A trip to Mendoza, Argentina

Looking for a weekend getaway that promises relaxation, beautiful landscapes and plenty of wine? Head to Mendoza, Argentina’s biggest and most well-known wine producing region.

The flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza is less than two hours, or more a more budget friendly alternative, the overnight bus takes about 14 hours. Situated at the edge of the majestic Andes mountains, Mendoza is just a few hours from the Chilean Border. Whether you’re looking to devote all your time to wine, or branch out and see what else Mendoza has to offer, here are a few of our favorite activities.

Visit the wineries in Mendoza

This one is obvious. Mendoza is best known for being the biggest wine-producing region of Argentina, and the home of the world’s finest Malbecs. Thanks to ideal weather conditions for grape growing, the area produces exceptional red and white wines year after year. Most of the vineyards themselves are located outside the city of Mendoza. So, if you plan to spend your whole trip visiting wineries, you may want to consider staying in one of Mendoza’s providences rather than in the city.

There are two main providences located just outside of the city that have a heavy concentration of wineries. Maipu is the more budget friendly option, while Luján de Cuyo is known for having some of the most high-end wineries in the region.

Thanks to the close proximity of the wineries in Maipu, one of the most popular activities is biking from winery to winery and taking advantage of their various tours and tastings. There are several bike shops that offer inexpensive rentals, along with a map to help you navigate the route. AMP Alandes, a beautifully restored winery that offers very affordable prices, and Finca Agostina a more elegant winery restaurant perfect for a lunch stop, are two of our favorites in the area.

For a more luxurious day of wine tasting, head to Lujan de Cuyo. For the best experience, we recommend going on a half or full day tour that will take you to the best wineries, and often include a multiple course lunch. You’ll be sampling some of the most delicious wines Argentina has to offer. Many of the boutique, family-owned wineries sell their wine exclusively at their own vineyards. These are the best places to buy wines to give as gifts, since you won’t find these labels in stores.

Tip: When organizing your Mendoza itinerary, don’t plan your main wine tasting day for a Sunday. The majority of wineries close or have limited hours on Sundays.

Explore the city of Mendoza

If you need a break from the wine, a relaxing afternoon can be spent exploring the city of Mendoza.

The city is situated around five main plazas with the largest, Plaza Independencia, at the center. Of the four smaller surrounding plazas, the most impressive is Plaza España, known for its beautiful hand-painted Spanish tiles. Also worth a visit, Paseo Sarmiento is a lively pedestrian street, filled with sidewalk cafés, heladerías, and shops. A perfect spot for lunch and people watching. However, when planning your day keep in mind that he city also almost universally takes advantage of siesta. Most businesses close between the hours of 14:00 and 17:00 daily.

Once the sun goes down, nightlife in Mendoza centers around one main street: Aristides Villanueva. There, bars, clubs, and patio restaurants stretch for several blocks.

Adventure sports in Mendoza

Despite being most famous for their wine, Mendoza is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for adventure tourism as well.

Thanks to its advantageous location at the foot of the Andes mountains, Mendoza is a world class hiking destination. While there are countless hikes at various difficulty levels, Cerro Arco is one of the most popular. Located just 12 kilometers outside of the city, this trail takes about 4 hours to reach the stunning views at the summit. Or for those looking to cover more ground, consider renting a mountain bike or going on a horseback riding tour.

For water sports, head to the Mendoza River for a kayaking or white-water rafting tour. The intensity of the rapids will depend on the season. During the summer (December-March), the river will be higher and you can expect class 4 rapids. Meanwhile, during the Winter (June-September), the rapids rarely surpass class 2.

Visit the Cachueta Hot Springs

For anyone looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy Mendoza’s natural beauty, head to the Cachueta Hot Springs. Tucked in the Andean foothills about an hour outside of the city, these hot springs can be reached by a bus that leaves from the bus terminal in the city center. Visitors have two options; the water park, and the spa. The water park costs about $10 to enter and includes various natural springs that range in temperature, and a cold water lazy river and waterslide park during the warm months. If you can, aim to visit on a weekday. The weekends tend to get pretty crowded—especially during high season. For a more private experience, consider splurging for a spa day. The package includes massages, a natural cavern wet sauna, hot springs with jets, and an asado buffet lunch.

No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a relaxing day and gorgeous panoramic mountain views.

When should I visit Mendoza?

Mendoza can be a year-round destination, with temperatures in the Winter ranging from 45°F to 60°F (7°-15°C), and 75°F to 90°F (24°-32°C)in the Summer. However, the most comfortable and mild weather will be the spring and fall seasons which generally range from 65°F to 85°F (18°-29°C). if your travel plans are flexible, head to Mendoza between the end of February and April. During summer the river is higher (eg. better for rafting), and you can also catch the wineries harvesting their grapes. Though the bodegas offer tours year-round, visiting during the harvest promises picturesque grape-covered vines and the spectacle of wine making. The city then comes together in March for the “Vendimia” festival to celebrate the harvest season with parades, special events and a spectacular final performance that draws thousands of visitors to Mendoza every year.