MOUNTAIN HIGH CIRCUIT

Recommendations

• Persons interested in climbing the mountain must previously obtain a permit, presenting their National Identification Document if they are Argentinean, or their passport if they nationals of any other country.
  
• Minors between 14 and 21 years old need permission from their parents or tutors.
  
• The best time to attempt climbing is in January and February, during summer.
  
• We recommend obtaining information from the Club de Andinistas de Mendoza, at F. L. Beltran 357. Tel.: (061) 431-9870.
  
• You should be careful with high altitude sickness.

Las Cuevas
It is the last location reached by N° 7 National Route. It lies at 3112 m.a.s.l, and just 14 kilometres away from the entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, and it is also known as Villa Fronteriza de Las Cuevas, since it marks the border with the Republic of Chile.

It has an attractive Nordic style buildings, which give it a unique aspect. Two roads depart from here: the one to the right goes through the International Tunnel to Chile, and the one to the left leads to Paso Bermejo, an old route that takes the traveller to the Cristo Redentor sculpture.

It is important to consider that in winter, from July to September, although the route is paved, it may be frozen due to the altitude. For that reason, snow avalanches and landslides are frequent, so circulating on this road must be carried out with extreme caution.

The Cristo Redentor Christ Redemption Statue At nine kms from Las Cuevas, through a winding road, we reach the well-known Cristo Redentor image. It is a bronze sculpture of approximately eight meters tall and weighing six tons, located at 4200 m.a.s.l, on Paso Bermejo, the border between Argentina and Chile.

The monument was inaugurated in the year 1904, when it was declared the International Monument for Peace between both countries. It represents the image of Jesus of Nazareth, standing on Earth and holding a cross with his left arm. The image looks towards northwest, along the borderline.

It was created by the Argentinean artist Mateo Alonso, and all the materials were carried by mules from Mendoza to place them it in that location, because these animals are very effective as beasts of burden in this type of mountainous terrain.

The season for climbing up to it is from January to March. In autumn and winter it is practically impossible to reach it.

From the top of Cristo Redentor we can enjoy spectacular views towards both countries and watch the Aconcagua with its surrounding mountains. The traveller must watch carefully if he is to see the intrepid flight of a sentinel condor from the area. It is recommended to wear dresses appropriate for mountain zones.