Andes views plus asado at altitude in one day. This Andes trek on Cordon del Plata delivers big mountain sightlines and a real sense of life beyond Mendoza, then finishes with asado criollo and Mendoza wine at a mountain hut run by Daniel. You’ll also get a low-to-medium hike that’s guided, paced for real people, and set at about 2,400 meters.

What I like most is how the day balances effort and comfort: you get wildlife sightings like condors, guanacos, and foxes, plus close-up time with locals’ livestock and daily rhythm. The main drawback to plan around is weather—April through September can bring cold conditions and even snow, so you’ll need a proper warm coat and gear.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Up to 10 people keeps the hike feeling personal and helps the bilingual guide manage the pace.
• 2,400 meters is part of the plan, with a low/medium hike of about 3.5 hours.
• Condors, guanacos, and foxes are part of the trail’s wildlife story.
• Daniel’s mountain hut is the heart of the day, with asado criollo and Mendoza wine afterward.
• Vegetarian menu is available if you tell the team in advance.
• Quick variety stops along the way include a pass by Cacheuta Thermal Water Park and a Potrerillos Dam photo stop.

A Day Trip That Actually Feels Local

This is the kind of Andes outing you want if you like your Argentina time to feel lived-in, not staged. The whole day is built around one core idea: get out of Mendoza, walk in the front range near Cordon del Plata, then eat like a local at the end.

You start with pickup options around Mendoza (including Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, and Godoy Cruz), then you’re on the road toward the Andes. The group size stays small—10 participants max—so it’s easier to ask questions in English or Spanish and get real guidance rather than just following a line.

The timing matters too. You’re not spending the day bouncing from one distant attraction to another. The day is mostly “go uphill, see what’s there, eat, and head back.”

The Drive Stops: Cacheuta Thermal Water Park and Potrerillos Dam

Before you lace up, the day gives you a few quick visual anchors that help you understand where you are. First up is a drive that passes by Cacheuta Thermal Water Park for about a minute. It’s not a long visit, so don’t expect time to enjoy pools or facilities—think of it as a quick sense of the region.

Then comes the Potrerillos Dam stop—about 10 minutes for photos. Even with the short timing, it’s a useful reset point. The dam area helps you appreciate how the Mendoza region manages water, and it also sets you up for the higher-altitude feeling as the route climbs toward the hike area.

If you’re the type who likes transitions—scenery changing gradually rather than abruptly—this drive does it well. You get a little of the valley, a clear look at the dam, then the real work begins.

The Cordon del Plata Hike: Pace, Altitude, Wildlife

The hike begins in the Andes front range called Cordón del Plata, at about 2,400 meters above sea level. You’re looking at roughly 3.5 hours of low/medium difficulty trekking. That’s long enough to feel like you went somewhere, but not so demanding that it turns the day into a punishment.

What makes this hike more than just walking is what’s built into the route. The guide talks about the typical local way of life—livestock, local pace, and how mountain life is different from city schedules. It’s the kind of info you remember when you’re back home on a flat street.

And yes, wildlife can show up: condors, guanacos, and foxes are specifically part of what you might see. You don’t control spotting animals, but having a guide who understands the area helps you notice what you might otherwise miss. It also changes the rhythm of the hike from purely physical to observational.

What the altitude means for you

Even if you’re fit, altitude changes how it feels. The good news: the route is planned as low/medium. The practical advice is to take it easy on the first part and let the guide set the pace. Proper outdoor boots help a lot, since you’ll be moving on uneven ground.

The End Point: Daniel’s Gaucho Hut and Asado Criollo

The best payoff comes after you finish the hike. You arrive at an authentic mountain hut of Daniel, a gaucho friend, and the focus shifts from walking to eating and warmth. This is where the day becomes distinctly Mendoza.

You’re served asado criollo—Argentine barbecue with the “best Argentinean meat” described for this experience—and you eat it in a mountain setting that feels simple and real. After the meal, the day pairs it with Mendoza wine, served as the must-try combination.

This is also the moment where the small-group format helps. Instead of scattering into a crowd, you settle in together, share time with the guide, and get your questions answered while you’re still warm from the hike.

If you’re vegetarian

If you’d rather not eat meat, the team can prepare a vegetarian menu. The point here is not that you’ll get a token alternative. You’re explicitly told the vegetarian option is so tasty that you might want extra servings. Just make sure you let the guide know so they can plan accordingly.

Wine With Your Asado: How the Day Fits Together

A lot of “hike and eat” tours stop at the food. This one treats the meal as part of the hike’s story. The wine and barbecue are planned right after your effort, when you’re most likely to appreciate the contrast: cold air and elevation earlier, then steady warmth and calories at the hut.

Because the experience includes wine and barbecue as part of the package, you don’t have to think about finding dinner afterward or negotiating menus while you’re tired. It’s one of those details that saves energy.

Also, the 75 minutes allocated for the wine and BBQ stretch the experience beyond a rushed stop. You’re given time to eat and refuel, not just take a bite and go.

What’s Included (and Where You’ll Spend Extra)

You’re paying for a lot of “day-trip overhead” to disappear.

Included:

• A bilingual professional mountain guide (Spanish/English)
• Transportation
• Insurance
• Barbecue and wine
• Snacks
• First-aid trained staff

Not included:

• Personal gear
• Additional meals beyond what’s planned
• Any service not mentioned
• Pickup further away than 15 km from Mendoza city

That last point matters if you’re staying outside the pickup radius. This is a Mendoza-area itinerary designed for specific neighborhoods, so it’s worth confirming your exact location early.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is listed as $398 per group (up to 1). For most travelers, the real question isn’t just the number—it’s what’s bundled.

Here, your payment covers:

• Transport from Mendoza-area locations
• A mountain guide with bilingual support
• Insurance and first-aid coverage
• Snacks plus a full asado-style meal
• Wine served with the barbecue

So you’re not only buying a trail. You’re buying logistics, guidance, and the meal itself. If you’ve ever tried to cobble together a similar day independently, the cost often creeps up once you factor in a vehicle, a guide, and a proper post-hike meal.

Is it “cheap”? No, it’s a curated day. But it’s also a full experience built around one big hike and one big meal, and that kind of simplicity can be good value.

Gear and Timing: Winter in Mendoza Changes Everything

Weather is the one topic you should take seriously here. From April to September, you can get cold conditions and even snow. That means you should pack for mountain weather even if Mendoza feels mild that day.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Outdoor clothing
• A coat is important due to cold and changeable mountain conditions

And if you’re traveling in winter, think full coat and extra caution. The tour is designed for a hike at altitude, but it’s not built around you being underdressed.

Also, bring a valid ID (passport or ID card) since it’s requested.

Who Should Book This Andes Hike and Barbecue

This trip fits best if you:

• Want a guided introduction to the Andes near Mendoza
• Prefer small-group attention (up to 10 people)
• Enjoy regional culture and local animal life, not just viewpoints
• Like the idea of hiking, then eating a proper Argentine meal

It’s also described as recommended for people with no previous experience, because the hike is low intensity and guided. That doesn’t mean “no effort,” but it does mean the day isn’t only for hardcore hikers.

Who shouldn’t plan on it

The experience is explicitly not suitable for:

• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People with respiratory issues

If you’re in any of those categories, it’s smart to look for an alternative that better matches your needs.

The Practical Reality: Rustic Hut, Real Feel

One detail to set expectations: the end meal setting is intentionally rustic. The hut experience is described as authentic and can feel basic in terms of setup. That’s not automatically a problem if you care more about the food, the culture, and the mountain setting than polished comfort.

If you’re the type who needs modern facilities, you might find the setting more simple than you’d prefer. But if you’re there for the Andes and a gaucho-style asado moment, that rough-around-the-edges feeling often becomes part of the charm.

Should You Book It?

If you want one day that gives you real mountain walking, a chance at wildlife sightings, and an asado-and-wine payoff without messy planning, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of Cordon del Plata trekking and Daniel’s gaucho hut meal is exactly the kind of “do one thing well” itinerary that works in Argentina.

Book it if you can handle cold weather and uphill walking at altitude. Skip it if you have mobility, heart, or respiratory limitations—or if you’re traveling underpacked for winter conditions. And if you don’t eat meat, just plan to communicate that so the vegetarian menu is ready.

Bottom line: this is a guided Andes day built around a hike you can actually do, plus a meal that feels like the reason people come here.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

What is the hike difficulty and how long is the trek?

The hike is listed as low/medium difficulty and takes around 3.5 hours.

At what altitude does the hike start?

The hike begins at about 2,400 meters above sea level.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from multiple Mendoza-area locations: Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, and Godoy Cruz, with pickup included within a 15 km radius of Mendoza downtown at any address.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll be picked up, pass by Cacheuta Thermal Water Park, stop for photos at Potrerillos Dam, hike in Cordón del Plata, and then eat at Daniel’s mountain hut with wine and BBQ.

Is barbecue and wine included?

Yes. Barbecue and wine are included, and you’ll also have snacks during the day.

Can I choose a vegetarian option?

Yes. If you tell the team you’d rather not eat meat, they can prepare a vegetarian menu.

What should I bring for cold or winter conditions?

You should bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a coat. Cold and even snow are possible from April to September.

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with heart problems, or people with respiratory issues.

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