The 11 essential things to do in Mendoza

Are you flying to Argentina? Follow our guide and explore Mendoza, the wine capital of the country known for its life!

A true pearl of the Andes Cordillera, the city of Mendoza is a few kilometers from the border with the Chile all west of Argentina. We love him for his vineyards and his exceptional setting. Indeed, Mendoza has a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it one of the favourite destinations of tourists in Argentina.

Mendoza, we also love him for his landscapes. Oasis, glaciers, mountains, arid desert, vineyards... It's for all tastes! The city is home to the Aconcagua summit, perched at 6,962 metres above sea level. As for architecture, you may be surprised. Full of charm, Mendoza is an accumulation of small colonial buildings dating from the time of Spanish settlers.

Becomes a reference destination in Argentina, for lovers of good wines as well as for seasoned sportsmen and families, this small town of 120,000 inhabitants may surprise you. So don’t wait to book your plane tickets and go to the Argentinian vineyard paradise. Follow our guide of the 10 essential things to do in Mendoza and come to experience unforgettable moments.

1. Places of the city

Mendoza consists of five main squares: Plaza Independencia, España, Italia, Chile and San Martin. They visit easily on foot and are an anchor point in Mendoza. Nearby you will find the main hotels of the city, supermarkets, cinemas and shops for shopping. There's even a casino for game lovers.

Plaza Independencia is located in the heart of downtown. Every week, make a few steps away from the place for the local fruit and vegetables market. It is also one of the must-see places in Mendoza if you want to admire the buildings of time, the art deco style and learn more about the architecture of this city colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. Here, locals as visitors will find themselves for a relaxing moment, through concerts, animations and other shows that rhythm the life of the city.

For a 100% local event, visit the Plaza España . Every year, the smallest place in the city welcomes the election of Miss Mendoza (a popular event by tourists): on the programme, a true show punctuated with traditional dances!

2. The historic centre

In addition to its places, Mendoza draws its charm from the small treasures that its centre houses. With a guided tour, discover the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Lorette and the House of Government. Finally, let yourself be carried to the paseo Sarmiento where restaurants, bars and glaciers await you for a relaxing break.

3. The canals of the city

Throughout your stroll in Mendoza, you will be able to admire the acequias, irrigation channels. Created by Indian Huarpes , they allowed to send water to the city. Indeed, Mendoza is arid and requires to be irrigated so that trees can stay in good shape: without these channels, the city and even its vineyards could not be relaxed. No acequias, no Mendoza!

4. Museo Del Area Fundacional

Visiting Mendoza is also discovering all the secrets of the city. For that, I suggest you take a walk in the Museo Fundacional . Here you will learn everything from the earthquake that hit the city in 1861. The collections are numerous and varied and testify to the life of Mendoza over the centuries, objects collected, archival documents, and the ruins of sites such as the central fountain.

The Museo Del Area Fundacional is a great way to enrich its general culture so that it is better to know the history of the city of Mendoza.

5. The vineyards

Worldly recognized for its wine, the city of Mendoza undoubtedly includes the visit of its bodegas. A tour of the vineyards with tasting in the back country is therefore a must for your trip. From cellars to cellars, from one producer to another, discover the different winemaking processes before tasting local wines!

6. The Enoteca

The Enoteca is the place par excellence to learn all about wine. Located in the heart of the city centre and located in the premises of the former agronomist school, you can’t miss it along your trip to Mendoza. It houses many exhibitions and you can even finish your visit with a tasting.

7. Plaza Belgrano Park

At the end of a day visit, give yourself a relaxing moment in the Plaza Belgrano Park . It houses a zoo, perfect for children, but also a rose garden for lovers of flowers and a stadium for athletes. It is also a very popular place for students since he is home to Mendoza University.

8. Uco Valley

Visiting Mendoza is also discovering the famous Uco Valley. Located 1 hour from the centre by car, this arid valley is the most photographed place in the region. The wine area charms by its differences: the contrast between the vineyard flowers and the dry mountains is striking and this is what attracts the most travellers. In the distance you will see the top of the highest mountain in the region, the Acacongua.

Here, too, it is an additional opportunity for an exit in the heart of the vineyards! In addition to visiting the cellars and tasting the wine, you will have the opportunity to taste 5 typical dishes of the region. Not negligible bonus : the beautiful view of the Andes that promises an exceptional memory.

9. A hike to Mont Aconcagua

What to do in Mendoza if we love the mountain? Meeting at the top of the Acacongua at 6,962 metres above sea level. In real Argentine natural gem, the park extends over 71,000 hectares. The ascent of the mountain is possible but requires to be an experienced climber, so don’t venture on the Aconcagua trails if you don’t have the habit!

To discover the sumptuous mountain landscapes of the Aconcagua, choose a hike/trekking: on the programme, a 20-kilometre hike accompanied by a professional mountain guide to discover the wild treasures...

10. The Andes

Who says Argentina, necessarily says Andes Cordillera ! Renowned to be the starting point to beautiful mountain adventures, Mendoza remains a popular rendezvous for high mountain excursions to the Andes. From here, and if you want to discover a maximum, you can go for a complete tour including, in addition to Mount Aconcagua, exploration of the natural bridge of Puente del Inca, surrounding villages and other must-see points.

For an even more fun time, know that there are horse rides to discover a part of the Andes Cordillera: a full day of adventure including a wine tasting and a barbecue!

11. A spa day

What if a day or more, you were enjoying a spa? The Cacheuta Thermal Spa is the perfect place for all those who would like a moment of respite during their trip to Argentina. Massage, sauna in a cave, Finnish shower, relaxation pool and even Creole buffet await you for a relaxing day in a beautiful natural setting.

How do I go to Mendoza?

To visit Mendoza, you will have to fly. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights: count one to two stopovers (Buenos Aires, Santiago or Sao Paulo depending on the companies) and a journey time between 7pm and 24h. To find a flight at the best price, visit our partner's website and flight comparison Ulysses !

On site, it is advisable to rent a car if you want to get out of the city center and enjoy the surrounding landscapes and activities. This is one of the best solutions for your holidays to take place without congestion and autonomy.

Where to stay in Mendoza?

It is very easy to find accommodation in Mendoza, if you take a little in advance. The city offers several neighbourhoods where to stay according to your travel objectives and center of interest.

Request your research in the city centre, to San Martin Avenue. This is where you will find what to stay at cheap prices and above all, you will be close to all things to see and do in Mendoza. If you want to be a little quieter, go to the Bodegas south. These vineyard districts are home to numerous accommodations that will allow you to be a few minutes away from the vineyards and away from the city, in the middle of nature.

Whatever your area, this Compare hotels you will be useful in your research to find the best offers of the moment. For more authentic or unusual accommodation, consider the rental platform Airbnb which has a wide choice of apartments and other holiday homes.