowfall sometimes cuts off the traffic to Chile.

Although rainfall is very scarce in the city, the days are short, dawning late and getting dark early.

At this time, mountain shelters and many trails are closed. To access the trails, you must consider what hiking equipment to bring in Mendoza, in addition to a lot of previous experience since hiking has become dangerous. However, considering the daylight hours, it is possible to trek closer to the city.

Pros:

• It can be a unique experience to enjoy the scenery of the snow-capped mountains.
• You can enjoy the trails without tourists.

Cons:

• It requires specialized winter equipment, good physical condition, and avalanche safety knowledge.
• Many high-altitude trails may be closed due to snow.
• There are few hours of daylight, so the walking time is reduced.

Another aspect to consider, especially between May and November, is the Zonda wind. This hot, dry wind can blow unexpectedly, causing rapid temperature rises and creating dusty conditions on the trails. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and adjust your hiking plans if necessary.

If you want to know more about Zonda, you can watch this video about the National Climatological Service of Argentina.

Don’t forget to activate the English subtitles!

Although the best time will depend on your expectations, in my opinion, for the vast majority of people who practice hiking, the best time of the year will be spring and the first part of autumn since the weather is not as hostile or as cold or hot as in winter and summer. Whatever time of year you decide, be honest with yourself and prioritize your safety. Adapt your clothing and equipment to the hiking conditions in Mendoza.

Here are some reliable websites to check the weather conditions and plan your trip:

• Windy
• Accuweather

Cerro Arco is part of the Andes foothills and is located near Mendoza. The mountain offers different hiking routes for varying levels of experience.

The most popular excursion is a challenging route that ascends to the top via a dirt road with significant unevenness. Be prepared for a rigorous cardiovascular workout that will leave you feeling accomplished!

From the highest point, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city and the vineyards, as long as the weather permits and it is not cloudy.

This trail can be demanding in summer due to the high temperatures, but generally, in June, there are optimal conditions to climb to the highest point.

Once at the top, you can continue the activity and reach the other nearby hills, such as Gateado and Santo Tomás de Aquino.

Aconcagua, the highest peak in America, is an essential challenge for experienced hikers looking for a challenge. The route to the top usually lasts about 18-20 days and requires a minimum level.

On the other hand, on the same route, which leaves from the Horcones Valley, near the entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, there are other trails of less difficulty for all types of hikers.

For example, the route from Horcones to Confluencia is the first base camp of the excursion to the summit. This hike does not present technical difficulty, but it is pretty complicated due to the height, and it is advisable to follow the park ranger’s recommendations. In order to do it, you need to reserve a prior appointment on the official website, and due to weather conditions, it is only available from November to April.

Quebrada del Durazno is a valley near the town of Potrerillos. It offers many hikes through forests, waterfalls, and rivers with crystal-clear waters.

With a very picturesque landscape, this area is ideal for watching birds and other fauna. On this circular path, you can also see the Cueva de los Ingleses.

A popular trail in the area, near Los Penitentes, which is open all year round and follows a stretch of an Inca trail with the final destination to a waterfall hidden in the canyon.

The path is well-signposted and does not present technical difficulties, although it does have a moderate slope.

It is not an excursion saturated with tourists, so you will most likely enjoy a peaceful experience and amazing surroundings.

This trail begins near the town of Tupungato, less than an hour from Mendoza, and passes through several campsites until reaching Campamento El Salto, from where it is possible to ascend to other peaks such as Cerro Vallecitos and Cerro Rincón.

Walking this trail is recommended between October and March. Despite the high season, it is rare to meet with tourists.

Circular path within the city to enjoy the green spaces, which goes up to the top of Cerro Gloria. From above, you have views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a short route, with a slope, ideal for walking or running and quite busy during all the year.

A short and easy trek, ideal to do with children that begins near Potrerillos. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The entire path is well signposted, and following the stream, you reach the Angel Waterfall.

The Puente del Inca is a vast and beautiful natural stone of different colors. In this location, there is a small town, also called Puente del Inca, with various restaurants and shops. You can park in the town and walk towards Penitentes, where there is a small army base.

Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or just starting, trekking in Mendoza requires planning and carrying the right equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The good news is that, if you come from far away, you don’t have to carry all your trekking equipment in your suitcase (although I recommend it if you want to save a lot of money) because, in Mendoza, you can find stores with all the necessary mountain equipment to buy or rent.

On the other hand, there is nothing better than using your already tested and used equipment. This applies especially to footwear. The worst idea you can have is to buy a pair of boots and use them for the first time on a hiking trip because it can ruin the experience and your feet.

Here is a list of what to pack for hiking in Mendoza:

• Backpack: Make sure it is well adapted to your height and the duration of the activity. For day hikes, a 20-30 liter backpack is enough.
• Hiking shoes: Choosing good shoes is very important. If possible, lightweight, waterproof, and with good grip and traction, and remember, don’t wear new shoes for long hikes!
• Hiking clothes: The weather in Mendoza can be unpredictable, so it is essential to dress in layers. Wear a mid-layer to keep you warm and a windproof, water-resistant jacket. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and gloves.
• Navigation app: I recommend downloading offline maps of the routes you will do on your phone using an app like AllTrails or Wikiloc to ensure you follow the path and stay aware of the location.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Sun protection.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any medications you may need.
• Food: Remember your gas! I recommend food that will give you energy, such as cereal bars, fruits, and sandwiches.
• Flashlight.
• Bag to store your waste and not to pollute nature 😉

With these essential hiking gear recommendations, you will be ready to start your adventure.

1. Plan your route: Before arriving at the starting point of the hiking trip, it is essential that you have informed yourself and planned the route according to your level of experience and fitness.
2. Select the right equipment: The right equipment for the weather and terrain conditions influences your experience’s satisfaction level. Imagine constantly slipping and falling on the ground because your shoes don’t grip the terrain well.
3. Take your time: Hiking is not synonymous with a marathon. There is no time to reach the finish line, so take your time. Follow a pace that is comfortable for you and enjoy the trail.
4. Better accompanied than alone: For safety and fun reasons, company is essential when hiking in case of any unforeseen event. If you plan to go alone, inform someone of your plans.
5. Respect nature: Do not leave trash on the trail. You are in the middle of nature. Do not touch or bother the animals you meet. Have a little conscience.
6. Check the weather conditions and take the necessary equipment for the weather.
7. Use mosquito repellent: Remember that Argentina is a Dengue-infected area.

Most of the hikes in Mendoza can be done independently and do not require a guide. However, due to their difficulty, it is highly recommended that you go with a guide for some trails.

Whatever your hiking style, guided excursions offer many advantages to enhance your experience:

• The guides have an excellent knowledge of the terrain, flora, and fauna, so they will ensure you get all the things about the environment that a non-expert eye can’t see.
• You will have greater security in your experience, as the guides are trained in first aid and can deal with any unexpected situation in the mountains.
• Some guided tours offer the rental of essential hiking equipment.
• You will learn much more about the history and geology of the region than you would by living the experience on your own.

Some of our favorite guided hiking activities in Mendoza include the following:

Do you want to know more about Argentina? Read our Argentina travel guide here.