Most visitors to Argentina head straight for Buenos Aires. You can hardly blame them; the steakhouses (parillas) are superb and the tango clubs (milongas) go longer than anywhere else in the entire country.
More adventurous travellers might travel further to experience Cordoba's café culture and art galleries. For a mix of modern and Art Deco buildings, atmospheric plazas and some of the continent's most breathtaking vistas, though, head to Mendoza – South America’s number one wine producer.
Mendoza city has all the verve of the capital, but you can expect to do so with far fewer fellow tourists. And, with it being the go-to wine region of South America, there are dozens of vineyards for you to explore in the shade of the Andes, with altitudes ranging from 450m—1,100m.
So, where is Mendoza in Argentina? Is Mendoza worth visiting? And what are the best things to do? Here's our Mendoza travel guide to help inspire your next trip to one of the world's great wine capitals.
In this article:
- Location
Where is Mendoza in Argentina?
Mendoza Province is located in West Argentina.
This places it at the foothills of the Andes Mountains on the Chilean border. As such, there's a blend of high altitudes, diverse soil types and dynamic microclimates: the perfect conditions for producing wine.
PICTURED: Where Mendoza Province is located in Argentina
Backed by the snow-capped mountains, you have gorgeous views whatever you're doing. If touring the city from the Foundational Area to Cerro de la Gloria Monument, you may get a glimpse from time to time. Or, when exploring Uco Valley (Valle de Uco), there'll be prime panoramas throughout your visit.
From Mendoza, you can travel overland through the Andes, crossing a high pass with views of Aconcagua that takes you through spectacular scenery towards Santiago in Chile, another valley famed for its wines.
Is Mendoza Worth Visiting?
If you're looking to visit Argentina, you may have all sorts of questions, like "What is Mendoza known for?", "Are there many other activities other than wine tasting?" and "Is Mendoza worth visiting?".
The Mendoza wine country is the main draw for the majority of discerning travellers across the globe. But, as you explore more and more of the region, you'll understand that there's more to it than just that.
For one, the city is home to General San Martin Park, one of the most important parks in Argentina, not only for its size but also its proximity to the city. As well as this, a trip downtown treats you to the sight of Independencia Square, which pays homage to the immigrant labour that raised the province.
Horseback riding is possible in the Uco Valley, during which you may spot abundant wildlife from guanacos to condors and foxes. Bike tours and hiking are other ways to take in the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Best Things to Do in Mendoza
1. Visit the Vineyards & Wine Tastings
One of the best things to do in Mendoza is to visit wineries.
A wine tour involves exploring the lush vineyards and getting to taste wines at all different stages of the winemaking process – fermentation, oak barrels and the final product from their labelled bottles.
On a winery visit to Salentein, Domaine Bousquet or Andeluna, you can sample some of the world's most renowned flavour profiles and learn about their history. For example, the Bousquet family first arrived in 1990 to investigate the vineyards. Upon discovering the unique characteristics of the soil, high altitude and terroir, they were convinced they'd found the ideal location for a new winery in the region.
Mendoza is part of the wider Argentine wine route, too. It comprises Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis in the Cuyo region; Cordoba and Buenos Aires in The Pampas; Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta and Tucuman in the Argentine Northwest; and Rio Negro and Neuquen in the southern region of Patagonia.
Your winery tour may also take you to the small town of Lujan de Cuyo on the outskirts of Mendoza. Lujan de Cuyo is in the heartland of the Malbec grape, allowing you to experience an amazing variety of wines at internationally recognised wineries like Achaval-Ferrer, Casarena and Finca Decero.
Latin America Travel Specialist
"The many wineries of Mendoza are simply spectacular. If you're a wine lover, you'll enjoy tasting the famous Malbec and can savour some of the world's best beef straight off the barbecue. Spend time learning about the fascinating viticulture, or, why not enjoy the stunning scenery around you?"
2. Enjoy Delicious Mendoza Food
In addition to wine tasting experiences, traditional Mendoza food is equally as gastronomic.
The local area has a specific climate and geographical conditions which provide the ingredients for these dishes. Tomatican is a kind of stew which mixes indigenous food with immigrant influences. The main ingredient is tomato, accompanied by onion, pepper, garlic and more, cooked in a pan or plow disc.
Churrasco (grilled steak) and carbonada (a meat and vegetable stew) make excellent wine pairings.
As well as wine tastings, olive oil tastings are also popular in Mendoza.
Explore the centuries-old olive groves, learning about local olive oil production from harvest to extraction. Your experienced guide walks you through all the intricate steps, including the state-of-the-art cold pressing methods where a hydraulic press crushes olive paste, separating the oil from the paste.
It's used to enhance and elevate the flavour profiles of Mendoza's incredible food.
3. Explore Downtown Mendoza
Downtown Mendoza, Argentina's bustling destination for plazas, cafés and bodegas, is a pleasant area perfect for a stroll as part of your exploration of the city.
Immerse yourself in the local way of life. Bonafide is a classic Argentine café which traces its roots back to 1917 in Buenos Aires. After grabbing a steaming cup of coffee or a bocadito (sweet bite), why not head to Plaza Independencia? Following the earthquake of 1861 which destroyed most of the city, a new city centre was built southwest of its original position, incorporating this brand-new principal plaza.
The Mendoza nightlife here is also excellent. Most of the city's best venues are dotted around, inviting you to dance the night away or indulge in a local beer under the stars. Av. Sarmiento is a particular hotspot of interest, with bars offering traditional cocktails and mocktails that utilise native herbs.
Plaza España is centred around a fountain with a monument depicting two women: Spain, who's experienced and powerful, and Argentina, who's young and energetic.
4. Partake in Outdoor Adventure Activities
Are you stuck for ideas on what to do in Mendoza?
Head out of the city and into the mountains at Aconcagua Provincial Park. Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere. Standing at more than 22,840ft, it casts a shadow across the rest of the Andes Range.
Alternatively, leave conquering the peak to the professionals and instead hike around the foothills. You’ll spy the snow-covered peaks and glaciers that cling to them, as well as breathing in some of the clearest air in the world. During your ascent, don’t miss the side trip to Puente del Inca. This stone bridge has been inked bright orange by the constant drip of sulphuric thermal water.
Mountain biking is another way to experience the Andes.
On a bike ride, you're taken closer to the 'Colossus of America'. Everything from the marvellous view of the Plata Mountain Range to the turquoise Potrerillos Lake will make you stop and say "Wow!". Its wild landscapes harbour guanacos, foxes and condors you may be lucky enough to spot when travelling.
Latin America Product Manager
"Undisputed icon of the Andes Range, Aconcagua displays absolutely stunning scenery; the views you get of Plata Mountain and Potrerillos Lake are simply spectacular. After arriving at the Provincial Park, you embark on a 45-minute hike to experience the majesty of the highest peak in the Americas."
Where to Stay in Mendoza
You have a plethora of options on where to stay in Mendoza.
Lares de Chacras is a good base from which to go and explore the nearby wineries, yet also enjoy the feel of being in a small town. While being roughly situated 15km from the city and offering wine tasting at one of the nearby bodegas, it's an excellent choice for your Argentina holiday.
When in the beautiful Uco Valley, there aren't many accommodations better than Alpasion Lodge.
Overlooked to the west by the majestic snow-capped Andes Mountains, this low property spreads out across the valley floor and blends into its surroundings seamlessly. Head to the roof terrace or sit around the outside fireplace with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying the view of the Andes beyond.
If you're travelling with family, as a couple or just solo, speak with our Latin America Travel Specialists to discuss your best options, whether that's a city hotel, wine lodge or vineyard stay.
How Many Days in Mendoza Should You Spend?
Three days is ideal for your Mendoza itinerary.
This gives you more than enough time to visit the different wineries, perhaps setting some time aside for relaxing by the pool and exploring the nearby Andean foothills. Several of the wineries offer luxury accommodation to you and a great insight if you're interested in finding out more about viticulture.
So, how many days in Mendoza do you need for an Argentina itinerary?
A sample route you may want to take is our Highlights of Argentina holiday, which gives you three nights to take in the beauty in Mendoza. This is along with 11 other nights in which to experience the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier.
Best Time to Visit Mendoza
The best time to visit Mendoza is anytime between December and February, the summer period.
You can travel to Mendoza all 12 months of the year, so it fits perfectly into itineraries. However, March is one of the more popular times to enjoy a holiday, when harvest season takes place. The high altitudes ranging 450m—1,100m and various microclimates make it the continent's wine capital.
Vendimia Grape Harvest Festival is held annually every March, too.
With a mix of good food, wine and music, you have the ultimate combination for celebrating Argentina's vibrant cultural heritage. This wine harvest culminates in a contest to select the 'Queen of Vendimia'. It has roots back to the 17th Century, when people would offer fruit to the Virgin of Carrodilla, the celestial patron saint of Mendoza's vineyards.
Further Reading: Best Time to Visit Argentina
How to Get to Mendoza from the UK
During the majority of Argentina holidays, you fly into Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires.
From here, you're free to explore the country in any which way you'd like. But you could get a direct flight to Mendoza from Buenos Aires, which takes two hours. From Salta, this is one hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, there are flights to/from Mendoza and São Paulo in Brazil.
Mendoza travel is typically done by rental car or private transportation on a holiday.
Self-drives offer you more freedom to explore where you want to explore, spending more time in the places you find most enjoyable. Tours, on the other hand, can provide an experienced guide and driver to transfer you between each destination.
Additionally, you may want to extend your stay. Simply speak with our Travel Specialists to tailor-make your trip with as many days in each region as you'd like.
Discover Mendoza with a Tailor-Made Travel Itinerary
Plan your entire trip to Argentina, including Mendoza, with Rainbow. Our experts would love to chat with you about your travel aspirations. Send us an Enquiry or Call Us for more information.
