Top Hiking Trails in Mendoza Trail Map
Mendoza covers 148,827 km² on Argentina's western border with Chile. Aconcagua Provincial Park lies on Ruta Nacional 7, 185 km from Mendoza city. Horcones, the entrance for the Normal Route, is at 2,800 m; the route follows the Horcones valley to Confluencia (about 3,390 m) and the Plaza de Mulas base camp (4,300-4,370 m), about 40 km from the entrance, while the Vacas valley leads to Plaza Argentina. The Cordón del Plata provincial park, more than 175,000 ha, is about 80 km from the city by Routes 7 and 98.
Explore the Best Trails in Mendoza
Mendoza hiking trails in the high Andes: Aconcagua Provincial Park, 185 km from Mendoza city on Ruta Nacional 7, with a day trek to Confluencia, 3-day and 7-day trek permits and the Normal Route to 6,962 m; and the Cordón del Plata provincial park, about 80 km from the city, open all year with free entry. Permit prices checked 8 October 2026. Country hub: https://incatrailreservations.com/trails/argentina/
Geographic Overview
Mendoza covers 148,827 km² on Argentina’s western border with Chile. Aconcagua Provincial Park lies on Ruta Nacional 7, 185 km from Mendoza city. Horcones, the entrance for the Normal Route, is at 2,800 m; the route follows the Horcones valley to Confluencia (about 3,390 m) and the Plaza de Mulas base camp (4,300-4,370 m), about 40 km from the entrance, while the Vacas valley leads to Plaza Argentina. The Cordón del Plata provincial park, more than 175,000 ha, is about 80 km from the city by Routes 7 and 98.
Cultural Context
Aconcagua Provincial Park is run by Mendoza’s Dirección de Áreas Protegidas, and its rules reflect heavy use: numbered waste bags returned to the rangers on exit, mandatory human-waste bags in the high camps, a USD 6 Ticket Mula per pack animal for its welfare programme, and a ban on pets, weapons and fires. Rescue in the park is carried out by the Patrulla de Rescate of the Mendoza Police.
Best Time to Visit
Aconcagua summer season, 1 November to 30 April: day treks from 15 November, ascents from 1 December.
Aconcagua Normal Route: Permits, Camps, Elevation & Season
Aconcagua Normal Route data: 6,962 m from Horcones (2,800 m), camp elevations, 2026-27 permit prices, insurance and season rules from…
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Hiking Trails in Mendoza
In 2025-26 a foreign visitor from outside Latin America paid USD 1,170 for the ascent via Horcones with a licensed provider, or USD 1,640 without one. The 2026-27 presale (14-30 September 2026) was USD 950 for Horcones; regular 2026-27 prices were not yet published on 8 October 2026.
Yes. The day trek from Horcones to Confluencia and back takes 4-5 hours (ARS 55,000 in 2025-26), and there are 3-day and 7-day trek permits.
Not if you are an adult: the park sells permits with and without a licensed provider. Under-18s need a licensed guide.
The summer season runs 1 November to 30 April, with ascents from 1 December. Winter climbs need a written application.
185 km on Ruta Nacional 7, about 4 hours by Andesmar bus to Horcones.
Yes, for the ascent and the long trek: medical and evacuation insurance, which for 2026-27 must cover activities up to 5,500 m.