Mysterious Mendoza: a journey through landscapes that hide legends

About 63 kilometers from Malargüe, in southern Mendoza, lies one of the province’s most impressive natural monuments: Pozo de las Ánimas. Upon arrival, you’ll be amazed by two enormous conical sinkholes nearly 300 meters in diameter, each with a hypnotic water surface. How did they form? Over the years, underground rivers eroded the soft gypsum terrain until the ground collapsed, revealing these imposing caverns 80 meters deep.

This beauty hides a mystery that inspired its original name, Trolope-Co, which in Mapuche means “water of cries.” Legend says that locals once fled their enemies at night and suddenly stopped hearing them. When they returned the next day, they discovered the earth had swallowed their pursuers, forming these abysses. Many claim that if you lean over the edge, the wind carries the laments of those trapped souls.

Tip: While many stop here in winter on their way to Valle de Las Leñas, summer is ideal so snow doesn’t hide the water.

Where: Route 222, Los Molles, Malargüe, Mendoza.

About 53 kilometers from Malargüe, after crossing a bridge over the Salado River and paying an entrance fee, you’ll find Laguna de la Niña Encantada. This 80-meter-wide turquoise gem glows in the middle of El Infiernillo, a dramatic volcanic slag field. Fed by underground waters and surrounded by ancient dark lava rocks, the lagoon creates a microclimate that feels worlds away.

Legend tells of Princess Elcha, who fled with her true love to escape an arranged marriage. Chased and cornered, the couple jumped into the water and died. The first to arrive was a witch, who, upon looking into the lagoon, was struck by lightning and turned to stone. Today, her petrified silhouette can be seen in the mountain, condemned to watch the reflection of the young woman, whose face appears in the water under moonlight.

Tip: Birdwatching in the calm waters before the lagoon is magical—look for Andean coots, yellow-billed pintails, raras, and even barn owls.

Where: Route 222, Los Molles, Malargüe, Mendoza.

Just 27 kilometers from Malargüe rise the imposing Castillos de Pincheira. This natural monument leaves visitors speechless with its giant volcanic rock formations. Sculpted by wind and rain, they resemble a massive medieval fortress. For the full experience, cross the suspension bridge and take the 40-minute hike to the summit—its panoramic view feels otherworldly.

This dramatic landscape hides a cinematic past. Legend says the Pincheira brothers, notorious 19th-century bandits, used these stone labyrinths as a hideout to evade capture. Locals claim that on very quiet nights, the wind still carries echoes of those fugitives.

Tip: At the base, there’s a campground with a pool, grills, tables, restrooms, a small shop, and even a soccer field. After hiking, try a traditional Malargüe goat dish at the restaurant.

Where: Camino Carqueque, Malargüe, Mendoza.

Seventy-seven kilometers from Malargüe lies the hidden Caverna de las Brujas, an underground world within Mount Moncol. The experience is pure adrenaline: helmet and flashlight on, you descend into a maze of stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring its narrow passages and dark chambers is thrilling—though definitely not for the claustrophobic.

Also of interest: Marañón Arts Park, sculpture garden in the Uspallata Valley

Legend tells of two captive women who escaped despite having their feet injured to prevent it. When locals saw them emerge ragged at dusk and heard their cries, panic spread, and they believed them to be witches—giving the cave its name.

Tip: Booking in advance is mandatory. Leave Malargüe at least two hours early to attend the safety briefing.

Where: Caverna de las Brujas Natural Reserve, Bardas Blancas, Malargüe, Mendoza.

About 120 kilometers from Mendoza City, Uspallata immerses you in silence and pure Andean air. Just 7 kilometers from town lies Cerro Tunduqueral, named after small burrowing rodents called tunduques. Hiking here feels like traveling through time: the site, declared a World Heritage Site, holds over 400 ancient petroglyphs carved into rock.

Unlike other spots, this place speaks less of legend and more of sacred history. The Huarpes and Incas revered the hill and used it for women’s initiation ceremonies. While science supports this, popular belief suggests the carvings contain spiritual and astronomical messages.

Tip: Due to filming restrictions in Tibet, this site was used for Seven Years in Tibet (1997), starring Brad Pitt.

Where: Cerro Tunduqueral, Uspallata, Las Heras, Mendoza.

Also in Uspallata, at 2,600 meters above sea level, Minas de Paramillos offers a fascinating journey. This 17th-century Jesuit settlement hides around 10,000 underground galleries where minerals were once extracted. Today it’s an adventure hub: explore tunnels, try rappelling, or zip-line across the ruins.

The site is steeped in myth. It hosts the shrine of Gaucho Cubillos, considered a local “Robin Hood.” Another tale tells of “El Timoteo,” a fugitive who hid in the mine but never came out—supposedly because police sealed the exits.

Tip: Paramillos comes from páramo (desolate place). It’s considered Argentina’s first mining site and one of the most important in the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.

Where: RP52 km 25, Uspallata, Las Heras, Mendoza.

At 193 kilometers from Mendoza City, Puente del Inca showcases a unique chromatic spectacle. This natural bridge over the Las Cuevas River glows with orange and ochre tones from its thermal waters. Beneath it lie the ghostly ruins of a luxurious 1925 spa hotel, destroyed by an avalanche—leaving only a small chapel standing.

Also of interest: The top 13 trails for trekking in Mendoza

Its shape inspired its legend: an Inca prince suffering paralysis came seeking healing waters. To help him cross, his warriors formed a human bridge. After he was cured, they had turned to stone—creating the monument.

Tip: In the early 20th century, it was one of South America’s most exclusive spa destinations.

Where: National Route 7, Las Heras, Mendoza.

In El Challao, near Mendoza City, a legendary hike begins at Puesto Puerta de la Quebrada. The goal is Piedra Isidris, a four-meter rock marked with mysterious symbols. The trek takes about three hours and follows a dry riverbed with stunning mountain views.

Why is it famous? In 1993, writer Verónica Lizana claimed to have telepathically contacted “intra-terrestrial beings” while meditating here. According to her, the stone is a portal to a hidden Golden City beneath the earth.

Tip: At the base, a mountain restaurant doubles as a museum. Try the beef empanadas and local craft beer.

Where: El Challao, Las Heras, Mendoza.

In Los Chacayes, in the Uco Valley, lies Pampa del Durazno. A 30-minute hike from Cerro Manzano leads to this plain framed by mountains. The magic unfolds upon arrival. Its name is debated: some say it comes from a peach tree grown from a seed dropped by a muleteer, others from the orange hues of the mountains at sunset.

This place has a mystical aura. Once used by the Huarpes for rituals, today it’s rumored to be a UFO sighting spot and even a portal to an underground city like Isidris.

Tip: Nearby is Manzano Histórico, where General San Martín rested in 1823 after his liberation campaign.

Where: Tourist trail 4 km west of Routes 89 and 94, Los Chacayes, Mendoza.

About 185 kilometers from Mendoza City lies Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the “Colossus of the Americas” at 6,962 meters. Enjoy easy hikes like Laguna de Horcones or venture deeper for multi-day expeditions reserved for expert climbers.

This giant guards a remarkable archaeological find: the mummy of an Inca child sacrificed five centuries ago, discovered in 1985 at 5,400 meters. Its removal coincided with a strong earthquake and unusual droughts. Popular belief attributes these events to the mountain’s anger over disturbing its guardian. Recently, efforts began to return the child to Aconcagua.

Tip: Permits are required for any activity in the park, even short hikes, and must be booked online in advance.

Where: RN7 km 10, Puente del Inca, Mendoza.