Mendoza
- #Nature
- #10 days
Code: CUYO 1003
HIGHLIGHTS
Mendoza, La Rioja & San Juan Provinces
DAY BY DAY
Welcome at La Rioja airport and transfer to Ischigualasto. We explore the desert like badlands, popularly known as the “Moon Valley” with the afternoon glow and continue to Villa Unión.
Located at 4300 m above sea level and framed by solemn volcanoes the nature reserve of Laguna Brava forms part of the southernmost portion of the High Puna ecosystem and shelters a variety of migratory birds as well as native camelids (vicuñas and guanacos) and other endemic species, such as the suri or ñandú, foxes, puma and the Andean condor.
In the depths of Talampaya we explore the wonderful Rainbow canyon and hike along a gigantic tectonic depression in search of the “lost city” that invites to explore its squares, avenues, amphitheaters and labyrinths.
In the afternoon we visit the Talampaya Canyon with its vertical walls and bizarre rock formations.
In the morning exciting off-road excursion to the Triassic Valley and in the afternoon transfer to Mendoza.
Morning is at leisure and in the afternoon vineyard tour visiting the most traditional vineries in the region.
On the way into the high mountains you will visit Puente del Inca; a mineral structure forming a natural bridge over the river and hike to the lookout point for a view of the 6,959 m high Aconcagua – “stone sentinel” in the aboriginal Huarpe language.
We visit Atuel Canyon, where the torrential waters of the river have opened a wound in the basaltic rock with narrow canyons, cascades and rapids.
Excursion into the heart of Payunia Natural Reserve where the massif shield volcano Payun Matru and the beautiful Payun Liso will be our guideline among strange basaltic formations, outstanding lava flows and pyroclastique rocks. These great varieties of volcanic landforms will make you feel like travelling in another geological timescale and era.
On our way back we visit the beautiful valley of Las Leñas with colorful mountain scenery and hidden lagoons embedded in volcanic lava flows.
In the morning four wheel ascent to Cerro Diamante, an extinct volcano that stands out in the desert plains of San Rafael, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Andean Cordillera with the striking cone of Maipo Volcano as a background. At established time transfer to San Rafael airport.