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Cerro Arco Mendoza

4.7
·814 reviews·Las Heras, Argentina

Iconic trek in Mendoza offering panoramic Andes views, paragliding thrills, and cherished local traditions like full moon hikes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Cerro Arco - Image 1

Cerro Arco Mendoza

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic trek in Mendoza offering panoramic Andes views, paragliding thrills, and cherished local traditions like full moon hikes.

4.7
(814 reviews)

"A Mendoza experience not to be missed, both as a demanding physical activity and as a spectacular recreation."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable hiking boots or shoes are essential for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is key, especially at altitude. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Views

Summit Views

Peak of Cerro Arco

Panoramic vistas of Mendoza city and the surrounding Andes mountains. A truly breathtaking reward for your climb.

Paragliding Adventure

Paragliding Adventure

Launch points near the summit

Soar above the landscape for an unforgettable adrenaline rush and a unique perspective of the region.

Full Moon Trek

Full Moon Trek

Cerro Arco trail

A traditional local experience, hiking under the moonlight offers a surreal and memorable journey.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Trek

Cerro Arco is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays or early mornings on weekends. The trail can get busy, especially during peak seasons, so planning your visit can enhance your experience. Consider the weather; sunny days offer stunning views, but be prepared for wind at higher elevations.

Essential Gear & Hydration

This trek requires comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water, as recommended by many visitors. While the trail is generally well-maintained, some sections can be uneven. Sunscreen and a hat are crucial due to the high altitude and strong sun. For those planning to paraglide, book in advance and ensure you have accident insurance.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Full moon nights
Why
Unique local tradition
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

impresionante descenso de jero en Mendoza Cerro Arco
@licmarcos
138.7K likes • 2.4M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable hiking boots or shoes are essential for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is key, especially at altitude. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:

MENDOZA ❤️‍🔥 SE VIENE UNA DE LAS MEJORES PISTAS DEL PAÍS 🚀🇦🇷 ACLARACIONES IMPORTANTES - La pista NO esta habilitada ❌ - Vamos a organizar una paleada para ir a terminarla 🪚 - Para ingresar es necesario un seguro contra accidentes - Seamos inteligentes y respetuosos con esta oportunidad - La fecha de habilitación todavía no está definida. - El cerro es de todos (caminantes, bikers, runners) hasta q...
@jeronimopaez220
22.8K likes • 478.7K views
⛰️ Cerro Arco 📍Mendoza 🔝 1680msnm 🧗🏻 Desnivel: 650m 🚶🏻 9km ida y vuelta ⌚ 3hs en total 🟢 Dificultad: Baja #cerroarco #mendozatrekking #trekkingmendoza #nicoenmendoza #cerroarcomendoza
nicoenmendoza
172 likes • 5.3K views

☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are a must due to intense sun exposure. :sunwithface:

🚗 Access Road Can Be Rough

The road to the parking lot is rocky and uneven; drive carefully or consider alternatives. :car:

Trekking CERRO ARCO, Mendoza 🏔️ Experiencias únicas, paisajes inolvidables con Nomades 🙌🏼 - #viajaresvivir #turismo #viajar #nomades #mendoza #sernomade #mendozaargentina #turismomendoza
turismo.nomades
15 likes • 862 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable hiking boots or shoes are essential for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is key, especially at altitude. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:

☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are a must due to intense sun exposure. :sunwithface:

🚗 Access Road Can Be Rough

The road to the parking lot is rocky and uneven; drive carefully or consider alternatives. :car:

🪂 Book Paragliding Ahead

Secure your paragliding spot in advance and ensure you have accident insurance. :ticket:

⛰️ It's a Local Tradition

Experience the popular local tradition of hiking Cerro Arco, especially during full moons. :star2:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(814 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Cerro Arco as a quintessential Mendoza experience, praising its accessibility, stunning panoramic views, and the rewarding trek. It's a popular local spot, especially for full moon hikes, and offers thrilling paragliding opportunities. While the trail is generally well-maintained, the final approach road can be rough.

"I walked to the top of the hill to see the full moon. I highly recommend this experience, it is a traditional trail for local people. I took an Uber to the foot of the hill, which is the "Posta Puerta de la Quebrada" (5 USD) Then I came back with a local person who we became very good friends during the hiking."

Manu Rivoir

"Great hike to have a view of the whole city."

Pablo Schandin

"A Mendoza experience not to be missed, both as a demanding physical activity and as a spectacular recreation, always carry a water bottle to hydrate.
Highly recommended. About 1 km from the asphalt entrance, there is a parking lot where you can leave your vehicles safely and also have a snack."

Gabriel Justiniano Davila

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Free and accessible trek
Unique full moon hikes

What People Dislike

Rough access road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Cerro Arco by car, Uber, or bus. Buses from downtown Mendoza will drop you off about half a mile from the start of the trek. Uber is a convenient option, costing around 5 USD to the 'Posta Puerta de la Quebrada'.Reddit The road leading to the parking lot can be rocky and uneven, so drive cautiously if you're in a car.

Yes, there is a parking lot available about 1 km from the asphalt entrance, where you can safely leave your vehicles and even grab a snack.Reddit Be aware that the half-mile before the parking lot is an uneven rocky road.

Yes, you can take a bus from downtown Mendoza. It will get you close to the entrance where the hill trek begins, dropping you off about half a mile away.Reddit

The trek typically starts from the 'Posta Puerta de la Quebrada' in El Challao, which is a popular starting point for many hikers.Reddit

While the main road to the area is paved, the final stretch leading to the parking lot is an uneven, rocky road, making it more suitable for SUVs or careful driving in regular cars. Some videos show off-road vehicles on the trails.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cerro Arco is a natural area and does not require an entrance fee or registration, making it a free activity.Reddit

Cerro Arco is a natural park and is generally accessible at all times. However, for safety and the best experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Night treks, especially during a full moon, are a popular local tradition.Reddit

No booking is required for trekking Cerro Arco. It's a natural area open to the public for hiking and enjoying the scenery.Reddit

Paragliding is typically offered during daylight hours. It's advisable to book your paragliding experience in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.TikTok

No permits are required for general trekking. However, if you plan on any organized activities or specific events, it's best to check with local authorities or tour operators.

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

The hike is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. It involves a steady uphill climb, with a total elevation gain of around 650 meters.Instagram Some describe it as a good training ground for more challenging hikes.Reddit

The trek typically takes about 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.Instagram Some hikers complete the ascent in 1 to 1.5 hours.Instagram

Cerro Arco stands at approximately 1680 meters (5512 feet) above sea level.Instagram The summit offers a mirador (viewpoint) at around 1600 meters.Instagram

From the summit, you'll get spectacular panoramic views of Mendoza city, the surrounding valleys, and the Andes mountain range.InstagramReddit It's a great spot for photography.

While there are no formal facilities directly on the trail, there's a parking area where you can find snacks and potentially basic amenities.Reddit It's best to come prepared with everything you need.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape.Instagram The panoramic views are stunning at any time of day, but golden hour provides a magical touch.

You can capture breathtaking landscape shots of Mendoza city, the Andes, and the unique geological formations. Action shots of trekking, cycling,Instagram and paragliding TikTok are also popular.

The summit itself is the primary viewpoint, offering 360-degree vistas. Many hikers also stop at various points along the trail to capture the changing scenery as they ascend.Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the mountains. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll be taking a lot of photos!

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cerro Arco offers a fantastic outdoor adventure for families. The main trail is a wide dirt road, making it manageable for children who are accustomed to walking. It's a great way to introduce kids to hiking and the beauty of nature. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and sun protection. The sense of accomplishment reaching the top and the stunning views will be a memorable experience for the whole family.

💰 Budget Travelers

Cerro Arco is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers as trekking is completely free.Reddit The only costs you might incur are for transportation to the trailhead (e.g., bus or a shared Uber) and any snacks or water you purchase beforehand. This makes it an accessible way to enjoy Mendoza's natural beauty without a significant financial outlay.

❤️ Couples and Adventure Seekers

For couples, a hike up Cerro Arco can be a romantic and active date. The shared challenge and the breathtaking sunset views create a memorable experience. Adventure seekers can combine trekking with paragliding for an adrenaline-fueled day.TikTok The full moon trek also offers a unique and intimate experience, perfect for couples looking for something out of the ordinary.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Trekking Cerro Arco: Your Guide to the Trail

The trek up Cerro Arco is a quintessential Mendoza experience, offering a rewarding challenge and stunning vistas. The trail is primarily a well-maintained dirt road, originally built for maintenance of transmission towers, making the terrain relatively straightforward but consistently uphill.Reddit This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a solid workout without technical climbing. The round trip is approximately 9 km, with an elevation gain of about 650 meters, typically taking 3 hours to complete.Instagram Many visitors describe the hike as moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, though it's always wise to be prepared.Instagram

Local hikers often frequent this trail, especially for unique experiences like a full moon trek, which is a cherished tradition for marking new beginnings or endings.TikTokReddit This adds a magical element to the already beautiful landscape. When planning your hike, remember to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and bring ample water, as the sun can be intense at this altitude.Reddit The views from the summit are a spectacular reward, offering a panoramic sweep of Mendoza city and the majestic Andes mountains, making it a prime spot for photography.Instagram

Adrenaline Rush: Paragliding Over Mendoza

For an unforgettable thrill, paragliding over Cerro Arco is a must-do activity. Several operators offer tandem flights, allowing you to experience the freedom of flight with an experienced pilot.TikTok The launch sites are typically located near the summit, providing an incredible perspective as you soar above the rugged terrain and the sprawling city below. This is more than just an adventure; it's a chance to see Mendoza from a completely different angle, with breathtaking views of the pre-Andean landscape.TikTok

When booking your paragliding experience, it's crucial to ensure you have accident insurance and that the operator is reputable. Some TikTok videos highlight the excitement and beauty of these flights, showcasing the incredible scenery.TikTok While the paragliding itself is the main draw, the journey to the launch point often involves a trek or a ride up the mountain, adding to the overall adventure. It's an experience that many describe as surreal and a perfect way to create lasting memories in Mendoza.

Cerro Arco for Cyclists and Runners

Beyond trekking, Cerro Arco is a popular destination for cycling and trail running. The dirt road that forms the main trail is well-suited for mountain biking, offering a challenging ascent and an exhilarating descent.Instagram Cyclists can enjoy the changing scenery and the physical exertion of climbing towards the summit. The trail's moderate difficulty makes it accessible for many cyclists looking for a scenic ride outside the city.

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