Andes Mountains
Andes Mountains
4.5
About
Measuring 4,500 miles from north to south, the Andes Mountain range is one of the largest in the world.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Andes Mountains
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
53 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
14
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
sandypink1
Melbourne, Australia157 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
This was the reason we flew to Mendoza - to take the bus to Santiago through the Andes mountains. It was one of the best trips I have ever done. The cost was about USD50.00! This included a light lunch and afternoon tea, served by one of the drivers. Bus travel in Argentina is fantastic. Double decker bus - huge leather seats that recline and have foot rests and cup holders. Also have 3 tv screens running movies in English. Upstairs was where we sat. The trip takes 6 hours plus about 2 hours at the border. The scenery is absolutely stunning! We went in January and we could still see snow on the mountain tops! On the way down the mountains through Chile, the road has 29 curves, known as switchbacks - awesome! Well worth doing this trip in Argentina!
Written 2 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WandererSun
Sydney, Australia331 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
After spending some days in Santiago, we got on a bus (called Nevada - apparently a sister company of Andesmar) for a 7 hour journey over Andes mountains to Mendoza. We got the executive seats downstairs and were given some tea and cookies along the way. We later on heard the following day tons of buses got stranded up in the mountains due to snow. We got lucky! The bus ride was fairly pleasant and because we chose the day time to be on the bus, we got to see the scenery along the way as the bus drove on the winding path going up and down the hills. It is a common practice to tip the luggage handler. Keep some small change as you will need to tip about 3 times (when departing Chile, at the border, then when arriving at Argentina).
Andes mountain appeared to be very dry and windy at the time of our visit. At the border between Chile and Argentina, we got out of the bus, lined up to get exit stamp on the passport from Chile and lined up right next booth to get stamped for entry to Argentina. After all the bags got checked, we hopped on the bus again heading to the destination. Along the Argentine side, there were some ski slopes and lifts at various locations.
Andes mountain appeared to be very dry and windy at the time of our visit. At the border between Chile and Argentina, we got out of the bus, lined up to get exit stamp on the passport from Chile and lined up right next booth to get stamped for entry to Argentina. After all the bags got checked, we hopped on the bus again heading to the destination. Along the Argentine side, there were some ski slopes and lifts at various locations.
Written 10 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Santiago, Chile10 contributions
Dec 2013 • Solo
A great experience in the Andes mountains on a trip lasting several hours from Mendoza by 4WD and visiting the villages close to the border with Chile. Explore the Potrerillos Dam, mountain village of Uspallata, the peaks of the Aconcagua, an abandoned train station, enjoying a gourmet lunch with wine at Las Cuevas and so many great things that guests can freely explorea
Written 2 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Lincoln, CA2,354 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
We drove from Santiago to Mendoza on a clear cool sunny day. The Chilean side is very different from the Argentine side of the mountains. Very little snow during January which is their summer. Some parts look like the painted desert in the U.S. We got up to about 9000 feet in the ski area which was like a desert at this time. The road has a lot of switch backs on the Chilean side with some waiting for construction of about a half hour. Took about 45 minutes to get through Argentine customs, and 10 minutes on return to Chile. Worth the three hour ride. Stopped for lunch on return trip at a hotel on a lake on the Chilean side for a very nice lunch overlooking the lake.
Written 31 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelbourneLola
Tatui, SP160 contributions
Jan 2011
We visited in Summer and took the chairlift to the top (which you have to pay for), to the next level (around 3,000+ metres). The view was incredible.
It was 31 degrees C, in Santiago,You will need sunscrean, a hat and maybe a light jacket on the mountain, as the cold wind is strong..
There are masses of colourful wild flowers all the way to the top of the mountain.
It was 31 degrees C, in Santiago,You will need sunscrean, a hat and maybe a light jacket on the mountain, as the cold wind is strong..
There are masses of colourful wild flowers all the way to the top of the mountain.
Written 29 January 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
product-of-canada
Toronto, Canada2,475 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
With a visit to Chile, we felt that a visit to the Andes was a must. So we booked a day trip through AndoAndes Chile. For those looking for a more relaxed hike within one day, this was a good option.
It was incredibly busy when we went, which happened to be a holiday. It was funny to see so many locals and South American tourists (e.g., from Brazil) here to experience the 'novelty' of snow. Tourists and tour groups make a special stop for snow pants, snow boots and gloves. This was not really needed, unless you want to roll around in the snow and go tobogganing (which many were indeed doing).
Our tour ended with wine and cheese outside, with a beautiful view.
It was incredibly busy when we went, which happened to be a holiday. It was funny to see so many locals and South American tourists (e.g., from Brazil) here to experience the 'novelty' of snow. Tourists and tour groups make a special stop for snow pants, snow boots and gloves. This was not really needed, unless you want to roll around in the snow and go tobogganing (which many were indeed doing).
Our tour ended with wine and cheese outside, with a beautiful view.
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
London, UK26 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
On recent tour of SA we had originally booked flights from Santiago to Buenos Aires but found ourselves with a spare day so looked into hiring a car for a road trip but found it wasn’t possible to take a hire car across the border. No trains either. We came across a review somewhere about a bus trip and got excited about the thought of travelling by land through the Andes as we thought the views would be even more spectacular than flying.
We were not disappointed. This route was one of the high lights of our whole trip. 5 hours of spectacular, dramatic. Incredible views with not many other vehicles around. Sadly, as usual, the photos we took do not do it justice at all to the point where I am slightly reluctant to show anyone! The terrain changes significantly from the green of Santiago, stark baroness of the Andes, then it’s quite something to see green again at the other end.
We travelled with Andesmar, the coach was very clean and seats were large and comfortable. You aren’t able to book more than a month in advance but you can reserve seats we had two at the top front which really paid off.
At the border, everyone had to get off and go through a passport check, all the luggage is taken off and the the bus searched. A little tip, it was really cold in the lofty hanger type building and not possible to get back on the bus for a jumper. Also, no loo roll on the bus so take your own.
We had tea/coffee, long life bun and sandwich offered during the trip so best to take your own if you prefer something else as no opportunity to buy anything en route.
I would definitely recommend this trip and would do it again even though it’s sited as a dangerous road I am guessing that certain times of the year are more dangerous as maybe the roads are busier.
P.s. Mendoza is a good place to stop, lots of pavement cafes/restaurants and craft beer bars, every street is tree lined and of course it’s the home of Malbec!
We were not disappointed. This route was one of the high lights of our whole trip. 5 hours of spectacular, dramatic. Incredible views with not many other vehicles around. Sadly, as usual, the photos we took do not do it justice at all to the point where I am slightly reluctant to show anyone! The terrain changes significantly from the green of Santiago, stark baroness of the Andes, then it’s quite something to see green again at the other end.
We travelled with Andesmar, the coach was very clean and seats were large and comfortable. You aren’t able to book more than a month in advance but you can reserve seats we had two at the top front which really paid off.
At the border, everyone had to get off and go through a passport check, all the luggage is taken off and the the bus searched. A little tip, it was really cold in the lofty hanger type building and not possible to get back on the bus for a jumper. Also, no loo roll on the bus so take your own.
We had tea/coffee, long life bun and sandwich offered during the trip so best to take your own if you prefer something else as no opportunity to buy anything en route.
I would definitely recommend this trip and would do it again even though it’s sited as a dangerous road I am guessing that certain times of the year are more dangerous as maybe the roads are busier.
P.s. Mendoza is a good place to stop, lots of pavement cafes/restaurants and craft beer bars, every street is tree lined and of course it’s the home of Malbec!
Written 18 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DuWayneM
Bangkok, Thailand59 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
From mid-Oct to mid-Nov, we visited Chile. I wanted to be there in the spring time south of the equator. It was chilly except for the last 2 days we were there. We took in several tours: the Cena Dinner and Show, Valpraiso & Vina del Mar,Cajon del Maipo, & the Concha Y Toro winery. My take on these tours. If you've seen dinner and shows in the Philippines and Hawaii, you might want to skip this show. The food was OK, not the gormet class. The dancing is similar to that done in the Philippines and Hawaii. Maybe due to the Spanish influence in both countries. I think the Filipinos due them more lively. The other dances show their Polynesnia influence. Chile owns Easter island.
The Andes were fantastic. It was sping time, but the mountains it was cold. I recommend a tour to the Andes. We took 2. My highlight was Valparaiso, an old colorful city on the Pacific ocean. The grafittii was colorful, streets were quaint and the old charm of the city came through. I advise a traveler to take a winery tour. We enjoyed the concha y Toro winery the most. The grounds were beautiful. Wine was good too. Santiago city has nice sights. Be sure to visit San Cristbol mountain and trip the tramp up the to top.
We booked most of our tours in advance using turistik. There are other services too and booking in Santiago seemed easy.
The Andes were fantastic. It was sping time, but the mountains it was cold. I recommend a tour to the Andes. We took 2. My highlight was Valparaiso, an old colorful city on the Pacific ocean. The grafittii was colorful, streets were quaint and the old charm of the city came through. I advise a traveler to take a winery tour. We enjoyed the concha y Toro winery the most. The grounds were beautiful. Wine was good too. Santiago city has nice sights. Be sure to visit San Cristbol mountain and trip the tramp up the to top.
We booked most of our tours in advance using turistik. There are other services too and booking in Santiago seemed easy.
Written 23 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kanford46
Kensington, MD77 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
All
Trying to find the proper bus at the station in Santiago is a bit of a challenge!! From Mendoza I suspect it would not be as challenging.
The border crossing is 'complicated' as our bus driver said. It took us 2 hours which I understand is sort of the norm, Have heard stories of folks taking a LOT longer.
Still I would recommend this trip for anyone who has not done it, The Chilean side is spectacular!! The Argentine side more of a long slog down.
DKS
Trying to find the proper bus at the station in Santiago is a bit of a challenge!! From Mendoza I suspect it would not be as challenging.
The border crossing is 'complicated' as our bus driver said. It took us 2 hours which I understand is sort of the norm, Have heard stories of folks taking a LOT longer.
Still I would recommend this trip for anyone who has not done it, The Chilean side is spectacular!! The Argentine side more of a long slog down.
DKS
Written 30 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SavantIII_11
Centerville, OH103,414 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
We had the great, good fortune to view the sunrise over the Andes, as our flight descended into Santiago.
Our visit in late September offered a few views of the Andes from Santiago.
Our visit in late September offered a few views of the Andes from Santiago.
Written 14 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi everyone, will be in Santiago, Chile between 21-27 January 2020 (flying in from London, UK).
Whilst I appreciate it will be the summer months in Chile, just wondering if we need to dress 'warm' for our tour around the Andes?
Any help is appreciated - really don't want to pack thick jumpers, jackets or boots if we don't need to :)
Written 14 January 2020
How was the trip back via CATA? I'm just about to book the same trip (but from Santiago to Mendoza via CATA. Would love to hear your experience... thanks in advance
Written 27 November 2018
When and what is the best way to buy a ticket for Mendoza to Santiago by bus, Are any of the bus lines better than others?
Written 17 January 2018
We bought our tickets at the bus station days before the bus trip over the Andes. We were able to get the exact seats that we wanted. We had come from Santiago to Mendoza on Andesmar, but were not impressed. The attendant was rude and did not seem to like his job at all. The trip was supposed to be 8 hours, but the traffic over the mountains was good and the time at Customs & Immigration was only an hour, so the entire trip was about 7 hours with no stops or chance to get food. The only thing we got was a cookie and coffee/tea about 30 minutes after departure! Take snacks or a sandwich! We are traveling by Cata tomorrow to Santiago from Mendoza, so hope they will be better. And we are bringing food!
Written 26 January 2018
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing