Mendoza: The Best High Mountain Private Tour offers a full-day escape into the rugged beauty of Argentina’s Andean mountains. For $180 per person, you’ll spend about 9 hours exploring iconic sights like the Potrerillos reservoir, Uspallata, the Inca Bridge, and the Aconcagua Provincial Park. What sets this tour apart is the personalized experience — a private guide speaking your language, flexible stops, and a comfortable vehicle tailored to your needs.
Two things we especially appreciate: first, the guided stops for stunning vistas and hiking that make this more than just a scenic drive — it’s an immersive experience. Second, the flexibility of a private tour means you can customize your itinerary, adding stops or lingering longer at your favorite spots. The only caveat? Given the early start and full schedule, this isn’t ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter outings.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive high-altitude adventure with knowledgeable guides and authentic scenery. If you’re eager to see Argentina’s tallest mountain, Aconcagua, and enjoy a mix of nature, history, and regional cuisine, this trip hits all the right notes.
Key Points
- Personalized Private Tour: Customizable itinerary and flexible stops tailored to your interests.
- Stunning Scenic Stops: From Potrerillos Dam to Uspallata and the Inca Bridge, each spot offers unique views and photo opportunities.
- Expert Guides: Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with reviews praising their knowledge and friendly demeanor.
- Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a clean, safe vehicle with amenities like bottled water and snacks.
- Breathtaking Landscape: Close-up views of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas, and volcanic formations.
- Great Value: All-inclusive price with lunch, guide, and transportation, making it a stress-free experience.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Planning more time in Uspallata? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Getting Started: Flexible Pickup and Early Departure
From the moment we booked, the process was straightforward. The tour includes pickups from seven different locations around Mendoza — including Luján de Cuyo, Godoy Cruz, Maipú, and Chacras de Coria — allowing you to start your adventure conveniently from your hotel or accommodation. Expect to be ready about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup, and you’ll be in a comfortable vehicle that’s perfect for mountain terrain.
The early start is beneficial because you’re hitting the road before the crowds arrive, and it maximizes your mountain time. The guide will brief you briefly on the day ahead, setting a friendly tone for what’s to come.
Scenic Drive Through the Andes’ Front Ranges
As we begin heading west, the landscape swiftly shifts from lush vineyards to imposing mountain ranges. The journey takes you through three distinct Andean ranges: the Pre-Cordillera, the Silver Range, and the Main Range, each offering increasingly dramatic scenery.
One of the first highlights is the Potrerillos Dam, about 20 minutes from the city, where we stop for photos and a quick guided tour. Here, the vast reservoir reflects the towering mountains, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see sailboats skimming the water — a peaceful contrast to the rugged peaks behind.
The Inca Bridge and Hot Springs
Next, the tour heads to the Puente del Inca, a striking geological formation with vivid mineral colors, often resembling a natural stone bridge. This spot isn’t just scenic; it’s steeped in history — once a site with hot springs and ruins of an old hotel, it’s a place where you can really feel the ancient landscape.
The reviews mention the guided tour aspect, which enriches the experience, explaining the formation’s volcanic origin and cultural significance. It’s approximately 30 minutes here, enough for photos and a brief walk.
More Great Tours NearbyUspallata and Lunch
We then make a relaxed stop in the charming town of Uspallata for about an hour and a half, where regional cuisine takes center stage. The included BBQ lunch is hearty, with some reviewers noting the “lots of food” and excellent wine, reflecting Argentine hospitality. This is a good chance to stretch your legs, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy local flavors in a relaxed setting.
The Majestic Aconcagua Provincial Park
The last major stop is at Aconcagua Provincial Park, at the foot of the world’s highest peak in the Americas. Here, we take a short hike, immersing ourselves in the incredible vistas of Aconcagua’s south face. The views are awe-inspiring — jagged cliffs, snow-capped summits, and a sense of the vastness that surrounds you.
Reviews praise the expert guidance and the scenic beauty, with one noting, “Our guide Damian is totally professional and knew the region well, making our experience both informative and enjoyable.” The park’s rugged terrain offers fantastic photo opportunities, and the fresh mountain air is invigorating.
Return Journey and Final Stops
On the way back, the tour makes a few more scenic stops and then heads to Uspallata for a quick visit if time permits. You’ll arrive back in Mendoza late afternoon, with your guide dropping you off at your hotel or chosen location.
What’s Included and Practicalities
The tour’s all-inclusive price of $180 covers comfortable transportation, a professional guide in your language, mineral water, and a delicious BBQ lunch with regional wine. These inclusions make the experience hassle-free — you won’t need to worry about extra costs or arrangements.
The vehicle is described as clean and safe, with reviewers noting they appreciated the water and snacks provided, something that really adds to the comfort during a long day. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal.
Flexibility and Customization
Being a private tour, you have the flexibility to ask your guide for extra stops or longer visits at particular sites. This personalized approach is a big plus, especially if you’re keen on photography or want to learn more about specific aspects of the landscape.
Timing and Suitability
With a duration of about 9 hours, the tour is best suited for those who enjoy full days of activity and exploration. It’s perfect if you’re a morning person, eager to maximize your time in Mendoza’s mountains and don’t mind an early start.
Authentic Reviews
What truly elevates this experience are the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Linda mentions her guide Diego, praising his English skills and the safety of the vehicle, plus how they adapted the trip to their interests. Alfonso highlights Damian’s professionalism and attentiveness, ensuring the family’s needs were met, while Cynthia shares how Ruben’s local knowledge made the drive feel like visiting with a friend.
All reviews echo a common theme: the guides make the difference, offering insights, adjusting stops, and ensuring a memorable experience.
The Sum Up
This private high-mountain tour offers a comprehensive, immersive experience for those eager to see the best of Mendoza’s mountains. From the scenic Potrerillos reservoir to the towering Aconcagua, every stop is chosen for its natural beauty and cultural relevance. The personalized approach means you won’t be just another passenger — your interests, pace, and questions are front and center.
If you’re looking for a value-packed, authentic day in the Andes, this tour delivers. The mix of scenic beauty, expert guides, and regional cuisine makes it ideal for active travelers, photography lovers, and anyone who wants to understand Argentina’s dramatic mountain landscape firsthand.
It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate small, private groups and flexible itineraries, ensuring an experience tailored to your interests. The high praise from past travelers about their guides’ knowledge and the breathtaking views suggests this tour is a reliable choice for a memorable high-altitude adventure.
FAQ
What are the pickup options?
You can be picked up from seven different locations around Mendoza, making it convenient regardless of where you stay.
How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, including stops, lunch, and travel time.
Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour provides a BBQ lunch with regional food and wine at Uspallata, offering good value and a taste of local flavors.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, and sunscreen are recommended for the day’s outdoor activities and scenic stops.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers benefit from the scenic and cultural highlights, the tour’s full-day nature and walking may be better suited for those able to enjoy a day of outdoor exploration.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.
Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, you can ask to add or skip stops, making it adaptable to your interests.
What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and flexible scheduling makes it a top choice for exploring Mendoza’s high mountains.
How do reviews rate this experience?
It holds a perfect 5-star rating from nine travelers, with many praising the guides’ professionalism and the breathtaking landscapes.
In the end, if you’re after a personalized, scenic, and informative day in the Andes, this Mendoza high mountain tour offers great value and authentic adventure — perfect for travelers who want to see Argentina’s natural wonders with expert guidance.
You can check availability for your dates here: