Hiking “Cajón de los Arenales” from Mendoza or Uco Valley

A one-day trekking that offers the best of a historical tour, in a unique landscape. We invite you to get to know the Tunuyán area walking among valleys, lagoons, rocky mountains and small rivers of pure water.

Cajón de los Arenales trek takes place in an impressive valley, which houses one of the largest climbing areas in Mendoza.

In this trip, we will also visit the area of Portillo de Piuquenes: a part of the iconic route through which, at 3,400 meters above sea level, San Martin and his armies crossed on their return from their liberation campaign.

Join us!

What does the experience consist of?

The Cajón de los Arenales trek is a moderately demanding adventure in the Andean foothills. We will pick you up in the morning at your accommodation, and on the way to our destination we will drive through the picturesque wine region. In addition, we will be amazed by the views of the south face of Mount El Plata, and the huge Tupungato Volcano.

Once we arrive at the point where our trekking begins, we will advance step by step for 3 hours surrounded by the beauty of the flora (almost exclusively shrubs) and fauna that characterize this arid high altitude area. Near the end of the trek, we will have to walk a few meters of rocky terrain that will imply an extra effort.

The reward? we will arrive at the imposing valley of the “Cajón de los Arenales“, to rest in front of a lagoon of crystalline water created by the thaw. And if we are lucky, we will also see condors flying in the sky!

Who is this activity recommended for?

For those who are in good physical condition and are looking to put themselves to the test with a one-day challenge. Although it is not necessary to have previous mountain experience to do the Cajón de los Arenales trek, it is important that you do physical activity on a regular basis.

About the place

The Arenales Gorge mountain pass is located in the Portillo Mountain Range, which is part of the Andean pre-mountain range, within the department of Tunuyán, Mendoza. It is about 11 km. from the Manzano Histórico of the Uco Valley.

The arid climate that characterizes the area creates a landscape of shrubby vegetation, immense rocky walls, and mountains that reach between 4,000 and 5,000 m.a.s.l..

The large granite walls make the Arenales Gorge one of the main rock climbing centers in the country. There are more than 150 routes of great variety in walls, towers and needles, crossed by crystalline meltwater streams of extra natural beauty.

Anything else? The postcard of the valley is completed with a view of a clear and icy water lagoon.