From Mendoza: Trekking and Barbecue in the Andes

The best part of this outing comes after the hike: you sit down at a simple mountain hut for an asado criollo and Mendoza wine. Before that reward, you’ll walk through the Cordon del Plata foothills, with Potrerillos Dam below and the chance to spot condors, guanacos, or foxes.

I like the small-group format, limited to 10 people, and the way this trip connects outdoor scenery with local life. I also like that the barbecue takes place at a gaucho’s home rather than at a polished tourist restaurant. Guides including Vanina, Joaquín, and Lorenzo have been praised for friendly service, strong English, and useful information.

The main consideration is the mountain setting. This is described as low to medium difficulty, but it is still a three-hour hike at 2,400 meters. Cold, changing weather and snow from April to September can make it tougher than the word low-intensity suggests.

Key points at a glance

• A three-hour hike at 2,400 meters: You get a real taste of the Andes without signing up for a technical climb.
• Potrerillos Dam on the way in: The short photo stop gives you a memorable view of the water and pre-mountain range.
• A gaucho-hosted barbecue: Daniel’s mountain hut provides a simple, local setting for meat, salads, vegetarian food if requested, and wine.
• Wildlife may appear along the route: Keep watch for condors, guanacos, and foxes.
• Pickup covers much of Mendoza: Collection is available within 15 kilometers of central Mendoza, including Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, and Godoy Cruz.
• A good first Andes hike: Families and people without previous trekking experience can join, provided they can manage the walking and altitude.

From Mendoza to the Cordon del Plata

The day begins with about two hours on the road from Mendoza to the start of the hike. That drive is not just dead time. It introduces you to the dry foothills west of the city and gives you a look at how quickly Mendoza’s urban streets give way to open mountain country.

Pickup is available in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, and Godoy Cruz, as long as your address is within a 15-kilometer radius of central Mendoza. The same general area is covered for the return trip. Confirm your exact pickup point when booking, since transportation farther away is not included.

The vehicle passes Cacheuta Village and the Cacheuta thermal water park. You do not stop for a soak or a visit here, so think of this as a brief introduction rather than a second attraction. Cacheuta is part of the route’s appeal because it helps show the transition from wine-country Mendoza to the mountain foothills.

The road continues toward Potrerillos Dam. This is a planned 10-minute photo stop, enough time to stretch your legs and take in the broad view. The dam, the surrounding peaks, and the dry colors of the Andes make a strong first picture of the day. If you want photographs, have your phone or camera ready before you leave the vehicle. Ten minutes goes quickly.

Three hours above Mendoza at 2,400 meters

The main walk takes place in the Cordon del Plata, part of the Andes front range. The hike lasts about three to three and a half hours, depending on how the day’s schedule is handled. It is classed as low to medium difficulty, not a demanding mountaineering route.

That label needs a little context. You will be walking for several hours at 2,400 meters above sea level, where the air can feel thinner and the weather can shift quickly. You do not need previous trekking experience, but you should be comfortable walking outdoors for a substantial part of the day.

The route is intended to keep you close to the natural setting. You may hear the Mendoza River as you walk, and the changing views reveal Potrerillos and its dam from higher ground. The pleasure here is not one dramatic viewpoint only. It is the steady change in scale as the road, water, settlements, and lower hills begin to look small below you.

The guide helps turn the walk into more than a silent march. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, and past guides such as Lorenzo have been noted for explaining local history, geography, and culture along the way. Vanina has also been praised for adjusting her attention to the group when needed. That matters on a small hike, since a good guide can keep the pace comfortable without making stronger walkers feel held back.

You may also see local wildlife. Condors, guanacos, and foxes are all listed as possible sightings, not guaranteed ones. Keep your eyes on ridgelines and open slopes, but do not expect a wildlife safari. The best approach is to enjoy the mountain setting first and treat an animal sighting as a bonus.

A closer look at mountain life

One of the more unusual parts of this experience is its attention to local rural life. The route passes areas connected with livestock and families who live at a slower pace than people in Mendoza city. This is a useful counterpoint to the usual wine-tasting itinerary, where you see the province mainly through vineyards and restaurants.

The mountain communities here are not presented as a staged folk show. The tour’s support point is a simple home connected with a local family, and the meal is prepared by people who live in the area. The setting has been described as basic, including an old disused railway station used as a home. That simplicity is part of the character, but it also means you should not expect hotel-style facilities.

This local connection gives the meal a practical purpose beyond lunch. Spending money here supports a small community project intended to create social and economic opportunities for people living in the area. You are not simply stopping at a restaurant with mountain decoration. You are eating in a place tied to the people and daily routines of the foothills.

The asado at Daniel’s mountain hut

After the hike, you arrive at Daniel’s mountain hut, where the barbecue is served. This is the emotional payoff of the day. Argentine asado tastes especially welcome after several hours outdoors, and the meal is served with Mendoza wine.

The food is described as the best local meat, along with salads and other barbecue accompaniments. If you do not eat meat, tell the operator in advance or at the start of the activity so a vegetarian menu can be prepared. The vegetarian option is not an afterthought, and the operator says extra servings are often needed.

The setting is rustic. One account described the barbecue facilities as primitive and suggested that you should not expect refined equipment. I see that as an important part of the decision. If you want a carefully designed dining room, this is not the right lunch. If you enjoy a simple meal prepared at a family base in the mountains, the rough edges add to the sense of place.

The meal lasts about 75 minutes according to the planned schedule. That is enough time to eat, drink, talk with the guide, and enjoy the setting, but it is not a long afternoon feast. The wine is included, as are snacks, but additional meals and services are not.

What the $398 price means

The listed price is $398 for a group of up to one person. Because that pricing format is unusual, check the booking screen carefully to see how the amount applies to your party and date. Do not assume it is a standard per-person price.

The value comes from the amount bundled into the day: transportation, a bilingual professional mountain guide, insurance, first-aid-trained staff, snacks, the hike, barbecue, and wine. You are also paying for a full eight-hour outing rather than a short viewpoint transfer.

For a solo booking, the price may make sense if you want a private-feeling experience with organized transport and a guide. For larger parties, confirm the final total before paying, since the advertised wording says up to one person. The small group limit of 10 keeps the outing more personal than a large coach tour, but it does not necessarily mean every departure will be full or private.

Personal gear is not included. That can mean you need to bring or arrange suitable hiking shoes, warm clothing, and outdoor clothing yourself. One participant specifically noted that proper boots helped. I would treat sturdy footwear as a sensible requirement, especially if the ground is uneven or damp.

Weather, clothing, and altitude

The Andes foothills can be cold even when Mendoza city feels mild. From April through September, the area may have cold conditions and snow. A full coat is advised in winter, and you should carry warm layers in every season because mountain weather can change.

Bring:

• Passport or identity card
• Warm clothing and a coat
• Outdoor clothing
• Sturdy hiking footwear
• Any personal gear you normally need for a three-hour walk

The tour includes insurance and staff trained in first aid, but that does not remove the need to judge your own fitness. People with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or wheelchair users are not suited to this activity. Families can take part, and no previous hiking experience is required, but every member of the group needs to manage the walking and altitude.

If you are unsure about 2,400 meters, ask the operator about the expected pace and route before booking. The activity is not presented as high-end mountaineering, yet it is more demanding than a flat city stroll.

Guides and the small-group feel

The guide can make or break a mountain day. Here, the experience is designed around a bilingual professional guide and no more than 10 participants. That allows room for questions, adjustments in pace, and explanations that would be hard to hear from the back of a large bus.

Vanina has been recognized for kindness and personal attention. Joaquín has been involved in explaining the local community project and has been described as an enthusiastic host. Lorenzo has provided information about the region’s geography, history, and culture. Guide assignments can change, so treat these names as examples of the guiding team rather than a promise that one particular person will lead your departure.

The strongest feature is the combination of guiding and hospitality. You get help on the trail, then meet a local family for the meal. It feels more connected than a standard transfer to a lookout, though it also asks you to accept a less polished setting.

Who should book this Andes outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want an accessible introduction to the Andes and prefer a day with several layers: scenic driving, a moderate walk, local culture, and a proper Argentine meal. It suits couples, families with capable walkers, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a small group instead of a large sightseeing bus.

It is also a good choice if you have limited time in Mendoza. In one day, you see Cacheuta, Potrerillos Dam, the Cordon del Plata, rural mountain life, and an asado with wine. You will not explore each place at length, but the range of experiences is impressive.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a serious trek, a summit, or a long wilderness route. The hike is low to medium difficulty, and the afternoon barbecue is as important as the walking. I would also choose another activity if you need wheelchair access, have significant heart or respiratory problems, or dislike rustic facilities.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies make it easier to wait for a suitable weather forecast, though winter conditions can still change after you book.

Should you book the Cordon del Plata hike and barbecue?

Book it if you want a manageable mountain walk with excellent scenery and a real local meal, not a technical trek or a polished restaurant excursion. The combination of Potrerillos views, possible wildlife, a small group, and a gaucho-hosted asado gives the day a strong sense of place.

Before you commit, confirm the unusual $398 group pricing, ask about the exact pickup point, and pack for cold weather even outside winter. If you can handle three hours of walking at 2,400 meters and are happy with a simple mountain hut, this is one of the more personal ways to meet the Andes near Mendoza.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including transportation from Mendoza, the hike, the meal, and the return trip.

Where can pickup take place?

Pickup is available in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, and Godoy Cruz, within a 15-kilometer radius of central Mendoza.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation from the included pickup area is provided.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is described as low to medium difficulty and lasts about three to three and a half hours. Previous trekking experience is not required.

How high is the hiking area?

The activity begins in the Cordon del Plata at approximately 2,400 meters above sea level.

Is the barbecue included?

Yes. The barbecue and Mendoza wine are included, along with snacks.

Can I request vegetarian food?

Yes. A vegetarian menu can be prepared if you do not eat meat. Tell the operator about your preference.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or identity card, warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and suitable personal gear for a mountain hike. A coat is especially important in cold weather and winter.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility, heart, or respiratory problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or wheelchair users.