Mendoza Trekking: A Review of the 5-Hour Mountain Adventure

So, you’re thinking about doing some mountain trekking near Mendoza, huh? That five-hour gig with lunch sounds kind of cool, doesn’t it? I had a go at it not that long ago, and I figured I’d share what went down. I’ll try to give you, like, the real deal – not the sugar-coated travel brochure version. I hope this helps you make your choice.

Getting Started: What to Expect in Mendoza

Alright, so first things first, Mendoza itself? It’s basically a charming city, you know, with this cool laid-back vibe. It’s very much known for its wine, that’s for sure, but don’t sleep on its adventure side either. So it turns out, the Andes Mountains are just sitting there, practically begging for you to hike them. I chose this “five-hour trek with lunch” thinking it would be that kind of great mix – some outdoor time and then good food, which, honestly, are a couple of my favorite things.

The tour started very early, that’s to be said. Most outfits will actually pick you up right from your lodging, which is pretty awesome. You’ll, in fact, likely pile into a van with some other travelers – always kind of a grab bag of personalities. I’m just saying, come prepared to possibly make friends with some strangers!

The Ascent: Difficulty and Scenery of the Trek

Ok, now the hike. Honestly, let’s just talk real quick about how hard it very much actually was. So, the description mentioned “moderate,” but, as I was saying, I think they might be grading on a curve. Some bits were really a bit steep, rocky, that sort of stuff. You definitely want to have decent shoes – leave those sandals back at the hotel, you know?

Still, I will say this: the view, though! Worth the huffing and puffing, is what I think. We got to this spot where you could just see the entire valley stretched out before you, so you know, vineyards in the distance, and the mountains just looming over everything. Perfect photo-op, definitely.

Our guide very much pointed out some cool things too, like different plants and rock formations. He gave us a spiel about the area’s geology. That’s neat if you’re into that, obviously. So I could not recall any of those details now, but in the moment, it’s almost like it made the trek a bit more involving than just putting one foot in front of the other. The air smells of thyme and earth, that should tell you a little something. I’d recommend some kind of trail mix to snack on as you go!

Lunch with a View: A Mountain Feast

Alright, so that promised lunch? Definitely one of the big reasons why I wanted to go! And it didn’t let me down, in fact. So, they set up this kind of spread at a spot with – surprise – another view. Like, rugs on the ground, low tables, that kind of setup. Very, very Instagrammable if that’s what floats your boat.

The food, though, was what it’s all about. This delicious Argentine food was incredible after all that walking: empanadas, some grilled meat, fresh bread. The wine was flowing. Plus, swapping stories with the other hikers. This almost becomes part of the whole adventure.

So the lunch thing lasted close to an hour, I believe. Which was super great – you could properly relax, enjoy yourself, and soak in the atmosphere. It felt very far removed from just being a tourist, that’s to say. If that makes sense? The whole thing feels pretty authentic.

Things to Keep In Mind

If you’re thinking about it, you want to bring a few necessities with you. I cannot stress this enough! The sun in Mendoza is intense. You’re also up higher, and it can affect things too. Load up on sunscreen, very high SPF kind, and bring sunglasses and a hat. The climate here changes pretty fast, and that’s not always what the weather app on your phone is trying to tell you, I’m telling you. Pack extra layers like a light jacket. And plenty of water is your friend! Many tours very much encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle.

So listen, a certain level of fitness helps with hiking, that’s right, but you don’t have to be an Olympian, you know? It’s just a case of understanding what kind of condition you’re in and seeing whether or not this will work for you. Pay attention to your body and, as I was saying, don’t push yourself if you’re not feeling it. So then listen to your guide! They can also modify the route if somebody in the group is struggling, so just be sure you communicate.

Would I Do It Again? The Final Verdict

Okay, bottom line? I enjoyed this excursion very, very much! So I’m talking truly memorable. The scenery’s stunning, you get a good workout, and then you are chilling with food and some wine surrounded by the Andes. A perfect day out. Plus, you know, you get the stories.

So, in a way, you ought to understand this: you need decent shoes, and maybe pack some pain relievers if you tend to get sore muscles. All things being equal, if you have a few days in Mendoza, you ought to ditch the wineries for a day and get on a trek. I actually recommend this trek if it aligns with you. Like seriously, you won’t regret it, very possibly.