Visiting Mendoza? 10 Things to Do

You’ll discover Argentina’s wine capital offers incredible Malbec tastings in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, plus cycling adventures through Uco Valley’s high-altitude vineyards. Beyond wine, you can tackle Aconcagua day trips, soak in Cacheuta’s thermal springs, explore vibrant Arístides Villanueva Avenue, and enjoy horseback riding in Andean foothills. Don’t miss Parque General San Martín, Potrerillos hiking trails, and the scenic High Andes route to Puente del Inca. These experiences showcase why Mendoza combines world-class wine culture with exceptional outdoor adventures throughout the region.

Tour the Malbec Heartland in Luján De Cuyo and Maipú

When you’re ready to learn about Argentina’s most celebrated wine region, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú offer the quintessential Malbec experience just south of Mendoza city. These side-by-side regions represent the core of Mendoza’s wine production, with Luján de Cuyo earning recognition as Argentina’s first DOC in 1993.

You’ll discover distinct terroir differences between the two areas. Luján de Cuyo’s higher altitude vineyards at 1,000 meters produce bold Malbecs with black fruit, Asian spice, and graphite notes. The region’s rocky, sandy soils with low organic matter stress the vines, resulting in smaller berries that concentrate flavors. Meanwhile, Maipú’s slightly lower elevation yields red-fruit-forward wines with cedar and tobacco hints.

Plan half-day or full-day circuits visiting iconic producers like Catena Zapata, Norton, and Achaval Ferrer in Luján, or historic Bodegas López in Maipú. The compact area allows easy exploration of multiple wineries.

Cycle Through Uco Valley’s High-Altitude Vineyards

For a more adventurous exploration of Mendoza’s wine country, cycling through Uco Valley’s high-altitude vineyards combines spectacular Andean scenery with world-class wine tasting at elevations between 1,000-1,300 meters above sea level.

You’ll ride gentle hills on paved secondary roads covering 10-16 kilometers daily, suitable for casual cyclists up to 60 years old.

Full-day guided tours typically include transfers from Mendoza city, visits to 2-3 premium wineries like Salentein or Clos de los Siete, and leisurely cycling segments through vineyard-lined routes.

The high-altitude terroir produces concentrated Malbecs and blends with exceptional natural acidity. Along the way, you’ll cycle through fruit plantations that dot the valley alongside the renowned vineyards.

Tours provide quality Trek bikes with support vehicles, combining cellar tours, barrel tastings, and winery lunches for an extensive wine country experience.

Explore Parque General San Martín and Climb Cerro De La Gloria

Spanning 420 hectares in the heart of Mendoza, Parque General San Martín serves as the city’s premier green space where you can escape urban bustle while exploring diverse attractions within a single expansive park.

You’ll discover 17 kilometers of pathways connecting the central lake, rose garden with 500 species, and multiple museums including the Cornelio Moyano with 40,000 exhibits.

The park’s crown jewel is Cerro de la Gloria, rising 960 meters above sea level. You can hike, drive, or cycle to the summit where panoramic views stretch across Mendoza city to the Andes foothills. The convenient City Bus provides multiple stops throughout the park and reaches directly to Cerro de la Gloria for easy access.

The hilltop features an impressive bronze monument honoring General San Martín’s Army of the Andes, making this climb both scenic and historically significant.

Take a Day Trip to Aconcagua, the Roof of the Americas

Rising 22,841 feet above sea level, Aconcagua commands respect as the highest peak in both South America and the entire Western Hemisphere, making it an essential day trip destination from Mendoza. You’ll depart early for the 2.5-hour drive along Route 7 through dramatic Andean landscapes, stopping at Potrerillos Dam and Uspallata en route.

Inside Aconcagua Provincial Park, you can choose between a shorter Laguna de Horcones circuit or the classic trek to Confluencia base camp at 11,000 feet. The Confluencia route covers 10 miles roundtrip with moderate elevation gain, offering spectacular views of Aconcagua’s imposing south face.

Most tours include transportation, bilingual guides, and lunch, though you’ll need to purchase park permits separately. For the best experience, consider booking with operators like Destino Montaña that offer small group excursions with professionally trained guides who prioritize safety and personalized attention. Expect 10-12 hours door-to-door for this unforgettable high-altitude adventure.

Soak in Cacheuta’s Thermal Springs After River Rafting

After conquering high-altitude peaks, you’ll find a completely different but equally rewarding adventure awaits in the thermal valleys below. Head 38 kilometers west to Cacheuta, where geothermal waters emerge at 35–50°C in stone pools carved into the Andean foothills.

The perfect combo combines morning rafting on the Mendoza River with afternoon soaking at the thermal springs.

Choose between two experiences: Parque de Agua Termal offers family-friendly fun with 10+ pools, a 270-meter lazy river, and thermal slides.

The Hotel & Spa Termas Cacheuta provides adults-only relaxation with hydrotherapy circuits, mud therapy, and thermal grottos. The facility sits at an altitude of 1,245 meters above sea level, providing stunning mountain panoramas while you soak.

Most adventure operators sell combo packages including rafting, thermal access, and transfers. Take the A. Buttini bus or drive via RP 82, ensuring you know which facility you’re visiting.

Stroll Mendoza’s Historic Plazas and Fountain Shows

While Mendoza’s vineyards capture international attention, the city’s five historic plazas form an equally compelling attraction that reveals Argentina’s post-earthquake urban planning at its finest. You’ll find Plaza Independencia at the center, a 13-acre square featuring a semicircular dancing fountain and the Municipal Museum of Modern Art.

Four satellite plazas—España, Italia, Chile, and San Martín—sit one block from each corner, creating a perfect walking circuit.

Plaza España stands out as the most picturesque, decorated entirely with vibrant Spanish ceramic tiles. You can explore Plaza Italia’s Carrara marble sculptures honoring Italian immigrants, or visit Plaza San Martín‘s equestrian statue pointing toward the Andes.

These plazas come alive during evening strolls, when antique streetlamps illuminate performers and craft vendors gathering along tree-lined paths. The plazas also serve as earthquake refuge zones, providing essential safety areas that influenced the city’s innovative reconstruction after the devastating 1861 earthquake.

Experience Arístides Villanueva Avenue’s Evening Scene

When the sun sets over Mendoza, Arístides Villanueva Avenue transforms into the city’s premier nightlife destination. Seven blocks of bars, restaurants, and cafés create Argentina’s most concentrated “noche joven” scene.

You’ll find this bohemian yet elegant corridor packed with locals and international visitors enjoying craft cocktails, local wines, and casual dining. Start your evening at top-rated restaurants like Josefina or Chachingo, then explore wine bars such as Chinitas Wine Club or craft beer spots like William Brown Irish pub.

Many venues offer bilevel experiences—dine downstairs at places like Parapithecus, then dance upstairs until 4:00 AM. The area is easily accessible by taxi from anywhere in the city center, making it convenient for visitors without rental cars. Arrive early on weekends to secure parking and tables, as sidewalks reach near-capacity with music spilling onto streets.

Go Horseback Riding in the Andean Foothills

Beyond the vineyards and city limits, Mendoza’s precordillera offers some of Argentina’s most accessible Andean horseback riding, where traditional estancias nestled in wide valleys provide the perfect base for exploring rocky canyons, riverbeds, and panoramic foothill trails.

You’ll find beginner-friendly programs featuring calm, sure-footed horses and professional guides who provide basic instruction and safety equipment.

Standard half-day excursions include 1.5-hour rides combined with authentic asado dinners and regional wine, while full-day adventures offer 3-4 hours in the saddle.

Sunset rides showcase the mountains’ changing colors, from golden light to dramatic silhouettes.

Tours typically cost around 95,000 Argentine pesos with hotel transfers included, accommodating riders aged 5-60 across small groups. The experience maintains exceptional quality with outstanding reviews from nearly 2,000 participants who consistently rate these adventures at 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Hike the Mountain Trails Around Potrerillos

Just an hour’s drive southwest of Mendoza City, the Andes foothills around Potrerillos offer some of Argentina’s most accessible mountain hiking, where dramatic trails wind through arid landscapes at elevations between 1,550 and 1,750 meters above sea level.

You’ll find excellent beginner options like the Devil’s Throat hike—a moderate 2-hour trek to a waterfall nestled in a narrow gorge, suitable for ages 6 and up.

For more challenging terrain, tackle Cerro Bayo’s 2.5-hour climb, which reaches 1,750 meters and requires minimum age 12.

The crown jewel is El Salto Waterfall, a full-day adventure to a 40-meter cascade through rosehip bushes and mountain wetlands. This trek involves 4 hours of uphill walking at high altitude where effects of thin air may be experienced. Small guided groups typically include mountain lunches, making this an immersive high-Andes experience with stunning Cordón del Plata views.

Drive the High Andes Route to Puente Del Inca

While the mountain trails around Potrerillos offer excellent hiking, Argentina’s most spectacular high-altitude drive awaits along National Route 7.

You’ll ascend from Mendoza’s 750-meter valley floor to the dramatic 2,700-meter elevation of Puente del Inca. This 180-kilometer journey follows the Pan-American Highway through Uspallata and past Aconcagua viewpoints, culminating at the remarkable natural stone bridge formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.

The bridge’s striking yellow and orange hues result from dissolved minerals creating this geological monument that once served as part of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan Inca Trail network. This site holds UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the historic Inca Trail system.

Plan a full day for this mountain adventure, bringing layers for temperature changes and staying hydrated to combat altitude effects.

Winter requires snow chains and careful weather monitoring.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless adventures waiting in Mendoza, from world-class wineries to Andean peaks. Don’t miss the thermal springs after an adrenaline-filled day, and make sure you’re exploring both the famous Luján de Cuyo region and the emerging Uco Valley. Pack layers for altitude changes, book winery tours in advance, and always carry water for mountain activities. Whether you’re seeking wine, wilderness, or relaxation, Mendoza delivers an unforgettable Argentine experience that’ll keep you coming back.