Driving to Sosneado Hotel, a nazi hideout in Mendoza

Driving to Sosneado Hotel, a nazi hideout in Mendoza

Argentina, south-america

Length

59.9 km

Elevation

2,180 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Argentina's Mendoza Province lies a hidden gem: the abandoned Hotel Termas de El Sosneado. Forget paved paradise, this journey is all about rugged reality!

The road to get there? It's Provincial Route 220 (RP220), a wild 60 km (37 miles) stretch of unpaved madness. Think rocks, loose gravel, rickety wooden bridges, mud pits, and brown rivers to ford. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. Starting in El Sosneado, you will make your way to the abandoned hotel that sits right by the Atuel river.

Perched at 2,180m (7,152ft) above sea level in the breathtaking Sosneado Valley, nestled at the foot of the Andes, this remote spot will take your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!). The drive itself, without stops, clocks in at 2-3 hours.

Built in the late 30s, this once-luxurious hotel met its demise in the 50s after an avalanche. But here's the cool part: the thermal spring pools, fed by the nearby Overo volcano, are still there and surprisingly warm, and some brave souls still take a dip! Plus, local legend whispers tales of it being a Nazi hideout…spooky!

Word to the wise: this road is usually a no-go in winter. And remember, there are ZERO services along the way, so gas up and stock up on supplies before you head out. Trust me, you'll want to be prepared for this off-the-beaten-path adventure!

Where is it?

Driving to Sosneado Hotel, a nazi hideout in Mendoza is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.4711, -65.7514

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Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
59.9 km
Max Elevation
2,180 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-40.4711, -65.7514

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