Mendoza, Argentina: travel guide
Malbec vineyards and olive groves beneath the snow-capped Andes
Argentina's wine capital at the foot of the Andes — Malbec vineyards, olive groves, and a gateway to Aconcagua and ski resorts.
About Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina's wine capital, a leafy city laid out around Plaza Independencia with the Andes filling the western skyline. Most visitors come for the vineyards on its outskirts, where Malbec is the signature grape and bodegas such as Catena Zapata offer tastings against a mountain backdrop.
The wider province adds a different kind of day out. Aconcagua Provincial Park sits beneath the highest peak in the Americas, and the high Andean road corridor leads to river valleys, rafting and ski resorts in winter. Olive oil and asado are part of the table here too.
Mendoza suits food and wine lovers, cyclists and active travellers alike. The best time to visit Mendoza is usually autumn for the harvest or spring for mild weather and clear mountain views.
- Country
- Argentina
- Currency
- ARS
- Time zone
- America/Argentina/Mendoza
- Nearest airport
- MDZ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Mendoza
Plaza Independencia Mendoza
Cultural · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Mendoza's lively central plaza — weekend arts and crafts market, underground Museum of Modern Art, fountains, and the social heart of wine country's capital.
Bodega Catena Zapata
Cultural · 4.8 rating · about 2.5 h · entry $8,500 (≈ ₹530)
Argentina's most celebrated winery — iconic Mayan pyramid architecture, world-class Malbec tastings, and stunning Andes views. Consistently ranks in the world's top 10 wineries.
Aconcagua Provincial Park
Nature · 4.9 rating · about 8 h · entry $5,000 (≈ ₹310)
Home to Aconcagua (6,961 m) — the highest peak outside Asia. Trekking to base camps through dramatic high-altitude Andean scenery, with condors circling above.
Things to do
- Mendoza Wine Tasting Cycling Tour Culinary · 5 h · from ARS 12,000 per person
- Aconcagua Trekking Day Hike Adventure · 10 h · from ARS 28,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Mendoza Wine Country Full Day 8 h · from 55,000
- Aconcagua Base Camp Day Trek 10 h · from 38,000
Where to stay in Mendoza
- Ciudad / Centro about ARS 12,000 per night
Pedestrian-friendly city centre. Proximity to Parque San Martín, restaurants, and wine tour departure points.
- Chacras de Coria about ARS 28,000 per night
Upscale wine-country suburb 15 min from centre. Boutique wine hotels with vineyard views.
Hotels
- Casa Cavia Boutique Hotel Mendoza 4-star · ARS 28,000 to ARS 75,000 per night
- Park Hyatt Mendoza 5-star · ARS 42,000 to ARS 130,000 per night
Where to eat
- Azafrán Restaurant argentinian, regional, modern · about ARS 9,500 per person
- 1884 Restaurant – Francis Mallmann argentinian, open-fire, gourmet · about ARS 15,000 per person
Getting to Mendoza
Airport: Mendoza (MDZ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Wine Tour Driver Price Inflation
Maipú and Luján de Cuyo wine regions
Unregistered taxi drivers charge tourists inflated rates for wine-region tours, sometimes demanding USD at drop-off at multiples of the agreed ARS price.
How to avoid it: Agree price and currency in writing before boarding. Ask hotel to book trusted remis. Bicycle hire (Mr Hugo Bicycles) avoids driver costs entirely.
More in Argentina
Frequently asked questions about Mendoza
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Mendoza?
- The highest-rated places in our Mendoza guide are Aconcagua Provincial Park, Bodega Catena Zapata, Plaza Independencia Mendoza.
- Where should I stay in Mendoza?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Mendoza: Ciudad / Centro, Chacras de Coria.
- How do I get around Mendoza?
- Ways to get around Mendoza covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Mendoza?
- Scams reported to us for Mendoza include Wine Tour Driver Price Inflation. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Mendoza?
- The nearest airport to Mendoza has the code MDZ.