With gastronomic dining opportunities, plenty of wineries and outdoor activities to keep you busy, Mendoza is a great city to explore.
The city is surrounded by vineyards and many bodegas offer tasting tours. You can also learn more about wine culture at the National Museum of Wine.
Visit the National Museum of Wine
Located in Maipu, the National Museum of Wine offers an insider’s view into the history of Mendoza’s wine industry. Learn how a Swiss and Italian immigrant set up the first winery in the area, and explore the elaborate mansion that was built out of materials shipped from Europe.
Guests can walk among old presses, mud barrels, and other wine-related elements that helped shape the region. This is a must-see for anyone interested in the wine industry, especially if you’re looking for an authentic glimpse into Argentina’s winemaking history.
One of the most popular things to do in Mendoza is a vineyard tour. Whether you’re visiting a few of the big names or a small winery in the outskirts, it’s a great way to experience the region.
Take a Bike Tour
If you’re a wine lover or just like exploring new places, a Mendoza bike tour is the perfect way to get out into the countryside. You can ride through a range of vineyards and wineries, soaking up the views while sampling local wines and olive oil.
You can rent a bike from a variety of different agencies. We recommend Maipu Bikes for 600 Argentine pesos, which includes all day bike hire, a helmet and a map of the wineries.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from the city centre to Maipu (Line 10 or Bus 171, 172 or 173). Just advise the driver when you get off that you want to visit a bike rental agency and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
The vineyards in this region are quite spaced out and a lot of them aren’t easily accessible by car so it’s always good to be prepared. A self guided wine bike tour is a great option and one that can be done in less than half a day.
Visit Cerro Arco Park
Cerro Arco is a scenic peak that offers panoramic views of Mendoza and the Andes Mountains, as well as one of the best paragliding experiences in the region. It's a fun and exhilarating day trip from the city that also makes for an excellent basecamp for a hike to the nearby Mount Aconcagua, which is the tallest mountain in South America.
The park also includes a lake, fountains, rose gardens and even a national science museum, so it's a great place to spend the day. Take a walking tour, hang glide or just wander around and soak up the beauty!
This is the largest green space and plaza in downtown Mendoza, so it's a great place for people-watching. It's also a good spot for watching the dancing water fountains that light up every evening.
Wander Around Plaza Independencia
Mendoza is one of the most popular travel destinations in Argentina, with a whole host of things to see and to do in this charming city. This quaint capital of the Mendoza Province is a must-visit for wine lovers, but it’s also an incredible stop for adventure travelers seeking a little bit more from their holiday.
A great way to get a feel for the place is to wander around Plaza Independencia and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this square. It’s a lovely place to hang out and people-watch, and is home to an amazing water fountain show during the summer.
As is the case with most cities in Latin America, Plaza Independencia is a clean and big place with plenty of activity happening all around it. There are tram stops, playgrounds for the kids, an Arts & Crafts market, and a stunning park with an enormous fountain that’s worth a visit.