If you are feeling a bit adventurous while in Mendoza, and have a car available to you, then why not try this driving route, a circle around Mendoza, recommended to me by a friend who is a Mendoza fanatic/expert.
Starting off in Mendoza, it is best to drive north through Las Heras and then up on to Villavicencio, which is where the thermal pools are located. Next, head westwards along the gravel road that takes you high up into the Precordillera. The trek is amazing. You will pass along a number of abandoned towns and a large gorge. This road peaks at about 3200 m, and the view of the mountain range from there is breathtaking.
From there head back down to Uspallata, a decent sized town with a number of restaurants and other points of interest. After exploring there for a bit, all you have to do is hop on Ruta 7 to get back to Mendoza. On the way you will pass by Potrerillos Lake, and if you were to keep going on Ruta 7 you would end up all the way in Buenos Aires!
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