RANCHO E CUERO

EL LODGE

At only 16 kilometers from the basis of Nivero del Plata glacier and at 2,454 m. above sea level, the lodge grabs its view through the big windows, which allow to enjoy the spectacular views of our range. One of the main attractions of the place is the sensation of living the surroundings, comfortably settled in an environment designed for the comfort and enjoyment.

A large living room with fireplace, a dining room for ten guests and the kitchen communicated with the main room, three bedrooms ?two suite ones- warmly kept and with huge windows towards the mountains, are complemented with a natural terrace pointing to the stream with transparent water, which rises in the property.

Built with material of the zone which gives warmth to the luminous rooms, the lodge Rancho?e Cuero is outstanding for a rustic style, typical of a mountain habitat, where the details of good taste prevail. Solid furniture made of good wood, carpets, blankets and curtains, and a decoration where the Argentine tradition is present: colored ponchos, swathing bands knitted with a weaving loom, crafts braided in leather, spurs and whips, give a personal seal to this friends place.
At a few meters, a ?ramada? (shelter made of branches) to eat in the fresh air, with a capacity for 40 people, the fireside and the mud furnace complement the infrastructure to receive our guests.

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOKING

Another way to receive guests in Argentina is with good food. Preceded by a good snack, the lunches and dinners have the flavor which transmit the owners of the house, responsible for the gastronomy.
The menu includes home made, domestic cooking and typical Mendoza dishes, together with international recipes. Besides the traditional Argentine barbecue with a variety of salads and regional desserts, we can taste salty pastries, meat or hen stew or vegetables cooked on an iron disc, which were harvested in the same field. A kind of fried dough, marmalades and home made bread, sweet pastries, jam and fruit pies are present at breakfast and tea time.

EXCURSIONS AND EXPEDITIONS

Pinto Mine (2,700 m. above sea level). Ancient Indian exploitation located on the slope of a mountain, from where we can appreciate incredible views of the range. In its surroundings we can observe vestiges of indigenous constructions and catch sight of the autochthonous flora and fauna, being able to distinguish vultures and "guanaco" troops.

Rancho?e Cuero (3,222 m. above sea level). Gigantic rock which gives the name to the ranch. It has a protruding shape which allows to shelter oneself in case of rain. Along the tour we can see unique views of Nivero del Plata glacier. One interesting option is the photographic safari, for the presence of numerous llama (guanaco) troops at a very short distance.

Red Ravine (3,200 m. above sea level). Picturesque tour along this ravine, which name comes from big stones of reddish colors. The challenge is to arrive to a pass located where the ravine rises and appreciate the beautiful Tupungato Valley and the high peaks of the snowy range from there

Nivero del Plata (4,329 m. above sea level). Located on the South wall of El Plata mountain (6,310 above sea level), it has a basis of 4 km. and a vertical wall of 2,000 meters of height, approximately. An emerald green lagoon reflects the spectacular image of the glacier and its front wall, forming in its overflow an impressive cascade which gives origin to the deep stream. Along this excursion we can practice photographic safari, for the presence of vultures and llama (guanaco) troops, among other species, which can be observed in their natural habitat. Trekking, sportive fishing or simply the enjoyment of the place, complete the activity.

WAYS OF ACCESS

Air way: International Airport of Mendoza with daily flights from and to Santiago de Chile, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires and main cities of the interior of the country.

Terrestrial way: Bus station of Mendoza, with service from and to the main cities of the country and Chile.

How to get to the ranch, from the City of Mendoza: 110 km. To the South along 40 Road until Ugarteche, 86 Road until San Jose, 89 Road ? Tourist corridor San Jose Potrerillos - , Way to Rancho?e Cuero (section to travel with a double drive vehicle). Approximate time: 2 hours.