Cascada de Manqui Malal

Cascada de Manqui Malal is a natural site on National Route 40, in the Cuesta del Chihuido area, about 30 km south of the city of Malargüe, Mendoza. Its name comes from Mapudungun: manqui means condor and malal means bluff or stone wall.

What you can do

The main visit is a guided walk that ends at the foot of a waterfall of about 30 meters, fed by spring water. Along the route you can see rock walls of marine origin, raised by the Andean orogeny, with ammonite and bivalve fossils from the Jurassic period. Local guides can be hired on site and explain the geology and paleontology of the area. The bardas (cliff walls) over 40 meters high are also used for climbing, rappelling and zip-lining.

The site

There is a roadside stop with a restaurant, tea house, camping, barbecue area and small grocery shop. Among the foods mentioned by the Cámara de Turismo are empanadas and chivito, the typical dish of the area. It is a good stop if you are visiting for the day, and you can also camp here.

How to get there

It is on Route 40, heading south from Malargüe. The entrance gate is at the start of the Cuesta del Chihuido, a winding climb of about 7 km. Going by car is recommended. It can be combined with other attractions in the area, such as the Caverna de las Brujas.

Practical information

The sources consulted do not publish opening hours or a contact phone number, so it is best to check with the Dirección de Turismo de Malargüe before going, especially outside the high season.