Mendoza, the Majestic of the Andes:
Between Vineyards, Mountains, and Hot Springs

8 Days - 7 Nights

Day 1 - Discovering Mendoza

Reception at Mendoza Airport and transfer to the hotel.

We dedicate half a day to visit the city of Mendoza, famous for its legendary trees, wide sidewalks and its great order and cleanliness. Founded over 400 years ago by the first colonists, this city offers a lot of history and culture. We will visit La Alameda, the historical zone where Pedro del Castillo founded this large city in 1561, where most shops and civic life was concentrated until it disappeared with the 1861 earthquake. The town council was, in the old days, where the Foundational Area Museum is nowadays. There are still remains of what once was the San Francisco church. We continue to the new city, post-earthquake. We visit its principal avenues, the downtown, the Plaza Independencia

(Independence Square), the civic neighbourhood with the Government House, the Law Courts and the General San Martin Park going along the Civit Avenue, entering the park through the Portones (Gates). We can enjoy the beautiful woods in the park, as well as the Rosedal (rose garden) next to the lake and the clubs located in the area. We also meet the Caballitos de Marly (Marly Little Horses, replica of the ones in Paris), the Fuente de los Continentes (the Fountain of the Continents), etc. Then we climb the Cerro de La Gloria (The Glory Mount) where there is a monument to the Ejercito Libertador (the Liberator Army) and very near it, the Greek theatre Frank Romero Day.

Day 2 - Maipú Wine & Olive Experience: Tastings and Landscapes

Breakfast at the hotel. We invite you to discover the rich history of our emblematic Malbec, learning about oenology and enjoying beautiful landscapes in the Maipú region, an area recognized for producing some of the country’s best wines and olive oils. Accompanied by our expert wine guide, we visit two wineries, with options depending on availability such as Vistandes, Cavas de Don Arturo, Domiciano, Florio, Cecchin, Esencia or Viña del Cerno, where tastings of their finest wines are held, the secrets of winemaking are revealed, and the history and tradition of each winery are explored. During the visit the peculiarities of each grape variety, production processes and the evolution of winemaking techniques are highlighted, offering participants a complete and enriching journey through Mendoza’s wine culture. Besides the wineries, we visit a boutique olive oil factory, with options depending on availability such as Pasrai, Laur or Centenario, where a guide explains in detail the production process of Argentine olive oil and it concludes with a tasting of different oils, balsamic vinegar, artisanal pastas and various types of olives, enjoying the characteristic aromas and flavors of the region. This tour offers a comprehensive experience combining learning, authentic tastes, unique landscapes and the opportunity to get up close to the excellence of Mendoza’s gourmet products, enjoying the company of a specialized guide who shares his knowledge and passion for oenology and local gastronomy.

Day 3 - Atuel River Canyon

Breakfast at the hotel. We set off from San Rafael towards the Cuesta de los Terneros to go to Dique Valle Grande and the Atuel river. We stop at the San Francisco de Asis lookout point to enjoy a terrific sight of the city and the canyon. After several kilometres we enter El Nihuil which is impressive for the depth of its lake. We rest and may have lunch (not included). We set off to the Atuel Canyon, to be trapped by a landscape of pure beauty, typical of the andean ecosystem, due to the erosive action of winds and water creating natural sculptures becoming awesome landforms, fanciful shapes of mother nature such as Museo de Cera (Wax Museum), el Lagarto (the Alligator), Los Monstruos (the Monsters), Los Jardines Colgantes (The Hanging Gardens) or La Ciudad Encantada (The Haunted City), etc. The canyon is formed by the Atuel river, Valle Grande Reservoir and El Nihuil. We make a short

walk along the canyon to arrive at the Valle Grande. The ones who want adventure tourism, can enjoy rafting, rappel or a boat voyage (all these activities must be booked at destination).

Day 4 - High Mountain Road: Puente del Inca & Aconcagua

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin our exciting High Mountain Road excursion from Mendoza, traveling along the famous National Route No. 7 that takes us through breathtaking landscapes. The first stop, after passing through the Cacheuta village tunnel, is the impressive Potrerillos Dam, nestled in the Andes Mountains, where you'll have the chance to take unforgettable photos with the High Peaks in the background. We continue upstream to reach the mountain town of Uspallata, a place full of history that was home to the Huarpe indigenous people in pre-Hispanic times and marks the transition between the foothills and the front mountain range. Here, we’ll stop for breakfast before continuing our journey through a mountain landscape that includes the charming villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas, and a view of the old Los Penitentes ski resort. The tour continues with one of the most anticipated moments: the visit to Puente del Inca, a natural monument of extraordinary geological beauty recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further on, we’ll enjoy a stop at the viewpoint of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas and the second highest in the world after the Himalayas—an ideal place to marvel at the majesty of the Andes. Finally, we reach Las Cuevas, a picturesque village on the border with Chile, built in a distinct European style, where we’ll enjoy a Mendoza-style lunch in a traditional mountain restaurant. If weather conditions permit, the tour ends with a visit to the Cristo Redentor, an emblematic monument symbolizing the union between Argentina and Chile. This tour is a unique experience that invites you to connect with high mountain nature, explore the stunning Puente del Inca, admire the majestic Aconcagua up close, and enjoy unforgettable corners of the Andes Mountains. Not included: cost of breakfast, cost of lunch, and cost of rental clothing or snow boots if necessary during the winter season.

Day 5 - Villavicencio Gorge

Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, we depart from the city of Mendoza towards the Villavicencio Natural Reserve on a unique tour with Andes Truck. This journey allows us to explore this exceptional protected area of 72,000 hectares, a member of the Wildlife Foundation of Argentina, aboard our 4×4 vehicles, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views and the chance to observe local wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, birds, and maybe even a condor in flight. The excursion follows the old international road and part of the winding Caracoles path, reaching the Villavicencio Gorge where spectacular photos can be taken from above. We continue to Hornillos, a vital ecosystem area where groups of guanacos can be observed without leaving the vehicle, and visit the Condor Sanctuary, dedicated to the protection and study of this species sacred to the mountain gods. Afterwards, we stop at the Caracoles Viewpoints to admire impressive views and finish at the emblematic Villavicencio Hotel, where lunch is included. In the afternoon, visitors can enjoy adventure activities at Villavicencio Park. Throughout the tour, Andes Trucks provide access to protected and inaccessible places for other vehicles, combining the adrenaline of navigating winding roads with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, sun, and the beauty of the foothills. The tour includes lunch; it does not include the entrance ticket to the Villavicencio Reserve.

Day 6 - Cacheuta Hot Springs: Relax in Thermal Waters

Only 38 kilometers from the city of Mendoza, the Cacheuta Hot Springs invite you to live a unique experience of relaxation and fun in an incomparable natural setting. Located on the banks of the Mendoza River and surrounded by the imposing Andes Mountain Range, the Cacheuta Thermal Water Park combines wellness, nature, and entertainment for all ages. This thermal oasis features a wide variety of pools at different temperatures, ideal for enjoying their therapeutic benefits and revitalizing body and mind. Additionally, it offers an interactive area for children and four exciting water slides, making it the perfect option for families looking to share a special day. The park also has barbecue pits and picnic areas for those who prefer to organize an outdoor meal, as well as a store with everything needed to spend the day worry-free. Those who wish can complete the experience with the varied gastronomic offerings of the restaurants in the Cacheuta Village, just a few steps from the complex. The Thermal Water Park is divided into two levels: the upper level, open year-round, and the lower level, available from spring to Easter, allowing visitors to enjoy its warm waters at any time of the year. The tour includes the admission ticket to the Cacheuta Thermal Water Park. It does not include the cost of lunch or access to the spa at the Termas de Cacheuta Hotel.

Day 7 - Experience in the Cordón del Plata & Uco Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the breathtaking views of the majestic Cordón del Plata and live a unique experience in the renowned Uco Valley, a region with exceptional climate and soil that has produced elegant and high-quality wines. Our excursion begins by taking Route 40 south through the province and then Route 86 west, heading towards the town of Tupungato. Along the way, the imposing Cordón del Plata unfolds before us, with the Tupungato Volcano (6,820 meters), the highest peak of the Andean massif. Upon entering the Uco Valley, we are amazed by the high-altitude vineyards, located over 1,200 meters above sea level, ideal for growing fruits, potatoes, and vegetables, and home to the main wine producers of Argentina. Here we will visit the prestigious Jean Bousquet Winery for a tasting (not included), before continuing to the Cristo Rey del Valle Monument, a panoramic viewpoint that offers unparalleled views of the area. The tour also takes us to the Historic Apple Tree, an emblematic place where General San Martín rested after his victorious return to the homeland. A monument in his honor stands there, symbolizing the liberation campaign. We conclude the experience with lunch at La Juntada restaurant (not included), enjoying local cuisine before returning to the city of Mendoza. This tour combines history, nature, and enology in one of the province's most outstanding destinations: the Uco Valley.

Day 8 - Mendoza

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Mendoza City Airport. End of our services.

Excursion Order Due to some excursions not operating daily, the order of activities will depend on the days of the week the trip to Mendoza takes place, and it may change according to the scheduled dates.