If you love nature, chances are you found this article looking for trekking in Merlo, San Luis or the best hiking routes. You’re in the right place.
Merlo isn’t just about relaxing with a mountain view — it’s an open-air gym. Thanks to our location on the Comechingones foothills, we have trails ranging from easy family walks to more demanding climbs.
To help you plan your adventure, we picked 3 must-do routes based on local, technical data and sorted them by difficulty level.
1. Beginner Level: Vieja Calera Trail
If you want to start hiking in Merlo with a calm, historical route, this is your best option.
Location: Starts from the Mirador del Tala Caído (Rincón del Este). Free. This viewpoint features the giant "Villa de Merlo" sign and self-guided trails.
Difficulty: Easy (low risk).
Distance: 1,500 meters (3,000 meters round trip).
Elevation: From 1,331 masl to 1,553 masl.
Important: You must register at the tourism office located at the Mirador del Tala Caído before starting the trail.
This interpretive trail takes you past old lime kilns and through native forest with very little physical demand. Perfect with kids or as a “first-day” scouting walk.
2. Intermediate Level: Peñón Colorado Viewpoint
This route is a hidden gem — and it’s right next to our house.
Location: Mirador del Peñón Colorado - Peñón circuit (near Casino Dos Venados).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 2,750 meters with a steady climb.
The trail leads you into the mountain forest and rewards you with great views over the Arroyo del Tigre area. Since it’s so close to Solar de los Pájaros, many guests do it at sunset and walk back straight to the pool.
3. Expert Level: Mogote Bayo Reserve and Its Climbs
If your “Merlo trekking” search is about a sporty challenge, Mogote Bayo Provincial Reserve is the place to go.
Location: Mogote Bayo Reserve (Rincón del Este). Free. Self-guided hiking and trekking.
Hours: Thursdays to Sundays and holidays from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (closes at 5:00 PM).
The Challenge: “Cuesta Mogote Bayo Trail”.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
Distance: 5,850 meters with significant elevation gain.
This demanding route requires good fitness, but it takes you deep into the region’s biodiversity, crossing the transition between forest and highland grasslands. The panoramic view from the cross is simply unbeatable.
Road to the Ridge: From Foothills to the Clouds
Beyond the specific trails, don't miss the Road to the Ridge, a scenic route that climbs from the foothills to the clouds, offering spectacular panoramic views at every turn.
Locations and Reference Links
To help you plan, here are direct Google Maps links to all the locations mentioned:
- Mogote Bayo Reserve: View on Google Maps - Self-guided hiking and trekking. Free. Hours: Thursdays to Sundays and holidays from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (closes at 5:00 PM).
- Mirador del Tala Caído: View on Google Maps - Giant "Villa de Merlo" sign and self-guided trails. Free.
- Mirador del Peñón Colorado: View on Google Maps - Spectacular views over the Arroyo del Tigre area.
Post-Hike Recovery: Muscle Reset
Any athlete knows rest is part of training. After tackling these routes, your body will ask for a proper break.
This is where staying in a regular cabin vs a private vacation home makes a big difference. At Solar de los Pájaros we’ve designed the perfect recovery setup:
Natural cryotherapy: cool down your legs with a dip in your private pool.
Thermal relaxation: in shoulder seasons, our jacuzzi is your best ally to release tension while looking at the mountains you just climbed.
Room to stretch: with 6,000 m² of park, you have your own space to stretch, do yoga, or simply rest under a tree.
Come walk our mountains. We’ll be waiting with the comfort you deserve.
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