Day Trip to the Andes, Argentina (from Mendoza)

Mendoza, in the west-central part of Argentina, is wine country. Unfortunately, literally as we got off the plane there, I came down with a horrible fever and chills, and spent the next two days in bed...missing all the wineries I'd hoped to try. Bummer.

The good news, by day three I was good enough to go out, but not for wine. We chose to take a tour called Alta Montaña which lasted all day (13 hours), driving us into the Andes for a look at Mt. Aconcagua--the highest peak in the Americas at 6,962 metres, or 22,841 feet.

It’s not a particularly “pretty” peak like the Matterhorn, the Grand Tetons, or the Three Sisters, but to me there is something very special about seeing places that are highest, widest, biggest, etc, especially when created by nature. Like Everest (another rather unattractive peak, I think), Acongagua sits quietly and majestically, and appears to have it’s own special cloud that forms around the top even on a sunny day.

Our tour from Mendoza was called “Alta Montana,” and included many interesting stops. The big mountain was fantastic, but even better was being driven, by tour van, up a gravel road to an altitude of 4,200 metres where there is a mountain border point with Chile. It was cold up there, and the views of the surrounding Andes were grand. Like good Catholics everywhere, they’ve put Jesus on the Cross and stood him atop the pass. A grand spot…plus we can now say we’ve been to Chile, technically.

The tour cost about $35/person (lunch and snacks were on our own at scheduled stops), and was among the best-value things we did in Argentina. The tour company -- Huentata Servicios Turísticos -- was excellent, the guide spoke English (she would come talk to Kevin and me personally, since everyone else spoke Spanish).

Other Argentina Information:
Buenos Aires
Iguazu Falls

Getting to Argentina

It's not cheap, and from Vancouver it takes at least 20 hours with layovers. Some routings are via

• Houston: Continental Airlines, which I flew using points, and quite enjoyed. They require a 6+ hour layover, but the Houston airport is like a shopping mall. Plus for only $45 you can access their lounge, excellent value.
• Mexico City: Mexicana, saves transiting the U.S., for those who don't like to do that or require a U.S. visa. Mexico City may require an overnight layover on the southbound, but it's quick on the return flight. My partner flew them, and they allowed a 3-day Mexico City stopover with no extra charge.
• Toronto: Air Canada. Sure, you'll collect Aeroplan (or redeem them), but you'll also require 2 stops: Toronto and Santiago Chile, both directions.

Low-season airfare should be around the $1,100 mark. High season should be around $1,500, which is what we paid for Kevin's ticket on Mexicana.

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