Villavicencio Natural Reserve Half-Day Adventure
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Villavicencio Natural Reserve's diverse flora and fauna
- Marvel at the historic Villavicencio Hotel's architecture
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mendoza's Andes foothills
- Discover the area's rich history and cultural significance
- Experience a guided tour with local experts
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Mendoza
- Guided tour of Villavicencio Natural Reserve
- Visit to historic Villavicencio Hotel
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: The tour starts at 8 AM with us picking you up from your hostel in Mendoza to begin the excursion.
You'll journey through the foothills of the Andes and pause for a while at the Monument of Canota, erected in 1935 to honor General José de San Martín. This region played a pivotal role in San Martín's fights, as it served as the route for the army during the liberation campaigns for Chile and Peru's independence.
Once in the old Villavicencio Thermal Hotel Complex, enjoy the lavish, verdant gardens, visiting the charming chapel on the grounds. The resort, once the stomping grounds for the powerful and wealthy, hasn’t been used in decades, but there’s still plenty of interest here, including natural springs. Here we will take a walking tour of its gardens and visit the interpretation center.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Caracoles viewpoint, nestled amidst the rugged terrain, offering breathtaking vistas of the encompassing mountains and the natural reserve.
Pass by: After enjoying this morning we will be returning to our hotels in the city.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour is conducted in Spanish; consider language proficiency.
- Confirm pickup location and time upon booking.
- Be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- It is recommended that you bring sunblock and wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- During the winter months (June through September), it is recommended that you wear warm clothes and bring a jacket or sweater
- You may bring your own snacks
Traveler reviews
An impossible dream, transformed into reality.
I chose the walk through the history of this place, and I was able to understand the magnitude that it had at the time, the effort that should have meant its implementation, the conception with which it was created and the greatness of the final result. A thermal hotel IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE that must have been a luxury for its time. An oasis of civilization in the middle of the mountain desert.
Nature reserve and landmark hotel
We visit the reserve as part of the excursion to the area and the old way of snails via ripio that takes you to Uspallata and that continues to be used as an alternative way. We decided not to go in our car because it's road is ripe and ledge, you can travel but I recommend to go on an excursion unless you have a van. The reserve where the hotel is located is very wooded so in summer it is very refreshing. A local guide tells us the history of the hotel and it was extremely interesting. Admission must be paid in advance or when entering on the route there is a cabin, because as in any national or provincial reserve or park there are costs of care and park rangers. In the hotel area you can walk and tour the gardens and surrounding hills, do ziplining and other activities in the trees all with additional payment.
Somewhat disappointed
The best part of the experience was seeing several guanaco, even a small baby. The hotel is interesting on the outside but you can't go inside and that was a disappointment. The trip is overpriced for this reason and it didn't include the entrance fee to the hotel grounds. The guide was really great but I would have liked more history about the hotel itself and was really interested in seeing inside.
Loveliness!!
Beautiful reservation!! A spectacular landscape! Mixed with nature!! Pure air, above all very pure water!! There is an impressive peace! Very well explained by the guide, you pay 1km before the entrance at the 1st stop. You cannot enter the hotel but you can visit its surroundings, including the chapel and the hot springs. It has a very rich and accessible buffet.
Villavicencio, an incredible place
Incredible experience that I would repeat a thousand times more! Without a doubt, Mendoza, one of the most beautiful provinces of our Argentina