Best Things to Do in Mendoza, Argentina
Nestled at the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is the perfect blend (pun intended) of vineyards, mountains, and culture.
Imagine a destination where wine tasting is elevated by the backdrop of snowcapped peaks and multi-course menus are standard practice. Locals and tourists alike gather around tables to enjoy locally sourced foods, folklore music, long sunsets, and starry nights. And despite it being a desert, you’ll find rows of green vines nearly everywhere you look.
In Mendoza, luxury blends perfectly with nature. It’s a beautiful (and often intoxicating) experience that you’ll have to see for yourself.
From the vineyards that produce world-class wines to the outdoor adventures scattered around the city, read on to discover my top recommendations for Mendoza, Argentina.
Where to stay
I recently had the opportunity to check out one of Mendoza’s newest boutique luxury hotels: La Maria Hotel Boutique in Chacras de Coria. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
La Maria is crafting a white-glove experience for the discerning traveler. Their ethos centers around wellness, and you’ll notice it in every detail from the private sauna in each of the seven suites to the morning yoga offered in the central garden.
Each suite is themed after a famous writer, bringing an element of culture to the spacious and comfortable living arrangements. (Bonus points for the fully integrated Alexa system that allows you to control your entire room from the comfort of bed.)
La Maria has also hand-picked a stellar guest experience team that ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for each guest. They brought us a private breakfast to our suite each morning, laid out pastries (homemade by the owners) on our bed at night, and crafted our weekend itinerary. As they’re building the hotel’s culture from scratch, the team is committed to fostering an environment where every guest leaves feeling rejuvenated.
And thanks to its central location, guests are just minutes away from downtown Chacras de Coria with a large selection of restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars, and shopping. Consider this your perfect blend of high-end luxury and convenience with relaxation and wellness.
La Maria Hotel Boutique opens to the public in early 2024.
If you’re looking for more casual arrangements, Mendoza is home to a wide selection of Airbnbs at competitive prices. When choosing the right stay, you have three primary tourism regions to choose from: Mendoza city, Lujan de Cuyo, and Valle de Uco.
Mendoza city is conveniently located close to the airport and is home to a selection of fantastic restaurants and bars. It’s easy to arrange a taxi or shuttle service from the city to take you to the surrounding vineyards.
Lujan de Cuyo, just 15 minutes south of the city, is home to a large variety of vineyards that are all relatively close to one another. There are also plenty of walking trails and bike paths that you can follow from vineyard to vineyard. I have stayed in Lujan de Cuyo every time I’ve visited Mendoza, and I highly recommend it to other travelers for its central location and convenience.
Valle de Uco is the farthest from Mendoza City and offers the most natural beauty and jaw-dropping views of the Andes mountains. Since it’s more rural, you’ll find longer distances between vineyards, with small towns scattered in between.
12 top vineyards
Between the stunning views, delicious food, and — of course — top wines, you won’t be disappointed at these Mendoza vineyards:
- Kaiken
- Casa Vigil (Michelin star!)
- Riccitelli
- Alfa Crux
- Zuccardi
- Durigutti
- Lagarde (Michelin star!)
- Catena Zapata
- Norton
- Penedo Borges
- Andeluna
- Susana Balbo
7 top activities
When your body needs a break from the wine tasting, consider these outdoor activities around the Mendoza region.
Set in the Andean foothills, about an hour outside of Mendoza city, you’ll find this beautiful town with turquoise lakes. The area offers a slew of attractions, including kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and boating.
2. Las Palapas
Every weekend, head to the mountains surrounding Mendoza for this bohemian festival with music, food, and drinks. You’ll find a DJ set and live performances in an incredible outdoor venue under the starry night.
3. Chirivia
This family-owned outdoor cooking experience is set on the side of a mountain with jaw-dropping views of the Andes. The founder is a chemist turned chef who, alongside his team, cooks a multi-course meal with local wines and good vibes.
This horseback riding experience starts with an offroading Jeep adventure through the mountains to arrive at the ranch. You’ll then spend around three hours on horseback, exploring the foothills as the sun starts to set. Get ready for astounding views. The experience ends with an asado inside the ranch.
Soak up the mountain views (and water) on this white-water rafting tour that takes you down the river in Potrerillos. You’ll be led by an expert guide down intermediate-level rapids.
If you’re looking for a horseback riding experience closer to the city, check out Rancho Jarillal. You’ll ride through the valley at sunset with the Andes mountains as your backdrop. Following, enjoy live folklore music, dancing, and an asado.
This hotel and spa has natural hot springs set in the middle of the Andes mountains. You can purchase a day pass to enjoy the 10 pools of water with different temperatures plus add-ons like massages and treatments.
8 top restaurants
In a region known for its culinary expertise, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Mendoza’s restaurant scene.
- La Central Vermuteria
- Azafran (Michelin star!)
- La Gloria Cantina
- Ruda Cocina
- Abrasado
- Observatorio Robinho
- Quimera Bistro
- El Mercadito
After four trips to Mendoza in a two-year time span, I can confirm that this region has something magical that continually draws you back. Between the good wine, good food, and good people, one weekend is never enough.
So, the only question left to answer is: When are booking your flight? Cheers! 🍷
