How to get around Mendoza by car during your summer vacation

This summer, explore Mendoza at your own pace and discover the best landscapes in the province. Mountains, rivers and wineries await you.

Summer vacation is approaching in Argentina, and Mendoza is preparing to welcome you with an unforgettable experience. You will find many activities to enjoy. From mountain trails, rafting through the rapids to reaching the roof of the Andes by car. The best thing is to start planning your travel itinerary through Mendoza so you don’t miss anything.

The ideal way to get around Mendoza is by car. This will allow you to stop wherever you want, reach unknown places and travel at your own pace. Without rushing, enjoying every moment. Rent a car and drive along amazing routes.

At Rentennials we offer you this guide so you can explore Mendoza without missing anything.

Summer in Mendoza / Photo by @visitargentina

An itinerary through Mendoza: the best routes and must-see stops

Mendoza is a province that has a lot to offer. If you choose to visit the closest places to the city of Mendoza, you can visit the Aconcagua Provincial Park, the Puente del Inca, Uspallata and the Villavicencio Natural Reserve. In addition, you will taste wines and enjoy one of the most outstanding cuisines in the country in the wineries of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.

Another option is to visit the city of San Rafael and the famous Atuel Canyon. And if you already know the classics of the province, dare to drive to Malargüe to discover Payunia, a reserve with more than 800 inactive volcanoes with landscapes from another planet.

In this article we tell you which are the must-see destinations closest to the city of Mendoza so that you can start organizing your summer vacation.

A tour of Mendoza

Renting a car in the city of Mendoza means that you will start and end your tour of part of the province in the capital of Mendoza. To make the best use of your time, the ideal thing is to plan which are your stops and what activities you can do in each place.

At Rentennials we want to help you discover the must-sees of Mendoza. Therefore, we share with you a map with a possible circuit that you can adjust as you advance on your own path.

The City of Mendoza

Whether to start or finish your trip, do not forget to visit the beautiful capital of the province. The General San Martín Park, a walk along Arístides Street and the emblematic Independence Square are places that you should not miss. For more information, we leave you the best activities in the city.

First stop: Potrerillos

One of the first stops is the Potrerillos dam. It is full of nature and has many outdoor activities. A must is kayaking along the dam. And that’s not all. There is also kitesurfing, canopy, zip-lining, rappelling or horseback riding. You can get there via National Route 7 and it is 70 kilometers from the capital.

It is a good option to spend a few nights. There are mountain villas, cabins and campsites.

Canopy in Potrerillos / Photo by @visitargentina

A relaxing day in Cacheuta

After a day of activities, it’s time for a well-deserved rest. On the Mendoza River is one of the most beautiful hot springs in the country: Cacheuta. Located in the mountains, its waters have therapeutic properties and can be enjoyed all year round. The Thermal Water Park has a hotel, restaurants, a supply store and there are also adventure activities.

If you visit the old Cacheuta station, you will find a suspension bridge over the river. To get there from Potrerillos, there is a tunnel on RP 82 that takes you to Cacheuta along a route that borders the lake.

The Cacheuta Hot Springs / Photo by @visitargentina

The tunnels of National Route 7

From Potrerillos to Uspallata you will travel this beautiful scenic route. There are 13 tunnels that cross the mountain. To the right, the Mendoza River will be accompanying you during the journey.

Uspallata and a place with history

Uspallata is an excellent place to base yourself while you travel through the high mountains of Mendoza. More than two centuries ago, it witnessed the passage of San Martín before the Crossing of the Andes. The Uspallata Vaults are one of the most outstanding points to learn about part of the history of Argentina. They were built in the 18th century, but during the wars of independence they were used to smelt the weapons of the army of the Andes. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another historical site worth visiting is the Cerro Tunduqueral Municipal Archaeological Park. This place has a set of petroglyphs made by the native peoples in pre-Hispanic times. It is 7 km from the city, on RP 52.

Los Penitentes, activities for the whole family

In winter, it is an ideal Winter Park to enjoy activities in the snow. In summer, you can walk around the small tourist village and go up in the chairlift to be dazzled by the landscapes. There are also activities such as hiking, bike rentals, horseback riding and climbing areas.

It is located 62 kilometers from Uspallata, and the road, as you ascend, becomes more and more beautiful.

Puente del Inca, World Heritage Site

The energy of this place is felt as soon as you see it, a site full of history and nature. It is a natural bridge over the Cuevas River that was formed millions of years ago due to erosion. The sulfur contained in its waters gives it beautiful orange and yellow colors. It is part of the Andean road system known as “Qhapaq Ñan”, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In addition, under the bridge you can see an old thermal hotel that was buried by an avalanche in 1965.

Inca Bridge

Discover the Aconcagua Provincial Park

Two kilometers from the Puente del Inca is the Aconcagua Provincial Park, which protects the highest mountain in America. Its access is very easy since it is located just a few meters from National Route 7.

One of the trails suitable for everyone is the Laguna de Horcones. It lasts one hour and 30 minutes and allows you to see one of the walls of the Aconcagua mountain with its glaciers. If you plan to do it, calculate the time so that the return does not surprise you with poor light.

Aconcagua Hill

Last stop before Chile: Las Cuevas

You have practically reached the border with Chile. This small town is located 11 km from the entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, continued by RN 7. From this point, you can begin the climb to Cristo Redentor, a famous landmark on the border with Chile, located 3,850 meters above sea level. It is 8 kilometers of a road that requires careful driving and in a low gear.

In the town of Las Cuevas are the old facilities of the Trans-Andean Railway. You can also visit the Casuchas del Rey, 18th century buildings that served as communication for the Viceroyalty.

Las Cuevas, Mendoza, Argentina

From Uspallata to the city of Mendoza on RP 52

If you decided to stay in Uspallata, it is best to explore each of these places at your own pace and by car. Once you have seen the best of this area, begin the return to the city of Mendoza.

We give you a recommendation: do not take RN 7, but instead, in Uspallata, turn off onto RP 52 and continue until you reach the old Villavicencio hotel. A spectacular landscape awaits you.

The path of the snails

The panoramic views on this section of RP 52 will surprise you. As the name says, it is a descent of curves and counter-curves that crosses part of the Villavicencio Nature Reserve. There are several viewpoints where you can stop, rest and contemplate the landscape and the silence of the mountain. From Uspallata to the old Villavicencio Hotel is 55 km. The road is gravel and is in good condition.

Villavicencio Nature Reserve

Here you will find the emblematic Villavicencio Hotel, the building that appears on the bottles of the mineral water brand. Inside the hotel, which is a National Historic Monument, there is an interpretive museum. It opens from Wednesday to Sunday (and holidays) from 09.30 to 17.30.

If you like outdoor activities, you can visit Villavicencio Park, which is inside the reserve. There is canopy, tree climbing and ziplining, among other activities.

To return to the city of Mendoza from Villavicencio, you have to take RP 52 again and drive to the capital. It is 50 kilometers.

Tips for driving in the mountains

Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy the beautiful roads:

• To descend a mountain road, it is best to do so with the engine in the lowest gears. Do not overuse the brakes, as they could be damaged.
• For steep climbs, use first or second gear to give the engine more power.
• There are many trucks on National Route 7. If you have one in front of you, wait for the ideal moment to overtake it. If you can’t, simply follow behind it.
• If the truck is behind you, it is best to stay calm and wait for the next stop so that it can pass you by. Always use the car’s signals to let people know your movements.
• In summer there is no snow, but if the weather surprises you, don’t forget to rent special chains.

Rent your car with Rentennials

Traveling around Mendoza by car is beautiful. That’s why it’s best to rent one with Rentennials, which allows you an easy, economical and safe process. Enjoy every moment on the beautiful Mendoza routes.

The Mendoza summer awaits you!