Planning Your Adventure in the High Andes

Aconcagua Park is located about 180 kilometers from Mendoza city. The drive alone follows the scenic Route 7 into the heart of the Andes. You should plan for high altitudes even on simple walks. Most Aconcagua Park hiking trails require a permit for entry. These permits are usually purchased online before you arrive at the gate.

Timing is critical for a safe trip to the mountains. The primary hiking season runs from November to March. During these months, the weather is more predictable and stable. However, wind and cold can occur at any time. Always check the mountain forecast via the Mendoza Tourism official site before departing.

• Best Overall: Confluencia Day Hike
• Best for Families: Laguna de los Horcones Circuit
• Best Viewpoint: Mirador del Aconcagua (South Face)
• Best Nearby Trip: Puente del Inca

Top 11 Aconcagua Park Hiking Trails and Sights

The park offers diverse paths for every type of traveler. Some visitors come for a gentle stroll near glacial lagoons. Others seek the challenge of reaching base camps at high elevations. Each spot listed below provides a unique perspective of the "Stone Sentinel." Here are the top Aconcagua Park hiking trails and nearby highlights for your itinerary.

1. Name: Laguna de los Horcones Circuit
   Type: sight/activity
   Why go: This is the most accessible trail for stunning mountain reflections.
   Best for: Families and casual walkers.
   Where: Main entrance area.
   Time: 1–2 hours.
   Cost: Small entry fee for the interpretive circuit.
   Getting there: Bus or car from Mendoza via Route 7.
   Tip: Look for those seeking short hiking trails in Aconcagua Park for beginners to help group your group's needs.
2. Name: Confluencia Camp Hike
   Type: experience
   Why go: It is the first camp for climbers and offers a true mountaineering atmosphere.
   Best for: Fit hikers wanting a full-day challenge.
   Where: Starts at Horcones.
   Time: 6–8 hours round trip.
   Cost: Day hike permit fee required.
   Getting there: Follow the path from the Horcones lagoon.
   Tip: Drink plenty of water to combat the 3,400-meter altitude.
3. Name: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is one of the largest base camps in the world.
   Best for: Experienced trekkers on multi-day trips.
   Where: Deep inside the Horcones Valley.
   Time: 2–3 days.
   Cost: Multi-day trekking permit required.
   Getting there: A long trek from Confluencia.
   Tip: Mules are often used to carry heavy gear to this camp.
4. Name: Mirador del Aconcagua (South Face)
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: Offers the most dramatic view of the massive 3,000-meter vertical south wall.
   Best for: Photographers and nature lovers.
   Where: Reached via the Horcones circuit.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: Included in park entry.
   Getting there: Short walk from the main parking lot.
   Tip: Go early in the morning for the clearest views before clouds roll in.
5. Name: Plaza Francia Viewpoint
   Type: viewpoint/nature
   Why go: Provides a closer look at the glaciers of the South Face.
   Best for: Strong day hikers or overnight visitors.
   Where: Branching off from the Confluencia camp.
   Time: 8–10 hours from Horcones or an overnight stay.
   Cost: Modern permit fees apply.
   Getting there: Upward trail from Confluencia.
   Tip: The trail can be very dusty, so bring a buff or face covering.
6. Name: Museo Interpretativo Horcones
   Type: museum
   Why go: Learn about the local geology, flora, and climbing history.
   Best for: A rainy-day activity or pre-hike orientation.
   Where: Near the park entrance gate.
   Time: 30–45 minutes.
   Cost: Generally included with park entry.
   Getting there: Located right at the Horcones trailhead.
   Tip: Read the history of the first successful summit in 1897 here.
7. Name: Quebrada del Durazno
   Type: nature
   Why go: A quieter valley area with unique rock formations and silence.
   Best for: Those wanting to escape the main crowds.
   Where: Adjacent to the main climbing routes.
   Time: 3–4 hours.
   Cost: Park entry fee.
   Getting there: Guided excursions or self-navigation from Horcones.
   Tip: Watch for Andean condors soaring in this area.
8. Name: Puente del Inca
   Type: sight/day trip
   Why go: A natural stone bridge colored orange by sulfurous thermal waters.
   Best for: Everyone visitng the park.
   Where: Just 2 kilometers from the park entrance.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free to view from the boardwalk.
   Getting there: Walk or drive from the Aconcagua entrance.
   Tip: Check our Puente del Inca history guide for details on the old hotel ruins.
9. Name: Potrerillos Dam
   Type: nature/sight
   Why go: A massive turquoise lake surrounded by mountain peaks.
   Best for: A relaxing stop on the drive back to Mendoza city.
   Where: Lujan de Cuyo region.
   Time: 1–2 hours.
   Cost: Free entry to various viewpoints.
   Getting there: Located on Route 7 halfway to the park.
   Tip: Try Potrerillos Dam water activities like kayaking if you have extra time.
10. Name: Villavicencio Nature Reserve
    Type: nature/day trip
    Why go: famous for its mineral water sources and winding mountain roads.
    Best for: Wildlife spotting and mountain views.
    Where: North of Mendoza city.
    Time: Half-day to full-day.
    Cost: Entry fee for the reserve.
    Getting there: Road 52 from Mendoza.
    Tip: Explore the Villavicencio Nature Reserve attractions for a different mountain ecosystem.
11. Name: Uco Valley
    Type: experience/day trip
    Why go: Home to high-altitude vineyards and world-class Malbec.
    Best for: Post-hike relaxation and luxury.
    Where: South of Mendoza.
    Time: Full day.
    Cost: Varies by winery.
    Getting there: Car or tour from Mendoza.
    Tip: Book Uco Valley wine tours 2026 in advance for the best estates.

How to Prepare for Aconcagua Park Hiking Trails

Preparation is key for the erratic Andes environment. The sun at 3,000 meters is incredibly strong. You must wear high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Layered clothing is essential because temperatures drop rapidly when the sun sets. Heavy winds are common in this part of Argentina.

You should also consider your physical health. Walking at these heights strains the heart and lungs. If you feel dizzy or have a headache, stop and rest. Descending is the best cure for altitude sickness. Before you leave Mendoza, it is wise to learn what to pack for hiking in Aconcagua Park Mendoza.

Permits are a mandatory part of the process. In 2026, the park continues to use an online booking system. You must present a digital or printed copy at the entrance hut. Do not rely on mobile signals at the park gate. Download all your documents before leaving the city.

Best Day Trips Near Aconcagua Provincial Park

Aconcagua is just one part of the Mendoza mountain experience. The surrounding areas offer historical sites and water sports. Many travelers combine a hike with a visit to Mendoza city highlights. This creates a balanced itinerary between nature and culture. You can find many top attractions near Mendoza within a few hours' drive.

For those interested in history, the Qhapaq Ñan is fascinating. This ancient Andean road system is a UNESCO site. Parts of it are visible near the Aconcagua Park hiking trails. It connected the vast Inca Empire across these rugged peaks. Always respect these cultural sites by staying on the marked paths.