Things to Do in Mendoza

Mendoza’s appeal is largely about what surrounds the city: the wine region to the south and east in the Luján de Cuyo and Maipú valleys, and the Andes to the west. The city itself is pleasant but not particularly eventful; it functions mainly as a base for excursions.

Wine Region: Maipú and Luján de Cuyo

The two main wine-producing areas accessible from Mendoza are Maipú (around 15 km southeast) and Luján de Cuyo (around 25 km south). Both are reachable on day trips.

Maipú is the easier independent option. The bus from central Mendoza’s terminal drops you near bicycle rental shops in Maipú town. From there, the wine route connects bodegas within a few kilometres of each other — a half-dozen to a dozen visits are achievable in a full day by bicycle at a relaxed pace. Smaller, family-run bodegas like Familia Di Tomasso and Finca La Celia have a more personal atmosphere than the large commercial producers.

Luján de Cuyo is considered the prestige wine area — the Malbec grown here at higher altitude is regarded as Argentina’s finest. Bodegas like Achaval Ferrer, Clos de los Siete, and Catena Zapata operate here. Independent bicycle touring is less practical; a wine tour in Mendoza that covers Luján de Cuyo bodegas with transport and tastings included is the most efficient approach.

For detail on wine tasting and bodega visiting, see our Wine Tasting in Mendoza guide.

Aconcagua Provincial Park

The road from Mendoza west toward Chile passes through increasingly dramatic Andean scenery and reaches Aconcagua Provincial Park at around 170 km. Aconcagua (6,961m) is the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

Day visitors can drive to the Horcones entrance and walk 30–45 minutes to Laguna Horcones, which offers a clear view of the south face of Aconcagua without any technical difficulty. No permit is required for this short visit.

The summit and lower base camps require permits (costing several hundred dollars in peak season) and are the domain of serious mountaineers. The normal route takes 15–21 days and requires proper expedition preparation.

The drive from Mendoza to the park and back makes for a full day. The scenery through the Uspallata Valley and past the painted mountains of the Quebrada de Zonda is worth the trip even if you don’t enter the park.

Thermal Baths at Cacheuta

The Cacheuta hot springs complex sits 45 km from Mendoza along the Mendoza River canyon. Several thermal pools at different temperatures are fed by natural mineral springs. It’s a day-trip destination popular with local families at weekends and quieter during the week. The setting — a narrow canyon with the Andes above — is more attractive than the facility itself, which is functional rather than luxurious.

Minibuses run from central Mendoza to Cacheuta; alternatively, a remis is straightforward for the 45-minute journey.

Mendoza City

Plaza Independencia — The central square is surrounded by cafés and the entrance to the underground Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno. The plaza hosts weekend markets and events.

Parque General San Martín — A large park on the western edge of the city, designed by Carlos Thays (who also designed Palermo’s parks in Buenos Aires). The park contains a lake, a rose garden, the Greek Theatre, and the Cerro de la Gloria hill with views over the city and the Andes.

Chacras de Coria — A small town 20 km south of Mendoza with a village atmosphere, antique shops, and several restaurants. Good for a quiet afternoon.

Aristides Villanueva — The main restaurant and bar street, in the Quinta Sección neighbourhood. This is where most of the city’s better dining and nightlife concentrates.

Rafting on the Mendoza River

The Mendoza River offers rafting trips ranging from gentle floats to Grade III–IV rapids depending on the section and the season. The most popular stretch is near Potrerillos, about 90 km from the city. Day-trip operators in central Mendoza organise transport and equipment. The river runs fastest with meltwater in spring (October–November).

Olive Oil Route

Lesser-known than the wine route but worth considering: the olive oil producers in the Rivadavia and San Rafael areas have developed tasting tours similar to bodega visits. Mendoza’s climate is ideal for olive growing and the regional olive oils are high quality. Less frequently visited than wine tourism, which means a more personal experience at producing farms.