At a Glance
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Embark on an active adventure into the refined city of Mendoza on this 7-day walking and biking journey of Argentina’s wine country. Explore the magnificent Andes foothills, conquering striking hills, peaceful roads, and wild rangelands. Raft the cascading Rio Mendoza, devour cuisines that capture the region's essence, and taste its signature wines.
Your adventure begins in cosmopolitan Mendoza. Pedal through the vineyards of the Uco Valley wine region beneath the striking Tupungato Volcano cliff. Bike the mountainous roads of a popular local historical loop and stop to sip celebrated local wines. Hike the grassy hills of the Andes as resplendent condors sail overhead. Lose yourself in gaucho culture and relish tender grilled beef at a traditional asado—Savour Argentina's famous yerba maté tea. Navigate the Cordón del Plata mountain range and wetlands. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- 6 nights accommodation in premiere hotels on a twin-share basis
- Private guided tours; an average of 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- All luggage transfer and porterage
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- Equipment and experienced guides for rafting
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Park Hyatt Mendoza located at Sarmiento 551 in Mendoza. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in comfortable clothes for our morning shuttle and lunch. You should also bring your luggage and a daypack containing your cycling clothes, rain gear, and anything else you may want for the day's bike ride. Please, have your passport readily accessible for the check-in process following the day's activities. We convene at the lovely cosmopolitan city of Mendoza to begin our journey into the heart of Argentina's rural wine country. First, we take a morning shuttle to the Valle de Uco (Uco Valley), whose alluvial soil and 250 sunny days per annum make the perfect recipe for world-renowned Malbec and Semillon grapes. We arrive at the small farming town of Tupungato and savour our first meal together, an innovative fusion affair demonstrating the care that makes its way onto the table in this part of the world. Afterward, your tour leaders fit your bike and enlighten you briefly on biking techniques and safety, and we're off to bike the peaceful roads of the Uco Valley. The valley's broad floor makes it easy to feel like the sky goes on forever, almost as infinitely as the vineyards, separated by lovely stands of poplars and cypresses. As we head west, the landscape turn to wild rangeland and the contoured hills of the Andean cordillera (foothills) appears larger on the horizon. Behind them, you might catch sight of 305-metre (19,747-foot) Piquenes, whose distant snowy top marks the border with Chile! |
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Our destination is The Vines Resort & Spa, our elegant home for the next two nights, and you get to choose how you get there—a more direct route or a longer loop. The resort is a rustic-chic “Leading Hotels of the World” property, whose buildings of exposed wood and stone encircling a central patio are a destination in and of itself. There's time to freshen up before we meet for a toast to the week ahead (with Uco Valley wines, of course). Then, we have an incredible first dinner of Argentinian specialties cooked over an open fire. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today's route delivers us to the rocky foothills flanking The Vines, and takes us into a local nature preserve called the Mamzamo Historico, meaning "Historic Apple Tree." The preserve is named after a tree where, according to local legend, General José de San Martín rested in the shade upon returning home to Argentina after liberating Peru from the Spanish. A delightful little frontier pueblo has sprouted around the spot, and its plaza contains an apple tree allegedly grown from a shoot of the one where San Martin sat. Stroll around the plaza and perhaps imagine how the general must have felt seeing this peaceful spot and realising he was finally home. If you chose the morning-long option, which adds extra climbing on the serene foothill paths, you might be tempted to take a siesta in the shade yourself! |
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From the pueblo, we cycle back into the vineyards, where a picnic lunch awaits us. Afterward, pedal or join a shuttle back to The Vines, where you have the afternoon to yourself; you can enjoy some pool time or perhaps a spa treatment (spa at own expense). We reconvene in the evening when The Vines hosts us for a tasting of some of the house's wines. Then, we shuttle to a nearby village for a sumptuous farm-to-table dinner. |
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Level 3, Approx 8 km (5 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 427 m (1,400 ft) Savour a hearty breakfast before we begin our trek into the Andes mountains. A morning shuttle drops us off at a small refugio or ranch, the starting point of our exhilarating hike into Quebrada del Condor. The name of this long expansive ravine is apt because endangered Andean condors make their home here. Keep your eyes on the skies, and you may spot one swooping overhead with the massive 1-metre (4-foot) wingspan that brought these birds to fame. Even if you don't see the birds, there's plenty of beauty on the ground as we walk across wide-open rangeland typical of the altiplano, the alpine plateau region where Mendoza province rests. Grassy mountain sides reveal their changing contours on our way up the Quebrada, eventually witnessing the snowcapped cliffs above at today's highest elevation—nearly 3,000 metres (10,000) feet above sea level. An alternative to this hike is a horseback-riding expedition into the Quebrada. (Note that this activity is at an additional cost.) Regardless of how you explore this wild country, we will meet back at the Refugio for a classic barbecue lunch of Argentinian asado. |
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We board an afternoon shuttle to our next accommodation, Posada del Blanco. It is a boutique hotel situated in the suburbs and mountains, providing stunning views of the Andes. Tonight, we gather before dinner for an introduction and tasting of yerba maté. This smoky caffeinated tea served in a dried gourd, is considered the national obsession by many Argentinians. Afterward, we sit for dinner—a rustic-gourmet meal showcasing pollo al disco, a dish of chicken and vegetables stewed in white wine over an open fire. Buen provecho (bon appetit)! |
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Prepare yourself for another awe-inspiring climb today as we shuttle to the boundary of nearby Cordón del Plata Provincial Park to tour the Cordón del Plata (Silver Range), a subsection of the Andean Front Range, or Cordillera Frontal. Our exploration of the park begins with a steady climb up grassy steppes frequented by herds of guanacos, a wild cousin to Llamas and alpacas. Above the treeline, we soak in stunning views of the rocky massif of 5,435 metres (17,831 feet) Cerro Vallecitos. Head back at Veguitas viewpoint or keep going for a few extra kilometres into this scant alpine terrain. It may appear desolate, but the high-altitude wetlands are some of the Andes' most fragile and precious ecosystems. Back at Posada, you have time to unwind by the pool or downtime on your room's private balcony overlooking the willows. In the evening, we take a quick shuttle to a favourite local restaurant for dinner. Alfresco tables give us front-row seats as alpenglo colours the Cordón de Plata—the perfect show to accompany another delectable dinner. |
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Today, we're back on our bikes, and you can choose to pedal from hotel to hotel as we descend back into the heart of Mendoza wine country. We start the day wheeling alongside the foothills of the Cordillera Frontal. Navigating Potrerillos, we take the southern road above winding Potrerillos Lake, whose gorgeous blue waters starkly contrast this otherwise arid country. Then we separate from the main highway and delve between the cliffs into Cacheuta Canyon. Rock brick-coloured peaks loom on either side as we pedal along this scenic stretch of road which crosses several bridges over the rushing Rio Mendoza. We make a stop at a winery downstream to enjoy a gourmet lunch. Here, we can tour the grounds and, if the season is right, help with the grape harvest! Then, you can either shuttle or ride to our final hotel, the magnificent Cavas Wine Lodge. This Relais & Châteaux retreat combines European-style architecture, curving adobe surfaces, and quirky interiors to create a unique vision of Andean elegance. You have tonight to relax and settle into the property. Visit your private rooftop terrace to watch the sunset over the sea of vines and the distant mountains. Then at your leisure, enjoy a luxurious dinner of traditional Argentine cuisine prepared with fresh organic ingredients at the hotel. |
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We spend a leisurely morning in the sumptuous surroundings of our hotel before heading out to experience the Mendoza River from the water! Our rafting adventure takes us in story inflatable rafts through rapids rated up to Class III—perfect for beginners to the sport, providing some adrenaline, laughs, and splashy relief from the hot sun. We also float down serene sections of the river and appreciate a relaxing new perspective on the scenery we biked through yesterday. Notice how the stark desert landscape of lush and hardy brush is divided into two by the river, where plants bloom along the water's edge. Travelling by raft is travelling along our own highway-shared oasis. We return with lots of spare time to relish the hotel's amenities. There is even the option of a yoga class to help you reflect and stretch your muscles after our week of activities; this afternoon, Canvas will offer one exclusively for our group. We later convene for an evening stroll through Cavas' on-site vineyards. When we return, we celebrate our last night together in true Argentinian fashion—by dancing! After working up our appetite during a beginner's tango lesson, we toast the end of our phenomenal week in Argentina and sit down for a delicious farewell dinner. |
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Level 2, Approx 40 km (25 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft) Wake up to the refreshing rays of the morning sun, perfectly lighting up your room the right way. How you want to spend this last morning of the trip is totally up to you. Get pedalling around the vineyards, setting your sights on the quaint town of Luján de Cuyo before looping back to the hotel. Or you could have a slow morning—-sleep in, take a dip in the pool and enjoy a long breakfast and listen to the birds' chatter as the countryside awakens around you. We exchange goodbyes at the hotel before we draw the curtains on your trip with a shuttle to Mendoza, arriving at Mendoza's El Plumerillo International Airport around noon. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Mendoza
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Mendoza. The closest major airport to Mendoza, Argentina is Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport and is 8 km from the center of Mendoza.
The weather in Argentina's Lake District can vary dramatically from one day to the next. Come prepared for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is enjoyable. Because Patagonia is in the southern hemisphere, seasons are opposite of those in North America; summer occurs from mid-December through mid-March. Although it is mostly dry during the summer months, there is a high chance of rain, strong winds and cold dense fog at some point during your trip. Temperatures are generally cool early in the morning and late in the evening, sometimes reaching the low 30s. Sunny days can get very hot. Wearing layers is the key—and you'll be glad you packed that hat and warm gloves!
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
Local Bike
On this trip we locally source the best bikes we can for the terrain.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.