---
title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Mendoza, Argentina | Wimup"
description: "The 10 best things to do in Mendoza, Argentina, ranked: Parque San Martín, the Catena pyramid, Zuccardi in the Uco Valley, the Maipú bike route and the road to Aconcagua."
url: https://wimup.com/city/mendoza
type: City guide
updated: 2026-10-11
publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com)
---

# Top 10 Things To Do in Mendoza

Mendoza, Argentina · South America · By Wimup Editorial, 14 min read

Mendoza is a desert city made green by hand: irrigation channels run along every street and feed the plane trees that shade it. Rebuilt on a grid of five plazas after the 1861 earthquake, it sits at the foot of the Andes with four-fifths of Argentina's wine around it.

## Quick answer

Give Mendoza four or five days. One belongs to the city: Plaza Independencia, Parque General San Martín and the climb to Cerro de la Gloria. Two belong to the wine, split between Luján de Cuyo or Maipú near town and the Uco Valley under the high Andes. Spend the last on the mountain road west to Puente del Inca and the Aconcagua park.

## Quick facts

- **Best months:** Feb · Mar · Apr · Oct · Nov
- **Ideal length:** 4 to 5 days
- **Budget per day:** $60–130
- **Language:** Spanish
- **Getting around:** On foot in the centre, Metrotranvía and Mendotran buses on a SUBE card
- **Tourism board:** [↗ Website](https://www.mendoza.gov.ar/turismo/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## The 10 best things to do in Mendoza

### 1. Walk Parque General San Martín up to Cerro de la Gloria

Park · Av. del Libertador, Ciudad de Mendoza, Argentina

Carlos Thays laid out the park in 1896, and it now runs to about 400 hectares of planted desert with a kilometre-long lake. Enter through the Glasgow-cast gates and finish at the bronze Army of the Andes monument on Cerro de la Gloria, unveiled in 1914.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Take a taxi up the hill and walk back down through the park

Links: [Mendoza government](https://www.mendoza.gov.ar/prensa/la-historia-arquitectonica-del-parque-general-san-martin/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 2. Taste Malbec inside the Catena Zapata pyramid

Winery · Cobos s/n, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina

The family that pushed Malbec to altitude built its winery as a Maya-style pyramid in the Agrelo vineyards, and the tasting room under it is the reference point for the region. Groups are small and every visit is booked online in advance.

- **Time:** 2 hr
- **Cost:** Paid, booked online
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Book well ahead, groups are capped at ten

Links: [Website](https://www.catenawines.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 3. Lunch at Zuccardi in the Uco Valley

Winery · Costa Canal Uco s/n, Paraje Altamira, San Carlos, Argentina

Zuccardi's stone winery at Paraje Altamira topped the World's Best Vineyards list three years running before entering its Hall of Fame. Pair the tour with lunch at Piedra Infinita Cocina, served from 12:30, with the Andes filling the window.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Paid, booking required
- **Best at:** Midday
- **Tip:** Allow two hours each way by road from the city

Links: [Website](https://zuccardiwines.com/en/turismo/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 4. Read the post-earthquake city from Plaza Independencia

Plaza · Plaza Independencia, Ciudad de Mendoza, Argentina

After the 1861 earthquake the city was redrawn on a 64-block grid around one central square and four satellites: España, Chile, San Martín and Italia. Walk all five in a loop, and drop into the modern art museum under Independencia on the way.

- **Time:** 2 to 3 hr
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Evening, when the plazas fill
- **Tip:** Plaza España, with its painted tiles, is the one to photograph

Links: [City of Mendoza](https://ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/plaza-independencia-historia/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 5. Cycle the Maipú wine route

Wine route · Calle Urquiza, Coquimbito, Maipú, Argentina

Flat roads, bike rental shops on Calle Urquiza and a cluster of wineries within pedalling distance make this the cheapest wine day in Mendoza. Start at La Rural's wine museum, founded by Felipe Rutini in 1885, and finish at Trapiche's 1912 building.

- **Time:** Full day
- **Cost:** Bike hire plus tastings
- **Best at:** Spring and autumn mornings
- **Tip:** Ride the Metrotranvía out to Maipú to skip the city traffic

Links: [La Rural](https://bodegalarural.com.ar/en/tourism/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 6. Walk to Laguna de Horcones under Aconcagua

Mountain park · Parque Provincial Aconcagua, Las Heras, Argentina

Around 180 km west of the city, the short Horcones circuit puts you in front of the south face of a mountain of nearly 7,000 m, the highest outside Asia. Tickets are not sold at the gate, so book an entry slot online before you set out.

- **Time:** 1 to 2 hr walking, full day with the drive
- **Cost:** Paid, booked online
- **Best at:** Clear mornings
- **Tip:** The trail shuts for snow, so check before driving up

Links: [Aconcagua park](https://aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 7. Graze the Mercado Central

Market · Av. Las Heras and Patricias Mendocinas, Ciudad de Mendoza, Argentina

Trading on the same corner since 1883, the central market is where the city buys its olives, cured meats, dried fruit and empanadas. Come hungry before noon, eat at the counters and leave with olive oil.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Low
- **Best at:** Late morning
- **Tip:** Three entrances, on Las Heras, Patricias Mendocinas and General Paz

### 8. Descend into the cellar at Casa Vigil

Winery · Videla Aranda 7008, Chachingo, Maipú, Argentina

Alejandro Vigil's El Enemigo estate stages its visit as Dante's Divine Comedy: an underground barrel cellar for the Inferno, then Purgatory and a stained-glass Paradise. Stay for lunch, which holds a Michelin star.

- **Time:** 1 to 2 hr
- **Cost:** Paid, booking required
- **Best at:** Late morning visit, then lunch
- **Tip:** Open Wednesday to Sunday, with visits at 9:30, 11:00 and 16:30

Links: [Website](https://casaelenemigo.com/propuesta-horarios.html?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 9. Stand on the colonial city at the Área Fundacional

Museum · Plaza Pedro del Castillo, Ituzaingó and Alberdi, Ciudad de Mendoza, Argentina

The site museum sits over the excavated colonial cabildo that the 1861 earthquake buried, and reopened in 2025 after a full renovation. Cross the plaza to the Ruinas de San Francisco, the Jesuit church the same quake left standing as a shell.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Low
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Check current hours with the city before going

Links: [City of Mendoza](https://prensa.ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/2025/08/12/reabre-el-museo-del-area-fundacional-en-el-marco-de-ciudad-sanmartiniana/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 10. Raft the Río Mendoza at Potrerillos

Adventure · Potrerillos, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina

About 70 km west, below the Potrerillos dam, operators run the Río Mendoza year-round at class II to III, with class IV water in the summer melt. A half-day run covers roughly 12 km and pairs well with the Alta Montaña road.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Paid, through an operator
- **Best at:** December to March for the biggest water
- **Tip:** Operators supply wetsuits, so bring dry clothes

Links: [Argentina Travel](https://www.argentina.travel/en/actividades/rafting-in-the-mendoza-river?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best wineries in Mendoza

Eight cellars, from the Maipú suburbs to the Uco Valley.

1. **Bodega Catena Zapata** (Luján de Cuyo · Agrelo): A Maya-style pyramid in Agrelo and the benchmark Malbec tasting. [Website](https://www.catenawines.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Zuccardi Valle de Uco** (Uco Valley · Paraje Altamira): Stone winery at Altamira, three times the world's best vineyard. [Website](https://zuccardiwines.com/en/turismo/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Bodegas Salentein** (Uco Valley · Los Árboles, Tunuyán): Tasting plus the Killka gallery of Argentine and Dutch art. [Website](https://bodegasalentein.com/en/killka/acerca.html?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Casa Vigil** (Maipú · Chachingo): Dante's Divine Comedy told in an underground barrel cellar. [Website](https://casaelenemigo.com/propuesta-horarios.html?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Bodega La Rural** (Maipú · Coquimbito): Rutini's 1885 winery and its wine museum. Self-guided. [Website](https://bodegalarural.com.ar/en/tourism/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
6. **Trapiche** (Maipú · Nueva Mayorga): A 1912 building, with a wine bar in a restored rail carriage. [Website](https://trapiche.com.ar/comin/turismo-mendoza/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
7. **Bodegas López** (Maipú · General Gutiérrez): Family-run since 1898, with a museum on the longer tours. [Website](https://bodegaslopez.com.ar/actividades/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
8. **Bodega Lagarde** (Luján de Cuyo · Mayor Drummond): One of the oldest in Mendoza, dating from 1897. Home of Zonda. [Website](https://www.lagarde.com.ar/experiencias/visitas-y-degustaciones?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best restaurants in Mendoza

Six tables, five of them with a Michelin star.

1. **Azafrán** (Michelin star · Sarmiento 765, centre): Tasting menus from Sebastián Weigandt. Starred since 2023. [Website](https://azafranresto.com/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Zonda Cocina de Paisaje** (Michelin star · Mayor Drummond): Landscape cooking at Lagarde. Star and Green Star. [Website](https://lagarde.com.ar/en/zonda-cuisine-inspired-by-the-land/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Angélica Cocina Maestra** (Michelin star · Agrelo): Wine-first menus of 7 or 12 courses at the Catena estate.
4. **Brindillas** (Michelin star · Vistalba): Mariano Gallego's short and long tasting menus. Dinner only.
5. **Riccitelli Bistró** (Michelin star · Las Compuertas): The bistro at Matías Riccitelli's winery. Starred in 2025.
6. **1884 Francis Mallmann** (Argentine · Godoy Cruz): Fire cooking in the 1884 Escorihuela Gascón winery. [Website](https://1884restaurante.com.ar/contacto/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best neighborhoods in Mendoza

Four areas, from the bar street to the vineyard suburbs.

1. **Quinta Sección** (Nightlife · West of the centre): Arístides Villanueva is the bar and dining strip, steps from the park.
2. **Chacras de Coria** (Wine suburb · Luján de Cuyo): Leafy village plaza 15 km south, close to the Luján wineries.
3. **Godoy Cruz** (Suburb · South of the centre): The 1884 winery, the departmental plaza and its crafts fair.
4. **Coquimbito, Maipú** (Wine route · Maipú): Bike-rental base for the flat wine and olive-oil route.

## Best museums in Mendoza

Four museums, from the colonial ruins to Fader's murals.

1. **Museo del Área Fundacional** (History · Plaza Pedro del Castillo): The excavated colonial cabildo. Reopened in 2025. [City of Mendoza](https://prensa.ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/2025/08/12/reabre-el-museo-del-area-fundacional-en-el-marco-de-ciudad-sanmartiniana/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **MMAMM** (Modern art · Plaza Independencia): Modern art in the basement under Plaza Independencia. [City of Mendoza](https://espaciocultural.ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/?page_id=202&utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Museo Juan Cornelio Moyano** (Natural history · Parque San Martín): Natural history at the south end of the park lake.
4. **Casa de Fader** (Fine art · Mayor Drummond): Fernando Fader's murals around a chalet's indoor pool.

## Best plazas & parks in Mendoza

Five green spaces, all of them watered by the acequias.

1. **Parque General San Martín** (Park · West of the centre): About 400 hectares by Carlos Thays, with a kilometre-long lake.
2. **Cerro de la Gloria** (Viewpoint · Parque San Martín): Ferrari's bronze Army of the Andes monument, unveiled 1914.
3. **Plaza Independencia** (Plaza · Centre): The four-hectare heart of the 1863 grid. [City of Mendoza](https://ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/plaza-independencia-historia/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Plaza España** (Plaza · Centre): The tiled satellite plaza, with painted ceramic murals.
5. **Plaza Italia** (Plaza · Centre): A Dante fountain since 2022, and Festa in Piazza each March.

## Best outdoors in Mendoza

Four ways to get into the foothills inside a day.

1. **Cerro Arco** (Hike · Las Heras): A 4.5 km climb above El Challao for the view over the city.
2. **Río Mendoza rafting** (Rafting · Potrerillos): Class II to III year-round below the Potrerillos dam. [Argentina Travel](https://www.argentina.travel/en/actividades/rafting-in-the-mendoza-river?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Termas de Cacheuta** (Hot springs · Luján de Cuyo): Stone hot pools beside the river, 40 km from town.
4. **Reserva Natural Villavicencio** (Nature reserve · Las Heras): Ramsar-listed reserve and the hairpin road up to Paramillos.

## Best day trips in Mendoza

Five routes out, from the Andes road to the southern canyons.

1. **Aconcagua park** (About 180 km west · Las Heras): The Horcones walk under the south face, booked online. [Aconcagua park](https://aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Puente del Inca** (On Ruta 7 · Las Heras): A natural mineral bridge at about 2,700 m, stained orange.
3. **Uspallata** (On Ruta 7 · Las Heras): High valley town on the Andes road, 75 km short of the park.
4. **Uco Valley** (About 80 km south · Uco Valley): Altitude vineyards at Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos.
5. **Cañón del Atuel** (About 235 km south · San Rafael): River canyon road out of San Rafael. Best as an overnight.

## Festivals & annual events in Mendoza (2026)

- **Festival Nacional de la Tonada** (Jan): Three nights of Cuyo folk song in Tunuyán, in the Uco Valley.
- **Founding of the city** (2 Mar): Civic events marking Pedro del Castillo's founding in 1561.
- **Festa in Piazza** (Mar): The Italian community fills Plaza Italia with food and music.
- **Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia** (Mar): Harvest festival: the Vía Blanca parade, then the Acto Central in the Greek theatre.
- **Música Clásica por los Caminos del Vino** (Mar–Apr): Holy Week concerts in wineries, churches and theatres.
- **Malbec World Day** (17 Apr): Tastings marking the 1853 start of the province's agricultural school.
- **Maratón Internacional de Mendoza** (May): Thousands of runners, finishing in Parque General San Martín.
- **Día del Vino Argentino** (24 Nov): National wine day, celebrated across the province's wineries.

## Must-try dishes in Mendoza, Argentina

- **Empanada mendocina**: Beef, plenty of onion, olives and egg, baked in the oven.
- **Tomaticán**: A colonial stew of tomato, onion and egg, cooked over wood.
- **Asado**: Beef over embers, the default Sunday lunch at a winery.
- **Malbec**: The province holds about 84% of Argentina's Malbec vineyards.
- **Olive oil**: Mendoza presses its own. Taste it at the Maipú producers.
- **Olives**: Sold by the scoop at the Mercado Central, green and black.
- **Torrontés**: Argentina's aromatic white, poured beside the reds.
- **Dulce de membrillo**: Quince paste, eaten with cheese as a dessert.

## Mendoza transport & airports

- **Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International** (MDZ): El Plumerillo airport sits about 8 km northeast of the centre, with flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago. A taxi takes around 20 minutes. [Website](https://www.aa2000.com.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Terminal del Sol** (Bus): The long-distance bus station, a short ride east of the centre. Coaches cross the Andes to Santiago in about seven hours, more at the border.
- **Metrotranvía** (Tram): Light rail from Las Heras through the centre to Maipú, opened in 2012. The easy way out to the Maipú wine route. [Website](https://stmendoza.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Mendotran buses** (SUBE): The metropolitan bus network takes payment only on a SUBE card, sold at kiosks. BiciTRAN rents bikes at the same fare. [Website](https://www.mendotran.com.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Mendoza at a glance

- **Country:** Argentina
- **Region:** Cuyo, at the foot of the Andes, about 746 m above sea level
- **Population:** About 127,000 in the city (2022 census), over a million in Gran Mendoza
- **Founded:** 2 March 1561, by Pedro del Castillo
- **Nickname:** Capital of wine
- **Language:** Spanish
- **Currency:** Argentine peso (ARS)
- **Time zone:** ART, UTC-3, no daylight saving
- **Calling code:** +54 261
- **Airports:** Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International (MDZ), about 8 km northeast
- **Power:** 220V, 50Hz, type I and type C sockets
- **Emergency:** 911

## Interesting facts

- Mendoza made about 81% of Argentina's wine in 2024, from over 70% of its vineyards.
- The 1861 earthquake killed about 6,000 people and the city was rebuilt on a new site.
- The park's gates were cast by the MacFarlane foundry in Glasgow and arrived in 1908.
- Street trees drink from open acequias, channels with roots in Huarpe irrigation.
- Mendoza joined the Great Wine Capitals network in 2005.

## Mendoza travel FAQ

### How many days do you need in Mendoza?

Four or five. One for the city and Parque San Martín, two for wineries (Luján de Cuyo or Maipú, then the Uco Valley) and one for the Alta Montaña road to Aconcagua. A fifth leaves room for rafting or the Cacheuta hot springs.

### When is the best time to visit Mendoza?

February to April is harvest season, and March brings the Vendimia festival, the busiest and priciest week of the year. October and November are quieter, with the vines leafing out and warm days. Winter suits skiers, but snow can close the road to Chile.

### Do I need to book winery visits in Mendoza?

Yes. Almost every winery works by reservation, and the best known sell out weeks ahead in high season. Book the tasting and the lunch together, and arrange a driver or tour, since the Uco Valley is around two hours from the city.

### Can you visit wineries without a car?

In Maipú, yes. The Metrotranvía runs from the centre toward Maipú, and bike-rental shops on Calle Urquiza in Coquimbito hand out maps of a flat route past La Rural and Trapiche. Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley need a driver or a tour.

### How do you get from Mendoza to Santiago, Chile?

Fly, or take the bus over the Andes through the Cristo Redentor tunnel. The coach takes about seven hours, more with the border queue, and the pass closes for snow in winter, so check conditions before you book.

## Nearby guides

- [Santiago](https://wimup.com/city/santiago.md): Chile · 10 picks
- [Valparaíso](https://wimup.com/city/valparaiso.md): Chile · 10 picks
- [Córdoba](https://wimup.com/city/cordoba.md): Argentina · 10 picks
- [All of South America →](https://wimup.com/south-america): 28 cities

Part of the [Argentina guide](https://wimup.com/country/argentina.md) · [South America](https://wimup.com/south-america.md)

## Sources

- [Mendoza tourism board](https://www.mendoza.gov.ar/turismo/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Walk Parque General San Martín up to Cerro de la Gloria: Mendoza government](https://www.mendoza.gov.ar/prensa/la-historia-arquitectonica-del-parque-general-san-martin/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Taste Malbec inside the Catena Zapata pyramid (official site)](https://www.catenawines.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Lunch at Zuccardi in the Uco Valley (official site)](https://zuccardiwines.com/en/turismo/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Read the post-earthquake city from Plaza Independencia: City of Mendoza](https://ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/plaza-independencia-historia/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Cycle the Maipú wine route: La Rural](https://bodegalarural.com.ar/en/tourism/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Walk to Laguna de Horcones under Aconcagua: Aconcagua park](https://aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Descend into the cellar at Casa Vigil (official site)](https://casaelenemigo.com/propuesta-horarios.html?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Stand on the colonial city at the Área Fundacional: City of Mendoza](https://prensa.ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/2025/08/12/reabre-el-museo-del-area-fundacional-en-el-marco-de-ciudad-sanmartiniana/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Raft the Río Mendoza at Potrerillos: Argentina Travel](https://www.argentina.travel/en/actividades/rafting-in-the-mendoza-river?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Bodegas Salentein (official site)](https://bodegasalentein.com/en/killka/acerca.html?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Trapiche (official site)](https://trapiche.com.ar/comin/turismo-mendoza/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Bodegas López (official site)](https://bodegaslopez.com.ar/actividades/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Bodega Lagarde (official site)](https://www.lagarde.com.ar/experiencias/visitas-y-degustaciones?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Azafrán (official site)](https://azafranresto.com/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Zonda Cocina de Paisaje (official site)](https://lagarde.com.ar/en/zonda-cuisine-inspired-by-the-land/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [1884 Francis Mallmann (official site)](https://1884restaurante.com.ar/contacto/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [MMAMM: City of Mendoza](https://espaciocultural.ciudaddemendoza.gob.ar/?page_id=202&utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International (official site)](https://www.aa2000.com.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Metrotranvía (official site)](https://stmendoza.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Mendotran buses (official site)](https://www.mendotran.com.ar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.