Visit Mendoza For Adventure!

Mendoza, Argentina is famous for its wine. But if you think that swirling and sipping your vacation away is all Mendoza has to offer, think again! This beautiful region, located at the edge of the Andes, has so much more to offer. From sightseeing to soaking in the city’s thermal pools to hiking Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere – there’s something for everyone. So, when you’re planning your trip, make sure you pick a vacation package that includes tours of Mendoza in Argentina!

Where And What Is Mendoza?

Mendoza, officially known as the City of Mendoza (or Ciudad de Mendoza), is the capital of the province of Mendoza in Argentina. It is located in the north-central part of the province, on the eastern side of the Andes. Nestled between foothills and high plains, the town and its surrounding vineyards are irrigated by the Mendoza River. Vacation packages to Argentina often include several days in this region for travelers to visit the region’s wineries.

The Spanish founded Mendoza in 1561, taking advantage of the irrigation system that had already been put in place by the country’s indigenous people. This system turned the original dry landscape of Mendoza into a lush oasis, perfect for grape growing and wine making. But what put Mendoza on the map centuries later was the role the city played in gaining Argentina’s independence. Governor José Francisco de San Martín put together an armed group of men that he called the Army of the Andes to fight against the Spanish during the Argentine Wars of Independence. This army was instrumental in helping the country gain its freedom from Colonial Spain.

Things To Do and See Around Mendoza City

Trips to Argentina with packages that include a visit to Mendoza and wine country are becoming extremely popular. The city’s history come together nicely at the main plaza, Plaza San Martin, dedicated to the governor who helped Argentina gain its independence. There are many other plazas to visit however, on tours of Mendoza in Argentina, including the Plaza Independencia. This is the city’s main square, which is a perfect place for locals and visitors to relax. The square is home to many beautiful trees and plants, as well as a monument commemorating Argentina’s struggles, the “Frieze of Independence.”

Other places of interest to visit include:

• The Teatro Municipal Julio Quintanilla – this performing arts theater features contemporary as well as classic productions of theater arts.
• The Municipal Museum of Modern Art – this museum features temporary exhibitions of contemporary and modern art in an intimate space under Plaza Independencia.
• Parque General San Martín – this beautiful park has walking paths, a lake, and a lookout point, the Cerro de la Gloria, which celebrates the Army of the Andes.
• The Wine and Harvest Museum – located in the town of Maipú, this national monument is housed in the Bodega Rural, the region’s oldest winery. The museum is open to visitors from Monday to Friday. When visiting the museum visitors can watch the winemaking and bottling process and take guided tours through the facility and the estate.
• Casa Fader – this museum was named after Fernando Fader, one of the most important impressionist artists from Argentina. Inside the museum, you will find a vast collection of Argentine artists from different periods as well as other provinces.
• Bonus tip – Mendoza is known as the food and wine capital of Argentina, so don’t forget to sample some of the local cuisine! Vacation packages to Argentina are not complete without a meal that includes Argentinian asada (or beef). Local wines are of course available to pair with your dinner!

Go On An Adventure In The Andes

Tours in Mendoza, Argentina often include a trip to the Andes Mountains. And the most famous mountain of all is Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the world outside of Asia! Many people travel to Mendoza to go on a mountaineering expedition to the summit of this tall peak. But for those who want a less intense experience, there are shorter routes that you can hike. One of the most popular (and shortest) hikes is the one-day trek to Confluencia, the first Aconcagua base camp. Just be warned – although relatively tame, Mendoza still sits at altitude, making even an easy day hike more challenging for those who are not acclimated.

Explore Potrerillos – The Biggest Little Town In Argentina!

More and more vacation packages to Argentina are including a stop-over in Potrerillos. This town, located an hour’s drive west of Mendoza, is an adventure hub popular with tourists who want to unwind outdoors. Some of the most popular activities include whitewater rafting on the Mendoza River or a weekend getaway at Los Penitentes, a ski resort near Mount Aconcagua. This small village is growing in popularity, and regularly attracts visitors who want to hike, kayak, camp, or fish while enjoying the region’s stunning natural beauty. Other cultural attractions include:

• The Archaeolgical Museum – this museum houses the remnants of the ancient indigenous cultures that once thrived in the area, as well as the Popular Library Armando Tejada Gomex.
• Local craft fairs – enjoy browsing the displays set up by local vendors and purchase regional handcrafts as a souvenir or your trip.
• The Potrerillos Dam – Outside the city of Potrerillos, you’ll find a huge lake of sky-blue waters. This man-made lake is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Province of Mendoza. The dam was built between 1999 and 2003 to provide flood control, hydroelectricity, and irrigation for the region. But it has become a popular place to fish, kayak, camp, and hike for locals and tourists alike and many tours in Mendoza, Argentina include a stop here.

Tour The Caminos Del Vino

The wine route that passes through the middle of Mendoza is named the Caminos del Vino. It is divided into four areas: the Zona Norte (including the city of Mendoza, Maipu Valley, and Lujan de Cuyo), Valle de Uco (which specializes in high-altitude grapes), Zone Este (near the city of San Martin), and Zona Sur (a three hours’ drive south of Mendoza).

Lujan de Cuyo is home to Bodega Catena Zapata, one of the most important wineries in the region. The owner introduced Malbe wine to the region, and helped cultivate a brand unique to Argentina. There are many other excellent wineries in the area to visit on tours in Mendoza, Argentina. Enjoy a spa-like experience at the Cavas Wine Lodge or go horseback riding through the vineyards. Foodies will enjoy the Bodega Ruca Malen, which includes exquisite lunches and dinners combined with wine tasting.

Further south, Valle de Uco features the wine resort Vines of Mendoza, where visitors can work with the winemakers to create their very own wines. Or, you can visit Finca Blousson, a bistro-guesthouse where visitors can relax and enjoy fine dining on their vacation.

Vacation packages to Argentina are a ticket to adventure. Whether your vacation includes a stay in Mendoza, a tour of wine country, or an adventure in the Andes, you won’t be disappointed!