Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Las Cuevas & Cristo Redentor
02624 / ELEV 3200M
Pounded by chilly but exhilarating winds, the rugged high Andes make a fitting backdrop
for Cristo Redentor, the famous monument erected after a territorial dispute between Ar-
gentina and Chile was settled in 1902. The view is a must-see either with a tour or by
private car (a tunnel has replaced the hairpin road to the top as the border crossing into
Chile), but the first autumn snowfall closes the route. You can hike the 8km up to El
Cristo via trails if you don't have a car.
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Parque Provincial Volcán Tupungato
Tupungato (6650m) is an impressive volcano, partly covered by snowfields and glaciers,
and serious climbers consider the mountain a far more challenging, interesting and tech-
nical climb than Aconcagua. The main approach is from the town of
Tunuyán
, 82km
south of Mendoza via RN40, where the
tourist office
( 02622-422193, 488097;
República de Siria & Alem; 8am-8pm)
can provide info. Many of the outfitters who ar-
range Parque Provincial Aconcagua treks can also deal with Tupungato.
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San Rafael
0260 / POP 118,000 / ELEV 690M
A busy, modern town whose streets are lined with majestic old sycamores and open irrig-
ation channels, San Rafael reveals its charms slowly - if you have a few days, it's worth
giving it a chance. It's not exactly Mendoza, but it's getting there.
There is nothing to do in town - part of its allure, really - except wander its shady
streets and plazas or while the day away in a cafe. There are, however, several esteemed
wineries within biking distance that are well worth a visit.
