Southern Mendoza
Valle de los Molles
A mountain valley at 2,000 meters where the Río Salado begins, hot springs rise from the earth, and the Andes feel close. The setting of Complejo Los Molles.
The valley
A high-altitude hideaway in southern Mendoza
Los Molles is a mountain valley in the Malargüe department, in southern Mendoza. It sits at about 2,000 meters above sea level, crossed by the Río Salado and framed by peaks above 3,000 m. Here you'll find Complejo Los Molles, the tourism complex that lends its name to the place and has been operating for more than two decades.
What defines the valley is the combination of rare elements in a single radius: natural hot springs, a trout river, unique geological formations, local legends passed down for generations, and the Las Leñas ski resort 18 km away. All within reach, in a high-mountain microclimate.
Hot springs
The waters that put the valley on the map
The Termas de Los Molles are mineralized waters that surface from deep in the Andes. They run year-round and are among the few high-altitude hot springs accessible to the public in Argentina. Their composition made them famous in southern Mendoza long before Las Leñas opened.
From Complejo Los Molles they're a few minutes away on foot or by car. An ideal visit after a day of snow or trekking — warm water at 2,000 m above sea level is one of the best pauses the mountains have to offer.
Geography and climate
High mountains in their purest state
The valley sits at 2,000 m above sea level, deep in the Andes. High-mountain climate: long, cold winters with heavy snow (June–September); short, fresh summers with mild days and cold nights (December–March). The shoulder seasons bring crisp dawns and far fewer crowds.
Predominant vegetation: high-altitude grasslands, coirones and cold-resistant shrubs. Typical fauna: Andean condor, guanacos, choiques and foxes. The night sky is among the cleanest in central-western Argentina — no light pollution.
Within the valley's radius
Places minutes from the complex
The valley is the ideal base for a series of nearby attractions. These are the best known:
Laguna de la Niña Encantada — 5 minutes away, with its Pehuenche legend.
Pozo de las Ánimas — geological sinkholes with green mirror lakes, 10 minutes away.
Sport fishing on the Río Salado, which crosses the valley.
Las Leñas ski resort, 18 km / 15 minutes by car.
How to get there
Access to the valley
Los Molles is reached via Ruta Provincial 222, which connects with Ruta Nacional 40 near Malargüe. From the town of Malargüe it's 55 km — about 50 minutes of driving, generally well-signed.
In winter it's best to travel with snow tires or chains on hand for the final stretch. Complejo Los Molles is in the heart of the valley, facing the hot springs and with direct access from the road.
From the town of Malargüe
55 km · ~50 min · Ruta 40 + Ruta 222
From Las Leñas
18 km · 15 min · Ruta 222
From Mendoza city
~390 km · ~5 h
Stay here
Complejo Los Molles, your retreat in the mountains.
For more than two decades we have hosted travelers who choose the mountains to rest, disconnect and create unforgettable memories. Everything is designed for you to enjoy the mountains in comfort and without worries. Because the mountains are best enjoyed when everything is in one place.