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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Cerro Arco Mendoza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic trek in Mendoza offering panoramic Andes views, paragliding thrills, and cherished local traditions like full moon hikes.
"A Mendoza experience not to be missed, both as a demanding physical activity and as a spectacular recreation."
👟 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Launch points near the summit
Soar above the landscape for an unforgettable adrenaline rush and a unique perspective of the region.

Full Moon Trek
Cerro Arco trail
A traditional local experience, hiking under the moonlight offers a surreal and memorable journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Trek
Essential Gear & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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'. 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. 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.
The trek typically starts from the 'Posta Puerta de la Quebrada' in El Challao, which is a popular starting point for many hikers.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cerro Arco is a natural area and does not require an entrance fee or registration, making it a free activity.
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.
No booking is required for trekking Cerro Arco. It's a natural area open to the public for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Paragliding is typically offered during daylight hours. It's advisable to book your paragliding experience in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
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. Some describe it as a good training ground for more challenging hikes.
The trek typically takes about 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit. Some hikers complete the ascent in 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cerro Arco stands at approximately 1680 meters (5512 feet) above sea level. The summit offers a mirador (viewpoint) at around 1600 meters.
From the summit, you'll get spectacular panoramic views of Mendoza city, the surrounding valleys, and the Andes mountain range. 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. 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. 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, and paragliding 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.
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
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples and Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trekking Cerro Arco: Your Guide to the Trail
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. 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. 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.
Adrenaline Rush: Paragliding Over Mendoza
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. 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.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit