Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Mendoza travel guide

Mendoza Tourism | Mendoza Guide

You're Going to Love Mendoza

Situated at the heart of Argentina's wine country, Mendoza is a prosperous, vibrant city which pairs Art Deco architecture and leafy streets with excellent nightlife and a host of outdoor activities to enjoy in the nearby mountains. It's a real vintage destination.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mendoza

1. Wine

Above all else, Mendoza is famous for its wines (it produces two thirds of the Argentine crop), with rich Malbec's to the fore. Hop between vineyards or stick to city center wineries, and pick your favorite.

2. Great Art Museums

Mendoza is achingly cosmopolitan, with a superb Municipal Museum of Art, the Museo Casa de Fader and regular international exhibitions at the Espacio Contemporáneo del Arte.

3. Fine Food and Lively Nightlife

Wood-fired grills serve up locally reared meat at restaurants like Azafran, while the bars on Avenida Villanueva Aristides keep buzzing until dawn.

4. Wonderful Architecture and Parks

Mendoza is also just a pleasure to explore. See beautifully landscaped parks like the Parque San Martin, skip between elegant squares with burbling fountains and marvel at attractions like the Basílica de San Francisco.

5. Fabulous Outdoor Activities

Using Mendoza as a base, you can scale Aconcagua, take bike tours of wine country, go rafting on the Mendoza River, try horseback riding in the Andes and even spend a day shadowing a gaucho as they go about their business.

1. Wine

Above all else, Mendoza is famous for its wines (it produces two thirds of the Argentine crop), with rich Malbec's to the fore. Hop between vineyards or stick to city center wineries, and pick your favorite.

2. Great Art Museums

Mendoza is achingly cosmopolitan, with a superb Municipal Museum of Art, the Museo Casa de Fader and regular international exhibitions at the Espacio Contemporáneo del Arte.

3. Fine Food and Lively Nightlife

Wood-fired grills serve up locally reared meat at restaurants like Azafran, while the bars on Avenida Villanueva Aristides keep buzzing until dawn.

4. Wonderful Architecture and Parks

Mendoza is also just a pleasure to explore. See beautifully landscaped parks like the Parque San Martin, skip between elegant squares with burbling fountains and marvel at attractions like the Basílica de San Francisco.

5. Fabulous Outdoor Activities

Using Mendoza as a base, you can scale Aconcagua, take bike tours of wine country, go rafting on the Mendoza River, try horseback riding in the Andes and even spend a day shadowing a gaucho as they go about their business.

What to do in Mendoza

1. Highest Peak In The Americas

Aconcagua is the highest mountain located outside of the Himalayas and provides many hiking and climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Most hotels provide some form of tour of the mountain, taking into account the safest routes, most scenic vistas, and the changeable weather. Alternatively, you can catch the local Buttini bus and take the short self-guided tour to one of the best vistas on the mountain with just a 45 minute hike. Whatever you choose, Aconcagua is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Mendoza.

2. The Ultimate Wine Tour

If you've never tasted wine straight from the barrel, this is your place to do so! Tierras Atlas winery specializes in Malbec and Cabernet wines and has been working this vineyard for many generations. On the guided tour, you can take a stroll through the vineyards while your guide explains the meticulous process of how these grapes turn from fruit to one of the most popular wines in Argentina. Afterwards, grab some delicious empanadas from the attached bodega to round out your trip to Argentinian wine country.

3. Return To Your Natural Roots

Spend the afternoon strolling the many paths at Parque San Martin. Aside from the obvious green lawns of possibility that parks provide, Parque San Martin in the heart of downtown also offers a small zoo and science museum. There's an on-site restaurant which serves local Argentinian delicacies and overlooks the park's lake, a real incentive to stick around a little longer. Behind the zoo, follow the path up to Cerro de la Gloria for some stunning sunset views of the city and Andes mountains in the distance.

4. Settle In For A Long Soak

Just one hour outside of Mendoza in Cacheuta lies a collection of heated outdoor pools famous throughout the region for their rejuvenating properties. Referred to locally as "Parque del Agua," this outdoor spa is popular with families and so can get rather busy on weekends. To get the most out of your peaceful soak, try visiting on weekdays or staying in the attached Termal Hotel for some quality time. Travel tip: bring some meat to cook on the many free grills and avoid the hefty price tag of prepared food around the pools.

5. An Elegant Glass In The Country

For an upscale winery experience, head over to Pulenta Estate Winery. This modern boutique vineyard is famous for its delicious Gran Cabernet Franc and friendly hosts, who make you feel welcome and relaxed as soon as you set foot in the door. Take a tour through the vineyards and wine cellar, then kick back in their tasting room for a nice wind-down lunch. All wine tours come paired with several local cheeses and pastes so you can get a sense of the local food culture. Not only are the wines top in their class, but the views of the Andes in the distance are pretty hard to beat as well.

1. Highest Peak In The Americas

Aconcagua is the highest mountain located outside of the Himalayas and provides many hiking and climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Most hotels provide some form of tour of the mountain, taking into account the safest routes, most scenic vistas, and the changeable weather. Alternatively, you can catch the local Buttini bus and take the short self-guided tour to one of the best vistas on the mountain with just a 45 minute hike. Whatever you choose, Aconcagua is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Mendoza.

2. The Ultimate Wine Tour

If you've never tasted wine straight from the barrel, this is your place to do so! Tierras Atlas winery specializes in Malbec and Cabernet wines and has been working this vineyard for many generations. On the guided tour, you can take a stroll through the vineyards while your guide explains the meticulous process of how these grapes turn from fruit to one of the most popular wines in Argentina. Afterwards, grab some delicious empanadas from the attached bodega to round out your trip to Argentinian wine country.

3. Return To Your Natural Roots

Spend the afternoon strolling the many paths at Parque San Martin. Aside from the obvious green lawns of possibility that parks provide, Parque San Martin in the heart of downtown also offers a small zoo and science museum. There's an on-site restaurant which serves local Argentinian delicacies and overlooks the park's lake, a real incentive to stick around a little longer. Behind the zoo, follow the path up to Cerro de la Gloria for some stunning sunset views of the city and Andes mountains in the distance.

4. Settle In For A Long Soak

Just one hour outside of Mendoza in Cacheuta lies a collection of heated outdoor pools famous throughout the region for their rejuvenating properties. Referred to locally as "Parque del Agua," this outdoor spa is popular with families and so can get rather busy on weekends. To get the most out of your peaceful soak, try visiting on weekdays or staying in the attached Termal Hotel for some quality time. Travel tip: bring some meat to cook on the many free grills and avoid the hefty price tag of prepared food around the pools.

5. An Elegant Glass In The Country

For an upscale winery experience, head over to Pulenta Estate Winery. This modern boutique vineyard is famous for its delicious Gran Cabernet Franc and friendly hosts, who make you feel welcome and relaxed as soon as you set foot in the door. Take a tour through the vineyards and wine cellar, then kick back in their tasting room for a nice wind-down lunch. All wine tours come paired with several local cheeses and pastes so you can get a sense of the local food culture. Not only are the wines top in their class, but the views of the Andes in the distance are pretty hard to beat as well.

1. Highest Peak In The Americas

Aconcagua is the highest mountain located outside of the Himalayas and provides many hiking and climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Most hotels provide some form of tour of the mountain, taking into account the safest routes, most scenic vistas, and the changeable weather. Alternatively, you can catch the local Buttini bus and take the short self-guided tour to one of the best vistas on the mountain with just a 45 minute hike. Whatever you choose, Aconcagua is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Mendoza.

2. The Ultimate Wine Tour

If you've never tasted wine straight from the barrel, this is your place to do so! Tierras Atlas winery specializes in Malbec and Cabernet wines and has been working this vineyard for many generations. On the guided tour, you can take a stroll through the vineyards while your guide explains the meticulous process of how these grapes turn from fruit to one of the most popular wines in Argentina. Afterwards, grab some delicious empanadas from the attached bodega to round out your trip to Argentinian wine country.

3. Return To Your Natural Roots

Spend the afternoon strolling the many paths at Parque San Martin. Aside from the obvious green lawns of possibility that parks provide, Parque San Martin in the heart of downtown also offers a small zoo and science museum. There's an on-site restaurant which serves local Argentinian delicacies and overlooks the park's lake, a real incentive to stick around a little longer. Behind the zoo, follow the path up to Cerro de la Gloria for some stunning sunset views of the city and Andes mountains in the distance.

4. Settle In For A Long Soak

Just one hour outside of Mendoza in Cacheuta lies a collection of heated outdoor pools famous throughout the region for their rejuvenating properties. Referred to locally as "Parque del Agua," this outdoor spa is popular with families and so can get rather busy on weekends. To get the most out of your peaceful soak, try visiting on weekdays or staying in the attached Termal Hotel for some quality time. Travel tip: bring some meat to cook on the many free grills and avoid the hefty price tag of prepared food around the pools.

5. An Elegant Glass In The Country

For an upscale winery experience, head over to Pulenta Estate Winery. This modern boutique vineyard is famous for its delicious Gran Cabernet Franc and friendly hosts, who make you feel welcome and relaxed as soon as you set foot in the door. Take a tour through the vineyards and wine cellar, then kick back in their tasting room for a nice wind-down lunch. All wine tours come paired with several local cheeses and pastes so you can get a sense of the local food culture. Not only are the wines top in their class, but the views of the Andes in the distance are pretty hard to beat as well.

Where to Eat in Mendoza

Mendoza's dining scene is almost on a level with its wine. Grilled meats (asado) are a specialty, and highlights include Azafran, La Nilda and Nadia O.F. Expect to pay around ARS200 for an exceptionally good steak.

When to visit Mendoza

Mendoza in September
Estimated hotel price
S$ 191
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mendoza in September
Estimated hotel price
S$ 191
1 night at 3-star hotel

Mendoza is at its best between October and April (the southern hemisphere summer). Try April and May for mild weather, spectacular colors and far shorter queues at the wine bars.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Mendoza

Plane

El Plumerillo Airport offers connections to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. From there, a taxi will cost around ARS90.

Train

Mendoza doesn't have an intercity rail connection, but the 8 mile long Metrotranvía line connects the city center to nearby Maipu.

Car

From Buenos Aires, follow highway 7 all the way across Argentina to Mendoza. Take highway 20 from Cordoba and highway 7 across the Andes from Santiago.

Bus

Buses run into Mendoza's bus terminal (which is around a mile out of town) from Buenos Aires, Santiago, San Martin, Cordoba and plenty of other regional cities.

Plane

El Plumerillo Airport offers connections to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. From there, a taxi will cost around ARS90.

Train

Mendoza doesn't have an intercity rail connection, but the 8 mile long Metrotranvía line connects the city center to nearby Maipu.

Car

From Buenos Aires, follow highway 7 all the way across Argentina to Mendoza. Take highway 20 from Cordoba and highway 7 across the Andes from Santiago.

Bus

Buses run into Mendoza's bus terminal (which is around a mile out of town) from Buenos Aires, Santiago, San Martin, Cordoba and plenty of other regional cities.

Airports near Mendoza

MDZMendoza El Plumerillo
UAQSan Juan Domingo F. Sarmiento

Airlines serving Mendoza

KLM
Good (1,372 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,956 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,835 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,466 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,603 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,725 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,001 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,379 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,808 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,717 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,483 reviews)
GOL
Good (1,088 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,091 reviews)
JetSMART
Good (204 reviews)
Aerolineas Argentinas
Excellent (894 reviews)
Azul
Excellent (793 reviews)
Sky Airline
Good (113 reviews)
Flybondi
Good (196 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Mendoza

Plaza Independencia – the center of Mendoza, Plaza Independencia is a good starting point for a walking tour and is close to almost all of the best hotels.

Popular Neighborhoods in Mendoza

Avenida Villanueva Aristides – Aristides is a major street in the southern part of central Mendoza, which hosts wineries like Bodega Atamisque and is the city's dining hub.

Godoy Cruz – Almost a separate city, Godoy Cruz is a huge southern suburb which hosts malls like Palmares and is a great place to base yourself.

Avenida Villanueva Aristides – Aristides is a major street in the southern part of central Mendoza, which hosts wineries like Bodega Atamisque and is the city's dining hub.
Godoy Cruz – Almost a separate city, Godoy Cruz is a huge southern suburb which hosts malls like Palmares and is a great place to base yourself.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mendoza

Most booked hotels in Mendoza

See all
Diplomatic Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 210+
View
Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel Casino & Spa
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 218+
View
Sheraton Mendoza Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 213+
View
Huentala Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
S$ 133+
View
Hotel Raices Aconcagua
4 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 95+
View
ibis Mendoza
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
S$ 60+
View

How to Get Around Mendoza

Public Transportation

To use the buses, you'll need a Red Bus Card which costs ARS5. After that, each journey costs ARS4.

Taxi

Expect small hops between the city's attractions to cost between ARS20 and ARS40.

Car

Renting a car is essential to see all of the local wineries. Outlets include Hertz and Express Car, and rates can be as low as ARS100 per day.

Public Transportation

To use the buses, you'll need a Red Bus Card which costs ARS5. After that, each journey costs ARS4.

Taxi

Expect small hops between the city's attractions to cost between ARS20 and ARS40.

Car

Renting a car is essential to see all of the local wineries. Outlets include Hertz and Express Car, and rates can be as low as ARS100 per day.

Car hire agencies in Mendoza

Hertz

Hertz

Europcar

Europcar
Find car hire in Mendoza

The Cost of Living in Mendoza

Shopping Streets

Most of the city's boutiques are clustered around Av San Martin and include dress stores like Almendra and apparel vendors like Kosiuko. If you want to stock up on wine, try Dos Puntos Vinoteca or Peatonal.

Groceries and Other

Mendoza's supermarkets include Super Murciana and Super A. Expect to pay around ARS30 for 12 eggs.

Cheap meal
S$ 16.46
A pair of jeans
S$ 124.17
Single public transport ticket
S$ 0.66
Cappuccino
S$ 2.77

Everything you need to know for your stay in Mendoza

Mendoza Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Mendoza city guide for the best Mendoza travel tips. To help you organise your Mendoza trip ideas, this Mendoza visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.