The gateway to an authentic Argentine winelands experience.
Mendoza is seen as the Wine Capital of Argentina, though, apart from wine tasting, there are many fun things to do in Mendoza.
Many Mendoza tours include trekking, expeditions, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting in the desert and the Aconcagua mountains. Mountain cabins in areas with spectacular scenery are easily rentable in the city.
The city offers a true cosmopolitan and stylish experience, with plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors.
Things to do in Mendoza
Plaza España
Possibly the most beautiful square in the city, this square is an artistic expression of the special relationship that this city (and all others in Hispanic America) has with Spain. It is decorated in a splendid way with typical Andalusian and Spanish motifs all around the place. The central wall depicts some images and texts of the Spanish colonization and it is crowned by a gorgeous statue.
Termas de Cacheuta (Spas of Cacheuta)
Cacheuta, located about an hour outside of Mendoza, has a very large network of natural hot-tubs.
For easy transportation, inquire regarding Cacheuta at the Bus Terminal; busses depart mendoza in the morning (before noon) and return in the evening (last bus departs Cacheuta at 6:50pm). You will pay AR$4 for each way, and it is recommended that you purchase both directions before departing. If you’re in for the full day adventure, consider bringing some food to cook on their plentiful and free grills.
Aconcagua
America’s highest peak Aconcagua (highest in the world outside the Himalayas) provides trekking and climbing possibilities.
Wine tour
Of course, you can’t have a things to do in Mendoza list without including a wine tour.
The nearby vineyards will let you taste wine if you show genuine interest. It’s possible to do a tour by bike, but there are also fully organised tours going from Mendoza.
The most popular destination for biking and wine tasting is Maipu, a short bus or cab ride out of Mendoza. Many outfits rent bikes and provide a map of the standard route. Do yourself a favor and choose your bike company carefully. There is no better way to spoil your day than to battle with an awful bike.
There are several excellent wineries on the typical route, including Tempus Alba, Viña El Cérno, Familia Di Tommaso, and Carinae.
Please be careful with your belongings on the wine tours, as there have been cases of bags being snatched out of the baskets on bikes recently. Many bodegas (wineries) offer tours.
Wine-tasting events are common; check the culture section of local newspapers or ask around. A good period to visit is during harvesting in March and April. Visiting wineries often requires reservations booked in advance, (Many are closed during weekends). Some major wineries (Norton, Rutini etc.) have regular “walk in tours”.
Paragliding
Paragliding can be done in Mendoza every day of the year. Tours include a tandem flight of about 20 minutes with an experienced pilot.
Skiing
Skiing is popular in the winter.
Parque San MartÃn
This huge park is nice for walking or biking around. From Cerro de la Gloria there is a nice view over the city. There is also a zoo with animals in small cages.
Festivals in Mendoza
Festivals occur often and are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. The harvest festival at the end of February is a major event.
Plaza Independencia – downtown Mendoza
The central main square of the city is the best starting point to explore downtown Mendoza. It boasts some nice buildings around, restaurants and even some street shows. It is best visited at night, where you can see some nicely illuminated buildings and mostly, a beautiful big coat of arms of the city that is made of lights.
