Information about Puente del Inca:

The Puente del Inca is a rock formation that forms a natural bridge over the Las Cuevas River. It is located in the northwest of the province of Mendoza, Argentina, and its curious formation and past as a hotel of thermal baths have made it a prominent tourist spot, currently considered a Natural Area protected by the province.

Located in the heart of the Andes Mountains, at 2,720 meters above sea level, the Puente del Inca, is a mountain range site famous for its natural bridge, unique geological curiosity in the world and declared a Natural Monument. The Bridge has been formed by the action of mineral waters. The river flow made its way through sediments deposited at the bottom of a trough and then cemented by the hot springs. These give the area its coloration of oranges, yellows and ochres, and any object that is placed under them such hardness due to the impregnation in mineral salts that acquires a "petrified" appearance.

On the right bank it houses the famous hot springs, with five sources of the same type, but of different temperatures and components. The unique hills next to it and the Las Cuevas river that passes tens of meters under the bridge complete the postcard.

The hot springs maintain an average temperature between 34 and 38 ° C and are the highest in Argentina. The composition of the water contains iron and other minerals that give the ferruginous characteristic to the rock formation and the orange, ocher and yellow colors, as very unique landscape tones.

The ruins of the Termas de Puente del Inca Hotel are part of the scenery in a complex mimicked by the bridge. The old construction used the hot springs as an added value to its lodging services and was a luxury in the mountains. Today, attempts are being made to conserve the site for its geological value and to promote ecological tourism that preserves the natural resources of protected areas without causing environmental imbalances.

Currently Puente del Inca is a potentially tourist town from the point of view of the layout of the Trasandino Train that will connect Mendoza with Chile.

Information about Uspallata:

Uspallata is part of the province of Mendoza located at a crossroads (Route 7, Route 52 and Route 149). Along with the city of Uspallata runs its river, called Río Uspallata that joins the Río Mendoza.

This historic town was the meeting place for the army troops that crossed Los Andes under the command of General José de San Martín and currently has accommodation, restaurants, service station, shops, mechanical workshop, medical post and the Infantry Regiment of Army Mountain. In the town you can visit the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Cuyo.

Here are some places you can visit: Uspallata's Vaults, 7 Colours Hill, Picheuta Bridge and Paramillos Mine.