Uspallata is an unparalleled place at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range, in the province of Mendoza. It is known as a stop on the way to the crossing to Chile, but it is much more than that. This valley separates the precordillera from the frontal cordillera and concentrates enormous geological, archaeological, and historical value for having been one of the key routes of the Army of the Andes.
The town center is located at approximately 1,900 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, so the climate is mountainous, with a marked thermal amplitude. During the day, solar radiation is intense, and at night the temperature drop is sharp. These conditions are ideal for the development of new high-altitude vineyards, but they must also be taken into account when planning a getaway to Uspallata.
Below you will find everything about the routes to Uspallata from Mendoza, and from the mountain town to other nearby attractions. Also recommendations for activities and excursions. And if you want to travel with everything organized, don't forget to check our travel packages to Mendoza.
What to Do in Uspallata, Mendoza
The answer ranges from rural tourism to pre-Columbian archaeology. The valley offers attractions a few kilometers from the urban center, accessible to all types of vehicles.
The Bóvedas de Uspallata (Uspallata Vaults) are a mandatory stop for those curious about Latin American history. These dome-shaped adobe constructions date back to the 18th century when the Jesuits built them to process the minerals extracted in the Paramillos mines. Years later, General José de San Martín used them as a barracks and weapons depot during the organization of the Army of the Andes.
There are also activities for lovers of sports and physical activity. When going up on a trek to Cerro Tunduqueral in Uspallata, Mendoza extends as an infinite horizon of mountains and valleys. It is only 7 kilometers north of the town along Provincial Route 149. In addition to impressive views, the hill houses an open-air archaeological site with samples of rock art. In the porphyry rocks, petroglyphs attributed to the Huarpe culture and Inca populations are preserved.
tours in Uspallata, Mendoza
Uspallata is the base camp par excellence to explore the Bi-oceanic Corridor. Guided tours delve into the Andes Mountain Range following the path of National Route 7. Below, the most complete itineraries to discover the Mendoza High Mountain with expert guides.
Hiking and Mountain Range Transition
The Potrerillos to Uspallata trekking and hiking tour is the ideal option for those looking for a moderate and extensive walk. The itinerary departs from the city of Mendoza and makes its first stop at the Potrerillos dam.
Upon arriving in Uspallata, the guided walk begins along trails in the precordillera with the Cerro Aconcagua Viewpoint as the final destination. The goal is to recognize the native flora adapted to aridity (such as jarilla and coirón) and obtain clear views of the valley. Before starting the return, the landscape of the mountain range is appreciated while resting with a local lunch.
The Classic Circuit and Puente del Inca
One of the most complete tours is the Premium High Mountain walk to Potrerillos, Aconcagua, and Uspallata. It crosses all the milestones of Route 7 with a superior guide service and in small groups. Uspallata will be the point of a technical stop on the way there, and the venue for an asado with Mendoza wine at the end of the adventure in the high mountain range.
The tour reaches the famous Puente del Inca (at 2,700 masl), a natural geological arch covered by ochre and yellow mineral salts deposited by hot springs. Then you enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park for a low-difficulty walk by the Horcones Lagoon, the main viewpoint of the mountain's south face.
Challenge in the Colossus of America
Observation from the viewpoint may not be enough for mountaineering enthusiasts. That is why the trekking tour to Aconcagua Provincial Park with lunch proposes a greater challenge. After the transfer to the Horcones visitor center (at 2,950 masl), a walk through the Quebrada de Horcones begins to advance towards the Confluencia approach camp.
After about 2 hours on mountain trails, surrounded by glacial moraines and under the flight of Andean condors, the final destination arrives: the impressive Horcones Lagoon. The expedition includes the necessary box lunches to replenish energy in the mountains.
The Border Limit in Private
If the goal is to reach the highest possible point by vehicle, the Private High Mountain tour from Uspallata to Christ the Redeemer is the ideal plan. The tour crosses all of Route 7 passing through Las Cuevas, the last Argentine town before the border with Chile.
From there, the 4x4 vehicle or private van ascends via a gravel road to the top of Cerro Santa Elena, at 3,854 meters of altitude. There stands the Monument to Christ the Redeemer, a work by sculptor Mateo Alonso inaugurated in 1904 that seals the geographical and peaceful limit between Argentina and Chile.
Distance from Mendoza to Uspallata: Routes and How to Get There
There are two ways to travel from Mendoza to Uspallata. They are completely different in terms of landscape, travel time, and driving demands.
The distance via the main route is 120 kilometers (75 miles). You must take National Route 40 south, to the town of Luján de Cuyo (Agrelo). From there it connects with National Route 7 heading west and straight to Uspallata. The route is completely paved.
This route borders the Mendoza River, crosses the Cacheuta tunnels, and offers an extensive panoramic view of the Potrerillos Dam. Under normal traffic conditions, the travel time for this route is approximately one and a half hours.
Distance from Mendoza to Uspallata via Villavicencio
The road from Mendoza to Uspallata via Villavicencio is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) in total. However, travel time can extend to three hours due to the type of road and the demands of the routes.
The trip begins on Provincial Route 52. After passing the historic Villavicencio Hotel, the asphalt ends and the famous "Los Caracoles" road begins, a winding gravel ascent consisting of 365 curves along the mountainside to the Cruz de Paramillos, the highest point of the journey, at 3,200 masl. From there, the road descends towards the valley.
From the gate of the Villavicencio Nature Reserve (where the old hotel is located) to the center of Uspallata, there are 55 kilometers of unpaved mountain road remaining. This route is traveled exclusively by day, and it is key to check the forecast, as winter snowfalls usually force the temporary closure of the road.
Accommodation in Uspallata, Mendoza
With the growth of mountain activities and wine tourism, Uspallata went from being a transit area to a destination in itself. Today, lodging options range from high-end glamping domes to cabin complexes with mountain views and traditional inns. Below, three recommended lodging options in Uspallata, Mendoza.
Gran Hotel Uspallata de Mendoza
The Gran Hotel Uspallata is an institution in the province. It is the largest hotel complex in the valley, located on National Route 7 among an immense wooded park that contrasts with the aridity of the mountain.
It is a 3-star category and its facilities are prepared for extended stays. It has an outdoor pool, tennis, paddle, and rugby courts, and its own restaurant with top-level cuisine. Its rooms are classic in style and spacious, making it ideal for family groups or friends.
Hotel Cadena del Sol Uspallata
For those who prefer to stay in the civic center of the town, the best option is the Hotel Cadena del Sol. Also 3-star category, it operates a few meters from the main avenue. This allows walking to supermarkets, ATMs, mountain equipment rental houses, and gastronomic venues. The hotel offers rooms with a central heating system (essential for cold Andean nights), buffet breakfast service, and personalized attention.
Estancia San Alberto de Uspallata, Mendoza
Estancia San Alberto Lodge is 11 kilometers from downtown Uspallata. It is a sustainable accommodation, built with stone, adobe, and recycled wood from old wineries. It operates with 70% solar energy that air-conditions the rooms and facilities with a radiant system.
There are two types of rooms that include Egyptian cotton bedding, breakfast, free Wi-Fi connection, parking, and are smoke-free spaces.
The Classic Room is between 22 and 32 square meters, accommodates two people in a king bed or two twin beds, and has a private terrace and garden overlooking the vineyards or the mountain. For its part, the San Alberto Villa has 37 square meters immersed in the forest. This option adds an integrated living area, sectorized bathroom, minibar, coffee maker, bathrobes, and slippers.
The lodge has an Argentine regional cuisine restaurant supplied by its own seasonal vegetable garden and selected meats. Guests have direct access to the San Alberto stream, very close to Cerro Tunduqueral, and the establishment's organic vineyard. The property's natural environment also facilitates taking walks and spotting native fauna such as condors, guanacos, choiques, and foxes.