Itinerary Suggestions: Mendoza

-Hour Layover Highlights

Morning (9 AM - 1 PM): Explore Plaza Independencia and its four surrounding satellite plazas (España, Italia, San Martín, Chile).

Lunch (1 PM - 2:30 PM): Enjoy traditional empanadas or a Menu del día at a local Bodegón.

Afternoon & Evening

Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6 PM): Visit Parque General San Martín, including the Rosedal and Cerro de la Gloria for panoramic views.
Evening (8 PM onwards): Dinner and drinks on Aristides Villanueva Street, known for its lively bar and restaurant scene.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A short trip to experience city charm and wine culture.

Day 1: Arrival & City

Arrive and check into your accommodation. Explore the city center in the afternoon.

Evening Activities

Enjoy a traditional Asado dinner at a Parrilla.
Consider a tango show.
Visit a bar on Aristides Villanueva.
Explore plazas and Peatonal Sarmiento.

This day sets the scene for your Mendoza adventure.

Day 2: Wine Tour

Dedicate a full day to a guided wine tour in Luján de Cuyo or Maipú.

Tour Inclusions

Visits to 2-3 wineries for tours and tastings.
Often culminates in a gourmet winery lunch.
Transport is typically included.

Day 3: Departure or Optional Activity

Choose a relaxing activity before your departure or revisit a city spot.

Morning Choices

A half-day trip to Termas Cacheuta for relaxation in hot springs.
An olive oil tasting tour near Maipú.
Last-minute souvenir shopping.
Depart from Mendoza in the afternoon.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Explore Mendoza and its surroundings for a full week.

Sample Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration.
Day 2: History & Parks (walking tour, Parque San Martín).
Day 3: Luján de Cuyo Wine Day (full-day guided tour).
Day 4: High Mountain Adventure (Ruta 7, Aconcagua Park).

Mid-Week to Departure

Continue your one-week journey with diverse activities.

Day 5: Maipú or Cooking

Independent wine exploration in Maipú (cycling) and an Olivícola, or an Argentine cooking class.

Day 6: Outdoor & Relaxation

Morning rafting or horseback riding. Afternoon: relax at Termas Cacheuta hot springs.

Day 7: Departure

Last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot before departing Mendoza.

Booking Experiences

For bookable experience components, consider platforms like GetYourGuide to secure your spots.

Two-Week & Long-Term Stays

Extended stays offer immersion into Mendoza and its surroundings.

Two-Week Deep Exploration

Combine the one-week itinerary with an extension to the Uco Valley.

Additional Experiences

Stay 2-3 nights at a high-end winery or boutique hotel in Uco Valley.
Add multi-day trekking options in the Andes (e.g., Aconcagua base camp).
Plan a ski trip in winter.
Incorporate more specialized culinary experiences, like an Asado cooking class.

This longer duration permits a richer, slower-paced immersion.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays of a month or more, consider renting an apartment to experience local life.

Immersion

Enroll in a Spanish language school.
Explore various wine regions thoroughly, visiting smaller Bodegas.
Cook with local ingredients.
Attend community events and form connections.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Mendoza itinerary to your specific passions.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Concentrate on the City Center (Museo del Área Fundacional).
Explore Ruta Sanmartiniana and Puente del Inca.
Visit historic Bodegas like Bodega La Rural.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Prioritize winery lunches and dinners.
Take empanada and Asado cooking classes.
Explore Mercado Central for local ingredients.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Mendoza's landscape offers diverse adventures.

Adrenaline & Nature

Hiking in Aconcagua Provincial Park or Potrerillos.
White-water rafting on the Mendoza River.
Horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes.
Skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts in winter.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Mendoza welcomes families with activities for all ages.

Kid-Friendly Options

Time in Parque General San Martín (lake, playgrounds).
Easy walks in Aconcagua Provincial Park.
A day at Termas Cacheuta for thermal pools.
Enjoy Argentina's famous Helado (ice cream) parlors.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer December-February

Enjoy outdoor pools, white-water rafting on the Mendoza River, and cooler evenings on Aristides Villanueva Street.

Winter June-August

Focus on skiing or snowboarding in the Andes (Las Leñas, Penitentes). Enjoy cozy wine cellar tours.

Itinerary Customization

Mix and match elements from these itineraries to create a trip that matches your specific preferences and available time.

Itinerary Suggestions