Private Villavicencio Reserve & Historic Route 52 Tour

5.0
(1 reviews)
Mendoza, Argentina

9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover a quieter, wilder side of Mendoza on a private journey along historic Route 52, through Villavicencio Natural Reserve and the Andean foothills.

The experience is about the journey itself: winding mountain roads, panoramic viewpoints, local history, and landscapes far from Mendoza’s busiest routes.

As we cross the reserve, guanaco sightings are common, and you may also spot condors, foxes, choiques, and other native wildlife. We take time for views, photos, wildlife, and stories along the way.

Travel through Caracoles, Cruz de Paramillos, and the Paramillos area, with stops adapted to road and access conditions.

Because this is a fully private experience, you can enjoy the journey at a personal rhythm, without large groups or crowded buses.

Finish in Uspallata with a traditional Argentine asado, wine, and dessert before returning to Mendoza.

A scenic day for travelers who enjoy wildlife, photography, history, and quiet mountain roads.

What's Included

Professional local guide
Coffee and local alfajor
Private round-trip transportation from Mendoza
Cereal bar and bottled water
Traditional Argentine asado lunch with wine and dessert (dietary options available)
Entrance to Hotel Villavicencio, if requested and available
Food and drinks not mentioned
Pickup outside the included 15 km radius
Personal expenses

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Mendoza, within a 15 km radius of the city, at the previously confirmed time.

If you are staying outside the pickup area, please contact us before the activity to arrange an alternative.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • Termas Villavicencio (Pass by)

    Pass by the historic Villavicencio Hotel, an iconic landmark that marks the entrance to Villavicencio Natural Reserve and the beginning of the journey along Route 52.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the famous switchbacks of Route 52, with wide views of the Andean foothills and the Mendoza plains below. Take some time for photos before continuing along the historic mountain road.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    A short stop at a striking rocky cliff along Route 52, with views over the rugged foothill landscape and time for a few photos before continuing the journey.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Cruz del Paramillos

    Reach the highest point of the route, at around 3,100 meters above sea level, with wide views of the Central Andes and, on clear days, Aconcagua in the distance. Take time to enjoy the landscape and capture the views.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Minas de Paramillos (Pass by)

    Continue through the historic Paramillos area, once associated with some of Argentina’s earliest mining activity. Along the route, we also pass through the area of Darwin’s Petrified Forest, surrounded by the remote landscapes of the high foothills.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Uspallata

    Arrive in Uspallata and discover some of the area’s local history with one or two short stops along the way. Learn about the region’s past and its connection with the Andes before continuing to lunch.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Uspallata

    Enjoy a traditional Argentine lunch at a simple local restaurant, with asado, wine, and dessert. A relaxed stop before beginning the journey back to Mendoza.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Mendoza

    After lunch, begin the journey back to Mendoza, leaving the mountains behind as the landscape gradually changes toward the city. Drop-off is directly at your accommodation.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Destino Montaña

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Safaris
Car Tours
Involves Animals
Additional fees
Zombie
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 1 1 review
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