Mendoza

Mendoza province located in the central-west part of the Argentina, in a mountainous desert region known as Cuyo, is diverse in what it has to offer visitors. Its capital city, bearing the same name, is one of the most popular cities in the country for tourists, with plenty of shopping, sightseeing and gastronomical delights. The city is also a jumping off point for outdoor lovers heading out to the backcountry for hiking, paragliding, rafting or skiing. Here you could be fooled into thinking that you were in the Himalaya’s instead of the Andes. In fact it was for this reason that French director Jean Jacques Annaud filmed Seven Years in Tibet here in 1997. One of its mountains also happens to be the highest in all the Americas, Aconcagua.

Mendoza City

The provincial capital city Mendoza is nestled in the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by wine country. In fact the name Mendoza is synonymous with wine both in Argentina and abroad. However it is much more than a base for vineyard touring. Walking along the pedestrian friendly, tree lined avenues and plazas one can easily fall for Mendoza’s laid back charm. With vibrant cafes, restaurants, markets, theatres and nightclubs there is plenty to keep you from heading out into the backcountry for a couple extra days.

The city was founded over four hundred years ago in 1561, however there is little left today of its historical architecture. The reason being earthquakes, that have caused great destruction in the past, the most devastating of all nearly destroying the entire city and killing 10,000 people

Sights in and around Mendoza

Plazas

At the heart of the city of Mendoza lies Plaza Independencia, which spans four blocks and is surrounded by tiled walkways. Here stalls present crafts to shoppers out on a stroll on warm nights. From here there are four satellite plazas, each comprising a city block. The most scenic being Plaza España with its statues, Moorish fountains, tile works and murals. Interestingly there is also a Plaza Chile, where a statue of San Martín embraces his Chilean counterpart Bernardo O’Higgins.

Fiesta Nacional de La Vendimia

The grape harvest ends in March and is an obvious reason for Mendocinos to celebrate. The Vendimia festival is a four-day street party that takes place across the city with parades, bands and of course tinto (red wine).

Luján de Cuyo

The department of Luján de Cuyo is home of some of Argentina’s most prestigious wineries, many of them with restaurants and offering accommodations. An scenic place ideal for photography or painting sun soaked vineyards set in front of the snow capped Andes. Also in Luján de Cuyo is Cacheuta, famous for its therapeutic thermal baths. To take advantage of the healing properties of the waters, there are several bath complexes to chose from. And for those who love the outdoors, camping sites can also be rented.

Destination: Argentina