Things to do in

Mendoza

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get on the road for a full day of exploration in the Andes. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, begin by taking the dirt roads through Villavicencio where you can catch amazing views of the highest peaks in the Andes. Reach Uspallata Valley and make your first stop at the town of Uspallata where the native Huarpes settled during the pre-Hispanic era. Take your time to soak in the Andean scenery and grab a snack. Continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas where you can reach one of the best Mendoza ski resorts, Los Penitentes. Take the opportunity to snap some photos before getting to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 2,720 meters above sea level formed when the Las Cuevas River bored through the mountain side. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. Journey towards the Chilean border and notice as the mountains grow larger. Stop at a natural viewpoint and take in views of the magnificent Aconcagua, the largest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres at 6,960 meters high. From November to April, it's possible to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park and hike to the Horcones Lagoon (this is an optional activity and the entrance fee to the park is not included). Then head to Las Cuevas village for free time and a bite to eat if you so choose. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Ruta 7 and get dropped off at your hotel.

This tour amidst vineyards will show you how some human effort has transformed the desert into a modern-day oasis. You will learn all about how this was achieved through an irrigation system of canals inherited from the Huarpes, the native inhabitants of this region. You will visit two or three selected wineries in the Luján de Cuyo or Maipú regions. This is an area where your enologist guides will explain the process of wine making. Following this educational lesson, you will also have the chance to taste some of the best wines in the region in both wineries. You will then visit an olive oil factory, another specialty of the Mendoza region. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return to your accommodation in Mendoza City.

Immerse yourself in the adrenaline of this Adventure Circuit, starting with a 12-kilometer rafting trip on the Mendoza River where you can admire the breathtaking views of the mountain range of the Andes that surround you while sailing on rafts through rapids level 3 and 4. Your day ends with Canopy Trasandino, a 990-meter/0.6-mile canopy for adventurers in search of new experiences. Cross the mighty Mendoza River hanging from a reinforced steel cable 10 meters from the river and take in views of the old city. You will be able to choose the option with roundtrip transfer or go on your own.

Mendoza is one of the greatest wine regions of the world. With more than 1,500 wineries spread out through Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco and Maipu regions, explore wide open spaces with nothing but vines, mountain grandeur and blue skies. Mendoza is a successful example of an irrigation system of canals inherited from the Huarpes, the native inhabitants of this region, that turned the desert into a modern-day oasis. Visit two wineries, taste wine, walk amidst vineyards and learn how the wine is made. Then enjoy a special lunch accompanied by excellent wines suggested by the wineries. Visit two selected wineries in the Luján de Cuyo, Maipú or Valle de Uco regions. Your enologist guides will explain the process of winemaking. Following this educational lesson, you will also have the chance to taste some of the best wines in the region in both wineries. Have an incredible lunch in one of the wineries, depending on the option selected.

Ride for 2 hours in the Andes on horseback in the company of Spanish and English-speaking guides. Choose whether to just take the horse ride in the morning (BBQ lunch not included), to conclude your morning ride with a BBQ lunch, or to ride at sunset and end your tour with a BBQ dinner and traditional folk music. The tour begins with either morning or afternoon pickup from your hotel in Mendoza and travels to Los Amigos Post. Here, get kitted out with all the necessary equipment and get acquainted with your horse, which will be selected depending on your size and experience. After a quick trip to the riding school for a safety lesson on how to ride on mountain roads, it’s time to set off for Mirador Eagles Nest. Upon arrival at Mirador Eagles Nest, admire the breathtaking views across the Andes. Jump down from your horse and stretch your legs as you explore the landscape and take some photos. From here, look back and see how much of the road you have traveled, and feel like a true adventurer. Don't forget to keep an eye out for black eagles and condors that circle around, as well as other wildlife in the area. Continue the horse ride to Aguaribay Post, and enjoy a delicious Argentinian Asado BBQ (if one of the options with BBQ selected). BBQ lunch/dinner includes chorizo, morcillas, ribs, steak, grilled vegetables, homemade bread, seasonal salads, and local wines. There’s also a vegetarian option too. If you selected the morning trip, the BBQ lunch is optional. For afternoon tours, BBQ dinner is included, as well as a sunset ride and a traditional folk music session.

The tour departs Mendoza in the early morning and heads 260 km south, driving for approximately 4 hours to the modern city of San Rafael. Located in the middle of an oasis, San Rafael is a popular provider of energy, wine, and adventure tourism. With your guide, visit some of the city’s most important sites including Villa 25 de Mayo, a so-called living museum where the city was founded. After your tour of the city, visit the nearby Valle Grande Dam to learn about the imposing Atuel Canyon which starts 70 km away from San Rafael city and runs into the dam. The canyon is a geological wonder and was formed millions of years ago by rough winds and the waters of the Atuel River. Spend the rest of the day at the Valle Grande Dam riverside base where you can enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant and admire breathtaking views of the canyon. The base also offers an array of optional added-extra water activities such as a catamaran ride along the river.

Your rafting adventure begins with pickup from your hotel, or at the local operator’s office, depending on the option chosen, followed by a safety information briefing. After your introduction it's time to follow the road upriver where the rafts await you. Once you’re all kitted out with the necessary equipment, which includes wet suits, helmets, and life jackets, it’s time to head into the water where the real fun begins. In the water, ride your raft over level 3 and level 4 rapids and enjoy a fun and exciting ride through the Mendoza River. Feel the thrill of adrenaline and immerse yourself in the adventure as your raft is jerked around in the rapids. Work together in a team on the raft to paddle through the rapids and move through the river at speed. While you ride, admire the stunning views of the Andes that surrounds you and be at one with nature. Once your rafting rapid ride is over, you can enjoy a hot shower to warm up before heading home.

Meet your guide at 10 am at Carinae, Argentina’s oldest active winery. Embark on a guided tour and tasting. Hop aboard a multi-bike, and sample ham and cheese as you pedal through the countryside. Visit the La Melessca olive oil factory, where you’ll tour the facility. Savor a full tasting of regional products, such as olive oils, Aceto Balsámico, and of course, more wine. Journey to Tempus Alba and enjoy a guided tasting along the way. Tempus Alba is the biggest exporter of wine in South America and a must-see in Mendoza. Its wines are poured all over the world. Select the “Tour with Lunch” option and after your tour sit down for a 3-course meal with drinks at Finca el Pino. Marvel at the ancient trees that surround the restaurant, which was once owned by the landholder of all Coquimbito and the builder of the train to the Andes.

Start your itinerary in Mendoza on the right foot with a 1-way or round-trip transfer between MDZ International Airport (El Plumerillo) and various locations in the city center. Climb aboard an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver and sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Save yourself lugging heavy bags and navigating the public transportation system using this door-to-door transfer service. Enjoy comfort and security, benefiting from the knowledge that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high standards. Your driver will be waiting for you in case of a flight delay.

Discover main sights of the charming city of Mendoza in this Panoramic City Tour with a visit to San Martin Park. Explore the old and new areas of Mendoza, known for its architectural layout, traditional trees, and wide sidewalks. Walking through the beautiful streets, get in touch with the history and culture of the local people, who have transformed the desert into an oasis of prosperity. Start the tour by visiting La Alameda, the Foundational Area (Plaza Pedro del Castillo), Aquarium, Serpentarium, main avenues of the downtown, Plaza Independencia, the Memorial, the Civic District, and Emilio Civit Avenue. Then, visit the General San Martin Park, the green heart of the city with almost 500 forested hectares. There, explore the little groves, rose garden, and lake area. Finally, ascend to Cerro de la Gloria with its monument to the Liberation Army of Chile and Peru, and within a short distance to the Frank Romero Day Greek Theater.