I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Malargüe for the first time just a couple of years ago. It's a small city, almost like a village, located far south in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. While the city itself isn't particularly charming, the surrounding areas are beautiful to explore, so much so that I was surprised by how little promotion there is to attract tourists.
The province of Mendoza receives many tourists every year, especially in the capital (here I wrote about What to do in the city of Mendoza) and in San Rafael (here the Link to the article on things to do in San Rafael). We always see advertisements about vineyards and the beautiful Andes Mountains or the adventure tourism that can be done in San Rafael, leaving Malargüe as a third option.
Maybe it's because it's a little further away (approximately 6/7 hours from the capital of Mendoza) or because it doesn't have the Atuel Canyon with its respective river and artificial lake, but I can tell you right now that there are so many other things to visit that it's well worth a few days' getaway to get to know this great place.
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Discover what to do in Malargüe, Argentina!
Malargüe is a must-see destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and astronomical tourism enthusiasts. Surrounded by stunning, otherworldly landscapes and unique activities, this destination is ideal for 2- to 4-day getaways.
Whether you have your own vehicle or decide to book excursions, you'll have attractions to visit for at least four consecutive days (or even more if you want).
Below, I'll tell you the best things to do in Malargüe to make the most of your trip.
1. Explore the Witches' Cave
One of the most fascinating attractions of Malargüe is the Cave of the Witches, a cave system with stalactite and stalagmite formations. This excursion is ideal for adventure tourism lovers and requires specialized guides (You cannot log in on your own).
Calculate that it will take half a day to visit the cave. Generally, if you book an excursion, as I did, it's usually included with a visit to another place, such as a ranch with a waterfall.
Location: 70 km from Malargüe.
2. Visit the La Payunia Reserve
One of Malargüe's gems. One of the longest hikes, but one that's rewarding in terms of what you'll see. If you're looking for volcanic landscapes and an unusual experience, the Reserve of The Payunia This is the place to be. With more than 800 volcanoes, this site is considered one of the largest volcanic fields in the world.
Its landscapes look like they're from another planet, with fields of black lava (dry, obviously), perfect cones, and rivers of solidified basalt.
You can take 4x4 excursions and trekking tours to experience the vastness of the volcanic terrain up close. Excursions to Payunia start early in the morning and return to Malargüe in the afternoon/evening.
It takes all day and is usually exhausting due to all the kilometers and stops you make, but I seriously recommend doing it, because the landscapes you'll see are unique in the world.
Location: 160 km from Malargüe. Guided tours are recommended, as it is a protected area.
3. Relax in the Molles Valley
If you prefer a quieter destination, the Valley of the Molles It's ideal for unwinding and enjoying natural hot springs. Plus, in winter, it's an excellent option for skiers looking to stay near The Firewood.
Location: 60 km from Malargüe.
4. Skiing in Las Leñas
In winter, Las Leñas is one of the most important ski resorts in South America. It offers slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts, and a wide range of hotels on site.
During the summer, it is also an excellent place to practice trekking, horseback riding, quad biking and mountain bikeOr simply stroll around the area, stopping at the various attractions along the way (and there are quite a few).
I booked a tour that takes you all day. They usually include stops at the well of souls, in the lagoon of the enchanted girl and in the Las Leñas ski resort, that even if there is no snow, you can still walk and enjoy the surroundings.
What is the Well of Souls?
He Well of Souls It is made up of two depressions, divided by a narrow gap. It is assumed that over the years, the two pits will eventually merge into one, due to the process of erosion (caused by the dissolution of underground rock deposits such as gypsum). The pits are estimated to be approximately 200 meters in diameter, 80 meters deep to the lake, and about 20 meters deep underwater.
It's more striking to see it in aerial images captured by a drone than on foot, since there's a fence that prevents you from getting too close, but it's still a pleasant stop on the way to Las Leñas.
Location of Las Leñas: 75 km from Malargüe.
5. Visit the Mala Cara Volcano
Within La Payunia, one of the most emblematic volcanoes is the Mala Cara VolcanoThey say it's one of the few volcanoes that has exploded and remained standing, making it possible to walk inside it, as some of its faces are still standing (you have to use a little imagination).
It is an ideal place for photographing the rocks and impressive landscapes that seem from another planet.
Visiting it is part of a separate excursion, not the same one to the La Payunia Reserve. It includes a guide who explains all the details of the site as we walk deeper into the interior of the exploded volcano. It's another place I highly recommend visiting.
6. Visit the Malargüe Planetarium
Malargüe is an ideal destination for astronomical tourism And its planetarium is a must-see. Here you can learn about the cosmos and enjoy nighttime observations. This space features interactive exhibits about the universe, the solar system, and space exploration, as well as shows in its 360° projection dome. It's ideal for visiting with children, and the entrance is very accessible.
Location: in the center of Malargüe.
6.1. Visit the Pierre Auger Observatory
On the outskirts of Malargue is the Pierre Auger ObservatoryIt's a joint initiative of 17 countries, and its location here is due to the fact that the local conditions (altitude, humidity, light pollution) made it ideal for detecting cosmic rays from space. I didn't go and don't know if a visit can be arranged, but it's still a source of pride to have such an observatory among us.
7. Visit Pincheira Castles
Impressive rock formations that resemble medieval castles. This place has a fascinating history and is ideal for hiking and enjoying a picnic with panoramic views.
Location: 27 km from Malargüe.
8. Discover Llancanelo Lagoon
A bird sanctuary where you can observe flamingos and other species in a spectacular natural setting. Ideal for ecotourism lovers.
Location: 75 km from Malargüe.
9. Visit El Sosneado
To some 130 km from Malargüe, The Sosneado is another fascinating destination for those seeking adventure and unique landscapes. In this area you can visit the ruins of the old thermal hotel of El Sosneado, where natural hot springs still flow in the heart of the mountain range. It is also the starting point for those who wish to visit the Valley of Tears, the site of the famous Andean tragedy in 1972. It is an ideal place for trekking and 4x4 exploration.
Location: 130 km from Malargüe.
Where to stay in Malargüe
The city is small but has plenty of hotel options for all tastes, including camping areas. I was backpacking, so I stayed in a hostel I found while walking around the city, not far from the bus station, but in the booking can find a greater variety of accommodations.
How to get to Malargüe
Getting to Malargüe is relatively easy, as there are several transportation options:
- By air: Comodoro Ricardo Salomón International Airport (located in Malargüe) receives domestic flights, although infrequently. An alternative option is to fly to San Rafael Airport, about 200 km away, and then travel by bus or vehicle.
- By car: From the city of Mendoza, Malargüe is located 420 km by the National Route 40, a journey that takes approximately 5 hours.
- By bus: There are several companies that offer bus services from Mendoza and other cities in Argentina to Malargüe. The trip from Mendoza by bus takes between 6 and 7 hours.
Some tips to keep in mind when visiting Malargüe
- Best time to visit: all year round, depending on your preferred activity, although it can get very cold in winter (unless you want to go skiing).
- Climate: In winter, there may be snow on certain routes, so check the road conditions.
- Mobility: It is recommended to rent a vehicle if you want to visit remote places or book excursions in the city.
Malargüe is an ideal destination to visit in at least three or four days (for a long holiday, for example). With all the things to do, you won't have enough time. I loved it and was pleasantly surprised. It's a must-see for those looking for unique landscapes, adventure, nature, and tranquility all in one place.