Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience

We had a wonderful time at Cordon del Plata with Agustín and Matias. We had a private group of 4 with pairs at different paces, and they created a perfect day for both of us. Agustín took the faster hikers up Lomas Blancas and Caucaso then down the moraine, while Matias and the slower group did Arenales only. Everyone had a perfect day for their ability and experience with altitude and were very happy! The park is beautiful with a great view of the valley and mountains. We even saw some epic condors and guanajo.

We had an amazing experience hiking up on Mt. Lomas Blancas with our guide Mauricio. Everything was perfect and moutains and the view was spectacular! We really enjoyed our day! 10/10 would recommend

What an amazing experience. Pablo, our guide, was incredible and we felt very safe and in very good hands. He did a great job helping prepare us for summit day as well as making amazing meals ans teaching us a lot about the area. 10/10 would recommend!

The experience is incredible, from communication prior to the event, to my guide, Mati, an incredible guy. The pace was slow and we conquered 3 x 3000+m summits.

We had an amazing day with our guide, Austin. He was a very experienced guide so we felt well prepared and learned a lot. It was so cool to be up in the mountains and we were happy to climb our highest peak to date! Definitely recommend this tour

I did the “Aconcagua Horcones Hiking Day Tour” with guide Matías N. Everything was perfect, from the on-time pickup at my lodgings (Casa Reconquista) in Mendoza city, to the trip out to the mountain, the hike itself, and the return to the city. We made welcome rest stops both coming and going. On the way out, I had an espresso drink (!) and food, and on the way back, I chose hot cocoa. Mid-way through the hike, we stopped for an excellent lunch that Matías himself had prepared. I am a picky vegetarian – I can’t eat cheese, tomatoes, etc. --- and yet I had no trouble finding food at the rest stops, and Matías’s lunch was perfect for me. I add this b/c if I managed with my food pickiness, you should be fine. Guide Matías himself is kind, knowledgeable, warm, genuine, and good-humored. This hike was the highlight of my trip to Mendoza. I would absolutely hike with Andes Vertical again, in a heartbeat. Thank you Matías!

Great experience all round. The Andes Vertical team were great with the bookings process made easy. The guides were really friendly and easy to get along with. The trips were exactly as advertised and I can thoroughly recommend Andes Vertical Mountain guides for these Day Hikes. Thanks for 2 very memorable experiences in Uco Valley and Cordon del Plata Hikes. Thanks again! Howard & Joanna Cooper (UK)

Great hike but a tough road downhill. Augustine was a very good guide but occasionally lapsed in helping some of us in the more difficult stretches. Going up the mountain was moderate in difficulty with no precipices and we saw several guanoco’s (?). Overall, a great hike, beautiful views and a great guide.

8:30am Our guide picked us up at our BNB home in Lujan de Cuyo for the 1 1/2 hour drive to our hike at Cordon del Plata, Mt Arenales. We submitted mountain at 4:30pm and finished at 6pm. It was in the upper 30s temperature, very cold and rainy, very rare for this area. Weather went from cold, freezing, to comfortable - and misty rain, sleet, some snow and the clouds came and went all day. -The path is extremely rocky - sometimes very heavy inclines. The smaller rocks could twist an ankle - I’d suggest boots with ankles covered and several layers of shirts with a backpack. - During lunch at summit the clouds did break a bit, but the distant views were not great. We were very excited to see a large llama (Guanaco) in the wild, he was alone. ** Our guide Agustine was so nice, patient, and informative — we all thoroughly enjoyed him and would use him again!!! This was an experience we will never forget - to be in Mendoza we had to hike the Andes - we highly recommend, a must do adventure!!

The hike itself was amazing with great views and mountain experience. Excellent day trip if you don’t have a lot of time or if looking to acclimatise for a higher altitude mountain. We read reviews about being able to do without a guide but based on our experience, we definitely would not recommend this. We got caught in a thunderstorm and would not have made it back to Mendoza without our guide, both to get down from the mountain and out of the national park because landslides had closed the road.

Gabriel was very informative and went at the right pace on the mountain. I went solo but joined 2 other travellers for the hike and had a great time! The views are amazing. Andes Vertical is top-notch. They were very responsive when I asked to move the date of my hike, and very reactive when I added a last-minute lunchbox. The pick-up at my accommodation and drop-off at the airport was also very appreciated. Thank you again!!

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Argentina and I would not be exaggerating to say one of the highlights of my life! The communication with the tour company was great, the pickup was organised well, and they were punctual. Augustine is a friendly, chatty, responsible guide and we chatted the whole way whilst she told us some interesting facts about the area. We picked up a couple on the way to the hike, so in all it was a very small group, just 4 travelers and the guide. I was quite concerned that I would hold the group back as I have little experience in hiking at that altitude (3650m peak) despite being fit for my age (59). The other couple seemed to have more experience in hiking as they described their past adventures and accomplishments all over the world, including Mt Kilimanjaro. The views of the Andes on the way to the hike's starting point were incredible, this alone would have been worth it and I enjoyed the trip immensely, in particular as Augustine is a fantastic driver! Once there, we were fitted out with trekking poles and we began the hike up towards Mt Lomas Blancas. It was stunning! The hike was moderate to difficult overall, and we walked uphill for quite a while which was demanding. We did rest along the way, take photos and drink water or eat a small snack but Augustine gently reminded us not to stop too long or we would not make it to the peak. Now, relatively early in the hike it was apparent that the other two travellers were finding it too physically demanding and were experiencing difficulties. It wa evident that they wouldnt be able to make it to the described summit as they were already lagging behind. Augustine also realised this and very diplomatically suggested that as we were faster, they remain at the plateau, where she could see them, walk around a little and wait for us to return in two hours. I think she received the go ahead for the splitting of the group with a short phone call. This was handled exceptionally well and in a very professional manner which kept all parties content. It was much appreciated that the hike was not reduced as we would have been disappointed. We continued at a faster pace to the peak which we reached earlier than anticipated and it was a great feeling to have made this! We had a rest, snack and took many photos. Travellers be aware that the descent is more challenging, tough on the knees and you may slip on the very loose, gravelly stones. But the view of the valley, the Poterillos dam and the mountains are unbeatable and we could really enjoy this the whole way down. We even saw a llama who woke up from a nap and came bounding in our direction and we spotted some cows grazing and some magnificent birds. We were also lucky as the weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot, so layers are recommended. There is some crossing of streams involved so no trainers! The drive back was faster and just as scenic and we were exhausted but wonderfully happy after a great acomplishement. I thoroughly recommend this tour and thanks to Augustine for the best day ever!

I had a magical time walking in the pre-Andean hills with Agustin. He was the perfect guide for me. He is so polite and thoughtful. He picked me up at my hotel in Maipu, Mendoza. He drove me to the Gaucho farm, and then to the place where we started walking. The pace was perfect for me. He found the right place to cross streams so I didn't get wet feet! He taught me about making Mate and the etiquette of drinking it. An acquired taste which must grow on you the more you drink it! The walk in the hills was so peaceful, it was simply beautiful. We were blessed with the right weather for walking as well. Sunny but not hot. I thoroughly recommend Agustin as a guide. I was quite sad when we arrived back at the car, as I had enjoyed it very much.

Exceptional hike with Christina and Mathias… We cannot thank them enough for guiding us today, for providing us poles and sharing warm clothes.. It’s started raining and Cristina gave her rain jacket to us, while walking herself soaking wet in a sweatshirt.. and she was very non chalan about it… The hike was not easy, high elevation and it was pretty cold in the mountains… I would recommend using hiking boots and brining warm clothes even in the summer.. Thank you Christina and Mathias you are wonderful.. it was a beautiful hike , with amazing views, and we enjoyed every minute of it… Elena and Vita

We had an amazing time with this tour group. Pablo let the tour and was the perfect tour guide. His English was great, and he shared a lot of knowledge about the area and the mountains with us. More importantly he did a great job handling our group. We were with a very talented and fit mountain climber that zoomed around the mountains, meanwhile my wife and I found the hike much more challenging. Pablo did a great job balancing things, giving our hiking partner and more advanced hills to climb but also staying with us to make sure we were doing ok. He also took great photos! A+ for organization, knowledge and support - don’t hesitate to use great tour company.

My husband and I loved this hike and experience. The drive out along the mountains and to the trailhead was beautiful, and our guide had poles for us to use. We went in the middle of May and started our hike with snow on the ground. I wore a base, 2 mids and an outer shell while my husband wore just 1 mid and shed it in the middle of the hike. I'd recommend gloves and a hat to help with the chill as well, although the snow had melted by the time we descended. We are in our 30's, pretty fit, and would call our experience mostly intermediate with parts that were hard. Our guide was fantastic and lead us to the summit of both Loma Blanca and C'Arenales. The last half hour or so up and back down from the summit of Loma Blanca was very steep and rocky. Make sure to wear hiking boots or shoes as grip is important. At the summit we sat for 10-15 mins to eat whatever lunch everyone had brought and rest before heading down and then back up to the second summit. I'd absolutely recommend this hike and company to anyone who can handle 5-6 hours of almost constant hiking, with some pretty steep and rocky terrain. It was such a gorgeous day in the Andes and something we will absolutely do again if we ever make it back down to Mendoza.

We has a great trek with Mattias as our guide. We did three progressive mountain summits (Andresito, Arenales and Loma Blanca ). Mattias was knowledgeable and relaxed and we managed to spot a group of wild Vicuñas and a few Condors. Highly recommend if you love a solid hike

Cette expérience est un incontournable pour les touristes visitant Mendoza. Notre guide Paolo était qualifié, à l’écoute et dynamique. Il connaissait bien le terrain et les environs. Nous avons discuté longuement avec lui et sommes très heureux de notre expédition. Sans guide, nous n’aurions jamais pu vivre quelque chose de cette envergure. L’expédition était de niveau élevé, il y a beaucoup de dénivelé. Nous avons tous pu réaliser la randonnée sans trop d’embûches, mais il faut être conscient que c’est un effort soutenu pendant plusieurs heures. Nous recommandons vivement. This experience is a must for tourists visiting Mendoza. Our guide Paolo was qualified, attentive and dynamic. He knew the terrain and surroundings well. We had long chats with him and are very happy with our expedition. Without a guide, we would never have been able to experience something of this magnitude. Keep in mind that this expedition is demanding, there is a lot of elevation. We were all able to complete the hike without too much difficulty, even if two of our group didn’t have the right shoes nor a lot trekking experience, but you have to be aware that it is a sustained effort for several hours. We highly recommend.

I spent one day hiking with Augustin who picked me up at my bed and breakfast. I am older but experienced with many mountains under my belt. Augustin was a perfect guide. Attentioned, kind, and extremely professional. As a woman traveling alone I had total confidence in his capabilities. I highly recommend him. I would like to emphasize that I have hiked many mountains all over the world and the treking experience can vary widely. A good guide makes a huge difference and Augustin is it.

Great day on the trail, with qualified guides. This is our second trip using Andes Vertical and we will use them again, the next time we travel to Mendoza. I would say, I would flag this hike as at least moderate, and no matter your condition level, use trekking poles, as there are area with loose rock. We were well prepared, and enjoyed the hike very much, but it was definitely more steep, than the Base Camp hike we did in 2018.

I was guided by Pablo for the day and can’t sing his praises enough... I completed the day trek to Lomas Blancas. As a novice, I had concerns about how quickly I would manage this, however, surprised myself! A huge thanks to Pablo for instilling confidence in me, with great chat and support along the way.

This tour is excellent. There is a mag. view from the sumnit. Matias, the tour guiide,is very professional. The organization and schedule was superb. I strongly reconmend this tour to Lomas Blancas.

We recently trecked from San Alfonso, Chile to Mendoza,Argentina with Andes Vertical. The expedition was spectacular! Federico was extremely professional, patient & effective in planning the trip, Esequiel, Agustin & El Pelao, our guides, were extremely friendly, caring & knowledgeable: an amazing team of guys that made our treck an awsome life-changing trip; highly recommended!!!!

My friends and I took the Uco Valley tour through the Andes. It was truly a magnificent experience with a wonderful view. We saw horses grazing about in the fields, gauchos (cowboys), a waterfall and a grand view of the valley below from the top of the summit. What made our experience memorable was not only the hike but our tour guide Javier. Javier's passion for the outdoors and Andes mountain can be felt through his stories and explanation. During our drive to and from the mountain, he explained about the different wine valleys, countrysides, mountains and about Mendoza in general. On the way back home he even stopped to show us a statue of San Martin at the base of the Andes mountain. It was quite an epic and memorable experience. I wish we had more time in Mendoza, we would've definitely participated in other tours provided by Andes Vertical.

Had a terrific day with our guide German, who opted to take us on the “long cut” so we could summit not one but three progressively high peaks. German was both a safety wise and attentive professional and fun-loving fellow, just we what enjoy in a mountaineer. He was obviously as very much in love with “his” Andes as we are with “our” Rockies, so he shared lots of information we would have missed out on if we’d simply attempted to hike on our own. More significantly, German managed the pace very well, addressed my dizzy spell immediately and did a fabtastic job cherry-picking us a safe route down some pretty steep scree. If all the guides are this good then this company holds up to the positive endorsements we read from other hikers.

<p>You definitely get what you pay for. I would hardly call this a tour. The tour guide didn't really discuss the falls in much details, so I didn't really learn much from him. He simply gave us directions. Honestly, I would recommend going without a tour guide to travelers. Just do extra research.</p>

It was simply incredible. Exceeded all expectations. We love. We want more and we will certainly return and we will take more trips with you. Gabi's guide was wonderful, super experienced, gave incredible security throughout the entire tour, every detail. Thank you very much for caring about my gluten-free snack, it was very tasty. I recommend it to everyone!! Exceptional

What a spectacular experience. I highly recommend it, one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. The tour really gives us adventure and incredible landscapes, it was beautiful! The guide is also super attentive and competent, great company.

We had an excellent day, a few days before it had snowed but did not prevent the walk. The very professional guide, with a lot of experience, knew the perfect terrain conditions and where to go, and also super friendly and cupid! The amazing place!!!

We live an incredible experience trekking in the Cordon del Plata. We had a spectacular day, with an ideal climate that allowed us to enjoy the landscape to the fullest. We were able to summit Cerro Arenales, a goal that filled us with satisfaction and that was worth every step of the ascent. Our guide Matias was excellent: very friendly, attentive and very experienced. The best thing was that he knew how to adapt the start to the rhythm that everyone could carry, making us all feel comfortable and safe throughout the day. A highly recommended adventure for those looking for nature, challenge and good company.

We passed by trail and a field of large rocks. We saw a group of gunsmiths preparing to cross the range. An experience I will never forget. Very funny.

Paisagem deslumbrante dos andes. Caminhada difícil devido vento mas muito bem conduzida pela guia de montanhas sra. Cristina. Gostamos muito.

It was an incredible experience thanks to Agustín, the guide who accompanied me. A boss! The climb to Lomas Blancas was my first serious mountain trekking, with an amount of snow that I did not expect, and Agustín knew how to adapt the route to my limitations, especially when it came to going down through the snow! I really enjoyed the day.

Me and my spouse did two days with two different guides and it was great with both. The trek was Cordon del Plata, we rode lomo blanca with Agustin and it was really good. He didn’t push us and he respected our pace of climb. We had time to relax at the top. I would have liked to do the Arenal summit too, but we didn’t have time. Maybe it would have been possible if there had been fewer of us, with a shorter break at the top of Blanca. For the descent, we could also do it at our own pace, which allowed me to have fun like when I am at home in the mountains 😁. The second day was with Tim and it was very relaxing because in October the park does not allow us to go to the base camp which greatly shortens the hike. Fortunately Tim made some stops on the road so we could enjoy some places and it was a nice day in the end. He is a thoughtful guide (he had brought coffee, shared his meal and even a beer!), he gave interesting information along the way. Tim speaks French which made the day simpler because you don’t need to concentrate to understand. Communication was easy with Andes Vertical. Federico responded quickly to my messages and questions.

Augustine was our guide. Service was excellent. We had to change the excursion for bad weather in the aconcagua but we were given a choice in return and exceeded expectations. Augustine stopped by to find our lodgings. We ordered the Service with food and it was quite complete. Sanguche, cereal bar, alfajor, fruit and juice. Super recommended, we will rehire them!

Due to bad weather we had to change the excursion. However, they had no problem offering us another Service at the level of the one we had contracted. Augustine, our guide, was always attentive in helping us on our journey. It made our experience very enjoyable. I would recommend and rehire Andes Vertical without hesitation.

Excellent Service and Communication Very nice hike with christina Very professional! I recommend

It was our first trekking experience at the height, in the Cordon del Plata and really excellent and definitely recommended. Special thanks to Agustin, our guide, who is very professional, responsible and passionate about the mountain. A kingpin even had to be a shoemaker and tie the sole of my shoes to continue, haha!! Thank you so much!!! We had a great time, we enjoyed the day and we wanted to come back for more!!!

We did with Agustin, a full-day trek at Cordon del Plata. We stopped by the hotel, super punctual. We started the walk, enjoying from the first moment. We ascended Cerro Lomas Blancas and Arenal. A luxury for us to do it with the since it was our first experience in the mountain, gave us a lot of peace of mind and security. We're looking forward to coming back for more. Do not hesitate, a great experience

We had a great day hiking in Cordon del Plata. We had a great time with German!!! Highly recommended!!!