Puente del Inca, 2750m
Long 69.54.61
Info
This is where you arrive with the bus (at least we did). It is a small village with a millitary installation right next to it. The name "Puente del Inca" means "the bridge of the Incas", and refers to the big stone bridge which seems to have been made by mother nature. Here you find the hotel of the legend Fernando Grajales. Fernando himself is often around (at least during climbing season), and the hotel provides both rooms and food. There is also a few other taverns in the village, and one or two shops. Here is where the mule companies are (try to book mules in advance, sorry, no adresses available here).If you pass over the bridge, you'll get to a small hotwater spring. The spring is a great place to get a last bath before you start your trip, it is also the best place to get one when you're done! The water is about 30-35 degrees Celsius. On this side of the river is also the best place to make a campsite (the local police don't like campers on the "village-side" for some reason).
Personal experience
We made camp here for one night before starting our adventure, awaiting the arrival of Martin and Ragge who came to South America before the rest and had spent a few days in Mendoza preparing some equipment. We were able to charge the batteries for the videocamera at Grajales restaurant. Water is freely available from a few taps in the village.A boy called Sergio offered his help when we first arrived, but since he seemed to expect money as reward, and we felt we should be able to transport our stuff ourselves we decided against. It later turned out Sergios mother had one of the taverns in the village, so upon our return we paid the tavern a visit and had a lovely lunch.
Fernando Grajales also helped us to get to the ranger station by 4wheeldrive when we started. I think we paid about $6 for the six of us to get there with all equipment (except for the stuff we left with the muleteers).