Argentina: Mendoza

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Mendoza is at the foot of the Andes, in the pre-cordillera region and it is here that the mountain range reaches the highest peaks in America with the Aconcagua (6959m) and the Tupungato (6800m). In Winter, the whole area is under snow and is a favourite for Winter sports at elegant Las Leñas, or at Penintentes or Potrerillos.

In Summer, as the snow melts, the rivers swell and a network of canals irrigates fertile valleys of olive groves, fruit trees, specially apples for cider, and of course, the grape vines. Mendoza is famous for its wines, with 1385 wineries accounting for 70% of Argentine production, much of which is exported all over the world.

The province also rich in minerals such as copper, lead, silver, uranium, and mercury, and hydroelectric power, offers favourable conditions for industry. Mendoza is a starting point for mountain excursions, trekking or for a cordillera crossing to Chile, via the mountain pass at 3200m, a very scenic drive well worth being included in atrip to South America.

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ROUTE LAS CUEVAS: A fascinating high mountain circuit of marked contrasts, it follows the Panamerican Highway past summer residences and cultivated land to the mountains, with stark rocky formations, crystal clear rivers and green valleys. Leaving behind Potrerillos in the pre-cordillera, the road approaches the heart of the Andes via Uspallata Valley, an oasis of green, nestling between the two mountain ranges. The visitor will see rocky formations reminiscent of a procession of monks, hence the name of Los Penintentes; Puente del Inca, a natural rock bridge spanning river Las Cuevas; thermal waters whose chemical reactions colour the rocks; the source of river Mendoza and its confluence with river Tupungato; imposing Aconcagua mountain; the village of Las Cuevas at 3196m, frontier post between Argentina and Chile and finally, after a beautiful winding road that climbs up to 4200m, the monumental statue of Cristo Redentor. (Map)