THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A private day hike from Mendoza into Vallecitos to summit Cerro Arenales — a non-technical acclimatization climb with panoramic Cordón del Plata views and mountain lunch.
A private day hike from Mendoza into Vallecitos to summit Cerro Arenales — a non-technical acclimatization climb with panoramic Cordón del Plata views and mountain lunch.
A cold wind trims the ridgelines as the van climbs from Mendoza’s sun-baked plain into the pale, stony reach of Vallecitos. By mid-morning the shelters at 2,900 m come into view; the air thins and the mountains sharpen. Hikers set off along a clear shepherd’s track that angles up toward Cerro Arenales, where a compact summit opens onto the sweep of the Cordón del Plata range and the patchwork towns of Potrerillos below.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Go Mountain · Potrerillos, Mendoza
A cold wind trims the ridgelines as the van climbs from Mendoza’s sun-baked plain into the pale, stony reach of Vallecitos. By mid-morning the shelters at 2,900 m come into view; the air thins and the mountains sharpen. Hikers set off along a clear shepherd’s track that angles up toward Cerro Arenales, where a compact summit opens onto the sweep of the Cordón del Plata range and the patchwork towns of Potrerillos below.
This route crosses the transition zone between Mendoza’s irrigated foothills and the dry Andean highlands. Geologically the Cordón del Plata is a younger Andean front of folded metamorphic rocks and volcanic intrusions; glaciers carved the broad valleys that now channel seasonal melt. The area has long served local mountaineers as an acclimatization playground and supports hardy puna grasses, low shrubs and scattered lapacho and ñire at lower elevations.
Expect a mix of packed dirt, loose scree and short steep ramps; the hike is non-technical but altitude shapes the effort. The private tour includes pickup in Mendoza, basic first aid and VHF comms, lunch with local empanadas, and trekking poles and gloves if needed.
Plan for sun at altitude, layered insulation for winds, and slower pacing on climbs above 3,000 m. Start early to avoid afternoon weather shifts; allow the better part of a day for transport, ascent, breaks and descent. For first-time visitors, Cerro Arenales is an approachable introduction to high-Andes hiking and a practical step toward higher objectives in the Cordón del Plata.
The guided trekking portion typically lasts 3–5 hours round trip, with the full experience (including transport) taking about 6–10 hours.
Yes — the route is non-technical and paced for acclimatization, but basic fitness and no serious cardiovascular issues are required.
Lunch and a hydrating drink are provided on the tour, but bring snacks you prefer and any personal dietary items.
Afternoon thunderstorms and sudden temperature drops are common; guides monitor conditions and may cancel for safety.
Go Mountain operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold wind trims the ridgelines as the van climbs from Mendoza’s sun-baked plain into the pale, stony reach of Vallecitos. By mid-morning the shelters at 2,900 m come into view; the air thins and the mountains sharpen. Hikers set off along a clear shepherd’s track that angles up toward Cerro Arenales, where a compact summit opens onto the sweep of the Cordón del Plata range and the patchwork towns of Potrerillos below.
A cold wind trims the ridgelines as the van climbs from Mendoza’s sun-baked plain into the pale, stony reach of Vallecitos. By mid-morning the shelters at 2,900 m come into view; the air thins and the mountains sharpen. Hikers set off along a clear shepherd’s track that angles up toward Cerro Arenales, where a compact summit opens onto the sweep of the Cordón del Plata range and the patchwork towns of Potrerillos below.
This route crosses the transition zone between Mendoza’s irrigated foothills and the dry Andean highlands. Geologically the Cordón del Plata is a younger Andean front of folded metamorphic rocks and volcanic intrusions; glaciers carved the broad valleys that now channel seasonal melt. The area has long served local mountaineers as an acclimatization playground and supports hardy puna grasses, low shrubs and scattered lapacho and ñire at lower elevations.
Expect a mix of packed dirt, loose scree and short steep ramps; the hike is non-technical but altitude shapes the effort. The private tour includes pickup in Mendoza, basic first aid and VHF comms, lunch with local empanadas, and trekking poles and gloves if needed.
Plan for sun at altitude, layered insulation for winds, and slower pacing on climbs above 3,000 m. Start early to avoid afternoon weather shifts; allow the better part of a day for transport, ascent, breaks and descent. For first-time visitors, Cerro Arenales is an approachable introduction to high-Andes hiking and a practical step toward higher objectives in the Cordón del Plata.