LAGUNA DEL DIAMANTE 4X4
Ultimate 4x4 experience in the Andes
We wanted to do something very different that would be spectacular. At first we thought it was a little expensive but really didn't know what was in store for us.
Departure at 8am and traveled South in a 4x4 truck. We stopped on the way for coffee and breakfast, then it was on to the Reserva to get to the lake we drove 80 kms off road (...) it is a bit like Jurassic Park meets the Big Country with the only people in it is you. We saw so much wildlife with the highlight being 15 Condors sitting on the track, who all in turn took off over the valley. Stephane took short breaks on the route for us to acclimatize to the altitude at the highest point is 3700m (...) we were confronted with the most breathtaking site an extinct volcano with a turquoise blue lake at the foot of it. When there is no wind which is rare the lake creates a diamond shape with the reflection of the volcano.
We drove to the lake and walked on its shores totally alone a very emotional and spiritual experience. Stephane who as well as everything else he does is a sommelier so the picnic included a bottle of organic Malbec from a small vineyard. My partner and I walked alone around the Lake for an hour just stunned by the beauty we had been transported to. We finally set off for home completely shattered and glowing with amazement at what we had done.
How would we rate it, we'll probably one of the most amazing experiences we have had in our life. This is just one of the agency's tours and the rest are amazing too. I am by nature skeptical but this review is from the heart and we have gained new friends and will definitely go back.
The Laguna del Diamante is an amazing private excursion, located in the heart of the Andes at 3200m/10500ft. Breathtaking experience at just 3 hours from Mendoza.
- Departure 7:30 am.
- At the entrance of the natural reserva Laguna del Diamante, pause to buy tickets and bathroom stop, and then we start the climb to 3,500 m for a vista of the multi-colored mountains of the ‘Pampa de los Avestruces’.
- Landscapes alternate between moon-like terrains and greener tones as we approach the Rio Diamante. The guanacos are there to greet us ; sometimes we can see condors spying on us as we near the majestic volcano Maïpo.
- We reach 3,700 m, at the feet of the ‘Los Paramillos’ glacier, and start our descent to the lake at 3,200 m high. When there is no wind, the lake reflects perfectly the image of the volcano, silhouetting a diamond…
- Picnic will be on either side of the Laguna del Diamante; we open a bottle of organic wine while admiring the beauty surrounding us… A place of dreams, so why not take advantage of it and take a well-deserved little nap?
- Return to Mendoza using the same road, arrival time around 6 pm.
The Laguna Diamante is open 3 months a year during Summer, usually from 20 December to the end of March. We need 72 hours anticipation to organize your private excursion in 4×4 or fully equipped 4×2 truck into the Andes.
What is the perfect combination with this drive tour in Laguna Diamante ? One option is to stay in Uco Valley for a night, diminishing the way back and allowing you to participate at our very exclusive Ultra Uco Wine tour. Ask for a package quote including hotels in Uco Valley.