Potrerillos Dam: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Mendoza: High Andes Aconcagua Mountain Tour

1. From Mendoza: High Andes Aconcagua Mountain Tour

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get on the road for a full day of exploration in the Andes. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, begin by taking the dirt roads through Villavicencio where you can catch amazing views of the highest peaks in the Andes. Reach Uspallata Valley and make your first stop at the town of Uspallata where the native Huarpes settled during the pre-Hispanic era. Take your time to soak in the Andean scenery and grab a snack. Then, continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas. Snap some photos before getting to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8,924 feet above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. Journey towards the Chilean border, and stop at a natural viewpoint at Aconcagua, the largest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. From November to April, it's possible to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park and hike to the Horcones Lagoon. Then head to Las Cuevas village for free time and a bite to eat if you so choose. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Ruta 7 and get dropped off at your hotel.

Andes Day Trip Uspallata, Aconcagua and Puente del Inca

2. Andes Day Trip Uspallata, Aconcagua and Puente del Inca

The tour offers a delightful mix of colors and landscapes. In the early morning, as we follow the course of the Mendoza River, we'll be treated to stunning views of the Cordon del Plata mountain range and the impressive Potrerillos Dam, which generates hydropower and supports irrigation. Our first stop will be the Uspallata settlement, where we'll explore the remains of the pre-Hispanic Huarpes community and discover the southernmost point of the Inca Empire along the Inca Trail from Peru. Continuing our journey, we'll visit the charming villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas, and Punta de Vacas. We'll then travel along the route of the Puente del Inca, marveling at the natural architectural formations and hot springs. Following that, we'll ascend to the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, a towering presence at 6,959 meters above sea level, surrounded by the serene Laguna Horcones and the Aconcagua Provincial Park. Our final destination is the picturesque European-style village of Las Cuevas, located 3,200 meters above sea level. Here, we'll find the path that leads to the iconic "Cristo Redentor" monument, perched at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level, symbolizing the unity between the people of Argentina and Chile (Only visited during the summer months). Please note that English commentary will be provided at the featured sites, including Potrerillos, Uspallata, Puente del Inca, Aconcagua, and during the summer months, at Cristo Redentor. As our tour concludes, we'll return to Mendoza, bringing back cherished memories of this enchanting journey.

Mendoza: High Mountain and Aconcagua Park Tour with BBQ

3. Mendoza: High Mountain and Aconcagua Park Tour with BBQ

Visit the unmissable Mendoza High Mountain on your Argentinian trip. Start the day with a delicious breakfast in Uspallata, and then travel through Cacheuta town and Potrerillos Dam on your way to the mountain. Discover the historic sites of the surrounding areas including Picheuta bridge and the nearby Incas ruins, and Inca bridge. Then arrive at Aconcagua park to marvel at the views and walk to the beautiful Horcones Lagoon. Next, learn all about the history of the Villas las Cuevas and Penitentes before stopping back at Uspallata to enjoy a traditional Argentinean BBQ.

Mendoza: High Andes Mountain Private Guided Tour

4. Mendoza: High Andes Mountain Private Guided Tour

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get ready for a full day in the Andes. Your route begins along the Mendoza River, up to the border with Chile, and after 62 miles (100km) you will reach the Valle de Uspallata. Continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas where you can reach one of the best Mendoza ski resorts, Los Penitentes. Then, continue to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8923 feet (2,720m) above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. A short distance from the border, a natural viewpoint allows you to appreciate the magnificent Aconcagua. If the park is open, you can trek over to Los Horcones Lagoon (entrance not included). On the border with Chile, you will find Las Cuevas - 10,500 feet (3,200m) above sea level - a small village built in a European style. Between Las Cuevas and the international Tunnel to Chile, there is a road that takes you to the monument of Cristo Redentor that is 13,780 feet (4,200m) above sea level. This road can be taken with favorable weather conditions, usually during January and February. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Route 7 and get dropped off at your hotel. This tour to the high Andes you have two routes you can choose from. The regular option bordering the Mendoza River, traveling to national Route 7 taking you to Upsalatta. The second option is subject to favorable route conditions, heads north traveling on a mountain route starting in Villavicencio and arriving at Upsalatta giving you a different view of the Andes.

From Mendoza: Trekking and Barbecue in the Andes

5. From Mendoza: Trekking and Barbecue in the Andes

Start with a two-hour drive to the beginning of the trek in the Andes front range called "Cordon del Plata". On the way, you will be able to see the Cacheuta Village and Potrerillos dam. Part of the Front Range, the "Cordon del Plata", has a maximum altitude of 5968m, a length of 80 kilometers and it is home to an incredible variety of landscapes. The trek is along one of its ravines called "La Angostura", with an approximate duration of 3 and a half hours during which you will be able to enjoy the views of Potrerillos dam, the pre-mountain range area and of some of the highest peaks in the Range. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot some "condors" and "guanacos" since it is their natural habitat. When finishing the hike, you will be welcomed by a typical Argentinean "asado" and wine from the region.

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What people are saying about Potrerillos Dam

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 284 reviews

I was the only person who spoke English and felt like I only got some of the information because guide spoke several minutes in Spanish and less than 1/2 that time to me. Was told Spanish took more words but my other excursions weren’t like that at all (approximately equal time in both languages). Would be helpful to know when we’re stopping to be prepared but always suddenly stopped to get off bus and people weren’t prepared. Really enjoyed this trip and would do it again!

It was a great experience. The guide, Gabriela, and the driver Ruben, are very professional and attentive. Gabriela gave us a great tour, and shared her knowledge about all the places with details. Very good. The places stunning. I really recommend.

Very good experience, through beautiful places, with a lot of history. Special thanks to Facu the guide and Victor the driver for his kindness, sympathy and contribution to the experience. The high mountain is beautiful!

Professional and very well planned trip. Easy pickup/drop off. Would definitely recommend it.

Unbelievably pretty! The ride as well as the stops were super nice and very well organized.