Mendoza Travel Guide: Argentina’s Wine Capital at the Foot of the Andes

Cradled between the towering Andes Mountains and rolling vineyards, Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most celebrated destinations — famous for producing world-class Malbec, offering breathtaking outdoor adventures, and boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
 

Whether you're a wine lover, adrenaline seeker, or nature enthusiast, Mendoza combines sophistication and wilderness like few places on Earth. Explore its boutique wineries, raft glacial rivers, relax in thermal springs, or hike to panoramic peaks — Mendoza has it all.

🧭 Quick Facts

📍 Province & Capital: Mendoza City

🍷 Produces over 70% of Argentina’s wine

🏔️ Near Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas

🛫 Airport: Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ)

🌤️ Climate: Dry, sunny, ideal for winegrowing

🚗 Excellent self-drive and wine route opportunities

🌟 Why Visit Mendoza?

🍇 World-famous Malbec vineyards

🏔️ Stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains

🚴‍♀️ Cycle through vineyards and wine roads

🛁 Relax in natural thermal hot springs

🎿 Skiing in winter, hiking and rafting in summer

🍽️ Fine dining and gourmet food culture

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Mendoza, Argentina

1. 🍷 Go Wine Tasting in Luján de Cuyo & Maipú

The wine experience is Mendoza’s crown jewel.

🍇 Luján de Cuyo: Heartland of Malbec, home to iconic wineries like:

Bodega Catena Zapata

Achával Ferrer

Bodega Norton

🍷 Maipú: Older wine region with historic bodegas and bike-friendly routes

🚴 Rent a bike or join a wine tour (many include tastings and meals)

🥩 Enjoy gourmet asado lunches with wine pairings

📝 Book winery visits in advance — top spots have limited capacity.

2. 🏔️ Visit Aconcagua Provincial Park

See Aconcagua, South America's tallest mountain (6,961 m / 22,838 ft).

📍 Located 2 hours west of Mendoza

🥾 Popular hikes: Laguna de Horcones, Confluencia Trek

🏕️ Multi-day expeditions available for experienced hikers

🏞️ Stunning glacial landscapes, perfect for photography

3. 🚣 Go White-Water Rafting in Potrerillos

If you're craving adrenaline, the Mendoza River offers thrilling rapids.

🛶 Class II–III rapids suitable for beginners and families

🏞️ Surrounded by dramatic mountain views

🚵‍♂️ Combine with ziplining, trekking, or mountain biking

4. 🧖‍♀️ Relax at Cacheuta Thermal Spa

Soak in natural hot springs with Andes views.

💧 Located in Termas de Cacheuta, 1 hour from Mendoza

🛁 Multiple pools of varying temperatures

🧖‍♀️ Full-day spa packages include mud treatments and saunas

🍽️ Buffet lunch and wine included in many day packages

5. 🚡 Ride the Cable Car in Cerro de la Gloria

Get panoramic views of Mendoza City and the Andes.

📍 Located in Parque General San Martín

🗿 Visit the massive Army of the Andes monument at the summit

🥾 Hike up or drive/cable car to the top

🌄 Ideal for sunrise or sunset visits

6. 🛍️ Explore Mendoza City

Mendoza isn’t just vineyards — it’s a sophisticated city full of culture.

🌳 Wander Parque General San Martín, one of the most beautiful parks in Argentina

☕ Enjoy cafes along Avenida Arístides

🖼️ Visit the Museo del Área Fundacional for colonial history

🍽️ Dine at top restaurants like Azafrán, 1884 by Francis Mallmann, or Maria Antonieta

🍽️ What to Eat and Drink in Mendoza

Must-Try Dishes

🥩 Asado – Argentine barbecue, often served at wineries

🍝 Sorrentinos – Pasta stuffed with ham and cheese

🧀 Picadas – Charcuterie boards with cheese, olives, meats

🍇 Torrontés – While Malbec rules red wines, Torrontés is a crisp local white

Wine Highlights

🍷 Malbec – Deep, rich, Argentina’s most famous varietal

🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah – Also flourish here

🥂 Sparkling wines and rosés gaining global attention

🏨 Where to Stay in Mendoza

💎 Luxury

Cavas Wine Lodge – Private vineyard villas with plunge pools

Entre Cielos – Boutique hotel in Luján with spa and wine hammam

Park Hyatt Mendoza – Elegant option in the city center

🛏️ Mid-Range

Casa Glebinias – Charming vineyard hotel in Chacras de Coria

Lares de Chacras – Rustic-modern vibe with great hospitality

Mod Hotels Mendoza – Urban comfort near attractions

💼 Budget

Hostel Mora Mendoza – Central and friendly

Windmill Hostel – Great for backpackers

Tiburon Hostel – Social vibe, rooftop views

📅 Best Time to Visit Mendoza

🍇 The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (Harvest Festival) in March is one of Argentina’s most spectacular events — complete with parades, fireworks, and wine tastings.

🛫 How to Get to Mendoza

✈️ By Air

Daily flights from Buenos Aires, Santiago (Chile), Salta, Córdoba, and Iguazú

Airport is ~15 minutes from downtown

🚆 By Bus

Long-distance buses connect Mendoza with major cities (12–14 hrs from Buenos Aires)

🚘 By Car

Self-drive is ideal for exploring wine regions and mountain routes

International drive from Santiago, Chile via Paso Los Libertadores

🗓️ Suggested 3-Day Mendoza Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1: City & Culture

Morning: Visit Plaza Independencia and Parque San Martín

Afternoon: Explore Cerro de la Gloria and local museums

Evening: Wine and dine on Arístides Street

🗓️ Day 2: Wine Route Adventure

Full day: Wine tasting in Luján de Cuyo or Maipú

Lunch at a winery (multi-course with wine pairing)

Option: Bike between vineyards

🗓️ Day 3: Andes Excursion

Option 1: Full-day tour to Aconcagua & Uspallata

Option 2: White-water rafting and spa in Potrerillos/Cacheuta

Evening: Sunset cocktails and steak dinner

🌍 Mendoza vs. Salta vs. Patagonia

✅ Mendoza is perfect if you love wine, luxury, and outdoor exploration — all under the Andean sun.

✅ Final Thoughts: Why Mendoza Should Be on Your Bucket List

Mendoza is a sensory paradise that delivers on taste, scenery, and soul. It’s where sun-drenched vineyards meet towering peaks, where gourmet lunches pair with award-winning wines, and where you can relax in a hot spring one day and summit a mountain the next.

Whether you're looking to unwind, indulge, or adventure, Mendoza is not just a destination — it's an experience.