PROVINCE OF MENDOZA
A historical, archaeological and cultural treasure in the Andes Mountains.
Uspallata is a fascinating destination that harbors a rich history nestled in the majestic landscapes of the Precordillera and the Andes Mountains. This small town, surrounded by imposing mountains and green oasis, has witnessed important events throughout the centuries. From pre-Columbian times, when it was inhabited by the Huarpe people, to its fundamental role during the time of the Spanish colonization and the struggles for the Independence of Argentina and Chile.
The Trasandino Railway joined Chile and Argentina. On April 5, 1910, the first trip with passengers departed from Mendoza (Argentina) to Los Andes (Chile), being Uspallata Station one of the most important points of the itinerary. The Transandino, for 74 years, was one of the most important projects that integrated Argentina with Chile.
During Spanish colonial times, Uspallata was a strategic resting and supply point on the Camino Real.
The route connected Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Santiago (Chile). It was a key place for travelers and traders who ventured across the mountain range, providing shelter, food and pack animals. In addition, an important mining industry was established in Uspallata in the 19th century, being recognized for its silver, lead and copper deposits.
Currently, Uspallata is a popular tourist destination due to its history, its exceptional natural environment and the possibility of practicing several outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, trekking, ski touring, etc. The combination of its historical heritage, its scenic beauty, the typical gastronomy of Mendoza and the warmth of its people, make Uspallata a unique place that invites visitors to delve into its fascinating past and enjoy the majesty of the Precordillera and the Andes Mountains.
MAIN PLACES OF THE CIRCUIT
• Cerro Tunduqueral, located 7 km from Uspallata, the hill is characterized by its more than 400 petroglyphs engraved on 22 rocky supports. The autochthonous vegetation has an important variety of bushes, predominantly the jarilla. The tunduque is the predominant rodent in this place, giving its name to the hill. It is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.
• Las Bóvedas Museum, the building represents metal smelting furnaces. It is estimated that it was built in the XVII century by the Jesuits, to melt the minerals extracted from the Paramillos Mines. The vaults are historically linked to the Andes Army, because in January 1817 Colonel Juan Gregorio de Las Heras transited with a column of approximately 1,000 soldiers and militiamen to cross the Andes, and thus participate in the Battle of Chacabuco for Chile to regain its independence. Following this column, Captain Luis Beltrán transported the Battle Artillery of the Army of the Andes.
• Cerro Siete Colores, located in the Precordillera uspallatina, near the Provincial Route 13, the presence of minerals gives a variety of colors to the hill, which are changing according to the location of the sun. In this wonder of nature we can make a moderate trekking that will take us to the high part, from where we will see the Aconcagua Hill (6.962 meters above sea level), the highest mountain of the American continent.located in the Precordillera uspallatina, near the Provincial Route 13, the presence of minerals gives a variety of colors to the hill, which are changing according to the location of the sun. In this wonder of nature we can make a moderate trekking that will take us to the high part, from where we will see the Aconcagua Hill (6.962 meters above sea level), the highest mountain of the American continent.
• Camino del Inca, traveling along National Route 149, north of Uspallata we will find the Tambillos Inca Tambo Ruins, which materializes a point of the Inca Trail that connected Cuzco (Peru) with the Valley of Uspallata (Argentina). From a viewpoint you can see the Tambo organization (resting place for hikers), the Cordillera del Tigre, which highlights the Tambillo mountain (5,680 meters above sea level) with its imposing glacier, and the Precordillera with its very particular morphology and intense colors. It is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.
circuit details
• Período: Year-round.
• Duration of the visits: 5 hours.
What makes this experience so memorable?
• Departure from Uspallata
• Cerro Tunduqueral
• “Las Bóvedas” museum
• Cerro “7 Colores”
• Camino del Inca (Tambillo Ruins)
• Arrival at Uspallata
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