auntielor

I will be in Mendoza for five days in late March. Has anyone taken a day trip into the Andes to see Mt Aconcagua up close? If so, was it worth the day away from Mendoza? Is there an opporunity to hike in beautiful areas or is the much of the time spent in transport to and from Mendoza? Can anyone recommend a good tour compay?

clove7524

Just back from 3 weeks in Argentina. Spent 4 days in Mendoza. Yes, we took a day trip, a long day trip to Aconagua. We did the drive on a minibus with an English guide translating fromt eh Spanish guide. She was fabulous and spent most of the time with us (except for the lunch where she ate with the guides). The trip is FULL day but a memorable one. The roads are curvy and you go up VERY high!!!!! I was a little green frankly but my husband loved it. Can can step on the border of Chile too. Had lunch at a typical tourist place but food was authentic. My son and his wife went last year but they hiked a lot going up there and they enjoyed that. We only drove. It is breathtaking and COLD!!!!!!
we had planned a second day of a similar to cafachate but decide it was too long for more gorgeous mountains. Our Mendoza trip was 2 days in center of town at hotel we did not like much, Executive suites. Restaurants were great, Azafran in town (wonderful fish!) and then the ultimate, pricey but superb, Francis Mallman. Outside of town and need a cab and reservations!!!! Then one night at a finca called finca adalgisa. WHat a quaint place. No TV but a pool and wonderful evening wine and cheese. Vineyards too. One day went to familia zuccardi winery and stayed for lunch outside. Can walk thru vineyards. ANd the BEST person to discuss this with and use is Isabel from Buenos Aires Tours. [email protected] She can set anything you want up and has great ideas.
Carol

rahrah

which tour company did you use for the Aconcagua day trip, any recommendations? We are going end of March.

MsLizzy

I'm not sure but the day trip that clove7524 is referring to sounds very much like the 9 hour one I took in January. We absolutely loved it but it does not go upclose to Aconcagua. You do stop and see it in the distance which was great. We also took a breathtaking ski lift up into the mountains, went up to 13000ft to see Las Cuevas, the Christ statue at the border, stop at the natural Inca bridge, hot springs and ate at a traditional food restaurant. I booked it online through Viatour and it was only $45US plus your meal. Good value for money I thought. I can't help you with a tour that goes closer but perhaps there are some for climbers and hikers.

soulskier

If you want to rent a car and do it on your own, here is some info.

http://livinginpatagonia.com/?p=4468

rahrah

Thanks!