If you’re looking for a hike that gives you stunning views without the grind of a multi-day trek, the Confluencia hike in Argentina is the one for you. Sitting at the base of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America and the second highest of the Seven Summits, this hike is an incredible way to experience the grandeur of the Andes.
Coming from South Asia, I’ve seen my fair share of towering mountains, but what really sets Aconcagua apart is its prominence—it’s the tallest in the world after Everest in that regard, and it’s impossible not to be in awe as you approach.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your hike, from the best time to go to what you should pack. Trust me, if you’re a mountain lover, this hike should be on your list!
Location
Confluencia is the first base camp of Mount Aconcagua, tucked away in the heart of Aconcagua Provincial Park. At 3,400 meters above sea level, it’s not just a pit stop for climbers aiming for the summit—it’s a hike that even the average adventurer can take on and feel like they’ve accomplished something big. Honestly, out of all the hikes I’ve done, this one nailed it in terms of effort vs. reward. The views are ridiculous. You’ll trek through the Horcones Valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks, and trust me, you’ll want to stop every few minutes just to take it all in. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just someone who likes a good day in nature, this hike is pure magic.
When to Go
The best time to hit the trail is between November and April, which is Aconcagua’s climbing season when the weather is at its friendliest. I went at the end of March, and honestly, it was perfect—clear skies, a cool breeze, and not too crowded. If you can, try to get to the park by 8 AM when it opens. You’ll have the trail to yourself for a bit before everyone else shows up. Plus, the early start gives you more time to soak in those killer views without rushing back!
Reservation Requirements and How to Book
Okay, so here’s where it gets a bit tricky—you need a permit to hike to Confluencia, and booking it isn’t the smoothest process, especially if you’re not from Argentina. First, head to the Aconcagua Provincial Park website and look for the “Day Trekking: Horcones – Confluencia” option. The site doesn’t always accept international cards (because, why make it easy, right?). If that happens, just pop into a Pago Facil in Mendoza city to pay in person. Once that’s sorted, bring your receipt and passport when you check in at the park entrance. It’s a bit of a hassle, but totally worth it once you’re out there!
The entrance fee was 1400 ARS (as of April 2024).
How to Get There
Drive
If you’re driving from Mendoza city, it’s a pretty straightforward trip along Route 7. The entrance to Parque Provincial Aconcagua is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away, so I recommend setting off by 7 AM to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the day. You’ll pass some scenic spots along the way, like Puente del Inca—a natural rock bridge worth a quick photo stop.
If you’re coming from Santiago, Chile, it’s about a 5-hour drive with spectacular mountain views all the way. Just follow Route 7, and you’ll be at the park entrance, about 15 km east of the Chile-Argentina border.
There’s a parking lot just 1 km inside the park, so you can leave your car and start the hike with Aconcagua towering ahead of you. Honestly, it’s hard to get lost—just keep walking towards that big mountain in the distance!
Guided Tour
If driving isn’t your thing or you just want the ease of having everything sorted for you, booking a guided tour is a solid option. Most tours leave from Mendoza or Uspallata and include transport, permits, and sometimes even snacks (because who doesn’t love free snacks?). Plus, you’ll have a guide who can tell you all about the park’s history, geology, and local legends as you hike. It’s also a great way to meet fellow travelers if you’re feeling social!
Public Transport
For a more budget-friendly option, you can hop on one of the three daily buses from Mendoza to Horcones. The journey takes around four hours each way, so it’s definitely a longer day out, but doable if you’re up for it. Just make sure to check the bus schedule in advance because they’re not super frequent, and missing the last one could leave you stranded (not fun). Once you arrive at the park entrance, it’s a short 1 km walk to the start of the Confluencia hike.
Overview of the Hike
Distance – 14.5 kilometers or 9 miles out and back
Timing – 4 to 6 hours of hiking (depends on your pace)
Difficulty – Moderate
Starting Elevation – 2,800 meters
Ending Elevation - 3,400 meters
Elevation Gain – 600 meters
Entry Time – 8 AM to 11 AM
Open Times – Summer only
The Hike
We arrived at the park right at 8 AM, and I think we might have been the first ones there—possibly even the ones to wake up the ranger! I would really recommend this as it gets quite crowded later in the day.
The trail starts at 2,950 meters in Horcones Valley, with Aconcagua standing proudly in the distance. The hiking route is wide and well-marked, making it easy to follow as it gently leads you through a stunning valley. About 15 minutes in, you’ll hit your first clear viewpoint of Aconcagua.
As we continued, the path took us to a suspension bridge over a mountain river. The entire way, Aconcagua is right in front of you, and in my opinion the best view you get is not from the base camp itself but the bridge you cross over the river. To me, the scenery here was the highlight of the hike. But after that, I felt like the views of the mountain itself started to fade a bit, with the surrounding peaks taking over the show.
We reached Confluencia Base Camp in just under 2 hours of trekking, and while Aconcagua didn’t quite steal the spotlight at this point, the surrounding peaks, including a nearby 5,000-meter volcano, were absolutely worth the climb. We spent a good couple of hours hanging around the base camp, enjoying some hot dogs and wine we’d brought along from Mendoza—because, really, why not? The way back was quicker, taking us about 1.5 hours to return, with the views just as stunning on the descent.
Other Options
If you’re looking for more adventure and have extra time, there are other hikes within Aconcagua Provincial Park worth considering. One popular option is the three-day trek to Plaza Francia, which offers incredible views of Aconcagua’s South Face and a more immersive mountain experience.
For those who aren’t quite ready for the full 14 km trek to Confluencia, a shorter hike but equally rewarding option is to hike up to the suspension bridge. This route is about 8 km out and back, offering amazing views of Aconcagua and the surrounding valley without the full-day commitment. It’s a great option if you’re pressed for time or just want a more relaxing day hike.
What to Pack
Packing smart is key to enjoying your hike to Confluencia. Here’s a list of essentials you shouldn’t forget:
- Passport & Permits: You’ll need these for park entry and the hike itself.
- Sunscreen: The high altitude and open terrain mean the sun is strong—don’t forget to protect yourself.
- Water: While water is available at the park entrance and base camp, be sure to carry plenty of water for at least 7 km of your hike.
- Snacks: Hiking at altitude burns more energy than you think! Bring enough food to fuel your adventure.
- Sturdy Footwear: A good pair of hiking boots or trekking shoes will make all the difference, especially on the rocky sections.
- Layers: Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so bring layers to stay warm as temperatures fluctuate.
- Camera: The views are out of this world, and you’ll definitely want to capture them.
Things to See Along the Way
Puente del Inca
One must-see on the way to Aconcagua is the Puente del Inca, a natural stone bridge formed by thermal springs that flows through the region. The vibrant colors of the bridge, combined with its history as a resting spot for Inca travelers, make it a great stop for photos and a quick stretch of the legs. It’s only about 15 km from the park entrance, so you can easily check it out before or after your hike.
Cachueta Thermal Park
For those with a bit more time and in need of some post-hike relaxation, Cachueta Thermal Park is the perfect spot. Just a short drive from Uspallata, this thermal park offers naturally heated pools where you can soak away the soreness from your hike while enjoying awesome views of the surrounding Andes. It’s the ultimate way to unwind after a day of trekking.
Tips for Confluencia Hike
A few practical tips will go a long way in making your Confluencia hike enjoyable and safe:
Altitude Awareness: Hiking at high elevations means you’ll feel the effects of altitude, especially as you approach 3,400 meters at Confluencia. Take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard. If you start feeling dizzy, short of breath, or nauseous, take breaks and stay hydrated.
Weather Conditions: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. It can get incredibly hot under the summer sun, so pack sunscreen and a hat. But don’t forget layers—a sudden change in weather can bring cold winds or even a storm. Be prepared for both extremes.
Where to Stay
For this hike, I chose to stay in Uspallata, which is about 1.5 hours from the park entrance. Staying here meant we could start the hike earlier, before the crowds rolled in, which gave us the entire trail to ourselves for a while. The town is quiet, surrounded by mountains, and staying here feels like a peaceful retreat before heading into Aconcagua Provincial Park. I stayed at Inca Roca, which was cozy, beautiful scenery, and perfect for a good night’s rest before the big hike.
After the hike, we headed straight back to Mendoza—which is about a 3-hour drive from the park. If you prefer to stay in Mendoza and do the hike as a day trip, that’s totally doable, but it does make for a long day. Mendoza offers plenty of accommodation options, and you can find some great choices on Booking.com that cater to all types of travelers, from budget to boutique. If you’d prefer something a little closer to the action, Potrerillos is another great option—halfway between Mendoza and Uspallata, with a lovely lakeside setting.
