3 200 m
Day hike
Vega Inferior (Las Veguitas)
Easy1h30 from the refuge+400 m
The valley's warm-up hike. Marked trail, no technical difficulty, ideal for the first day and to start feeling the altitude. Doable even as a day visit.
Refugio San Bernardo · Vallecitos · Cordón del Plata
Trekking in Vallecitosthe routes of the Cordón del Plata
From day hikes to high-altitude summits: every route in the valley, with Refugio San Bernardo as your base at 2 800 m
2 800m — the refuge
80km — from Mendoza
8+routes and summits
The Vallecitos valley
A mountain school 80 km from Mendoza
Vallecitos, in the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park, is one of the best places in Mendoza for mountain trekking. Just 80 km from the city, the valley packs trails for every level into a few kilometers: from gentle walks to summits above 5 000 meters.
The great strength of the Cordón del Plata is progression. You can start with a day hike to Las Veguitas and, in the same week, climb higher to Cerro San Bernardo or Cerro Vallecitos. Refugio San Bernardo, at 2 800 m, is the starting point for nearly all of these routes.
The routes
From the day hike to the high summit
Every route starts from Refugio San Bernardo or nearby. They are ordered from easiest to hardest. Times are indicative: they depend on your pace, acclimatization and the day's conditions.
Routes ordered from easiest to hardest. Respect the progression.
3 460 m
Day hike
Vega Superior
Easy+30 min from Vega Inferior~2h from the refuge
Thirty minutes above Vega Inferior, with wider views over the Cordón. An excellent acclimatization walk before tackling the summits.
3 580 m
Day hike
Piedra Grande
Moderate3.5 – 4 h+780 m
The classic day trek in Vallecitos. A steady climb to the Piedra Grande camp, with open views over the valley and the 5 000-m peaks at its head.
4 200 m
High camp
El Salto
ModerateMulti-day trekfrom the refuge to El Salto
The valley's great traverse: from the refuge, via Vega Inferior, Vega Superior and Piedra Grande, up to the El Salto camp. It is the base camp for the high summits and a first night sleeping at altitude.
4 180 m
Summit
Cerro San Bernardo
Demanding~5h up · 7 – 9h round trip+1 380 m
The peak that gives the refuge its name, and an excellent first 4 000-m summit. The trail fades in places above 3 700 m, with scree and false paths: navigation matters. It clouds over early, so the descent demands attention.
4 296 m
Summit
Cerro Adolfo Calle
Demanding~8h round trip+1 496 m · links with Stepanek (4 194 m)
The reference 4 000-m peak of the Cordón, easier to read than San Bernardo. Marked trail to the shoulder, then scree to the pyramidal summit. Often linked with its neighbor Cerro Stepanek in the same day.
5 469 m
High altitude
Cerro Vallecitos
ExpeditionMulti-day expedition+2 669 m · III° UIAA climbing move
The most climbed 5 000-m peak of the Cordón. Normal route via the south ridge; the summit requires a few climbing moves and high-mountain gear. Prior acclimatization essential.
See in the Aconcagua guide →5 968 m
High altitude
Cerro El Plata
Expedition6 – 7 day expeditionthe highest summit of the Cordón
The roof of the Cordón del Plata. A 6 to 7-day expedition with camps at El Salto and La Hoyada. From the summit, a direct view of Aconcagua. Only with experience and full acclimatization.
See in the Aconcagua guide →Easy — marked trail, day hike, no technical difficulty
Moderate — steady climb or multi-day, good fitness
Demanding — 4 000-m summits, terrain reading, experience
Expedition — high altitude, technical gear and prior acclimatization
The mountain is not a game
For summit ascents in the Cordón del Plata, hiring a certified mountain guide is more than recommended. Even on beginner routes, the terrain, altitude and weather pose real risks. Refugio San Bernardo can help you get in touch with local guides.
From the refuge's 2 800 m you are already in high-mountain terrain. The Cordón's weather is very unstable year round and can change in minutes: strong wind, snow, fog and sub-zero temperatures. Always check the forecast and register your outing before heading up.
Practical information
Before you go what you should know
Best season
The trekking season runs from November to March (southern summer), with more stable days. Outside that window, the routes require winter experience.
Getting there
80 km from the city of Mendoza via Potrerillos. The last stretch is mountain road: check its condition with the refuge.
Gear
Trekking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, hat and gloves even in summer, and plenty of water. For the summits, high-mountain gear.
Acclimatization
Go up gradually. Gain altitude each day and sleep lower. An easy walk on the first day helps avoid altitude sickness.
Your base in the valley
Refugio San Bernardo the starting point
At 2 800 m, the refuge is the base for almost every route in Vallecitos. Mountain lodging, home cooking, hot showers, a live camera and Cordón forecast, and a team that knows every trail.
Book your spot
Your next adventure starts in Vallecitos
Refuge spots are limited in high season (November to March). Book in advance to secure your base in the mountains.
Refugio San Bernardo · Vallecitos · Luján de Cuyo · Mendoza, Argentina · 2 800 m