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Villavicencio Natural Reserve: An Andean Oasis

Discover the untamed beauty of Villavicencio Natural Reserve: Hike, explore, and connect with Argentina's stunning Andean wilderness.

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Escape to the Villavicencio Natural Reserve, a sprawling protected area in Mendoza, Argentina, celebrated for its stunning Andean landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical significance [4, 8]. Explore hiking trails, spot native animals, and discover the iconic Hotel Villavicencio, a relic of a bygone era [4, 8, 15].

A brief summary to Villavicencio Natural Reserve

  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear layers, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking. There are limited options for purchasing food and drinks within the reserve.
  • Visit the Interpretation Center near the entrance to learn about the reserve's history, geology, flora, and fauna.
  • Be aware that the entrance fee to the reserve must be paid with a credit or debit card, as cash is not accepted [12].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Mendoza city, take a bus to the Las Heras bus terminal [4, 13, 17]. From there, catch a local bus (check for RP52 route) towards Villavicencio Natural Reserve [4, 13, 17]. Inform the driver you wish to get off at the Villavicencio stop (RP52 km 51) [4]. The bus ride takes approximately 1.5 hours [4]. Bus fare is approximately 150-200 ARS [4].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis or ride-sharing services are available from Mendoza city to Villavicencio Natural Reserve [4]. The journey is approximately 50 km and takes about 1 hour [4]. Expect to pay around 1000-1500 ARS, depending on the service and traffic conditions [4, 20].

  • Car

    From Mendoza city, take Route 40 north and continue for approximately 26 km until the junction with Route 52 (RP52) [4, 17]. Turn left onto RP52 and drive for about 25 km [4, 17]. The Villavicencio Natural Reserve is located on your right at RP52 km 51 in Las Heras [4, 17]. Note that there is a parking fee of approximately 200 ARS per car [17].

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Discover more about Villavicencio Natural Reserve

Villavicencio Natural Reserve, located 50 km north of Mendoza in the Las Heras Department, is a captivating sanctuary showcasing Argentina's natural beauty and rich history [8, 10]. Declared a natural reserve in 2000, this 70,000-hectare expanse protects diverse ecosystems, native flora and fauna, and important water resources [8, 10]. The reserve's dramatic landscapes range from 900 to 3,200 meters above sea level, encompassing three distinct environments: Monte, Cardonal, and Puna [8, 10]. These varied habitats support over 200 plant and 240 animal species, including guanacos, pumas, foxes, condors, and black eagles [8]. The area is also known for its mineral springs, the source of much of Argentina's bottled water [9, 8]. Visitors can explore the reserve's natural wonders via scenic hiking trails that wind through ravines and mountain valleys [9, 4]. The trails offer opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the Andes [4]. A key point of interest is the historic Hotel Villavicencio, built in 1940 in a European style [8]. Though no longer operating as a hotel, visitors can stroll through its gardens, designed by Carlos Thays Jr., and admire the Norman Alpine architecture [8]. The reserve also holds historical significance, as General José de San Martín marched through the area with his army during the campaign to liberate Chile and Peru [10, 11]. The Canota Monument marks the site where San Martín split his forces [8, 21].

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