The Basics of Hiking in Aconcagua Park

Aconcagua Provincial Park is a high-altitude desert. The air is very thin and dry above 3,000 meters. You must prioritize hydration and sun protection every day. Most Aconcagua Park hiking trails require strong physical prep and specific gear. Do not underestimate the wind, which can reach high speeds suddenly.

For any visit, you need a multi-layer clothing system. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to stay dry. Add an insulating fleece or down jacket for warmth. Use a waterproof shell to block the wind. These items are common for all short hiking trails in Aconcagua Park for beginners. Always check the weather forecast from Mendoza Tourism before leaving the city.

10 Key Experiences and Packing Needs

Explore the park through these specific sights and experiences. Each one requires different preparation levels. Use this list to build your ultimate backpack for 2026.

• Name: Horcones Lagoon Circuit
  Type: sight
  Why go: It offers the most famous view of Aconcagua's South Face.
  Best for: Families and casual walkers.
  Where: Park entrance area.
  Time: 1-2 hours.
  Cost: Small entry fee for the Day Pass.
  Getting there: Take a bus from Mendoza or drive Route 7.
  Tip: Wear lightweight boots and carry a windbreaker even in summer.
• Name: Plaza Francia Viewpoint
  Type: viewpoint
  Why go: You see the massive South Face up close from 4,200 meters.
  Best for: Intermediate hikers.
  Where: Lower Horcones Valley.
  Time: 2-3 days trek.
  Cost: Trekking permit required.
  Getting there: Hike from the park entrance via Confluencia.
  Tip: Pack trekking poles to save your knees on the rocky descent.
• Name: Confluencia Base Camp
  Type: activity
  Why go: Experience life in a high-mountain camp with climbers.
  Best for: Acclimatization and social vibes.
  Where: A three-hour hike from the start.
  Time: Overnight stay.
  Cost: Depends on trekking permit type.
  Getting there: Hike the main trail from Horcones.
  Tip: Pack a 0°C rated sleeping bag and thermal underwear for cold nights.
• Name: Puente del Inca
  Type: sight
  Why go: See a natural yellow bridge formed by thermal minerals.
  Best for: Photography and history lovers.
  Where: Just outside the park entrance.
  Time: 30 minutes.
  Cost: Free to view.
  Getting there: Located on the main road from Mendoza city.
  Tip: Bring a camera with a wide lens for the best shots of the colors.
• Name: Cristo Redentor Pass
  Type: viewpoint
  Why go: It is a historic statue on the border with Chile at high altitude.
  Best for: Scenic views and history.
  Where: High mountain border area.
  Time: 1-hour stop.
  Cost: Road tolls apply.
  Getting there: Steep dirt road drive from Las Cuevas.
  Tip: You need a heavy down jacket here as the wind is extremely cold.
• Name: Quebrada de Matienzo
  Type: nature
  Why go: This is a quiet valley with glaciers and wildflowers.
  Best for: Escaping the crowds.
  Where: Near the Chilean border, outside the main park.
  Time: Full day.
  Cost: Usually free or low cost.
  Getting there: Trailhead starts near Las Cuevas.
  Tip: Pack a water filter or purification tablets to use river water safely.
• Name: Las Cuevas Village
  Type: neighborhood
  Why go: The last village in Argentina before the tunnel to Chile.
  Best for: Pre-hike meals and resting.
  Where: 9 km from the Aconcagua entrance.
  Time: Half-day or overnight.
  Cost: Moderate food and lodging prices.
  Getting there: 3-hour drive from Mendoza.
  Tip: Buy extra snacks and sunblock here if you forgot them in the city.
• Name: Plaza de Mulas
  Type: experience
  Why go: One of the largest base camps in the world at 4,300m.
  Best for: Serious trekkers and climbers.
  Where: Upper Horcones Valley.
  Time: 3-5 days.
  Cost: High (Long trekking permit).
  Getting there: A long 8-10 hour hike from Confluencia.
  Tip: Use heavy-duty, waterproof mountaineering boots for this rough terrain.
• Name: Horcones Interpretation Center
  Type: indoor museum
  Why go: Learn about the geology and biology of the Andes.
  Best for: Rainy days or waiting for a permit.
  Where: Exactly at the park gates.
  Time: 45 minutes.
  Cost: Included in park entry.
  Getting there: Walk from the Horcones parking lot.
  Tip: Take photos of the trail maps inside for offline reference.
• Name: Aconcagua Summit Route
  Type: experience
  Why go: To reach the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere.
  Best for: Expert mountaineers only.
  Where: Normal Route via Plaza de Mulas.
  Time: 15-20 days.
  Cost: Very expensive per-person permit.
  Getting there: Multi-stage expedition from Mendoza.
  Tip: Pack double boots, mittens, and high-altitude goggles for 7,000m.

Planning for Mendoza Mountain Weather

When deciding what to pack for hiking in Aconcagua Park Mendoza, remember the UV levels. The sun is much stronger at high altitudes. You need SPF 50+ sunblock and UV-rated sunglasses. Wrap-around styles are best to block glare from snow and dust. Lip balm with sun protection is also a must-have item.

If you don't want to carry everything, rent gear in Mendoza. Many shops near the park office offer boots, coats, and packs. This is a great way to save space in your luggage. After your cold hike, consider a Cacheuta thermal baths day trip to relax your muscles. It is the perfect reward for a successful mountain mission.