AR
Mendoza
Argentina’s wine capital at the foot of the Andes, the base for Malbec vineyards and the road to Aconcagua
Argentina’s wine capital at the foot of the Andes, the base for Malbec vineyards and the road to Aconcagua
The closest wine areas to the city, with wineries offering tours, tastings and long lunches. In Maipú, many visitors cycle between wineries.
Book winery visits in advance.
Photo: David, CC BY 2.0
About 100km south of the city, the Uco Valley’s high-altitude vineyards and modern wineries sit right below the snow-capped Andes.
Photo: Cornelius Kibelka, CC BY-SA 2.0
A large park with a lake, rose garden and paths, on the western edge of the city. Cerro de la Gloria, at its edge, has a monument to the Army of the Andes and views over Mendoza.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
The central square, surrounded by four smaller plazas, has fountains, craft stalls and shady trees, with cafés on nearby pedestrian streets.
Photo: Adriel ricardo morales, CC BY-SA 3.0
At 6,961m, Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside Asia. A day trip along the road to Chile reaches the Horcones lagoon viewpoint and the natural stone bridge of Puente del Inca.
Mountain weather changes quickly; bring warm layers.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Pair Malbec with grilled meat at a parrilla or a winery lunch. Local favourites include empanadas, tomaticán (a tomato and egg stew) and olive oil from the region.
Aristídes Villanueva Street is the main area for bars and restaurants.
Mendoza’s El Plumerillo airport has flights from Buenos Aires in about 2 hours and some international routes. Long-distance buses connect with Buenos Aires and, over the Andes, with Santiago de Chile, though the pass can close after snow in winter.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check current rules before you travel.
Argentina uses the peso (ARS), which has been very volatile, so prices here are given in US dollars as a guide. Foreign cards are widely accepted and usually get a market-based exchange rate; carry some cash for small purchases.
Prices change quickly with inflation and the exchange rate.
City, wine and the Andes.
Walk the plazas, visit Parque San Martín and Cerro de la Gloria.
Tour wineries in Luján de Cuyo or the Uco Valley with a driver.
Drive the road to Chile to Puente del Inca and the Aconcagua viewpoint.
Do not drive after tastings; use a driver or tour.
The grape harvest festival peaks in early March.
Many shops close in the afternoon.
The road to Chile can close after snowfall.
Quick answers for planning time in Mendoza.
Wine, especially Malbec, and its location below the Andes.
6,961m.
Yes, by tour, private driver or bike in Maipú.
Late February to early March.
March to May for the harvest and autumn, or September to November.
Spanish is the main language; English is less common outside tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Argentina travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.