The Mendoza area is known for its incredible wine and beautiful wineries. Part of the beauty of the region are the towering Andes Mountains, including the tallest peak in the Americas (Aconcagua), that surround the vineyards and have an impact on the microclimate that so strongly affects the wine. In addition, the land has been traversed for centuries, with proof of the Incas and the Argentine liberators against the Spanish both traveling through paths in the region. Because of all these unique aspects that have an impact on the culture of the region, there are so many things to do in Mendoza that satisfy a variety of interests.
A 3 Day Itinerary with the Things to Do in Mendoza
Day 1
Explore the city of Mendoza and get settled. Relax in some of the town squares. (Our favorite is the Plaza España).
If you want to start off your time in Mendoza by relaxing, consider visiting the Termas Cacheuta to spend time in the thermal baths.
Day 2
Spend the whole day exploring one of the wine regions around Mendoza, visiting 2 to 3 different wineries and having a delicious lunch.
Day 3
Head on a tour of the Andes Mountains area outside of Mendoza or consider one of the adventure activities in the area, including horseback riding, ziplining, rafting, etc.
How to Get to Mendoza
Mendoza is easy to access from Santiago, Chile or other towns in the region. Check out different bus options here.
Things to do in Mendoza Beyond the Wineries
Besides wineries, there are several other things to do in Mendoza that will expand your enjoyment of the region and give yourself a better understanding of the culture of the region.
Termas de Cacheuta
The Mendoza region can be a great place to indulge and relax and there’s no better place to do that than a thermal hot spring spa. These thermal baths can be easily visited with a tour group from Mendoza. This would add to the relaxation that you can experience throughout the region and is especially pleasant during the cooler months. This tour to the thermal baths includes hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, and a full day at the thermal baths.
Michelin Star and Fine Dining Restaurants
There are four one-star restaurants and 15 restaurants with distinction (2024), in the region. These restaurants have tasting menus with wine pairings that allow you to try unique takes on Argentine cuisine or international favorites. You can check out various Michelin Star restaurants and others that are within the guide in the region here.
Adventure Activities
The region provides different adventure activities, including rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, etc. Check out some of the variety of outdoor activities to do in Mendoza here.
Alta Montana Tour
One of the most unique aspects of Mendoza is that it is located at the base of the highest peaks of the Andes Mountains. Exploring the beautiful landscapes and learning about the history of this area is one of the best things to do in Mendoza but be sure to acclimate to the altitude before going on this tour. You can learn more about this tour below.
Where to Stay in Mendoza
Mendoza City
For those who want Easy Access to a variety of Activities
Mendoza City is the main town in the region between the various wine valleys. This is where all the tours leave from and is the best place to stay if you want to participate in the wide variety of activities to do in the region.
Valle de Uco Or Lujan de Cuyo Area
For those who Want to Indulge in the Vineyards and wine culture
The areas of the wineries and vineyards are a great place for a luxurious visit. You can stay in relaxing hotels looking at beautiful vine-filled landscapes. If you are in the region to focus on the wine, then it is worth staying directly within the vines.
Looking for where to stay for in the Mendoza area? You can check out various hotels here.
One of the Best Things to do in Mendoza: The Alta Montana Tour
This full-day excursion will immerse you in the Andean mountains and the history of the region. You can reserve the tour in advance here. You can also go to the tourism office in the center of Mendoza city to find out about different tour agencies and offerings when you get to the city.
It is also important to note that the elevation change during this tour is dramatic. The elevation of Mendoza is 2,497 feet (761 meters). The highest elevation of this tour is 12,572 feet (3,832 meters), which is quite a drastic change and something to consider when opting to do this tour. You will feel the effects of the elevation on your body.
The day is a long one but the company provides several moments to take breaks, grab snacks, and go to the restroom. They even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Below are some of the different stops and landmarks that happen on this tour.
The Alta Montana Tour Landmarks and Stops
The tour route starts on National Route 7, famous for its winding road through over 14 bridges that carefully guide the road between the mountains. While today, this is a two-way road, historically, the road only had one lane and would change the direction of the traffic daily to accommodate for transportation flow between Chile and Argentina. You can still see the old road across the river from the new road.
Puente Picheuta
This bridge was constructed by the Bernardo O’Higgins army in the early 1800s. Bernardo O’Higgins was one of the military commanders who freed both Chile and Argentina from Spanish colonization (along with San Martin) and this bridge was built when the army was traversing the border from Argentina to Chile.
The Peak of Aconcagua
Along this route, you may also have the opportunity to see the peak of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres if the weather is clear.
Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
The highest elevation that you will reach in the Alta Montana tour is at Christ the Redeemer of the Andes. (If you’re looking for Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, click here.) If you are looking for a challenge, you can find a tour group that includes a bike ride up the steep and winding road to the Christ statue. (You will want to consider the extreme altitude that you will experience here and acclimate before doing physical activity.) The statue lies on the border between Chile and Argentina and is the highest point on the old road that tied Argentina and Chile. It is a memorial to the resolution of the border dispute between Chile and Argentina in this region and offers incredible views of the valleys below.
Puente del Inca
This is a natural bridge with beautiful colors from the minerals here. This particular area consists of thermal water, which has many different minerals that paint the rocks different shades of yellow and orange. It has this name because it is thought that an Incan emperor sent his sickly son to these thermal waters to improve his health. Later, a family constructed a hotel and commercial thermal baths but everything, except the church, was destroyed by a landslide in the 1960s. There are other thermal bath destinations in the region (Termas Cacheuta) that you can visit today as one of the additional things to do in Mendoza.
