A road trip from Mendoza to the La Payunia Provincial Reserve by car
Throughout the year, get inspired to visit one of the largest volcano fields in the world: La Payunia Provincial Reserve in Mendoza.
The province of Mendoza is a world to discover. Potrerillos, Cacheuta and the Aconcagua mountain are the classics that everyone wants to see on a first visit. Then, the wineries of Luján de Cuyo, Maipú or, a little further away, Valle de Uco. However, the province has much more.
Taking National Route 40 to the south you will find some surprising landscapes. First Las Leñas, Valle Hermoso and El Sosneado. Then, you will reach Malargüe, the southernmost city in the province. It is here where one of the most incredible landscapes in the country awaits you: the La Payunia Provincial Reserve. It is a field of more than 800 inactive volcanoes. The copper, red and grey colours will seem like they are from another planet.
At Rentennials we want you to know the province of Mendoza in depth. That is why we offer you this guide so you can take a road trip from the city of Mendoza to La Payunia.
La Payunia Provincial Reserve / Photo by Ignacio Pacce
Starting the trip from the city of Mendoza to Valle de Uco by car
To get to Malargüe from Mendoza we recommend taking National Route 40. It is 330 km that are in good condition. But don’t worry, along the way there are many places where you can have lunch, drink a good wine and rest for a few days.
Below we tell you everything you can do in this area.
Sunset in Uco Valley
Tupungato
This is one of the towns where you can make a base to get to know the best of Valle de Uco. Here the combination of nature activities and the enjoyment of gastronomy make their presence felt. In the area there are several estancias to enjoy a day in the countryside or even spend a few nights.
Visits to the wineries are a must in the area. For example, in Atamisque you will have an excellent time with the best gastronomy and service. Another option is the La Azul winery, also with lunch service and wine tasting at the foot of the Andes Mountains.
El Manzano Histórico
For those who like history, this is a must-see. The Army of the Andes passed through here and today it is a Natural Reserve that protects the Monument Return to the Homeland of General San Martín. In this area you will find streams, a beautiful grove and ravines. And, of course, the landscape of the Andes Mountains.
If you are looking for adventure activities, there are options for trekking, paragliding and cycling.
San Carlos and La Consulta
In the town of San Carlos, one of the oldest in the province, you will find a place with beautiful mountain landscapes. It is a good place to base yourself due to the tranquility that the town offers. In addition, there is trekking, horseback riding and rafting, among other activities. From here you can book an excursion to reach the Laguna del Diamante Nature Reserve, a hidden place in the mountain range.
Just a few kilometers away is La Consulta. A small town that in its surroundings has some of the best gastronomic and wine tasting experiences in the country. The places you cannot miss (always with prior reservation) are:
At what time of year is it best to visit the Uco Valley
You can visit this region of Mendoza all year round. Summer is hot and dry, while in winter temperatures can drop considerably. The best seasons of the year are spring and autumn. On the one hand, temperatures are more pleasant and you will find fewer people.
On long weekends, places tend to fill up. It is advisable to book a few months in advance if you are going to have lunch at a winery or go on a tasting tour.
How to travel by car through the Uco Valley
From San Carlos, La Consulta or Tupungato you can travel by car through the Uco Valley in two or three days. Of course, if you have more days available, you will do it more calmly and quietly.
The must-see places you have to visit are just a few kilometers from the place where you decide to make your base. The internal roads that run through the wineries are usually dirt or gravel, but they are in very good condition.
Go slowly, and if you drink alcohol, it is better to hire an excursion, remise or taxi that will take you to and from your accommodation.
From the Uco Valley to Las Leñas
Las Leñas is one of the most sought-after ski destinations in winter. In summer, its natural beauty surprises those who are unfamiliar with this area of the province. El Sosneado, the Pozo de las Ánimas and Valle Hermoso are places that will continue to make you fall in love with Mendoza.
El Sosneado
On the banks of the Atuel River, you will find this place famous for its old hotel and hot springs. From here, 4×4 trips start up the Cordillera, as well as treks that invite you to get in touch with the mountains. In addition, activities such as mountain biking or horseback riding are common in this area.
From the old hotel, the four-day trip starts that takes you to the place where the Uruguayan rugby players’ plane crashed in 1972. It is an itinerary that crosses beautiful landscapes as well as places that refer to the history of the area. It is only for people who are between 14 and 60 years old and in good physical condition to undertake this adventure.
We leave you the information of the providers authorized to carry out these adventures.
El Sosneado
La laguna de la Niña Encantada
Already on Provincial Route 222 heading to Las Leñas, there are some brief stops that are worthwhile. La Laguna de la Niña Encantada is a small mirror of crystal-clear waters produced by underground rivers.
To enter, you must pay the entrance fee.
Los Molles Thermal Center
For those who want a rest and relaxation in the mountains, the Termas de los Molles has all the comforts. It is a spa hotel where you can spend a few days without worries. Whether in winter or summer, it is best to make your reservation in advance.
Pozo de las Ánimas
The Pozo de las Ánimas is a particular geological formation produced by the erosion of underground rivers. It is a water well of about 200 meters in diameter and 80 meters deep.
Well of Souls
Las Leñas and Valle Hermoso
Towards the end of RP 222 is Las Leñas, one of the best ski resorts in the country. Ideal for winter, here you will find all the amenities to enjoy winter sports.
Continuing along Provincial Route 222 you will reach Valle Hermoso, a hidden paradise in the province. The road already has incredible panoramic views, but when you reach the lagoon surrounded by the mountain you will want to stay a long time.
From Las Leñas to Valle Hermoso there are 25 km of gravel. We recommend checking the condition of the road before starting the trip. Calculate the travel time to go and return.
If you are looking to spend a few nights, the Valle Hermoso Eco Lodge is a glamping site where you will have a different experience. It has domes over the lagoon. At night you will find one of the most starry skies you have ever seen. In addition, it offers mountain crossings and excursions.
The Leñas and Beautiful Valley
How to get to Las Leñas by car
From the city of Mendoza it is 342 km along RN 40, and then RP 222. The road is in good condition and is all paved (except for the section that goes to Valle Hermoso).
If you prefer, you can first go to Malargüe to spend a night, and then take the tour along the beautiful RP 222. From Malargüe to Las Leñas it is only 80 km.
Where to sleep in Las Leñas
Along RP 222 there are cabins and different types of accommodations to spend a few nights. In Las Leñas there are hotels, apart hotels, or apartments where you can stay. If you go in winter it is advisable to book in advance.
On the official website you can check the accommodations in Las Leñas.
Malargüe and the La Payunia Provincial Reserve
Malargüe is the southernmost city in the province of Mendoza. Its natural secrets make it, for now, a hidden gem of Argentina. Although it is usually one of the towns to base yourself and go to Las Leñas, in its surroundings there are some places that are worth visiting.
The must-see is the La Payunia Provincial Reserve, a field of more than 800 inactive volcanoes. But there is much more: a cave where you can see the insides of the earth, a rock formation unique in the country or walk inside a volcano.
La Payunia in Mendoza
To see the volcanoes of La Payunia, you need to take a day-long excursion. In a 4×4 or in a pickup truck, you travel the internal roads of the reserve making different stops. First Pampa Negra, a black plain due to volcanic eruptions. Then, the Morado Volcano. There you take a walk to the crater of the volcano. And finally, La Herradura and Campo de Bombas.
The landscapes are incredible. Volcanic cones, while the copper, reddish and black colors never cease to surprise.
At the Malargüe Tourist Office they provide you with all the information to undertake this adventure.
La Payunia Provincial Reserve in the province of Mendoza / Photo by Ignacio Pacce
Pincheira Castles
Very close to Malargüe, just 25 km away, you can reach the Pincheira Castles. Its geological forms make this place very unique. You can walk and enjoy a day of full sun.
Castles of Pincheira
Witches’ Cave
South of Malargüe, on RN 40, is the Witches’ Cave. It is one of the only places in the country where you can walk through these tunnels.
It is naturally formed. You will see stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Sometimes, you will have to bend down to be able to go from one side to the other.
You have to visit it with a guide. The excursion is booked a few days in advance at the Malargüe tourist office.
Other activities to do in Malargüe
In the city of Malargüe, there is the Pierre Auger observatory. To visit it, you have to make a reservation a few days in advance.
Also, just 35 km from the city, there is the Malacara volcano. The striking thing about this place is that you can visit the inside of the volcano itself. Due to erosion and wear, together with volcanic eruptions, chimneys and passages were formed that you can walk through. To see it, you have to book an excursion in the city.
How to get to La Payunia from Malargüe
To see La Payunia in Mendoza, you have to book an excursion in the city of Malargüe, or contact an authorized provider beforehand.
We leave you some options so you can visit La Payunia
Can you go to La Payunia by car?
No. Even though it may seem that you can enter with a private car, it is very important to keep in mind that the roads permanently fork. Only local guides know which route to take through La Payunia. In addition, the road is dirt and is not in perfect condition.
Where to sleep in Malargüe
Malargüe has different types of accommodation. If you go in winter, it is necessary to book in advance due to its proximity to Las Leñas. The rest of the year is also convenient, although accommodation is usually found.
Here you can see the authorized accommodations in Malargüe.
When to visit La Payunia
The best time to visit Malargüe and the La Payunia Provincial Reserve is autumn and spring. During the winter, temperatures can be very low, while in the summer, very hot weather can make a day trip more difficult.
Rent a car with Rentennials and tour Mendoza
The province of Mendoza is much more than the traditional circuits. You can start with the most well-known, go to San Rafael and end in the wonderful Payunia. However, if you are looking for something different, start your trip directly connecting the Uco Valley with Malargüe.
The best way to tour the province is by renting a car in Mendoza, and even more so if you choose an option like Rentennials. A simple, practical and safe option that benefits travelers and local hosts.
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