Reviewed · HIKING & TREKKING

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience

5.0 · 11 reviews 6 to 8 hours (approx.) From $225 Operated by Destino Montaña · Bookable on Viator
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If you like your day trips with both legs and flavor, this one hits the sweet spot. You get full-day trekking in the Andes front range, then you finish with a local Asado barbecue that actually feels like Argentina, not a picnic assembly line.

I especially like that the experience is built around a bilingual professional trekking guide, plus a full food setup including coffee, snacks, and even alcoholic beverages. I also like the people side of it, from the guide team to the cook, because they focus on making the day feel personal, not rushed.

One thing to consider is the hike can get tougher with weather. Even when it is manageable, snow and cold can make the day harder than you might expect, so bring proper layering and be ready to move at a mountain pace.

Key highlights at a glance

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - Key highlights at a glance

  • Front-range Andes trekking with a guide who keeps you moving safely
  • Las Vegas town route on the way into the mountains from Mendoza
  • Real Asado barbecue with coffee and snacks after the hike
  • Alcoholic beverages included, plus options for dietary needs when you request them
  • Small private group with a bilingual trekking guide, transport, and insurance

Andes Views Plus a Real Asado, Starting From Mendoza

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - Andes Views Plus a Real Asado, Starting From Mendoza
This tour works because it does two things well in one long day: it gets you up into the Andes, and it rewards you afterward with an Argentine barbecue that feels like a proper meal. The morning is about the mountains, and the afternoon is about slowing down, eating well, and enjoying the people who made the whole day happen.

The vibe is practical. You are not stuck on a bus all day with a quick photo stop. You are hiking, learning a bit along the way, and then you get to eat like you mean it, including coffee and snacks. If you care about authentic food more than food photos, you will feel at home with the Asado focus.

The other big value for me is the human setup. You are not just getting a guide, you are getting a whole team. In real operations, cooks and drivers are part of making the day smooth, and it matters when weather changes and the schedule needs flexibility.

More Full-Day Tours in Mendoza

How the Day Flows: Las Vegas Town to the Front Range

Your day starts at 8:30 am in Mendoza. From there, transportation takes you out toward the Andes front range, passing through Las Vegas town along the way. That route detail matters because it frames the day as a mountain outing, not just a quick drive and walk.

Pickup is offered, but there is a limit: pickup further than 20 km from Mendoza City is not included. If you are staying outside the city center, check your exact hotel location early so you do not get surprised.

Once you are in the mountain approach zone, the guide sets the tone for the trek. You will get a plan for pacing, breaks for photos, and time to reach the best viewpoints before you head back for lunch. The scheduling is designed to fit a day that runs about 6 to 8 hours overall.

If your group makes a mistake with communication or timing, the team structure is meant to catch it. I like that because it usually keeps small problems from turning into a bad day.

The Trek: Pace, Distance, and Weather Reality

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - The Trek: Pace, Distance, and Weather Reality
This hike is set up so that most travelers can participate, with a minimum age of 10 years. That does not mean it is a stroll. It is a real outdoor hike, and some groups describe a distance around 10 km, with conditions that can change fast.

Weather is the main variable. One day can be cold and snowy, and another can feel calmer. When snow shows up, it can make a normal hike feel more technical, especially on uneven ground or when traction is needed. The guides handle this by adjusting the pacing and helping you stay steady.

What I like is that the guide team may come prepared with extras. In one example, a guide helped the crew through harder snowy parts while making sure everyone had what they needed, including extra poles and warm items like hats and gloves. That is exactly what you want on a day where conditions can flip.

Also, your guide will not just shepherd you from point A to point B. You get breaks for pictures and a chance to enjoy the top section without feeling like you are constantly sprinting. It is a mountain day, but the rhythm is meant to stay friendly.

BBQ After the Hike: Asado, Coffee, and Included Drinks

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - BBQ After the Hike: Asado, Coffee, and Included Drinks
The best part of the day, for many people, is the food. After you finish the trek, you move into an Asado-style barbecue meal that is more than a snack stop. You also get coffee and snacks with the meal.

Alcoholic beverages are included, which changes the feel of the afternoon. You are not paying extra to toast the day, and that can add to the social tone after time outside. In practice, you may find wine offered, and some groups specifically call out Malbec with their meal.

One practical note: tell the team about any dietary requirements when you book. You can request vegetarian options, and that is not treated like a last-minute workaround. It is planned for, which makes the meal feel inclusive instead of awkward.

If you are someone who gets hangry after a hike, this is a good setup. It is structured so you can burn energy on the trek and then refuel properly without needing to hunt down food in town afterward.

More Hiking & Trekking in Mendoza

Your Team Matters: Bilingual Guides, Cook, and Drivers

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - Your Team Matters: Bilingual Guides, Cook, and Drivers
This tour runs with a bilingual professional trekking guide, and it is genuinely worth paying attention to how that changes your experience. When you can ask simple questions and get real answers, the hike stops being just scenery and starts being a story you can follow.

In past trips, guides such as Daniela, Christina, and Pablo have led groups, each with their own style but a similar focus on care and mountain knowledge. You can expect explanations about the local area and the mountains, and you will usually get help with pacing and preparation when weather is unpredictable.

Then there is the cook. When Walter is part of the team, the Asado portion comes across as a real meal, not a generic barbecue. That matters because the cook is what turns “included” into “actually good.”

Drivers and contacts matter too. Joaquín has been part of the pre-day coordination, and Vanina has helped with the driving side in some groups. When the full team is invested, the day feels smoother even if communication glitches happen.

Because this is a private tour/activity, only your group participates. That keeps the experience more personal, and it reduces the awkwardness of being rushed through someone else’s schedule.

Price and Value for a 6 to 8 Hour Private Outdoor Day

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - Price and Value for a 6 to 8 Hour Private Outdoor Day
At $225.00 per person, this is not a bargain-bin activity. But for what you get, it can feel fair.

Here is why: you are paying for a full guided mountain day with transportation, insurance, a bilingual guide, and a real Asado meal setup that includes coffee, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. Add in the fact that this is private, and the value calculation shifts from “just a hike” to “a planned day with logistics handled.”

It also helps that the tour is flexible with people needs. You can advise dietary requirements at booking, and the guides and cook work to handle those requests. That kind of accommodation is hard to price, but it is part of what makes the day work well.

The duration, 6 to 8 hours, is a sweet spot. It is long enough to feel like a real excursion, but not so long that you burn the entire day. If you are visiting Mendoza for a short trip, this can slot neatly into a day when you want active time plus a proper meal.

One more small value point: mobile tickets are offered, and English is available. That reduces friction, especially if you are traveling with limited Spanish.

What to Bring, and Who This Trip Fits Best

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - What to Bring, and Who This Trip Fits Best
Since personal gear is not included, pack like you are doing a real mountain hike. Wear layers, not one outfit you hope will do everything. Cold and snow can happen, and your guide may provide extras like poles or warm items in tough conditions, but you should still show up prepared.

Also think about footwear. You want something that can grip on uneven paths. If the trail gets snowy or slick, sturdy shoes matter more than you think.

This tour is a good fit if:

  • You want Andes hiking from Mendoza without planning logistics yourself
  • You care about Asado as a centerpiece, not an afterthought
  • You want a guided day where someone adjusts the pace for real conditions
  • You want a private group experience with a bilingual guide

It might be less ideal if:

  • You are expecting a gentle walk with guaranteed warm weather
  • You need a very lightweight, low-effort outing
  • You are staying more than 20 km outside Mendoza City and do not want to arrange alternative pickup

If you are traveling with kids, note the minimum age is 10. For families, it can work well if your group is comfortable with a several-hour hike in cold conditions.

Should You Book This Andes Trekking and Barbecue Tour?

Full day trekking & Barbecue local experience - Should You Book This Andes Trekking and Barbecue Tour?
If your idea of a great Mendoza day is hiking in the Andes front range and ending with a real Asado, this is an easy yes. The combination of guided trekking, included food, and a team that takes care of people makes it feel like a planned experience, not a gamble.

Book it if you want:

  • A full-day active outing that ends in comfort with coffee, snacks, and barbecue
  • A private group format so the guide can focus on your pace
  • The chance for vegetarian accommodations when you tell them at booking
  • A team that handles cold and snow realities without dropping the ball

Pass or at least think twice if:

  • You are very weather-sensitive and hate cold conditions
  • You cannot do a hike that may be around 10 km depending on conditions
  • You will need pickup outside the included range and want that solved for you

FAQ

What is included in the full day trekking and barbecue?

The tour includes a bilingual professional trekking guide, transportation, insurance, snacks, coffee, Asado barbecue, and alcoholic beverages. It also includes general snack support during the outing.

Do they offer pickup from Mendoza?

Yes, pickup is offered, but pickup further than 20 km of Mendoza City is not included. If you are outside the city area, confirm your pickup location before booking.

How long does the experience last?

The tour runs about 6 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

What is the minimum age, and is it suitable for most people?

The minimum age is 10 years. Most travelers can participate, but the hike can be affected by mountain weather, so bring appropriate gear and expect a real hike.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The cut-off times use local experience time.

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