Mendoza is most famous for its wine, but the region is also great for trekking. Mountains surround all of Mendoza and the scenery in the area is completely distinct 
from other parts of Argentina. Large, bold faced mountains sit on the horizon of dry land.
Head out from Mendoza along the one lane highway to the Chilean border and you will be headed straight for Cerro Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Argentina, and it the western hemisphere. It takes a week to ascend to the top of the mountain, allowing the body to adjust to the altitude is very important; the peak is 6,962 meters.
The climb is not incredibly technical, but it is physically demanding in terms of strength and endurance, with the south face of the mountain being the most difficult. The most popular routes for casual trekkers and climbers are along the west side of the mountain.
If you plan on going to the summit of Cerro Aconcagua you should check out www.aconcagua.com for more information.
At the base of Cerro Aconcagua you will find the Parque Provincial Aconcagua, which is the starting point for many of the smaller treks. The Rio Mendoza cuts through the base of the mountain, and the trails are designed to be done at your own pace, throughout the course of a day. It can be a fun event for the whole family, but if you plan to do any real hiking, don’t plan on bringing young kids along.
Kids might enjoy Puente del Inca, which is found just up the street from Parque Provincial Aconcagua. This amazing structure was built by the Incan people over the natural hot springs. Most people will be handle the physical demands of this site, as there is not much uphill walking. Also, after exploring the area, which is really an amazing site, you can enjoy soaking your feet in the natural hot springs that are still open to the public!
More on what to do outdoors in Mendoza to come…
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