Mendoza: Puentes Destination Guide

Mendoza’s slogan,“the land of good sunshine and good wine,” says it all.  Mendoza is set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and famously lodges Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas.  Also the center of the Argentine wine industry, Mendoza is an oasis of culinary and wine successes, as well as thrilling outdoors activities like rafting and horseback riding. 

HOW TO GET THERE

A short two-hour flight from Buenos Aires, Mendoza is set against the Andes Mountains in an arid region. You can fly from the in-city airport Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) or you can take a 12-hour bus ride from Retiro bus station.  If you choose to fly to Mendoza, you have low-cost airline options such as JetSMART and Flybondi. However, in terms of airline reliability, we recommend booking with Aerolíneas Argentinas. We recommend 3 to 7 days to visit Mendoza, but you could stay even longer if you want a “tranqui” experience!

WHERE TO STAY

Stay in the city of Mendoza and then take two or three days to explore the different wine regions through day trips.  Or, immerse yourself in the vineyards and the outdoor activities of the Andes and stay in the foothills of the mountains in Valle de Uco or Luján de Cuyo.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Mendoza’s city center is relatively small and very walkable. This is the best way to soak in the atmosphere, explore the numerous “plazas” (squares), and find a variety of restaurants and bars. Many key attractions, like Parque San Martín and the civic district, are easily accessible on foot. Walking is generally safe during the day and in tourist areas at night, but normal safety precautions should be taken in less-trafficked areas after dark.

Taxis, Uber, and Cabify are also convenient and relatively inexpensive options for getting around the city and surrounding areas.

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available at designated stands or can be hailed on the street. Ask the driver to use the meter to ensure a fair price. Only cash pesos are accepted; no credit cards.

  • Rideshares (Uber and Cabify): These apps work well in Mendoza and often offer transparent, pre-determined pricing which can be more convenient for non-Spanish speakers. Payment can often be made in cash to the driver, which is recommended.

The public transport system, known as MendoTRAN, is an efficient and economical way to travel longer distances within Greater Mendoza and to the wine regions of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. 

  • SUBE card: You need a reusable SUBE card to use the buses (colectivos) and the Metrotranvía light rail. The card can be purchased and charged at kiosks, lottery shops, and some train stations.

  • Planning public transport routes: The most effective way to plan your journey and track bus routes in real-time is by downloading the official MendoTRAN app. Google Maps can also provide route information, though real-time schedules may be less accurate.

Other options:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off bus: The Mendoza hop-on hop-off bus offers a guided tour covering major landmarks with an audio guide, allowing you to get on and off at various stops. This is a good option for an initial overview of the city.

  • Car rental: Renting a car provides the greatest flexibility for exploring the wider province of Mendoza, especially for trips to the high mountains (e.g., Aconcagua Provincial Park) or multiple, spread-out wineries. Be prepared for potentially bumpy or unpaved roads and variable road signs when driving outside of the city.

  • Bike rental: For visiting the wineries in the nearby, flat Maipú region, renting a bike and doing a self-guided tour is a popular option.

WHAT TO DO

Mendoza offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring the natural beauty of the Andes mountains to enjoying its renowned wine culture and city attractions. Possible activities include:

City exploration and culture

  • Explore plazas and avenues: Wander through the main city square, Plaza Independencia, which features artisan markets on weekends and a nightly fountain show. Surrounding it are four smaller, charming plazas: Plaza España, Plaza Italia, Plaza Chile, and Plaza San Martín.

  • Visit General San Martín Park: Explore the city’s largest green space, designed by French landscaper Carlos Thays. Highlights include the beautiful entrance gates, the tranquil lake (Lago General Espejo), the Fountain of the Continents, and the Cerro de la Gloria (Hill of Glory), which offers panoramic city views from the monument to the Army of the Andes.

  • Explore museums and history: Visit the Museo del Área Fundacional (Foundation Area Museum) in the old town to learn about the city’s history and view the ruins of the San Francisco church destroyed in an 1861 earthquake. The Carlos Alonso Museum also showcases works by local artists.

  • Experience local nightlife: Head to Avenida Arístides Villanueva, a lively street packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, popular for dining and going out in the evening.

Nature and adventure day trips

  • Explore the Andes Mountains: Take a full-day “High Mountain” tour along scenic Route 7 to see stunning Andean landscapes, including the Potrerillos Dam and Reservoir, the natural arch of Puente del Inca, and the viewpoint of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.

  • Relax at thermal hot springs: Unwind in the natural thermal pools at Termas de Cacheuta, which offers both a relaxing spa experience (hotel spa, age restricted) and a family-friendly water park.

  • Engage in adventure aports: The Mendoza River and surrounding areas offer thrilling activities like white-water rafting, horseback riding, hiking, paragliding, and zip-lining.

  • Visit Atuel Canyon: Plan a day trip south to San Rafael to see the unique geological formations of the Atuel Canyon and enjoy water activities on the Valle Grande reservoir.

Vineyard experiences

  • Visit an olive oil factory: Discover the local olive oil production process and enjoy tastings at places like the award-winning Olivícola Laur.

  • Bike the Vineyards: Rent a bike in Maipú with Maipu Bikes to explore several wineries and olive oil factories at your own pace.

  • Go on a Wine Tour: Mendoza is famous for its Malbec wine. Visit wineries (bodegas) in the nearby regions of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo for tours, tastings, and gourmet lunches. Options include large producers like Bodegas López and boutique wineries such as Bodega La Azul.

Find more recommendations below related to these main areas of Mendoza and its surroundings:

 

Mendoza City

EATING in Mendoza City

  • *Azafran (Belgrano and Perú): 100-year-old restaurant, with charming setting and amazing food

  • 1884 (Belgrano 1188, Godoy Cruz): Francis Mallmann’s restaurant, with lovely garden and delicious food, a bit pricier

  • Anna Bistro (Avenida Juan B Justo 161, Mendoza City): Restaurant with varied menu and nice outdoor seating

  • Vines of Mendoza (In the Park Hyatt Hotel, Chile 1124 and Sarmiento, Mendoza City): Wine bar with many regional wines available by the glass

  • Govinda Vegetarian (Avenida Colón 424, Mendoza City): Recognized as one of the best vegetarian spots in Argentina

  • La Lucila (Avenida Sarmiento 658): A traditional Argentine “parilla” (steakhouse) located just a block and a half from Plaza Independencia

  • Centauro Restaurant (Avenida Perú 1156): An old mansion that was once a hotel, converted into a trendy restaurant and cocktail bar.

  • Carolino Cocina (Avenida Perú 860): Provides a cozy and elegant atmosphere, with guests often highlighting its unique decor and relaxing vibe.

STAYING in Mendoza City

 

VALLE DE UCO (60 MINUTE DRIVE FROM MENDOZA CITY)

WINING and DINING in Valle de Uco

  • *Andeluna (Ruta 89 s/n, Gualtallary, Tupungato): Lunch overlooking the vineyards, wine tasting, and tour

  • *O. Fournier (Calle Los Indios s/n, La Consulta, San Carlos): Lunch at their restaurant Urban, wine tasting, tour

  • *Clos de los Siete (Calle Clodomiro Silva s/n, Vista Flores, Tunuyán): Tour and wine tasting in any or all of their five vineyards

  • *Salentein (Ruta 89 s/n, Los Arboles, Tunuyán): Tour, wine tasting, unique art gallery

  • Domaine Bousquet (Ruta 89 S/N km 7, Tupungato): Lunch with wine pairing and tour

  • La Azul (San Martin 1131, Tunuyán): Lunch with wine pairing and tour

  • Atamisque (Calle La Gloria 2054, San Jose, Tupungato): Lunch with wine pairing at their restaurant specializing in trout

STAYING in Valle de Uco

Luxury stays:

Boutique and intimate stays:

  • Alpasión Lodge (Ruta 94 KM 13, Los Chacayes, Mendoza): An intimate, gourmet experience with uniquely styled rooms and mountain views.

  • Andeluna Winery Lodge (Ruta Provincial 89 S/N, Tupungato): A popular boutique hotel located at a winery.

  • Finca La Azul Casa de Huéspedes (Ruta Provincial 89 S/N, Tupungato): 4-star hotel located at a winery.

Budget-friendly:

  • *Tupungato Divino (Ruta 89 y calle Los Europeos, Tupungato): Lovely boutique lodge, with pool, restaurant, and incredible view

  • Dobe Lodge (Vista Flores, Tunuyán): Economical hotel option with access to a restaurant and pool.

 

LUJÁN DE CUYO (40 MINUTES DRIVE FROM MENDOZA CITY) 

WINING and DINING in Luján de Cuyo

  • *Ruca Malen (Ruta Nacional N°7 Km 1059, Agrelo): Lunch overlooking the vineyards, wine tasting, and tour

  • *Finca Decero (Bajo las Cumbres 9003, Agrelo): Lunch with stunning view, wine tasting, tour

  • *El Lagar Carmelo Patti (San Martin 2614, Mayor Drummond – (261) 498 1379 / 155-601020 ): Unique tasting experience, Carmelo is a one-man show

  • *Achaval Ferrer (Cobos 2601, Perdriel): Excellent wines and great tour

  • *Pulenta Estate (Ruta Provincial 86 Km 6.5, Agrelo): Tour and wine tasting

  • *Susana Balbo (Cochabamba 7801, Agrelo): Tour and tasting, nice restaurant too

  • *Bodega Benegas (Aráoz 1600, Mayor Drumond): Tour and tasting, in their historical bodega

  • *Caelum (Ruta Nacional 7 km1061, Agrelo): Tour and tasting of a family-run vineyard

  • Bodega Bressia (Cochabamba 7725, Agrelo): Tour and tasting

  • Viña Cobos (Costa Flores y Ruta Nacional 7, Perdriel): Great wines and tour

  • Clos de Chacras (Monte Líbano 1025, Chacras de Coria): Lunch in a charming setting

  • *Catena Zapata (Cobos S/N, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza): A historical winery voted the Best Vineyard in the World 2023.

STAYING in Luján de Cuyo

Luxury stays:

  • *Cavas Wine Lodge (Costaflores s/n, Alto Agrelo, Mendoza ): Incredible, very high-end resort, with great restaurant too

  • *Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel (Guardia Vieja 1998, Vistalba, Mendoza): 5-star hotel with an excellent spa for a blend of nature, luxury, and wellness.

Boutique and intimate stays:

Budget-friendly:

  • Villa Mansa Wine Hotel & Spa (Roque Sáenz Peña 4900, Vistalba, Mendoza): Offers spacious and bright rooms with balconies, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and mountain views.

  • Drummond Apartments (San Martín 1253, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza): Completely equipped modern apartments

ADVENTURING in Luján de Cuyo 

  • *Rafting with Argentina Rafting: Fun rafting excursion at the foothills of the mountains. Plus canopy, rappel, kayak, SUP, mountain bike, rock climbing, paragliding, and skydiving available.

  • Los Arboles Parque de Aventura: Ruta Perilago, Potrerillos

  • Hiking: Potrerillos and Parque Provincial Aconcagua are very nice backdrops for stunning, full day or half day hikes (Puentes does not endorse the link included but provides it so you have a general overview of the trek.)

 

MAIPÚ (30 MINUTES DRIVE FROM MENDOZA CITY)

WINING and DINING in Maipú

  • *Familia Zuccardi (Ruta Provincial. N 33 km 7,5, Fray Luis Beltrán): Lunch in their “Casa del Visitante,” wine tasting, and tour

  • *Domaine St. Diego (Franklin Villanueva 3821, Lunlunta - (261) 439-5557): Tour and tasting at this charming family vineyard

  • Vistandes (Ruta Nacional 60, Urquiza): A great guided experience at a modern bodega

  • *Casa Vigil (Videla Aranda 7008): An amazing lunch experience paired with excellent wines and stunning scenery.

ADVENTURING in Maipú


*Note: Everything listed is a great experience, with items marked by an asterisk as particularly amazing and recommended.

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