Aconcagua from Santiago
 

We are leaving on a cruise out of Valparaiso, Chile on January 6, 2012 and would like to see Aconcagua before the cruise in as short a time as possible. We are not climbers, just want to see it from the road or a very short walk. My original idea was to fly to Mendoza, rent a car and drive to Valparaiso via Aconcagua, but I have not been able to find any rental cars available for that. We could a) fly to Mendoza, rent a car to drive Mendoza-Aconcagua-Mendoza, fly to Santiago. b) take a guided tour out of Mendoza. c) Or fly to Santiago, rent a car out of Santiago and drive to Aconcagua from Santiago, then drive back to Valparaiso. What do you think is the best idea? Any hotel or tour recommendations? Thank you!

http://www.santiagoadventures.com/to...m_Santiago.htm Aconcagua Valley day tours will give you super views
unless weather is bad would just do that. www.carrentals.com
out of SCL doable expensive not too safe plates mark for
theft shakedown personally would stick with reputable agents.
Have done Ormeno deluxe bus to Mendoza best tours from there.
www.latinamericaforless.com helpful agents if needed.Have fun!

Hotels Grand Hyatt from $80 www.betterbidding.com for me.
Best price and value upscale for me Ritz the best overall.

It would be cheaper to approach from the Chilean side although the park is on the Argentine side. Although I have seen Aconcagua standing in the surf on the coast, it has to be a very clear day. You do not want to go though customs into Argentina unless the rental company has cleared it for a cross border rental. One potential problem is the amount of traffic going back and forth at that border in the summer. You may find yourself in a long queue with a long wait ahead of you.

Post #6 describes the best way to get there from Santiago.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...52519#16552519

Although it works out at a more expensive option, you could fly from Santiago to Mendoza and back and rent a car or take a tour:
http://livinginpatagonia.com/?p=4468

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...doza_Cuyo.html

Thanks to everyone! After speaking with rental car co's, it seems like driving to Aconcagua is too difficult from chile (border!). Do we not have to cross the border by rental car from Argentina? Or is it equally as difficult from there? Thanks for your help!