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Mendoza Area

The Andes Mountain Range, true backbone of South America, reaches its highest point, Mt. Aconcagua (23,000 ft) in the Argentine province of Mendoza. A "mecca" for mountain climbing with its two "big peaks" in Argentina ACONCAGUA and its eternal rival the imposing MERCEDARIO, offers countless possibilities of horseback riding, rafting, trekking and hiking at the foot or across the Andes. In addition you may indulge in thermal baths at hot springs and wine tasting in numerous wineries, which are becoming famous all over the world

Classic Mendoza

Day 1 - arrive Mendoza on Tues., Thurs. Sat. or Sun., where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will have a three hour visit of the city of Mendoza, the pride of the mendocinos (the inhabitants of the city) since the area is a desert that -because of the hard work of men and a carefully designed irrigation system- has been transformed into an oasis with beautiful parks and plazas. You will visit downtown and surroundings, including Pedro del Castillo foundational square, the local Aquarium, City Hall and General San Martin Square. Driving along Mendoza's principal access you will visit the Artificial Lake, Cerro de la Gloria, local Stadium among other highlights.

Day 2 - free morning, then in the afternoon ou will visit the local wineries from Lujan de Cuyo / Maipú department. Escorted by a professional and specialized guide, you will be able to enjoy small and large ones, having the opportunity to visit the vineyards. The tour includes the cellars, their production centers and possibilities to taste the exquisite wines. Normally includes 3 different types of wineries, styles, techniques and production.

Day 3 - Full day driving by car climbing the Andean Range from Mendoza (on the way to Santiago de Chile) to visit the High Andes which bear the highest peak outside Asia - the Aconcagua. First, arrive at Potrerillos (pre-Andes range valley), continue by the Uspallata valley and visit the Historic Bridge of Picheuta. The way from Uspallata to Las Cuevas is a 86 kilometres remarkable road. Surrounded by imposing wall sediments penetrating in a narrow throat next to the Mendoza river, it crosses the frontal mountain range. You will observe a display of beautiful and inclined plateaus crowning the route. The itinerary goes on visiting Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas. Three valleys worthy of admiration converge at this point: Las Vacas to the north, the Caves to the west and Tupungato to the south. The rivers of these three valleys unite here originating the Mendoza River.
In the deep scenery of the mountain landscapes, the small village of Los Penitentes is found. The next stop is the Inca Bridge, a legendary thermal spring water site as well. Some kilometers ahead, the Provincial Park Aconcagua is almost the end of this journey and has the highest mount in America (6,962 m.a.s.l). Its main attractions are: trekking, climbing rocks or ice, photographic safaris, among many other options. The glaciers Horcones Inferior, Güssfeldt, Los Relinchos and De Los Polacos are the main highllights accompanied by a background of numerous mounts reaching, as well, 5,000 m.a.s.l. Inside the Park you will visit the Horcones Lagoon.

Afterwards, arrival at the Horcones Border Center & then to the Border Village of Las Cuevas. In summer, if the route and the weather allow, you will have the opportunity to visit the Cristo Redentor of the Andes, at 4200 meters above sea level. The Cristo Redentor monument, within the reserve, is a sculpture of approximately ten meters of height and the first Monument to International Peace between Argentina and Chile. It has an emblematic and stirring inscription at its feet: "these mountains will collapse before Chilean and Argentinian brothers break the peace sworn at the Cristo Redentor". It is an image of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, with his right foot on the globe and a cross in his left hand, watching and following the limiting line between Chile and Argentina.

Day 4 - transfer to airport.

2008 Price per person in US$ with group tours: $284 for 1 person, $264 for 2 people.
Private tours available. Other tours may be substituted, but price might change
We can also arrange a hotel for you, from 3-5* (hotels are not included in above price).

Active Mendoza

Day 1 - arrive Mendoza, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Then in the afternoon ou will visit the local wineries from Lujan de Cuyo / Maipú department. Escorted by a professional and specialized guide, you will be able to enjoy small and large ones, having the opportunity to visit the vineyards. The tour includes the cellars, their production centers and possibilities to taste the exquisite wines. Normally includes 3 different types of wineries, styles, techniques and production.

Day 2 - RAFTING CERRO NEGRO , GRADE III - IV - Cerro Negro is a cornerstone on the road to Chile and it is also the starting place for this breathtaking rafting of about 3 hours. Includes transfers to/from Mendoza, full equipment, professional bilingual guides, introductory briefing as well as safety course, support kayak, box lunch to be enjoyed by the river. Must be 14 or older. Need 3 to operate.

Day 3 - Full day trek in San Antonio - San Antonio is a cozy mountain refuge located 85 km from Mendoza city and at 2500 m high at the foot of Vallecitos. It is the ideal starting point for many activities such as trekking, mountain bike or horse ride. Anyway, if you want to hike you will enjoy a full day hike to Cerro Arenal. Following some meandering rivers you will attempt the summit of Mt Arenales (3500 m) that will reward the effort with magnificent vistas of the amazing valleys of the Andean range.

Day 4 -transfer to airport

2008 Price per person in US$ with group tours: $267 for 1 person, $247 for 2 people.
Private tours available. Other tours may be substituted, but price might change
We can also arrange a hotel for you, from 3-5* (hotels are not included in above price).

Info on Wines of Argentina - “By the year 2015, the greatness of Argentinean wines made from the Malbec grape will be understood as a given. This French varietal, which failed so miserably on its home soil in Bordeaux, has reached startling heights of quality in Argentina. Majestic and delicious Malbecs, profoundly complex ones from high-elevation vineyards are already being produced, and by 2015 this long-ignored grape's place in the pantheon of noble wines will be guaranteed.” Food & Wine Magazine, September 2004, Robert Parker Jr.

Other Tours

THE WINE TRAIL
It is remarkable the progress of Argentine wines production in the last 10 years according to the increase of exportation and the awards received in International competition. All along the Andean Range- from Salta to Rio Negro- and particularly in Mendoza and San Juan - the best wines have been developed having obtained various international awards. An excellent climate allows for the growth of the cepas of such quality such as the best Malbec of the world, an exquisite Merlot and the unique flavor of the Torrontes.

Day 01: Arrival in Mendoza. Meeting and transfer to the FINCA ADALGISA. Accommodation at the Finca. Visit of the city of Mendoza and afternoon Wine Experience: El Mito del Vino.
Day 02: Full day wineries with Lunch at Zuccardi winery and afternoon transfer to Salentein. Accommodation. Dinner.
Day 03: Full day to enjoy the Posada visiting its winery, its vineyards and the amazing horserides at the foot of Mt. Tupungato.
Day 04: Transfer to the airport
US$ each for 2 people

same program as above can be done but will not include any tours or guide but a car rental
Category D (air conditioning)
Insurance (CDW) with a deductible
Pick up and drop off the car at the airport.

El Mito del Vino
Visiting the wineries in Lujan de Cuyo (known as the "First zone" of wineries where the oldest wineries are to be found) the area where the red varietals -mainly Malbec - find their ideal conditions to grow is not to be missed. Due to the quality of the Malbec it is that Lujan de Cuyo was instituted the first (AOC - Appellation d´Origine Controlee) for the Argentine Malbec.
We will -then- enjoy an afternoon visits to wineries in the area ending in an old and traditional house and a Cave, where the most amazing wine tasting will be conducted. The house - Cava de Cano - belonged to a former Governor of Mendoza who gave the final thrust to the wine industry by creating the world famous harvest Festival in Argentina held every year in March.
Includes: Transfers, guided visits to wineries, introductory course to wine tasting.
Departures: Mo - We & Fr - 330PM US$

FULL DAY HORSEBACK RIDE IN QUEBRADA DEL CONDOR
Quebrada del Condor is a selected corner of Mendoza (100 km from city center) because it is the only natural green valley which contrasts with the colors of the magnificent Cordon del Plata range. This area has been declared natural reserve for the Andean Condor thus keeping its original landscape and it is not so populated and developed. This is the place to start the most amazing day horseback ride as well as the 2day rides.
Includes: Transfer to /from Mendoza guide to assist passengers, lunch and snack while on horse rides or treks. US$47

QUEBRADA DEL CONDOR HORSERIDE W/ overnight in San Antonio
2 demanding full day rides in Quebrada del Condor but the accommodation will be at San Antonio (about 1 hour drive between them). The drives will be to two different areas of the Quebrada: to the small cascade and Los Balcones (the lookout point) and the follwoing day to Cerro Pedernal. Both rides take about 4 hours on horseback. Box lunches to be provided while riding. Dinner and breakfast at San Antonio in private rooms with shared facilities.
Includes: Transfer to /from Mendoza and between Quebrada del Condor and San Antonio, assistance of expert mountain bilingual guides, and assistant guides. Full board
The mountain refuge has private rooms with berth so participants do not need to bring their sleeping bag. US$132

MISTERIOS DEL PLATA 3 days riding at the foot of Cordon del Plata
A true expedition in search of the hidden Laguna del Plata and the South Wall of the El Plata Mt. Places of incredible beauty which can only be reached on foot or horseback.

Day 01: Departure from Mendoza to the Quebrada del Condor, meet the guides and saddle the horses to get ready for the expedition. Briefing of the expedition and departure to attemp El Filo, the rim of the mountain and gateway to the Laguna. Box-lunch en route and overnight in campsite. Dinner.

Day 02: Follow the side cliff path called "Senda del Guanaco" to get to the amazing Laguna del Plata of deep blue water reflecting the shape of the south wall of Mt El Plata. The ride will be hard but the views of the lagoon will be the best reward and will guarantee the best photos.
Lunch by the lagoon.
Return to campsite.

Day 03: Return to Puesto Quebrada del Condor where an asado will be waiting for us. After lunch return to Mendoza.
US$

Includes: Transfer to /from Mendoza, assistance of expert mountain bilingual guides, and assistant guides. Full board , full camping gear
Participants are to bring their own sleeping bags and pad.

ACONCAGUA SUMMIT (Acclimatization in Vallecitos)

We offer 3 different programs to climb the summit of the Americas. Option A is the most widely chosen and most recommended. Second option is the Guanacos Route.. The third option, which is the climb up the Polish Glacier, is only recommended for experienced people who have been in altitude before.

Prices include:
All ground transportation, hotels in Mendoza and Puente del Inca, food and supplies for the entire expedition, 3 nights (4 for option B) with full meals at the Mountain Hotel in Plaza de Mulas. Mules transport, porters (1 every 3 pax to Camp 1). Group gear: tents (N.Face VE 25 or similar), first aid, radios, oximeter, GPS, altimeter, cooking gear, Gamow Bag and Emergency Oxygen bottle at Base Camp. 1:4 Guides to clients ratio on Aconcagua, and 1:2 or 1:3 for summit day. We keep our groups small, usually 6 to 10 people.

Video/documentary: A unique service for our clients. We will record and edit a short video of our expedition so everyone can purchase a copy at a low cost.

Prices do not include:
Flights, personal gear (see equipment list), meals in Mendoza, Puente del Inca and during transfers. Climbing permit (fees to be confirmed).

Cancellation policy:
If canceled more than 60 days in advance we keep the booking fee.
If canceled between 30 to 60 days prior to the trip we keep 50% of the total price.
If canceled within 30 days of the trip we keep 75% of the total price.

Description:
Option A: 18 days
The best way to climb Aconcagua. In over 40 guided expeditions this option has provided us with the best success rates on the summit. This is why most people decide to take this option. We spend the first week acclimatizing in the nearby range of Cordón del Plata (the Silver Range). Here we climb an easier and lower peak called Co Vallecitos (5400 m/ 17400 ft). This has several advantages. We spend more days acclimatizing and we get to explore and climb a beautiful peak while doing so. We minimize our stay at Plaza de Mulas Base camp, which can be psychologically draining. Puente del Inca lies at an ideal altitude to recover and rest, after our adaptation period in Vallecitos. This allows us to tackle Aconcagua with renewed energy and motivation and in great physical condition. Our climbing route on Aconcagua is the Regular (North) route.

Guanacos Route: 20 days

Polish Glacier: 18-21 days
This option is designed for people with previous experience both in altitude and glacier travel (crampons and ice axe use in steep snow and ice slopes). People who have already summited Aconcagua or a similar peak and who want a greater challenge might want to try the Polish Glacier route. Due to the technical nature of this route, the guides to client ratio is usually 1:1 or 1:2 for summit day.