Villavicencio 4×4 Tour

The standard Villavicencio Tour is a half day and covers the areas reachable by regular road (the Caracoles, the historic hotel, the main viewpoints). The 4×4 Tour is a full day and uses specially equipped vehicles to enter remote sectors of the reserve, reachable only on unpaved tracks, with better wildlife spotting and more exclusive scenery.

It's adventurous but accessible. The route includes rough tracks, stream crossings and steep climbs, but the vehicles are properly equipped and the drivers are experts. No previous experience or special fitness is required beyond the ordinary. People with back problems or who are pregnant should check with us first.

Yes, much more. The reserve's secondary tracks see less traffic and the wildlife is more relaxed. It's common to see large herds of guanacos, red foxes, vizcachas and many birds. With luck, you'll see Andean condors in flight. The guide knows the best spots and the best times for wildlife viewing.

We use 4×4 (four-wheel drive) vehicles equipped for demanding terrain: pickups or high-clearance utility vehicles with permanent four-wheel drive. The drivers are off-road experts with years of experience in the reserve. The vehicles have all current insurance and technical inspections.

We recommend it from age 12. The 4×4 sections can be bumpy and uncomfortable for young children. If you're traveling with kids, the standard Villavicencio Tour is a better fit. For children 12 and up who love adventure, this tour is ideal.

Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are ideal: mild weather, lots of wildlife activity and tracks in good condition. In summer it can be hot on the first part of the route. In winter some secondary tracks close due to snow or ice. Ask us about current conditions.

The route reaches areas at 2,500 m above sea level, much higher than the viewpoints on the standard tour. At that altitude it can be cool even in summer and you'll notice the height, although it doesn't cause altitude sickness in healthy people.

Yes, there's an optional short walk of about 30 minutes to a secret lookout. The trail is easy to moderate, on a gentle slope. If you'd rather not walk, you can wait in the vehicle. Those who go get an incredible panoramic view of the foothills.

We work with small groups, a maximum of 8 people per vehicle. That means a more personal experience, more attention from the guide and better wildlife sightings (large groups scare the animals away). If you're a family or a group of friends, the tour can be made private.

The tour lasts 9 hours. We leave Mendoza at 8:30 am, drive up the Caracoles, enter the reserve, do the 4×4 circuit with stops, have lunch in a designated area and return to Mendoza around 5:30 pm.