This circuit begins at the famous Uspallata Vaults (1900 m.s.) located 124 km from the City of Mendoza. It covers the entire International Route N ° 7 that connects with the neighboring country Chile. The most important thing to keep in mind during this circuit is to know the elevation above sea level that we will have in each section of the road.
Another point that we can not go unnoticed is knowing that the RN 7 is the largest land connection between Argentina and Chile, so the transit of vehicles (especially trucks) is constant, it is recommended to leave the route every time a truck is Behind us, wait for it to happen and then continue the journey. While the passage of trucks is constant it is also true that the vast majority of drivers have a lot of respect. The most complicated from our point of view are usually some bus drivers who do not lower speed. In spite of this it is a wonderful route of excellent state of the route, that crosses incredible landscapes, accompanied by the Mendoza River, to arrive until the border with Chile.
During the Uspallata – Penitentes (2450 m.m.) stretch we will cross the towns of (military settlement) or Punta de Vacas (military settlement, truck stop, mountain refuges). In this stretch the elevation begins to feel, although with much up and down, which makes it more enjoyable. Before the afternoon falls we will arrive at Los Penitentes where we recommend to spend the night in a refuge.
In these last 28 km. from Penitentes (2450 masl) to Las Cuevas (3200 masl) where the Cristo Redentor Monument is located, symbol of fraternity between both countries; we can stop to know Puente del Inca, the Aconcagua Provincial Park and its Horcones Lagoon. We arrive at Las Cuevas, where the border tunnel is located around 3 pm. Throughout this last journey there are a dozen tunnels where it is mandatory to use both front and rear lights and also to cross them at “maximum speed”. Undoubtedly this road is a great experience for all lovers of cycling and nature. Adrenaline at all times.
