What to Pack for Mendoza. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Warm Weather Wear

For summer months (December-February), prioritize light and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the heat.

Summer Essentials

Lightweight materials like cotton and linen for daytime comfort.
A Sun hat and Sunglasses are good for intense sun.
A Light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings.

Mild Weather Layers

Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November) months call for versatile layering due to fluctuating temperatures.

Autumn & Spring

Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, jeans, or trousers are suitable.
A medium-weight jacket or fleece is good for evenings and cooler days.
A water-resistant shell jacket is a good idea for unexpected showers in spring.

Footwear Essentials

City Walking

Comfortable Walking shoes are important for exploring the city’s wide avenues, plazas, and vineyards. You will do a lot of walking.

Prioritize comfort for urban exploration.

Andean Treks

For trekking in the Andes or Aconcagua Provincial Park, Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good ankle support and grip are beneficial. Look for durable Hiking shoes.

Good grip and support are important for trails.

Relaxed Evenings

Pack one pair of dressier shoes for evenings out at nicer restaurants or wineries. Sandals or Flip-flops are useful for summer or relaxing.

A versatile pair for dining and leisure.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Papers

Carry your original passport and any visa, valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
Travel Insurance policy information, with emergency contacts and coverage details.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to rent a car and your license is not in Spanish.
Vaccination records and health documentation for medical professionals.

Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, tour, and car rental reservations.
Emergency contact information for family, embassy/consulate, and local services (911).
Student, senior, or press IDs for potential discounts at attractions or museums.
Digital copies on your phone or cloud storage, and physical photocopies separate from originals.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Proper planning for electrical needs and mobile communication maintains traveler connectivity.

Electrical Needs

Argentina uses 220V. A universal Power adapter with Type I and Type C plugs is highly recommended.
Most modern smartphones are compatible with Argentine networks. An unlocked phone For local SIM cards is a good idea.
Local SIM cards are obtainable from Claro, Movistar, and Personal stores with your passport. Consider Airalo for eSIM options.

Capture & Navigate

Devices and apps simplify navigation, communication, and capturing travel memories.

Devices & Apps

A good quality Smartphone camera is often sufficient. Consider a Mirrorless camera or DSLR for serious photography. B&H Photo has options.
Portable chargers are beneficial for keeping devices charged during long touring days.
Google Maps (download offline maps), WhatsApp, and Google Translate (offline Spanish pack) are good apps. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Data & Security

Backup Strategies

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Portable external hard drive for photos and documents secures your data.

Digital Safety

Be mindful of phishing attempts and suspicious links.

Pre-Trip App Prep

Before your trip, download all needed apps and offline maps. This prevents reliance on Wi-Fi or data upon arrival.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Care Kit

A Basic first aid kit and personal medications are always a good idea.

First Aid Essentials

Basic wound care: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), antihistamines.
Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritations; oral rehydration salts for dehydration.

Specific Health Needs

Prevention & Remedies

Mosquito repellent for warmer months.
High-SPF sunscreen (30+) and Lip balm with SPF due to Mendoza's intense sun.
A Portable water filter bottle or Purification tablets are good for hiking. LifeStraw offers options.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Readiness

For high-altitude excursions (e.g., Aconcagua Provincial Park), consult your doctor about medication.
Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol on your first day at altitude.
Symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Motion Comfort

Bring Motion sickness medication if prone to it on bus or car journeys through mountainous terrain.
Ginger candy or acupressure bands may also offer relief.
Focus on the horizon during bumpy rides.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Trekking & Outdoors

For exploring Mendoza's trails and mountains, specific gear can enhance your experience.

A comfortable Daypack for water and layers.
Trekking poles for longer or challenging hikes.
Hiking pants or shorts, and Moisture-wicking shirts.
Layered clothing for varying temperatures.

Winter Sports Gear

If you plan to visit nearby ski resorts, specific items can make your time on the slopes more enjoyable.

Ski goggles and waterproof Gloves.
Appropriate ski jackets, pants, and base layers.
Most ski equipment (skis, snowboards, boots, helmets) is available for rent locally.
Warm hat and thick socks for cold conditions.

Water Adventures

For activities like white-water rafting on the Mendoza River, specialized items are beneficial.

Quick-drying clothing.
Secure footwear like Water shoes or old Sneakers.
A change of clothes for after the activity.
Sunscreen and a strap for your sunglasses.

Rent vs. Buy Decision

Rent for Convenience

Ski/snowboard equipment is readily available at resorts.
High-end mountain bikes are available for rent locally.
This is a good choice for one-off activities.

Bring Personal Comfort

Personal items like hiking boots (broken-in boots perform better than new ones).
A comfortable Daypack and any specialized outdoor clothing you prefer.
Items you use frequently or that fit you specifically well.
Consider luggage weight limits when making decisions.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Small items enhance comfort and peace of mind during your journey.

On-the-Go Essentials

A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and earplugs for long journeys.
TSA-approved luggage locks and a Money belt for security.
An RFID-blocking wallet for credit card protection.
A Reusable water bottle and a Reusable shopping bag.

Mendoza Specifics

Items specifically useful for a Mendoza itinerary.

Unique Needs

A small wine bag or protector for safely transporting bottles from bodegas.
A good pair of sunglasses for the high sun exposure.
A Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions.
Consider a Reusable travel cutlery set for street food or picnics.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Minimizes plastic waste and keeps you hydrated.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for markets and reducing single-use plastic.

Portable Cutlery Set

Reduces reliance on disposable plastic utensils.

Portable Charger

Reduces power consumption by keeping devices charged on the go.

Destination-Specific Items

For Wine Enthusiasts

A specialized wine bottle protector or carrier for purchases.
A corkscrew, for enjoying local wines at your lodging.
Consider a small notebook to jot down tasting notes from bodegas.

For Outdoor Activities

Binoculars for wildlife viewing in the Andes or birdwatching.
A bandana or light scarf for sun protection or dust from the Zonda wind.
A basic compass or GPS app for navigating trails.

Packing Pro Tips

Check items off as you pack.

This approach helps ensure you do not forget anything important and keeps your belongings well-organized for your trip.

What to Pack for Mendoza