What animals will I see on this tour?

The reserve is home to condors, eagles, pumas, guanacos, and ostriches. Wildlife sightings depend on season and time of day, with early morning typically offering better opportunities. Binoculars are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, but children should be capable of walking on uneven terrain at altitude. The 5-hour duration and some paths may be challenging for very young children; confirm mobility requirements when booking.

What is the Monument of Canota?

A historic monument located within the reserve, offering panoramic views of the Andes foothills. It's a key photo stop on the tour.

Can I swim or bathe in the mineral springs?

The reserve contains mineral springs, but pool/bathing access depends on tour operator policies and infrastructure at the site. Confirm bathing options directly with your tour provider before booking.

What should I bring on this tour?

Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring layers (temperatures fluctuate at altitude), sunscreen, a hat, water, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Camera batteries drain quickly—bring a fully charged spare.

How far is Villavicencio Natural Reserve from Mendoza city?

The reserve is located in the foothills of the Andes near Mendoza. The 5-hour tour includes transportation from the city, so exact distance varies depending on your pickup point.

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

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Mendoza, Argentina

Day Trips & ExcursionsBus & Minivan ToursCity Tours

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About this activity

Explore one of Argentina's largest protected ecosystems on this half-day tour from Mendoza, traversing 70,000 hectares of pristine Andean foothills home to condors, pumas, and guanacos. Visit the atmospheric abandoned Villavicencio Resort Spa and Monument of Canota while discovering mineral springs and diverse flora in a landscape shaped by dramatic mountain scenery.

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, and guanacos in their natural habitat
✓Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the historic Villavicencio Resort Spa
✓Visit the Monument of Canota with panoramic Andes views
✓See native flowering cacti and alpine vegetation across 70,000 hectares
✓Access mineral springs within the reserve
✓Multiple scenic vantage points for photography

Insider tips

★Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting—early morning tours offer better animal sightings as creatures are more active
★The old resort spa is atmospheric but partially deteriorated; wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain
★Camera batteries drain quickly at high altitude in bright mountain light—charge fully beforehand
★Layers are essential; Andean foothills experience rapid temperature changes between sun and shade

Good to know

•5-hour total duration includes travel from Mendoza and all stops
•Mineral springs are present but verify with operator if bathing/soaking access is included
•High-altitude terrain with uneven paths; moderate fitness recommended
•Tour departs from Mendoza city; confirm pickup location and time when booking

Who it's for

Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographersHikers and outdoor adventurersHistory buffs interested in Argentina's heritage sitesCouples seeking scenic, off-the-beaten-path experiences

Best time to visit

Visit during spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May) for mild temperatures and optimal wildlife activity. Avoid mid-winter (June–August) when higher elevations may experience snow; summer (December–February) can be extremely hot in the lower foothill areas.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Hugo K.

May 2026

dmitri our guide was class, blew our Rome one out of the water, 10/10

Alex M.

Nov 2025

Samir our guide very good, and the bit at the end nobody expects we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Paris before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Aisha T.

Mar 2025

our guide Leila really knew their stuff and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and 6 stops in about 3 hours.

from€38.94€38.93/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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