el camino de las 365 curvas

Actually did not make this side trip, as planned. Airport Hertz was my first ripoff experience in AR.Nearly spoiled impression of all in Mendoza. Next time, will hire a driver for less $$$$.Obviously this hertz owned by sleazy operator. Too many different quotes being negotiated using bad computer communication with Hertz as an excuse.

Ignore what some have written below, this is NOT the pass over the Andes from Chile to Argentina. This is Ruta 52 from Mendoza to Upsalatta. Although Google Maps doesn't show this road as fully connecting, it is navigable by car the entire distance. The first 50 km north out of Mendoza (the part that Google Maps does not show) is good paved road, the continuation of Avienda San Martin from Mendoza. The pavement ends at the defunct Hotel Villavicencio. One km before reaching the hotel there is a visitor center, with some descriptions in Spanish of the flora, fauna and scenery, a smallish cactus garden, and a short trail displaying various rocks and fossils of the area. At 70 pesos per (international) person it's cheap enough, and you get what you pay for...primarily the last bathroom stop for a few hours. This also buys entrance to the hotel grounds, a small chapel, and some gardens. The hotel is closed, you can't enter it.After the hotel the road turns to graded dirt/rock and begins to climb steeply with many switch-backs. This lasts for 22 km. There are few guard rails, and many more possible long, long falls off the side, but generally the road is wide enough for two cars. A 4x4 is not necessary, just driving confidence and NO fear of heights! This 22 km section took us about 2 hours to drive.After reaching the top, there is another 16 km of safe, wide dirt road dropping down toward Upsallata, then the last few km are paved. The scenery is grand, and we saw several herds of guanaco, which are related to llama.

Visit to Villaveninchio and to drive around by Uspallata is worth while. We rented a car for two days and the second day we did this 365 curve way. It is nice to have some reasons to stop on the way, like VillaVicencio, but main attraction are the sceneries. There were also a lot of vicunas on the way. The road is a dirt road almost all the way, but as you drive slowly we didnt find it dangerous. At Uspallata there are ok restaurants for lunch, a lot of motorbikers were there coming from Chile and stopping at Uspallata for lunch. In Uspallata there is also petrolstation. Reserve the full day for this. For the first day we drove to Porterillos that first felt like a ghostvillage with the dried artificial lake. Then we drove the dirt road by the lake , and in the ned of it we found the basecamp for Agrentina Rafting. It was really busy, and there we had an exellent lunch and enjoeyd watching people leavin for activities and looking for the zipline-activity by the camp. When leaving, we took the road towards Las Vegas and ended up taking the road 89 to Tupungato and Mendoza. That was almost more amazing than 365 curve way. The road went up in the valley on top of the mountain, with horses and just amazing views. If you just have time, that is sure worth while,

Wonderful scenery on gravel roads. Colourful mountains-not to be missed.Charles Darwin travelled this route and there is a plaque to him at the top .

Whilst I was in the lucky position as to be able to ride my bicycle to the top of the mountain from Uspallata (a 1000 metres of climbing over 30 kilometres) it was the glorious ride down and on to Mendoza that took my breathe away. One of the best descents, given such glorious scenery, that I think I've ever done, anywhere in the world. Not scary (up or down) on a bike with little traffic and a road surface that's very manageable!

Famous road and while exploring the area tourists feel compelled to drive it. I was happy to BE DRIVEN. You get more time to see the breathtaking views and take as many photos as you like.

This is an amazing road with theoretically 365 curves (didn't count) Easier to drive down than up if you have the choice

This trip is a little scary since the road seems a bit dangerous. But I totally recommend it! Amazing views during all the way, great spots for photos and also big chances of seeing local animals. Do not miss it!

If you want to do an excelent off road in South America, the Way of 365 Curves, near Mendoza, it's a good choice and you can seek a thing that they call "San Martín Roads".

The bus trip from Valparaiso to Mendoza was one of the best I have ever been on. The scenery is stunning and you will need to have your camera ready at all times. I travelled with Cata buses and sat upstairs on the side nearest the kerb which is best for views. Definitely unmissable.

Althoug a bit scary, you can not miss this trip! Excellent views of the Cordillera, with a sunny day the view is realy incredible

Went there, and the road's closed due to a landslide. That was on 11 Mar 14. Closure is around 15k from the historic hotel on the Mendoza side.Push bikes, walkers and trials bike riders are the only ones who can get through.How's that for a helpful review!

We travelled from Santiago - Mendoza via Andesmar coach. The scenery is breath taking at times and the 8 hour bus journey went a lot quicker due to this. I'm not great with heights, but it's well worth doing this trip. I would also recommend Andesmar as a bus company - very comfortable, good drivers and you get fed :D

I was nervous about this bus trip as I am frightened of heights. However the roads are excellent ( all paved and the switchbacks down the Chilean side newly so), and the views are amazing. Toilets at the border have been upgraded so they are fine, yes - customs took us FIVE hours - three waiting on the bus - but no tipping as I read in another review, and once we actually started getting processed it was pretty quick. Just bring a book as the buses are comfy, or stand outside if the weather allows and soak up the amazing views. I would totally of this again rather than flying - simply spectacular and unmissable.

The road can be very rough at times, but nothing requiring a 4x4, unless one wants to get off the main road. At low speeds, the journey is very easy, whereas if one is looking for some high-rev spice, it becomes very technical and a lot of concentration is needed to avoid the deep holes and rocky bumps in the road, which can wreck the car in no time. As the name says there are 365 curves, so work through the gears and keep the handbrake ready! The scenery is spectacular and it's totally worth renting a car for a day.