From the High Mountain to the Moon Valley

Mendoza - San Juan - La Rioja

Departures: Mondays.

Meals: According to itinerary. Air Fare: Not included.

Green valleys between imposing mountains and gorges are the highlights of this region where the Andes reach their maximum expression in the mithycal Aconcagua mountain, the highest peak of the American continent.

Day 1 - Buenos Aires / Mendoza

Reception at Mendoza local airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. In the afternoon, city tour including major points of interest such as San Martin Park, San Francisco Church and Centro Civico (Civic Center). Return to the hotel.

Day 2 - Mendoza

Breakfast. Departure to visit some wine cellars of the region: La Rural, with the Museum of Wine, and Trapiche. Lunch at restaurant. Return to the city.

Day 3 - Mendoza / Uspallata

Breakfast. Early departure towards the Argentina-Chile border, passing by Uspallata Valley, and visiting Penitentes ski resort. Finally we will reach Puente del Inca (Inca's Bridge) and its thermal waters. Lunch. Its name was originated in a natural phenomenon that created a bridge used by the indians caravans on their way from Chile to pre-colombian Peru. On the way, we'll have the Aconcagua Mountain panoramic view, the highest mountain of the American Continent with 6959 m. altitud. Trekking to Horcones Lagoon to appreciate better the great Mount. Arrival to Las Cuevas, the last argentine village before crossing the frontier. Over there, if the weather allows it, we will ascend by a mountain road that leads to the Cristo Redentor (The Redeemer), old frontier pass. Return to Uspallata. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 4 - Uspallata

Breakfast. Day at leisure to enjoy optional activities such us rafting in Mendoza River, mountain bike, trekking, etc. to appreciate different landscapes not possible to reach within a norma visit. Dinner.

Day 5 - Uspallata / San Agustín del Valle Fértil

Breakfast. Departure to San Juan Province via Mendoza and arrival at San Agustin del Valle Fértil. Accommodation.

Day 6 - San Agustín del Valle Fértil

In the morning, visit to Ischigualasto Provincial Park best known as Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). This National reserve, internationally renown by the studies carried out by paleontologists, geologists and naturalists, lies on the northeast of the Province of San Juan, in a valley between two mountain ranges. The arid landscape, the colouring of the rocks, the particular environment and the weird shapes sculpted by the wind never fail to amaze those who visit the valley, which also attracts the attention of the scientific community as several fossils were discovered. It is the most important dinasaur field in the world and extends to La Rioja province, into the Talampaya area. Box lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our trip to Talampaya Canyon, a first-class paleontological reserve. The recent discover of fossils from the Triassic Period (when the dinosaurs first emerged) drew worlwide attention. Here nature's hand has created a masterpiece, the wind has honed and sculpted the gigantic stone crags into rare shapes. This unique's characteristic rock formation with reddish walls surpass the 180 m. altitude. Enclaved in the Sanogasta hills, you will find an entrance through a place called "La Puerta" (the door) of 90 meters wide. Return to San Agustín del Valle Fertil.

Day 7 - San Agustín del Valle Fértil / Buenos Aires

Breakfast. Transfer to San Juan or Mendoza airports to board flight to Buenos Aires.