Mendoza is known for its beautiful landscape, high mountains, rows and rows of vineyards for as far as the eye can see, and of course the picturesque hots-springs at Termas Cacheuta. Molly Hetz catches the bus to take in a day of sunshine and fresh mountain water...Set amongst the beautiful Andes Mountains, Termas Cacheuta is located just an hour’s bus ride away from Mendoza City (approximately 38km). Termas Cacheuta is the perfect place to go for a day of relaxation, family fun, and a great excuse to see the picturesque Andes Mountains.
With 15 hot spring pools, three are reserved for adults only (meaning those who do not want to be splashed by the overly excited children running all around) as well as slides, caves, waterfalls, fountains, and a river that runs around the entire park with fast moving currents that let you kick up your legs and float. In addition to the water activities, the Termas has what seems to be an infinite supply of picnic benches, barbecues and even several grassy areas to put out your picnic blanket and chow down!
As I am sure many of you already know, Argentinians are the picnic kings and queens of the world, and for them, Termas Cacheuta is like heaven. In every corner of the water park there are families with mouth-watering spreads of bread, empanadas, salads, asados (Argentinian barbecues), mate (herb tea) and even ice-cream. I was thoroughly disappointed when I pulled out my ham and cheese sandwich amidst a sea of barbecues and elaborate lunches… I am hoping some Argentine picnic wisdom will rub off on me after a couple more months here! Don't worry if you forget your own food, Termas Cacheuta has two full-service restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of dishes.
If you are here in Mendoza for a short time, or are just eager to get out of the summer heat, I would highly recommend taking this trip, not only for some fun and relaxation in the mountains, but also for the drive in and of itself. The drive to Termas Cacheuta gives one a great overview of the topography here in Mendoza, the bus takes you past several well-known wineries, past the Mendoza River, and up into the picturesque mountains.
How to get there:
To go to Termas Cacheuta you can purchase tickets at the Turismo Uspallata Office on Peru and Las Heras streets. It costs 30 pesos for a roundtrip ticket ($7 USD), and another 35 pesos to enter the Termas during the week, or 40 pesos during the weekend ($8.75-$10.00 USD). One of the great options of purchasing a ticket from Turismo Uspallata is that you can buy your entrance pass into Termas Cacheuta in advance, so that when you arrive you do not have to wait in line. This full entrance pass, including bus fare, costs 65-70 pesos depending on day of travel ($16.25-$17.50 USD). The phone number for Turismo Uspallata is 54-438-1092, Termas Cacheuta phone number is 54-262-449-0152.
To go to Termas Cacheuta you can purchase tickets at the Turismo Uspallata Office on Peru and Las Heras streets. It costs 30 pesos for a roundtrip ticket ($7 USD), and another 35 pesos to enter the Termas during the week, or 40 pesos during the weekend ($8.75-$10.00 USD). One of the great options of purchasing a ticket from Turismo Uspallata is that you can buy your entrance pass into Termas Cacheuta in advance, so that when you arrive you do not have to wait in line. This full entrance pass, including bus fare, costs 65-70 pesos depending on day of travel ($16.25-$17.50 USD). The phone number for Turismo Uspallata is 54-438-1092, Termas Cacheuta phone number is 54-262-449-0152.
