There are more things to do in Mendoza, Argentina, than you’d imagine. The capital of the Mendoza Province is known for its wine production, for the incredible food (this is where you’ll eat some of the best steaks in Argentina) and for the gorgeous landscapes of vineyards and mountains.
I have been to Mendoza twice, and each time, I spent several days exploring the city and its surroundings, enjoying the wine, the atmosphere, the people, and the landscape. I am ready to share my experiences and guide you through the top things to do in Mendoza.
To be fair, Mendoza city itself isn’t that special (though the nightlife there is pretty incredible). But it’s not the city you should focus on during your visit: it’s the incredible surroundings. I have been there twice and recommend including it in your trip to Argentina.
Curious to find out more? Continue reading to discover the top things to do in Mendoza, Argentina, and other Argentina tips to plan your visit.
Best Things To Do In Mendoza, Argentina
Indulge in a wine tasting tour, or more
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Mendoza is the fabulous Malbec wine. It’s thus safe to say that one of the best things to do in Mendoza is a wine-tasting tour. Wine in Mendoza is affordable, and you can walk away with a $5 USD bottle of excellent wine that will impress your family and friends.
Malbec is the most famous variety produced in the Mendoza Province (but not only), but you can also try others such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat (which is also popular in Uruguay), Merlot and Chardonnay.
Wine-tasting tours usually last around 4 hours and consist of a guided walk or bike ride through the Mendoza Argentina vineyards, a visit to the cellar and fermentation area, and wine tasting. Some tours also include wine pairings and lunch. The prices of guided wine tasting Mendoza Argentina tours are quite high.
For a wine-tasting tour in Mendoza, I recommend this Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings. The tour includes roundtrip transportation to two wineries in the region and an olive oil factory. It’s a really fun, well-rounded experience perfect for wine lovers.
I also recommend this Mendoza: Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch. You’ll visit two wineries, taste some of the best wine in the region, and even indulge in a three-course meal at one of the vineyards. It’s an excellent setting.
For a wine-tasting tour by bike, I recommend Winebike Tasting Tour. This is a large, shared bike that you’ll peddle around with a group. This is actually one of the most unusual things to do in Mendoza, making it all the more fun.
You can keep the costs down by doing a self-guided tour—renting bikes and going to the vineyards yourself. However, if you add the costs of the bike rental, the tours and tastings at each vineyard, and the lunch you will eventually want at one of the vineyards, you may realize that splurging on a guided tour isn’t a bad idea after all.
Check out my post, Fantastic Wineries In Mendoza, to learn about all the best wineries Mendoza Argentina. Love wine tourism? Make sure to read my post Seven Amazing Estates To Do Wine Tasting In Stellenbosch for something a little different.
Take part in the Vendimia
If your travel dates are flexible enough, visit Mendoza between the end of February and the beginning of March, in time for the harvest and to attend Mendoza’s biggest event—the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival).
This has been celebrated since 1936. It’s an incredible series of folklore, pageants (with the election of a Vendimia Queen), music performances, and fireworks. It lasts 10 days and begins with the blessing of the grapes.
At its core, the festival celebrates Argentina’s wine culture and heritage. But it’s really so much more then that, and definitely worth visiting if you can make it work. It’s one of the best festivals in South America, in my opinion.
While there are so many great things to do in Argentina for the adrenaline junkie and hiking enthusiast, one of the best things you can do is learn more about the culture. The Grape Harvest Festival is a fun starting point.
Pay a visit to the Museo Nacional del Vino
A visit to the Museo Nacional del Vino of Maipù is a nice addition to a wine tasting tour. Most day trips don’t go there, actually, but you can go alone.
It’s a nice place to get some background information on the history of wine in the province of Mendoza. For example, you’ll learn how an Italian immigrant made it to Maipù in the late 1890s and started the first winery in the region. You’ll also be able to see some antique wine-making tools, bottles, and labels.
There’s no doubt that you’ll learn about wine on a wine-tasting tour, but this is a nice addition for even more background and knowledge.
Visit the olive groves
Wherever there are vineyards, there are beautiful olive groves. This goes for Italy, Israel, South Africa, and even Mendoza, Argentina. Here, you’ll be able to taste some delicious olives and olive oil, which will be the perfect accompaniment to salads and bread.
Quite a few vineyards also have olive groves. Familia Zuccardi even allows you to pick your olives to create your bottle of olive oil!
Many of the wine-tasting tours also include an olive production portion. For example, this Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings recommended earlier is a great one that includes a tour of an olive oil factory.
Drink beer
In the Argentine capital of wine, drinking beer might seem like one of the most unusual things to do in Mendoza. However, after a day of wine tasting and wandering around the vineyards in the summer heat, you’ll be ready for a cold pint.
Mendoza has some excellent craft beer places. A Patagonia pub is located in the heart of Chacras de Coria, and you can even do a beer-tasting tour.
You can also check out one of the unique, popular watering holes for travelers and locals. Believe Irish Pub (who would think they’d visit an Irish pub in Argentina?) is a great place with lots of beer variety. Birra House is another well-known joint with good beer selections.
Hike Cerro Aconcagua
112 km (about 76 miles) and less than 2 hours away from Mendoza, Cerro Aconcagua, which reaches an elevation of 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), is the highest peak in South America and in the Andes mountain range.
The hike to the peak is a challenging three-week walk that involves hiking, walking on ice with crampons, and even climbing—and you’ll need to be very fit to do it.
There are several hiking trails on Aconcagua. The most popular one is the Normal Route, which takes roughly 18 days and starts in Lower Harcones Valley and reaches Plaza de Mulas.
The hike to Aconcagua requires planning, fitness, and proper equipment, and you shouldn’t attempt to do it alone. Make sure to research a good company to organize your expedition.
While hiking Aconcagua is certainly one of the top things to do in Mendoza, you don’t have to spend three weeks there to enjoy it. You can actually visit on a day trip, and even just a walk to Camp 2 on a clear day is guaranteed to provide incredible sunset views.
For the best hiking tours of Aconcagua, I recommend this High Mountain and Aconcagua Park Tour with Lunch. This tour includes several hours to explore Aconcagua hiking trails and several other tourist attractions. You’ll also have a delicious Argentinian BBQ (complete with wine and dessert) in Uspallata.
If you’re looking for a more intensive hiking experience, I recommend this Mendoza: Mt. Aconcagua Confluencia Camp Trekking. This tour includes an intense hike to Confluencia Camp, which would take about six hours. You definitely have to be prepared for this one.
Read my post, Why Hiking Alone Is Actually A Bad Idea, for my controversial opinion on the matter.
Visit the Puente del Inca
Don’t confuse this Puente del Inca with the one in Machu Picchu, Peru. As opposed to the Peruvian one, this one is a natural bridge that, at an altitude of 2,720 meters (about 8,924 feet) above sea level, crosses the Vacas River.
You can visit the Puente del Inca during a trip to Cerro Aconcagua—it’s a nice addition to your Argentina itinerary. You’ll need a car to get there, as there are few public transportation options.
You can also go on a guided tour, which makes things a lot easier and isn’t too expensive.
Many of the casual tours to Cerro Aconcagua include a stop at Puente del Inca. I recommend this Uspallata, Aconcagua, and Puente del Inca Day Trip from Mendoza. The tour includes a stop at Puente del Inca, where you can admire the natural rock formations and hot springs. It’s a great full-day adventure that includes several of the best things to do in Mendoza all in one.
Go horseback riding
If you are a fan of horseback riding, one of the nicest things to do in Mendoza is to go for a ride. There are several places to visit in Mendoza, Argentina, for horseback riding.
I am hardly a pro when it comes to horseback riding, so I opted for something short and easy right outside of Mendoza, riding through the beautiful vineyards around sunset time. But if you want, you can go on longer rides at the base of the Andes, in the Uco Valley, in the Quebrada del Condor, and in other gorgeous places where you’ll enjoy gorgeous landscapes.
For an extra treat, pick a sunset ride! You can’t go wrong with the colors and beauty during the golden hour.
I recommend this Horseback Riding in the Andes with Authentic BBQ activity. You can enjoy 1.5 hours of horseback riding and opt for a delicious, traditional Argentinian BBQ. One of the best things about this tour is you can choose a morning or afternoon option (the afternoon option includes a sunset ride).
I also recommend this Full Day Gaucho Experience for a unique and exciting activity. If you didn’t know, gauchos in Argentina are similar to cowboys in the US. You’ll have three hours of horseback riding, a great lunch, and drinks.
Go on a bike tour
If you are an active person, going on a bike tour is what to do in Mendoza. The best place to rent bikes near Mendoza is Mr Hugo’s Bicycle Rental. They will give you a bike, a very good map, and lots of tips on routes and wineries to visit during the day.
Make sure to head out nice and early, as the bike rental is so popular that they sometimes run out of bikes! But once you secure your bike, you’ll be able to visit all the best Mendoza Argentina wineries with plenty of freedom.
Pick a bike with a basket. You’ll need it to hold your bag, camera, and the bottles of wine you’ll buy along the way. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration; wear a hat and apply lots of sunblock to avoid getting sunburnt.
Spend some time in Chacras de Coria
Chacras de Coria is a small town just outside Mendoza. In recent years, it has become popular due to its fantastic restaurants, shopping opportunities, and great nightlife.
Chacras is fantastically quaint and quiet – which is great if you value your sleep. Not to mention, it is really close to the wineries (there are a few that are actually right in Chacras de Coria).
Among the things you shouldn’t miss when in Chacras is a nice Sunday market where you’ll find souvenirs, antiques, and even jewelry. And if joining the fantastic nightlife is one of the things to do in Mendoza, Chacras de Coria is where the fun is, with clubs such as Grita Silencio and La Guanaca.
Go rafting
Rafting is one of the most fun things to do in Mendoza, Argentina. The Mendoza River runs to the region and it is thanks to it that the vineyards have water.
However, it’s also a great source of adventure. There are some good Class III rapids, so it’s not hard-core rafting at all, but you are guaranteed fun.
I went rafting in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, in Class II and Class III rapids, and it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. And what better way to enjoy a scrumptious bottle of wine from one of the best wine countries in Latin America than after an intense day of adrenaline-pumping rafting?
For an unforgettable adventure, I recommend this 12-KM River Rafting Tour in the Andes. The activity includes all necessary equipment, an hour of rafting through Class III and IV rapids, and a professional guide from start to finish.
Or ziplining
If rafting isn’t enough to quench your thirst for adrenaline, one of the best things to do in Mendoza is ziplining. In fact, you can actually combine this experience with rafting for a full day of adventure.
Ziplining is usually done in the Valley of Potrerillos. There are 6 cables, with an average height of 60 meters (almost 197 feet) and of moderate difficulty, so it is not too scary.
For rafting with ziplining adventure, I recommend this River Rafting & Canopy in the Andes Mountain Range. The tour includes an hour of rafting through the rapids and a quick canopy (zipline) tour from the trees. So, you can admire the beautiful Andes from multiple vantage points.
Visit Parque San Martin
Parque San Martin easily qualifies as the nicest park in Mendoza. It was designed by Carlos Thays, a famous urban planner and landscape architect, in the late 1800s. It’s actually the oldest park in the Province of Mendoza.
Inside, you’ll find 34 sculptures, a rose garden, an amphitheater, workout areas, and a lake, which is a perfect picnic spot and a great place to watch some local action.
There’s even a restaurant and a little cafe inside the park. So, you can also enjoy a nice coffee while people-watching or have a relaxing picnic.
For a city tour of Mendoza, I recommend this Half-Day Sightseeing Tour. The tour includes a walk-through of San Martin Park with a guide, so you can learn more about the history and area. It also hits many of the other major tourist attractions in Mendoza.
Admire the views from Cerro de la Gloria
Right behind San Martin Park, there’s Cerro de la Gloria (Gloria’s Hill). Going to the top of Gloria’s Hill and admiring the views of Mendoza is a must-see activity in the small city.
You can access the hill on foot, with a car, taxi, or bicycle. At the top of the hill, there’s a small parking area and the National Monument to the Army of the Andes. This is a popular hang-out area for locals, as well. So, you might spot a group of friends laughing and enjoying the company.
And Plaza Independencia
In your wanderings through Mendoza, you’ll definitely end up in Plaza Independencia. This is the heart of Mendoza, the largest green space within the city, and a cool place to relax and do some people-watching.
At the center of the square, there is a large, beautiful fountain. Occasionally, you’ll also see a small market of artisans selling their handicrafts right in the square. Not far from Plaza Independencia, you’ll find some other smaller squares, such as Plaza España, which are also worth visiting.
Walk along Peatonal Sarmiento
If you really want to mingle with the locals, one of the ultimate things to do in Mendoza, Argentina, is go for a walk along Peatonal Sarmiento. This is a long, airy pedestrian-only boulevard lined with lots of cafés and shops, where the locals love hanging out. You’ll also find banks and pharmacies in case you need to run some errands.
Most of the restaurants along Peatonal Sarmiento cater to tourists, so they aren’t the best and cheapest places in town to grab a bite. Opt for smaller places on the side streets instead.
Visit the Museo Bellas Artes
Located right outside Mendoza in Luján de Cuyo, the Museo de Bellas Artes—Casa de Fader is a mansion dating back to 1890.
It used to belong to an affluent couple who hired artist Fernando Fader to restore it and paint frescoes. The mansion has a gorgeous garden and a very good exhibit of artwork.
This is one of the best things to do in Mendoza for art aficionados, but it’s really just a cool experience for anyone. There are even public events on occasion, so make sure to check what’s going on while you’re there.
Eat
Mendoza is a fantastic place to fully appreciate Argentinian cuisine. Empanadas, sorrentinos (stuffed pasta), and delicious meat: there’s nothing better than a fantastic steak or even an asado (Argentine barbecue) accompanied by local wine.
Vegans traveling to Mendoza should head straight to Cuenco, in Olascoaga 1412. This small eatery is open Mondays to Saturdays for lunch only. You serve yourself and pay by weight, which makes it extremely budget-friendly, and you have an incredible choice of very healthy options.
Make sure to read my post 25 Delicious Argentina Food To Try if you want some more ideas of the best food to try in Mendoza, Argentina.
Enjoy the incredible night scene
One of the most fun things to do in Mendoza is going out at night. When the weather is nice, head to Calle Arístides (Avenue Aristides Villanueva), the heart of nightlife in Mendoza, Argentina.
This is where locals meet to have a drink (by the way: Fernet and Coke is their cocktail of choice); but you’ll also find lots of tourists as there are quite a few hostels around.
Another area that is perfect for nightlife is Chacras de Coria, where you’ll find the boliches (clubs).
Relax at Cacheuta Thermal Baths
One of the coolest (literally!) things to do in Mendoza is go to Cacheuta Thermal Baths. This spa, hotel, and waterpark, located along Ruta 82 among the mountains, is a fantastic place to relax.
It offers a great array of saunas, mud baths, hot springs, and thermal pools. You can even have a massage. And you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy all the fun. Just make sure you check ahead of time on the availability and schedule of the activities you’re most interested in.
Visit Villavicencio Nature Reserve
Villavicencio is a beautiful natural reserve in the Andes Mountains, not far from Mendoza. Here, you can see local wildlife, including guanacos, ostriches, condors, and, if you are lucky, pumas.
It’s the same area where the local mineral spring water comes from. Most of the time, tours to this reserve include a visit and lunch at a local winery and, at times, even entrance to the historic spa resort of Villavicencio.
Unfortunately, there’s no public transportation to Villavicencio Nature Reserve from Mendoza. You can hire a taxi, as it’s only about an hour away. However, the easiest way is to rent a car and drive yourself or take a guided tour.
I recommend this 4×4 Photo Safari in the Andes – Villavicencio for the most unique experience. On this tour, you’ll venture all around Villavicencio and the Road of 365 Curves (you can even opt to summit 7 Colors Mountain for unbeatable panoramic views). You’ll stop frequently to take photos of the wildlife and scenery.
Get out of the city at San Rafael and Atuel Canyon
If you’re looking for a day trip from Mendoza, you’re in luck. San Rafael and Atuel Canyon just might be the best day trips in Argentina.
Around 3 hours by bus from Mendoza, San Rafael is a great place for outdoor activities. I recommend spending a couple of days there to appreciate all the nature and to go hiking, kayaking, and even paragliding. If you don’t have time, you can go on a day trip.
While there, make sure to visit Atuel Canyon, a fantastic place with lakes, rivers, and beautifully naturally carved rocks.
The easiest way to get to San Rafael from Mendoza is to rent a car and drive. However, buses depart from Terminal Mendoza every day.
Practical Information To Organize Your Trip To Mendoza
Where To Stay In Mendoza
Mendoza is a fairly large city with plenty of accommodation options. The best hostels and boutique hotels are all in the area of Calle Arístides, where you’ll also find an incredible array of restaurants and bars which is very close to the center of town. Alternatively, head to Chacras de Coria for some lovely boutique hotels.
Here is a selection of places to stay in Mendoza:
- Chill Inn Hostel—I stayed there the first time I visited Mendoza and enjoyed the easygoing vibe, the social spaces, the comfortable beds, and the spotless bathrooms. There is also a lovely pool to relax in on hot days.
- Park Hyatt Mendoza is an excellent option if you want to treat yourself to something more luxurious. Choose a room with mountain views for an extra treat.
- Tanino Guest House is a lovely option if you are looking for something with a bit more personality. There are double rooms, twin rooms, and even budget rooms with shared bathrooms. The bonus is a nice outdoor pool.
- El Encuentro, in Chacras de Coria, is a lovely small boutique hotel on a small side street. It has plenty of rustic charm. There is a small pool in a very well-kept garden.
- Plaza Paradiso Petit Hotel is in Chacras de Coria’s main street. Rooms are very large and comfortable, and the buffet breakfast is very filling and much better than the average on offer in Argentina.
How to get to Mendoza
Mendoza is well connected to the rest of Argentina and to Chile through a variety of flights and buses.
By plane
Several major airlines and even some budget ones fly in and out of Mendoza, with direct flights to Buenos Aires (both Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza airports), which last around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and other large cities in the country.
Mendoza Airport is located about 30 minutes drive from the center of town. To get from the airport to the city you can either get a taxi or a remis (cab) or opt to book a transfer.
By bus
If you have time to spare, I recommend traveling by bus. Buses in South America are comfortable, and on the longest rides, you can fully recline to get some rest. Not to mention, the landscape is gorgeous, and it’s a great way to admire the views.
There are direct buses connecting Santiago de Chile to Mendoza. The trip lasts around 8 hours, but keep in mind you may find lines at the border. The views along the way are fabulous.
The ride between Buenos Aires and Mendoza lasts 15 hours.
Make sure to book your bus transfer in advance, and opt for upper deck front seats for the best views!
Traveling to Chile? Make sure to check my posts 17 Fun Things To Do In Santiago Chile and Ten Incredible Places To Visit In Chile before planning your trip for inspiration and ideas.
How to move around Mendoza
Depending on where you plan to stay, you can easily move around Mendoza on foot, by bike or by public transportation. The city is fairly walkable, but keep in mind that the wineries are outside the city.
BY BUS—Like in the rest of Argentina, public transportation in Mendoza is quite reliable. You can’t pay for your ride directly on the buses, so if you intend to move around by bus, make sure to get a Redbus card at kiosks scattered around the city.
BY BIKE—Bikes can be rented at hostels, hotels, or various places around town. They are a good way to get around and to the wineries.
BY TAXI—Taxis are easily available in Mendoza and quite cheap, so it is a good way to travel around town and even outside of it.
BY CAR—If you like the idea of being completely independent, rent a car. You can pick one up directly at the airport.
I always recommend using Discover Cars when renting a car in a foreign country. You can compare prices, look at different rental cars and rental car companies, and. have some extra assistance if ever needed.
When to visit Mendoza
Mendoza is sunny year-round, with cold winters and very hot summers. Thanks to the more consistent weather, it’s much easier to prepare for than other parts of Argentina. For example, packing for Patagonia can be a pain depending on the area, season, and forecast.
Though you won’t miss the sun if you visit in the winter, I think the summer months (from December to March) are the best to visit. That’s when you’ll see the vineyards in full bloom, and if you visit at the end of February, you can even attend the Vendemia festival.
Spring and Fall (October, November, and April) are the best months to visit if you intend to go hiking.
Safety in Mendoza
Like the rest of Argentina, Mendoza is a fairly safe city. Having said so, it grew a lot in the last couple of decades, and with that, the crime rates (especially petty crimes) increased.
Trust your instincts when it comes to safety, and always keep an eye on your possessions. Avoid walking alone on big squares and dark streets at night.
Lastly, and as for any other trip, get good travel insurance for your trip to Mendoza, especially if you intend to do any adventurous activity.
Check out HeyMondo if you still need travel insurance for your trip.
Further Readings
Planning a trip to Argentina? Make sure to check out the following posts:
- A Perfect Argentina Itinerary
- A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
- Top 13 Things To Do In Rosario Argentina: An Insiders’ Guide!
- 25 Unmissable Things To Do In Buenos Aires
- Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
- 11 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Salta Argentina
- The Best Argentine Movies
Have you ever been to Mendoza? What are the things to do in Mendoza that you enjoyed the most?
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