About this experience
Discover a quieter, wilder side of Mendoza on a private journey along historic Route 52, through Villavicencio Natural Reserve and the Andean foothills.
The experience is about the journey itself: winding mountain roads, panoramic viewpoints, local history, and landscapes far from Mendoza’s busiest routes.
As we cross the reserve, guanaco sightings are common, and you may also spot condors, foxes, choiques, and other native wildlife. We take time for views, photos, wildlife, and stories along the way.
Travel through Caracoles, Cruz de Paramillos, and the Paramillos area, with stops adapted to road and access conditions.
Because this is a fully private experience, you can enjoy the journey at a personal rhythm, without large groups or crowded buses.
Finish in Uspallata with a traditional Argentine asado, wine, and dessert before returning to Mendoza.
A scenic day for travelers who enjoy wildlife, photography, history, and quiet mountain roads.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Cusco Historic Center Guide
Plan a rewarding visit to Cusco Historic Center, Peru, with practical guidance on the Cusco Tourist Ticket, seasonal timing, in-person purchases, accessibility checks, and flexible city sightseeing.
What is included
- Professional local guide
- Coffee and local alfajor
- Private round-trip transportation from Mendoza
- Cereal bar and bottled water
- Traditional Argentine asado lunch with wine and dessert (dietary options available)
Not included
- Entrance to Hotel Villavicencio, if requested and available
- Food and drinks not mentioned
- Pickup outside the included 15 km radius
- Personal expenses
Itinerary and highlights
Pass by the historic Villavicencio Hotel, an iconic landmark that marks the entrance to Villavicencio Natural Reserve and the beginning of the journey along Route 52.
Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the famous switchbacks of Route 52, with wide views of the Andean foothills and the Mendoza plains below.
Take some time for photos before continuing along the historic mountain road.
A short stop at a striking rocky cliff along Route 52, with views over the rugged foothill landscape and time for a few photos before continuing the journey.
Reach the highest point of the route, at around 3,100 meters above sea level, with wide views of the Central Andes and, on clear days, Aconcagua in the distance. Take time to enjoy the landscape and capture the views.
Continue through the historic Paramillos area, once associated with some of Argentina’s earliest mining activity. Along the route, we also pass through the area of Darwin’s Petrified Forest, surrounded by the remote landscapes of the high foothills.
Arrive in Uspallata and discover some of the area’s local history with one or two short stops along the way. Learn about the region’s past and its connection with the Andes before continuing to lunch.
Enjoy a traditional Argentine lunch at a simple local restaurant, with asado, wine, and dessert. A relaxed stop before beginning the journey back to Mendoza.
After lunch, begin the journey back to Mendoza, leaving the mountains behind as the landscape gradually changes toward the city. Drop-off is directly at your accommodation.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Mendoza, within a 15 km radius of the city, at the previously confirmed time. If you are staying outside the pickup area, please contact us before the activity to arrange an alternative.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Destino Montaña
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
If you are staying outside the pickup area, please contact us before the activity to arrange an alternative.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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