What wildlife will I definitely see?

The reserve hosts eagles, condors, pumas, guanacos (wild llama relatives), and ostriches, though sightings depend on season and time of day. Condors and pumas are most active in early morning. Flowering cacti and endemic high-desert plants are reliably visible year-round.

How difficult is the hiking?

The tour involves moderate walking across foothills terrain at 2,000+ metres elevation. Trails are established but uneven; sturdy footwear is essential. Altitude may cause breathlessness for those unaccustomed to high elevations.

What is the Villavicencio Resort, and why is it abandoned?

Built in the 1920s as a luxury spa destination, the resort was closed decades ago and now stands as atmospheric ruins. It's a striking piece of Argentine Belle Époque architecture and a poignant historical landmark accessible within the reserve.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Children aged 8+ with moderate fitness can manage the walking and altitude. Very young children or those with altitude sensitivity should consult the operator. The scenic and wildlife aspects appeal to curious kids.

Layers (it's cool at altitude), sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses), 2L+ water, and a camera. The 5-hour duration is manageable without extensive gear, but don't underestimate the sun's intensity at elevation.

How far is it from Mendoza city, and what's included in the tour?

The reserve is in the nearby Andean foothills, accessible by minivan transport from central Mendoza (included). The package covers guided interpretation, monument and resort access, and time for hiking and wildlife observation. Meals and accommodation are not included.

Villavicencio Natural Reserve Half-Day Tour from Mendoza

Admire the spectacular views during your tour!

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Villavicencio Natural Reserve Half-Day Tour from Mendoza

(5)

Mendoza, Argentina

Day Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan ToursCity Tours

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About this activity

Explore one of Argentina's most expansive protected landscapes on this half-day excursion into the Andean foothills, where high-altitude terrain hosts Andean condors, pumas, and guanacos alongside mineral-rich springs and historic colonial architecture. The 70,000-hectare reserve offers dramatic mountain vistas and access to the evocative ruins of a 1920s spa resort, combining wildlife viewing with scenic hiking and cultural heritage.

Take a 5-hour guided tour to the Villavicencio Natural Reserve, which is known for its beauty and its mineral springs. Home to eagles, condors, pumas, guanacos and ostriches as well as flowering cacti and many other animals and plants, the reserve covers 172,974 acres (70,000 hectares). Tour the foothills of the Andes and visit the Monument of Canota and the hauntingly beautiful old resort spa of Villavicencio, where there will be plenty of time to relax. You’ll have plenty of opportunities and vantage points to take in the splendor of the eye-pleasing natural reserve.

Highlights

✓Spot Andean wildlife including condors, eagles, pumas, guanacos, and wild ostriches
✓Hike through high-desert terrain with flowering cacti and endemic flora
✓Visit the atmospheric, abandoned Villavicencio Resort Spa—a haunting architectural remnant from Argentina's Belle Époque
✓Stand at the Monument of Canota with sweeping Andes panoramas
✓Natural mineral springs and cool mountain air at 2,000+ metres elevation

Insider tips

★Bring layers: mornings are crisp at altitude, but afternoon sun is intense; a windbreaker and hat are essential
★Visit early in the tour for best wildlife sightings—condors and pumas are most active before midday heat sets in
★The resort ruins photograph beautifully in golden hour (late afternoon); plan photo time accordingly

Good to know

•Duration is 5 hours total; allow 30–45 minutes of moderate hiking at altitude
•Departure is by minivan from central Mendoza; exact meeting point provided at confirmation
•High elevation (2,000+ m) may cause mild altitude effects; arrive hydrated and avoid rushing on arrival
•Sturdy walking shoes required; sun protection (SPF 50+) essential due to thin atmosphere and reflective terrain

Who it's for

Nature and birding enthusiasts seeking Andean condor and puma encountersHistory buffs drawn to the haunting abandoned resort and colonial landscapeModerate hikers comfortable at 2,000+ metres elevationPhotographers seeking dramatic mountain and architectural imagery

Best time to visit

Visit May–November (autumn/winter/spring) for cooler temperatures, lower altitude strain, and highest likelihood of condor activity. Early morning departures (before 10 a.m.) offer clearer skies and better wildlife visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Grace E.

Feb 2026

Not bad but not great, the bit at the end nobody expects we like but came away with 200+ photos only. Maybe can improve, little bit expensive.

Pete J.

Aug 2025

our guide Elena couldnt do enough for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and spot on for a couples day out, and ran the full 4 hours promised.

Ray V.

Jul 2025

our guide Jonas was brilliant and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and for our anniversary.

Chris C.

Jul 2025

our guide Mateo was nice enough, but a stop the guide added on the fly felt a bit rushed honestly, and used it for our summer trip, tbh

Pete C.

Mar 2025

the bit at the end nobody expects unreal. perfect for first-timers, and ran the full 4 hours promised, def recommend

from€38.94€38.93/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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