Located in the Department of Las Heras, 50 km from the Center of Mendoza, the Villavicencio Natural Reserve was created on September 14, 2000. Although it is still little visited by tourists, the reserve offers incredible attractions and landscapes to its visitors.
The Villavicencio Natural Reserve is a conservation area, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The area where the reserve is located was once home to the iconic Hotel Villavicencio, a thermal water resort that operated in the 19th and early 20th centuries (it is currently deactivated).
Furthermore, the reserve promotes sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on environmental education and awareness of nature conservation. Therefore, Villavicencio is a refuge, ideal for relaxing, exploring and enjoying the stunning landscapes of Mendoza.
See too: How to get to Mendoza – best routes and tips
What to do in Villavicencio in Mendoza
The Villavicencio Natural Reserve offers many attractions and activities to its visitors, such as:
- Hotel Villavicencio: The 1940 hotel was declared a National Historic Monument in 2013. It is currently deactivated.
- Trekking in the reserve: the reserve offers several hiking options, such as the Caminho dos Caracóis. Some trails are self-guided, but others you can only explore if accompanied by a guide.
- El Balcon Viewpoint: a geological formation more than 100 meters deep formed by the direct action of wind and water.
- Cross of Paramillos: from here you can see Cerro Aconcagua, located in the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
- Birdwatching: don’t forget your binoculars to identify the numerous species of birds that inhabit the area.
- Villavicencio Park: in the reserve you will find activities such as tree climbing and zip lining.
Remember to always check the weather conditions before visiting any outdoor Mendoza attraction and be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially if you plan to visit the destination during the winter. Additionally, respect the reserve’s rules to preserve nature and enjoy a safe and responsible experience.
How to get to Villavicencio Natural Reserve
Located in the department of Las Heras, 50 km north of the city of Mendoza, access to the Villavicencio Natural Reserve is via Provincial Route 52. To get to the place, you have two main options: hire a tour or go on your own by car.
When going on your own, just rent a car (see everything about car rental in Mendoza). The roads in Mendoza are great and you can see other attractions along the way.
The tour to Villavicencio, which most tourist agencies offer, lasts half a day and includes a stop at the Historic Field of Plumerillo, where the troops of the Argentine Liberation Army were prepared. Although there are many activities in the Villavicencio Natural Reserve, during the tour you cannot do any of them.
Important information to know the reserve
- To trek there, you must take the necessary equipment and clothes, and all of this will depend on the season of the trip. Check out our text when you go to Mendoza, as we talk about what the weather is like month by month in the city and what items to take in each season.
- If you are going to visit the reserve on your own, be careful with the roads arriving in Villavicencio, as they are dirt and a little winding.
- Entrance to the reserve is paid, but you can buy tickets at the Visitor Center, which is located at the entrance to the reserve. Take advantage and get to know the Visitor Center, as it has some interesting attractions and information. There is also a cafe on site.
- To find out more information about the Villavicencio Natural Reserve, visit your site.
Location: km 50, Ruta Provincial 52,
Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina
Value: 3500 Argentine pesos and children aged 6 to 12 pay 1800 Argentine pesos. Click here to check updated prices.
Time: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
Want more information? So, check out all the articles about traveling to Mendoza, Argentina, and continue planning your trip:
Plan your trip to Mendoza
To book your hotel in Mendoza, we recommend using Booking, a booking site that we always use on our trips. In addition to the wide range of hotels, it has the best prices.
Travel insurance for Argentina, although not mandatory, is essential. It will insure you in cases of illness, accidents, theft, lost luggage and flight cancellations. The companies we recommend for taking out travel insurance are:
Mendoza is a great destination to explore by car, as it has good, flat roads and cinematic landscapes. Furthermore, one of the best options to get to know Mendoza with more comfort and convenience is by renting a car. The company we recommend for car rental is Rentcar.
Booking your tours in advance can save a lot of time during your trip. Furthermore, you can book tours from the comfort of your home and pay with your card. The companies we use and recommend are Civitatis and the Get Your Guide. Our favorite tours in Mendoza are:
The best way to stay connected in Argentina is to buy a travel chip. Thus, you have 4G internet with the best connection throughout the territory. The company we recommend is American Chipbut if you want to save, a good option is to buy a local chip.
See our travel guide for Mendoza and see all the useful tips we have put together for you.
