Mendoza

Scenic view of Uspallata's mountainous terrain with lush greenery, located in Mendoza, Argentina.
Andres Alaniz, Pexels

Mendoza, Argentina, is a premier destination, celebrated as the heart of Argentina's wine country, particularly known for its Malbec. Beyond its world-class vineyards, the region offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and a diverse range of outdoor pursuits, attracting both luxury travelers and adventure enthusiasts.

For those seeking social interactions, Avenida Aristides Villanueva in Mendoza City Center is a bustling area filled with bars and restaurants, serving as a popular nightlife spot. Additionally, Chacras de Coria, a small town south of the city, offers nightlife options alongside its relaxed vineyard setting.

Top 5 Things to do in Mendoza

Exploring Mendoza offers a blend of world-class wine experiences, exhilarating outdoor adventures in the Andes, and opportunities for relaxation at natural thermal springs.

1. Indulge in Wine Tasting Tours

As Argentina's wine capital, particularly for its Malbec, discovering Mendoza's wineries provides an immersive experience into the winemaking process. One can tour vineyards in regions like Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley, often concluding with a gourmet lunch paired with local wines, showcasing the region's culinary delights.

Cost: Guided tours vary; a full-day small-group luxury wine tour with gourmet lunch can be around $230-$280 USD per person. Private tours, such as a Uco Valley Wineries Day with a private driver, might be approximately $280 USD. For a self-guided experience, bicycle rentals for winery tours in areas like Maipú can cost around 500 ARS per day (as of August 2024).

Transport: Many guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from Mendoza city center. For self-guided tours, renting a bicycle is a common method of transport in the wine regions. Public buses from Mendoza's central bus station can reach areas like Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. Taxis and ride-hailing apps, such as Uber, are also available, with a 5km ride estimated around $8.50 USD (2025 rates).

2. Explore the High Andes Mountains

Embarking on a day trip into the High Andes offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, including potential glimpses of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas outside of Asia. Popular stops often include the scenic Potrerillos Dam and the unique Puente del Inca formation, allowing one to appreciate the immense scale and beauty of the Andean landscape.

Cost: High Mountain tours typically start from around $180 USD. Aconcagua hiking day tours, such as to Confluencia Base Camp, are available from approximately $188 USD.

Transport: Most Andes tours include hotel pickup from Mendoza city.

3. Unwind at Cacheuta Thermal Hot Springs

One can unwind in the natural thermal baths of Cacheuta, nestled in the Andes mountains beside the Mendoza River. The complex offers various indoor and outdoor thermal pools with naturally heated water, along with mud baths and Argentina's unique grotto sauna, providing a perfect retreat for relaxation with scenic mountain views.

Cost: Entrance to the public water park (Parque de Agua – Termas de Cacheuta) is approximately $7 USD (6500 ARS) for a day pass (2024 rates), with lockers requiring an additional cash payment. Full-day spa experiences at the Hotel and Spa Termas de Cacheuta, often including a buffet lunch and transfers, can start from around $200 USD.

Transport: Many tours to Cacheuta include transfers from Mendoza city hotels. Alternatively, a local bus company, A. Buttini, offers return service from Mendoza bus station to Cacheuta for about $2.70 USD (2500 ARS) (2024 rates), with a journey time of approximately one hour.

4. Experience Horseback Riding in the Andes Foothills

Saddle up for a memorable horseback ride through the picturesque foothills of the Andes, often accompanied by local gauchos. This activity provides a unique perspective of the landscapes, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, and frequently concludes with a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) lunch or dinner.

Cost: Half-day horseback riding tours including an asado can range from $55 USD to around $190 USD. Full-day experiences with breakfast and lunch can be approximately $238 USD per person.

Transport: Tours typically include hotel pickup from Mendoza city. Some ranches are located within 20 minutes of the city center.

5. Discover Olive Oil Production

Beyond its renowned wine, Mendoza is also a significant producer of olive oil. Visiting an olive oil mill offers insight into the history and process of olive oil making, often including tastings of various regional varieties and other local products. This provides a complementary cultural and gastronomic experience.

Cost: This experience is often included as part of comprehensive wine tour packages. Standalone visits may have a low cost or be free for tastings with options to purchase products.

Transport: Often integrated into organized wine tours that include transportation. Some mills may be accessible by taxi or a rented car, particularly in the Maipú region.

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