An Adventure In Argentina’s Mendoza Province

Mendoza, Argentina is located in the northern-central part of Mendoza Province. The capital city is officially known as The City of Mendoza or Ciudad de Mendoza. It is nestled in a region of foothills and high plains, on the eastern side of the Andes. The area is a tourist mecca for many reasons, but one of the things it is most famous for is its wine! Keep reading to learn more about this amazing city in our Mendoza Argentina travel guide.

Mendoza’s Fascinating And Multicultural History

Mendoza, Argentina was originally inhabited by the indigenous Huarpe tribe, who created a complex irrigation system to bring water from the mountains to the desert landscape. During the 16th century, this region was colonized by the Spanish. Later, European immigrants, especially Italians, moved to the region. This mingling of cultures influenced the region and resulted in the development of a winemaking industry Today, wine has put Mendoza on the international map, attracting travelers from around the world to enjoy this charming, slow-paced city.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Mendoza?

The peak of Mendoza Argentina’s travel season falls between December and April, which coincides with summer in the southern hemisphere as well as the wine harvest. Locals often flee the city in January, to pass a month-long vacation in cooler climates. But still the tourists flock to the city, to tour the local bodegas and wineries. March is a very popular time to visit Mendoza, Argentina because the region celebrates harvest season with the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia. Even the winter months of July and August attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world! La Lenas, a mountain resort in the Andes, is a popular winter hotspot for those seeking fresh powder.

Wine, Wine, And More Wine

Most people visit Mendoza, Argentina to do a wine-tasting tour at the many bodegas in or near the city. Argentina is now the world’s fifth-largest wine producer, following Italy, France, Spain and the United States. Three-quarters of the country’s total wine production comes from Mendoza Province, with the biggest output centered on Maipú and Luján de Cuyo in the south of the city. San Rafael, La Rioja, and San Juan are also major wine-growing centers. Mendoza is most famous for its Malbec wine, which is a product of the temperate climate and rainy conditions in the Andes.

Most wineries in the Mendoza area are open to visitors. The easiest way to visit these bodegas is to join a tour operated by a Mendoza, Argentina travel guide. These agencies typically offer half-day trips to two or three bodegas or full-day visits of five or six bodegas (with lunch provided). Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive through the scenic foothills of the Andes as you explore the local wineries. Some tour guides even offer multi-day guided bike tours through the Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo for a unique twist on Mendoza Argentina travel!

Getting Outside Of The Mendoza City Limits

While Mendoza, Argentina is primarily known for its wine, wine tastings, and wine tours, the areas outside the city limits are worth exploring, too! If you are interested in truly savoring all that the region has to offer, consider adding on a trip to one or more of the following places:

• Alta Montaña - The snow-tipped peaks of the Andean cordillera are located just a short distance west of Mendoza, beyond the picturesque vineyards and fruit orchards. Even if you’ve come to the region for the wine, plan a trip into the surrounding hills! The scenery is fabulous, and skiing, trekking, and highland walks are popular with both locals and tourists.
• Aconcagua - Cerro Aconcagua is the highest peak in both the western and southern hemispheres, and well worth a visit if you are traveling to Mendoza, Argentina. Although it is a challenge for all but the most experienced hikers, Aconcagua’s neighboring peaks offer hikers a breathtaking view of a truly spectacular natural wonder.
• Las Leñas - Las Leñas is a popular winter retreat for the international crowd, with both excellent skiing and snowboarding. Set amid a breathtaking backdrop of craggy mountain-tops, of which Cerro Las Leñas is the highest, the area includes 28 runs that range from gentle slopes to sheer drops. Cross-country is also popular with winter visitors to the resort. In recent years, Las Leñas has opened its doors for summertime adventure travel, such as mountain biking, rafting, and horseback riding, attracting a new crowd of guests.
• San Rafael - The small city of San Rafael is the de facto capital of central Mendoza Province and a popular place for Mendoza Argentina travel. The city is a jumping-off point for visitors to the nearly 80 wine bodegas located nearby, most of them tiny, family-run businesses. Visitors can also enjoy daytrips to nearby Cañón del Atuel or the Rio Diamante for whitewater rafting.
• Parque Provincial Tupungato - anyone looking for a challenging mountain trek with fewer people crowding the trails and paths should head for the Cerro Tupungato, an extinct volcano in the Parque Provincial Tupungato. The virgin countryside within the park is utterly breathtaking, unspoiled, and stark. This well-kept secret is accessible from the town of Tupungato and is fast becoming a new hotspot in most Mendoza Argentina travel guides!

A Wine Love’s Paradise

If you’re planning a trip to Mendoza, Argentina, consider visiting in March for La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia. This festival celebrates the wine harvest with music, dancing, parades, the crowning of the Queen of the Vendimia, and of course, winetasting. Enjoy all that Argentina has to offer during your stay while sampling the exquisite wines the country produces. Book your Mendoza Argentina travel today!