7 days - 6 nights

On this wonderfully scenic excursion you will see lush green valleys carved by endless millennia among the imposing mountains & impressive river gorges where the towering Andes reach maximum expression atop the mythical Aconcagua, the worlds third highest peak. In addition, travel through an arid, seemingly inhospitable valley, estimated to be over one hundred & eighty million years old which is classified as one of the most importantly stunning paleontology reserves anywhere on our planet.

Day 1 - Mendoza

You will be met at Mendoza airport & transferred to your central city hotel for check in & two nights accommodation on a B & B basis. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city to get to know its history & culture. Founded by Spanish colonists more than four centuries ago its tree-fined avenues & streets bordered by ‘acequias’ (irrigation ditches) & many historic Plazas have Mendoza beating to a different rhythm than Argentina’s other principal population centres.

Day 2 - Mendoza

(B, L) A morning departure to visit some of this regions finest wine cellars: La Rural, with the Wine Museum one of the most important
in the world & an exhibition of elements of the original wine cellar. Then onto Trapiche, one of Argentina’s most important wineries founded in 1883. Trapiche was the first exporter of premium Argentine wines. You will have lunch at a local restaurant prior to returning to your hotel. The remainder of today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Day 3 - Mendoza / Uspallata

(B, L, D ) An early departure towards the Argentine-Chilean border, passing the Uspallata Valley & the Penitentes ski resort. We will reach Puente del Inca (the Inca Bridge) & hot springs where a stop is made for photos & stretching of legs. The bridge was so named because the ancient Inca Aborigines used this natural river span to cross on their way from Chile to pre-Columbian Peru. Lunch will be served at the local inn. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to see Mt. Aconcagua, weather permitting, with its lofty peak topping 22834 ft. above sea level (6,959 m.) There will also be the opportunity for those who wish, to trek to Horcones Lagoon for a better view of this awesome mountain. A late afternoon arrival to Las Cuevas & your accommodation for two nights at Uspallata in the Valle Andino Hotel where dinner is included tonight.

Day 4- Uspallata

(B, D). Today you have at leisure to enjoy at your own pace, optional activities such us rafting in Mendoza River, mountain biking, trekking, etc. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

Day 5 - Uspallata / San Agustín del Valle Fertil

(B). After breakfast we depart towards San Agustín del Valle Fertil, in Provincia San Juan. Tonight’s accommodation is within this glorious valley which is the access gateway to Valle de la Luna & Talampaya.

Day 6 - San Agustín del Valle Fertil

(B) After breakfast in the morning, we visit Ischigualasto, best known as ‘Valle de la Luna’ (Moon Valley), an area where paleontologists,geologists & naturalists from the world over, have carried out various different studies of the particular geological formations & ancient fossils found in this area.

The arid landscape & grey wind-eroded 180m high rock formations never fail to amaze those who visit this desolate but fascinating valley. A recent discovery of fossils from the Triassic Period (when the dinosaurs
first evolved on our planet) has drawn worldwide attention to the area. After our excursion, we will return to the hotel.

Day 7 - Depart San Juan

(B). After breakfast, you will be transferred to San Juan airport for your onward flight.

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