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City in Argentina
Photo: Emmanuelle from Belgium, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mendoza is a city in western Argentina, in the desert Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry, for which it is world renowned. It is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. Mendoza is the capital of the province of Mendoza.
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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. The Mendoza Museum of Modern Art is under the plaza also (AR$6, free on Wednesdays). The Plaza can also be visited at night, where you can see some nicely illuminated buildings and a beautiful big coat of arms of the city that is made of lights.
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.
A modern city park, contrasting with the tradition of the better-known Parque San Martin. Not a Mendoza must-see, but the park has some nice water fountains and a grassy hill; often amateur Mendocinans set up their easels here and paint away.
A historic house museum, is an 1890 mansion once home to artist Fernando Fader in nearby Mayor Drummond, 14 km south of Mendoza. The mansion is home to many of the artist's paintings.
General San Martin lived in the house for two years while he was governor. The house is completely derelict but some excavation work has been done. A visit won't take long as only fragments of the house can be seen but it is of some interest.
These are ruins of the Jesuit church which was built in the 18th century and destroyed in the 1861 earthquake. The ruins gives one a clue as to the importance of the Jesuits to the life of Argentina before their expulsion.
Wine Tours, Mendoza
Wine tours are directed by sommelier, Julian Dlouhy and his knowledgeable staff. Tailor-made, customized tours with chauffeurs and bilingual guides in Mendoza, and other Argentine wine growing regions (Patagonia, Salta, San Juan, Cafayate, Valle de la Luna, Talampaya). Staff speaks French, German, English and Portuguese. Olive oil tours, cooking classes, mate classes, and spirit tours.
This is a small bodega offering wine tastings, a tour of their small operation and/or a meal. You can eat in the dining room, on the verandah, under the trellis or on the lawn. One of the options is a three course meal with a selection of wine with each course. It's a great little spot. It may be better to book a table rather than just turning up but they will certainly fit you in if they can.
A pleasant half-day hike easily done independently from Mendoza, offering great views of both the Andean foothills behind and the vast expanse of Mendoza's plains to the front. Cerro Acro is the looming mountain to Mendoza's north west, topped with various antenna. It is also used as the base for paragliding. Take bus 300/301/302/303 in west direction from the road named Montevideo right next to Plaza Independencia (or Parque San Martin on Av Del Libertador) to El Challao Mirador, at the end of the line 8km to the northwest. From here walk across from the white nightclub following the dyke 100 metres, then take an unpaved track further west until you reach a small restaurant, mountaineering museum and clubhouse - then follow the track to the north (going through the gate). This is a popular hike for Mendocinos at the weekend, but during the week it may be deserted. You can treat yourself to a hearty asado as the restaurant - it has two menus, one more expensive than the other! From the Mirador, the hike is about a 3½-hour round trip. Get out of the area well before dark. In the summer, go early to avoid the worst of the heat, and in the winter bring a jacket, as it can be cool and windy at the top. Afterwards you could visit the aircraft hanger-sized church in Challao, a local version of Lourdes.
Every hotel, hostel and travel agent can organise horse riding trips close to the city - but these guys have one of the better reputations, with English-speaking guides.
Mendoza
Las Leñas is definitely the most important ski resort in Argentina. The Andes Mountains are the highest outside of Asia with reliable skiing every ski season. Dry, plentiful powder, all levels welcome, Nordic skiing, incredible off-piste skiing and a base up at 2,240 metres describes Argentina’s most important ski resort, Las Leñas.
Trekking, rafting, horse riding, para gliding, mountain bike, Aconcagua tour and wine tasting tour.
Cacheuta, about an hour outside of Mendoza, has a very large network of "natural" hot-tubs called the "Parque del Agua". During high season and weekends, you will pay AR$70. For easy transportation, inquire regarding Cacheuta at the Bus Terminal, Espreso Uspallata bus counter at the immediate south side of the terminal near platform 50; buses depart Mendoza in the morning (before 12:00) and return in the evening (last bus departs Cacheuta at 18:50). You will pay AR$14 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.
If you want the natural hot springs, just go down to the river and find some rocks forming a pool. For free.
An upscale alternative is to go for the day to the Termas Hotel, about a km before", with swanky pools, masseuses, jacuzzis and an incredible buffet lunch, all for AR$80, but well worth the value. If you go, you had better book at the hotel a few days before for the package (do not bother staying at the hotel, the overpriced rooms are very cramped.
Stylish restaurant and one of the more upmarket on the Aristides strip. Extensive menu of meats, salads, pastas, and a curious 'exotic' range, including Wok Chicken, Wok Beef, and more oddly, Wok Pizza.
Pleasant & pricey restaurant with, as the name suggests, a patio. Asado, steak, chicken and more steak. For an interesting dining experience have a meal whilst a football game at Club Independiente next door is underway.
15 minutes south of the city center (close to suburban Chacras de Coria) and in the middle of one of the Tapiz winery vineyards, this stylish restaurant offers a series of regional dishes and a superb wine list. Make the best out of the visit by touring the vineyard, visiting "Pour la Galerie" a maginificent art space located beside the museum featuring works of renowned artist Sergio Roggerone, and learning about the Club Tapiz boutique hotel (see below). Reservations required.
Open for lunch and dinner, this is a classic, family-owned restaurant that serves authentic, quality Argentine food. Great home made pasta. Daily specials. Friendly to English speakers. If you're in the city center and want a dependable meal, you can't go wrong here.
This is a buffet restaurant.
Don't be confused by the sign "Liniers" out the front of the restaurant. You are at the right place. This is a parilla place like the others on this section of Sarmiento but it also does some very nice tapas so distinguishes itself somewhat. The staff are fairly young but very knowledgeable about their food and wine. Tapas includes prawns, calamari and beef tongue. Very friendly service together with excellent food and wine.
Nice little hostel about 15 minutes walk from the city center. The owners are a lovely young couple who'll try to make your stay as pleasant as possible. They offer good information on tours and activities in town, but there's no pressure to book anything through them. The kitchen is big and rather well-equipped, so good for self-catering.
The bedrooms in the hotel are small and ensuite shower/toilets are very small indeed but it's neat and tidy with friendly staff. Breakfast provided.
Less of a party hostel than the hostels located on Av Aristides. Located just off Plaza Chile, and very close to a large supermarket, you can expect to pay around AR$45 or AR$50 per night.
In one of the most elegant neighbourhoods of the city, the fifth section.
Excellent Resto Bar, comfortable rooms, swimming pool, breakfast & friendly atmosphere.
A hostel with discounts for Hostelling International members. It is definitely a party hostel. Well located, near Plaza Independencia. Excellent atmosphere for backpackers. Tourist information also available.
Beautiful hostel, charming owners. Approx. Ar$18. There is access to a pool, BBQ, brick oven, bike rental, and extensive excursion information.
A comfortable hostel, with excellent facilities, four beds rooms with private bathroom, excellent price. Also with great options for tours, including wine tours, horseback riding, rafting and excursions into the mountains. Expect to pay between AR$35 and AR$45 per night.
Rated very highly on hostel booking sites. Friendly, sociable and relaxed hostel. Attractive garden and pool. Runs weekly wine tasting events. Dorm and private accommodation available.
In a beautiful house with large open spaces, couches and big garden with swimming pool and hammocks. Spacious and equipped kitchen for guests and a bar to buy beer and wine. Bedrooms are comfortable. The beds have new thick mattresses and lockers. Friendly and helpful staff that can recommend you lots of activities to do in Mendoza.
Close to the main square, this hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms. Take advantage of the on-site restaurant and fitness centre.
Around 8 blocks from Plaza Independencia, it's a decent point for exploring downtown Mendoza. Its staff is very friendly and helpful. They offer excursions and complete information what to do in the city. Breakfast and lockers are included.
An amazing lodge with great park, BBQ, swimming pool and wine tours.
Outside of town, quiet. 5 star.
Kiwi Collection recommended boutique hotel in the outskirts of Mendoza.
The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites featuring wireless internet access (internet at additional charge), turndown service, marble bath and executive bar. Facilities include Regency Casino Mendoza, Kaua Club & Spa, an outdoor heated pool and garden sun deck.
Beautiful lodge in the wine country. Close to some of Mendoza's nicest wineries.
5-star hotel.
Wine hotel in Tupungato.
By plane
From the airport, you can take a remis (a type of taxi) for fixed posted prices (AR$225 to the centre in 2019).
Central Mendoza is relatively compact and walkable: for example, it's a 20- to 30-minute walk from Plaza Independencia to Parque San Martin.
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