Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tributaries of the Mendoza River flow through
here. The Las Vacas River is fed by the glaciers
of Aconcagua while the Tupungato is fed by the
glaciers of the Juncal, Nevado, Plomo and
Tupungato Mountains. The south-flowing Las
Cuevas River passes through here as well.
Taking its name from the
Cruz de Caña
(Cane
Cross) Stream which crosses it and the natu-
rally formed sculpture of a cathedral and pray-
ing monks at its base,
Los Penitentes,
at
2,580 meters (8,462 feet) above sea level, is best
known as a winter resort.
The
Cerro Las Leñas
(Las Leñas Hill) shelters
the slopes from west winds to ensure fine dry
powder and average daytime temperatures of
59°F with plenty of sunshine. Skiers enjoy opti-
mal conditions throughout the season, which
usually runs from June to late September or
mid-October. Los Penitentes is only 22 miles
from its Chilean counterpart, Portillo, making it
easy (depending on driving conditions) for avid
skiers to combine both resorts in one trip.
For information
regarding ski-
ing, turn to
Out-
door Argentina
on page 493.
Just six miles beyond Los Penitentes is
El
Puente del Inca
, a naturally formed sand-
stone arch spanning the Las Cuevas River. The
bridge is 47 meters (154 feet) long and 28
meters (92 feet) wide. There are five thermal
springs in the area, each with its own healing
qualities based on its unique temperature and
mineral content. While the area can be visited
any time of year, winter, when the thermal
springs and snows meet to create a singular
effect, is especially lovely. Just in sight of the
