Uspallata Mendoza: tourism, history and Andean landscapes

Uspallata

Alta Montaña

Uspallata, a mountain town in the heart of the Andes, is a hidden gem surrounded by peaks, rivers, and history. A perfect destination for adventure, nature, and the tranquility of the Andes mountains.

Uspallata lies 100 km from Mendoza City, along National Route 7 that connects Argentina with Chile. Getting there is easy by car, bus, or organized tours.

The village invites travelers to stay for a few days and discover its landscapes, Inca and colonial remains, and the historic trail of the Army of the Andes.

Main activities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, visiting abandoned mines, exploring ancient petroglyphs, and driving along scenic roads like Route 13.

Highlights:

Paramillos Ghost Town: abandoned 19th-century mining camp.
Paramillo Cross: built by Jesuits in the 17th century.
Uspallata Vaults: colonial constructions linked to mining and independence.
Picheuta Bridge: used by the Army of the Andes in 1817.
Darwin’s Fossil Forest: petrified trees over 230 million years old.
Tunduqueral Hill: pre-Hispanic petroglyphs.
Route 13: off-road adventure through stunning landscapes.
Seven Colors Hill: small multicolored mountain.

Services and Activities

Adventure and cultural activities
Horseback riding through the valley
Cultural tours to mines, petroglyphs, and Inca ruins
Hotels, cabins, and mountain lodges
Campings
Restaurants with local cuisine
Guided tours
Museums

Characteristics

Mountain village surrounded by rivers and the Andes
Last major town before the Chilean border
Inca, colonial, and independence history
Stunning landscapes: multicolored hills, geological formations, fossil forests
Wildlife and Andean flora watching

Sports you can do

Trekking and hiking in the Andes
Mountain biking and 4x4 (Route 13)
Rock climbing and mountaineering in nearby peaks

Interest points locations

Explore what lies beyond: sites, corners, and attractions that make this place even more special.

Seven Colors Hill

Uspallata lookout

Uspallata valley lookout

Picheuta Bridge

Remains of the Picheuta fort

Uspallata Vaults

Tunduqueral Hill

"La ventana" lookout

History

Uspallata is a place where history blends with adventure. Here, the Incas traced their ancient routes, miners searched for gold and silver, and the legendary Army of the Andes carried out its daring quest for freedom. Every corner of the valley holds traces of the past, waiting to be discovered among breathtaking mountains and landscapes.

In ancient times, Uspallata was part of the last Inca routes in Argentina. You can still find ruins of old tambos that served as shelters and supply stations in the heart of the Andes.

The town’s name comes from Quechua and means “throat” or “preferred passage,” a reference to the river and mountain crossings used by caravan routes.

With the arrival of Spanish colonizers and the discovery of mineral wealth, the region experienced centuries of intensive gold, silver, and copper mining. Early extractions are attributed to native peoples, and by 1660 large mines were operating, remaining active into the 19th century.

In January 1817, part of the Army of the Andes crossed this valley on their way to liberate Chile, an audacious traverse long deemed impossible and today remembered as one of history’s great military feats.

In 1835, Charles Darwin traveled through the area, documenting Inca ruins and the extraordinary petrified forest that now bears his name, adding a scientific chapter to Uspallata’s rich past.

Unique Corners

Explore landscapes, adventures, and unique experiences in every corner.

Circuito El Sosneado

Zona Sur

Circuit of 'El Sosneado'

To the south of San Rafael lies the "El Sosneado" circuit, a perfect place to grasp the vastness of the Andes mountain range. Mountains, rivers, lagoons, valleys, and volcanoes are just some of the stunning features you'll encounter along this route, which is also home to stories like the "Tragedy of the Andes."

Excursions

Each tour in Mendoza is a new way to live the adventure: mountains, vineyards, and experiences that will lead you to discover the best of the province.

Avion caido en Potrerillos

Alta Montaña Trekking activities

Trekking to the crashed plane in Potrerillos

This short hike takes you to the site of the airplane crash in Los Potrerillos, located in the foothills of the Andes. It’s ideal for those looking for exercise and mountain walking, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountain range.

Cascada El Salto

Alta Montaña Trekking activities

"El Salto" Waterfall

Hiking to El Salto Waterfall in Potrerillos is an unforgettable adventure. The trail is accessible and winds through breathtaking landscapes with stunning mountain views. Along the way, you may spot native wildlife. A perfect experience for those seeking nature, tranquility, and a deep connection with the Andes.

Activities

Experience Mendoza to the fullest with its wide range of activities: culture, nature, and fun come together to make every visit an unforgettable experience.

Museo Las Bóvedas de Uspallata

Alta Montaña Museums

Discover Las Bóvedas of Uspallata, an 18th-century historical site that preserves Mendoza’s mining and colonial heritage. A small museum in the Andes where old adobe and stone buildings tell the story of the Jesuits, the Army of the Andes, and the region’s mining tradition.

Parque de las Artes Marañón

Alta Montaña Museums

Art park Marañón, located in the Uspallata Valley, is a one-of-a-kind open-air museum. Monumental sculptures rise against the backdrop of the Andes, defying wind, sun, and mountain weather. A unique experience blending art, nature, and emotion in a breathtaking landscape.

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