Los Penitentes: Winter Activities and Mountain Scenery

Los Penitentes is located on Route 7 in the Department of Las Heras. Its roadside location makes it easy to place the town when planning your trip; the character of a stay is shaped above all by seasonal activities, snow conditions, and views of the mountain scenery. Activities vary by season, so choosing when to travel plays an important role in your plans.

Winter Activities and Weather

The ice rink is the main attraction at the Los Penitentes complex. Ice skating, culipatín sledding, and sled rides are among the seasonal activities. Depending on the weather, the offering includes activities with and without snow. Before your visit, check whether the ice rink is operating during your travel dates.

The 2024 winter program offered snowshoeing on days with suitable snowfall conditions and hiking when there was no snow. Choosing between the two activities therefore depends on snow conditions. For later periods, check the current seasonal program.

Visitor Services and Seasonal Facilities

Seasonal visitor facilities include restrooms and a paid parking lot. Food trucks supplemented the food and drink options seasonally. During the 2024 seasonal program, La Barraca offered an on-site cafeteria service. In winter 2026, Los Penitentes also had a mountain restaurant and a chairlift service. For a future trip, check which facilities are available during your season; also check the chairlift operating hours.

In a 2024 program, MAPSA Group SA announced a strategic collaboration with local providers for Penitentes. The planned offering was to include all-terrain vehicle rides along the existing mountain trail. If you are considering this activity, check in advance whether it is offered during your travel dates.

Scenery and Regional Context

From Los Penitentes, visitors can see Cerro Los Penitentes and its surroundings. In the broader region around Los Penitentes, the sandstone formations of Cerro Penitentes, shaped by wind erosion from marine sediments, are reminiscent of hooded monks.

Mendoza as a Broader Travel Destination

For a broader view of Mendoza Province, it is worth exploring its nature and hiking opportunities separately. Cerro Aconcagua is in Mendoza Province, reaches an elevation of 6,962 meters, and is the highest peak in the Americas. Aconcagua Provincial Park was designated a provincial park in 1983 and covers 71,000 hectares. Hikes across the province also vary considerably in duration and difficulty. The Laguna de Horcones Interpretive Trail is an easy hike lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, suitable for all visitor groups, weather permitting. The one-day hike to Confluencia is a moderately difficult round trip lasting 6 to 8 hours and is offered from November to April. The two options therefore include a short, easy hike subject to weather conditions and a considerably longer, moderately difficult trek available during a set season.

Discover more destinations: Bajo Lunlunta, Agrelo, Cacheuta Spa, Eva Perón, Luján De Cuyo, Las Compuertas, Guido, Puente Del Inca

Go to the broader travel overview: Luján De Cuyo.