11 must-see things to do in Mendoza

Flying to Argentina? Follow our guide and discover Mendoza, the country’s wine capital, renowned for its lifestyle!

A veritable pearl in the Andes, the town of Mendoza lies just a few kilometers from the border with Chile, in the very west of Argentina. We love it for its vineyards and exceptional setting. Indeed, Mendoza boasts a pleasant year-round climate, making it one of Argentina’s favorite tourist destinations.

We also love Mendoza for its landscapes. Oases, glaciers, mountains, arid desert, vineyards… there’s something for everyone! The city is home to the Aconcagua peak, perched at an altitude of 6,962 metres. When it comes to architecture, you’re in for a surprise. Full of charm, Mendoza is an accumulation of small colonial buildings dating back to the time of the Spanish colonists.

This small town of 120,000 inhabitants has become one of Argentina’s top destinations for wine lovers, sports enthusiasts and families alike. So don’t wait any longer to book your plane tickets and head for Argentina’s vineyard paradise. Follow our guide to the top 10 things to do in Mendoza and experience unforgettable moments.

Also read about the Mendoza guide:

1. City squares

Mendoza has five main squares: Plaza Independencia, España, Italia, Chile and San Martin. They are all easily visited on foot and are an anchor point in Mendoza. Nearby, you’ll find the city’s main hotels, supermarkets, cinemas and boutiques for shopping. There’s even a casino for gambling enthusiasts.

Plaza Independencia is located in the heart of the city center. Every week, just a stone’s throw from the square, you’ll find a market selling fruit, vegetables and local produce. It’s also one of Mendoza’s must-see spots if you want to admire the period buildings, art deco style and learn more about the architecture of this city colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. Here, locals and visitors alike come together for a moment of relaxation, as concerts, entertainment and other shows punctuate the life of the city.

For a 100% local event, head to Plaza España. Every year, the city’s smallest square plays host to the Miss Mendoza election (an event much appreciated by tourists): a real show punctuated by traditional dances!

2. The historic center

Basilique Saint-François, Centre historique, Mendoza

Photo credit: Flickr – RL GNZLZ

In addition to its squares, Mendoza’s charm lies in the small treasures it contains. Take a guided tour and discover the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Loreto and the Government House. Finally, let yourself be carried away to the paseo Sarmiento, where restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlors await you for a relaxing break.

3. The city’s canals

As you stroll through Mendoza, you’ll be able to admire the acequias, irrigation canals. Created by the Huarpes Indians, they were used to send water into the city. Indeed, Mendoza is arid and needs to be irrigated to keep the trees in good shape: without these canals, the city and even its vineyards could not be sustained. So, no acequias, no Mendoza!

4. Museo Del Area Fundacional

Museo Del Area Fundacional, Mendoza

Photo credit: Flickr – Miguel

Visiting Mendoza also means discovering all the city’s secrets. For this, I recommend a visit to the Museo Fundacional. Here, you’ll learn all about the earthquake that hit the city in 1861. The collections are many and varied, and bear witness to life in Mendoza over the centuries, from collected objects to archive documents and the ruins of sites such as the central fountain.

Popular with visitors seeking historical discoveries, the Museo Del Area Fundacional is an excellent way to enrich your general culture and learn a little more about the history of the city of Mendoza.

5. Vineyards

Vignoble, Mendoza

Photo credit: Unsplah – Matt Broch

World-renowned for its wine, the city of Mendoza undeniably includes a visit to its bodegas. A vineyard tour with wine tasting in the hinterland is a must for your trip. From cellar to cellar, from producer to producer, discover the different winemaking processes before tasting the local wines!

6. La Enoteca

La Enoteca, Mendoza

Photo credit: Facebook – La Enoteca

La Enoteca is the place to learn all about wine. Located right in the heart of the city center, on the premises of the former agronomy school, you can’t miss it on your trip to Mendoza. It houses numerous exhibitions, and you can even end your visit with a wine tasting.

7. Plaza Belgrano Park

At the end of a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the Plaza Belgrano park. It houses a zoo, perfect for children, as well as a rose garden for flower lovers and a stadium for sports enthusiasts. It’s also a popular spot for students, as it’s home to the University of Mendoza.

8. Uco Valley

Vignoble à Uco Valley, Mendoza

Photo credit: Flickr – David

Visiting Mendoza also means discovering the famous Uco Valley. Just 1 hour’s drive from the city center, this arid valley is the most photographed spot in the region. The wine-growing area is charmingly different: the contrast between vine flowers and arid mountains is striking, and this is what attracts travellers most. In the distance, you can see the summit of the region’s highest mountain, Acacongua.

Here, too, it’s another opportunity for a trip to the heart of the vineyards! As well as tasting the wine and visiting the cellars, you’ll have the opportunity to sample 5 typical local dishes. An added bonus is the superb view of the Andes, which promises to be an exceptional souvenir.

9. Hiking Mount Aconcagua

What can you do in Mendoza if you love mountains? Head for the summit of Acacongua, at an altitude of 6,962 metres. A true Argentine natural jewel, the park covers over 71,000 hectares. It’s possible to climb the mountain, but you’ll need to be an experienced climber, so don’t venture onto the Aconcagua trails if you’re not used to them!

To discover the sumptuous mountain landscapes of Aconcagua, opt for a trekking tour: a 20-kilometer hike accompanied by a professional mountain guide to discover the wild treasures…

10. The Andes

Argentina is synonymous with the Andes! Renowned as a starting point for superb mountain adventures, Mendoza remains a popular meeting point for high-mountain excursions to discover the Andes. From here, and if you want to discover as much as possible, you can take a complete tour that includes, in addition to Mount Aconcagua, exploration of the Puente del Inca natural bridge, the surrounding villages and other must-see viewpoints.

For even more fun, there are horseback rides to discover part of the Andes Cordillera: a full day of adventure that also includes wine tasting and a barbecue!

11. A spa day

How about a day or more in a spa park? The Cacheuta Thermal Spa is the ideal place for those seeking a moment of respite during their trip to Argentina. Massage, cave sauna, Finnish shower, relaxation pool and even Creole buffet await you for a day of 100% relaxation in a superb natural setting.

Book an overnight stay at Hotel & Spa Termas Cacheuta

How to get to Mendoza

To visit Mendoza, you’ll need to fly. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights, so you’ll need to count on one or two stopovers (Buenos Aires, Santiago or Sao Paulo, depending on the airline) and a journey time of between 19 and 24 hours. To find a flight at the best price, visit the website of our partner and flight comparator Ulysse!

On site, we recommend renting a car if you want to get out of the city center and enjoy the surrounding countryside and activities. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that your vacation goes smoothly and independently.

Where to stay in Mendoza

It’s very easy to find accommodation in Mendoza, if you plan ahead. The city offers several areas to stay , depending on your travel goals and interests.

Focus your search on the downtown area, around San Martin Avenue. This is where you’ll find low-cost accommodation and, above all, you’ll be close to all the things to see and do in Mendoza. If you want to be a little quieter, head south to the Bodegas. These vineyard districts are home to a number of accommodations that will allow you to be just a few minutes from the vineyards and away from the city, in the heart of nature.

Whatever your sector, this hotel comparison tool will help you find the best deals available. For more authentic or unusual accommodation, consider the Airbnb rental platform, which offers a wide choice of apartments and other vacation homes.

Map of hotels and accommodation – Mendoza,ar