Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Puente del Inca enjoys a spectacular setting, and whether or not you climb, it's a good
base for exploring the area. Trekkers and climbers can head north to the base of Acon-
cagua, south to the pinnacles of Los Penitentes, or even further south to 6650m Tupun-
gato.
About 1km before Puente del Inca (directly across from Los Puquios), the small
Ce-
menterio Andinista
is a cemetery for climbers who died on Aconcagua.
Sleeping & Eating
In summer, free camping is possible at the nearby mini ski resort of
Los Puquios
(
0261-429-5007;
www.lospuquios.com.ar
)
. There are two accommodations options at
Puente del Inca. A string of restaurants by the roadside offer filling but unexciting meals
from around AR$80.
Hostel El Nico
HOSTEL $
( 0261-592-0736; elnicohostel@gmail.com; dm/d AR$150/400)
A cozy little hostel sleeping
14 people. Can organize treks in summer and snowshoe/skiing expeditions in winter.
Hostería Puente del Inca
HOTEL $$$
( 0261-596-6022;
www.hosteriapdelinca.com.ar
; s/d AR$450/600)
Although closed at the
time of research, this place offers reasonable rooms and a huge restaurant serving decent
value set meals. It's the most comfortable in the area and fills up fast in climbing season.
Getting There & Away
A few buses a day leave from Mendoza's bus terminal for Puente del Inca (AR$45, four
hours), passing through Uspallata. If you're on a day trip, check return times with the
driver - you don't want to get stuck up here. Buses from Chile pass through but are often
full and won't stop to pick you up.
Nearly every Mendoza tour operator offers day tours to Puente del Inca, often com-
bined with Las Cuevas.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parque Provincial Aconcagua
North of RN7, nearly hugging the Chilean border, Parque Provincial Aconcagua protects
710 sq km of the wild high country surrounding the western hemisphere's highest sum-
