Las Lenas (Argentina)

Las Lenas is inconveniently located 1,182 km (734 miles or 14 hrs) from Buenos Aires or only 500 km (310 miles or 6 hrs) from the Mendoza airport. Most international travelers will fly into Mendoza and you will presented with the option by Google maps or by your GPS of taking two routes, a 500 km route along highway 153 or a shorter route of 374 km along a more prominently marked highway 40. Don't be fooled by Google maps or by your GPS into taking either as "highway" 40 includes a 74 km stretch of dirt road which does not qualify as a highway in any first world country and the route via highway 153 is an unnecessarily long path. Instead set your GPS to the town of San Rafael, but don't bother entering into the town itself. The route along 143/144 is paved, has cellular service, towns and petrol stations along the way and meets the qualification of being civilized. By the way, there is also a petrol station on 222 just outside of the resort.

Google Map of the local Las Lenas Argentina area

Las Lenas Ski Resort:

Las Lenas, Argentina

Latitude: -35.148322
Longitude: -70.083166

• Via 40/143/144 (preferred, shorter, paved route) from Mendoza International Airport (MDZ): located at the North end of the city of Mendoza
  • take route 40 South out of the airport
  • at the town of Pareditas, follow to RN 143
  • before entering into the town of San Rafael, turn right onto RN 144
  • exit right onto RP 222
  • eventually this will lead to Las Lenas on RP 222
• Via 153 (long route) from Mendoza International Airport (MDZ): located at the North end of the city of Mendoza
  • take route 40 South out of the airport
  • take a left on Acceso Este (Hwy 7 east) to go East towards Las Catitas/Nacunan
  • at the Las Catitas exit take the connector road (50) and follow to RP 153 South
  • take RP 153 South to RN 146 West
  • follow RN 146 to RP 160 (continuing West)
  • continue on RP 160 to RN 143
  • RN 143 turns into RN 144 and then again to RN 40, still traveling West
  • eventually this will lead to a right exit to Las Lenas on RP 222

Note: You are obligated to carry chains when driving the high mountain road up to Las Lenas.

Note that Google maps for your mobile device has the option to download regional maps when connected to high speed wifi so that one does not have to rely on your mobile data connection which is often spotty when traveling in this rural region.

Parking:

Las Lenas has a paid lot at the base of the mountain where access is limited to working hours (8:00 to 19:00). If you are driving in for the nightlife, you can park on the side of the road just before encountering the parking lot. For those staying in one of the local hotels, the hotel will provide parking.

Tire Repair:

If you get a flat tire in-and-around Las Lenas, there is a tire repair shop on route 222 just before the juncture with Hwy 40. The place is marked as "Gomeria" which in Spanish means a place of tire change and repair. Note that the gas station in Las Lenas has no auto repair.

Buses to Las Lenas:

• The resort of Las Lenas offers round-trip transportation from Buenos Aires by sleeper bus with on-board meal service. Bus departures are on Fridays and Sundays. (+5411) 4819-6060
• BusBud: Private shuttle to Las Lenas from the San Rafael bus terminal

Air Travel:

• International Airports:
  • Mendoza International Airport: (MDZ)

Next: Las Lenas Lodging and Accommodations