Mendoza Hotels - Things to Do & Attractions
Things to Do in Mendoza: Mendoza Hotels travel guide on the best things to do in Mendoza. Have a look below for more details on Mendoza Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.
Don’t forget to check out our other sections for details on Mendoza Hotels, Getting to and from Mendoza and around once there, plus candid traveler photos and reviews.
Use the search form to review and book hotels in Mendoza – at up to 70% off.
Top things to do and Attractions in Mendoza:
Mendoza, the capital of Mendoza province lies at the base of the Andes, closer to Santiago, Chile than Buenos Aires. It’s a clean, well laid-out city, with parks and tree-lined streets and parks, the center of commerce and tourism for the area. It’s also prime wine country, and an all-seasons destination for climbers, hikers, skiers, rafters, bikers, paragliders, naturalists, trekkers, and oenophiles.
We’ve put together our personal hit list of things you must see and visit in Mendoza – of course there is the beautiful mountains and scenary, the food and the exquisite wine from this region, but of all of this, we’ve managed to compile our top list – check it out below:
1. Parque San Martin
This forested park with a zoo and the amphitheater is the location for many of the events of the wine harvest festival, Vendimia. Here is the Cerro de la Gloria monument honoring General Jose de San Martín and his army which marched over the Andes to help liberate Chile and Peru. There is a large lake inside the park, and restaurants, camping spots, and extensive gardens. All of these attractions make the park a favored spot with residents and visitors.
2. Fiesta National de la Vendimia
The Fiesta National de la Vendimia is Mendoza’s largest festival, a fitting celebration of the major industry of the area. Beginning in January and February with a number of regionalevents, each with music, dances, parades, and of course, wine tasting. Tthe main festival begins on the first Saturday of March and continues until the beginning of April with more music, dance, parades, the crowning of the Queen of the Vendimia, and of course, wine tasting and awards.
3. Historical Center
The historical center is grounded by the Plaza Pedro del Castillo, where the Museo Fundacional sits on the site of the old cabildo. The San Francisco Ruins (Ruinas de San Francisco) are what’s left of the seventeenth century church and school built and maintained by the Jesuits until 1767 when it was given over to Franciscan order,
It was in this church where the Flag of the Andes, the standard for San Martin’s army was first blessed.
4. Plaza Espana
Considered one of the most beautiful in Mendoza, Plaza España invites you for a quiet stroll or a rest on a tiled bench to enjoy the gardens and the fountains.
On the weekends an Artisan’s Fair offers local handcrafts.
5. Ski at Los Penitentes
“300 hectares of natural beauty offer 26 runs with superb powder and of varying length and drops, which are suitable for both novices, and seasoned and expert skiers. This center boasts four competition runs certified by the I.S.F. and sectors for free skiing. There is a wide range of accommodation available, such as hotels, apart-hotels, hosterías (guesthouses) and apartments, and there’s a plentiful supply of entertainment options, such as restaurants, bars, pubs and a disco.”
6. Nightlife
Mendoza’s many restaurants and bars offer a selection of regional and international cuisine. The bars, pubs, restaurants and discos are centrally located on Calle Aristides or Calle Sarmiento and in Chacras de Coria, the best place to enjoy dark to dawn clubbing. Gamers enjoy the Regency and Provincial casinos.
7. Visit Uspallata
Uspallata is a beautiful valley, with the remains of a pre-Colombian mining site and petroglyphs. It leads to the pass of the same name, 12,500 ft (3,810 m) high to Santiago, Chile. The Pan American highway traverses the pass, and this is where in 1817 José de San Martín sent part of his patriot army to fight the Spanish royalists in Chile.
Mendoza Hotels - Wine
8. Wine Route
Include a visit to the Wine Museum (Enoteca Museo del Vino), with your tours of some of Mendoza’s wineries, including Santa Ana vineyards and cellars, Escorihuela and López cellars, Maipu and many others.
9. Sports
Mendoza’s location in the Cuyo desert area at the base of the Andes where the very fast Río Mendoza tumbles down from the mountains provides white water rafting and kayaking.
There is climbing, hiking and trekking on Cerro Aconcagua and other peaks and foothills, aragliding from 2997 ft (700m) Cerro Arco and horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities.
10. Puente del Inca
Puente del Inca is a natural stone bridge over the Río Mendoza and one of Argentina’s natural wonders. The coppery-gold color of the rocks comes from minerals in the water. For many years this was the route to Chile, a week long mule trip.
Want to learn more about Mendoza?
- Things to do and attractions in Mendoza
- Getting to and from Mendoza and transport once there
- Need to book a hotel in Mendoza? Use the search form at the top of the page.
- Contact Us for advice on Mendoza and to book a hotel
- View / Cancel Mendoza Hotels Booking.
Payment accepted for all card types: Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Maestro and more.
